bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into varroa mite (Varroa destructor) infestation levels in local honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies of Ethiopia
Authors: Gela Alemayehu , Atickem Anagaw , Bezabeh Amssalu , Woldehawariat Yitbarek , Gebresilassie Araya
Published: July 2023

The varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is the most economically important parasitic pest of honey bees (Apis mellifera) that causes global colony decline and loss. Since its first detection in Ethiopia in 2010, little is known about the current infestation levels and contributing factors to the mite's distribution across the country. In this study, we conducted a large‐scale assessment of varroa prevalence and infestation levels in managed colonies across three potential beekeeping regions of Ethiopia; Oromia, Amhara and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). A total of 360 samples from 39 apiaries were collected following standard protocols and the mite prevalence and infestation levels were determined using the established method of varroa research. Overall, 89% of sampled colonies were infested by the mite, with varying prevalence rates across the regions: 95.8% in Oromia, 85.2% in Amhara and 71.9% in SNNPR, indicating the widespread nature of the parasite throughout the country. The varroa infestation levels were lower in local hives (2.6 ± 5.9) than in frame hives (5.0 ± 0.9), and significantly higher in brood bees (5.6 ± 0.8) than in adult bees (1.93 ± 0.17) (p < 0.001). Possible factors contributing to the varied mite prevalence and infestation levels in the country include differences in agro‐ecology, beekeeping practices, host age preference and the nature of bee hives. Therefore, our study provides insights into the current status of varroa prevalence and associated factors across regions in Ethiopia. Further investigation is required to explore the probable impact of the parasite on the health and productivity of local honey bees, in order to design future monitoring strategies.
Optimization of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue sample acquisition for commercially available comprehensive genome profiling
Authors: Ishikawa Kazuma , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Sasaki Keiko , Niiya Fumitaka , Satoh Tatsunori , Sato Junya , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Minamide Tatsunori , Yamamoto Yoichi , Yoshida Masao , Maeda Yuki , Kawata Noboru , Takada Kazunori , Kishida Yoshihiro , Imai Kenichiro , Hotta Kinichi , Notsu Akifumi , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Optimal tumor samples are crucial for successful analysis using commercially available comprehensive genomic profiling (CACGP). However, samples acquired by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition (EUS‐TA) are occasionally insufficient, and no consensus on the optimal number of needle passes required for CACGP exists. This study aimed to explore the optimal number of needle passes required for EUS‐TA to procure an ideal sample fulfilling the prerequisite criteria of CACGPs.

Methods

Patients who underwent EUS‐TA for solid masses between November 2019 and July 2021 were retrospectively studied. The correlation between the acquisition rate of an ideal sample and the number of needle passes mounted on a microscope slide was evaluated. Additionally, the factors predicting a successful analysis were investigated in patients scheduled for CACGP using EUS‐TA‐obtained samples during the same period.

Results

EUS‐TAs using 22‐ and 19‐gauge (G) needles were performed in 336 and 57 patients, respectively. There was a positive correlation between the acquisition rate and the number of passes using a 22‐G needle (38.9%, 45.0%, 83.7%, and 100% for 1, 2, 3, and 4 passes, respectively), while no correlation was found with a 19‐G needle (84.2%, 83.3%, and 85.0% for 1, 2, and 3 passes, respectively). The analysis success rate in patients with scheduled CACGP was significantly higher with ideal samples than with suboptimal samples (94.1%vs55.0%,P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The optimal estimated number of needle passes was 4 and 1–2 for 22‐ and 19‐G needles, respectively.
Geometric morphometric analysis of Pleuronectiformes vertebrae: A new tool to identify archaeological fish remains?
Authors: Dierickx Katrien , Oueslati Tarek , Profico Antonio
Published: July 2023

Flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) vertebrae are difficult to identify to species due to the lack of diagnostic features. This has resulted in a lack of understanding of the species abundances across archaeological sites, hindering interpretations of historical fisheries in the North Sea area. We use a new approach, utilising a combined 2D landmark‐based geometric morphometric analysis as an objective and non‐destructive method for species identification of flatfish vertebrae from the North Sea area. Modern specimens were used as a reference to describe the morphological variation between taxa using principal component analysis (PCA) and to trial an automated classification using linear discriminant analysis. Although there is limited distinction between taxa using PCAs, the classification shows high accuracies, indicating that flatfish species identifications using geometric morphometrics are possible. Bone samples (n = 105) from two archaeological sites in the United Kingdom and France were analysed using this approach and their identifications were verified using collagen peptide mass fingerprinting. The success rate of species identification was usually less than 50%, indicating that this technique has limited applicability due to preservation/fragmentation of archaeological fish bone. Nonetheless, this could prove a valuable tool for modern and non‐fragmented samples. Furthermore, the technique applied in this study can be easily adapted to work on other landmark datasets.
Black adolescents' racial discrimination and suicide behaviors: Testing perceived school safety as a protective moderator
Authors: Williams Chelsea D. , Shipman‐Lacewell Jelaina , Shih Shu‐Fang , Wynn Alexandra , de Jesús Elias María , Valrie Cecelia R.
Published: July 2023

