bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative assessment of early season soybean cultivars in organic and conventional production system for morphological and agronomic traits
Authors: Boyle Torin , Najafabadi Mohsen Yoosefzadeh , Rajcan Istvan
Published: October 2022

Organic production systems differ from the conventional system, especially because of the insect pest, weed, disease, and nutrient management. Therefore, there has been a focus on increasing performance stability in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars specifically adapted for organic farms. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative assessment of Maturity Group 0 soybean genotypes grown in both organic and conventional conditions for several traits important in the organic soybean production system, such as early season canopy development, root morphology, nodule production, and nutrient use efficiency. A soybean panel consisting of 33 cultivars was grown in four environments (two locations × two years) on an organic farm and conventional production system farm in Southern Ontario, Canada. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for root morphology and canopy development in the organic environment only. Early season canopy development, root length, nodule mass, and nutrient use efficiency were related to yield in both environments. In addition, yield rank correlations between genotypes in two locations were significant in 2014 (r = .57) and 2015 (r = .31), and some large crossover effects were observed in both tested years. The principal components analysis for these and other agronomic traits showed that resource acquisition traits such as canopy development, root length, and nodule mass were more closely related to yield in the organic system than nutrient use efficiency. Overall, the results of this study may be useful for soybean breeders interested in developing cultivars adapted to the organic production system.
Targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 infection through CAR‐T‐like bispecific T cell engagers incorporating ACE2
Authors: Dogan Mikail , Kozhaya Lina , Placek Lindsey , Karabacak Fatih , Yigit Mesut , Unutmaz Derya
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Despite advances in antibody treatments and vaccines, COVID‐19 caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection remains a major health problem resulting in excessive morbidity and mortality and the emergence of new variants has reduced the effectiveness of current vaccines.

Methods

Here, as a proof‐of‐concept, we engineered primary CD8 T cells to express SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein‐specific CARs, using the extracellular region of ACE2 and demonstrated their highly specific and potent cytotoxicity towards Spike‐expressing target cells. To improve on this concept as a potential therapeutic, we developed a bispecific T cell engager combining ACE2 with an anti‐CD3 scFv (ACE2‐Bite) to target infected cells and the virus.

Results

As in CAR‐T cell approach, ACE2‐Bite endowed cytotoxic cells to selectively kill Spike‐expressing targets. Furthermore, ACE2‐Bite neutralized the pseudoviruses of SARS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2 wild‐type, and variants including Delta and Omicron, as a decoy protein. Remarkably, ACE2‐Bite molecule showed a higher binding and neutralization affinity to Delta and Omicron variants compared to SARS‐CoV‐2 wild‐type Spike proteins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these results suggest the potential of this approach as a variant‐proof, therapeutic strategy for future SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, employing both humoral and cellular arms of the adaptive immune response.
Optimal transmit antenna selection using hybrid algorithm for massive MIMO technology
Authors: Singh Charanjeet , Kishoreraja Parasuram Chandrasekaran
Published: October 2022

Massive multiple input multiple output (M‐MIMO) methods make reference to a useful method for using multipath propagation to communicate and receive multiple data signals at once over a single radio channel. To simultaneously transfer numerous data streams, it makes use of various antennas. The quantity of power used grows as the quantity of antennas rises. As a result, choosing the best transmit antennas, which is a major difficulty in M‐MIMO systems, becomes important. In this research, “Hybrid Sea Lion‐Whale Algorithm (HS‐WA)” is introduced by choosing a best transmit antenna while taking into account several objectives. This method optimizes overall capacity and efficiency. The chosen method combines the “Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Sea Lion Optimization Algorithm (SLnO)” that determines which antenna should be chosen while also optimizing the antenna quantity. Finally, energy efficiency (EE) and capacity analysis results demonstrate that the provided approach is superior to all other models.
Insights into the growth morphology of calcite cement
Authors: Dickson John Anthony Dawson
Published: October 2022

