bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The alternative sigma factors, rpoN1 and rpoN2 are required for mycophagous activity of Burkholderia gladioli strain NGJ1
Authors: Das Joyati , Kumar Rahul , Yadav Sunil Kumar , Jha Gopaljee
Published: November 2021

Bacteria utilize RpoN, an alternative sigma factor (σ54) to grow in diverse habitats, including nitrogen‐limiting conditions. Here, we report that a rice‐associated mycophagous bacterium Burkholderia gladioli strain NGJ1 encodes two paralogues of rpoN viz. rpoN1 and rpoN2. Both of them are upregulated during 24 h of mycophagous interaction with Rhizoctonia solani, a polyphagous fungal pathogen. Disruption of either one of rpoNs renders the mutant NGJ1 bacterium defective in mycophagy, whereas ectopic expression of respective rpoN genes restores mycophagy in the complementing strains. NGJ1 requires rpoN1 and rpoN2 for efficient biocontrol to prevent R. solani to establish disease in rice and tomato. Further, we have identified 17 genes having RpoN regulatory motif in NGJ1, majority of them encode potential type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors, nitrogen assimilation, and cellular transport‐related functions. Several of these RpoN regulated genes as well as certain previously reported T3SS apparatus (hrcC and hrcN) and effector (Bg_9562 and endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase) encoding genes are upregulated in NGJ1 but not in ΔrpoN1 or ΔrpoN2 mutant bacterium, during mycophagous interaction with R. solani. This highlights that RpoN1 and RpoN2 modulate T3SS, nitrogen assimilation as well as cellular transport systems in NGJ1 and thereby promote bacterial mycophagy.
‘Candidatus Gromoviella agglomerans’, a novel intracellular Holosporaceae parasite of the ciliate Paramecium showing marked genome reduction
Authors: Castelli Michele , Lanzoni Olivia , Giovannini Michele , Lebedeva Natalia , Gammuto Leandro , Sassera Davide , Melekhin Maksim , Potekhin Alexey , Fokin Sergei , Petroni Giulio
Published: November 2021

Holosporales are an alphaproteobacterial lineage encompassing bacteria obligatorily associated with multiple diverse eukaryotes. For most representatives, little is known on the interactions with their hosts. In this study, we characterized a novel Holosporales symbiont of the ciliate Paramecium polycaryum. This bacterium inhabits the host cytoplasm, frequently forming quite large aggregates. Possibly due to such aggregates, host cells sometimes displayed lethal division defects. The symbiont was also able to experimentally stably infect another Paramecium polycaryum strain. The bacterium is phylogenetically related with symbionts of other ciliates and diplonemids, forming a putatively fast‐evolving clade within the family Holosporaceae. Similarly to many close relatives, it presents a very small genome (<600 kbp), and, accordingly, a limited predicted metabolism, implying a heavy dependence on Paramecium, thanks also to some specialized membrane transporters. Characterized features, including the presence of specific secretion systems, are overall suggestive of a mild parasitic effect on the host. From an evolutionary perspective, a potential ancestral trend towards pronounced genome reduction and possibly linked to parasitism could be inferred, at least among fast‐evolving Holosporaceae, with some lineage‐specific traits. Interestingly, similar convergent features could be observed in other host‐associated lineages, in particular Rickettsiales among Alphaproteobacteria.
Fragmented QRS is associated with ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Engstrom Nathan , Dobson Geoffrey , Ng Kevin , Letson Hayley
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Many primary prevention heart failure (HF) patients with an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) rarely experience life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VA). New strategies are required to identify patients most at risk of VA and sudden cardiac death who would benefit from an ICD. One potential method is the detection of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on the electrocardiogram. The aim was to assess the predictive capacity of fQRS for VA and mortality in ischemic (ICM) and non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) primary prevention HF patients.

Methods and Results

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies examining fQRS in HF patients with or without an ICD who met primary prevention indications with reduced ejection fraction ≤40%. Outcome measures were VA (or appropriate ICD therapy) and all‐cause mortality. Ten studies involving 3885 patients were included for analysis. Most patients were male with non‐fQRS patients being significantly younger (−1.5[−2.66, −0.42], p = .03). Diabetes was more likely in fQRS patients (1.12[1.01, 1.25], p = .03) while non‐fQRS patients were 28% more likely to have a history of atrial fibrillation (0.82[0.67,1.00], p = .05). Ventricular arrhythmias were significantly 1.5 times more likely in patients with fQRS (1.51[1.02, 2.25], p = .04). HF patients were 1.7 times more likely to die of any cause if fQRS was present (1.68[1.13, 2.52], p = .01). NICM patients with fQRS have a significant 2.6‐fold increased incidence of death compared with ICM patients (2.55[1.63, 3.98], p < .0001).

Conclusion

fQRS is associated with VA and all‐cause mortality and may be a novel marker in the risk stratification of primary prevention HF patients indicated for ICD implantation.
Sexual dimorphism in prostacyclin‐mimetic responses within rat mesenteric arteries: A novel role for KV7.1 in shaping IP receptor‐mediated relaxation
Authors: Baldwin Samuel N. , Forrester Elizabeth A. , McEwan Lauren , Greenwood Iain A.
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Prostacyclin mimetics express potent vasoactive effects via prostanoid receptors that are not unequivocally defined, as to date no study has considered sex as a factor. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of IP and EP3 prostanoid receptors to prostacyclin mimetic iloprost‐mediated responses, whether KV7.1–5 channels represent downstream targets of selective prostacyclin‐IP‐receptor agonist MRE‐269 and the impact of the oestrus cycle on vascular reactivity.

