bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of land use on soil microbial community structure and diversity in the Yellow River floodplain
Authors: Dong Xiongde , Yang Leyun , Harbo Laura Sofie , Yan Xinyu , Chen Ji , Zhao Cancan , Xiao Yutong , Liu Hao , Wang Shilin , Miao Yuan , Wang Dong , Han Shijie
Published: July 2022

Soil microorganisms and their diversity are important bioindicators of soil carbon and nutrient cycling. Land use type is a major determining factor that influences soil microbial community composition in floodplain ecosystems. However, how the structure and diversity of soil microbial communities respond to specific changes in land use, as well as the main drivers of these changes, are still unclear. This study was conducted in the Yellow River floodplain to examine the effects of land use type on soil microbial communities. Four land use types (shrubland, farmland, grassland and forest) were selected, wherein shrubland served as the baseline. We measured soil microbial structure and diversity using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Land use type significantly affected total, bacterial and fungal PLFAs, and the gram-positive/negative bacterial PLFAs. Compared with shrubland, peanut farmland had higher total and bacterial PLFAs and forest had higher fungal PLFAs. Soil pH and phosphorus were the predominate drivers of microbial PLFAs, explaining 37% and 26% of the variability, respectively. Soil total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were the main factors increasing microbial community diversity. Peanut farmland had the highest soil carbon content, soil carbon stock, total PLFAs and microbial diversity, suggesting that farmland has great potential as a carbon sink. Our findings indicated that peanut farmland in the Yellow River floodplain is critical for maintaining soil microbial communities and soil carbon sequestration.
Outcomes of systemic screening for syphilis, gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis among immigrant visa applicants migrating from Japan to the US in 2016–2019
Authors: Adachi Masatoki , Takemura Shizuki
Published: July 2022

Highlights

Identifying sexually transmitted infections is a public health task. Screening at the time of migration detected asymptomatic infections over a range of ages. Reporting infection rates may serve to establish a benchmark for risk assessments. All sexually active people who have never had sexually transmitted infection tests should be offered sexually transmitted infection tests.
Contribution to decision-making in the big data industry based on the multiparametric similarity measure for Pythagorean fuzzy sets
Authors: Ibrahim Bechar , Abdelkader Benyettou
Published: July 2022

Big Data allows analysing and assessing all human production types with its 5Vs, which are Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity and Value. Big Data is useful to improve decision-making to adjust it better to market demand, specifically selection of supplier that is an important link to optimize the logistic chain of enterprises. In this case, leadership or decider is ahead one serious complex problem, inexact and fuzzy. Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS) is disposing the indeterminacy data by the membership and the nonmembership functions; it is a generalization of the intuitionist fuzzy set when the last set is limited. First, some results for PFSs are displaying in this study as particular cases and generalization of some binary operations. After, an improved score function of Pythagorean fuzzy number is proposed to avoid the comparison problem in practice. In addition, an existing approach exploring the combined alternatives weight to settle Pythagorean fuzzy issue by multi-parametric similarity measure is applied with the new proposed score function to selection of supplier issue with five serious criteria as a Big Data industry decision-making problem in economic environment. Finally, a comparison of the presented method with some existing approaches has been executed in the light of counterintuitive phenomena for validating its advantages.
Novel Metrics for Assessing Mobility During Ground-Standing Transitions
Authors: Sheehan Riley C , Ohm Kelly A , Wilken Jason M , Rábago Christopher A
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Transitioning between the ground and standing is a required activity for many professions including skilled trades, law enforcement, and military service. However, available assessments are limited and focus primarily on quality of movement. Thus, we developed two novel assessments of functional mobility specific for ground-to-standing transitions: Stand-Prone-Standx2 (SPS2) and Stand-Kneel-Standx2 (SKS2-L/R) tests. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometrics of these two new measures in able-bodied (AB) service members and in service members with unilateral lower extremity injury (LEI).

Materials and Methods

A total of 57 AB service members and 31 service members with a traumatic unilateral LEI wearing a custom carbon-fiber ankle–foot orthosis participated in this study. In total, 36 AB and 18 LEI participants returned for a second session to assess intersession reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for intersession and inter-rater comparisons (two-way random model for consistency and single measure). Additionally, performance was compared between legs and groups.

Results

The SPS2 and SKS2 assessments demonstrated excellent inter-rater and intersession reliability in both the AB and LEI groups with all intraclass correlation coefficient values greater than 0.8. Further, the tests were responsive to deficits associated with LEI, with the LEI group having significantly longer times on all assessments compared to the AB group.

