bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fallen Angels and the Christian Body in Tertullian’s On the Veiling of Virgins: A Multispecies Exploration
Authors: Proctor Travis
Published: November 2023

Drawing on insights from posthuman theory, this article analyzes the role of fallen angels in Tertullian of Carthage’s On the Veiling of Virgins. In this treatise, Tertullian argues that unveiled virgins stand in danger of sexual attack by fallen angels and must don the veil to protect themselves. I examine how ancient understandings of connections between humans and (fallen) angels undergird Tertullian’s textual logics. I call attention to angels’ (1) hyper-sexual desire for human women, (2) cosmic positioning in the intermediary celestial realm, and (3) gawkish observance of humanity. I outline how each of these aspects of angelic nature serve as key supports for Tertullian’s construction of the human (female) body. I close the article by noting that Tertullian’s invocation of fallen angels likely served to counter the unveiled virgins’ own appeals to (benevolent) angelic corporeality, thus positioning Tertullian’s On Veiling as a kind of “counter-angelology.”
E2/ER signaling mediates the meiotic arrest of goat intrafollicular oocytes induced by follicle-stimulating hormone
Authors: Lu Sihai , Tang Yaju , Yao Ru , Xu Rui , Zhang Hui , Liu Jie , Gao Yan , Wei Qiang , Zhao Xiaoe , Liu Jianpeng , Han Bin , Pan Meng-Hao , Ma Baohua
Published: November 2023

The increased production of high-quality oocytes lies at the heart of the search to accelerate the reproduction of high-quality breeding livestock using assisted reproductive technology. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) maintains the arrest of oocyte meiosis during early follicular development in vivo and promotes the synchronous maturation of nucleus and cytoplasm to improve oocyte quality. However, the mechanism by which FSH maintains meiotic arrest in oocytes is still not fully understood. Oocytes spontaneously resume meiosis once released from the arrested state. In this study, we isolated goat antral follicles with a diameter of 2.0–4.0 mm, cultured them in vitro either with or without added FSH, and finally collected the oocytes to observe their meiotic state. The results showed that FSH effectively inhibited the meiotic recovery of oocytes in follicles [4 h: control (n = 84) vs. with FSH (n = 86), P = .0115; 6 h: control (n = 86) vs. FSH (n = 85), P = 0.0308; and 8 h: control (n = 95) vs. FSH (n = 101), P = 0.0039]. FSH significantly inhibited the downregulation of natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) expression and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) synthesis during follicular culture in vitro (P < 0.05). Further exploration found that FSH promoted the synthesis of 17β-estradiol (E2) (P = .0249 at 4 h and P = .0039 at 8 h) and maintained the expression of the estrogen nuclear receptor ERβ, but not the estrogen nuclear receptor ERα during follicle culture in vitro (P = .0190 at 2 h, and P = .0100 at 4 h). In addition, E2/ER (estrogen nuclear receptors ERα and ERβ) mediated the inhibitory effect of FSH on the downregulation of NPR2 expression and cGMP synthesis, ultimately preventing the meiotic recovery of oocytes (P < .05). In summary, our study showed that FSH-induced estrogen production in goat follicles, and the E2/ER signaling pathway, both mediated meiotic arrest in FSH-induced goat oocytes.
Associations between polymorphisms in the myostatin gene with calving difficulty and carcass merit in cattle
Authors: Ryan Cliona A , Purfield Deirdre C , Naderi Saeid , Berry Donagh P
Published: November 2023

A fully functional myostatin gene inhibits muscle fiber growth. The objective of the present study was to quantify the association between 21 known myostatin mutations with both calving and carcass traits in 12 cattle breeds. The myostatin genotypes of 32,770 dam-progeny combinations were used in the association analysis of calving dystocia, with the genotypes of 129,803 animals used in the mixed model association analyses of carcass weight, conformation, and fat score. The mixed model included additive genetic, maternal, and permanent environmental effects where appropriate. The mutant genotypes of nt821, Q204X, and F94L were all associated (P < 0.01) with more calving difficulty when present in either the dam or the progeny. The nt821 deletion had the greatest association with calving difficulty when the homozygous deletion was present in either the calf (0.37 points greater calving difficulty score relative to calves carrying no copies of the deletion based on a one to four scale) or the dam (1.30 points greater calving difficulty score relative to dams carrying no copies of the deletion), although the association between the calf’s nt821 genotype and calving difficulty differed depending on the nt821 genotype of the dam. With the exception of nt748_78, nt414, and nt374_51, all other seven segregating myostatin variants were associated (range of allele substitution effect size relative to animals with no copies of the mutant allele) with carcass weight (2.36 kg lighter to 15.56 kg heavier), all 10 segregating variants with conformation (0.15 units less conformed to 2.24 units more conformed assessed on a scale of 1 to 15), and all segregating variants other than E226X with carcass fat (0.23 units less carcass fat cover to 3.85 units more carcass fat cover assessed on a scale of 1 to 15). Of these, the F94L, Q204X, and nt821 mutations generally had the greatest association with all three carcass traits, giving rise to heavier and more conformed carcasses. Despite the antagonistic genetic relationship between calving difficulty and carcass traits, the nt374_51, F94L, and E226X mutations were all associated with improved carcass merit while having minimal expected consequences on calving difficulty. Thus, animals carrying these mutation(s) may have favorable genetic merit for calving difficulty and carcass merit. Furthermore, depending on the dam genotype, a bull with two copies of the nt821 mutation can produce progeny with improved carcass merit while minimizing calving problems.
Supplementation of palmitoleic acid improved piglet growth and reduced body temperature drop upon cold exposure
Authors: Feyera Takele , Lashkari Saman , Johannsen Jakob C , Llauradó-Calero Eudald , Zhe Li , Theil Peter K , Jensen Søren K
Published: November 2023