The classic work on the morphology of limestone calcite cements done in the 1960s is extended here by utilising growth zones to reconstruct the growth of cement crystals. Only cement composed of fitted polyhedral monocrystals that form by passive crystallisation of calcite on the walls of liquid‐filled, static pores and fissures is considered. Cement can either be initiated by (1) nucleation, when new crystals start but are not attached to their substrate, or (2) seeding, when new crystals are seamlessly connected to and influenced by substrate crystals. After seeding, epitaxial cement growth starts with many sub‐crystals that coalesce distally, followed by layered mantle growth. Junctions between three intercrystalline boundaries in cement aggregates with one interfacial angel = 180° are of two types: the first, enfacial junctions are caused by a pause in the growth of one crystal and the second is caused by movement of all boundaries due to dissolution of adjacent calcite. Growth zone offsetting at some intercrystalline boundaries is caused by dissolution of calcite at boundaries when permeability values are low. The same width to height ratio of mature aggregate crystals is predicted from the shape of the crystal's growth surfaces; dogtooth calcite forms columnar and nail‐head calcite forms tabular‐shaped crystals. Seeding on different sized crystals causes variations in epitaxial growth rate with faster growth on large crystals resulting in a disorganised cement fabric; the variation in epitaxial growth rate is perpetuated into mantle growth. Echinoderm syntaxial crystals dominate many pore cements due to the large size of their seed ossicles, at the same time, syntaxial crystals form on relatively tiny seeds. Texturally mature crystal aggregates with isopachous fabric are initiated from three different substrate to cement arrangements. Calcite cement zones preserve their original positions allowing the investigation of cement's growth and chemical history.
Exploring environmenATL justice and data analytics in an environmental studies lab course
Authors: Vereen Ethell
Published: October 2022

The environmental studies laboratory is an exciting place where students investigate, analyze, and reflect. Students test and apply theories and make abstract concepts concrete. As an example, ecology and environmental science are increasingly using “big data” to expand and refine research questions. This commentary reflects on the design and integration of an environmental justice and data analytics module in an environmental studies lab course. The module introduces an environmental justice framework to give students an understanding of tools and strategies to engage, assess, and intervene at multiple levels; while also developing advocacy and communication skills. Poor and minority populations have historically borne the brunt of environmental inequalities in the United States, suffering disproportionally from the effects of pollution, resource depletion, dangerous jobs, limited access to common resources, and exposure to environmental hazards. Paying particular attention to “redlining” and the ways that race, ethnicity, class, and gender have shaped the political and economic dimensions of environmental injustices, this module challenges students to critically examine redlining, socioeconomic, and environmental factors in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) to develop and explore research questions that may visually and/or statistically illuminate trends, patterns, and processes of environmenATL justice. This module also introduces some of the basic data handling and data analysis skills that give students an understanding of data types, descriptive statistics, sampling, and basic inferential statistics. By intentionally incorporating environmental justice activities and conversations in the classroom, instructors afford students an opportunity to engage in authentic examination of their world and make positive changes. Many of the skills learned and knowledge gained in this activity are directly transferable to post‐baccalaureate studies (e.g., graduate school, medical school, professional training, etc.) and the world of employment. The module can also be adapted to various curriculum, courses, and communities.
Populations of western North American monkeyflowers accrue niche breadth primarily via genotypic divergence in environmental optima
Authors: Coughlin Aeran O. , Wooliver Rachel , Sheth Seema N.
Published: October 2022

Niche breadth, the range of environments that individuals, populations, and species can tolerate, is a fundamental ecological and evolutionary property, yet few studies have examined how niche breadth is partitioned across biological scales. We use a published dataset of thermal performance for a single population from each of 10 closely related species of western North American monkeyflowers (genus Mimulus) to investigate whether populations achieve broad thermal niches through general purpose genotypes, specialized genotypes with divergent environmental optima, and/or variation among genotypes in the degree of generalization. We found the strongest relative support for the hypothesis that populations with greater genetic variation for thermal optimum had broader thermal niches, and for every unit increase in among‐family variance in thermal optimum, population‐level thermal breadth increased by 0.508°C. While the niche breadth of a single genotype represented up to 86% of population‐level niche breadth, genotype‐level niche breadth had a weaker positive effect on population‐level breadth, with every 1°C increase in genotypic thermal breadth resulting in a 0.062°C increase in population breadth. Genetic variation for thermal breadth was not predictive of population‐level thermal breadth. These findings suggest that populations of Mimulus species have achieved broad thermal niches primarily through genotypes with divergent thermal optima and to a lesser extent via general‐purpose genotypes. Future work examining additional biological hierarchies would provide a more comprehensive understanding of how niche breadth partitioning impacts the vulnerabilities of individuals, populations, and species to environmental change.
Coral bleaching due to cold stress on a central Red Sea reef flat
Authors: Rich Walter A. , Carvalho Susana , Berumen Michael L.
Published: October 2022

