bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA barcoding insufficiently identifies European wild bees (Hymenoptera, Anthophila) due to undefined species diversity, genus‐specific barcoding gaps and database errors
Authors: Janko Šet , Rok Šturm , Blaž Koderman , Danilo Bevk , Andrej Gogala , Denis Kutnjak , Klemen Čandek , Matjaž Gregorič
Published: March 2024

Recent declines in insect abundances, especially populations of wild pollinators, pose a threat to many natural and agricultural ecosystems. Traditional species monitoring relies on morphological character identification and is inadequate for efficient and standardized surveys. DNA barcoding has become a standard approach for molecular identification of organisms, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of traditional biodiversity monitoring. However, its efficacy depends on the completeness of reference databases. Large DNA barcoding efforts are (almost entirely) lacking in many European countries and such patchy data limit Europe‐wide analyses of precisely how to apply DNA barcoding in wild bee identification. Here, we advance towards an effective molecular identification of European wild bees. We conducted a high‐effort survey of wild bees at the junction of central and southern Europe and DNA barcoded all collected morphospecies. For global analyses, we complemented our DNA barcode dataset with all relevant European species and conducted global analyses of species delimitation, general and genus‐specific barcoding gaps and examined the error rate in DNA data repositories. We found that (i) a sixth of all specimens from Slovenia could not be reliably identified, (ii) species delimitation methods show numerous systematic discrepancies, (iii) there is no general barcoding gap across all bees and (iv) the barcoding gap is genus specific, but only after curating for errors in DNA data repositories. Intense sampling and barcoding efforts in underrepresented regions and strict curation of DNA barcode repositories are needed to enhance the use of DNA barcoding for the identification of wild bees.
Dynamic carbon allocation trade‐off: A robust approach to model tree biomass allometry
Authors: Yang Mingxia , Zhou Xiaolu , Liu Zelin , Li Peng , Liu Caixia , Huang Huabing , Tang Jiayi , Zhang Cicheng , Zou Ziying , Xie Binggeng , Peng Changhui
Published: March 2024

Forest above‐ground biomass (AGB) is often estimated by converting the observed tree size using allometric scaling between the dry weight and size of an organism. However, the variations in biomass allocation and scaling between tree crowns and stems due to survival competition during a tree's lifecycle remain unclear. This knowledge gap can improve the understanding of modelling tree biomass allometry because traditional allometries ignore the dynamics of allocation.

Herein, we characterised allometric scaling using the dynamic ratio (r) of the stem biomass (SB) to AGB and a dynamic exponent. The allometric models were biologically parameterised by the r values for initial, intermediate and final ages rather than only a regression result. The scaling was tested using field measurements of 421 species and 2213 different‐sized trees in pantropical regions worldwide.

We found that the scaling fluctuated with tree size, and this fluctuation was driven by the trade‐off relationship of biomass allocation between the tree crown and stem depending on the dynamic crown trait. The allometric scaling between SB and AGB varied from 0.8 to 1.0 for a tree during its entire lifecycle. The fluctuations presented a general law for the allometric scaling of the pantropical tree biomass and size. Our model quantified the trade‐off and explained 94.1% of the allometric relationship between the SB and AGB (93.8% of which between D2H and AGB) for pantropical forests, which resulted in a better fit than that of the traditional model. Considering the effects of the trade‐off on modelling, the actual biomass of large trees could be substantially greater than conventional estimates.

These results highlight the importance of coupling growth mechanisms in modelling allometry and provide a theoretical foundation for better describing and predicting forest carbon accumulation.
A comprehensive analysis of age of onset and cumulative incidence of mental disorders: A Danish register study
Authors: Beck Christoffer , Pedersen Carsten Bøcker , Plana‐Ripoll Oleguer , Dalsgaard Søren , Debost Jean‐Christophe Philippe , Laursen Thomas Munk , Musliner Katherine Louise , Mortensen Preben Bo , Pedersen Marianne Giørtz , Petersen Liselotte Vogdrup , Yilmaz Zeynep , McGrath John , Agerbo Esben
Published: March 2024

Background

The age of onset (AOO), incidence and cumulative incidence of mental disorders are critical epidemiological measures, providing essential insights into the development and course of these disorders across the lifespan. This study aims to provide up‐to‐date estimates of the AOO, age‐specific incidence, and cumulative incidence for a comprehensive range of mental disorders using data from Danish registers.

Methods

We conducted a follow‐up study encompassing all Danish residents from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2021, totaling 91,613,465 person‐years. Data were sourced from the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register, identifying individuals treated for various mental disorders in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient departments, and accident/emergency departments, that is, treated in secondary care settings. We investigated specific categories of mental disorders, including substance abuse disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, borderline personality disorders, intellectual disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders, and behavioral and emotional disorders. Age‐sex‐specific incidence rates were estimated using Poisson generalized linear models, and cumulative incidence was calculated using Aalen–Johansen's competing risks model. The study provides estimates of AOO, incidence, and cumulative incidence for various mental disorders, including their age and sex distributions.