Piglet survival is a major challenge in the first few days postpartum and interventions during this period may improve survival and growth. This study investigated the effects of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n-7; PA) supplementation on growth performance, body temperature, fatty acid (FA), and energy metabolism in milk-replacer-fed piglets. Forty-eight piglets were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% PA supplementation as a percent of milk replacer) and given the diet through an orogastric tube. They were fed dietary treatments every 2 h for 4 d in the first week postpartum and all were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The piglets were weighed daily, and half in each dietary treatment group, the same piglets each day, were exposed daily to a lower temperature for 2 h. Plasma samples were collected immediately before sacrifice for analyses of FA and other plasma metabolites. The weight of organs and empty body weight were determined after sacrifice. Liver and semimembranosus muscle tissue samples were collected and analyzed for FA content. Contents of C16:1n-7 and C18:1n-7 in both plasma and liver (P < 0.001), and C16:1n-7 in semimembranosus muscle (P < 0.001) increased linearly as PA supplementation increased. Most plasma FA levels (except C16:1n-7, C16:1n-9, and C22:5n-3) were lower in piglets exposed to lower temperatures than those that were not. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, and lactate dehydrogenase levels increased linearly with PA supplementation (P < 0.001). Piglets’ average daily gain, liver glycogen pool, liver weight, and gallbladder weight increased linearly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively), but lung weight, liver nitrogen content, and body temperature drop decreased linearly (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively) with PA supplementation. Piglets exposed to low temperature had greater liver nitrogen (P < 0.05) and lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.001) contents but had lower liver weight (P < 0.01) and plasma lactate concentration (P < 0.05) than those that were not. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the importance of PA on the growth performance of the piglets by increasing their average daily gain and decreasing a drop in body temperature upon cold exposure, most likely due to a modified energy metabolism.
Comparing the Efficacy of Diluted Lidocaine Solution and Placebo in Reducing Pain Perception During Burn Wound Dressing Change
Authors: Yousefnezhad Omid , Meskar Hossein , Abdollahi, Amirsaleh , Frouzanian, Mehran , Pahnabi Ali , Faghani-Makrani Nafiseh
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 0.08% diluted lidocaine solution during and after wound dressing procedures for patients with burn injuries. Fifty burn patients aged 18-60 years, with burns ranging from 30% to 60%, were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received dressings diluted with 0.08% lidocaine solution, while the control group received a placebo. Vital signs were continuously monitored before, during, and after the application of new dressings. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) checklist before and after the dressing change in both groups. The study included 25 participants in the intervention group with a mean age of 40.2 ± 6.5 and 25 participants in the control group with a mean age of 39.1 ± 6.8. The groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics, including gender, age, weight, height, body mass index, percentage and degree of burns, as well as average morphine intake. No significant differences were observed in vital signs or pain scores before and after dressing changes between the 2 groups. However, the intervention group reported significantly lower pain scores during the dressing change compared to the control group (P < .001). Diluted lidocaine solution during wound dressing procedures can reduce pain in burn patients. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of this technique. This study suggests that lidocaine can be a useful tool in the management of pain during dressing changes for burn patients.
The Short- and Long-Term Outcome Priorities of a Western Australian Adult Burn Population
Authors: Spronk Inge , Wood Fiona M , Fear Mark W , Lansdorp Corine A , Edgar Dale W
Published: November 2023

To optimize patient recovery, understanding which outcomes are most important to burn patients is key. However, research to determine what outcomes are patient priorities is limited. Therefore, we assessed what outcomes are most important to Western Australian burn patients, separately in the short-term (<6 months) and long-term (6-24 months) after injury. Adult patients who had a burn injury 3-36 months ago completed a survey, rating the importance of 36 short- and long-term outcomes. The survey items were ranked according to the number of patients reporting the outcome as “very important.” Results were compared between subgroups based on age, gender, burn size, and number of surgeries. Ninety-three patients were included. In the short-term, “not having a wound infection” (87.1%), “good wound healing” (83.9%), and “walking or moving around” (74.7%) were the most important outcomes. “Lifting or moving something” (67.6%), “walking or moving around” (66.2%), and “being independent” (66.2%) were reported as most important in the long-term. Scar-related outcomes were more important to females and to patients with multiple surgeries; mental health outcomes were priorities for females and patients with major burns; walking and moving around to males and older patients; and social and financial outcomes were rated highly by patients with major burns and multiple surgeries. In conclusion, the most important outcomes were consistent across time periods, indicating the importance of core outcomes in longitudinal follow-up. The wide range of priority outcomes and differences between subgroups underlines the need for multidisciplinary care and a patient-centered approach to support patients.
Diet selection in the Coyote Canis latrans
Authors: Hayward Matt W , Mitchell Carl D , Kamler Jan F , Rippon Paul , Heit David R , Nams Vilis , Montgomery Robert A
Published: November 2023