Experimental Approach

Within second‐order mesenteric arteries from male and female Wistar rats, we determined (1) relative mRNA transcripts for EP1–4 (Ptger1–4), IP (Ptgi) and TXA2 (Tbxa) prostanoid receptors via RT‐qPCR; (2) the effect of iloprost, MRE‐269, isoprenaline and ML277 on precontracted arterial tone in the presence of inhibitors of prostanoid receptors, potassium channels and the molecular interference of KV7.1 via wire‐myograph; (3) oestrus cycle stage via histological changes in cervical cell preparations.

Key Results

Iloprost evoked a biphasic response in male mesenteric arteries, at concentrations ≤100 nmol·L−1 relaxing, then contracting the vessel at concentration ≥300 nmol·L−1, a process attributed to IP and EP3 receptors respectively. Secondary contraction was absent in the females, which was associated with a reduction in Ptger3. Pharmacological inhibition and molecular interference of KV7.1 significantly attenuated relaxations produced by the selective IP receptor agonist MRE‐269 in male and female Wistar in dioestrus/metoestrus, but not pro‐oestrus/oestrus.

Conclusions and Implications

Stark sexual dimorphisms in iloprost‐mediated vasoactive responses are present within mesenteric arteries. KV7.1 is implicated in IP receptor‐mediated vasorelaxation and is impaired by the oestrus cycle.
α‐Adrenoceptor stimulation attenuates melanoma growth in mice
Authors: Maccari Sonia , Buoncervello Maria , Ascione Barbara , Stati Tonino , Macchia Daniele , Fidanza Stefano , Catalano Liviana , Matarrese Paola , Gabriele Lucia , Marano Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Recently, β‐adrenoceptor blockade has emerged as a potential strategy to inhibit melanoma growth. It remains to be ascertained whether β‐adrenoceptor stimulation by circulating catecholamines increases melanoma growth in mice.

Experimental Approach

B16F10 melanoma‐bearing mice were used to evaluate effects of adrenaline and specific adrenoceptor (AR) ligands on tumour volume. AR expression and effects of AR ligands on cell viability, production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS), and proliferation activity in B16F10 cells, were determined by biochemical analyses.

Key Results

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses revealed that B16F10 cells express α1B‐, α2A‐, α2B‐ and β2‐ARs. We found that treatment with the α‐ and β‐AR agonist adrenaline or with the synthetic catecholamine isoprenaline, which selectively stimulates β‐ARs, did not affect melanoma growth. Conversely, adrenaline reduced tumour growth in mice cotreated with propranolol, a β1β2‐AR antagonist. Adrenaline had no effect in tumour‐bearing β1β2‐AR knockout mice, in which β1‐ and β2‐ARs are lacking, but it reduced tumour growth when co‐administered with propranolol suggesting that tumour β2‐ARs negatively regulate adrenaline antitumour activity. Additionally, we found that α1‐AR stimulation with cirazoline yielded a decrease in B16F10 melanoma size. These effects on melanoma growth were paralleled by reduced cell viability and proliferation activity as well as increased mROS production in α1‐AR‐stimulated B16F10 cells. Decreased viability, proliferation and mitochondrial function in B16F10 cells also occurred after α2‐AR stimulation by α2‐AR agonist ST91.

Conclusions and Implications

In the B16F10 melanoma model, stimulation of α‐AR subtypes yields in vivo and in vitro anticancer activity.
Bi‐allelic variants in MDH2: Expanding the clinical phenotype
Authors: Ticci Chiara , Nesti Claudia , Rubegni Anna , Doccini Stefano , Baldacci Jacopo , Dal Canto Flavio , Ragni Luca , Cordelli Duccio M. , Donati Maria Alice , Santorelli Filippo M.
Published: November 2021

Bi‐allelic alterations in the MDH2 gene have recently been reported in three unrelated toddlers with early‐onset severe encephalopathy. Here, we describe a new case of a child carrying novel variants in MDH2. This child presented with early‐onset encephalocardiopathy requiring heart transplant and showed cerebellar ataxia and drug‐responsive epilepsy; his family history was significant for multiple cancers, a feature often associated with monoallelic variants in MDH2. Functional studies in cultured skin fibroblasts from the proband showed reduced protein levels and impaired enzyme activity, further corroborating the genetic results. The relatively mild neurological presentation and severe cardiac manifestations requiring heart transplant distinguish this case from previous reports. This patient thus expands the spectrum of clinical features associated with MDH2 variants.
Increasing soil organic carbon pools and wheat yields by optimising tillage and fertilisation on the Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Zhang Xia , Wang Minge , Zhang Dandan , Zhang Yulin , Wang Xudong
Published: November 2021