Results

The cumulative incidence by age 80 years for any mental disorder was 30.72% (95% confidence interval: 30.62%–30.83%) for males and 34.46% (34.35%–34.57%) for females. The most common types of mental disorders were anxiety‐related disorders 16.27% (16.19%–16.36%) for males and 23.39% (23.29%–23.50%) for females, and followed by mood disorder 10.34% (10.27%–10.41%) for males and 16.67% (16.58%–16.77%) for females. For those who develop mental disorder, half will have developed their disorder by approximately age 22 years (median and interquartile range: males 21.37 (11.85–36.00); females 22.55 (16.31–36.08)).

Conclusions

Approximately one in three individuals will seek treatment for at least one mental disorder in a secondary care setting by age 80. Given that half of these individuals develop mental disorders before age 22, it is crucial to tailor service planning to meet the specific needs of young individuals. Web‐based interactive data‐visualization tools are provided for clinical utility.
How can sustainable business models distribute value more equitably in global value chains? Introducing “value chain profit sharing” as an emerging alternative to fair trade, direct trade, or solidarity trade
Authors: Bennett Elizabeth A. , Grabs Janina
Published: March 2024

Global supply chains often distribute value inequitably among the Global North and South. This perpetuates poverty and contributes to indecent work in raw material‐producing countries, thus creating challenges to sustainable development. For decades, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable business model innovations have aimed to distribute value more equitably across global value chains, for instance via fair trade, alternative trade, and direct trade. This article examines a novel and hitherto understudied innovation for equitable value distribution in global supply chains: “value chain profit sharing.” We draw on interview and archival data from two cases of social entrepreneurs working in the coffee sector to develop a generalized model. One of the model's key features is that the entrepreneur pays suppliers in multiple installments that reflect market conditions (as opposed to a single lump sum based on prediction). We show how this can increase value creation, appropriation, and equitable distribution. Although our research suggests that this model may be highly contingent on leaders' skills, resources, sense of place, and accountability to suppliers, we find no evidence that its applications are limited to specific countries or sectors. Our research further extends extant theory by showing how “value chain profit sharing” may relieve some of the tensions often associated with sustainable business models, including distributing value to suppliers while maintaining financial solvency; creating value while pursuing a social mission; providing benefits to suppliers without curtailing their market opportunities; responding to market conditions while maintaining commitments to suppliers; and scaling without diluting benefits. It thereby contributes to the literatures on sustainable business model innovations, equitable value distribution in global supply chains, novel application of revenue‐sharing contracts, and innovative methods of profit sharing. It furthermore provides actionable guidance for social entrepreneurs, corporate social responsibility practitioners, and supplier cooperatives aiming to achieve more equitable value distribution and sustainable supply chains.
Comparison of platelet transfusion effectiveness between Helicobacter pylori‐positive and ‐negative immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tabata Shotaro , Hosoi Hiroki , Wan Ke , Sakaki Ayaka , Mushino Toshiki , Murata Shogo , Tomiyama Yoshiaki , Sonoki Takashi
Published: March 2024

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by early platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection seems to contribute to the pathogenesis in certain ITP patients in Japan. We compared the effectiveness of platelet transfusion in severe ITP in the presence or absence of H. pylori. The median corrected count increment (CCI) at 24 h after platelet transfusion (CCI‐24) of the H. pylori‐positive ITP patients was higher than that of the H. pylori‐negative ITP patients (6463 vs. 754, p < 0.001), and the CCI‐1 was also in the same direction but not significant (23 351 vs. 11 578). Multiple regression analyses showed that H. pylori infection was independently associated with CCI‐24. Our study suggests that platelet transfusion may be more effective in H. pylori‐positive ITP patients.
Volatiles of essential oils and yeast derivatives influence mating behaviour of Anastrepha fraterculus males under field cage conditions
Authors: Ruiz M. J. , Juárez M. L. , Jofré Barud F. , Goane L. , Valladares G. A. , Bachmann G. E. , Belliard S. A. , Segura D. F. , López M. L. , Vera M. T.
Published: March 2024

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is used for the management of tephritid fruit fly pests. The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one potential pest to be targeted by means of SIT. The success of SIT depends, to a large extent, on the sexual performance of sterile males. Various approaches have been evaluated with the aim of improving their sexual performance. These include the exposure to plant‐derived compounds and/or the provision of protein sources in the adults' diet capable of stimulating male mating success. The present study aimed to determine whether exposure to volatiles of Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. (Rutaceae) essential oil and limonene confers a mating advantage to A. fraterculus laboratory males fed two distinct dietary regimes when competing with wild males for wild females under field cage conditions. Dietary regimes were, one, with non‐hydrolysed brewer's yeast and sugar (1:3 ratio), and the other with brewer's yeast hydrolysate enzymatic and sugar (1:12 ratio). The effect was evaluated in four variables associated with mating success: number of copulas obtained, latency to mate, copula duration, and copula location. Exposure to volatiles did not affect the number of matings achieved, irrespective of the diet given to the males. When laboratory males were fed with brewer's yeast hydrolysate, the effect of volatile exposure was shown in latency to mate, copula duration, and copula location. When the laboratory males were fed with non‐hydrolysed brewer's yeast, the effect of volatile exposure was shown only in copula duration. Laboratory males fed brewer's yeast hydrolysate achieved the same number of matings as wild males, whereas laboratory males fed non‐hydrolysed brewer's yeast had lower performance.
An efficient peptide ligase engineered from a bamboo asparaginyl endopeptidase
Authors: Wang Xin‐Bo , Zhang Cong‐Hui , Zhang Teng , Li Hao‐Zheng , Liu Ya‐Li , Xu Zeng‐Guang , Lei Gang , Cai Chun‐Ju , Guo Zhan‐Yun
Published: March 2024