The Coyote (Canis latrans) is one of the most studied species in North America with at least 445 papers on its diet alone. While this research has yielded excellent reviews of what coyotes eat, it has been inadequate to draw deeper conclusions because no synthesis to date has considered prey availability. We accounted for prey availability by investigating the prey selection of coyotes across its distribution using the traditional Jacobs’ index method, as well as the new iterative preference averaging (IPA) method on scats and biomass. We found that coyotes selected for Dall’s Sheep (Ovis dalli), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), and California Vole (Microtus californicus), which yielded a predator-to-preferred prey mass ratio of 1:2. We also found that coyotes avoided preying on other small mammals, including carnivorans and arboreal species. There was strong concordance between the traditional and IPA method on scats, but this pattern was weakened when biomass was considered. General linear models revealed that coyotes preferred to prey upon larger species that were riskier to hunt, reflecting their ability to hunt in groups, and were least likely to hunt solitary species. Coyotes increasingly selected Mule Deer (O. hemionus) and Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) at higher latitudes, whereas Black-tailed Jackrabbit (L. californicus) were increasingly selected toward the tropics. Mule Deer were increasingly selected at higher coyote densities, while Black-tailed Jackrabbit were increasingly avoided at higher coyote densities. Coyote predation could constrain the realized niche of prey species at the distributional limits of the predator through their increased efficiency of predation reflected in increased prey selection values. These results are integral to improved understandings of Coyote ecology and can inform predictive analyses allowing for spatial variation, which ultimately will lead to better understandings about the ecological role of the coyote across different ecosystems.
Genetic diversity and complex structure of the European Roe Deer population at a continental scale
Authors: Niedziałkowska Magdalena , Plis Kamila , Marczuk Barbara , Lang Johannes , Heddergott Mike , Tiainen Juha , Danilkin Aleksey , Kholodova Marina , Zvychaynaya Elena , Kashinina Nadezhda , Bunevich Aleksey , Paule Ladislav , Shkvyria Maryna , Šprem Nikica , Kusza Szilvia , Paulauskas Algimantas , Novák Luboš , Kutal Miroslav , Miller Christine , Tsaparis Dimitris , Stoyanov Stoyan , Pokorny Boštjan , Flajšman Katarina , Lavadinović Vukan , Suchentrunk Franz , Krapal Ana-Maria , Dănilă Gabriel , Veeroja Rauno , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła
Published: November 2023

Although the European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) is one of the most common and widespread ungulate species in Europe and inhabiting a variety of habitats, few studies have addressed its population structure at a large spatial scale using nuclear genetic data. The aims of our study were to: (i) investigate genetic diversity, level of admixture, and genetic structure across European Roe Deer populations; (ii) identify barriers to gene flow; and (iii) reveal factors that have impacted the observed pattern of population genetic structure. Using 12 microsatellite loci, we analyzed 920 European Roe Deer samples from 16 study sites from northern, southern, central, and eastern Europe. The highest genetic diversity was found in central and eastern sites, and lowest in the northern and southern sites. There were 2 main groups of genetically related populations in the study area—one inhabiting mainly Fennoscandia, and the second in the continental part of Europe. This second population was further divided into 3 to 5 spatially distributed genetic clusters. European Roe Deer belonging to the Siberian mitochondrial DNA clade, inhabiting large parts of eastern Europe, were not identified as a separate population in the analysis of microsatellite loci. No isolation by distance (IBD) was detected between roe deer from the fennoscandian and the continental study sites, but the Baltic Sea was inferred to be the main barrier to gene flow. Only weak IBD was revealed within the continental population. Three lower-level genetic barriers were detected in the western, southern, and eastern parts of the study area. The main factors inferred as shaping the observed genetic diversity and population structure of European Roe Deer were postglacial recolonization, admixture of different populations of the species originating from several Last Glacial Maximum refugial areas, and isolation of several study sites.
In severe ADNC, hippocampi with comorbid LATE-NC and hippocampal sclerosis have substantially more astrocytosis than those with LATE-NC or hippocampal sclerosis alone
Authors: Niedowicz Dana M , Katsumata Yuriko , Nelson Peter T
Published: November 2023

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC) and hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS-A) pathologies are found together at autopsy in ∼20% of elderly demented persons. Although astrocytosis is known to occur in neurodegenerative diseases, it is currently unknown how the severity of astrocytosis is correlated with the common combinations of pathologies in aging brains. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed a convenience sample of autopsied subjects from the University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center community-based autopsy cohort. The subjects were stratified into 5 groups (n = 51 total): pure ADNC, ADNC + LATE-NC, ADNC + HS-A, ADNC + LATE-NC + HS-A, and low-pathology controls. Following GFAP immunostaining and digital slide scanning with a ScanScope, we measured GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytosis. The severities of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytosis in hippocampal subfield CA1 and subiculum were compared between groups. The group with ADNC + LATE-NC + HS-A had the most astrocytosis as operationalized by either any GFAP+ or strong GFAP+ immunoreactivity in both CA1 and subiculum. In comparison to that pathologic combination, ADNC + HS or ADNC + LATE-NC alone showed lower astrocytosis. Pure ADNC had only marginally increased astrocytosis in CA1 and subiculum, in comparison to low-pathology controls. We conclude that there appeared to be pathogenetic synergy such that ADNC + LATE-NC + HS-A cases had relatively high levels of astrocytosis in the hippocampal formation.
Is communication a dependent or involuted discipline? A citation analysis of communication publications from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Hu Jiaying , Oktavianus Jeffry , Zhu Jonathan J H
Published: November 2023