The effect of conservation tillage on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and crop production is controversial in semi‐arid areas. In addition, fertilisation is another essential factor affecting soil carbon pool and crop yields. We sought to explore the changes of SOC pool and crop productivity after optimising fertilisation and tillage. An 11‐year field experiment on the Loess Plateau in China was conducted to evaluate the effects of (i) fertilisation (balanced fertilisation, low fertilisation, conventional fertilisation) and (ii) tillage (no‐tillage, subsoiling, ploughing) on input‐C, SOC stocks, labile C fractions, C pool management index (CMI) and wheat yield. SOC stock accumulation at 0–35 cm depth under balanced fertilisation increased by 59% compared to conventional fertilisation due to the larger amount and stabilisation efficiency of input‐C. Simultaneously, balanced fertilisation increased labile C contents and CMI at 0–10 cm depth. For tillage, no‐tillage and subsoiling improved input‐C and its stabilisation efficiency, and increased SOC stocks compared to ploughing. Balanced fertilisation combined with no‐tillage or subsoiling produced greater SOC stocks at 0–35 cm depth compared to other treatments. No‐tillage increased labile C contents and CMI at 0–10 cm depth, while subsoiling increased labile C contents and CMI at 0–10 and 35–50 cm depths. Wheat yield and sustainable yield index (SYI) were positively correlated with SOC, and the effect of SOC contributed to SYI largely through indirect effects of dissolved organic C and particulate organic C. Wheat yield and SYI were increased by optimising fertilisation and tillage, and the greatest yield was under balanced fertilisation combined with the subsoiling treatment. Our findings suggested that balanced fertilisation combined with subsoiling was an effective practice for increasing SOC sequestration, soil quality, wheat yields and had great potential application on the Loess Plateau in China.

Highlights

C sequestration under conservation tillage and fertilisation are controversial in semi‐arid areas.

Balanced fertilisation promoted SOC sequestration in no‐tillage and subsoiling treatments.

Subsoiling improved soil quality at 0–10 and 35–50 cm depths due to the greater SOC and labile C.

Subsoiling was superior to no‐tillage and ploughing in maintaining crop productivity.
In vitro flow rates through five different catheters intended for intravenous use in horses at two different heights
Authors: Lord S. , Duncan J. , Gozalo‐Marcilla M. , Woodhouse K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Fluid therapy is an important component of equine practice. The choice of intravenous catheter is likely to impact fluid flow rates, which is of relevance in clinical cases.

Objectives

(i) To assess fluid flow rates through five different equine catheters; (ii) to evaluate the impact of height on fluid flow rates and (iii) to compare agreement of flow rates achieved through identical catheters.

Study design

In vitro experimental study.

Methods

Flow rates were measured through five different equine catheters (2 × 14, 13, 12 and 10‐gauge) at 150 and 200 cm from ground level. Each catheter was attached to a standardised fluid administration system, time taken to reach 1000 g of fluids was measured. Three catheters were used to assess the agreement between identical catheters. Statistical analysis: (i) one‐way ANOVA assessed whether catheter type influenced flow rate and a post‐hoc Tukey's test compared mean flow rates with all other flow rates; (ii) two‐way ANOVA assessed whether height and catheter type influenced the flow rate. Finally, (iii) an intraclass correlation assessed how closely flow rates from identical catheters resembled each other.

Results

(i) The fastest mean flow rates were achieved through the 10‐gauge catheter at 150 (14.1 L/h) and 200 cm (17.8 L/h). (ii) Mean flow rates through all five catheters increased by a range of 25.4–28.6% at 200 vs. 150 cm. (iii) There was excellent agreement between mean fluid rates through identical catheters (intraclass correlation 0.994–0.998).

Main limitations

Flow rates achievable in vivo are likely to be lower. We used water which may have a different viscosity compared with fluids used commonly in equine practice.

Conclusions

Fluid flow rates can be increased using wider bore catheters and increasing the height of the fluid bag. There is excellent agreement between fluid flow rates through identical catheters.
A multi‐tenancy and robust workflow management system
Authors: Ding Weilong , Liu Ji , Yang Zhongguo , Lv Bo , Li Han , Xu Hanchuan
Published: November 2021

Workflow management system (WfMS) in cloud always works as platform as a service to manage customized business processes for massive enterprises. In big data era, non‐functional guarantees of such systems are significant when facing a large number of users and concurrent requests. It is not trivial to support multi‐tenancy and hold high‐availability, because traditional architecture cannot simultaneously satisfy requirements about data isolation and runtime efficiency. In this paper, a modularized distributed workflow management system is proposed, which considers both multi‐tenancy and high‐availability in storage and engine parts of the system. A multiple‐worker‐with‐separate‐schema mechanism is defined to jointly manage the data for tenants, and a proactive strategy is presented to intelligently dispatch large concurrent requests from users to engine workers. After extensive case studies and experiments in practical scenes, our system deployed on modest machines is proved to support tens of thousands of tenants, second‐level response time for 10 K concurrency, and no‐human‐intervened failure recovery for a fail‐stop system node.
Molecular dating of the blood pigment hemocyanin provides new insight into the origin of animals
Authors: Maria Costa‐Paiva Elisa , Mello Beatriz , Santos Bezerra Bruno , Coates Christopher J. , Halanych Kenneth M. , Brown Federico , de Moraes Leme Juliana , Trindade Ricardo I. F.
Published: November 2021