In recent years, a few asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs) from certain higher plants have been identified as efficient peptide ligases with wide applications in protein labeling and cyclic peptide synthesis. Recently, we developed a NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT)‐based peptide ligase activity assay to identify more AEP‐type peptide ligases. Herein, we screened 61 bamboo species from 16 genera using this assay and detected AEP‐type peptide ligase activity in the crude extract of all tested bamboo leaves. From a popular bamboo species, Bambusa multiplex, we identified a full‐length AEP‐type peptide ligase candidate (BmAEP1) via transcriptomic sequencing. After its zymogen was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and self‐activated in vitro, BmAEP1 displayed high peptide ligase activity, but with considerable hydrolytic activity. After site‐directed mutagenesis of its ligase activity determinants, the mutant zymogen of [G238V]BmAEP1 was normally overexpressed in E. coli, but failed to activate itself. To resolve this problem, we developed a novel protease‐assisted activation approach in which trypsin was used to cleave the mutant zymogen and was then conveniently removed via ion‐exchange chromatography. After the noncovalently bound cap domain was dissociated from the catalytic core domain under acidic conditions, the recombinant [G238V]BmAEP1 displayed high peptide ligase activity with much lower hydrolytic activity and could efficiently catalyze inter‐molecular protein ligation and intramolecular peptide cyclization. Thus, the engineered bamboo‐derived peptide ligase represents a novel tool for protein labeling and cyclic peptide synthesis.
Promoting pain coping skills in haemophilia: A remote intervention integrating exercise and pain education
Authors: Feldberg Glenda , Ricciardi Janaína B. S. , Zorzi Alessandro R. , Yamaguti‐Hayakawa Gabriela G. , Ozelo Margareth C.
Published: March 2024

Background

Chronic joint pain is a significant and widespread symptom in people with haemophilia (PWH). Despite medical advancements, effective pain management remains challenging.

Aim

This study presents an innovative approach that integrates remote physical exercises, pain neuroscience education, and coping strategies to address chronic pain in PWH.

Methods

The remote intervention consisted of sixteen 5‐min videos encompassing physical exercises for chronic pain management and pain education strategies. These videos formed an 8‐week remote intervention program. Clinical and physical assessments were conducted before and after the intervention.

Results

A total of thirty‐one PWHs, with a median age of 34 years (ranging from 16 to 59 years), completed the remote intervention. The study revealed significant improvements in pain intensity, disability, and physical performance among PWH with chronic pain. Enhanced functional capacity was evident in the Timed Up and Go and Single Leg Stance tests, accompanied by improved scores on the Functional Independence Score in Haemophilia (FISH). Although lacking a control group, our findings are consistent with other successful exercise and pain education programs.

Conclusions

This innovative intervention holds promise for managing chronic pain in PWH, underscoring patient empowerment, education, and collaboration. Notably, our study stands out by uniquely combining pain education and coping strategies, bolstering evidence for effective pain management.
The effects of emicizumab on in vitro coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation with and without addition of anti‐FVIII antibody
Authors: Onishi Tomoko , Shimo Hanako , Harada Suguru , Nogami Keiji
Published: March 2024

Background

Emicizumab (Emi) is used as haemostatic prophylaxis for patients with haemophilia A (PwHA). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition characterized by persistent systemic activation of coagulation, but there is yet no information on coagulation and fibrinolysis potentials in Emi‐treated PwHA with DIC.

Aim

To examine the effect of Emi on coagulation and fibrinolysis potentials in HA‐model DIC plasmas.

Methods

Plasma from a patient with sepsis‐DIC (seven patients) was treated with anti‐factor (F)VIII monoclonal antibody (HA‐model DIC plasma) and incubated with Emi (50 µg/mL). The plasma was then assessed using clot‐fibrinolysis waveform analysis (CFWA). Coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters were expressed as ratios relative to normal plasma (|min1|‐ratio and |FL‐min1|‐ratio, respectively).

Patients and results

In case 1, coagulant potential was slightly high and fibrinolytic potential was extremely low, presenting a coagulant‐dominant state (|min1|‐ratio/|FL‐min1|‐ratio: 1.1/.38). In cases 2–5, fibrinolytic potential was not suppressed, but there were marked hypercoagulant potentials, indicating relative coagulant‐dominant states. In case 6, coagulant and fibrinolytic potentials were increased but well balanced (|min1|‐ratio/|FL‐min1|‐ratio: 1.38/1.28). In case 7, both potentials were severely deteriorated in not only CFWA but also the thrombin/plasmin generation assay. The addition of Emi into the HA‐model DIC plasmas increased |min1|‐ratio values in all cases, but the coagulant potentials did not exceed the initial ones (DIC plasma before treatment with anti‐FVIII antibody).

