bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice exhibit low oxygen saturation and alterations of erythrocytes preceding the neuropathology and cognitive deficiency during Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Manli , Chen Xi , Niu Long , Xu Jianli , Yu Hang , Xu Xiaojiao , Yang Qiu , Xiang Yang , Le Weidong
Published: March 2023

Aim

The molecular mechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies remains unclear. The brain is extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation, and brief interruptions in oxygen supply may lead to permanent brain damage. The objective here was to access the red blood cell (RBC) physiological alterations and the changes in blood oxygen saturation of an AD model as well as to explore the possible mechanism underlying these pathologies.

Methods

We used female APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice as AD models. Data were collected at the age of 3, 6, and 9 months. In addition to examining classic features of AD, namely cognitive deficiency and Aβ depositions, 24 h blood oxygen saturation was monitored by Plus oximeters in real time. In addition, RBC physiological parameters were measured by blood cell counter using peripheral blood from the epicanthal veins. Furthermore, in the mechanism investigations, the expression of phosphorylated band 3 protein was examined by a series of Western blot analyses, and the levels of soluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 on the membrane of RBCs were determined by ELISA.

Results

Our results showed that the blood oxygen saturation in the AD mice was significantly reduced as early as at 3 months of age, preceding the neuropathological changes and cognitive impairments. Meanwhile, the expression of phosphorylated band 3 protein and levels of soluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 were all elevated in the erythrocytes of the AD mice.

Conclusion

APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice exhibited decreased oxygen saturation together with reduced RBC counts and hemoglobin concentrations at the early stage, which may aid in the development of predictive markers for AD diagnosis. The increased expression of band 3 protein and elevated Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels may contribute to the deformation of RBCs and, in turn, cause the subsequent AD development.
The community impact of school‐shootings on stress‐related emergency department visits
Authors: Gujral Kritee , Ellyson Alice M. , Rowhani‐Rahbar Ali , Rivara Frederick
Published: March 2023

School‐shootings can enormously impact U.S. gun policy, but very little is known about the community mental health impact of school‐shootings. We used difference‐in‐differences and event study analyses to compare stress‐related ED visits in zip‐codes within 5 miles (exposed) and in zip‐codes 10–15 miles from (control) school‐shootings before and after school‐shootings using data from California, 2005–2011. School‐shootings and fatal school‐shootings were associated with annual increases of 0.7 and 1.5 stress‐related ED visits per 1000 people, increases of 7% and 14%, respectively, compared to pre‐shooting utilization. These previously unmeasured costs of school‐shootings reinforce calls to prevent gun violence, especially in schools.
“Take care of your families, take care of one another”: Indigenist families and foodways
Authors: McKinley Catherine E.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this research was to examine how families and foodways have evolved over time and how they may present promising promotive factors for resilience, health, and wellness.

Background

Because food is central to family, social relationships, and healthy living, Indigenist foodways may promote family resilience and offset inequities.

Method

Pragmatic horizon analysis of data drawn from 31 critical ethnographic interviews on food and family in the Southeast and Northwest, including both urban and rural reservation tribal contexts, resulted in emergent themes related to food and families.

Results

Themes included (a) foodways fostering family connectedness: “The fresh vegetable is how I remember my grandpa”; (b) tight‐knit extended families and communities: “The community where I grew up … everybody knew each other, so everybody … pitched in”; (c) family and community celebrations nurturing cohesion: “The family I have, I can always count on. I can trust each one of them”; and (d) families fostering healing: “Sit down and talk to somebody … that you can trust.”

Conclusion

Participants explained how foodways promoted family resilience by bringing families and communities together. Indigenist foodways fostered continuity and healing through food preparation and processing and through feasts and gatherings.

Implications

Foodways were described as fundamental to family resilience and community connectedness. Subsistence fostered exercise, eating locally sourced foods, and family resilience. Interventions are needed to promote Indigenist foodway sovereignty while first understanding how culture, history, and food inform wellness and community well‐being.
Negative relationship between photosynthesis and late‐stage canopy development and senescence over Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Meng Fandong , Liu Dan , Wang Yilong , Wang Shiping , Wang Tao
Published: March 2023