Communication research has been one of the fastest-growing disciplines across the social sciences over the last two decades in terms of the numbers of Social Science Citation Indexed journals and articles. However, whether Communication is an independent discipline remains debated. Of various criticisms, one extreme considers Communication too dependent on other disciplines, whereas the other regards Communication as too inward-looking. In the current study, we measure and analyze citations of articles not only among communication scholars but also between communication scholars and their counterparts from other disciplines to evaluate the performance of communication research. Our findings suggest that communication research has maintained balanced citation patterns, with a 20% self-citation rate, a 1:1 ratio between incoming and outgoing citations, and a high diversity of in- and out-citations across social science disciplines. The results may serve as useful food for thought for future evaluation of communication discipline.
Enhancing Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents Living With HIV Through Group-Based Therapeutic Approaches in Uganda: Findings From a Pilot Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kizito Samuel , Nabunya Proscovia , Ssewamala Fred M
Published: November 2023

Objective

We examine the preliminary impact of group-cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) versus a family-strengthening intervention delivered via multiple family group (MFG) in improving ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Uganda.

Methods

We analyzed data from a pilot cluster-randomized trial (2020–2022) conducted in 9 clinics in Uganda among 89 participants, who were eligible out of the 147 ALHIV screened. Participants were eligible if they were aged 10–14 years, HIV positive, taking ART, and living with a family. Adolescents were randomized, at the clinic level, to receive the usual care (n = 29), MFG (n = 34), or G-CBT (n = 26). The interventions were delivered over 3 months. Overall, the mean percentage attendance for the 10 G-CBT and MFG sessions was 87.7% and 90.2%, respectively. Three ALHIV were lost to follow-up, while 1 child died. Adherence was assessed using pharmacy records collected at baseline and 4 additional pharmacy visits. We used mixed-effects logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of the interventions on ART adherence.

Results

We found statistically significant main effects for the intervention, χ2(2) = 7.76, p = .021, time, χ2(2) = 39.67, p < .001, and intervention–time interaction effect χ2(6)= 27.65, p < .001. Pairwise comparisons showed increasing adherence in the MFG group compared to usual care at visit 3 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.52 [1.01–20.11], p = .047) and visit 5 (OR = 3.56 [1.42–8.91], p = .007). Also, compared to usual care, participants who received G-CBT showed higher adherence at visit 4 (OR = 2.69 [1.32–5.50], p = .007).

Conclusions

Our study showed preliminary evidence that G-CBT and MFG might have contributed to improved ART adherence among ALHIV. Moreover, G-CBT is a low-cost alternative to expensive individual therapy, especially in low-resource settings. The results warrant the need for more extensive studies to better understand the role of these interventions in the routine care of ALHIV. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.Gov (#NCT04528732).
Incidence of Omicron Variant Reinfection and Reduction of Reinfection Risk After Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination in Children
Authors: Ikuse Tatsuki , Aizawa Yuta , Hasegawa Satoshi , Takahashi Masashi , Hayashi Takanori , Kon Miyako , Tamura Tsutomu , Matsumoto Haruki , Saitoh Akihiko
Published: November 2023

Data are limited on the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reinfection in children. This population-based cohort study in Niigata, Japan from January to November 2022 demonstrated the incidence of reinfection was 1337/48 099 (2.8%), and the hazard ratio for reinfection in vaccinated children was 0.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.40).
Photosynthesis in newly developed leaves of heat-tolerant wheat acclimates to long-term nocturnal warming
Authors: Coast Onoriode , Scafaro Andrew P , Bramley Helen , Taylor Nicolas L , Atkin Owen K
Published: November 2023

We examined photosynthetic traits of pre-existing and newly developed flag leaves of four wheat genotypes grown in controlled-environment experiments. In newly developed leaves, acclimation of the maximum rate of net CO2 assimilation (An) to warm nights (i.e. increased An) was associated with increased capacity of Rubisco carboxylation and photosynthetic electron transport, with Rubisco activation state probably contributing to increased Rubisco activity. Metabolite profiling linked acclimation of An to greater accumulation of monosaccharides and saturated fatty acids in leaves; these changes suggest roles for osmotic adjustment of leaf turgor pressure and maintenance of cell membrane integrity. By contrast, where An decreased under warm nights, the decline was related to lower stomatal conductance and rates of photosynthetic electron transport. Decreases in An occurred despite higher basal PSII thermal stability in all genotypes exposed to warm nights: Tcrit of 45–46.5 °C in non-acclimated versus 43.8–45 °C in acclimated leaves. Pre-existing leaves showed no change in An–temperature response curves, except for an elite heat-tolerant genotype. These findings illustrate the impact of night-time warming on the ability of wheat plants to photosynthesize during the day, thereby contributing to explain the impact of global warming on crop productivity.
The conservation of allelic DNA methylation and its relationship with imprinting in maize
Authors: Dong Xiaomei , Luo Haishan , Yao Jiabin , Guo Qingfeng , Yu Shuai , Ruan Yanye , Li Fenghai , Jin Weiwei , Meng Dexuan
Published: November 2023