Ocean warming is leading to more frequent coral bleaching events. However, cold stress can also induce bleaching in corals. Here, we report observations of a boreal winter bleaching event in January 2020 in the central Red Sea, mainly within a population of the branching coral Stylophora pistillata on an offshore reef flat. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) rarely fall below 24°C in this region, but data loggers deployed on several nearby reef flats recorded overnight seawater temperatures as low as 18°C just 3 days before the observations. The low temperatures coincided with an extremely low tide and cool air temperatures, likely resulting in the aerial exposure of the corals during the night time low‐tide event. The risk of aerial exposure is rare in winter months, as the Red Sea exhibits seasonal fluctuations in sea level with winter values typically 0.3–0.4 m higher than in summer. These observations are notable for a region typically characterized as a high‐temperature sea, and highlight the need for long‐term monitoring programs as this rare event may have gone unnoticed.
Use of serial changes in biomarkers vs. baseline levels to predict left ventricular remodelling after STEMI
Authors: Klingenberg Roland , Holtkamp Franziska , Grün Dimitri , Frey Anna , Jahns Valérie , Jahns Roland , Gassenmaier Tobias , Hamm Christian W. , Frantz Stefan , Keller Till
Published: October 2022

Aims

Cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) is an independent predictor of MACE after ACS and elevated levels correlated with infarct size after STEMI. We compared the prognostic accuracy of baseline levels of CCN1, NT‐proBNP, hsTnT, and ST2 and changes in levels over time to predict the development of structural and functional alterations typical of LV remodelling.

Methods

Serial 3‐T cMRI scans were performed to determine LVEF, LVEDV, LVESV, infarct size, and relative infarct size, which were correlated with serial measurements of the four biomarkers. The prognostic significance of these biomarkers was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis by examining their performance in predicting dichotomized cardiac MRI values 12 months after STEMI based on their median. For each biomarker three models were created using baseline (BL), the Δ value (BL to 6 months), and the two values together as predictors. All models were adjusted for age and renal function. Receiver operator curves were plotted with area under the curve (AUC) to discriminate the prognostic accuracy of individual biomarkers for MRI‐based structural or functional changes.

Results

A total of 44 predominantly male patients (88.6%) from the ETiCS (Etiology, Titre‐Course, and Survival) study were identified at a mean age of 55.5 ± 11.5 (SD) years treated by successful percutaneous coronary intervention (97.7%) at a rate of 95.5% stent implantation within a median pain‐to‐balloon time of 260 min (IQR 124–591). Biomarkers hsTnT and ST2 were identified as strong predictors (AUC > 0.7) of LVEDV and LVEF. BL measurement to predict LVEF [hsTnT: AUC 0.870 (95% CI: 0.756–0.983), ST2: AUC 0.763 (95% CI: 0.615–0.911)] and the Δ value BL‐6M [hsTnT: AUC 0.870 (95% CI: 0.756–0.983), ST2: AUC 0.809 (95% CI: 0.679–0.939)] showed a high prognostic value without a significant difference for the comparison of the BL model vs. the Δ‐value model (BL‐6M) for hsTnT (P = 1) and ST2 (P = 0.304). The combined model that included baseline and Δ value as predictors was not able to improve the ability to predict LVEF [hsTnT: AUC 0.891 (0.791–0.992), P = 0.444; ST2: AUC 0.778 (0.638–0.918), P = 0.799]. Baseline levels of CCN1 were closely associated with LVEDV at 12 months [AUC 0.708 (95% CI: 0.551–0.865)] and infarct size [AUC 0.703 (95% CI: 0.534–0.872)].

Conclusions

Baseline biomarker levels of hsTnT and ST2 were the strongest predictors of LVEF and LVEDV at 12 months after STEMI. The association of CCN1 with LVEDV and infarct size warrants further study into the underlying pathophysiology of this novel biomarker.
In‐situ Synthesis of Gallium‐Containing SAPO‐11 Molecular Sieves and Superior Catalytic Performance of Their NiWS Supported Catalysts for Hydroisomerization of n‐Hexadecane
Authors: Dai Xiaojun , Li Ling , Cheng Yan , Yu Wanjin , Liu Wucan , Yang Han , Si Meng , Wei Qiang , Zhou Yasong
Published: October 2022