The current study examined associations between Black adolescents' (Mage = 15.55, SD = 1.23) racial discrimination and suicide behaviors (i.e., suicide ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempts), and whether perceived school safety was a protective moderator. Furthermore, we tested gender differences in relations, which were not significant. Racial discrimination predicted greater suicide behaviors, and school safety informed less suicide behaviors. School safety moderated the relation between discrimination and suicide plan, such that at low school safety, discrimination predicted having a suicide plan but was not significant at high school safety. Furthermore, school safety moderated the relation between discrimination and suicide attempts. At low school safety, discrimination predicted more suicide attempts, but was not significant at high school safety.
Mere religiosity is not enough! Spirituality strengthens the relations between religiosity and positive youth development
Authors: Buenconsejo Jet U. , Datu Jesus Alfonso D.
Published: July 2023

Although prior research shows that either religiosity or spirituality facilitates well‐being, the interaction of both constructs in predicting positive youth development (PYD) in collectivistic contexts remains unknown. This study examined the moderating role of spirituality on the link between religiosity and PYD, including each of its Cs (i.e., competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring) among 1116 Filipino adolescents. Results demonstrate that both religiosity and spirituality are positively correlated with PYD and its dimensions. Furthermore, there is a significant interaction between religiosity and spirituality for the overall PYD construct and the socio‐emotional Cs (i.e., connection, character, and caring). This study highlights the importance of young people's sense of connection with something beyond than themselves (i.e., spirituality) in promoting adolescent thriving.
On Transdisciplinary Possibility: An Interstitial Exploration of American Religious History and Religious Ethics
Authors: Simpson Laura A.
Published: July 2023

This essay explores the intersections of religious ethics and American religious history and advocates for a transdisciplinary approach to scholarship in both disciplines. Four books, each published within the last 4 years, form the foundation of this discussion by modeling distinctive elements of transdisciplinary scholarship: Heathen: Religion and Race in American History by Kathryn Gin Lum; Make Yourselves Gods: Mormons and the Unfinished Business of American Secularism by Peter Coviello; Peaceful Families: American Muslim Efforts Against Domestic Violence by Juliane Hammer; and The Sex Obsession: Perversity and Possibility in American Politics by Janet R. Jakobsen. Each of these texts raises questions that hover at the intersections of religious ethics and American religious history, demonstrating how scholarship in both areas can be strengthened through a destabilization of the disciplines themselves.
Pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of grapiprant in juvenile pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)
Authors: Kleine Stephanie , Hampton Chiara E. , Smith Christopher , Bussieres Genevieve , Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Seddighi Reza , Cox Sherry , Smith Joe
Published: July 2023

Both pet and research pigs can suffer from some degree of pain from surgery, injuries, or osteoarthritis (OA). Despite this, there is a paucity of data on safe and effective analgesia agents in pigs. Grapiprant is an EP4 antagonist that blocks the action of the pro‐inflammatory prostanoid, PGE2. It has shown efficacy in attenuating pain associated with ovariohysterectomy and OA in dogs. However, there are no data regarding grapiprant in pigs. Therefore, the pharmacokinetic profile of orally administered grapiprant to juvenile pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) was evaluated in this study. Seven juvenile pigs received 12 mg/kg grapiprant orally. Blood was collected from an indwelling jugular catheter using the push–pull method at set timepoints up to 48 hours. Sample analysis was performed with high‐performance liquid chromatography. Mean grapiprant plasma concentration was 164.3 ± 104.7 ng/mL which occurred at 0.8 ± 0.3 h. This study demonstrated that grapiprant concentrations consistent with analgesia in dogs were reached at this dosage in pigs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of grapiprant in pigs.
Community specialisation in vegetation succession on central‐European disturbed sites
Authors: Ballesteros Miguel , Řehounková Klára , Vítovcová Kamila , Prach Karel
Published: July 2023

Questions

Conservation and restoration efforts can greatly benefit from understanding how plant community specialisation changes after disturbance. This paper addresses general successional patterns concerning the following questions: How does community specialisation change during succession? What are the general patterns in the occurrence of generalists and specialists? What are the general ecological strategies of generalists and specialists? Are threatened species better represented among specialists, as generally expected?

Location

Czech Republic, central Europe.

Methods

We assessed trends in plant community specialisation as well as the participation of generalists and specialists in 12 types of successional series based on a large data set of dated plots of spontaneously established vegetation at various disturbed sites. We classified species into generalists and specialists using a co‐occurrence specialisation metric, determined overall community specialisation at the plot level, and assessed trends in response to successional age for each of the seres using regression analyses, community‐weighted means and the fourth‐corner approach. We also examined the differences between generalists and specialists during succession by comparing their ecological strategies (competitive, stress‐tolerant and ruderal) and conservation status.

Results

Community specialisation generally increased during succession, mainly due to a decline in generalists and an increase in typical species of particular habitats such as grasslands, woodlands and wetlands. Despite the general increase in community specialisation, specialists peaked in early and old successional stages and were always less abundant than generalists. During succession, generalists were more stable in their ecological strategies and were predominantly competitive. Specialists varied more, being mostly competitive stress tolerators but also ruderals in early successional stages. Specialists were proportionally more threatened than generalists.