Genomic imprinting refers to allele-specific expression of genes depending on parental origin, and it is regulated by epigenetic modifications. Intraspecific allelic variation for imprinting has been detected; however, the intraspecific genome-wide allelic epigenetic variation in maize and its correlation with imprinting variants remain unclear. Here, three reciprocal hybrids were generated by crossing Zea mays inbred lines CAU5, B73, and Mo17 in order to examine the intraspecific conservation of the imprinted genes in the kernel. The majority of imprinted genes exhibited intraspecific conservation, and these genes also exhibited interspecific conservation (rice, sorghum, and Arabidopsis) and were enriched in some specific pathways. By comparing intraspecific allelic DNA methylation in the endosperm, we found that nearly 15% of DNA methylation existed as allelic variants. The intraspecific whole-genome correlation between DNA methylation and imprinted genes indicated that DNA methylation variants play an important role in imprinting variants. Disruption of two conserved imprinted genes using CRISPR/Cas9 editing resulted in a smaller kernel phenotype. Our results shed light on the intraspecific correlation of DNA methylation variants and variation for imprinting in maize, and show that imprinted genes play an important role in kernel development.
The black widow pulsar J1641+8049 in the optical, radio, and X-rays
Authors: Kirichenko A Yu , Zharikov S V , Karpova A V , Fonseca E , Zyuzin D A , Shibanov Yu A , López E A , Gilfanov M R , Cabrera-Lavers A , Geier S , Dong F A , Good D C , McKee J W , Meyers B W , Stairs I H , McLaughlin M A , Swiggum J K
Published: November 2023

PSR J1641+8049 is a 2 ms black widow pulsar with the 2.2 h orbital period detected in the radio and γ-rays. We performed new phase-resolved multiband photometry of PSR J1641+8049 using the OSIRIS instrument at the Gran Telescopio Canarias. The obtained data were analysed together with the new radio-timing observations from the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME), the X-ray data from the Spectrum-RG/eROSITA all-sky survey, and all available optical photometric observations. An updated timing solution based on CHIME data is presented, which accounts for secular and periodic modulations in pulse dispersion. The system parameters obtained through the light-curve analysis, including the distance to the source 4.6–4.8 kpc and the orbital inclination 56–59 deg, are found to be consistent with previous studies. However, the optical flux of the source at the maximum brightness phase faded by a factor of ∼2 as compared to previous observations. Nevertheless, the face of the J1641+8049 companion remains one of the most heated (8000–9500 K) by a pulsar among the known black widow pulsars. We also report a new estimation on the pulsar proper motion of ≈2 mas yr−1, which yields a spin-down luminosity of ≈4.87 × 1034 erg s−1 and a corresponding heating efficiency of the companion by the pulsar of 0.3–0.7. The pulsar was not detected in X-rays implying its X-ray-luminosity was $\lesssim$3 × 1031 erg s−1 at the date of observations.
First detection of soft-lag in GRS 1915 + 105 at HFQPO using AstroSat observations
Authors: Majumder Prajjwal , Dutta Broja G , Nandi Anuj
Published: November 2023

The Galactic black hole GRS 1915 + 105 exhibits generic high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) at ∼ 67 Hz only during the radio-quiet ‘softer’ variability classes. We present the time-lag properties associated with HFQPOs in the wide energy band (3–60 keV) using all AstroSat observations. For the first time, we detect soft-lag of 6–25 keV band w.r.t. 3–6 keV band for all ‘softer’ variability classes (δ, ω, κ, and γ). Moreover, our findings reveal that soft-lag increases gradually with the energy of the photons. These features are entirely opposite to the previous report of hard-lag obtained with the RXTE observations. The energy-dependent time-lag study exhibits a maximum soft-lag of ∼ 3 and ∼ 2.5 ms for the δ and ω classes, respectively, whereas the κ and γ classes both exhibit a maximum soft-lag of ∼2.1 ms. We find a coherent lag-energy correlation for all four variability classes, where the amplitude of soft-lag increases with energy and becomes maximum at ∼18 keV. We interpret this observed soft-lag as the reflection of hard photons in the ‘cooler’ accretion disc. A generic lag-rms correlation implies that the soft-lag increases with the rms amplitude of the HFQPO. The wideband (0.7–50 keV) spectral study suggests a high value of the optical depth (τ ∼ 6.90–12.55) of the Comptonized medium and the magnitude of the soft-lag increases linearly with the increase in optical depth (τ). We explain the observed time-lag features at the HFQPOs in the context of a possible accretion disc scenario.
Inhibition of ATR opposes glioblastoma invasion through disruption of cytoskeletal networks and integrin internalization via macropinocytosis
Authors: Derby Sarah J , Dutton Louise , Strathdee Karen E , Stevenson Katrina , Koessinger Anna , Jackson Mark , Tian Yuling , Yu Wenxi , Mclay Kathy , Misquitta Josette , Alsharif Sama , Clarke Cassie J , Gilmour Lesley , Thomason Peter , McGhee Ewan , McGarrity-Cottrell Connor L , Vanderlinden Aurelie , Collis Spencer J , Rominyi Ola , Lemgruber Leandro , Solecki Gergely , Olson Michael , Winkler Frank , Carlin Leo M , Heiland Dieter Henrik , Inman Gareth J , Chalmers Anthony J , Norman Jim C , Carruthers Ross , Birch Joanna L
Published: November 2023

Background

Glioblastomas have highly infiltrative growth patterns that contribute to recurrence and poor survival. Despite infiltration being a critical therapeutic target, no clinically useful therapies exist that counter glioblastoma invasion. Here, we report that inhibition of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3 related kinase (ATR) reduces invasion of glioblastoma cells through dysregulation of cytoskeletal networks and subsequent integrin trafficking.