Canopy greening, which is associated with significant canopy structure changes, is the most notable signal of ecosystem changes in response to anthropogenic climate change. However, our knowledge of the changing pattern of canopy development and senescence, and its endogenous and climatic drivers is still limited. Here, we used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to quantify the changes in the speed of canopy development and senescence over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) during 2000–2018, and used a solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence dataset as a proxy for photosynthesis, in combination with climate datasets to decipher the endogenous and climatic drivers of the interannual variation in canopy changes. We found that the canopy development during the early green‐up stage (April–May) is accelerating at a rate of 0.45–0.8 × 10−3 month−1 year−1. However, this accelerating canopy development was largely offset by a decelerating canopy development during June and July (−0.61 to −0.51 × 10−3 month−1 year−1), leading to the peak NDVI over the TP increasing at a rate of only one fifth of that in northern temperate regions, and less than one tenth of that in the Arctic and boreal regions. During the green‐down period, we observed a significant accelerating canopy senescence during October. Photosynthesis was found to be the dominant driver for canopy changes over the TP. Increasing photosynthesis stimulates canopy development during the early green‐up stage. However, slower canopy development and accelerated senescence was found with larger photosynthesis in late growth stages. This negative relationship between photosynthesis and canopy development is probably linked to the source–sink balance of plants and shifts in the allocation regime. These results suggest a sink limitation for plant growth over the TP. The impact of canopy greening on the carbon cycle may be more complicated than the source‐oriented paradigm used in current ecosystem models.
The innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer from the perspective of carbon emission reduction demand: A case study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China
Authors: Mi Zefeng , Qiu Zhixin , Zeng Gang , Zhou Can , Ye Lei
Published: March 2023

Reducing carbon emissions is the only way to solve the global climate problem, which obviously requires the joint efforts of all regions. From the perspective of carbon emission reduction demand, this research obtains the data of low‐carbon patents and CO2 emissions from 2000 to 2019, and then explores the innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). We draw the following conclusions: (1) Low‐carbon technology transfer has a positive impact on low‐carbon technology innovation. However, a large number of low‐carbon technology transfers are concentrated between developed regions in the YREB at present. (2) No matter from the perspective of total amount or efficiency, carbon emission reduction demand can play positive moderating role in the process of exerting the innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer, indicating that the transfer of low‐carbon technologies to regions with high demand is efficient. (3) The moderating effect of carbon emission reduction demand in different regions has regional heterogeneity. Carbon emissions per unit of GDP plays a greater role in moderating the innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer in the eastern region, while CO2 emissions plays a greater role in the central and western regions. Therefore, we propose to strengthen the transfer of low‐carbon technologies between developed and less‐developed regions, and adopt differentiation strategies according to the actual situation of each region. Our research has deepened the understanding of environmental economic geography on the innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer, and has reference significance for global low‐carbon technology cooperation.
Do people living with HIV travel safely? Assessment of travel patterns and advice‐seeking behaviour in a cohort of people living with HIV in Belgium
Authors: Martin Charlotte , Bottieau Emmanuel , Delforge Marc , Dauby Nicolas
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Pre‐travel counselling has demonstrated its efficacy in decreasing travel‐related health complications. The current profile of people living with HIV (PLWH) in Europe [increasing age, visiting friends and relatives (VFR)] makes pre‐travel counselling crucial. We aimed to survey the self‐reported travel patterns and advice‐seeking behaviour among PLWH followed up at the HIV Reference Centre (HRC) of Saint‐Pierre Hospital, Brussels.

Methods

A survey was conducted in all PLWH presenting at the HRC from February to June 2021. The survey covered demographic elements, travel and pre‐travel consultation habits over the last 10 years, or since the diagnosis of HIV if it was made less than 10 years earlier.

Results

The survey was completed by 1024 PLWH (35% women, median age 49 years, the majority being virologically controlled). A substantial number of PLWH were involved in VFR travel in low‐resource countries and 65% sought pre‐travel advice before travelling: if not, it was because they did not know it was necessary (91%).

Conclusion

Travel is common among PLWH. Raising awareness of the importance of pre‐travel counselling should be a routine part of every healthcare encounter and especially during regular contact with HIV physicians.
Glass transition temperature of low‐activity waste nuclear glasses
Authors: George Jaime L. , Ferkl Pavel , Marcial Jose , Jin Tongan , Hrma Pavel , Kruger Albert A.
Published: March 2023

The glass transition temperature (Tg) is a parameter used in many glass melt viscosity models as it denotes a temperature around which liquid‐glass transition occurs. In this work, Tg values were measured for a series of low‐activity waste (LAW) glasses using differential scanning calorimetry. These data were combined with Tg data of other waste glasses available from literature. The combined dataset, consisting of 137 data points, was used for the development of several models to estimate Tg from glass composition. When testing the number of influential components and different supervised learning methods, we demonstrated that using more than 10 components or using non‐linear methods brought marginal improvement to the model accuracy. The best model predicts Tg of both LAW and high‐level waste glasses with reasonable accuracy.
G0S2 inhibits adipogenesis and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis by repressing the expression of SCD in chicken
Authors: Yang Shaohua , Wang Wenjun , Ni Shuang
Published: March 2023