The Neoproterozoic included changes in oceanic redox conditions, the configuration of continents and climate, extreme ice ages (Sturtian and Marinoan), and the rise of complex life forms. A much‐debated topic in geobiology concerns the influence of atmospheric oxygenation on Earth and the origin and diversification of animal lineages, with the most widely popularized hypotheses relying on causal links between oxygen levels and the rise of animals. The vast majority of extant animals use aerobic metabolism for growth and homeostasis; hence, the binding and transportation of oxygen represent a vital physiological task. Considering the blood pigment hemocyanin (Hc) is present in sponges and ctenophores, and likely to be present in the common ancestor of animals, we investigated the evolution and date of Hc emergence using bioinformatics approaches on both transcriptomic and genomic data. Bayesian molecular dating suggested that the ancestral animal Hc gene arose approximately 881 Ma during the Tonian Period (1000–720 Ma), prior to the extreme glaciation events of the Cryogenian Period (720–635 Ma). This result is corroborated by a recently discovered fossil of a putative sponge ~890 Ma and modern molecular dating for the origin of metazoans of ~1,000–650 Ma (but does contradict previous inferences regarding the origin of Hc ~700–600 Ma). Our data reveal that crown‐group animals already possessed hemocyanin‐like blood pigments, which may have enhanced the oxygen‐carrying capacity of these animals in hypoxic environments at that time or acted in the transport of hormones, detoxification of heavy metals, and immunity pathways.
Trade‐offs and synergies in managing coastal flood risk: A case study for New York City
Authors: Ceres Robert L. , Forest Chris E. , Keller Klaus
Published: November 2021

Decisions on how to manage future flood risks are frequently informed by both sophisticated and computationally expensive models. This complexity often limits the representation of uncertainties and the consideration of strategies. Here we use an intermediate complexity model framework that enables us to analyze a richer set of strategies, a wider range of objectives, and greater levels of uncertainty than are typically considered by more sophisticated and computationally expensive models. We find that allowing for more combinations of risk mitigation strategies can help expand the solution set, help explain synergies and trade‐offs, and point to strategies that can improve outcomes.
Real‐life experience of a lidocaine/tetracaine self‐occluding topical anesthetic for dermatological procedures
Authors: Jimenez‐Cauhe Juan , Boixeda Pablo , Cornejo Paloma , Fernandez Sergio , Vitale Maria , Serra Carlos
Published: November 2021

Background

Pliaglis® is a self‐occluding topical anesthetic containing a eutectic mixture of 7% lidocaine and 7% tetracaine, with proven efficacy and safety in several trials.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Pliaglis® for different dermatological procedures in real‐life clinical practice.

Methods

This retrospective, multicenter study included 35 patients treated with Pliaglis® prior to five dermatological procedures (pulsed dyed laser, picosecond laser, non‐ablative fractional laser, radiofrequency microneedling, and photodynamic therapy). The primary endpoint was to assess the pain during the procedure with a visual analogue score (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe pain). Secondary endpoints were the global effectiveness and tolerability (from 0 = very low to 10 = excellent), and the adverse events (AEs) after Pliaglis® removal, classified according to intensity (1–3).

Results

The median and mean pain VAS reported by patients was 2 (range 0–9) and 2.9 (±2.3), respectively. More than 65% of the patients had a VAS score ≤3. The effectiveness reported by investigators was “very good” (median 8 [range 2–10], mean 7.5 [±1.9]), which was strongly correlated with the pain VAS reported by patients (Spearman coefficient = ‐ 0.9; p < 0.001). Forty‐five percent of patients reported AEs and they were transient and mostly mild, with a mean intensity score of 1.5 (range 1–3). Tolerability of Pliaglis® was reported by investigators as “excellent” (median 10 [range 1–10], mean 9 [±1.8]).

Conclusions

Pliaglis® is an effective topical anesthetic for several dermatological procedures, with an excellent safety and tolerability profile.
What do we know about informational efficiency? Three puzzles and the new direction forward
Authors: Go You‐How , Lau Wee‐Yeap
Published: November 2021

Informational efficiency generally indicates the prevailing market price of assets by focusing on the connection between market participants in reacting to the arrival of new information. However, several authors have suggested that uncorrelated trading strategies across markets are meant for traders who genuinely know the best. Our study aims to survey the most recent literature on informational efficiency. We examine the empirical literature on informational efficiency by discussing the findings from dual perspectives, namely price–volume and spot–futures relations. More research needs to be directed toward understanding how market efficiency responds to impending uncertainties in the real economy. By combining the findings of 109 studies from different financial markets, we discuss essential lessons from market microstructures and behavioral biases in decision‐making. Further, we identify three contentious issues yet to be explored in the literature. This study concludes by discussing a new direction for future research.
On the labor market effects of salience of ethnic/racial disputes
Authors: Aköz K. Kıvanç , Arın K. Peren , Zenker Christina
Published: November 2021

An increase in the salience of ethnic/racial (E/R) disputes often signifies a shift in the E/R status quo of a society. We present a labor market model where matching frictions are higher for the E/R minority due to labor market discrimination and the unemployment insurance benefits are determined via competitive elections. We hypothesize that a reduction in labor market discrimination, possibly because of its salience, shifts the unemployment from the minority to the majority, leading to a drop in the unemployment rate among the black minority, and consequently the unemployment insurance they receive. Nevertheless, the total unemployment insurance benefit may increase because the median voter, who is a member of the majority, prefers a higher level of unemployment insurance. To empirically test our hypothesis, we constructed a novel, news‐based, and time‐varying measure of E/R discrimination salience for the US and show that unemployment insurance benefits to the black minority decreases in response to an increase in our measure.
Cross‐sectional and prospective associations between self‐reported sleep characteristics and cognitive function in men and women: The Midlife in the United States study
Authors: Schneider Aaron C. , Moon Chooza , Whitaker Kara M. , Zhang Dong , Carr Lucas J. , Bao Wei , Xiao Qian
Published: November 2021