Methods

Glioblastoma motility and invasion were assessed in vitro and in vivo in response to ATR inhibition (ATRi) and ATR overexpression using time-lapse microscopy, two orthotopic glioblastoma models, and intravital imaging. Disruption to cytoskeleton networks and endocytic processing were investigated via high-throughput, super-resolution and intravital imaging.

Results

High ATR expression was associated with significantly poorer survival in clinical datasets while histological, protein expression, and spatial transcriptomics using glioblastoma tumor specimens revealed higher ATR expression at infiltrative margins. Pharmacological inhibition with two different compounds and RNAi targeting of ATR opposed the invasion of glioblastoma, whereas overexpression of ATR drove migration. Subsequent investigation revealed that cytoskeletal dysregulation reduced macropinocytotic internalization of integrins at growth-cone-like structures, resulting in a tumor microtube retraction defect. The biological relevance and translational potential of these findings were confirmed using two orthotopic in vivo models of glioblastoma and intravital imaging.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a novel role for ATR in determining invasion in glioblastoma cells and propose that pharmacological targeting of ATR could have far-reaching clinical benefits beyond radiosensitization.
Long-term neurocognitive and psychological outcomes in meningioma survivors: Individual changes over time and radiation dosimetry
Authors: Sekely Angela , Zakzanis Konstantine K , Mabbott Donald , Tsang Derek S , Kongkham Paul , Zadeh Gelareh , Edelstein Kim
Published: November 2023

Background

This study investigates long-term changes in neurocognitive performance and psychological symptoms in meningioma survivors and associations with radiation dose to circumscribed brain regions.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective study of meningioma survivors who underwent longitudinal clinical neurocognitive assessments. Change in neurocognitive performance or psychological symptoms was assessed using reliable change indices. Radiation dosimetry, if prescribed, was evaluated based on treatment-planning computerized tomography co-registered with contrast-enhanced 3D T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Mixed effects analyses were used to explore whether incidental radiation to brain regions outside the tumor influences neurocognitive and psychological outcomes.

Results

Most (range = 41%–93%) survivors demonstrated stable—albeit often below average—neurocognitive and psychological trajectories, although some also exhibited improvements (range = 0%–31%) or declines (range = 0%–36%) over time. Higher radiation dose to the parietal-occipital region (partial R2 = 0.462) and cerebellum (partial R2 = 0.276) was independently associated with slower visuomotor processing speed. Higher dose to the hippocampi was associated with increases in depression (partial R2 = 0.367) and trait anxiety (partial R2 = 0.236).

Conclusions

Meningioma survivors experience neurocognitive deficits and psychological symptoms many years after diagnosis, and a proportion of them decline over time. This study offers proof of concept that incidental radiation to brain regions beyond the tumor site may contribute to these sequelae. Future investigations should include radiation dosimetry when examining risk factors that contribute to the quality of survivorship in this growing population.
Impact of the 2019 Food and Drug Administration Guidance for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection on Treatment Response Rates: A Reanalysis of a Clinical Trial of Nitrofurantoin vs Fosfomycin
Authors: Grant Rebecca , Büchler Andrea , Flight William , Huang Chun , Ferrinho Diogo , Janmohamed Salim , Mulgirigama Aruni , Godycki-Cwirko Maciek , Leibovici Leonard , Huttner Angela , Harbarth Stephan
Published: November 2023

Background

Current US Food and Administration (FDA) guidance recommends that the primary efficacy endpoint for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI) clinical trials be a composite of clinical and microbiological responses. We applied these criteria to a previous clinical trial to determine the impact on treatment outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a patient-level reanalysis of a randomized clinical trial of nitrofurantoin versus fosfomycin for treatment of uUTI in nonpregnant adult women. Women were included in the reanalysis if they had 2 or more signs/symptoms of uUTI and a single bacterial species isolated from baseline urine culture at ≥105 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. The applied primary efficacy endpoint—therapeutic response—required both clinical resolution of signs/symptoms and reduction of the infecting bacterial pathogen to <103 CFU/mL at day 14 post–treatment completion.

Results

Two hundred eleven of 513 (41%) patients were eligible for inclusion in the reanalysis. Among these patients, 74% (76/103) and 69% (75/108) in the nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin groups, respectively, achieved clinical resolution by day 14. Similarly, 70% (72/103) and 67% (72/108) in each group achieved microbiological success at day 14. As such, 59% (61/103) and 57% (62/108) of women in each group met the primary efficacy endpoint—therapeutic success—at day 14. In comparison, 75% and 66% of patients in each group achieved clinical resolution at day 14 in the initial clinical trial.