Conclusions

The presence of Emi in the HA‐model DIC plasma improved coagulation potentials, but did not increase coagulation potentials beyond those of DIC plasma in non‐HA states.
Prediction of cardiovascular and renal risk among patients with apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension in the United States using machine learning methods
Authors: Bakris George , Lin Pei (Paul) , Xu Chang , Chen Cindy , Ashton Veronica , Singhal Mukul
Published: March 2024

Apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension (aTRH), defined as blood pressure (BP) that remains uncontrolled despite unconfirmed concurrent treatment with three antihypertensives, is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and renal complications compared with controlled hypertension. We aimed to identify the characteristics of aTRH patients with an elevated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events plus (MACE+; defined as stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure hospitalization) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). This retrospective cohort study included aTRH patients (BP ≥140/90 mmHg and taking ≥3 antihypertensives) from the United States–based Optum® de‐identified Electronic Health Record dataset and used machine learning models to identify risk factors of MACE+ or ESRD. Patients had claims for ≥3 antihypertensive classes within 30 days between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2021, and two office BP measures recorded 1–90 days apart within 30 days to 11 months after the index regimen date. Of a total 18 797 070 patients identified with any hypertension, 71 100 patients had aTRH. During the study period (mean 25.5 months), 4944 (7.0%) patients had a MACE+ and 2403 (3.4%) developed ESRD. In total, 22 risk factors were included in the MACE+ model and 16 in the ESRD model, and most were significantly associated with study outcomes. The risk factors with the largest impact on MACE+ risk were congestive heart failure, stages 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), age ≥80 years, and living in the Southern region of the United States. The risk factors with the largest impact on ESRD risk, other than pre‐existing CKD, were anemia, congestive heart failure, and type 2 diabetes. The overall study cohort had a 5‐year predicted MACE+ risk of 13.4%; this risk was increased in those in the top 50% and 25% high‐risk groups (21.2% and 29.5%, respectively). The overall study cohort had a predicted 5‐year risk of ESRD of 6.8%, which was increased in the top 50% and 25% high‐risk groups (10.9% and 17.1%, respectively). We conclude that risk models developed in our study can reliably identify patients with aTRH at risk of MACE+ and ESRD based on information available in electronic health records; such models may be used to identify aTRH patients at high risk of adverse outcomes who may benefit from novel treatment interventions.
Depletion of CPNE7 sensitizes colorectal cancer to 5‐fluorouracil by downregulating ATG9B expression
Authors: Xu Weile , Tang Yujie , Yang Yang , Wang Changjing , Liu Chen , Zhang Jianqing , Zhao Lianmei , Wang Guiying
Published: March 2024

We aimed to explore the biological function of CPNE7 and determine the impact of CPNE7 on chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. According to the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database and previously published data, CPNE7 was identified as a potential oncogene in CRC. RT‐qPCR and Western blotting were performed to verify the expression of CPNE7. Chi‐square test was used to evaluate the associations between CPNE7 and clinical features. Cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration and invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed to determine the effects of CPNE7. Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify potential downstream regulatory genes, and gene set enrichment analysis was performed to investigate downstream pathways. The effect of CPNE7 on 5‐fluorouracil chemosensitivity was verified by half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay was used to examine the role of CPNE7 in sensitivity of CRC to chemotherapy in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect autophagosomes. CPNE7 was highly expressed in CRC tissues, and its expression was correlated with T stage and tumour site. Knockdown of CPNE7 inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of CRC cells and promoted apoptosis. Knockdown of CPNE7 suppressed the expression of ATG9B and enhanced the sensitivity of CRC cells to 5‐fluorouracil in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of CPNE7 reversed the induction of the autophagy pathway by rapamycin and reduced the number of autophagosomes. Depletion of CPNE7 attenuated the malignant proliferation of CRC cells and enhanced the chemosensitivity of CRC cells to 5‐fluorouracil.
Comparative proteome analysis revealed potential biomarkers and the underlying immune mechanisms in Vibrio‐resistant hybrid grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂
Authors: Abu Aziz Nurhikmah , Christianus Annie , Wan Solahudin Wan Mohd Syazwan , Ismail Intan Safinar , Low Chen‐Fei
Published: March 2024

Vibrio alginolyticus is the causative agent of vibriosis, a common bacterial infection in grouper aquaculture that is associated with the development of haemorrhagic and non‐haemorrhagic ulcerations on the fish. In the present study, comparative proteome analysis was performed on serum samples from Vibrio‐resistant and Vibrio‐susceptible grouper. Samples were analysed using high‐throughput LC‐MS/MS and identified 2770 unique peptides that corresponded to 344 proteins. Subsequent analysis identified 21 proteins that were significantly up‐regulated in the resistant group compared to the control and the susceptible groups. Those proteins are associated with immunostimulatory effects, signalling and binding cascade, metabolism, and maintaining tissue integrity and physiological condition. Besides, potential protein biomarkers related to the immune system were identified, which could be associated with the disease‐resistant phenotype. These data provide insights into the underlying immune mechanism of hybrid groupers upon Vibrio sp. infection.
Review of quorum‐quenching probiotics: A promising non‐antibiotic‐based strategy for sustainable aquaculture
Authors: Lubis Anisa Rilla , Sumon Md Afsar Ahmed , Dinh‐Hung Nguyen , Dhar Arun K. , Delamare‐Deboutteville Jérôme , Kim Do‐Hyung , Shinn Andrew P. , Kanjanasopa Duangkhaetita , Permpoonpattana Patima , Doan Hien Van , Linh Nguyen Vu , Brown Christopher L.
Published: March 2024

The emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria (ARBs) and genes (ARGs) in aquaculture underscores the urgent need for alternative veterinary strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These measures are vital to reduce the likelihood of entering a post‐antibiotic era. Identifying environmentally friendly biotechnological solutions to prevent and treat bacterial diseases is crucial for the sustainability of aquaculture and for minimizing the use of antimicrobials, especially antibiotics. The development of probiotics with quorum‐quenching (QQ) capabilities presents a promising non‐antibiotic strategy for sustainable aquaculture. Recent research has demonstrated the effectiveness of QQ probiotics (QQPs) against a range of significant fish pathogens in aquaculture. QQ disrupts microbial communication (quorum sensing, QS) by inhibiting the production, replication, and detection of signalling molecules, thereby reducing bacterial virulence factors. With their targeted anti‐virulence approach, QQPs have substantial promise as a potential alternative to antibiotics. The application of QQPs in aquaculture, however, is still in its early stages and requires additional research. Key challenges include determining the optimal dosage and treatment regimens, understanding the long‐term effects, and integrating QQPs with other disease control methods in diverse aquaculture systems. This review scrutinizes the current literature on antibiotic usage, AMR prevalence in aquaculture, QQ mechanisms and the application of QQPs as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics.
The Interaction between Credit Constraints and Uncertainty Shocks
Authors: CHATTERJEE PRATITI , GUNAWAN DAVID , KOHN ROBERT
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a novel link between credit markets and uncertainty shocks. We introduce a role for credit uncertainty via collateral constraints in an otherwise standard real business cycle (RBC) model and show that an increase in credit uncertainty triggers a precautionary response that interacts with the collateral constraint to generate a simultaneous decline in output, consumption, investment, real wages, and hours; a feature that previous work on uncertainty shocks without credit constraints is unable to produce in a flexible‐price environment. We also empirically test the theoretical predictions and show that an unforeseen increase in credit uncertainty generates a simultaneous decline in a broad measure of real activity in recessions.
Inflation—Who Cares? Monetary Policy in Times of Low Attention
Authors: PFÄUTI OLIVER
Published: March 2024

I propose an approach to quantify attention to inflation and show that attention declined after the Great Inflation period. This decline in attention has important implications for monetary policy as it renders managing inflation expectations more difficult and can lead to inflation‐attention traps: prolonged periods of a binding lower bound and low inflation due to slowly adjusting inflation expectations. As attention declines, the optimal policy response is to increase the inflation target. The lower bound fundamentally changes the normative implications of declining attention: lower attention raises welfare absent the lower‐bound constraint, whereas it decreases welfare when accounting for the lower bound.
Effects of onabotulinum toxin‐A injection on sexual function in women with refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: A prospective study
Authors: Karaburun Murat Can , Kubilay Eralp , Öztuna Derya , Gökçe Mehmet İlker , Süer Evren , Gülpınar Ömer
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To determine the effect of intravesical onabotulinum toxin‐A (BoNT‐A) treatment on sexual functions in female patients with refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

Methods

Female patients with IC/BPS refractory to previous treatments were included in the study between January 2020 and April 2022. Patients were treated with the trigone‐sparing injection (Group 1) or trigone‐included injection (Group 2) techniques. 100 Units of BoNT‐A was applied submucosally on 20 different points. The patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS), O'Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires, 3‐day voiding diary, uroflowmetry, and post‐voiding residual volume analysis in the preoperative period, as well as on the 30th and 90th days postoperatively. For the repeated measurements, analysis of variance was used to assess the time‐dependent variation across groups.

Results

The baseline FSFI score of the patients was 15.96 ± 3.82. Following the treatment, the FSFI scores were 22.43 ± 4.93 and 24.41 ± 5.94 on the 30th and 90th days, respectively (p < .001). We observed statistically significant improvement in all FSFI subdomains (p < .05). Statistically significant improvements with treatment on ICSI, ICPI, and VAS scores were achieved (p < .05). Preoperative FSFI scores were similar in Group 1 and Group 2 (p = .147). While the preoperative FSFI scores were 17.00 ± 3.73 and 14.84 ± 3.72 for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, the scores after the treatment were 22.85 ± 5.01 and 21.98 ± 5.01 on the 30th day, and 24.62 ± 6.06 and 24.19 ± 6.05 on the 90th day postoperatively. Significant improvement was observed in FSFI scores with treatment, and no difference was observed between the two groups in terms of treatment response (p = .706).