Sleep behaviour is an important contributing factor in healthy human ageing and cognitive function. Previous studies have linked sleep deficiency with cognitive decline in older adults. However, there is need for more prospective investigations that focus on specific domains of cognitive function. The present study analysed cross‐sectional and prospective associations between self‐reported sleep and cognitive function in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Weekday and weekend sleep duration and habitual sleep quality were obtained via questionnaire data. Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone was conducted to assess overall cognitive function, as well as episodic memory and executive function. We found significant trend for both long weekday and weekend sleep (>8 hr) and lower episodic memory scores in the overall sample. Sex‐specific cross‐sectional analysis demonstrated men with longer weekend sleep duration have lower overall cognitive function scores, and a negative association between weekend sleep and episodic memory scores. Women demonstrated a positive association between weekend sleep duration and executive function scores. There was no prospective significance for overall or sex‐specific analysis. Our present results suggest that sleep duration may contribute to cognitive function, and future studies should include objective sleep measurements and focus on the potential cognitive benefits of improving sleep to further elucidate this association.
Chihuahua, between conflict and electoral alternation
Authors: López Montiel Ángel Gustavo
Published: November 2021

Over the last several decades, the political environment in the Mexican state of Chihuahua has radically changed. The factors that have influenced this change include the economic integration and regional markets that have been fostered between Mexico and the United States; an increasing presence of organized crime; and civil society and private corporations that have responded in a way resembling the electoral realignment conditions that seem to have been consolidated with the last election. This article reviews these factors.
Quantifying teaching quality in medical education: The impact of learning gain calculation
Authors: Westphale Silke , Backhaus Joy , Koenig Sarah
Published: November 2021

Background

Student performance is a mirror of teaching quality. The pre‐/post‐test design allows a pragmatic approach to comparing the effects of interventions. However, the calculation of current knowledge gain scores introduces varying degrees of distortion. Here we present a new metric employing a linear weighting coefficient to reduce skewness on outcome interpretation.

Methods

We compared and contrasted a number of common scores (raw and relative gain scores) with our new method on two datasets, one simulated and the other empirical from a previous intervention study (n = 180) employing a pre‐/post‐test design.

Results

The outcomes of the common scores were clearly different, demonstrating a significant dependency on pre‐test scores. Only the new metric revealed a linear relationship to the knowledge baseline, was less skewed on the upper or lower extremes, and proved well suited to allow the calculation of negative learning gains. Employing the empirical dataset, the new method also confirmed the interaction effect of teaching formats with specific subgroups of learner characteristics.

Conclusion

This work introduces a new weighted metric enabling meaningful comparisons between interventions based on a linear transformation. This method will form the basis to intertwine the calculation of test performance closely with the outcome of learning as an important factor reflecting teaching quality and efficacy. Its regular use can improve the transparency of teaching activities and outcomes, contribute to forming rounded judgements of students' acquisition of knowledge and skills and enable valuable feedforward to develop and enhance curricular concepts.
Pulling the strings from underground? Soil biota and plant growth–defense tradeoffs
Authors: Bender S. Franz
Published: November 2021

This article is a Commentary on Geisen et al. (2022), 233: 1345–1357.
GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR‐like gene OsGLR3.4 is required for plant growth and systemic wound signaling in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Yu Bo , Wu Qi , Li Xingxing , Zeng Rongfeng , Min Qian , Huang Junli
Published: November 2021

Recent studies have revealed the physiological roles of glutamate receptor‐like channels (GLRs) in Arabidopsis; however, the functions of GLRs in rice remain largely unknown.

Here, we show that knockout of OsGLR3.4 in rice leads to brassinosteroid (BR)‐regulated growth defects and reduced BR sensitivity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transient transactivation assays indicated that OsGLR3.4 is the downstream target of OsBZR1. Further, agonist profile assays showed that multiple amino acids can trigger transient Ca2+ influx in an OsGLR3.4‐dependent manner, indicating that OsGLR3.4 is a Ca2+‐permeable channel. Meanwhile, the study of internode cells demonstrated that OsGLR3.4‐mediated Ca2+ flux is required for actin filament organization and vesicle trafficking.

Following root injury, the triggering of both slow wave potentials (SWPs) in leaves and the jasmonic acid (JA) response are impaired in osglr3.4 mutants, indicating that OsGLR3.4 is required for root‐to‐shoot systemic wound signaling in rice. Brassinosteroid treatment enhanced SWPs and OsJAZ8 expression in root‐wounded plants, suggesting that BR signaling synergistically regulates the OsGLR3.4‐mediated systemic wound response.