Conclusions

Applying current FDA guidance resulted in lower composite efficacy rates than clinical resolution alone as observed in the initial clinical trial. This may limit the ability to compare antibiotic treatment effects between historical and future clinical trials.
Inside Indonesia’s Religious Courts: An Argument for Domestic and Family Violence Screening and Exemption from Compulsory Mediation
Authors: Jones Balawyn , Aftab Amira
Published: November 2023

In Indonesia, Islamic norms have been codified into State family law and divorce petitions are handled by State ‘Religious Courts’ (Pengadilan Agama). Formal, court-annexed mediation at the Religious Courts exists alongside customary (adat) mediation at the community level. In cases involving domestic and family violence, victims are socially expected to mediate at the community level before proceeding to the Religious Courts for formal determination of divorce petitions. At the Religious Courts, mediation is currently compulsory for all divorce petitions, even where there is proof or allegations of domestic and family violence. We argue that mediation should not be compulsory for victims of domestic and family violence who seek divorce via State family law avenues. In practice, victims bringing divorce petitions to the courts have generally already participated in mediation at the community level and therefore, further mediation has little—if any—utility. Further, there are well-documented risks for victims of domestic and family violence in mediation contexts. We draw on the comparative models of family violence screening from Australia and Canada to argue that similar screening processes should be introduced into Indonesia’s Religious Courts in order to exempt such cases of violence from compulsory mediation.
H2O2 negatively regulates aluminum resistance via oxidation and degradation of the transcription factor STOP1
Authors: Wei Xiang , Zhu Yifang , Xie Wenxiang , Ren Weiwei , Zhang Yang , Zhang Hui , Dai Shaojun , Huang Chao-Feng
Published: November 2023

Aluminum (Al) stress triggers the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in roots. However, whether H2O2 plays a regulatory role in aluminum resistance remains unclear. In this study, we show that H2O2 plays a crucial role in regulation of Al resistance, which is modulated by the mitochondrion-localized pentatricopeptide repeat protein REGULATION OF ALMT1 EXPRESSION 6 (RAE6). Mutation in RAE6 impairs the activity of complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, resulting in the accumulation of H2O2 and increased sensitivity to Al. Our results suggest that higher H2O2 concentrations promote the oxidation of SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIZOTOXICITY 1 (STOP1), an essential transcription factor that promotes Al resistance, thereby promoting its degradation by enhancing the interaction between STOP1 and the F-box protein RAE1. Conversely, decreasing H2O2 levels or blocking the oxidation of STOP1 leads to greater STOP1 stability and increased Al resistance. Moreover, we show that the thioredoxin TRX1 interacts with STOP1 to catalyze its chemical reduction. Thus, our results highlight the importance of H2O2 in Al resistance and regulation of STOP1 stability in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana).
Faba bean and pea harvest index estimations using aerial-based multimodal data and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Ji Yishan , Liu Zehao , Cui Yuxing , Liu Rong , Chen Zhen , Zong Xuxiao , Yang Tao
Published: November 2023

Early and high-throughput estimations of the crop harvest index (HI) are essential for crop breeding and field management in precision agriculture; however, traditional methods for measuring HI are time-consuming and labor-intensive. The development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with onboard sensors offers an alternative strategy for crop HI research. In this study, we explored the potential of using low-cost, UAV-based multimodal data for HI estimation using red–green–blue (RGB), multispectral (MS), and thermal infrared (TIR) sensors at 4 growth stages to estimate faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) HI values within the framework of ensemble learning. The average estimates of RGB (faba bean: coefficient of determination [R2] = 0.49, normalized root-mean-square error [NRMSE] = 15.78%; pea: R2 = 0.46, NRMSE = 20.08%) and MS (faba bean: R2 = 0.50, NRMSE = 15.16%; pea: R2 = 0.46, NRMSE = 19.43%) were superior to those of TIR (faba bean: R2 = 0.37, NRMSE = 16.47%; pea: R2 = 0.38, NRMSE = 19.71%), and the fusion of multisensor data exhibited a higher estimation accuracy than those obtained using each sensor individually. Ensemble Bayesian model averaging provided the most accurate estimations (faba bean: R2 = 0.64, NRMSE = 13.76%; pea: R2 = 0.74, NRMSE = 15.20%) for whole growth stage, and the estimation accuracy improved with advancing growth stage. These results indicate that the combination of low-cost, UAV-based multimodal data and machine learning algorithms can be used to estimate crop HI reliably, therefore highlighting a promising strategy and providing valuable insights for high spatial precision in agriculture, which can help breeders make early and efficient decisions.
Transcription factor CsMYB77 negatively regulates fruit ripening and fruit size in citrus
Authors: Zhang Li , Xu Yang , Li Yanting , Zheng Saisai , Zhao Zhenmei , Chen Meiling , Yang Haijian , Yi Hualin , Wu Juxun
Published: November 2023