Conclusions

Generalists and specialists differ in their successional patterns, ecological strategies and conservation status. Assessing the spatio‐temporal changes in community specialisation helps to evaluate and track successional trends, and to determine the conservation and restoration status of degraded areas.
Mosaic assembly of regulatory programs for vascular cambial growth: a view from the Early Devonian
Authors: Pfeiler Kelly C. , Tomescu Alexandru M. F.
Published: July 2023

Evidence for secondary growth extends into the Early Devonian, 407 million years ago, raising questions about tempo and mode of origination of this key developmental feature. To address such questions, we analyze anatomy in the four oldest fossil plants with well‐characterized woody tissues; one of these represents a new genus, described here formally.

The new fossil is documented using the cellulose acetate peel technique and associated methods. We use the paradigm of structural fingerprints to identify developmental components of cambial growth based on fossil anatomy. We integrate developmental inferences within a theoretical framework of modular regulation of secondary growth.

The fossils possess structural fingerprints consistent with four different combinations of regulatory mechanisms (modules) acting in cambial growth, representing four distinct modes of secondary growth.

The different modes of secondary growth demonstrate that cambial growth is an assemblage of regulatory modules whose deployment followed a mosaic pattern across woody plants, which may represent ancestors of younger lineages that exhibit woody growth. The diverse modes of wood development occupy a wide morphospace in the anatomy of wood in the Early Devonian, suggesting that the origins of secondary growth and of its modular components pre‐date this interval.
What is a protagonist?
Authors: Ladefoged Larn Anastasia , Deans Kristensen‐McLachlan Ross
Published: July 2023

Early modern French dramas c.1550–1660 stage a multitude of female figures. Two of the most popular were the Greek‐Egyptian ruler Cleopatra and the Carthaginian noblewoman Sophonisbe who all in all appear in no less than 13 French tragedies from this period including some of the period's most important ones. In this article we undertake the first comparative and structural investigation of both figures' importance within the corpus by combining computationally assisted social network analysis and traditional close reading. By defining importance quantitatively based on four centrality measurements, we substantiate recent scholarship's highlighting of early modern dramatists' gendered interest and question traditional scholarly notions of protagonism.
Clinical implications of gallbladder enlargement in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Miyazawa Ayako , Matsushima Takahiro , Sakakibara Hiroshi , Akahoshi Shogo , Morikawa Yoshihiko , Koyama Yutaro , Miyata Koichi , Hataya Hiroshi , Miura Masaru
Published: July 2023

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) presents with gallbladder enlargement (GBE) or hydrops in the acute phase. Although GBE is highly specific to KD, epidemiological data on GBE have not been updated. In this study we evaluated the occurrence rate of GBE in KD and characterized the clinical features of patients who developed GBE.

Methods

The present study was a prospective, observational study. The maximum longitudinal area of the gallbladder and the common bile duct diameter in KD patients were measured by ultrasonography at the start of initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy (day 0) and on days 7, 30, and 60 of therapy. The primary outcome was the complication rate of GBE (z‐ score ≥2.0) on day 0. The secondary outcome was the association of GBE with cholestasis, unresponsiveness to IVIG, and coronary artery lesions (CAL).

Results

Gallbladder enlargement occurred in 35% (35/101) of patients on day 0. Cholestasis and severe patients (Kobayashi score [KS] ≥5) were more common in the GBE group (20.6% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.002, and 54.3% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). In patients with a KS of ≤4, the non‐responder rate was higher in the GBE group (44% vs. 20%, p = 0.0495) but did not differ in those with a KS of ≥5 (21% vs. 20%, p = 0.95). The rate of CAL occurrence did not differ significantly between the groups (8.6% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.64).

Conclusions

Gallbladder enlargement occurred in 35% of KD patients and was associated with cholestasis. Gallbladder enlargement may not only be a diagnostic finding, but also a severity marker in KD patients.
Evaluation of soybean genotypes for cowpea mild mottle virus resistance through phenotypic reaction and genotypic analysis
Authors: Yadav Manoj Kumar , Yadav Mukesh Kumar , Lal Sanjay Kumar , Sevanthi Amitha Mithra , Nabi Sajad Un , Baranwal Virendra Kumar
Published: July 2023

Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV), a carlavirus nonpersistently transmitted by whiteflies, is an emerging and economically important virus of soybean. The present study aimed to identify soybean genotypes resistant to CPMMV through mechanical inoculation‐based phenotyping and marker trait association using gene‐specific and simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A set of 500 soybean genotypes was initially screened in the field for CPMMV infection, of which 288 genotypes showing resistance were evaluated further under controlled glasshouse conditions. Among these 288 genotypes, 43 (14.9%) were resistant, 59 (20.5%) were moderately resistant while the remaining 186 (64.6%) were susceptible. A set of five gene‐specific primer pairs, three of which targeted CPMMV R genes, was used for screening the 288 soybean genotypes; 96 genotypes from the 288 (based on disease score) were also genotyped with 24 SSR polymorphic markers for an association study. The mean values of major allele frequency and gene diversity were found to be 0.70 and 0.39, respectively. The polymorphism information content varied from 0.14 to 0.37. Population structure and cluster analysis revealed three subpopulations for the five gene‐specific markers and two distinct subpopulations for the 24 SSR markers, respectively. Neighbour joining‐based clustering analysis categorized the 288 genotypes into two major clusters. Three markers were found to be significantly associated with CPMMV resistance. The BARCSOYSSR0558 marker showed the highest phenotypic variance of 9.6%. The present study will help in identification of CPMMV R genes and breeding new resistant varieties through marker‐assisted selection.
The influence of volume‐matched acute aerobic exercise on inhibitory control in late‐middle‐aged and older adults: A neuroelectric study
Authors: Chu Chien‐Heng , Kao Shih‐Chun , Hillman Charles H. , Chen Feng‐Tzu , Li Ruei‐Hong , Ai Jing‐Yi , Chang Yu‐Kai
Published: July 2023

Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to benefit inhibitory control; however, less attention has been devoted to the effects of varying intensity and duration with a predetermined exercise volume. The current study assessed the influence of three distinct exercise conditions, each equated with a predesignated exercise volume but varied in terms of exercise durations and intensities, on inhibitory control utilizing both behavioral and neuroelectric measures obtained among late‐middle‐aged and older adults. Thirty‐four adults (61.76 ± 0.80 years) completed three exercise conditions [i.e., a 30‐min low‐intensity exercise (LIE), a 20‐min moderate‐intensity exercise (MIE), and a 16‐min high‐intensity exercise (HIE)] and a non‐exercise reading control condition (CON) on separate days. The exercise volumes of LIE and HIE were designed to match the exercise volume of MIE. Following cessation of each condition, the Stroop task was performed while event‐related potentials were recorded. Improved behavioral performance (i.e., shorter response time, higher accuracy, and smaller interference scores) was observed after LIE, MIE, and HIE than CON (ps < .005). Additionally, whereas a larger P3b amplitude was only observed following MIE compared to CON (p < .01), larger N2 and smaller N450 amplitudes were observed following all three exercise conditions compared to CON (ps < .005). These findings suggested that while MIE may provide additional benefits for attentional resource allocation, exercise conditions volume matched to MIE resulted in superior inhibitory control, paralleled by modulations of the neural underpinnings of conflict monitoring/detection.
The role ofGnRHin Tibetan male sheep and goat reproduction
Authors: Zhao Wangsheng , Adjei Michael , Zhang Zhenzhen , Yuan Zhenjie , Cisang Zhuoma , Song Tianzeng
Published: July 2023

The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis connects the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. The regulation of reproductive processes includes integrating various factors from structural functions and environmental conditions in the HPG axis, with the outcome indication of these processes being the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. These factors include feed consumption and nutritional condition, sex steroids, season/photoperiod, pheromones, age, and stress. GnRH pulsatile secretion affects the pattern of gonadotropin secretion of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which then regulates both endocrine function and gamete maturation in the gonads. This regulates gonadotropins and testosterone (T) production. There is evidence that in males, GnRH participates in a variety of host behavioural and physiological processes such as the release of reproductive hormones, progression of spermatogenesis and sperm function, aggressive behaviour, and physiological metabolism. GnRH activates receptors expressed on Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, respectively to stimulate T secretion and spermatogenesis in the testis. Photoperiod affects the reproductive system of the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis via rhythmic diurnal melatonin secretion. Increased release of melatonin promotes sexual activity, GnRH production, LH stimulation, and T production. This induces testicular functions, spermatogenesis, and puberty. GnRH reduces the release of LH by the pituitary through the cascade effect and decreases plasma concentration of T. Gut microbiota maintain sex steroid homeostasis and may induce reduction in reproduction productivity. Recently, findings of kisspeptin‐neurokinin‐dynorphin neuronal network in the brain have resulted in fast advances in how GnRH secretion is controlled. Emerging studies have also indicated that other neuropeptide analogues could be used in control reproduction procedures in various goat and sheep breeds. The Tibetan male sheep and goats reproduce on a seasonal basis and have high reproductive performance. This is a review for the role of GnRH in Tibetan male sheep and goats reproduction. This is intended to enhance reproductive knowledge for understanding the key roles of GnRH relating to male reproductive efficiency of Tibetan sheep or goats.
A question of genre: Philip Melanchthon's oratorical debut at Wittenberg University
Authors: Walser‐Bürgler Isabella
Published: July 2023

The speech Philip Melanchthon gave on 29 August 1518 at the University of Wittenberg to initiate his professorship is an impressive piece of humanist idealism. Already its title, De corrigendis adolescentiae studiis (On the reform of the studies for the young) reveals his earnest ambitions in introducing reform. Not incidentally, thus, the speech received a lot of attention immediately after its delivery and enjoyed a remarkable popularity even decades after. The speech marks, however, not only an interesting object of study in terms of its content but also in terms of its generic form. Usually labelled as a declamation, this study will revaluate this generic attribution, for the first time, by arguing that the declamation as an academic genre was only introduced into the German academic landscape after Melanchthon's debut in Wittenberg and that De corrigendis adolescentiae studiis does not convincingly fit the standards of declamatory speech in many other respects. It will be shown that the category more apt for talking about Melanchthon's speech is that of the inaugural oration – a genre yet highly underappreciated in modern research on early modern academic oratory.
Mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 does not predispose to the development of autoimmune rheumatic diseases or autoimmune‐based thrombosis
Authors: Kozłowski Paweł , Lulek Michalina , Skwarek Agata , Śmiarowski Marcin , Małecka‐Giełdowska Milena , Ciepiela Olga
Published: July 2023

An infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) may have a significant impact on the human immune system. Interactions between the virus and defence mechanisms may promote the development of autoimmune processes which manifest as antinuclear antibody (ANA) synthesis. Since many different viruses are suspected to take part in the pathogenesis of different systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), we examined whether coronavirus disease 2019 convalescents who suffer from mild to moderate disease have a higher risk of developing ANA and anti‐β2‐glicoprotein I IgG antibodies (β2 GPI). In a retrospective study, we examined 294 adults among volunteer blood donors divided into convalescents (N = 215) and healthy controls (N = 79). For ANA detection, we used line‐blotting, a type of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IF), to determine antigenic specificity and ELISA for β2 GPI. We found a lower incidence of ANA in convalescents than in healthy controls, with the majority of these antibodies directed to antigens with no known clinical significance. Additionally, no participants were positive for β2 GPI in either group. Our results show that COVID‐19 with mild to moderate symptoms in the generally healthy population does not induce the development of ANA or anti‐β2 GPI antibodies for at least 6 months following the disease.
Truth in edutainment: What you get is what you see
Authors: Martin Michael A.
Published: July 2023

Discussion of “Visualizing statistical edutainment: What you see is what you get” by Lesser and Pearl.
NdhS interacts with cytochrome b6f to form a complex in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lan Yixin , Chen Qi , Mi Hualing
Published: July 2023

Cyclic electron transport (CET) around photosystem I (PSI) is crucial for photosynthesis to perform photoprotection and sustain the balance of ATP and NADPH. However, the critical component of CET, cyt b6f complex (cyt b6f), functions in CET has yet to be understood entirely. In this study, we found that NdhS, a subunit of NADPH dehydrogenase‐like (NDH) complex, interacted with cyt b6f to form a complex in Arabidopsis. This interaction depended on the N‐terminal extension of NdhS, which was conserved in eukaryotic plants but defective in prokaryotic algae. The migration of NdhS was much more in cyt b6f than in PSI‐NDH super‐complex. Based on these results, we suggested that NdhS and NADP+ oxidoreductase provide a docking domain for the mobile electron carrier ferredoxin to transfer electrons to the plastoquinone pool via cyt b6f in eukaryotic photosynthesis.
Diurnal gene oscillations modulated by RNA metabolism in tomato
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Xu Pengfei , Xue Wanxin , Zhu Weimin , Yu Xiang
Published: July 2023

Diurnal rhythms are known to regulate the expression of a large number of genes, coordinating plant growth and development with diel changes in light and temperature. However, the impact of RNA metabolism on rhythmic gene oscillations in plant is not yet fully understood. To address this question, we performed transcriptome and degradome profiling on tomato leaves at 6 time points during one 24 h cycle, using RNA‐seq and genome‐wide mapping of uncapped and cleavage transcripts (GMUCT). Time‐series profiling of RNA‐seq revealed 9342 diurnal‐oscillated genes, which were enriched in various metabolic processes. To quantify the general level of RNA degradation for each gene, we utilized the Proportion Uncapped (PU) metric, which represents the GMUCT/RNA‐seq ratio. Oscillated PU analysis revealed that 3885 genes were regulated by rhythmic RNA degradation. The RNA decay of these diurnal genes was highly coordinated with mRNA downregulation during oscillation, highlighting the critical role of internal transcription‐degradation balance in rhythmic gene oscillation. Furthermore, we identified 2190 genes undergoing co‐translational RNA decay (CTRD) with 5′ phosphate read ends enriched at the boundary of ribosomes stalling at translational termination sites. Interestingly, diurnal‐changed mRNAs with large amplitudes tended to be co‐translationally decay, suggesting that CTRD contributed to the rapid turnover of diurnal mRNAs. Finally, we also identified several genes, whose miRNA cleavage efficiency oscillated in a diurnal manner. Taken together, these findings uncovered the vital functions of RNA metabolism, including rhythmic RNA degradation, CTRD, and miRNA cleavage, in modulating the diurnal mRNA oscillations during diel change at post‐transcriptional level in tomato.
Restoration of β‐GC trafficking improves the lysosome function in Gaucher disease
Authors: Patel Saloni , Radhakrishnan Dhwani , Kumari Darpan , Bhansali Priyanka , Setty Subba Rao Gangi
Published: July 2023

Lysosomes function as a primary site for catabolism and cellular signaling. These organelles digest a variety of substrates received through endocytosis, secretion and autophagy with the help of resident acid hydrolases. Lysosomal enzymes are folded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and trafficked to lysosomes via Golgi and endocytic routes. The inability of hydrolase trafficking due to mutations or mutations in its receptor or cofactor leads to cargo accumulation (storage) in lysosomes, resulting in lysosome storage disorder (LSD). In Gaucher disease (GD), the lysosomes accumulate glucosylceramide because of low β‐glucocerebrosidase (β‐GC) activity that causes lysosome enlargement/dysfunction. We hypothesize that improving the trafficking of mutant β‐GC to lysosomes may improve the lysosome function in GD. RNAi screen using high throughput based β‐GC activity assay followed by reporter trafficking assay utilizing β‐GC‐mCherry led to the identification of nine potential phosphatases. Depletion of these phosphatases in HeLa cells enhanced the β‐GC activity by increasing the folding and trafficking of Gaucher mutants to the lysosomes. Consistently, the lysosomes in primary fibroblasts from GD patients restored their β‐GC activity upon the knockdown of these phosphatases. Thus, these studies provide evidence that altering phosphatome activity is an alternative therapeutic strategy to restore the lysosome function in GD.
A randomized controlled trial of post‐donation communication materials to increase donor return following a vasovagal reaction
Authors: Thijsen Amanda , Gemelli Carley N. , Davison Tanya E. , Masser Barbara
Published: July 2023

Background

Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) are one of the primary reasons for people to stop donating blood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of newly developed online communications on the rate of return of whole‐blood (WB) and plasma donors who experienced a VVR.