In summary, this article describes a mechanism of OsGLR3.4‐mediated cell elongation and long‐distance systemic wound signaling in plants and provides new insights into the contribution of GLRs to plant growth and responses to mechanical wounding.
Outcome of high‐power short‐duration radiofrequency ablation in combination with half‐normal saline irrigation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Maan Abhishek , Bode Weeranun D. , Heist E. Kevin , Ha Grace , Carnicelli Anthony , Slattery Kathryn , Fitzsimons Michael , Ruskin Jeremy , Mansour Moussa
Published: November 2021

Background

Data regarding the use of high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) in combination with half‐normal saline irrigation for catheter irrigation are limited.

Objectives

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of using HPSD RF ablation in combination with half‐normal saline irrigation for the treatment of AF.

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with AF underwent RF ablation using HPSD combined with half‐normal saline for catheter irrigation. In addition, the following ablation strategies were used: 1 mm tags for the display of ablation lesions on the mapping system, high‐frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), low contact force, pacing after ablation to verify areas of noncapture, atrial/ventricular pacing at 500 to 700 ms to aid in catheter stability, use of two skin electrodes to reduce impedance, and postablation adenosine infusion. Power was started at 40 to 45 W and was modulated manually based on impedance changes.

Results

The average age of patients was 65.2 years and 70% were male. Forty seven percent had paroxysmal AF and the average CHA2DS2‐VASc score was 2.1 ± 1.6. The average power and lesion duration were 38.1 ± 3.3 W and 8.1 ± 2.3 s, respectively. During a median follow‐up period of 321 ± 139 days, 89% of the patients remained free from any atrial arrhythmias after a single RF ablation procedure. No procedure‐related death, stroke, pericardial effusion, or atrioesophageal fistula occurred during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation using HPSD RF lesions in combination with half‐normal saline irrigation and is safe and effective, and results in high rate of freedom from AF.
Damage Induced to DNA and Its Constituents by 0–3 eV UV Photoelectrons†
Authors: Liu Chaochao , Zheng Yi , Sanche Léon
Published: November 2021

The complex physical and chemical interactions between DNA and 0–3 eV electrons released by UV photoionization can lead to the formation of various lesions such as base modifications and cleavage, crosslinks and single strand breaks. Furthermore, in the presence of platinum chemotherapeutic agents, these electrons can cause clustered lesions, including double strand breaks. We explain the mechanisms responsible for these damages via the production 0–3 eV electrons by UVC radiation, and by UV photons of any wavelengths, when they are produced by photoemission from nanoparticles lying within about 10 nm from DNA. We review experimental evidence showing that a single 0–3 eV electron can produce these damages. The foreseen benefits UV‐irradiation of nanoparticles targeted to the cell nucleus are mentioned in the context of cancer therapy, as well as the potential hazards to human health when they are present in cells.
Insights into the Ultrafast Dynamics of CH2OO and CH3CHOO Following Excitation to the Bright 1ππ* State: The Role of Singlet and Triplet States
Authors: Esposito Vincent J. , Werba Olivia , Bush Sarah A. , Marchetti Barbara , Karsili Tolga N. V.
Published: November 2021

Criegee intermediates make up a class of molecules that are of significant atmospheric importance. Understanding their electronically excited states guides experimental detection and provides insight into whether solar photolysis plays a role in their removal from the troposphere. The latter is particularly important for large and functionalized Criegee intermediates. In this study, the excited state chemistry of two small Criegee intermediates, formaldehyde oxide (CH2OO) and acetaldehyde oxide (CH3CHOO), was modeled to compare their specific dynamics and mechanisms following excitation to the bright ππ* state and to assess the involvement of triplet states to the excited state decay process. Following excitation to the bright ππ* state, the photoexcited population exclusively evolves to form oxygen plus aldehyde products without the involvement of triplet states. This occurs despite the presence of a more thermodynamically stable triplet path and several singlet/triplet energy crossings at the Franck‐Condon geometry and contrasts with the photodynamics of related systems such as acetaldehyde and acetone. This work sets the foundations to study Criegee intermediates with greater molecular complexity, wherein a bathochromic shift in the electron absorption profiles may ensure greater removal via solar photolysis.
Thinking Things in German versus Swedish. A Cross‐Linguistic comparison of Verbs of Thinking in Two Genetically Close Languages.☆
Authors: Frommherz Yannick
Published: November 2021

Against the backdrop of universality proposals claiming that all languages share the conceptualisation and expression of THINKING, this study comparatively investigates verbs of thinking (VOT) in German and Swedish. Particularly, it examines semantic specificity in VOT (the restricted availability of only one verb in a certain context), and the potential effect of two constraints (intersubjective verifiability; subjectivity). A contextualised choice task was conducted where German (n = 30) and Swedish (n = 30) native speakers had to indicate which of four verb(s) (denken/glauben/meinen/finden; tänka/tro/tycka/mena) are meaningful in a certain context. The results suggest that the German domain of VOT is less semantically specific than the Swedish one. Moreover, they indicate that both languages are sensitive to the subjectivity constraint: they exclusively allow for one specific verb (finden/tycka) when the VOT frames an utterance expressing a subjective opinion/assessment/evaluation. However, when the VOT frames a statement that other interactants can test for its truth (intersubjective verifiability), only Swedish appears to show semantic specificity, allowing exclusively for tro. German does not appear sensitive to this constraint as both denken/glauben/meinen are available. The finding that even genetically close languages show striking differences in VOT casts doubt on universality proposals in the domain of VOT.
Detection of the HLA‐A*02:56:02 allele in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: November 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 56 of HLA‐A*02:56:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*02:56:02.
Low light‐regulated intramolecular disulfide fine‐tunes the role of PTOX in Arabidopsis
Authors: Rog Ido , Chaturvedi Amit Kumar , Tiwari Vivekanand , Danon Avihai
Published: November 2021