Conclusions

The SPS2 and SKS2 performance measures were found to have excellent inter-rater and intersession reliability in both AB participants and participants with LEI. Further, participants with LEI performed significantly slower than the AB participants. Excellent reliability and responsiveness to deficits associated with LEI support the use of the SPS2 and SKS2 to assess mobility in individuals with LEI. Transitions between the ground and standing occur in many occupational and daily tasks. These reliable performance measures that assess ground-to-stand transitions can be applied widely, in many populations beyond highly functioning service members with LEI.
The Capability Gap in Occupational Health Information Management
Authors: Krahl Pamela L , Mirza Raúl A , Rice William A
Published: July 2022

The lack of an integrated approach to data capture, information management, and analysis limits the contribution of occupational and environmental medicine to protecting 2.3 million uniformed and civilian DoD workers. Despite an abundance of military information systems that include the terms “Safety” and “Occupational Health” in their names, none of these systems provide capabilities needed to aggregate and analyze the results of occupational medicine exams, use medical surveillance to mitigate exposure incidents, provide enterprise-level management of occupational medicine services, or comply with privacy and recordkeeping law and regulation. Instead, they provide a patchwork of data that meets most regulatory compliance requirements but fails to achieve the true objectives of occupational health programs. Bridging these capability gaps will improve the occupational health care of the DoD workforce, improve the quality of occupational medicine services, increase public trust in the DoD management of exposure incidents, and potentially generate hundreds of millions of dollars through cost-avoidance on workers’ compensation claims and through identification and elimination of non–value-added medical certification exams. The ongoing Military Health System transformation represents a unique opportunity to bridge these long-recognized but persistent capability gaps.
Giant radio galaxies in the LOw-Frequency ARray Two-metre Sky Survey Boötes deep field
Authors: Simonte M , Andernach H , Brüggen M , Schwarz D J , Prandoni I , Willis A G
Published: July 2022

Giant radio galaxies (GRGs) are radio galaxies that have projected linear extents of more than 700 kpc or 1 Mpc, depending on definition. We have carried out a careful visual inspection in search of GRGs of the Boötes LOw-Frequency ARray Deep Field image at 150 MHz. We identified 74 GRGs with a projected size larger than 0.7 Mpc of which 38 are larger than 1 Mpc. The resulting GRG sky density is about 2.8 (1.43) GRGs per square degree for GRGs with linear size larger than 0.7 (1) Mpc. We studied their radio properties and the accretion state of the host galaxies using deep optical and infrared survey data and determined flux densities for these GRGs from available survey images at both 54 MHz and 1.4 GHz to obtain integrated radio spectral indices. We show the location of the GRGs in the P–D diagram. The accretion mode on to the central black holes of the GRG hosts is radiatively inefficient suggesting that the central engines are not undergoing massive accretion at the time of the emission. Interestingly, 14 out of 35 GRGs for which optical spectra are available show a moderate star-formation rate (10–100 $\rm M_{\odot }\,yr^{-1}$). Based on the number density of optical galaxies taken from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument survey DR9 photometric redshift catalogue, we found no significant differences between the environments of GRGs and other radio galaxies, at least for redshift up to z = 0.7.
Von Zeipel – Lidov – Kozai cycles in action: Kepler triples with eclipse depth variations: KICs 6964043, 5653126, 5731312, and 8023317
Authors: Borkovits T , Rappaport S A , Toonen S , Moe M , Mitnyan T , Csányi I
Published: July 2022

We report the results of the photodynamical analyses of four compact, tight triple stellar systems, KICs 6964043, 5653126, 5731312, and 8023317, based largely on Kepler and TESS data. All systems display remarkable eclipse timing and eclipse depth variations, the latter implying a non-aligned outer orbit. Moreover, KIC 6964043 is also a triply eclipsing system. We combined photometry, ETV curves, and archival spectral energy distribution data to obtain the astrophysical parameters of the constituent stars and the orbital elements with substantial precision. KICs 6964043 and 5653126 were found to be nearly flat with mutual inclinations imut = 4${_{.}^{\circ}}$1 and 12${_{.}^{\circ}}$3, respectively, while KICs 5731312 and 8023317 (imut = 39${_{.}^{\circ}}$4 and 55${_{.}^{\circ}}$7, respectively) are found to lie in the high imut regime of the von Zeipel-Kozai-Lidov (ZKL) theorem. We show that, currently, both high inclination triples exhibit observable unusual retrograde apsidal motion. Moreover, the eclipses will disappear in all but one of the four systems within a few decades. Short-term numerical integrations of the dynamical evolution reveal that both high inclination triples are currently subject to ongoing, large amplitude (Δe ∼ 0.3) inner eccentricity variations on centuries-long time-scales, in accord with the ZKL theorem. Longer-term integrations predict that two of the four systems may become dynamically unstable on ∼ Gyr time-scales, while in the other two triples common envelope phases and stellar mergers may occur. Finally, we investigate the dynamical properties of a sample of 71 KIC/TIC triples statistically, and find that the mutual inclinations and outer mass ratios are anticorrelated at the 4σ level. We discuss the implications for the formation mechanisms of compact triples.
Peculiar motion of Solar system from the Hubble diagram of supernovae Ia and its implications for cosmology
Authors: Singal Ashok K
Published: July 2022