Conclusions

Intravesical BoNT‐A injection in the treatment of women with refractory IC/BPS improves sexual functions. It also significantly improves pain and symptom scores. Both trigone‐sparing and trigone‐including injections are similarly safe and effective.
Machine learning‐based prediction of tear osmolarity for contact lens practice
Authors: Garaszczuk Izabela K. , Romanos‐Ibanez Maria , Consejo Alejandra
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study addressed the utilisation of machine learning techniques to estimate tear osmolarity, a clinically significant yet challenging parameter to measure accurately. Elevated tear osmolarity has been observed in contact lens wearers and is associated with contact lens‐induced dry eye, a common cause of discomfort leading to discontinuation of lens wear.

Methods

The study explored machine learning, regression and classification techniques to predict tear osmolarity using routine clinical parameters. The data set consisted of 175 participants, primarily healthy subjects eligible for soft contact lens wear. Various clinical assessments were performed, including symptom assessment with the Ocular Surface Disease Index and 5‐Item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ‐5), tear meniscus height (TMH), tear osmolarity, non‐invasive keratometric tear film break‐up time (NIKBUT), ocular redness, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining and Meibomian glands loss.

Results

The results revealed that simple linear regression was insufficient for accurate osmolarity prediction. Instead, more advanced regression models achieved a moderate level of predictive power, explaining approximately 32% of the osmolarity variability. Notably, key predictors for osmolarity included NIKBUT, TMH, ocular redness, Meibomian gland coverage and the DEQ‐5 questionnaire. In classification tasks, distinguishing between low (<299 mOsmol/L), medium (300–307 mOsmol/L) and high osmolarity (>308 mOsmol/L) levels yielded an accuracy of approximately 80%. Key parameters for classification were similar to those in regression models, emphasising the importance of NIKBUT, TMH, ocular redness, Meibomian glands coverage and the DEQ‐5 questionnaire.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential benefits of integrating machine learning into contact lens research and practice. It suggests the clinical utility of assessing Meibomian glands and NIKBUT in contact lens fitting and follow‐up visits. Machine learning models can optimise contact lens prescriptions and aid in early detection of conditions like dry eye, ultimately enhancing ocular health and the contact lens wearing experience.
Diet‐dependent reproductive investment in gumleaf skeletonizer moths, Uraba lugens
Authors: Phạm Hiếu ThỊ , McNamara Kathryn B. , Elgar Mark A.
Published: March 2024

Juvenile diet can profoundly affect subsequent adult development, morphology and reproductive investment. Yet, little is known about how juvenile diet affects adult investment into chemical‐based sexual signalling, perhaps due to the historical assumption that pheromone production is not costly. We explored how juvenile diet influenced the reproductive investment of adults in the gumleaf skeletonizer moth, Uraba lugens. Juveniles were reared on different host plant species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus moorei) and on E. moorei host plants with different fertilizer treatments (fertilized and non‐fertilized). These juvenile diets differ in foliage carbon and nitrogen content. Several adult life history traits were influenced by juvenile diet, including body size in females, and longevity in males. However, we found no evidence from Y‐maze olfactometer assays that diet affected the attractiveness of female pheromones to males. Finally, host plant species affected male pre‐copulatory investment: males reared on E. moorei had longer antennae, but less dense sensilla. Combined, our experiments suggest that the effects of juvenile diet on investment in reproductive traits, including those associated with signalling, differ between males and females. Females allocate nutrients to adult body size, which determines fecundity. In contrast, males allocate nutrients to adult longevity and antennae size, both of which improve mate search and mating success.
Ideology shapes evaluation of history within the general population
Authors: Rigoli Francesco
Published: March 2024

The way history is interpreted varies across ideologies as articulated by political thinkers and by leading politicians. Is history also assessed differently by laypeople reporting different ideological orientations? To address this, the article describes a study from six countries where, in addition to reporting their ideology on a left–right spectrum, participants evaluated the recent past, the present, and the near future. The data show that, in all countries, right‐ compared to left‐wing supporters evaluated the past as more positive. To elucidate this effect, a second study manipulated the appraisal of the past between groups but found that this did not influence participants' ideology. A third study manipulated the salience of ideological representations between groups. Here, the high‐salience group displayed a stronger link between ideology and evaluation of the past, indicating that embracing a certain ideology encourages a specific interpretation of the past. Exploring the factors mediating this effect, one last study found that nostalgia for tradition partially explains why right‐wing supporters cherish the past more. Altogether, these observations show that how history is interpreted is central not only to intellectuals' writings and politicians' speeches but also to laypeople's political beliefs.
A novel HLA‐C*04 variant, HLA‐C*04:01:01:174, identified in a healthy individual from Greece
Authors: Kouniaki Diamanto , Kitsiou Vasiliki , Tsirogianni Alexandra
Published: March 2024

HLA‐C*04:01:01:174 differs from the HLA‐C*04:01:01:06 allele by one nucleotide substitution in the intron 5.
A Beautiful Death
Authors: Blankenship‐Lai Paul Houston
Published: March 2024