Fatty acids metabolic products and intramuscular fat (IMF) content determine meat quality in chickens. In this study, the mechanisms of G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2) underlying modulation of chicken IMF content as well as fatty acid synthesis was investigated. Several advanced techniques including Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometer (GC–MS), RNA‐sequencing and lentiviral transfection were utilised. RNA‐sequencing showed that 2242 differentially expressed genes were significantly different, and many of these were related to lipid catabolism, such as stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD), acyl‐CoA synthetase bubblegum family member 2 (ACSBG2), and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), etc. Knocking down of G0S2 also affected the biological activities of signal transduction, catalytic activity, lipid metabolism, cell cycle and death, cell differentiation and immune response. GC–MS revealed that decreased lipid accumulation and lower unsaturated fatty acid percentage were observed in G0S2 knockdown adipocytes. Our results showed that lower expression of G0S2 decreased lipid accumulation mainly via down‐regulated SCD, then regulated mRNA levels of patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 2 (PNPLA2), which was shown as a major triglyceride lipase in the liver and adipose tissue. Importantly, we further verified the regulation network of G0S2 in the thigh tissues of 12 Huangshan Black chickens, which was consistent with previous IMF results. Thus, our study highlights that G0S2 modulated chicken meat quality traits by the G0S2–SCD–PNPLA2 axis in lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo. These findings are expected to provide a strategy from a genetic perspective for improving the meat quality.
Evolution of mitogenomic gene order in Orthoptera
Authors: Gaugel Sarah Maria , Hawlitschek Oliver , Dey Lara‐Sophie , Husemann Martin
Published: March 2023

Mitochondrial gene order has contributed to the elucidation of evolutionary relationships in several animal groups. It generally has found its application as a phylogenetic marker for deep nodes. Yet, in Orthoptera limited research has been performed on the gene order, although the group represents one of the oldest insect orders. We performed a comprehensive study on mitochondrial genome rearrangements (MTRs) within Orthoptera in the context of mitogenomic sequence‐based phylogeny. We used 280 published mitogenome sequences from 256 species, including three outgroup species, to reconstruct a molecular phylogeny. Using a heuristic approach, we assigned MTR scenarios to the edges of the phylogenetic tree and reconstructed ancestral gene orders to identify possible synapomorphies in Orthoptera. We found all types of MTRs in our dataset: inversions, transpositions, inverse transpositions, and tandem‐duplication/random loss events (TDRL). Most of the suggested MTRs were in single and unrelated species. Out of five MTRs which were unique in subgroups of Orthoptera, we suggest four of them to be synapomorphies; those were in the infraorder Acrididea, in the tribe Holochlorini, in the subfamily Pseudophyllinae, and in the two families Phalangopsidae and Gryllidae or their common ancestor (leading to the relationship ((Phalangopsidae + Gryllidae) + Trigonidiidae)). However, similar MTRs have been found in distant insect lineages. Our findings suggest convergent evolution of specific mitochondrial gene orders in several species, deviant from the evolution of the mitogenome DNA sequence. As most MTRs were detected at terminal nodes, a phylogenetic inference of deeper nodes based on MTRs is not supported. Hence, the marker does not seem to aid resolving the phylogeny of Orthoptera, but adds further evidence for the complex evolution of the whole group, especially at the genetic and genomic levels. The results indicate a high demand for more research on patterns and underlying mechanisms of MTR events in Orthoptera.
Strengthening the science–policy interface in the climate migration field
Authors: Hoffmann Roman , Vinke Kira , Šedová Barbora
Published: March 2023

The question of how climatic changes and hazards affect human mobility has increasingly gained prominence in public debates over the past decade. Despite improvements in the scientific understanding of the subject and advancements in policy, major gaps remain in addressing the humanitarian and socio‐economic challenges related to climate migration. In this perspectives article, we argue for a holistic approach and a closer integration of science and policy involving diverse stakeholders in the process of knowledge generation and implementation. We identify five key challenges characteristic for improving the science–policy interface: (i) conflictual political contexts and the securitization of human migration, (ii) simplistic narratives and framing of the subject, (iii) the uneven production and dissemination of knowledge, (iv) limited data and analytical capacities and (v) a selective topical and methodological focus. To address these diverse challenges, there is a need for more bridging initiatives at the science–policy interface that integrate diverse disciplines, approaches and stakeholders. A closer engagement of researchers and policymakers in the form of multi‐stakeholder exchanges, capacity‐building activities, co‐development and co‐implementation processes and integrative scientific assessments can help bridge the gap to support the inclusive generation of knowledge and the development of comprehensive policies.
Loneliness, affective disorders, suicidal ideation, and the use of psychoactive substances in a sample of adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cena Loredana , Trainini Alice , Zecca Sara , Bonetti Zappa Sofia , Cunegatti Federica , Buizza Chiara
Published: March 2023

Problem

The global coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic has been challenging for adolescents. Indeed, with the closure of schools and social centers and reduction of extracurricular activities, increased social isolation has compounded difficulties in and with school performance, loneliness, and social networking. Increased risk of mental health problems, substance abuse, affective disorders, suicidal ideation, and suicide has been reported in adolescents.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study assesses the association between loneliness, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, the use of social networks, and school achievement in a sample of Italian adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study also explores emotional dysregulation through the association between affective disorders (depression and anxiety), substance use, and social networks. The sample comprises adolescents in the first and second grades of high school during the pandemic; participants received an email explaining the purpose of the e‐research. Data were collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment, and the Loneliness Scale.