Peculiar motion of the Solar system, determined from the dipole anisotropy in the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR), has given a velocity 370 km s−1 along RA = 168°, Dec. = −7°. Subsequent peculiar motion determinations from the number counts, sky brightness, or redshift dipoles observed in large samples of distant radio galaxies and quasars yielded peculiar velocities 2 to 10 times larger than CMBR, though in all cases the directions matched with the CMBR dipole. Here, we introduce a novel technique for determining the peculiar motion from the magnitude-redshift (mB–z) Hubble diagram of Type Ia Supernovae (SN Ia), one of the best standard candles available. We find a peculiar velocity 1.6 ± 0.5 × 103 km s−1, larger than the CMBR value roughly by a factor of four, along RA = 173° ± 12°, Dec. = 10° ± 9°, the direction being within $\stackrel{\lt }{_{\sim }}2\sigma$ of the CMBR dipole. Since a genuine solar motion would not depend upon the method or the data set employed, large discrepancies seen among various dipole amplitudes could imply that these dipoles, including the CMBR one, might not pertain to observer’s peculiar motion. However, a common direction for various dipoles might indicate a preferred direction in the Universe, implying an intrinsic anisotropy, in violation of the cosmological principle, a cornerstone of the modern cosmology.
Tidal disruption events by compact supermassive black hole binaries
Authors: Ryu Taeho , Trani Alessandro A , Leigh Nathan W C
Published: July 2022

Stars can be tidally destroyed or swallowed by supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs). Using a large number of few-body simulations, we investigate the enhancement and suppression of full and partial disruption and direct capture events by hard SMBHBs with wide ranges of key parameters, i.e. the primary BH mass ($M_{\rm BH, 1}= 10^{5}{-}10^{8}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$), the binary mass ratio (10−3–1), the ratio of the binary semimajor axis to the hardening radius (10−4–1), the binary eccentricity (0.0–0.9) and the stellar mass $(0.3{-}3\, {\rm M}_{\odot})$. This is a significant extension of the parameter space compared to previous work. We show that the encounter probabilities of all three events are well-described by the encounter cross-section. The probability of full tidal disruption events (FTDEs) by SMBHBs can be enhanced by up to a factor of 40–50 or suppressed by up to a factor of 10, relative to that by single BHs, depending on the binary parameters. Relativistic effects can provide an additional enhancement of the FTDE probability by less than a factor of 2–3 for $M_{\rm BH, 1}> 10^{7}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$. We provide a fitting formula for the FTDE probability by SMBHBs that works for a wide range of parameters. Partial disruption events can occur multiple times before FTDEs or direct captures, and their probabilities can be greater than that of FTDEs by a factor of three. Because partial disruption events can induce stellar spins and mass loss, and change the orbits, it can significantly affect the overall FTDE rate and the shape of the light curves.
A transient ultraluminous X-ray source in NGC 55
Authors: Robba A , Pinto C , Pintore F , Rodriguez G , Ambrosi E , Barra F , Cusumano G , D’Aì A , Del Santo M , Kosec P , Marino A , Middleton M , Roberts T , Salvaggio C , Soria R , Wolter A , Walton D
Published: July 2022

Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are a class of accreting compact objects with X-ray luminosities above 1039 erg s−1 . The average number of ULXs per galaxy is still not well-constrained, especially given the uncertainty on the fraction of ULX transients. Here, we report the identification of a new transient ULX in the galaxy NGC 55 (which we label as ULX-2), thanks to recent XMM–Newton and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory observations. This object was previously classified as a transient X-ray source with a luminosity around a few 1038 erg s−1 in a 2010 XMM–Newton observation. Thanks to new and deeper observations (∼130 ks each), we show that the source reaches a luminosity peak >1.6 × 1039 erg s−1. The X-ray spectrum of ULX-2 is much softer than in previous observations and fits in the class of soft ULXs. It can be well-described using a model with two thermal components, as often found in ULXs. The time-scales of the X-ray variability are of the order of a month and are likely driven by small changes in the accretion rate or due to super-orbital modulations, attributed to precession of the accretion disc, which is similar to other ULXs.
Radial velocities from far-red spectra of Carina Arm O and early B stars
Authors: Drew J E , Blake-Parsons F , Mohr-Smith M
Published: July 2022

Massive O and early B stars are important markers of recent star formation and exert a significant influence on their environments during their short lives via photoionization and winds and when they explode as supernovae. In the Milky Way, they can be detected at great distances but often lie behind large dust columns, making detection at short wavelengths difficult. In this study, the use of the less extinguished far-red spectrum (8400–8800 Å) for radial velocity measurement is examined. Results are reported for a sample of 164 confirmed OB stars within a 2° field positioned on the Carina Arm. Most stars are at distances between 3 and 6 kpc, and Westerlund 2 is at the field edge. The measured radial velocities have errors concentrated in the 3–10 km s−1 range, with a systematic uncertainty of 2–3 km s−1. These are combined with Gaia-mission astrometry to allow full space motions to be constructed. Up to 22 stars are likely to be runaways, although 8 of them are as likely to be interloping (so far undetected) binaries. The mean azimuthal motion of the sample fits in with recent measurements of Galactic disc rotation. In the Galactocentric radial direction, the mean motion indicates modest infall at a speed of ∼10 km s−1. This experiment shows that weak Paschen lines in the far-red can yield credible radial velocity determination, offering the prospect of exploring OB-star kinematics over much more of the Galactic disc than has hitherto been possible.
Comparative Genomics of the Waterfowl Innate Immune System
Authors: Jax Elinor , Franchini Paolo , Sekar Vaishnovi , Ottenburghs Jente , Monné Parera Daniel , Kellenberger Roman T , Magor Katharine E , Müller Inge , Wikelski Martin , Kraus Robert H S
Published: July 2022