This article is about the death of a graduate school for spiritual formation and theological education. I ask what the death of this school can teach us about teaching theology and religion for the sake of student transformation and more loving pedagogies. I also ask how, when an institution dies, it can die beautifully. The underlying thesis of this article is that there is, alive in our classrooms (and ourselves, perhaps), a spiritual wound that can be named an experiential death of divine love—and that this wound is manifesting as unshepherded fear, rage, and discontent. I suggest that this spiritual wound be tended through skillful pedagogical tenderness, flexibility, and liberative co‐creation with students to cultivate a presence of love and feed the spiritual hungers of our time. I also suggest that a school (and a teacher) dies beautifully when its death is allowed and free to become a scene of beautiful instruction.
Ratiometric gibberellin biosensors for the analysis of signaling dynamics and metabolism in plant protoplasts
Authors: Andres Jennifer , Schmunk Lisa J. , Grau‐Enguix Federico , Braguy Justine , Samodelov Sophia L. , Blomeier Tim , Ochoa‐Fernandez Rocio , Weber Wilfried , Al‐Babili Salim , Alabadí David , Blázquez Miguel A. , Zurbriggen Matias D.
Published: March 2024

Gibberellins (GAs) are major regulators of developmental and growth processes in plants. Using the degradation‐based signaling mechanism of GAs, we have built transcriptional regulator (DELLA)‐based, genetically encoded ratiometric biosensors as proxies for hormone quantification at high temporal resolution and sensitivity that allow dynamic, rapid and simple analysis in a plant cell system, i.e. Arabidopsis protoplasts. These ratiometric biosensors incorporate a DELLA protein as a degradation target fused to a firefly luciferase connected via a 2A peptide to a renilla luciferase as a co‐expressed normalization element. We have implemented these biosensors for all five Arabidopsis DELLA proteins, GA‐INSENSITIVE, GAI; REPRESSOR‐of‐ga1‐3, RGA; RGA‐like1, RGL1; RGL2 and RGL3, by applying a modular design. The sensors are highly sensitive (in the low pm range), specific and dynamic. As a proof of concept, we have tested the applicability in three domains: the study of substrate specificity and activity of putative GA‐oxidases, the characterization of GA transporters, and the use as a discrimination platform coupled to a GA agonists' chemical screening. This work demonstrates the development of a genetically encoded quantitative biosensor complementary to existing tools that allow the visualization of GA in planta.
Dominance complementation of parental heading date alleles of Hd1, Ghd7, DTH8, and PRR37 confers transgressive late maturation in hybrid rice
Authors: Zong Wubei , Song Yingang , Xiao Dongdong , Guo Xiaotong , Li Fuquan , Sun Kangli , Tang Wenjing , Xie Wenhao , Luo Yanqiu , Liang Shan , Zhou Jingyao , Xie Xianrong , Liu Dilin , Chen Letian , Wang Haiyang , Liu Yao‐Guang , Guo Jingxin
Published: March 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a short‐day plant whose heading date is largely determined by photoperiod sensitivity (PS). Many parental lines used in hybrid rice breeding have weak PS, but their F1 progenies have strong PS and exhibit an undesirable transgressive late‐maturing phenotype. However, the genetic basis for this phenomenon is unclear. Therefore, effective methods are needed for selecting parents to create F1 hybrid varieties with the desired PS. In this study, we used bulked segregant analysis with F1 Ningyou 1179 (strong PS) and its F2 population, and through analyzing both parental haplotypes and PS data for 918 hybrid rice varieties, to identify the genetic basis of transgressive late maturation which is dependent on dominance complementation effects of Hd1, Ghd7, DTH8, and PRR37 from both parents rather than from a single parental genotype. We designed a molecular marker‐assisted selection system to identify the genotypes of Hd1, Ghd7, DTH8, and PRR37 in parental lines to predict PS in F1 plants prior to crossing. Furthermore, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technique to knock out Hd1 in Ning A (sterile line) and Ning B (maintainer line) and obtained an hd1‐NY material with weak PS while retaining the elite agronomic traits of NY. Our findings clarified the genetic basis of transgressive late maturation in hybrid rice and developed effective methods for parental selection and gene editing to facilitate the breeding of hybrid varieties with the desired PS for improving their adaptability.
Preventive nasal administration of flagellin restores antimicrobial effect of gentamicin and protects against a multidrug-resistant strain of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Maia Ana Raquel , Cezard Adeline , Fouquenet Delphine , Vasseur Virginie , Briard Benoit , Sirard Jean-Claude , Si-Tahar Mustapha , Hervé Virginie
Published: March 2024

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(PA) is a significant concern for chronic respiratory disease exacerbations. Host-directed drugs, such as flagellin, an agonist of toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5), have emerged as a promising solution. In this study, we evaluated the prophylactic intranasal administration of flagellin against a multidrug-resistant strain of PA (PA
MDR
) in mice and assessed the possible synergy with the antibiotic gentamicin (GNT). The results indicated that flagellin treatment before infection decreased bacterial load in the lungs, likely due to an increase in neutrophil recruitment, and reduced signs of inflammation, including proinflammatory cytokines. The combination of flagellin and GNT showed a synergistic effect, decreasing even more the bacterial load and increasing mice survival rates, in comparison to mice pre-treated only with flagellin. These findings suggest that preventive nasal administration of flagellin could restore the effect of GNT against MDR strains of PA, paving the way for the use of flagellin in vulnerable patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
Structural and functional changes of binocular corneal innervation and ocular surface function after unilateral SMILE and tPRK
Authors: Gong Qianwen , Huang Kaiyan , Li Kexin , Tong Yixuan , Zhao Jian , Wang Hui , Xu Zhiqiang , Lin Meng , Lu Fan , Hu Liang
Published: March 2024

Aims

To evaluate the bilateral changes in the sub-basal nerve plexus of the cornea and ocular surface function after unilateral small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) procedures.