Findings

A total of 505 adolescents completed the web survey. Data revealed that students experienced difficulties with loneliness, problems with school achievement, and extracurricular activities. The mean scores for depression and anxiety were close to the borderline range. A total of 14.3% of adolescents intentionally harmed themselves or attempted suicide.

Conclusions

This study raises concerns about the impacts of the pandemic on adolescents that require the attention of adult reference figures who deal with adolescents, such as parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Results indicate the necessity of providing early interventions aimed at the prevention of psychopathologies and the promotion of adolescent mental health due to the pandemic.
Concentration of serum uric acid in patients with Renal Artery Stenosis and Hypertension prEdict Future nephropathy and death: C‐RASHEF study
Authors: Zheng Bin
Published: March 2023

Since both serum uric acid (SUA) and renal artery stenosis (RAS) are associated with atherosclerotic events and renal events, it is interesting to investigate whether SUA could predict long‐term outcome in patients with RAS. Patients were enrolled from inpatients from 2010 to 2014, must be ≥40‐year‐old. There were 3269 hypertensive patients enrolled, including 325 RAS patients. Endpoints included all‐cause death and new or worsening nephropathy (NNP). In analysis for all‐cause mortality, associations between SUA and risk of all‐cause mortality were an arising curve in total population, a U‐shape curve in non‐RAS population, and an arising curve in RAS population. When RAS was involved in multivariate analysis, association between SUA and risk of all‐cause mortality was still an arising curve in total population. In analysis for NNP, associations between SUA and risk of NNP were a declining curve in total population, not significant in non‐RAS population, and a U‐shape curve in RAS population. When RAS was involved in multivariate analysis, association between SUA and risk of NNP in total population was no longer significant. Not only association curve of SUA with mortality in non‐RAS patients is different from association curve in RAS patients, but also association curve of SUA with NNP in non‐RAS patients is different from association curve in RAS patients. The authors conclude that mechanisms of uric acid for mortality and NNP in RAS patients are different from non‐RAS patients. In addition to renal vascular obstruction, uric acid is another significant factor for NNP and death in RAS patients.
Whitening efficacy and tooth sensitivity in a combined in‐office and at‐home whitening protocol: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Takamizawa Toshiki , Aoki Ryota , Saegusa Makoto , Hirokane Eizo , Shoji Mone , Yokoyama Munenori , Kamimoto Atsushi , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: March 2023

Objective

This controlled randomized clinical trial determined the whitening efficacy and the intensity and absolute risk of tooth sensitivity in dual whitening when prefilled at‐home whitening trays were used between in‐office whitening intervals.

Materials and Methods

An in‐office whitening agent containing 35% hydrogen peroxide was used. A prefilled tray with a whitening agent containing 6% hydrogen peroxide was used for at‐home whitening. Sixty‐six subjects were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I: at‐home whitening was performed 10 times between the in‐office whitening treatments. Group II: at‐home whitening was performed five times between the in‐office whitening treatments. Group III: only in‐office whitening was performed. The tooth color changes were evaluated using a spectrophotometer. A visual analog scale was used to express the pain intensity.

Results

All the groups showed increased ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and ΔWID with increased whitening sessions. Group I at the 3rd whitening session showed significantly higher ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and ΔWID than group III. Tooth sensitivity showed higher values up to 24 h after whitening.

Conclusions

Although dual whitening with the prefilled tray and in‐office whitening had higher whitening ability than in‐office whitening alone, the intensity and absolute risk of tooth sensitivity was similar.

Clinical Relevance

The dual whitening might produce faster and stronger whitening effects than in‐office whitening alone.
Integration of conventional and digital surgical guide fabrication techniques for the partially edentulous patient: Reducing the number of surgical procedures for a complete arch implant‐supported prosthesis
Authors: Jo Hyunok C. , Williamson Richard A.
Published: March 2023

Surgical procedures on partially edentulous patients for complete arch implant‐supported prostheses involve remaining tooth extraction, alveolar bone reduction, and implant placement. Traditionally, partially edentulous patients undergo multiple surgeries, which extends the healing time and results in an extensively prolonged total treatment timeline. This technical article focuses on the fabrication of a more stable and predictive surgical guide to perform multiple surgical procedures in a single surgical appointment and planning a complete arch implant‐supported prosthesis for the partially edentulous patient.
Screw‐retained internal connection zirconia CAD–CAM abutments in single implant reconstructions: Results of a 1‐year prospective case series study
Authors: del Castillo Rafael , Gutiérrez‐Garrido Lourdes , Padial‐Molina Miguel , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of single‐tooth implant restorations using one‐piece, internally connected, screw‐retained, computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufactured monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated on regular diameter implants.

