bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tongue coating metabolic profiles of intra‐oral halitosis patients
Authors: Lo Kalam , Liman Aviella Nathania , Zhang Yu , Ye Wei
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study focused on the metabolic characteristics of tongue coating in patients with intra‐oral halitosis (IOH) to investigate potential diagnostic biomarkers for IOH.

Methods

Oral healthy participants were enrolled in this study. Halitosis was evaluated with an organoleptic assessment, a Halimeter®, and an OralChroma™. Tongue coating samples were collected from 18 halitosis patients and 18 healthy controls. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was conducted to reveal the IOH‐related metabolic variations in tongue coating.

Results

A total of 2214 metabolites were obtained. Most metabolites were shared between the two groups. A total of 274 upregulated metabolites, such as paramethasone acetate and indole‐3‐acetic acid, and 43 downregulated metabolites, including deoxyadenosine and valyl‐arginine, were detected in the halitosis group. Functional analysis indicated that several metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, histidine metabolism, and lysine degradation were significantly enriched in the IOH group. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression analysis revealed that paramethasone acetate, {1‐[2‐(4‐carbamimidoyl‐benzoylamino)‐propionyl]‐piperidin‐4‐yloxy}‐acetic acid, indole‐3‐acetic acid, and valyl‐arginine were remarkably associated with IOH.

Conclusions

This study revealed the metabolites present in tongue coating and identified effective biomarkers, providing essential insights into the prediction, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of IOH.
Prevalence and associated factors of health anxiety in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Sun Wentian , Fang Shanbao , Wang Yu , Zheng Yunhao , Zhou Xueman , Yi Yating , Xiong Xin , Wang Jun
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of health anxiety (HA) in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) using the 8‐item Whiteley Index (WI‐8) scale.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and twenty‐nine TMDs patients completed the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), WI‐8, Jaw Functional Limitation Scale‐8 (JFLS‐8), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) scales. Clinical examinations were conducted following the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs Axis I.

Results

The prevalence of HA among TMDs patients was 18.54%. Patients with HA had higher scores of VAS‐current (p = 0.026), VAS‐maximum (p = 0.024), VAS‐average (p = 0.030), JFLS‐8 (p < 0.001), GAD‐7 (p < 0.001) and PHQ‐9 (p < 0.001), lower maximum mouth opening (p = 0.016), lower proportion of structure‐related TMDs (p = 0.028), and higher proportion of pain‐related TMDs (p < 0.001) compared to those without HA. The correlation coefficient was 0.61 (p < 0.001) between WI‐8 and GAD‐7 and 0.64 (p < 0.001) between WI‐8 and PHQ‐9.

Conclusion

Approximately one‐fifth of patients with TMDs experienced HA. HA was associated with pain perception, functional limitations, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in individuals with TMDs. HA may contribute to heightened subjective pain experiences rather than structural changes in the TMJ.
Association between Adverse Psychological Emotions and Postoperative Brace for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective Cohort Study with Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Haoran , Tian Xue , Wang Shengru , Chen Yaping , Zhang Jianguo
Published: June 2024

Objective

Although the advantages of postoperative braces have been verified in many fields, it is not clear whether postoperative braces can help reduce patients' adverse psychological emotions such as kinesiophobia, anxiety, and depression. This study aims to analyze whether the use of a postoperative brace helps reduce adverse psychological emotions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients undergoing spinal deformity surgeries.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent spinal corrective surgeries at our institution between April 2023 and July 2023 formed the prospective cohort. Outcome measures were collected in the preoperative period, 3 months after surgery, and 6 months after surgery. All patients were assessed using the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK), the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the numerical rating scale (NRS). A statistical model of propensity score matching was used to eliminate potential selection bias and maintain comparability. Multivariate linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between postoperative brace and adverse psychological emotions.

Results

After propensity score matching, this study ultimately enrolled 150 patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic and perioperative variables. The fully adjusted model showed that the TSK scores of the non‐brace group at the 3‐month (ꞵ = 2.50, 95% CI 0.80–4.20, p = 0.005) and 6‐month follow‐up (ꞵ = 2.75, 95% CI 0.75–4.74, p = 0.007) were significantly higher than those of the brace group. The HADS score of the non‐brace group at the 3‐month follow‐up was significantly higher than that of the brace group (ꞵ = 1.75, 95% CI 0.28–3.22, p = 0.019). The NRS score of the non‐brace group at the 3‐month follow‐up was significantly higher than that of the brace group (ꞵ = 0.69, 95% CI 0.05–1.33, p = 0.034). At the 6‐month follow‐up, there were no significant difference for HADS score or NRS score between the two groups.

Conclusion

In the early postoperative period, the postoperative brace could provide AIS patients with psychological supports and help them reduce the frequency of adverse psychological emotions. The postoperative brace could continuously improve the fear of movement within 6 months after surgery, and help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain within 3 months after surgery.
Is ischemic stimulus involved for J wave augmentation during coronary angiography and intracoronary administration of normal saline?
Authors: Nakayama Masafumi , Matsuo Hitoshi , Sato Takao , Okabe Masaaki , Aizawa Yoshifusa
Published: June 2024

Background

J waves may be augmented by coronary angiography (CAG) or intracoronary drug administration but the underlying mechanism is unknown.