In order to prepare a high‐performance SAPO‐11 (silicoaluminophosphate‐11) based non‐noble metal supported catalyst for the hydroisomerization of long‐chain n‐alkanes, gallium‐modified SAPO‐11 molecular sieve was successfully synthesized by the in‐situ synthesis method, and the NiWS supported catalyst was prepared for the hydroisomerization of n‐hexadecane. The effects of Ga‐modification on the physicochemical properties of SAPO‐11 molecular sieve, the active phase properties, and the catalytic performance of the catalyst were studied. Through a series of physicochemical characterizations, it was found that the introduction of Ga increased the mesoporous volume of SAPO‐11 molecular sieve, reduced their acid density and strength, but improved the amount of medium‐strong Brønsted acid. The Ga‐modification weakened the interaction between the active metals and the support, increased the sulfidation degree of active metals, and increased the stacking number and dispersion of active phase. The results of catalytic performance evaluation showed that the catalytic activity and isomerization selectivity of the Ga‐modified SAPO‐11 molecular sieve based catalysts were improved, and the yield of i‐hexadecane of NiW/2Ga‐SAPO‐11 was the highest, which was 40.30 % higher than that of NiW/SAPO‐11. By analyzing the distribution of isomeric products, it was found that the Ga‐modified SAPO‐11 molecular sieve was helpful in improving the hydroisomerization depth of n‐hexadecane over the catalyst.
The Journey to Fluorescent Bullvalenes: Pitfalls and Prospects
Authors: Dohmen Christoph , Ihmels Heiko , Paululat Thomas
Published: October 2022

A dinaphthoylmethyl‐substituted bullvalene derivative is presented that exhibits excimer fluorescence. It is demonstrated that the fluxional bullvalene core supports the excimer formation of the aroyl substituents, thus offering the opportunity to monitor externally induced structural changes by fluorescence spectroscopy, as exemplarily shown by fluorimetric analysis of host‐guest interactions of the diaroylbullvalene with metal cations, which lead to significant changes of the excimer emission. During the synthesis of the bullvalenes, it was discovered coincidentally that the corresponding triplet‐sensitized photoreaction also yielded three unknown lumibullvalene isomers. The NMR‐spectroscopic analysis of this reaction revealed a sequence and combination of different di‐ and tri‐π‐methane rearrangements and sigmatropic rearrangements. More importantly, the static lumibullvalenes proved useful as reference compounds for the evaluation of the emission properties of the fluxional bullvalenes.
Photochemical Radical Cation Cycloadditions of Aryl Vinyl Ethers
Authors: Adachi Sota , Horiguchi Genki , Kamiya Hidehiro , Okada Yohei
Published: October 2022

Radical cation cycloadditions have long been known as unique reactions and yet are intensively studied chemical transformations in the field of modern synthetic organic chemistry. The key to developing new reactions of this class is the generation and control of highly reactive radical cation intermediates. Herein, we report TiO2 photochemical [2+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions using aryl vinyl ethers as radical cation precursors. The constructions of various four‐ and six‐membered rings are made possible by these radical cation cycloadditions. Although detailed mechanistic aspects remain unclear, 2,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐butadiene (3) is found to be more radicalophilic than 2‐ethyl‐1‐butene (2) and effectively traps the radical cation of the aryl vinyl ethers to construct six‐membered rings.
Impact of sampling time on the detection of mutations in rapidly proliferating tissues using transgenic rodent gene mutation models: A review
Authors: Douglas George R. , Beevers Carol , Gollapudi Bhaskar , Keig‐Shevlin Zena , Kirkland David , O'Brien Jason M. , van Benthem Jan , Yauk Carole L. , Young Robert R. , Marchetti Francesco
Published: October 2022

The OECD Test Guideline 488 (TG 488) for the Transgenic Rodent Gene Mutation Assay has undergone several revisions to update the recommended design for studying mutations in somatic tissues and male germ cells. The recently revised TG recommends a single sampling time of 28 days following 28 days of exposure (i.e., 28 + 28 days) for all tissues, irrespective of proliferation rates. An alternative design (i.e., 28 + 3 days) is appropriate when germ cell data is not required, nor considered. While the 28 + 28 days design is clearly preferable for slowly proliferating somatic tissues and germ cells, there is still uncertainty about the impact of extending the sampling time to 28 days for rapidly somatic tissues. Here, we searched the available literature for evidence supporting the applicability and utility of the 28 + 28 days design for rapidly proliferating tissues. A total of 79 tests were identified. When directly comparing results from both designs in the same study, there was no evidence that the 28 + 28 days regimen resulted in a qualitatively different outcome from the 28 + 3 days design. Studies with a diverse range of agents that employed only a 28 + 28 days protocol provide further evidence that this design is appropriate for rapidly proliferating tissues. Benchmark dose analyses demonstrate high quantitative concordance between the 28 + 3 and 28 + 28 days designs for rapidly proliferating tissues. Accordingly, our review confirms that the 28 + 28 days design is appropriate to assess mutagenicity in both slowly and rapidly proliferating somatic tissues, and germ cells, and provides further support for the recommended design in the recently adopted TG 488.
3D figure of epilepsy syndromes
Authors: Nabbout Rima , Kuchenbuch Mathieu , Tinuper Paolo , Cross J. Helen , Wirrell Elaine
Published: October 2022