Study Design and Methods

First‐time and experienced WB and plasma donors who had a VVR without a loss of consciousness in the previous 3 days were randomly allocated to receive (a) an SMS sent 1–4 days post‐VVR (n = 2303), (b) an email sent 6–10 days post‐VVR (n = 2360), (c) both the SMS and the email (n = 2248), or (d) business‐as‐usual donor retention communications (control; n = 2557). Donation data were extracted to determine subsequent donation attempts.

Results

For return within 3 months, WB donors in the Email Only condition had significantly increased odds of returning (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.01–1.56). Subgroup analysis within WB donors showed increased odds of return for women sent the SMS and Email (OR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.14–1.96) or the Email Only (OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.10–1.89), and for first‐time donors sent the Email Only (OR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.07–2.05). At 6 months, only first‐time WB donors in the Email Only condition had significantly increased odds of returning (OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.01–1.69). No significant effects of the intervention were found for immediate or intermediate return for plasma donors.

Discussion

Sending an email addressing common donor concerns regarding VVRs increases WB donor retention, but additional strategies are needed for the effects to last and to retain plasma donors.
Full‐thickness skin columns: A method to reduce healing time and donor site morbidity in deep partial‐thickness burns
Authors: Keenan Corey S. , Cooper Laura , Nuutila Kristo , Chapa Javier , Christy Sean , Chan Rodney K. , Carlsson Anders H.
Published: July 2023

The current standard of care for the coverage of large wounds often involves split thickness skin grafts (STSGs) which have numerous limitations. One promising technique that has gained traction is fractional autologous skin grafting using full‐thickness skin columns (FTSC). Harvesting occurs orthogonally by taking numerous individual skin columns containing the epidermis down through the dermis and transferring them to the wound bed. The purpose of this porcine study was to investigate the efficacy of implanting FTSCs directly into deep partial‐thickness burn wounds, as well as examining donor site healing at the maximal harvest density. It was hypothesised that by utilising FTSCs, the rate of healing in deep partial thickness burns can be improved without incurring the donor morbidity seen in other methods of skin grafting. Deep partial‐thickness burns were created on the dorsum of female red duroc swine, debrided 3 days later and FTSCs were implanted at varying expansion ratios directly into the burn wounds. At day 14, 1:50 expansion ratio showed significantly faster re‐epithelialisation compared to the debrided burn control and 1:200. Donor sites (at 7%–10% harvest density) were 100% re‐epithelialised by day 7. Additionally, the maximal harvest density was determined to be 28% in an ex vivo model, which then five donor sites were harvested at 28% density on a red duroc swine and compared to five STSG donor sites. At maximal harvest density, FTSC donor sites were significantly less hypopigmented compared to STSGs, but no significant differences were observed in re‐epithelialisation, contraction, blood flow or dermal thickness. In conclusion, implantation directly into deep partial‐thickness burns is a viable option for the application of FTSCs, favouring lower expansion ratios like 1:50 or lower. Little difference in donor site morbidity was observed between FTSC at a maximal harvest density of 28% and STSGs, exceeding the optimal harvest density.
The rat Achilles and patellar tendons have similar increases in mechanical properties but become transcriptionally divergent during postnatal development
Authors: Steffen Danielle , Avey Alec , Mienaltowski Michael J. , Baar Keith
Published: July 2023

The molecular events that drive post‐natal tendon development are poorly characterized. In this study, we profiled morphological, mechanical, and transcriptional changes in the rat Achilles and patellar tendon before walking (P7), shortly after onset of walking (P14), and at motor maturity (P28). The Achilles and patellar tendons increased collagen content and mechanical strength similarly throughout post‐natal development. However, at P28 the patellar tendon tended to display a higher maximal tensile load (MTL) (P = 0.0524) than the Achilles tendon, but a similar ultimate tensile strength (UTS; load relative to cross‐sectional area) probably due to its increased cross‐sectional area during development. The tendons started transcriptionally similar, with overlapping PCA clusters at P7 and P14, before becoming transcriptionally distinct at P28. In both tendons, there was an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression and a concomitant decrease in cell cycle and mitochondrial gene expression. The transcriptional divergence at P28 suggested that STAT signalling was lower in the patellar tendon where MTL increased the most. Treating engineered human ligaments with the STAT inhibitor itacitinib increased collagen content and MTL. Our results suggest that during post‐natal development, cellular resources are initially allocated towards cell proliferation before shifting towards extracellular matrix development following the onset of mechanical load and provide potential targets for improving tendon function.

image

Key points

Little is known about mechanisms of post‐natal tendon growth. We characterized morphological, mechanical, and transcriptional changes that occur before (P7), and early (P14) and late after (P28) rats begin to walk.