Material and methods

Following a 2‐stage surgical procedure, 22 implants placed in anterior and posterior areas in 21 partially edentulous patients (mean age of 55 years; 9 males/12 females) were evaluated in terms of plaque index, pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, level of oral hygiene (OH), signs of mucositis/peri‐implantitis, esthetic score (ES), gingival zenith position (GZP), papilla index score, the thickness of peri‐implant gingiva, radiographic marginal bone loss, and technical complications. Implants and restorations were prospectively followed from the insertion of the restoration (baseline), up to 12‐months post‐loading.

Results

A 100% implant survival rate resulted after loading; one implant was lost before loading. Clinically, patients performed an adequate OH, and tissues were kept healthy. Probing depth showed a slightly lower value at baseline compared to any follow‐up examination (2.26 [0.94] at baseline vs. 2.53 [0.66] mm at 12 months). ES, GZP, and the thickness of the peri‐implant gingiva improved throughout the course of the study. Radiographically, average marginal bone level (MBL) was 0.40 (0.40) mm after 1‐year follow‐up with no differences in average MBL at all time points. Technically, after 1 year of clinical function, neither abutment fracture nor any other serious complications occurred. Hence, prosthetic reconstruction survival rate was 100%.

Conclusions

Clinical outcomes of single‐tooth implant restorations using internally connected, screw‐retained, computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing monolithic zirconia abutments can be considered a reliable treatment alternative after 1‐year clinical observation.
The ripple effects of large‐scale transport infrastructure investment
Authors: Persyn Damiaan , Barbero Javier , Díaz‐Lanchas Jorge , Lecca Patrizio , Mandras Giovanni , Salotti Simone
Published: March 2023

We analyze the general equilibrium effects of an asymmetric decrease in transport costs, combining a large‐scale spatial dynamic general equilibrium model for 267 European NUTS‐2 regions with a detailed transport model at the level of individual road segments. As a case study, we consider the impact of the road infrastructure investments in Central and Eastern Europe of the European Cohesion Policy. Our analysis suggests that the decrease in transportation costs benefits the targeted regions via substantial increases in gross domestic product (GDP) and welfare compared to the baseline, and a small increase in population. The geographic information embedded in the transport model leads to relatively large predicted benefits in peripheral countries such as Greece and Finland, which hardly receive funds, but whose trade links cross Central and Eastern Europe, generating profit from the investments there. The richer, Western European nontargeted regions also enjoy a higher GDP after the investment in the East, but these effects are smaller. Thus, the policy reduces interregional disparities. There are rippled patterns in the predicted policy spillovers. In nontargeted countries, regions trading more intensely with regions where the investment is taking place on average benefit more compared to other regions within the same country, but also compared to neighboring regions across an international border. We uncover that regions importing goods from Central and Eastern Europe enjoy the largest spillovers. These regions become more competitive and expand exports, to the detriment of other regions in the same country.
Development of a consumer‐led emotion lexicon for meat and plant‐based burger patties using digitally recreated eating contexts
Authors: Orr Rebekah E. , Giezenaar Caroline , Godfrey A. Jonathan R. , Hort Joanne
Published: March 2023

The decision to consume novel foods such as plant‐based meat alternatives is often determined by emotional response. Generic food emotion lexicons are available for measuring emotional response, however, such lexicons may not capture the nuanced emotions associated with novel products. Here, an emotion lexicon specific to meat and plant‐based burger patties was developed. Discussion groups, where participants were digitally immersed in two typical burger eating environments, were used to generate relevant emotion terms toward different patties. A range of consumers contributed to the lexicon including users and nonusers of meat alternatives, two age groups, and three dietary groups. Subsequently, an on‐line sorting task followed by hierarchical clustering was used to reduce the size of the lexicon. The final lexicon contained 24 emotion categories. The lexicon shared terms with generic lexicons but notably contained other emotions associated with food neophobia, uncertainty, and deception.