Purpose

The effect of intracoronary normal saline (NS) on J waves were investigated.

Patients and methods

After the standard CAG using iopamidol (IopamiroR Inj), NS was injected into the right coronary artery in 10 patients with and eight patients without J waves at the baseline. The 12‐lead ECG was monitored, stored on a computer and retrieved later for measurement of the J wave amplitude before or during the coronary interventions.

Results

J waves in leads II, III and aVF at baseline increased significantly in each lead during the right CAG and NS injection into the right coronary artery. The J wave changes were similar between the two interventions and distinct similar alterations were observed in the QRS complex.

We postulated that the ischemic myocardium that was induced during CAG or intracoronary NS administration slowed the conduction velocity of depolarization in the perfusion territory and delayed the timing of J waves to appear. Then, the delayed appearance of J waves would be less opposed by electromotive force from other areas resulting in augmentation.

Conclusion

J wave augmentation was observed during CAG and intracoronary NS administration. As a mechanism of augmentation, we postulated that contrast media and NS induce myocardial ischemia and delay the timing of J waves to a point of less opposition by electromotive force from other areas.

Highlights

J wave augmentation has been reported during intracoronary injection of contrast media or drugs.

The present study confirmed that normal saline alone was able to augment J waves.

Mechanistically, coronary interventions using anoxic solutions can cause regional myocardial ischemia and reduce the conduction velocity of depolarization.

Then, delayed J waves are less opposed by the electromotive force from remote areas which leads to augmentation.

When a drug is diluted in normal saline and given intracoronarily, changes in J waves can be due to normal saline.

The pathophysiological and clinical significance of J waves augmented during coronary interventions need to be established.
Neighborhood Trust, Cohesion, and Diversity: How Demographic Patterns and Processes Shape Their Relationships
Authors: O'DONNELL JAMES
Published: June 2024

Compelling evidence from around the world suggests that ethnic diversity is detrimental to neighborhood trust and cohesion. Much of this evidence derives from empirical associations found with static indicators of diversity, measuring the mix of ethnic groups at a single point in time, and controlling for a varied mix of individual and community‐level covariates. Less attention though has sought to understand how dynamic processes of migration and residential settlement both create diversity and influence trust and cohesion. In this study, census and survey data are used to analyze the demographic and economic characteristics and dynamics coinciding with diversity in local communities in Australia, and the implications for neighborhood trust and cohesion. Diverse communities are heavily concentrated in moderately and highly disadvantaged communities in large immigrant gateway cities. Highly diverse communities experience continual high levels of immigration and population turnover and contain young age structures and more diverse and transient housing and household structures. Survey analyses reveal that these characteristics substantially explain observed negative associations between diversity and neighborhood trust and cohesion. The results point to the near‐intractable difficulties in isolating the effects of diversity and the importance of understanding the dynamic demographic processes in the construction of neighborhood diversity, trust, and cohesion.
Plasma polyamines during pregnancy and their relationships with maternal allergies and the immune response of the neonates
Authors: Gázquez Antonio , García‐Serna Azahara M. , Hernández‐Caselles Trinidad , Martín‐Orozco Elena , Cantero‐Cano Esther , Prieto‐Sánchez María T. , Molina‐Ruano María D. , Castillo‐Lacalle Rafaela , Vioque Jesús , Morales Eva , García‐Marcos Luís , Larqué Elvira ,   the Nela Study Goup
Published: June 2024

Background

Some studies have reported that polyamine levels may influence immune system programming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the polyamine profile during gestation and its associations with maternal allergy and cytokine production in cord blood cells in response to different allergenic stimuli.

Methods

Polyamines were determined in plasma of pregnant women (24 weeks, N = 674) and in umbilical cord samples (N = 353 vein and N = 160 artery) from the Mediterranean NELA birth cohort. Immune cell populations were quantified, and the production of cytokines in response to different allergic and mitogenic stimuli was assessed in cord blood.

Results

Spermidine and spermine were the most prevalent polyamines in maternal, cord venous, and cord arterial plasma. Maternal allergies, especially allergic conjunctivitis, were associated with lower spermine in umbilical cord vein. Higher levels of polyamines were associated with higher lymphocyte number but lower Th2‐related cells in cord venous blood. Those subjects with higher levels of circulating polyamines in cord showed lower production of inflammatory cytokines, especially IFN‐α, and lower production of Th2‐related cytokines, mainly IL‐4 and IL‐5. The effects of polyamines on Th1‐related cytokines production were uncertain.