Animal species differ considerably in their ability to fight off infections. Finding the genetic basis of these differences is not easy, as the immune response is comprised of a complex network of proteins that interact with one another to defend the body against infection. Here, we used population- and comparative genomics to study the evolutionary forces acting on the innate immune system in natural hosts of the avian influenza virus (AIV). For this purpose, we used a combination of hybrid capture, next- generation sequencing and published genomes to examine genetic diversity, divergence, and signatures of selection in 127 innate immune genes at a micro- and macroevolutionary time scale in 26 species of waterfowl. We show across multiple immune pathways (AIV-, toll-like-, and RIG-I -like receptors signalling pathways) that genes involved genes in pathogen detection (i.e., toll-like receptors) and direct pathogen inhibition (i.e., antimicrobial peptides and interferon-stimulated genes), as well as host proteins targeted by viral antagonist proteins (i.e., mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein, [MAVS]) are more likely to be polymorphic, genetically divergent, and under positive selection than other innate immune genes. Our results demonstrate that selective forces vary across innate immune signaling signalling pathways in waterfowl, and we present candidate genes that may contribute to differences in susceptibility and resistance to infectious diseases in wild birds, and that may be manipulated by viruses. Our findings improve our understanding of the interplay between host genetics and pathogens, and offer the opportunity for new insights into pathogenesis and potential drug targets.
Care processes and outcomes of deprivation across the clinical course of kidney disease: findings from a high-income country with universal healthcare
Authors: Sawhney Simon , Blakeman Tom , Blana Dimitra , Boyers Dwayne , Fluck Nick , Nath Mintu , Methven Shona , Rzewuska Magdalena , Black Corri
Published: July 2022

Background

No single study contrasts the extent and consequences of inequity of kidney care across the clinical course of kidney disease.

Methods

This population study of Grampian (UK) followed incident presentations of acute kidney injury (AKI) and incident estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds of <60, <45 and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 in separate cohorts (2011–2021). The key exposure was area-level deprivation (lowest quintile of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation). Outcomes were care processes (monitoring, prescribing, appointments, unscheduled care), long-term mortality and kidney failure. Modelling involved multivariable logistic regression, negative binomial regression and cause-specific Cox models with and without adjustment of comorbidities.

Results

There were 41 313, 51 190, 32 171 and 17 781 new presentations of AKI and eGFR thresholds <60, <45 and <30  mL/min/1.73 m2. A total of 6.1–7.8% of the population was from deprived areas and (versus all others) presented on average 5 years younger, with more diabetes and pulmonary and liver disease. Those from deprived areas were more likely to present initially in hospital, less likely to receive community monitoring, less likely to attend appointments and more likely to have an unplanned emergency department or hospital admission episode. Deprivation had the greatest association with long-term kidney failure at the eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 threshold {adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.48 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–1.87]} and this association decreased with advancing disease severity [HR 1.09 (95% CI 0.93–1.28) at eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2), with a similar pattern for mortality. Across all analyses the most detrimental associations of deprivation were an eGFR threshold <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, AKI, males and those <65 years of age.

Conclusions

Even in a high-income country with universal healthcare, serious and consistent inequities in kidney care exist. The poorer care and outcomes with area-level deprivation were greater earlier in the disease course.
Interventions for Integrating Behavioral Health Services Into HIV Clinical Care: A Narrative Review
Authors: Goldhammer Hilary , Marc Linda G , Chavis Nicole S , Psihopaidas Demetrios , Massaquoi Massah , Cahill Sean , Bryant Hannah , Bourdeau Beth , Mayer Kenneth H , Cohen Stacy M , Keuroghlian Alex S
Published: July 2022

The integration of behavioral health services within human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care settings holds promise for improving substance use, mental health, and HIV-related health outcomes for people with HIV. As part of an initiative funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s HIV/AIDS Bureau, we conducted a narrative review of interventions focused on behavioral health integration (BHI) in HIV care in the United States (US). Our literature search yielded 19 intervention studies published between 2010 and 2021. We categorized the interventions under 6 approaches: collaborative care; screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT); patient-reported outcomes (PROs); onsite psychological consultation; integration of addiction specialists; and integration of buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NX) treatment. All intervention approaches appeared feasible to implement in diverse HIV care settings and most showed improvements in behavioral health outcomes; however, measurement of HIV outcomes was limited. Future research studies of BHI interventions should evaluate HIV outcomes and assess facilitators and barriers to intervention uptake.
Cardiac electrical instability in Erdheim-Chester disease: a case report
Authors: Urbani Andrea , Pensotti Filippo , Castini Diego , Magnani Silvia , Simeoli Pasquale Simone , Campochiaro Corrado , Dagna Lorenzo , Cappelletti Alberto M , Sponzilli Carlo , Guazzi Marco
Published: July 2022