Methods

34 patients were enrolled in the study and underwent unilateral SMILE (21 of 34 patients) or unilateral tPRK (13 of 34 patients). Complete ophthalmic examinations, tear film function tests and Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry were conducted to assess the effects of the surgeries on the corneal nerves and tear function. Morphological changes were assessed using in vivo confocal microscopy to evaluate the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus and dendritic cells. ELISA was used to measure the tear neuromediators. Clinical and morphological data at each follow-up point were compared with preoperative baseline values.

Results

All patients who underwent unilateral SMILE or tPRK procedures exhibited bilateral corneal nerve degenerative changes, decreased corneal sensitivity, worsening of dry eye symptoms and changes in bilateral tear neuromediators. In the SMILE group, bilateral corneal sensitivity was positively correlated with corneal nerve fibre length and negatively correlated with dendritic cell area. The dry eye severity was negatively correlated with corneal sensitivity. Tear levels of substance P and nerve growth factor were positively correlated with mean dendritic cell area and dry eye severity, but negatively correlated with corneal sensitivity. In the tPRK group, bilateral corneal sensitivity was positively correlated with corneal nerve fibre density.

Conclusions

Unilateral refractive surgery may bilaterally affect the morphology and function of corneal nerves and ocular surface status postoperatively.
Eugenics and genetic screening in television medical dramas
Authors: Eilmus Ayden , Clayton Jay
Published: March 2024

Medical dramas offer unique insights into the way popular media makes sense of genetic technology and the ethics of its applications. In this paper we evaluate the contrasting depictions in television medical dramas of reproductive genetic screening and eugenics—two medical themes that some commentators see as closely related. By conducting a content analysis of 32 episodes of doctor shows featuring eugenic and/or genetic screening themes, we put the medical drama landscape in conversation with bioethics scholarship and mark a significant divergence between the two. While the academic literature has been parsing the possible relationship between genetic screening and eugenics for over 50 years, doctor shows tend to champion genetic screening as a powerful tool for promoting individual reproductive choice and criticise eugenics as a socially unjust infringement of reproductive freedom. In doing so, medical dramas mark a subtle but important moral distinction between the population-level implications of eugenics and the highly personal, emotional impact of genetic screening.
Effective thermal conductivity of granular soils: a review of influencing factors and prediction models towards an investigation framework through multiscale characters
Authors: Chen Tairu , Fei Wenbin , Narsilio Guillermo A.
Published: March 2024

The effective thermal conductivity of soil is important to geo-engineering applications, and it is controlled by factors across different length scales. Through a comprehensive review of these factors, we found that while other more traditional factors have been well studied, there is still a lack of characterisation of soil microscale and mesoscale structures and their influence on effective thermal conductivity. In addition, after reviewing the models available in the literature for soil effective thermal conductivity prediction, it was found that compared with empirical and theoretical models, machine learning models can account for the influence of multi-scale factors; however, research into them is scarce. To overcome the limitations of previous research, we proposed a framework that can investigate the factors influencing soil effective thermal conductivity at multiple scales. It includes the impact of soil structural factors at micro to mesoscale, and this impact is integrated with the influence from other factors for accurate thermal conductivity prediction.
Understanding the role of storage reserve mobilization during seed germination and initial seedling growth in species of the genus Carapa
Authors: de Carvalho Josiane C. , Nascimento Gleisson de O. , Fernandes Andreia V. , Gonçalves Elmer V. , dos Santos Pedro Paulo , Santos Alberdan S. , Gonçalves José Francisco de C.
Published: March 2024

A physiological and metabolic database for various species of Amazonian plants is crucial to the species selection and sustainable utilization of their diversity. We hypothesized that understanding the mobilization of Carapa seed reserves and water uptake during germination could provide insights into the physiological behavior and propagation to differentiate species of the same genus. Given this, the mobilization mechanisms of primary reserves, water uptake, and enzymatic activities in seeds of two species of Carapa ( Carapa guianensis and Carapa vasquezii) were investigated. The lipid content was high in both species, with a value of 63.7 ± 4.7% for C. guianensis and 55 ± 1.5% for C. vasquezii. Carapa guianensis showed higher values for the other evaluated reserves. The protein profile highlights a band between 15 and 25 kDa in C. guianensis. As for the enzymatic activities investigated (lipase, amylase, protease, amd acid phosphatase), C. guianensis showed greater activity for most of them, except for acid phosphatase. Overall, the species showed different metabolic strategies and dynamics regarding the water uptake and use of reserves. Our findings indicate that distinct metabolic pathways are employed during the germination and initial seedling growth stages of two Carapa species. This trait can potentially guide the use and conservation of these species.