Conclusions

Spermidine and spermine are the predominant polyamines in plasma of pregnant women at mid‐pregnancy and also in umbilical cord. Maternal allergic diseases like allergic conjunctivitis are related to lower levels of polyamines in cord vein, which could influence the immune response of the newborn. Cord polyamine content is related to a decreased Th2 response and inflammatory cytokines production, which might be important to reduce an allergenic phenotype in the neonate.
Periungual pyogenic granulomas after ravulizumab therapy in a child with acute myelomonocytic leukemia treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Iznardo Helena , López‐Torija Ivan , Mateu‐Arrom Laura , Escribano‐Sanz Pablo , Puig Lluís , Roé Esther
Published: June 2024

Development of periungual pyogenic granulomas (pPGs) has been associated with several systemic treatments, including retinoids, taxanes, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. We present the case of an 8‐year‐old girl with a personal history of acute myelomonocytic leukemia treated with a haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant who developed pPGs 2 months after starting ravulizumab. Ravulizumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against C5 protein. No previous reports of pPGs development have been described with ravulizumab.
Genome‐wide investigation and analysis of NAC transcription factor family in Populus tomentosa and expression analysis under salt stress
Authors: Han K. , Zhao Y. , Liu J. , Tian Y. , El‐Kassaby Y. A. , Qi Y. , Ke M. , Sun Y. , Li Y.
Published: June 2024

The NAC transcription factor family is one of the largest families of TFs in plants, and members of NAC gene family play important roles in plant growth and stress response. Recent release of the haplotype‐resolved genome assembly of P. tomentosa provide a platform for NAC protein genome‐wide analysis.

A total of 270 NAC genes were identified and a comprehensive overview of the PtoNAC gene family is presented, including gene promoter, structure and conserved motif analyses, chromosome localization and collinearity analysis, protein phylogeny, expression pattern, and interaction analysis.

The results indicate that protein length, molecular weight, and theoretical isoelectric points of the NAC TF family vary, while gene structure and motif are relatively conserved. Chromosome mapping analysis showed that the P. tomentosa NAC genes are unevenly distributed on 19 chromosomes. The interchromosomal evolutionary results indicate 12 pairs of tandem and 280 segmental duplications. Segmental duplication is possibly related to amplification of P. tomentosa NAC gene family. Expression patterns of 35 PtoNAC genes from P. tomentosa subgroup were analysed under high salinity, and seven NAC genes were induced by this treatment. Promoter and protein interaction network analyses showed that PtoNAC genes are closely associated with growth, development, and abiotic and biotic stress, especially salt stress.

These results provide a meaningful reference for follow‐up studies of the functional characteristics of NAC genes in the mechanism of stress response and their potential roles in development of P. tomentosa.
Weaker photosynthetic acclimation to fluctuating than to corresponding steady UVB radiation treatments in grapevines
Authors: Su‐Zhou Chenxing , Durand Maxime , Aphalo Pedro J. , Martinez‐Abaigar Javier , Shapiguzov Alexey , Ishihara Hirofumi , Liu Xu , Robson T. Matthew
Published: June 2024

The effects of transient increases in UVB radiation on plants are not well known; whether cumulative damage dominates or, alternately, an increase in photoprotection and recovery periods ameliorates any negative effects. We investigated photosynthetic capacity and metabolite accumulation of grapevines (Vitis vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon) in response to UVB fluctuations under four treatments: fluctuating UVB (FUV) and steady UVB radiation (SUV) at similar total biologically effective UVB dose (2.12 and 2.23 kJ m−2 day−1), and their two respective no UVB controls. We found a greater decrease in stomatal conductance under SUV than FUV. There was no decrease in maximum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) or its operational efficiency (ɸPSII) under the two UVB treatments, and Fv/Fm was higher under SUV than FUV. Photosynthetic capacity was enhanced under FUV in the light‐limited region of rapid light‐response curves but enhanced by SUV in the light‐saturated region. Flavonol content was similarly increased by both UVB treatments. We conclude that, while both FUV and SUV effectively stimulate acclimation to UVB radiation at realistic doses, FUV confers weaker acclimation than SUV. This implies that recovery periods between transient increases in UVB radiation reduce UVB acclimation, compared to an equivalent dose of UVB provided continuously. Thus, caution is needed in interpreting the findings of experiments using steady UVB radiation treatments to infer effects in natural environments, as the stimulatory effect of steady UVB is greater than that of the equivalent fluctuating UVB.
Reassessing environmental protection in international investment agreements: The case of Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Tien Dat
Published: June 2024

The proliferation of international investment agreements reflects the tireless efforts of many governments in the world to attract foreign investment and significantly improve their investment environment, including Vietnam. However, investment overshielding without regard to public policy objectives also has negative consequences, such as indirectly and directly causing environmental pollution at investment sites. Vedan Vietnam and Formosa Ha Tinh Steel are prime examples of ecological incidents with long‐term damage to the host State. Using critical and case study approaches, this article examines the reasons behind those incidents and analyses Vietnam's improper response to the cases. More importantly, the article criticises the lack of alignment of the domestic legal system and international investment law. Finally, the article suggests the interconnected relationship between domestic and international law and recommends treaty‐making directions to avoid the risk of Vietnam and other ASEAN countries becoming a ‘new haven’ of environmental pollution.
Treatable traits and exacerbation risk in patients with uncontrolled asthma prescribed GINA step 1–3 treatment: A nationwide asthma cohort study
Authors: Konradsen Jon R. , Selberg Stina , Ödling Maria , Sundbaum Johanna Karlsson , Bossios Apostolos , Stridsman Caroline
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective

Uncontrolled asthma in patients treated for mild/moderate disease could be caused by non‐pulmonary treatable traits (TTs) that affect asthma control negatively. We aimed to identify demographic characteristics, behavioural (smoking) and extrapulmonary (obesity, comorbidities) TTs and the risk for future exacerbations among patients with uncontrolled asthma prescribed step 1–3 treatment according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).

Methods

Twenty‐eight thousand five hundred eighty‐four asthma patients (≥18 y) with a registration in the Swedish National Airway Register between 2017 and 2019 were included (index‐date). The database was linked to other national registers to obtain information on prescribed drugs 2‐years pre‐index and exacerbations 1‐year post‐index. Asthma treatment was classified into step 1–3 or 4–5, and uncontrolled asthma was defined based on symptom control, exacerbations and lung function.

Results

GINA step 1–3 included 17,318 patients, of which 9586 (55%) were uncontrolled (UCA 1–3). In adjusted analyses, UCA 1–3 was associated with female sex (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.27–1.41), older age (1.00, 1.00–1.00), primary education (1.30, 1.20–1.40) and secondary education (1.19, 1.12–1.26), and TTs such as smoking (1.25, 1.15–1.36), obesity (1.23, 1.15–1.32), cardiovascular disease (1.12, 1.06–1.20) and depression/anxiety (1.13, 1.06–1.21). Furthermore, UCA 1–3 was associated with future exacerbations; oral corticosteroids (1.90, 1.74–2.09) and asthma hospitalization (2.55, 2.17–3.00), respectively, also when adjusted for treatment step 4–5.

Conclusion

Over 50% of patients treated for mild/moderate asthma had an uncontrolled disease. Assessing and managing of TTs such as smoking, obesity and comorbidities should be conducted in a holistic manner, as these patients have an increased risk for future exacerbations.
How good are large language models at product risk assessment?
Authors: Collier Zachary A. , Gruss Richard J. , Abrahams Alan S.
Published: June 2024

Product safety professionals must assess the risks to consumers associated with the foreseeable uses and misuses of products. In this study, we investigate the utility of generative artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, across a number of tasks involved in the product risk assessment process. For a set of six consumer products, prompts were developed related to failure mode identification, the construction and population of a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) table, risk mitigation identification, and guidance to product designers, users, and regulators. These prompts were input into ChatGPT and the outputs were recorded. A survey was administered to product safety professionals to ascertain the quality of the outputs. We found that ChatGPT generally performed better at divergent thinking tasks such as brainstorming potential failure modes and risk mitigations. However, there were errors and inconsistencies in some of the results, and the guidance provided was perceived as overly generic, occasionally outlandish, and not reflective of the depth of knowledge held by a subject matter expert. When tested against a sample of other LLMs, similar patterns in strengths and weaknesses were demonstrated. Despite these challenges, a role for LLMs may still exist in product risk assessment to assist in ideation, while experts may shift their focus to critical review of AI‐generated content.
Freshwater microbial mud: Punctuated diagenesis during marine transgression in the Florida Everglades, USA
Authors: Pederson Chelsea L. , Klaus James S. , McNeill Donald F. , Swart Peter K.
Published: June 2024

This manuscript documents the diagenetic progression from deposition to early burial of freshwater low‐Mg calcite mud within a Holocene sequence of the Everglades and Florida Bay (Florida, USA). During initial, in situ burial, the texturally‐complex, organic‐rich mud, exhibits high susceptibility to alteration, within a primarily dissolution‐driven realm. Seaward, a brackish‐water transitional burial environment currently displays evidence of mixed precipitation and dissolution. This brackish stage burial alteration may be due to fluid exchange (a relatively high fluid‐to‐rock ratio) in a submerged estuary setting. Lastly, the burial environment in Florida Bay records a transgression from freshwater to near‐normal marine conditions. This island setting currently exhibits a diagenetic trend towards low‐Mg calcite precipitation in intervals of both the marine and freshwater mud. Burial of freshwater mud beneath nearly 3 m of marine mud during rising sea level appears to have preserved a considerable amount of original textures, as compared with younger freshwater deposits now within the transitional brackish‐water setting. Geochemical and textural data within the freshwater mud sections suggest that complex early diagenesis begins shortly after burial at the site of formation, and perhaps even during deposition. The findings herein document three major implications for coastal zone paludal carbonates: (i) that incipient textural diagenesis in low‐Mg calcite crystals can be extremely early and the stability and petrographic fidelity of these deposits are vulnerable due to the open, trellis‐like structure of the crystals; (ii) relatedly, the stable isotope signature of the original low‐Mg calcite crystals is also vulnerable to alteration by secondary precipitation within the open crystal structure; and (iii) during marine transgression, the paludal calcite crystals likely experience a shift from interstitial fluids that are dissolution‐dominated (freshwater) to more precipitation‐dominated as marine fluids overtake the pore fluid regime. Because palustrine deposits are used as palaeoenvironmental archives, it is important to understand their diagenetic and preservation potential. This study has implications for those concerned with the deposition, reactivity and preservation potential of continental and microbial carbonates.
Associations among intimate partner violence, suicidal ideation, suicide behaviors, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and psychological well‐being in Black American emerging adults
Authors: McCollum Diamonde C. , Smathers Steven E. , Sullivan Tara , Jowaheer Yajna , Mereish Ethan H.
Published: June 2024