From P7 to P28, the Achilles tendon increased in length, whereas the patellar tendon increased in cross‐sectional area. Mechanical and material properties of the Achilles and patellar tendon increased from P7 to P28.

From P7 to P28, the Achilles and patellar tendons increased expression of ECM genes and decreased mitochondrial and cell cycle gene expression. Ribosomal gene expression also significantly decreased in the Achilles and tended to decrease in the patellar tendon.

At P28, STAT1 signalling tended to be lower in the patellar tendon which had grown by increasing cross‐sectional area and inhibiting STAT activation in vitro improved mechanical properties in engineered human ligaments.
Rugby Players Exhibit Stiffer Biceps Femoris, Lower Biceps Femoris Fascicle Length to Knee Extensors, and Knee Flexors to Extensors Muscle Volume Ratios Than Active Controls
Authors: Yagiz Gokhan , Shida Nami , Kuruma Hironobu , Furuta Masahiro , Morimoto Koji , Yamada Mutsuo , Uchiyama Tatsuji , Kubis Hans-Peter , Owen Julian A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if hamstring-strain-injury risk factors related to muscle structure and morphology differed between rugby union players and controls. Methods: The biceps femoris long head (BFlh) fascicle length and passive muscle stiffness and relative and absolute muscle volume of knee flexors (KF) and extensors (KE) were measured in 21 male subelite rugby players and 21 male physically active nonathletes. Results: BFlh fascicle length was significantly longer (mean difference [MD] = 1.6 [1.7] cm) and BFlh passive muscle stiffness was significantly higher in rugby players (MD = 7.8 [14.8] kPa). The absolute BFlh (MD = 71.9 [73.3] cm3), KF (MD = 332.3 [337.2] cm3), and KE (MD = 956.3 [557.4] cm3) muscle volumes were also significantly higher in rugby players. There were no significant differences in the relative BFlh and KF muscle volumes. The relative KE muscle volumes were significantly higher in rugby players (MD = 2.3 [3.7] cm3/kg). However, the percentage BFlh fascicle length:KE (MD = −0.1% [0.1%]), BFlh/KE (MD = −0.9% [1.9%]), and KF:KE (MD = −4.9% [5.9%]) muscle volume ratios were significantly lower in the rugby players. BFlh muscle volume significantly correlated with BFlh fascicle length (r = .59, r2 = .35) and passive muscle stiffness (r = .46, r2 = .21). Conclusion: Future prospective studies should examine whether there are threshold values in BFlh passive muscle stiffness and BFlh fascicle length:KE, BFlh:KE, and KF:KE muscle volume ratios for predicting hamstring strain injuries.
Exercising Power: A Critical Examination of National Collegiate Athletic Association Discourse Related to Name, Image, and Likeness
Authors: Howe Jonathan E. , Black Wayne L. , Jones Willis A.
Published: July 2023

Although name, image, and likeness policy officially changed on July 1, 2021, actions leading up to this policy modification provide insight into the desires and perspectives of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Feeling pressure from individual states and federal legislators, the NCAA engaged in discussion regarding name, image, and likeness in Fall of 2019. In response to newly introduced name, image, and likeness policy changes, the NCAA listed their official statements on the Taking Actions: Name, Image and Likeness webpage. These statements (n = 10) were analyzed using critical discourse analysis methodology underpinned with a Foucaultian perspective. Using critical discourse analysis, we extrapolated three overarching themes related to power dynamics: (a) Establishing Control While Undercutting Oppositional Power, (b) Power Shifts Away from NCAA, and (c) Power Reinforcement. We conclude by discussing the importance of examining discourse within organizations and implications for policy and practice.
Potent pan huACE2-dependent sarbecovirus neutralizing monoclonal antibodies isolated from a BNT162b2-vaccinated SARS survivor
Authors: Chia Wan Ni , Tan Chee Wah , Tan Aaron Wai Kit , Young Barnaby , Starr Tyler N. , Lopez Ester , Fibriansah Guntur , Barr Jennifer , Cheng Samuel , Yeoh Aileen Ying-Yan , Yap Wee Chee , Lim Beng Lee , Ng Thiam-Seng , Sia Wan Rong , Zhu Feng , Chen Shiwei , Zhang Jinyan , Kwek Madeline Sheng Si , Greaney Allison J. , Chen Mark , Au Gough G. , Paradkar Prasad N. , Peiris Malik , Chung Amy W. , Bloom Jesse D. , Lye David , Lok Sheemei , Wang Lin-Fa
Published: July 2023

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern such as Omicron hampered efforts in controlling the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic due to their ability to escape neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccination or prior infection, highlighting the need to develop broad-spectrum vaccines and therapeutics. Most human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reported to date have not demonstrated true pan-sarbecovirus neutralizing breadth especially against animal sarbecoviruses. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of highly potent mAbs targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of huACE2-dependent sarbecovirus from a SARS-CoV survivor vaccinated with BNT162b2. Among the six mAbs identified, one (E7) showed better huACE2-dependent sarbecovirus neutralizing potency and breadth than any other mAbs reported to date. Mutagenesis and cryo–electron microscopy studies indicate that these mAbs have a unique RBD contact footprint and that E7 binds to a quaternary structure–dependent epitope.
Octave-spanning tunable infrared parametric oscillators in nanophotonics
Authors: Ledezma Luis , Roy Arkadev , Costa Luis , Sekine Ryoto , Gray Robert , Guo Qiushi , Nehra Rajveer , Briggs Ryan M. , Marandi Alireza
Published: July 2023