We propose an instructive figure that summarized the classification of epilepsy syndromes according to the 2022 report of the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Our aim is to present on the same figure different concepts such as the names of epilepsy syndromes, their extreme and classical ages of onset, their epilepsy types (generalized, focal, or generalized and focal) but also their membership in groups of epilepsy syndromes as for self‐limited or developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. With this figure, we provide an interactive tool, as supplementary data, helping to present this classification and link it to electro‐clinical mandatory, alerts, and exclusionary criteria of each syndrome, in accordance with the ILAE position papers on syndromes classification and nosology. This report may be used as an illustrative tool for teaching epilepsy syndromes and as a practical and comprehensive aid for the classification of epilepsy individuals' syndromes.
River channel response to invasive plant treatment across the American Southwest
Authors: Wieting Celeste , Friedman Jonathan M. , Rathburn Sara
Published: October 2022

Invasive riparian plants were introduced to the American Southwest in the early 19th century and contributed to regional trends of decreasing river channel width and migration rate in the 20th century. More recently, efforts to remove invasive riparian vegetation (IRV) have been widespread, especially since 1990. To what extent has IRV treatment reversed the earlier trend of channel narrowing and reduced dynamism? In this study, paired treated and untreated reaches at 15 sites along 13 rivers were compared before and after IRV treatment using repeat aerial imagery to assess long‐term (~10‐year) channel change due to treatment on a regional scale across the Southwest USA. We found that IRV treatment significantly increased channel width and floodplain destruction. Treated reaches had higher floodplain destruction than untreated reaches at 14 of 15 sites, and IRV treatment increased the rate of floodplain destruction by a median factor of 1.9. The effect of treatment increased with the stream power of the largest flow over the study period. Resolving observations of channel change into separate measures of floodplain destruction and formation provided more information on underlying processes than simple measurements of channel width and centerline migration rate. Restoration practitioners who perform IRV treatment projects often focus on wildlife or vegetation response; however, geomorphic processes should be considered in restoration planning because they drive aquatic habitat and vegetation dynamics, and because of the potential for damage to downstream infrastructure. Depending on the restoration goal, management practices can be used to enhance or minimize the increase in channel dynamism caused by IRV treatment.
MappingTOEFL®Essentials™ Test Scores to the Canadian Language Benchmarks
Authors: Papageorgiou Spiros , Davis Larry , Ohta Renka , Garcia Gomez Pablo
Published: October 2022

In this research report, we describe a study to map the scores of theTOEFL®Essentials™ test to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). The TOEFL Essentials test is a four‐skills assessment of foundational English language skills and communication abilities in academic and general (daily life) contexts. At the time of writing this report, the test was the most recent addition to theTOEFL®Family of Assessments. TOEFL Essentials test scores are intended to provide academic programs and other users with reliable information regarding the test taker's ability to understand and use English. Mapping of scores to widely used language frameworks such as the CLB provides additional support for interpreting test results and for making inferences regarding test‐taker abilities. The score mapping process consisted of the following steps, as recommended in the literature: (a) establishing construct congruence between the test content and the performance descriptors of the CLB; (b) establishing recommended minimum test scores (cut scores) required to classify language learners into CLB levels, based on the judgments of local experts; and (c) providing evidence of procedural, internal, and external validation of the recommended cut scores.
Best Practices for Constructed‐Response Scoring
Authors: McCaffrey Daniel F. , Casabianca Jodi M. , Ricker‐Pedley Kathryn L. , Lawless René R. , Wendler Cathy
Published: October 2022

This document describes a set of best practices for developing, implementing, and maintaining the critical process of scoring constructed‐response tasks. These practices address both the use of human raters and automated scoring systems as part of the scoring process and cover the scoring of written, spoken, performance, or multimodal responses. Best Practices for Constructed‐Response Scoring is designed not to act as an independent guide, but rather to be used in conjunction with other ETS publications, including the Guidelines for Constructed‐Response and Other Performance Assessments, ETS Standards for Quality and Fairness, ETS Guidelines for Fair Tests and Communications, and the ETS Guidelines for Fairness.
Investigating Constructed‐Response Scoring Over Time: The Effects of Study Design on Trend Rescore Statistics
Authors: Donoghue John R. , McClellan Catherine A. , Hess Melinda R.
Published: October 2022