Background

Suicidal ideation and behavior and non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) among Black emerging adults is a major public health concern. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and behavior and NSSI, but there is little work examining the buffering effect of psychological well‐being (PWB). The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between IPV, suicide ideation and behavior, and NSSI, and the moderating role of PWB on these associations.

Method

Secondary data analyses were conducted using a subsample of Black American emerging adults (N = 4694) from the National College Health Assessment.

Results

IPV was associated with greater odds of suicide ideation, past‐year suicide attempt, and NSSI. PWB was associated with lower odds of suicide ideation, past‐year suicide attempt, and NSSI. PWB did not moderate the relationships between IPV and the outcomes.

Conclusions

IPV was a risk factor for suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and NSSI among Black American emerging adults. PWB was associated with lower suicidal ideation and behavior and NSSI engagement, suggesting it can be a protective factor. Bolstering PWB in Black communities may be beneficial in intervention and prevention efforts.
The American Association of Tissue Banks tissue donor screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis—Recommended criteria and literature review
Authors: Greenwald Melissa A. , Edwards Noelle , Eastlund D. Ted , Gurevich Inga , Ho Andrea Pervine‐Zaman , Khalife Ghada , Lin‐Torre Janet , Thompson Hannis W. , Wilkins Ross M , Alrabaa Sally F.
Published: June 2024

After two multistate outbreaks of allograft tissue‐transmitted tuberculosis (TB) due to viable bone, evidence‐based donor screening criteria were developed to decrease the risk of transmission to recipients. Exclusionary criteria, commentary, and references supporting the criteria are provided, based on literature search and expert opinion. Both exposure and reactivation risk factors were considered, either for absolute exclusion or for exclusion in combination with multiple risk factors. A criteria subset was devised for tissues containing viable cells. Risk factors for consideration included exposure (e.g., geographic birth and residence, travel, homelessness, incarceration, healthcare, and workplace) and reactivation (e.g., kidney disease, liver disease, history of transplantation, immunosuppressive medications, and age). Additional donor considerations include the possibility of sepsis and chronic illness. Donor screening criteria represent minimal criteria for exclusion and do not completely exclude all possible donor TB risks. Additional measures to reduce transmission risk, such as donor and product testing, are discussed but not included in the recommendations. Careful donor evaluation is critical to tissue safety.
Hospitalizations for opportunistic infections following transplantation and associated risk factors: A national cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Mezochow Alyssa K. , Schaubel Douglas E. , Peyster Eliot G. , Lewis James D. , Goldberg David S. , Bittermann Therese
Published: June 2024

Background

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after organ transplantation, though data in the liver transplant (LT) population are limited.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of LT recipients between January 1, 2007 and Deceber 31, 2016 using Medicare claims data linked to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database. Multivariable Cox regression models evaluated factors independently associated with hospitalizations for early (≤1 year post transplant) and late (>1 year) OIs, with a particular focus on immunosuppression.

Results

There were 11 320 LT recipients included in the study, of which 13.2% had at least one OI hospitalization during follow‐up. Of the 2638 OI hospitalizations, 61.9% were early post‐LT. Cytomegalovirus was the most common OI (45.4% overall), although relative frequency decreased after the first year (25.3%). Neither induction or maintenance immunosuppression were associated with early OI hospitalization (all p > .05). The highest risk of early OI was seen with primary sclerosing cholangitis (aHR 1.74; p = .003 overall). Steroid‐based and mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor‐based immunosuppression at 1 year post LT were independently associated with increased late OI (p < .001 overall).