Disulfide‐based regulation links the activity of numerous chloroplast proteins with photosynthesis‐derived redox signals. The plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) is a thylakoid‐bound plastoquinol oxidase that has been implicated in multiple roles in the light and in the dark, which could require different levels of PTOX activity. Here we show that Arabidopsis PTOX contains a conserved C‐terminus domain (CTD) with cysteines that evolved progressively following the colonization of the land by plants. Furthermore, the CTD contains a regulatory disulfide that is in the oxidized state in the dark and is rapidly reduced, within 5 min, in low light intensity (1–5 µE m−2 sec−1). The reduced PTOX form in the light was reoxidized within 15 min after transition to the dark. Mutation of the cysteines in the CTD prevented the formation of the oxidized form. This resulted in higher levels of reduced plastoquinone when measured at transition to the onset of low light. This is consistent with the reduced state of PTOX exhibiting diminished PTOX oxidase activity under conditions of limiting PQH2 substrate. Our findings suggest that AtPTOX‐CTD evolved to provide light‐dependent regulation of PTOX activity for the adaptation of plants to terrestrial conditions.
Acute cerebral compression caused by an epidural hematoma associated with cryptococcosis in a dog
Authors: Purcell Sarah L. , Rose Annie , Allavena Rachel , Haworth Mark
Published: November 2021

Objective

To describe acute cerebral compression caused by an epidural hematoma (EDH) in a dog with cryptococcal infection.

Case Summary

An 18‐month‐old neutered male Neapolitan Mastiff was found comatose with no preceding clinical signs apart from a mild forelimb lameness. A CT scan of the head revealed a lesion within the right caudal nasal cavity that traversed the cribriform plate in addition to a right epidural lesion resulting in compression of the right cerebrum. Assessment of brain death was made based on the presence of coma, apnea, and absence of brain stem reflexes and included assessment of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex. Postmortem identified a large EDH causing marked compression of the right frontal lobe. A nasal biopsy cultured Cryptococcus gattii.

New or Unique Information Provided

EDH formation in a dog secondary to cryptococcosis has not been previously reported. This is also the first time a caloric vestibulo‐ocular reflex assessment has been reported in a dog.
Regulating Movement Frequency and Speed: Implications for Lumbar Spine Load Management Strategies Demonstrated Using an In Vitro Porcine Model
Authors: Zehr Jackie D. , Buchman-Pearle Jessa M. , Beach Tyson A.C. , Gooyers Chad E. , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: November 2021

The relationship between internal loading dose and low-back injury risk during lifting is well known. However, the implications of movement parameters that influence joint loading rates—movement frequency and speed—on time-dependent spine loading responses remain less documented. This study quantified the effect of loading rate and frequency on the tolerated cumulative loading dose and its relation to joint lifespan. Thirty-two porcine spinal units were exposed to biofidelic compression loading paradigms that differed by joint compression rate (4.2 and 8.3 kN/s) and frequency (30 and 60 cycles per minute). Cyclic compression testing was applied until failure was detected or 10,800 continuous cycles were tolerated. Instantaneous weighting factors were calculated to evaluate the cumulative load and Kaplan–Meier survival probability functions were examined following nonlinear dose normalization of the cyclic lifespan. Significant reductions in cumulative compression were tolerated when spinal units were compressed at 8.3 kN/s (P < .001, 67%) and when loaded at 30 cycles per minute (P = .008, 45%). There was a positive moderate relationship between cumulative load tolerance and normalized cyclic lifespan (R2 = .52), which was supported by joint survivorship functions. The frequency and speed of movement execution should be evaluated in parallel to loading dose for the management of low-back training exposures.
Increased Speed Elicited More Automatized but Less Predictable Control in Cyclical Arm and Leg Movements
Authors: van de Ven Werner A.F. , Bosga Jurjen , Hullegie Wim , Verra Wiebe C. , Meulenbroek Ruud G.J.
Published: November 2021

The present study explores variations in the degree of automaticity and predictability of cyclical arm and leg movements. Twenty healthy adults were asked to walk on a treadmill at a lower-than-preferred speed, their preferred speed, and at a higher-than-preferred speed. In a separate, repetitive punching task, the three walking frequencies were used to cue the target pace of the cyclical arm movements. Movements of the arms, legs, and trunk were digitized with inertial sensors. Whereas absolute slope values (|β|) of the linear fit to the power spectrum of the digitized movements (p < .001, η2 = .676) were systematically smaller in treadmill walking than in repetitive punching, sample entropy measures (p < .001, η2 = .570) were larger reflecting the former task being more automated but also less predictable than the latter task. In both tasks, increased speeds enhanced automatized control (p < .001, η2 = .475) but reduced movement predictability (p = .008, η2 = .225). The latter findings are potentially relevant when evaluating effects of task demand changes in clinical contexts.
Lung ultrasound volume sweep imaging for respiratory illness: a new horizon in expanding imaging access
Authors: Marini Thomas J , Weis Justin M , Baran Timothy M , Kan Jonah , Meng Steven , Yeo Alex , Zhao Yu T , Ambrosini Robert , Cleary Sean , Rubens Deborah , Chess Mitchell , Castaneda Benjamin , Dozier Ann , O'Connor Timothy , Garra Brian , Kaproth-Joslin Katherine
Published: November 2021