When constructed‐response items are administered for a second time, it is necessary to evaluate whether the current Time B administration's raters have drifted from the scoring of the original administration at Time A. To study this, Time A papers are sampled and rescored by Time B scorers. Commonly the scores are compared using the proportion of exact agreement across times and/or t‐statistics comparing Time A means to Time B means. It is common to treat these rescores with procedures that assume a multinomial sampling model, which is incorrect. The correct, product‐multinomial model reflects the stratification of Time A scores. Using direct computation, the research report demonstrates that both proportion of exact agreement and the t‐statistic can deviate substantially from expected behavior, providing misleading results. Reweighting the rescore table gives each statistic the correct expected value but does not guarantee that the usual sampling distributions hold. It is also noted that the results apply to a wider class of situations in which a set of papers is scored by one group of raters or scoring engine and then a sample is selected to be evaluated by a different group of raters or scoring engine.
Functional and physiochemical properties of the yoghurt modified by heat lactosylation and microbial transglutaminase cross‐linking of milk proteins
Authors: Nanakali Narin Muhammadamin , Muhammad Al‐saadi Jasim , Sulaiman Hadi Chnar
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to recognize the effect of Maillard reaction (MR) on the functional properties of milk proteins and the physiochemical, textural, and sensory properties of yoghurt. Heating at 100°C for 2 h increased the carbohydrate ratio in caseins, whey proteins, and total milk proteins from 2.83%, 1.93%, and 1.8% to 4.15%, 3.58%, and 5.32%, respectively. Solubility of the lactosylated caseins, whey proteins, and total milk proteins is increased at low pH values compared to that of the control caseins, whey proteins, and total milk proteins. Lactosylation at 70 and 100°C increased the emulsion activity index (EAI) of caseins at all pH values, especially at pH below 6, and this increment was higher for casein samples treated at 100°C. Foam volume of whey proteins and total milk proteins also increased for samples lactosylated at 100°C compared to control samples. The combination of heating and microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) had a synergistic and enhancing effect on the pH values of yoghurt samples, especially in yoghurt samples produced by whole milk protein compared to control samples. Viscosity and hardness of yoghurt samples were enhanced by heat lactosylation, MTGase treatment, and also storage for 21 days at 7 ± 1°C.
Inhibition of H1N1 by Picochlorum sp. 122 via AKT and p53 signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Danyang , Ning Zhihui , Su Jingyao , Zheng Ruilin , Liu Xia , Wu Hua‐lian , Zhu Bing , Li Yinghua
Published: October 2022

Influenza viruses cause a severe threat to global health, which can lead to annual epidemics and cause pandemics occasionally. However, the number of anti‐influenza therapeutic agents is very limited. Polysaccharides, extracted from Picochlorum sp. (PPE), seaweed Polysaccharides, have exhibited antiviral activity and were expected to be used for influenza treatment. In our research, the capability of PPE to inhibit H1N1 infection was proved in MDCK cells. PPE could make MDCK cells avoid being infected with H1N1 and inhibited nuclear fragmentation and condensation of chromatin. PPE evidently inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species in MDCK cells. Mechanism study revealed that PPE prevented MDCK cells from H1N1 infection through induction of apoptosis by stimulating AKT signaling pathway and suppressing p‐p53 signaling pathway. In conclusion, PPE turns out to act as a prospective antiviral drug for H1N1 influenza.
A case of hypogonadtropic hypogonadism due to hypophysitis discovered by secondary male infertility
Authors: Konishi Masatoshi , Maegawa Yoko , Tani Masaru , Asakura Toshihisa , Hayashi Yujiro , Kakuta Yoichi , Tsutahara Koichi , Komori Kazuhiko , Takao Tetsuya
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The main causes of secondary male infertility are varicocele and aging. It is rarely caused by adult‐onset hypopituitarism. The onset of hypopituitarism is often due to brain tumors, trauma, surgery, or congenital disorders.

Case presentation

A 29‐year‐old man was admitted to the hospital with complaints of decreased libido and semen volume, which lasted for 4 months. He had no abnormalities in adolescence and has a 2‐year‐old child. Blood tests showed low luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone, and semen tests showed azoospermia. Magnetic resonance imaging T1‐weighted images showed swelling and enhancement effect of the pituitary gland, and lymphocytic hypophysitis was suspected. After an Insulin‐thyroid‐stimulating hormone releasing hormone‐luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone test, a decrease in luteinizing hormone/follicle‐stimulating hormone secretion was considered. We diagnosed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to lymphocytic hypophysitis. Currently, the patient is being treated with a hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusion

We experienced a case of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to lymphocytic hypophysitis discovered by secondary infertility.
Maternal self‐efficacy development from pregnancy to 3 months after birth
Authors: Samdan Gizem , Reinelt Tilman , Kiel Natalie , Mathes Birgit , Pauen Sabina
Published: October 2022

The present study uses a prospective longitudinal study design to investigate the development of maternal self‐efficacy in the transition phase to parenthood, drawing on a large sample of socially and/or culturally disadvantaged families (N = 292). Parity, maternal education, migration, informal and formal social support are considered as potential predictors. Results indicate that previous birth experience, being born abroad, and higher levels of formal and informal social support during pregnancy jointly predict higher levels of maternal self‐efficacy three months after birth. First‐time mothers and mothers born in Germany (where the study was conducted) benefit more from formal support than mothers with previous experience and mothers born outside of Germany. Overall, maternal self‐efficacy increases significantly. Implications for prenatal maternal care are discussed.
Development of forage maize yield–water functions by applying simultaneous different levels of irrigation and treated municipal wastewater
Authors: Abbasi Pedram , Babazadeh Hossein , Yargholi Bahman , Bakhoda Hossein
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to develop forage maize yield–water functions by applying different levels of irrigation and treated municipal wastewater. This research was conducted during May–August (2019 and 2020) in the field of the Marvdasht municipal wastewater treatment plant in a completely randomized block design with 12 treatments, 3 replications and 2 factors: (a) management of traditional deficit irrigation at 4 levels (full irrigation [FI] [100% irrigation requirement]) and deficit irrigation at 40, 60 and 80% levels of water requirement); (b) use of wastewater at 3 levels (wastewater [WW], one‐to‐one mixture of well water and wastewater [50/50], and well water [W]). Statistical models of evaluation were used to develop and evaluate yield–water functions and relative reduction in yield versus relative reduction in water consumption. The results of statistical evaluation of yield–water functions in three growth stages showed the relative advantage of yield–water functions of leaves in the vegetative stage, yield–water functions of stems in the flowering stage and yield–water functions of total dry matter in the grain‐ripening stage compared to other functions. The yield response factor (Ky) for total dry matter in the three stages of vegetative, flowering and ripening were 0.38, 0.52 and 0.63, respectively, and it was found that the most susceptible stage of maize growth to water deficiency was in the stage of grain ripening. Analysis of the interactive effect showed that the highest values of total dry matter yield in the vegetative and flowering stages, and grain yield in the ripening stage were 7260, 9857 and 3158 kg ha‾¹ in the WW‐FI treatment (full irrigation with wastewater), while the lowest levels of yield were 5052, 6069 and 1508 kg ha‾¹in the W‐DI60 treatment (60% deficit irrigation with well water). The results showed that the use of wastewater in traditional deficit irrigation conditions is beneficial for forage maize, so it can be recommended.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation of cannabinoids in human plasma and tissues
Authors: Liu Yitong , Sprando Robert L.
Published: October 2022

There has been an increased public interest in developing consumer products containing nonintoxicating cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). At the present time, there is limited information available on the pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids in humans. Since pharmacokinetic profiles are important in understanding the pharmacological and toxicological effects at the target sites, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling was used to predict the plasma and tissue concentrations of 17 cannabinoids in humans. PBPK models were established using measured (in vitro) and predicted (in silico) physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, such as water solubility and effective human jejunal permeability. Initially, PBPK models were established for CBD and the model performance was evaluated using reported clinical data after intravenous and oral administration. PBPK models were then developed for 16 additional cannabinoids including CBG, and the plasma and tissue concentrations were predicted after 30 mg oral administration. The pharmacokinetic profiles of the 16 cannabinoids were similar to CBD, and the plasma concentration and time profiles of CBD agreed well with clinical data in the literature. Although low exposure was predicted in the plasma (maximum plasma concentrations < 15 nM), the predicted tissue concentrations, especially the liver (maximum liver concentrations 70–183 nM), were higher after oral administration of 30 mg cannabinoids. These predicted plasma and tissue concentrations could be used to guide further in vitro and in vivo testing.
Machine learning‐based approach for prediction of ion channels and their subclasses
Authors: Singh Anuj , Tiwari Arvind Kumar
Published: October 2022