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystemic disorder of non-Langerhans histiocytic cells with a pleomorphic clinical presentation. It affects bones, skin, central nervous system, pituitary gland, ocular tissue, kidneys and perirenal tissue and lungs. Cardiac involvement presents usually with pericardial effusion and right atrial masses, but rarely with conduction system infiltration and subsequent arrhythmic events. Following the discovery of mutations of activating signaling kinase proteins (BRAF, MEK, ALK), the therapeutic landscape has changed to a more precise targeted treatment. Currently vemurafenib is approved for patient with end-organ dysfunction and BRAF-V600E mutation and the prognosis has dramatically improved. Here we present a case of ECD with electrical instability as main clinically relevant manifestation of cardiac involvement.
Minimally invasive fenestration for congenital hepatic cyst in infant
Authors: Muta Yuki , Odaka Akio , Inoue Seiichiro , Takechi Yuta , Beck Yoshifumi
Published: July 2022

A 19-year-old woman underwent prenatal ultrasonography, which confirmed the presence of an isolated cystic mass in the upper abdominal cavity of a fetus. A female infant weighing 3085 g was delivered at 36 weeks’ gestation. Ultrasonography and computed tomography examination revealed a clear unilocular cyst and occupying the right side of the abdomen. The infant’s respiratory status was unstable, and she fed poorly, owing to compression by the hepatic cyst. We performed ultrasound-guided aspiration of a hepatic cyst at 15 days old, but it rapidly re-grew. Therefore, we performed laparoscopic findings and fenestration of the hepatic cyst via an umbilical arc incision and the cyst wall was excised at 43 days old. The histopathological diagnosis was mesothelial cell-derived hepatic cyst. Three years after the operation, no recurrence has been observed. Hepatic cyst fenestration by umbilical incision can be performed safely in infants and it is a cosmetically superior method.
Transcript and metabolite network perturbations in lignin biosynthetic mutants of Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Peng , Guo Longyun , Morgan John , Dudareva Natalia , Chapple Clint
Published: July 2022

Lignin, one of the most abundant polymers in plants, is derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway, which also gives rise to an array of metabolites that are essential for plant fitness. Genetic engineering of lignification can cause drastic changes in transcription and metabolite accumulation with or without an accompanying development phenotype. To understand the impact of lignin perturbation, we analyzed transcriptome and metabolite data from the rapidly lignifying stem tissue in 13 selected phenylpropanoid mutants and wild-type Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Our dataset contains 20,974 expressed genes, of which over 26% had altered transcript levels in at least one mutant, and 18 targeted metabolites, all of which displayed altered accumulation in at least one mutant. We found that lignin biosynthesis and phenylalanine supply via the shikimate pathway are tightly co-regulated at the transcriptional level. The hierarchical clustering analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) grouped the 13 mutants into 5 subgroups with similar profiles of mis-regulated genes. Functional analysis of the DEGs in these mutants and correlation between gene expression and metabolite accumulation revealed system-wide effects on transcripts involved in multiple biological processes.
High temperature restricts cell division and leaf size by coordination of PIF4 and TCP4 transcription factors
Authors: Saini Kumud , Dwivedi Aditi , Ranjan Aashish
Published: July 2022

High ambient temperature suppresses Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) rosette leaf area and elongates the stem and petiole. While the mechanism underlying the temperature-induced elongation response has been extensively studied, the genetic basis of temperature regulation of leaf size is largely unknown. Here, we show that warm temperature inhibits cell proliferation in Arabidopsis leaves, resulting in fewer cells compared to the control condition. Cellular phenotyping and genetic and biochemical analyses established the key roles of PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) and TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF4 (TCP4) transcription factors in the suppression of Arabidopsis leaf area under high temperature by a reduction in cell number. We show that temperature-mediated suppression of cell proliferation requires PIF4, which interacts with TCP4 and regulates the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor KIP-RELATED PROTEIN1 (KRP1) to control leaf size under high temperature. Warm temperature induces binding of both PIF4 and TCP4 to the KRP1 promoter. PIF4 binding to KRP1 under high temperature is TCP4 dependent as TCP4 regulates PIF4 transcript levels under high temperature. We propose a model where a warm temperature-mediated accumulation of PIF4 in leaf cells promotes its binding to the KRP1 promoter in a TCP4-dependent way to regulate cell production and leaf size. Our finding of high temperature-mediated transcriptional upregulation of KRP1 integrates a developmental signal with an environmental signal that converges on a basal cell regulatory process.
Effective Dose to Adult Patients Undergoing Renal Scans With 99MTC (DMSA, DTPA, EC and MAG3)
Authors: Sadre Momtaz Alireza , Safarnejad Farzin
Published: July 2022