Practical Applications

The results of this study provide an emotion lexicon specific to burger patties of meat and plant‐based origins. Currently no emotion lexicon has been developed for plant‐based patties, or plant‐based meat alternatives in general. It provides an important tool for further research concerning links between sensory and emotional drivers of plant‐based patty consumption across different types of patty consumers and has potential to be adopted for a wider product set.
High‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation over right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex differentially modulates inhibitory mechanisms for speech vs. limb movement
Authors: Johari Karim , Berger Joel I.
Published: March 2023

Evidence suggests that planning and execution of speech and limb movement are subserved by common neural substrates. However, less is known about whether they are supported by a common inhibitory mechanism. P3 event‐related potentials (ERPs) is a neural signature of motor inhibition, which are found to be generated by several brain regions including the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC). However, the relative contribution of rDLPFC to the P3 response associated with speech versus limb inhibition remains elusive. We investigated the contribution of rDLPFC to the P3 underlying speech versus limb movement inhibition. Twenty‐one neurotypical adults received both cathodal and sham high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD‐tDCS) over rDLPFC. ERPs were subsequently recorded while subjects were performing speech and limb Go/No‐Go tasks. Cathodal HD‐tDCS decreased accuracy for speech versus limb No‐Go. Both speech and limb No‐Go elicited a similar topographical distribution of P3, with significantly larger amplitudes for speech versus limb at a frontocentral location following cathodal HD‐tDCS. Moreover, results showed stronger activation in cingulate cortex and rDLPFC for speech versus limb No‐Go following cathodal HD‐tDCS. These results indicate (1) P3 is an ERP marker of amodal inhibitory mechanisms that support both speech and limb inhibition, (2) larger P3 for speech versus limb No‐Go following cathodal HD‐tDCS may reflect the recruitment of additional neural resources—particularly within rDLPFC and cingulate cortex—as compensatory mechanisms to counteract the temporary stimulation‐induced decline in speech inhibitory process. These findings have translational implications for neurological conditions that concurrently affect speech and limb movement.
Oral health issues of early baby boomers
Authors: Jones Judith A. , Moss Kevin , Weintraub Jane A.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this article is to detail the oral health status of early baby boomers and how it is affected by the cultural influences after World War II.

Methods

National data on clinically and self‐assessed oral conditions from the 2021 NIDCR Oral Health in America Report, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2014), Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cancer Institute (2018), the Indian Health Service (2022), and the Health and Retirement Study (2018) were tabulated and compared (where available) to similar data for older and younger cohorts.

Results

Data analyses show that there is more tooth retention overall. There are higher levels of tooth loss, unrestored caries, and periodontitis among Black, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Hispanic baby boomers, and the poor. Smokers had higher rates of periodontitis.

Conclusion

A life course approach to oral health care is warranted. Only by regular access and preventive care throughout life can avoidable, unnecessary, overly complex, and invasive procedures be prevented.
Association between PIRCHE‐II scores and de novo allosensitization after reduction of immunosuppression during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Castrezana‐Lopez Kai , Malchow Ronja , Nilsson Jakob , Kokkonen Sanna M. , Rho Elena , von Moos Seraina , Mueller Thomas F. , Schachtner Thomas
Published: March 2023

Background

Before the availability of mRNA vaccines, many transplant centers chose to significantly reduce maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The extent to which this increases the risk of allosensitization is unclear.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we analyzed 47 KTRs from March 2020 to February 2021 who underwent substantial reduction of maintenance immunosuppression during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. KTRs were followed at 6 and 18 months concerning the development of de novo donor‐specific anti‐HLA (human leukocyte antigen) antibodies (DSA). The HLA‐derived epitope mismatches were calculated using the predicted indirectly recognizable HLA‐epitopes (PIRCHE‐II) algorithm.

Results

In total, 14 of 47 KTRs (30%) developed de novo HLA antibodies after the reduction of maintenance immunosuppression. KTRs with higher total PIRCHE‐II scores and higher PIRCHE‐II scores for the HLA‐DR locus were more likely to develop de novo HLA antibodies (p = .023, p = .009). Furthermore, 4 of the 47 KTRs (9%) developed de novo DSA after reduction of maintenance immunosuppression, which were exclusively directed against HLA‐class II antigens and also showed higher PIRCHE‐II scores for HLA‐class II. The cumulative mean fluorescence intensity of 40 KTRs with preexisting anti‐HLA antibodies and 13 KTRs with preexisting DSA at the time of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection remained stable after the reduction of maintenance immunosuppression (p = .141; p = .529).

Conclusions

Our data show that the HLA‐derived epitope mismatch load between donor and recipient influences the risk of de novo DSA development when immunosuppression is temporarily reduced. Our data further suggest that reduction in immunosuppression should be made more cautiously in KTRs with high PIRCHE‐II scores for HLA‐class II antigens.