Conclusion

This study found OI hospitalizations to be relatively common among LT recipients and frequently occur later than previously reported. Immunosuppression regimen may be an important modifiable risk factor for late OIs.
Whole‐genome sequencing of a worldwide collection of sugarcane cultivars (Saccharum spp.) reveals the genetic basis of cultivar improvement
Authors: Li Xuhui , Chen Xinglong , Fang Junteng , Feng Xiaomin , Zhang Xiangbo , Lin Huanzhang , Chen Weiwei , Zhang Nannan , He Huiyi , Huang Zhenghui , Xue Xiaoming , Li Yucong , Fan Lina , Lai Ruiqiang , Huo Zhenye , Cui Mingyang , Deng Guangyan , Zaid Chachar , Su Yueping , Zhang Jisen , Cai Weijun , Qi Yongwen
Published: June 2024

Sugarcane is the main source of sugar worldwide, and 80% of the sucrose production comes from sugarcane. However, the genetic differentiation and basis of agronomic traits remain obscure. Here, we sequenced the whole‐genome of 219 elite worldwide sugarcane cultivar accessions. A total of approximately 6 million high‐quality genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. A genome‐wide association study identified a total of 2198 SNPs that were significantly associated with sucrose content, stalk number, plant height, stalk diameter, cane yield, and sugar yield. We observed homozygous tendency of favor alleles of these loci, and over 80% of cultivar accessions carried the favor alleles of the SNPs or haplotypes associated with sucrose content. Gene introgression analysis showed that the number of chromosome segments from Saccharum spontaneum decreased with the breeding time of cultivars, while those from S. officinarum increased in recent cultivars. A series of selection signatures were identified in sugarcane improvement procession, of which 104 were simultaneously associated with agronomic traits and 45 of them were mainly associated with sucrose content. We further proposed that as per sugarcane transgenic experiments, ShN/AINV3.1 plays a positive role in increasing stalk number, plant height, and stalk diameter. These findings provide comprehensive resources for understanding the genetic basis of agronomic traits and will be beneficial to germplasm innovation, screening molecular markers, and future sugarcane cultivar improvement.
Strigolactone induces D14‐dependent large‐scale changes in gene expression requiring SWI/SNF chromatin remodellers
Authors: Humphreys Jazmine L. , Beveridge Christine A. , Tanurdžić Miloš
Published: June 2024

Strigolactones (SL) function as plant hormones in control of multiple aspects of plant development, mostly via the regulation of gene expression. Immediate early‐gene regulation by SL remains unexplored due to difficulty in dissecting early from late gene expression responses to SL. We used synthetic SL, rac‐GR24 treatment of protoplasts and RNA‐seq to explore early SL‐induced changes in gene expression over time (5–180 minutes) and discovered rapid, dynamic and SL receptor D14‐dependent regulation of gene expression in response to rac‐GR24. Importantly, we discovered a significant dependence of SL signalling on chromatin remodelling processes, as the induction of a key SL‐induced transcription factor BRANCHED1 requires the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling ATPase SPLAYED (SYD) and leads to upregulation of a homologue SWI/SNF ATPase BRAHMA. ATAC‐seq profiling of genome‐wide changes in chromatin accessibility in response to rac‐GR24 identified large‐scale changes, with over 1400 differentially accessible regions. These changes in chromatin accessibility often precede transcriptional changes and are likely to harbour SL cis‐regulatory elements. Importantly, we discovered that this early and extensive modification of the chromatin landscape also requires SYD. This study, therefore, provides evidence that SL signalling requires regulation of chromatin accessibility, and it identifies genomic locations harbouring likely SL cis‐regulatory sequences.
Dancing with foxes: More‐than‐human design in ‘the chicken city’
Authors: Oliver Catherine
Published: June 2024

Urban chicken‐keeping is on the rise in London, in private gardens, community gardens, allotments, schools, and urban farm projects. In welcoming chickens into the city, urban spaces are being transformed: coops are being built, runs constructed, chicken‐friendly flora introduced, and space landscaped to accommodate both chickens and humans. Underneath the design of these multispecies urban spaces, there is a desire to bring the good life into the city, through a return to nature. Chicken‐keeping is being lauded by urban keepers and commentators alike as a response to urban crises over food provenance and quality, environmental ethics, and a growing unease with industrial agriculture. However, after chickens arrive in these urban spaces, it becomes quickly apparent that the design of the urban barnyard imposed by the human is rarely practical for, or enjoyed by, chickens: perfectly laid lawns are torn up, plants are demolished, and vegetable patches are gorged on, and chickens are at the mercy of local foxes. When chickens enter these urban barnyards, they demand humans pay attention to their desires, behaviours, and territoriality by overflowing and expanding their assigned space. As such, designing the urban barnyard is an ongoing spatio‐temporal iterative process between chickens, humans, and other non‐human actors in the more‐than‐human city. In this paper, using the case of the urban chicken, I argue that more‐than‐human (urban) geographies can find generative collaborations with design thinking in theorising human–environmental relationalities.
Broadening the scope of weed research: Integrating ecological theories to propel weed management
Authors: Blank Lior , Mesgaran Mohsen B.
Published: June 2024

Weed science plays a vital role in mitigating the negative impacts of weeds in agriculture and natural ecosystems. However, the field has received criticism for its limited theoretical foundation and excessive focus on phenomenological and narrow scope. Our contention is that weed science needs to integrate more ecological theories to foster a deeper understanding of weed ecology, biology, and management. By embracing theoretical frameworks, weed science can enhance its ability to predict and explain weed dynamics, identify underlying mechanisms, and develop sustainable management strategies. This insight emphasizes the advantages of integrating theoretical approaches and offers practical recommendations to integrate ecological theory effectively into weed science research.
A world-leading periphery: exploring representations of Northern Sweden in view of its green transition
Authors: Persson Hannah , Dymitrow Mirek
Published: June 2024