Renal scintigraphy plays an important role in the diagnosis of various kidney disorders. This procedure can be performed with different radiopharmaceuticals. The patients undergoing renal scintigraphy receive a radiation dose that should be assessed. In this study, the effective dose of patients due to renal scintigraphy with 99mTc (DMSA, DTPA, EC and MAG3) was calculated for the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 110 adult reference phantoms using the Medical Internal Radiation Dose method and the ICRP 60 and 103 tissue weighting factors. The results show that the highest effective dose per unit activity administered is due to 99mTc DMSA. On average, the effective dose per unit activity administered of 99mTc DMSA is almost twice the effective dose per unit activity administered of other radiopharmaceuticals. The effective doses per unit activity administered calculated using the ICRP 103 tissue weighting factors are always lower than that calculated using the ICRP 60 tissue weighting factors and the ICRP 128 data.
Augmented Production of Platelets From Cord Blood With Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferase Inhibition
Authors: Liu Yiying , Zhao Jingjing , Wang Yan , Su Pei , Wang Hongtao , Liu Cuicui , Zhou Jiaxi
Published: July 2022

Cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (CB-HSPCs) have emerged as a promising supply for functional platelets to potentially alleviate the increasing demand for platelet transfusions, but the clinical application has been limited by the undefined molecular mechanism and insufficient platelet production. Here, we performed single-cell profiling of more than 16 160 cells to construct a dynamic molecular landscape of human megakaryopoiesis from CB-HSPCs, enabling us to uncover, for the first time, cellular heterogeneity and unique features of neonatal megakaryocytes (MKs) and to also offer unique resources for the scientific community. By using this model, we defined the genetic programs underlying the differentiation process from megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors (MEPs) to MKs via megakaryocyte progenitors (MKPs) and identified inhibitors of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase (EHMT), which, when applied at the early stage of differentiation, significantly increase the final platelet production. At the mechanistic level, we found that EHMT inhibitors act to selectively induce the expansion of MEPs and MKPs. Together, we uncover new mechanistic insights into human megakaryopoiesis and provide a novel chemical strategy for future large-scale generation and clinical applications of platelets.
Chemokine Assay Matrix Defines the Potency of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Lipat Ariel Joy , Cottle Chasen , Pirlot Bonnie M , Mitchell James , Pando Brian , Helmly Brian , Kosko Joanna , Rajan Devi , Hematti Peiman , Chinnadurai Raghavan
Published: July 2022

Potency analysis of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is required for their use in advanced clinical trials. Assay matrix strategy evaluating more than a single property of MSCs is an emerging strategy in potency analysis. Here we developed an assay matrix approach focusing on the secretory chemokine responses of MSCs using multiplex analytical method. MSCs’ innate fitness in secreting matrix of chemokines is correlated with their metabolic fitness in differential degrees. In addition, innately secreting chemokines are correlated among themselves in a unique pattern. MSC’s matrix chemokine responses to exogenous stimulation of IFNγ and/or TNFα are distinct. However, the combination of IFNγ and TNFα is superior than individual stimulations in eliciting robust and broad matrix chemokine responses of MSCs. Correlation matrix analysis has identified that chemokine responses to IFNγ and/or TNFα display unique correlative secretion patterns. MSC and peripheral blood mononuclear cells coculture analysis has identified the correlation matrix responses of chemokines that predicted immune suppression. In addition, MSC-mediated blocking of T-cell proliferation predominantly correlates with chemokines in an inverse manner. Knockdown of chemokines has demonstrated that MSC-sourced inherent chemokines do not actively play a role in T-cell suppression and thus are the bystander predictors of T-cell suppression. The present analysis of MSC’s matrix chemokine responses can be deployed in the advanced potency analysis of MSCs.
Feasibility and Safety of Low-Dose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusion in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Erasmus David Brett , Durand Nisha , Alvarez Francisco A , Narula Tathagat , Hodge David O , Zubair Abba C
Published: July 2022

Background

We have previously shown bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may shift immune responses toward anti-inflammatory pathways and stabilize the course of obstructive chronic lung allograft syndrome (o-CLAD) after lung transplantation. In this study, we measured the response of lower dose infusions.

Methods

We infused low-dose MSCs intravenously in 13 patients who had developed moderate-to-severe o-CLAD. Three had previously received an infusion of MSCs from a different donor and were re-dosed at 1 × 106 MSC/kg, while 5 received a first dose at 1 × 106 MSC/kg and five received an even lower dose at 0.5 × 106 MSC/kg. We recorded pulmonary function tests before and after infusion, and patients were followed clinically for 12 months.