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Integrity for the Enforcement in Forestry Perspective
Authors: Mahmud Amsari
Published: March 2023

The Forestry Department is one of the organizations that preserve national treasure assets consistently. As civil servants and staff of the Forestry Department organization, they must uphold the nature of trust, transparency, and responsibility and serve the public interest, which is the essence of the terms integrity and ethics. In other words, integrity and ethics in work and organization is not just an individual's self-involvement to provide for his own needs but rather involves good actions done at work and all of this is closely related to religious teachings and responsibility as a human being. The erosion of the value of integrity among civil servants in the Forestry Department will result in administrative errors and misconduct in the organization. Therefore, the practice and understanding of integrity and ethics must be implemented. The government has already paid serious attention to the problem of integrity and ethics among civil servants by launching Corruption Risk Management to develop the country in a balanced way. Realizing the importance of integrity as the core of quality staff development, this study discusses integrity in law enforcement from the perspective of the Forestry Department. In addition, this article describes the issues and challenges faced by the Forestry Department related to the lack of research on the implications of forestry law enforcement, especially shared values, makes it difficult for policy makers to determine conservation goals, methods and standards that are suitable for local acceptance. There is also a proposal to improvise on the integrity of the Forestry department by identifying the policy and revising the working procedures of area applications and creating an open tender system so that the selection of loggers is more transparent. Ultimately, it can improve the integrity of law enforcement from the perspective of the Forestry Department so that all employees and civil servants in an organization can practice it in order to improve the quality of superior and effective services.
From critical appraisal to risk of bias assessment: clarifying the terminology for study evaluation in JBI systematic reviews
Authors: Stone Jennifer C. , Barker Timothy Hugh , Aromataris Edoardo , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel , Sears Kim , Klugar Miloslav , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Munn Zachary
Published: March 2023

The foundations for critical appraisal of literature have largely progressed through the development of epidemiologic research methods and the use of research to inform medical teaching and practice. This practical application of research is referred to as evidence-based medicine and has delivered a standard for the health care profession where clinicians are equally as engaged in conducting scientific research as they are in the practice of delivering treatments. Evidence-based medicine, now referred to as evidence-based health care, has generally been operationalized through empirically supported treatments, whereby the choice of treatments is substantiated by scientific support, usually by means of an evidence synthesis. As evidence synthesis methodology has advanced, guidance for the critical appraisal of primary research has emphasized a distinction from the assessment of internal validity required for synthesized research. This assessment is conceptualized and branded in various ways in the literature, such as risk of bias, critical appraisal, study validity, methodological quality, and methodological limitations. This paper provides a discussion of the definitions and characteristics of these terms, concluding with a recommendation for JBI to adopt the term “risk of bias” assessment.
Coupling of Volumetric Flowfield and Surface Effectiveness Measurements for Flat-Plate Film Cooling With Cylindrical Holes Using Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry and Pressure-Sensitive Paint
Authors: Wang Hanlin , Wright Lesley M.
Published: March 2023

In this study, a series of time-averaged tomographic particle image velocimetry (TPIV) measurements are completed for simple angle, cylindrical film cooling holes on a flat plate with an inclination angle of 30 deg and a diameter of 4 mm. The flat plate is installed in a low-speed wind tunnel with a mainstream turbulence intensity of Tu=8% and an average velocity of 21.6 m/s. The blowing ratios of the jet range from M = 0.3 to M = 1.5, and the density ratio of the jet is fixed at DR = 1. The Reynolds number of the cooling jet varies from 1700 to 8400. The repeatability and accuracy of the tomographic particle imaging velocimetry (TPIV) measurements are compared against the results obtained by other flowfield measurement techniques. The results of the TPIV measurements are presented in velocity and vorticity iso-surface distributions in 3D, as well as 2D planar slices of velocity, vorticity, turbulence intensity, and Reynolds Stress distributions within the measurement volume. The characteristics of the flowfield are coupled with the detailed film cooling effectiveness distribution obtained using the pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique. An inverse relation among volumetric turbulence accumulation (TA) and surface film effectiveness, η, can be correlated.
Noninvasive measurement of local stress inside soft materials with programmed shear waves
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyi , Li Guo-Yang , Jiang Yuxuan , Zheng Yang , Gower Artur L. , Destrade Michel , Cao Yanping
Published: March 2023

Mechanical stresses across different length scales play a fundamental role in understanding biological systems’ functions and engineering soft machines and devices. However, it is challenging to noninvasively probe local mechanical stresses in situ, particularly when the mechanical properties are unknown. We propose an acoustoelastic imaging–based method to infer the local stresses in soft materials by measuring the speeds of shear waves induced by custom-programmed acoustic radiation force. Using an ultrasound transducer to excite and track the shear waves remotely, we demonstrate the application of the method by imaging uniaxial and bending stresses in an isotropic hydrogel and the passive uniaxial stress in a skeletal muscle. These measurements were all done without the knowledge of the constitutive parameters of the materials. The experiments indicate that our method will find broad applications, ranging from health monitoring of soft structures and machines to diagnosing diseases that alter stresses in soft tissues.
A cortical zoom-in operation underlies covert shifts of visual spatial attention
Authors: Bartsch Mandy V. , Merkel Christian , Strumpf Hendrik , Schoenfeld Mircea A. , Tsotsos John K. , Hopf Jens-Max
Published: March 2023