In pursuit of the EU’s goal to become the world’s first climate neutral region, Northern Sweden is positioned as a centrepiece to the green transition development. Its innovative industries are hailed as crucial, not only for Sweden but for the sustainable future of Europe. Yet, previous research depicts the cultural region of Norrland as an inner periphery of Sweden, subjected to colonization and marginalization. This article delves into this paradox by examining discursive representations of Norrland in light of the current green transition narratives. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, this study employs critical discourse analysis to systematically examine representations from news media, political opinion, and government institutions, uncovering tensions and contradictions within the discourse. The analysis suggests the prevalence of two main themes, construing Norrland simultaneously as the future and as a struggle. By contextualizing these discourses within the concept of peripheralization, this research suggests that the future-oriented representations dominate the current understanding of Norrland, potentially perpetuating patterns of spatial disparities within the region. Thus, this research contributes with an updated understanding of processes of peripheralization under the guise of a green discourse, suggesting that the development in Norrland seems part of a broader narrative aiming to frame Sweden as the world leader within green transition initiatives.
Friction Variability in Slip Rings: Geometry and Stiffness Effects
Authors: Zhang Kaisen , Liu Kun , Sun Danfeng , Gao Tianyan , Ye Jiaxin
Published: June 2024

This study explores the frictional dynamics in wire-on-V-groove contacts, particularly in slip rings, by examining the effects of contact geometry and loading stiffness. Our experimental setup, using three different custom tribometers, allowed precise control and measurement of these variables. Results show a significant deviation of the friction coefficient from traditional Amonton–Coulomb predictions, highlighting an increased sensitivity to the aforementioned factors. These findings challenge the conventional understanding of tribology, emphasizing the need for a refined theoretical model that better accounts for the complexities in V-groove contacts. The study's implications are far-reaching, particularly in improving the design and reliability of slip rings in high-precision instruments and satellite technologies.
Introduction
Authors: Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Agarwal Ramesh , Shi Weidong , Zhou Ling
Published: June 2024

A mixed-flow pump is a centrifugal pump with a mixed-flow impeller [1]. The specific speed (ns) lies between 35 and 80 rpm for low-speed mixed-flow pumps and between 80 and 160 rpm for higher-speed mixed-flow pumps (in special cases, even higher). It has characteristics of both radial flow and axial flow pumps. As liquid flows through the impeller of a mixed-flow pump, the impeller blades push the liquid out away from the pump shaft and to the pump suction at an angle greater than 90°. The impeller of a typical mixed-flow pump and the flow through a mixed-flow pump are shown in Fig. 1.1.
Tip Leakage Flow In a Mixed-flow Pump
Authors: Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Agarwal Ramesh , Shi Weidong , Zhou Ling
Published: June 2024

The numerical results used to describe the special flow features/characteristics of the mixed-flow pump in this chapter were obtained by employing the computational methodology described in Chapter 3 which includes the pump model, mesh generation, turbulence models and their near wall treatment, and the boundary conditions. Additional details specific to this chapter are provided inside the text of the chapter.
Rotational Stall in a Mixed-flow Pump
Authors: Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Agarwal Ramesh , Shi Weidong , Zhou Ling
Published: June 2024

The numerical results used to describe the special flow features/characteristics of the mixed-flow pump in this chapter were obtained by employing the computational methodology described in Chapter 3 which includes the pump model, mesh generation, turbulence models and their near wall treatment, and the boundary conditions. Additional details specific to this chapter are provided inside the text of the chapter.
Enhanced wave absorption due to local flexibility on wide beams using mass-spring-damper scatterers
Authors: Su Xiaoshi , Norris Andrew N. , Li Xiaopeng , Banerjee Debasish
Published: June 2024

It is known that total absorption of flexural waves in a thin beam is possible through the use of monopole-dipole scatterers. In this study, we introduce a pair of identical monopole scatterers for near-total absorption of flexural waves in a thin and wide beam. Despite the two scatterers being both of the monopole type, the resonant modes of the scatterer pair exhibit monopole and dipole properties. By selecting the proper width for the beam, the two resonant modes degenerate, which leads to the total absorption. Although the beam is considerably wide, the frequency range of interest remains below the cut-on frequency of the n = 1 propagating mode, ensuring one-dimensional flexural wave propagation. Further simulations and theoretical analysis revealed that the degeneracy of the monopole and dipole modes results from their interaction with a higher-order localized flexural mode. The simulation results demonstrate absorption exceeding 99%, complemented by experimental data showing approximately 90% absorption.
Complete genome sequence of a haloalkaliphilic heterotrophic bacterium
Halomonas salifodinae
IM328
Authors: Wang Zheyi , Yang Niping , Liu Mengshuang , Zhao Dahe , Xiang Hua , Zheng Yanning
Published: June 2024