Widely tunable coherent sources are desirable in nanophotonics for a multitude of applications ranging from communications to sensing. The mid-infrared spectral region (wavelengths beyond 2 μm) is particularly important for applications relying on molecular spectroscopy. Among tunable sources, optical parametric oscillators typically offer some of the broadest tuning ranges; however, their implementations in nanophotonics have been limited to narrow tuning ranges in the infrared or to visible wavelengths. Here, we surpass these limits in dispersion-engineered periodically poled lithium niobate nanophotonics and demonstrate ultrawidely tunable optical parametric oscillators. Using 100 ns pulses near 1 μm, we generate output wavelengths tunable from 1.53 μm to 3.25 μm in a single chip with output powers as high as tens of milliwatts. Our results represent the first octave-spanning tunable source in nanophotonics extending into the mid-infrared, which can be useful for numerous integrated photonic applications.
Molecular growth of PANH via intermolecular Coulombic decay
Authors: Barik Saroj , Behera Nihar Ranjan , Dutta Saurav , Kushawaha Rajesh Kumar , Sajeev Y. , Ramabhadran Raghunath O. , Aravind G.
Published: July 2023

Nitrogen-bearing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PANHs) are ubiquitous in space. They are considered precursors to advanced biomolecules identified in meteorites. However, their chemical evolution into biomolecules in photodestructive astrophysical mediums remains a paradox. Here, we show that light can efficiently initiate the molecular mass growth of PANHs. Ultraviolet-photoexcited quinoline monomers, the smallest PANH, were observed to associate and intermolecular Coulombic decay between the associating monomers formed the cations of quinoline-dimer. Molecular rearrangements in the dimer cation lead to a dominant formation of cations heavier than quinoline. The enrichment of these heavier cations over all the other cations reveals the efficiency of this route for the mass growth of PANHs in space. This mechanism also leads to a highly reactive unsaturated PANH-ring via CH loss, a hitherto unknown channel in any photon-driven process. The occurrence of this efficient pathway toward complex molecules points to a rich chemistry in dense interstellar clouds.
Pharmaco-proteogenomic characterization of liver cancer organoids for precision oncology
Authors: Ji Shuyi , Feng Li , Fu Zile , Wu Gaohua , Wu Yingcheng , Lin Youpei , Lu Dayun , Song Yuanli , Cui Peng , Yang Zijian , Sang Chen , Song Guohe , Cai Shangli , Li Yuanchuang , Lin Hanqing , Zhang Shu , Wang Xiaoying , Qiu Shuangjian , Zhang Xiaoming , Hua Guoqiang , Li Junqiang , Zhou Jian , Dai Zhi , Wang Xiangdong , Ding Li , Wang Pei , Gao Daming , Zhang Bing , Rodriguez Henry , Fan Jia , Clevers Hans , Zhou Hu , Sun Yidi , Gao Qiang
Published: July 2023

Organoid models have the potential to recapitulate the biological and pharmacotypic features of parental tumors. Nevertheless, integrative pharmaco-proteogenomics analysis for drug response features and biomarker investigation for precision therapy of patients with liver cancer are still lacking. We established a patient-derived liver cancer organoid biobank (LICOB) that comprehensively represents the histological and molecular characteristics of various liver cancer types as determined by multiomics profiling, including genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analysis. Proteogenomic profiling of LICOB identified proliferative and metabolic organoid subtypes linked to patient prognosis. High-throughput drug screening revealed distinct response patterns of each subtype that were associated with specific multiomics signatures. Through integrative analyses of LICOB pharmaco-proteogenomics data, we identified the molecular features associated with drug responses and predicted potential drug combinations for personalized patient treatment. The synergistic inhibition effect of mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus and the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib was validated in organoids and patient-derived xenografts models. We also provide a user-friendly web portal to help serve the biomedical research community. Our study is a rich resource for investigation of liver cancer biology and pharmacological dependencies and may help enable functional precision medicine.
Targeting electrochemical communication between neurons and cancer
Authors: Venkatesh Humsa S.
Published: July 2023

Neuronal activity drives cancer progression through functional integration of malignant cell networks into neural circuitry.
Mycobacterial disease causing chylous effusions in two patients living with uncontrolled HIV
Authors: Dahill Katherine Elizabeth , Falconer Jonathan , Pozniak Anton , Bracchi Margherita
Published: July 2023

Chylous effusions are a rare complication of disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. This is a case couplet reporting on the treatment challenge of chylous effusions secondary to NTM infection in two individuals living with advanced HIV. Their treatment was complicated by associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. They both required intermittent paracentesis, steroid treatment and transitioning on to fat-free diets alongside NTM treatment. Only after months of this treatment regimen was successful resolution of the associated chylous effusions achieved. Chylous effusions in immunosuppressed patients living with NTM infection are rarely reported and difficult to manage. This report discusses treatment approaches and highlights the difficulties faced by the treating team.