Shifting the focus of attention without moving the eyes poses challenges for signal coding in visual cortex in terms of spatial resolution, signal routing, and cross-talk. Little is known how these problems are solved during focus shifts. Here, we analyze the spatiotemporal dynamic of neuromagnetic activity in human visual cortex as a function of the size and number of focus shifts in visual search. We find that large shifts elicit activity modulations progressing from highest (IT) through mid-level (V4) to lowest hierarchical levels (V1). Smaller shifts cause those modulations to start at lower levels in the hierarchy. Successive shifts involve repeated backward progressions through the hierarchy. We conclude that covert focus shifts arise from a cortical coarse-to-fine process progressing from retinotopic areas with larger toward areas with smaller receptive fields. This process localizes the target and increases the spatial resolution of selection, which resolves the above issues of cortical coding.
Enhancing HIV-1 latency reversal through regulating the elongating RNA Pol II pause-release by a small-molecule disruptor of PAF1C
Authors: Soliman Shimaa H. A. , Cisneros William J. , Iwanaszko Marta , Aoi Yuki , Ganesan Sheetal , Walter Miriam , Zeidner Jacob M. , Mishra Rama K. , Kim Eun-Young , Wolinsky Steven M. , Hultquist Judd F. , Shilatifard Ali
Published: March 2023

The polymerase-associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) is a key, post-initiation transcriptional regulator of both promoter-proximal pausing and productive elongation catalyzed by RNA Pol II and is also involved in transcriptional repression of viral gene expression during human immunodeficiency virus–1 (HIV-1) latency. Using a molecular docking–based compound screen in silico and global sequencing–based candidate evaluation in vivo, we identified a first-in-class, small-molecule inhibitor of PAF1C (iPAF1C) that disrupts PAF1 chromatin occupancy and induces global release of promoter-proximal paused RNA Pol II into gene bodies. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that iPAF1C treatment mimics acute PAF1 subunit depletion and impairs RNA Pol II pausing at heat shock–down-regulated genes. Furthermore, iPAF1C enhances the activity of diverse HIV-1 latency reversal agents both in cell line latency models and in primary cells from persons living with HIV-1. In sum, this study demonstrates that efficient disruption of PAF1C by a first-in-class, small-molecule inhibitor may have therapeutic potential for improving current HIV-1 latency reversal strategies.
T-Toxin Virulence Genes: Unconnected Dots in a Sea of Repeats
Authors: Haridas Sajeet , González Jennifer B. , Riley Robert , Koriabine Maxim , Yan Mi , Ng Vivian , Rightmyer Adriana , Grigoriev Igor V. , Baker Scott E. , Turgeon B. Gillian
Published: March 2023

In 1970 a corn disease epidemic ravaged fields in the United States to great economic loss. The outbreak was caused by a never-before seen, supervirulent strain of the fungal pathogen
Cochliobolus heterostrophus.
This was a plant disease epidemic, however, the current COVID-19 pandemic of humans is a stark reminder that novel, highly virulent, pathogens evolve with devastating consequences, no matter what the host-animal, plant, or other organism.
The Assembly of Bacteria Living in Natural Environments Shapes Neuronal Integrity and Behavioral Outputs in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Urquiza-Zurich Sebastian , Garcia-Angulo Victor Antonio , Burdisso Paula , Palominos M. Fernanda , Fernandez-Hubeid Lucia , Harcha Paloma A. , Castillo Juan P. , Calixto Andrea
Published: March 2023

Do behavioral choices depend on animals’ microbiota? To answer this question, we studied how different bacterial assemblies impact the life-history traits of the bacterivore nematode
C. elegans
using isolated bacteria found in association with wild nematodes in Chilean soil. We identified the first isolate, Iso1, as a novel species of
Stenotrophomonas
and isolate Iso2 as
Bacillus pumilus
.
The E2F4/p130 Repressor Complex Cooperates with Oncogenic ΔNp73α To Inhibit Gene Expression in Human Papillomavirus 38 E6/E7-Transformed Keratinocytes and in Cancer Cells
Authors: Taverniti Valerio , Krynska Hanna , Venuti Assunta , Straub Marie-Laure , Sirand Cécilia , Lohmann Eugenie , Romero-Medina Maria Carmen , Moro Stefano , Robitaille Alexis , Negroni Luc , Martinez-Zapien Denise , Masson Murielle , Tommasino Massimo , Zanier Katia
Published: March 2023

The TP53 gene is mutated in about 50% of human cancers. In contrast, the TP63 and TP73 genes are rarely mutated but rather expressed as ΔNp63 and ΔNp73 isoforms in a wide range of malignancies, where they act as p53 antagonists.
Supplemental Material: First identification of Early Cretaceous mafic dikes in the Baingoin area, central Tibet: Implications for crust-mantle interactions and magmatic flare-up
Authors: Hu Wan-Long , Wang Qiang , al. et
Published: March 2023

Supplementary figures, Analytical methods, and Analytical data.