Results

Infusions were well tolerated, and no significant adverse events were recorded in the first 30 days. There was significant decline (mean ± SD) in forced vital capacity (FVC) (3.49 ± 1.03 vs 3.18 ± 0.94 L, P = .03) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (2.28 ± 0.86 vs 1.77 ± 0.49 L, P = .04) over the year preceding infusion. FVC (3.18 ± 0.94 vs 3.46 ± 0.99 L, P = .53) and FEV1 was not significantly changed (1.77 ± 0.49 vs 1.88 ± 0.75, P = .72) when comparing values immediately prior to infusion to those obtained 1 year after infusion, indicating a possible stabilizing effect on lung function decline due to o-CLAD.

Conclusion

Intravenous infusions of bone marrow-derived MSCs are well tolerated in lung transplant recipients with moderate-to-severe CLAD. Low-dose MSCs appear to slow progression of CLAD in some patients.
Virulence Phenotyping and Molecular Genotyping Reveal High Diversity Within and Strong Gene Flow Between the Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Populations Collected from Barberry and Wheat in Shaanxi Province of China
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Huang Xueling , Li Qiao , Huang Lili , Kang Zhensheng , Zhao Jie
Published: July 2022

Emergence of new Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici races that overcome resistance of wheat cultivars is a challenging issue for wheat production. Although sexual reproduction of the fungus on barberry plants under field conditions in the spring in China has been reported, the diversity of the pathogen on barberry plants and the relationship to the population in wheat fields have not been determined. In the present study, two P. striiformis f. sp. tritici populations collected in western Shaanxi Province in May 2016, one from barberry plants (103 isolates) and the other from nearby wheat crops (107 isolates), were phenotyped for virulence and genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The phenotypic and genotypic data of the two populations were compared to determine their relationships. A total of 120 races, including 29 previously known races (seven were shared by the two populations) and 91 new races (35 from barberry and 56 from wheat), were identified. Similarly, a total of 132 multilocus genotypes, including 51 only from barberry, 77 only from wheat, and four from both, were detected using the SSR markers. Analyses of molecular variance identified high (93%) genetic variance within populations and low but still significant variance (7%) between the populations. Nonparametric multivariate discriminant analysis of principal components and STRUCTURE analysis showed that the two populations had a close relationship with little genetic differentiation (FST = 0.038) and strong gene flow (Nm = 6.34, P = 0.001) between them. Although the analysis of linkage disequilibrium indicated clonal populations, the isolation of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici from barberry plants and the high genetic diversities in the barberry and wheat populations suggest that barberry plants provide aeciospores to infect wheat crops in the area. The information is useful for understanding stripe rust epidemiology and management of the disease.
Incorporating telemedicine into an ambulatory orthopedic practice
Authors: Pelkowski Jessica N. , Gajarawala Shilpa N. , Spelsberg Sarah C. , Ledford Cameron K.
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many challenges for the healthcare system. This article describes how an ambulatory orthopedic practice transitioned to telemedicine in order to continue to provide effective, efficient, and safe care for patients. Although this discipline relies heavily on physical assessment and examination, telemedicine can be successfully implemented in this area.
Selinexor therapy for multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Goldsmith Scott R. , Liu Lawrence , Shiah Kevin
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

In this review we highlight the most recent studies furthering the clinical development of selinexor, a novel exportin-1 inhibitor, for the treatment of multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Recent findings

Three pivotal trials, the SADAL trial for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and the BOSTON and selinexor treatment of refractory myeloma trials for multiple myeloma, have recently led to the regulatory approval of selinexor monotherapy or combination regimens. They are complemented by several earlier phase clinical trials with iterative combinations, adding selinexor to novel therapies and cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens at various stages in the disease courses. In some, selinexor appears synergistic, occasionally overcoming treatment refractoriness, whereas in other situations appears additive. Consistent issues with tolerability are seen across trials, although consensus guidelines on their preemption and management have recently been adopted which may improve treatment success. While comparative data are lacking, the efficacy of selinexor-based regimens does not approach that of contemporaneous cellular and immunotherapies.

Selinexor is a novel and potentially synergistic therapy for lymphoid malignancies, although requires refined supportive measures and strategies to improve its efficacy. Likely, for continued success, it will need to identify niches that complement recent advances, such as bridging to cellular therapies or maintenance thereafter.
Thermoneutrality induces vascular dysfunction and impaired metabolic function in male Wistar rats: a new model of vascular disease
Authors: Keller Amy C. , Chun Ji H. , Knaub L.A. , Henckel M.M. , Hull S.E. , Scalzo R.L. , Pott G.B. , Walker L.A. , Reusch J.E.B.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Cardiovascular disease is of paramount importance, yet there are few relevant rat models to investigate its pathology and explore potential therapeutics. Housing at thermoneutral temperature (30 °C) is being employed to humanize metabolic derangements in rodents. We hypothesized that housing rats in thermoneutral conditions would potentiate a high-fat diet, resulting in diabetes and dysmetabolism, and deleteriously impact vascular function, in comparison to traditional room temperature housing (22 °C).

Methods:

Male Wistar rats were housed at either room temperature or thermoneutral temperatures for 16 weeks on either a low or high-fat diet. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were conducted at the beginning and end of the study. At the study's conclusion, vasoreactivity and mitochondrial respiration of aorta and carotid were conducted.