Background

Respiratory illness is a leading cause of morbidity in adults and the number one cause of mortality in children, yet billions of people lack access to medical imaging to assist in its diagnosis. Although ultrasound is highly sensitive and specific for respiratory illness such as pneumonia, its deployment is limited by a lack of sonographers. As a solution, we tested a standardised lung ultrasound volume sweep imaging (VSI) protocol based solely on external body landmarks performed by individuals without prior ultrasound experience after brief training. Each step in the VSI protocol is saved as a video clip for later interpretation by a specialist.

Methods

Dyspneic hospitalised patients were scanned by ultrasound naive operators after 2 hours of training using the lung ultrasound VSI protocol. Separate blinded readers interpreted both lung ultrasound VSI examinations and standard of care chest radiographs to ascertain the diagnostic value of lung VSI considering chest X-ray as the reference standard. Comparison to clinical diagnosis as documented in the medical record and CT (when available) were also performed. Readers offered a final interpretation of normal, abnormal, or indeterminate/borderline for each VSI examination, chest X-ray, and CT.

Results

Operators scanned 102 subjects (0–89 years old) for analysis. Lung VSI showed a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 91% for an abnormal chest X-ray and a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93% for a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. When any cases with an indeterminate rating on chest X-ray or ultrasound were excluded (n=38), VSI lung ultrasound showed 92% agreement with chest X-ray (Cohen’s κ 0.83 (0.68 to 0.97, p<0.0001)). Among cases with CT (n=21), when any ultrasound with an indeterminate rating was excluded (n=3), there was 100% agreement with VSI.

Conclusion

Lung VSI performed by previously inexperienced ultrasound operators after brief training showed excellent agreement with chest X-ray and high sensitivity and specificity for a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. Blinded readers were able to identify other respiratory diseases including pulmonary oedema and pleural effusion. Deployment of lung VSI could benefit the health of the global community.
Fresh haskap berry postharvest quality characteristics and storage life
Authors: Leisso Rachel , Jarrett Bridgid , Richter Rebecca , Miller Zachariah
Published: November 2021

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a relatively new berry crop in North America, and little research exists regarding its postharvest storage characteristics or storage life. Postharvest changes in berry quality, and principal factors limiting storage life at 1.1 °C and 95% relative humidity, were evaluated up to 14 days for three cultivars in 2019 and up to 28 days for six cultivars in 2020. Containerized berries were periodically assessed for soluble solids content (SSC), skin rupture force (SRF) (both 2019 and 2020) and flesh firmness, titratable acidity (TA), and Brix/acid ratio (B/A) (2020 only). External appearance was also evaluated both years, revealing berry shrivel as the primary factor negatively impacting visual appeal, followed distantly by low incidence of spoilage later in storage. All cultivars exhibited relatively constant postharvest SSC and decreasing SRF, flesh firmness, and TA (resulting in increasing B/A ratio). Postharvest quality differed slightly between years; relative SRF was consistent among cultivars while SSC was not. Some cultivars had a portion of shriveled berries at harvest, pointing to a need for cultivar-specific harvest indices. Mean days to slight shrivel for individual berries varied among cultivars evaluated, ranging from 7.5–21.9 d postharvest, with mean weight loss ranging from 1.2%–1.6% at this stage. Combined with group marketability estimates — set at a threshold of 10% severely shriveled berries — we estimate a storage life of 7–10 d for fresh haskaps. Additional research is needed to delineate maturation physiology and optimize harvest timing.
Avian eggshell coloration predicts shell-matrix protoporphyrin content
Authors: Thompson Charles F. , Hodges Kara E. , Mortimer Nathan T. , Vrailas-Mortimer Alysia D. , Sakaluk Scott K. , Hauber Mark E.
Published: November 2021

Avian eggshell pigmentation may provide information about a female’s physiological condition, in particular her state of oxidative balance. Previously we found that female House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon Vieillot, 1809) with lighter, less-maculated, and redder ground-colored shells were older and produced heavier offspring than females laying more-maculated and browner eggs. The strong pro-oxidant protoporphyrin is responsible for this species’ eggshell pigmentation, so differences in pigmentary coloration may be related to eggshell protoporphyrin content and reflect female oxidative balance and condition during egg formation. Therefore, we tested the assumption that egg-surface coloration is related to the amount of protoporphyrin in the shell matrix. We analyzed digital photographs of eggs to determine maculation coverage as a measure of the overall ground coloration of the egg and its red-, green-, and blue-channel pixel values. Pigments were then extracted from these same eggs and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. There was a strong, positive relationship between eggshell redness and protoporphyrin content of eggshells, but no relationship between percent maculation and protoporphyrin content. Thus, when older, larger females deposit more protoporphyrin in their eggshells, this may reflect a tolerance for high levels of circulating protoporphyrin or an effective mechanism for off-loading protoporphyrin into the eggshell matrix.