MYB family transcription factors (TFs) play essential roles in various biological processes, yet their involvement in regulating fruit ripening and fruit size in citrus remains poorly understood. In this study, we have established that the R2R3-MYB TF, CsMYB77, exerts a negative regulatory influence on fruit ripening in both citrus and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), while also playing a role in modulating fruit size in citrus. The overexpression of CsMYB77 in tomato and Hongkong kumquat (Fortunella hindsii) led to notably delayed fruit ripening phenotypes. Moreover, the fruit size of Hongkong kumquat transgenic lines was largely reduced. Based on DNA affinity purification sequencing and verified interaction assays, SEVEN IN ABSENTIA OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA4 (SINAT4) and PIN-FORMED PROTEIN5 (PIN5) were identified as downstream target genes of CsMYB77. CsMYB77 inhibited the expression of SINAT4 to modulate abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, which delayed fruit ripening in transgenic tomato and Hongkong kumquat lines. The expression of PIN5 was activated by CsMYB77, which promoted free indole-3-acetic acid decline and modulated auxin signaling in the fruits of transgenic Hongkong kumquat lines. Taken together, our findings revealed a fruit development and ripening regulation module (MYB77-SINAT4/PIN5-ABA/auxin) in citrus, which enriches the understanding of the molecular regulatory network underlying fruit ripening and size.
NMR-based metabolomics in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica sequential sera differentiates active and inactive disease
Authors: Iliou Aikaterini , Argyropoulou Ourania D , Palamidas Dimitris-Anastasios , Karagiannakou Marianna , Benaki Dimitra , Tsezou Konstantina-Ismini , Vlachoyiannopoulos Panayiotis G , Mikros Emmanuel , Tzioufas Athanasios G
Published: November 2023

Objectives

GCA is an inflammatory disease following a chronic, relapsing course. The metabolic alterations related to the intense inflammatory process during the active phase and the rapid impact of steroid treatment remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the serum metabolome in active and inactive disease states.

Methods

A total of 110 serum samples from 50 patients (33 GCA and 17 PMR) at three time points—0 (V1: active disease), 1 and 6 months (V2 and V3: remission)—of treatment with glucocorticoids (GCs) were subjected to NMR-based metabolomic analysis. Multi- and univariate statistical analyses were utilized to unveil metabolome alterations following treatment.

Results

Distinct metabolic profiles were identified between activity and remission, independent of disease type. N-acetylglycoproteins and cholines of bound phospholipids emerged as predictive markers of disease activity. Altered levels of 4 of the 21 small molecules were also observed, including increased levels of phenylalanine and decreased glutamine, alanine and creatinine in active disease. Metabolic fingerprinting discriminated GCA from PMR in remission. GCA and PMR patients exhibited characteristic lipid alterations as a response and/or adverse effect of GC treatment. Correlation analysis showed that several identified biomarkers were further associated with acute phase reactants, CRP and ESR.

Conclusion

The NMR profile of serum metabolome could identify and propose sensitive biomarkers of inflammation. Metabolome alterations, following GC treatment, could provide predictors for future steroid-induced side effects.
Viewpoint: Nurses educating patients about drugs
Authors: Robinson Sandra , Adebajo Ade , Walker David
Published: November 2023

Educating patients about the drugs they take is essential for them to take them safely and effectively. This education is now commonly given by nurses as part of the huge expansion in the nurse specialist role. However, training for this role has not kept pace with practice. Nurses have expressed variable confidence in this role and expressed a wish for more formal training. Current practice often puts the information rather than the patient at the centre of the consultation with the nurse dominating the conversation. Cues to address the patient agenda are commonly missed. An animated patient who interrupts is probably not having their educational needs met. Education of the professionals around how to perform this task in an optimal way is necessary and should result in better efficacy and safety of the drugs. This could be achieved by incorporating features of Shared Decision Making and the Calgary–Cambridge consultation techniques into training and the consultation. Personalization by attention to patient preferences, language and health literacy is essential.
Cumulative Impact of Morphometric Features in Schizophrenia in Two Independent Samples
Authors: Lee-Hughes Rosa , Lancaster Thomas M
Published: November 2023

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share a common structural brain alteration profile. However, there is considerable between- and within-diagnosis variability in these features, which may underestimate informative individual differences. Using a recently established morphometric risk score (MRS) approach, we aim to provide confirmation that individual MRS scores are higher in individuals with a psychosis diagnosis, helping to parse individual heterogeneity. Using the Human Connectome Project Early Psychosis (N = 124), we estimate MRS for psychosis and specifically for bipolar/schizophrenia using T1-weighted MRI data and prior meta-analysis effect sizes. We confirm associations in an independent replication sample (N = 69). We assess (1) the impact of diagnosis on these MRS, (2) compare effect sizes of MRS to all individual, cytoarchitecturally defined brain regions, and (3) perform negative control analyses to assess MRS specificity. The MRS specifically for SCZ was higher in the whole psychosis group (Cohen’s d = 0.56; P = 0.003) and outperformed any single region of interest in standardized mean difference (ZMRS>75 ROIS = 2.597; P = 0.009) and correlated with previously reported effect sizes (PSPIN/SHUFFLE < 0.005). MRS without Enhancing Neuroimaging Genomics through Meta-Analysis weights did not delineate groups with empirically null associations (t = 2.29; P = 0.02). We replicate MRS specifically for SCZ associations in the independent sample. Akin to polygenic risk scoring and individual allele effect sizes, these observations suggest that assessing the combined impact of regional structural alterations may be more informative than any single cytoarchitecturally constrained cortical region, where well-powered, meta-analytical samples are informative in the delineation of diagnosis and within psychosis case differences, in smaller independent samples.