Results:

We observed diminished vasodilation in vessels from thermoneutral rats (P < 0.05), whereas high-fat diet had no effect. This effect was also observed in endothelium-denuded aorta in thermoneutral rats (P < 0.05). Vasoconstriction was significantly elevated in aorta of thermoneutral rats (P < 0.05). Diminished nitric oxide synthase activity and nitrotyrosine, and elevated glutathione activity were observed in aorta from rats housed under thermoneutral conditions, indicating a climate of lower nitric oxide and excess reactive oxygen species in aorta. Thermoneutral rat aorta also demonstrated less mitochondrial respiration with lipid substrates compared with the controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our data support that thermoneutrality causes dysfunctional vasoreactivity, decreased lipid mitochondrial metabolism, and modified cellular signaling. These are critical observations as thermoneutrality is becoming prevalent for translational research models. This new model of vascular dysfunction may be useful for dissection of targetable aspects of cardiovascular disease and is a novel and necessary model of disease.
Nitroxoline Drug Combinations Are More Active Than Lyme Antibiotic Combination and Can Eradicate Stationary-Phase Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Alvarez-Manzo Hector S. , Zhang Yumin , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2022

Lyme disease (LD), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and Europe. Despite the standard 2–4 weeks' antibiotic treatment, approximately 10%–20% of patients will develop posttreatment LD syndrome, a condition that is poorly understood. One of the probable causes is thought to be the presence of B. burgdorferi persister forms that are not effectively killed by the current LD antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated nitroxoline, an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, for its activity against a stationary-phase culture enriched with persister forms of B. burgdorferi. Nitroxoline was found to be more active than doxycycline and equally active as cefuroxime (standard LD antibiotics) against B. burgdorferi. Importantly, the nitroxoline two-drug combinations nitroxoline + cefuroxime and nitroxoline + clarithromycin, as well as the nitroxoline three-drug combination nitroxoline + cefuroxime + clarithromycin, were as effective as the persister drug daptomycin-based positive control three-drug combination cefuroxime + doxycycline + daptomycin, completely eradicating stationary-phase B. burgdorferi in the drug-exposure experiments and preventing regrowth in the subculture study. Future studies should evaluate these promising drug combinations in a persistent LD mouse model.
Prospects for the Implementation of HIV Molecular Transmission Network–Informed AIDS Prevention and Control in China
Authors: Feng Yi , Xing Hui , Ruan Yuhua , Liao Lingjie , Shao Yiming
Published: July 2022

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected population with a transmission link has a strong genetic similarity in viral gene sequences that tend to cluster. In recent years, a strategy for guiding HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention using sequence-based transmission networks has been proposed. The execution of this strategy provides an opportunity to effectively control the spread of the AIDS epidemic in China. HIV molecular transmission network research has been actively pursued by a number of Chinese research groups. Medium- and long-term strategies were created with the goal of using HIV molecular transmission networks to guide targeted prevention and control in China. Technical guidelines for HIV transmission network monitoring and intervention have been written and released. Pilot studies are continuing in the meantime. Despite the fact that this strategy has a bright future, there are still many challenges to overcome to achieve the intended AIDS prevention and control goals.
Virginity Testing
Authors:   International Association of Forensic Nurses
Published: July 2022

Virginity testing is a human rights violation involving an examination of the female genitalia, often by a healthcare professional, intended to correlate the appearance of the hymen in women or girls with previous sexual intercourse. Virginity testing examinations are conducted under a variety of circumstances and settings: before marriage to establish virginity, to disprove or prove an allegation of sexual violence, to legally assess the allegation of a woman or girl not being a virgin in the absence of bleeding on her wedding night, and to intimidate political activists and detainees. Despite the United Nations Human Rights Office, United Nations Women, and World Health Organization calling for a ban on this practice, it remains common practice in various regions around the world. It is the position of the International Association of Forensic Nurses that virginity testing cannot accurately determine if consensual sexual activity or sexual abuse has occurred and can result in significant physical, psychological, and social consequences.
The role of PET in the management of sarcoidosis
Authors: Vender Robert J. , Aldahham Hamad , Gupta Rohit
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

PET has emerged as method to determine the location and extent of disease activity in sarcoidosis. As most clinicians do not routinely utilize PET in the management of sarcoidosis, an understanding of the imaging technique is needed to comprehend the impact that PET abnormalities have on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Recent findings

Although PET can detect inflammation because of sarcoidosis throughout the body, it is most often utilized for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis for which it may provide information about prognosis and adverse events. Whenever PET is combined with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), clinicians may be able to increase the diagnostic yield of imaging. Furthermore, PET abnormalities have the potential to be utilized in the reduction or augmentation of therapy based on an individual's response to treatment. Although various biomarkers are used to monitor disease activity in sarcoidosis, an established and reproducible relationship between PET and biomarkers does not exist.

PET has the potential to improve the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and alter treatment decisions but prospective trials are needed to define the role of PET while also standardizing the performance and interpretation of the imaging modality.