The genome of a halophilic bacterium
Halomonas salifodinae
IM328 was completely sequenced in order to offer convenience for the research such as the synthesis of compatible solutes. The genome contains a circular chromosome which was sequenced by PacBio system.
Illumina short read-based shotgun metagenomic data sets of simulated bacterial communities derived from fresh spinach and surface water
Authors: Chen Zhao , Meng Jianghong
Published: June 2024

Paired-end short reads of Illumina HiSeq, MiSeq, and NovaSeq of simulated bacterial communities from fresh spinach and surface water were generated
in silico
at various sequencing depths. Multidrug-resistant
Salmonella enterica
serotype Indiana was included in the spinach community, while the water community contained multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Interruption of mycothiol synthesis and intracellular redox status impact iron-regulated reporter activation in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Miller Alexandra H. , Marks Frances , Chan Luming , Botella Helene , Schnappinger Dirk , Ehrt Sabine
Published: June 2024

Iron scavenging is required for full virulence of mycobacterial pathogens. During infection, the host immune response restricts mycobacterial access to iron, which is essential for bacterial respiration and DNA synthesis. The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
iron-dependent regulator (IdeR) responds to changes in iron accessibility by repressing iron-uptake genes when iron is available. In contrast, iron-uptake gene transcription is induced when iron is depleted. The
ideR
gene is essential in
M. tuberculosis
and is required for bacterial growth. To further study how iron regulates transcription, wee developed an iron responsive reporter system that relies on an IdeR-regulated promoter to drive Cre and
loxP
mediated recombination in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
. Recombination leads to the expression of an antibiotic resistance gene so that mutations that activate the IdeR-regulated promoter can be selected. A transposon library in the background of this reporter system was exposed to media containing iron and hemin, and this resulted in the selection of mutants in the antioxidant mycothiol synthesis pathway. We validated that inactivation of the mycothiol synthesis gene
mshA
results in increased recombination and increased IdeR-regulated promoter activity in the reporter system. Further, we show that vitamin C, which has been shown to oxidize iron through the Fenton reaction, can decrease promoter activity in the
mshA
mutant. We conclude that the intracellular redox state balanced by mycothiol can alter IdeR activity in the presence of iron.

IMPORTANCE

Mycobacterium smegmatis
is a tractable organism to study mycobacterial gene regulation. We used
M. smegmatis
to construct a novel recombination-based reporter system that allows for the selection of mutations that deregulate a promoter of interest. Transposon mutagenesis and insertion sequencing (TnSeq) in the recombination reporter strain identified genes that impact iron regulated promoter activity in mycobacteria. We found that the mycothiol synthesis gene
mshA
is required for IdeR mediated transcriptional regulation by maintaining intracellular redox balance. By affecting the oxidative state of the intracellular environment, mycothiol can modulate iron-dependent transcriptional activity. Taken more broadly, this novel reporter system can be used in combination with transposon mutagenesis to identify genes that are required by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to overcome temporary or local changes in iron availability during infection.
Highly diverse RNA viruses and phage sequences concealed within birds
Authors: Lu Xiang , Ji Likai , Wang Haoning , Zhang Qing , Wang Xiaochun , Liu Yuwei , Shen Quan , Yang Shixing , Ma Xiao , Zhang Wen , Shan Tongling
Published: June 2024

The diversity of birds in most parts of the world is very high, and thus, they may carry different types of highly differentiated and unknown viruses. Thanks to advanced sequencing technologies, studies on the diversity of bird-associated viruses have increased over the past few years. In this study, a large-scale viral metagenomics survey was performed on cloacal swabs of 2,990 birds from nine provinces of the Chinese mainland. To detect undescribed RNA viruses in birds, more than 1,800 sequences sharing relatively low (<60%) amino acid sequence identity with the best match in the GenBank database were screened. Potentially novel viruses related to vertebrates have been identified, and several potential recombination signals were found. Additionally, hundreds of RNA viral sequences related to plants, fungi, and insects were detected, including previously unknown viruses. Furthermore, we investigated the novelty, functionality, and classification of the phages examined in this study. These viruses occupied topological positions on the evolutionary trees to a certain extent and might form novel putative families, genera, or species, thus providing information to fill the phylogenetic gaps of related viruses. These findings provided new insights into bird-associated viruses, but the interactions among these viruses remain unknown and require further investigation.

IMPORTANCE

Studying the diversity of RNA viruses in birds and mammals is crucial due to their potential impact on human health and the global ecosystem. Many RNA viruses, such as influenza and coronaviruses, have been shown to cross the species barrier and cause zoonotic diseases. In this metagenomics study involving 2,990 birds from at least 82 species, we identified over 1,800 RNA sequences with distant relationships to known viruses, some of which are rare in birds. The study highlights the scope and diversity of RNA viruses in birds, providing data to predict disease risks and monitor potential viral threats to wildlife, livestock, and human health. This information can aid in the development of strategies for disease prevention and control.