Ion channels are ion‐permeable protein pores that are found in all cell lipid membranes. Distinct ion channels play multiple roles in biological processes. Proteomic data is fast accumulating as a result of the fast growth of mass spectrometry and giving us the chance to comprehensively explore ion channel classes along with their subclasses. This paper proposes an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)‐based method to estimate the ion channel classes and their subclasses. Here, 12 feature vectors are applied to better characterize protein sequences like amino acid composition, pseudo‐amino acid composition, normalized moreau‐broto autocorrelation, amphiphilic pseudo‐amino acid composition, dipeptide composition, Geary autocorrelation, tripeptide composition, sequence‐order‐coupling number, composition/transition/distribution, conjoint triad, moran autocorrelation, quasi‐sequence‐order descriptors. Here, a total of 9920 features are extracted from the protein sequence. The principal component analysis is applied to determine the optimal number of features to optimize the performance. In 10‐fold cross‐validation the proposed XGBoost based approach with optimal 50 features achieved accuracy of 100%, 98.70%, 98.77%, 97.26%, 87.40%, 97.39%, 98.03%, 96.42%, and F1‐Score of 100%, 99%, 99%, 97%, 87%, 97%, 98%, 97%, for prediction of ion channel and nonion channel, voltage‐gated and ligand‐gated ion channels, subclasses of voltage‐gated ion channels (VGICs), subclasses of ligand‐gated ion channels (LGICs), subclasses of voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs), subclasses of voltage‐gated potassium channels (VGKCs), subclasses of voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs), and subclasses of voltage‐gated chloride channels, respectively. Here the proposed approach also compares with the other approaches such as support vector machine, k‐nearest neighbor, Gaussian Naïve Bayes, and random forest and also compares with existing methods such as support vector machine (SVM) with maximum relevance maximum distance with an accuracy of 86.6%, 83.7%, and 85.1%, for ion channels, non‐ion channels and overall respectively and SVM with radial basis function kernel‐based method with an accuracy of 100%, 97% and 99.9% for ion channels, nonion channels, and overall accuracy, respectively.
Postoperative hemorrhage following pancreatic injury: Risk factors and clinical outcomes
Authors: Wang Kai , Li Kaiwei , Deng Yunxuan , Wang Xinyu , Yang Chao , Chu Chengnan , Li Weiqin , Li Jieshou , Ding Weiwei
Published: October 2022

Background

Postoperative hemorrhage (POH) is a severe adverse event following pancreatic injury. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors and outcomes of POH after pancreatic injury.

Methods

All patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic injury who underwent surgical intervention between January 2010 and December 2018 were identified and extracted from the trauma database. Logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for POH and specific outcomes.

Results

A total of 88 cases that underwent surgical intervention were analyzed, and POH occurred in 31 (35.23%) patients. After multivariable analysis, independent predictors of POH were intra‐abdominal abscess (IAA) (p = .002), intestinal fistula (p = .008), shock on admission (p = .003), absence of abdominal suction drainage (p = .005), and higher body mass index (BMI) (p = .005). In addition, patients with POH after pancreatic injury also showed more complications, prolonged hospital and ICU durations, and a significantly higher mortality rate (p = .004).

Conclusions

Patients with IAA, intestinal fistula, shock on admission, absence of abdominal suction drainage, and higher BMI score were associated with POH after pancreatic injury. Moreover, POH was associated with a poor prognosis.

Clinical Trial Register

The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Unique identifier: NCT03681041).
MRI of Lymphedema
Authors: Salehi Betsa Parsai , Sibley Robert Carson , Friedman Rosie , Kim Geunwon , Singhal Dhruv , Loening Andreas Markus , Tsai Leo L.
Published: October 2022

Lymphedema is a devastating disease that has no cure. Management of lymphedema has evolved rapidly over the past two decades with the advent of surgeries that can ameliorate symptoms. MRI has played an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and evaluation of lymphedema, as it provides high spatial resolution of the distribution and severity of soft tissue edema, characterizes diseased lymphatic channels, and assesses secondary effects such as fat hypertrophy. Many different MR techniques have been developed for the evaluation of lymphedema, and the modality can be tailored to suit the needs of a lymphatic clinic. In this review article we provide an overview of lymphedema, current management options, and the current role of MRI in lymphedema diagnosis and management.

Evidence Level

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Development and characterization of a new monoclonal antibody against SARS‐CoV‐2 NSP12 (RdRp)
Authors: Meng Wen , Guo Siying , Cao Simon , Shuda Masahiro , Robinson‐McCarthy Lindsey R. , McCarthy Kevin R. , Shuda Yoko , Paniz Mondolfi Alberto E. , Bryce Clare , Grimes Zachary , Sordillo Emilia M. , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos , Li Pengfei , Zhang Hu , Perlman Stanley , Guo Haitao , Gao Shou‐Jiang , Chang Yuan , Moore Patrick S.
Published: October 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 NSP12, the viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is required for viral replication and is a therapeutic target to treat COVID‐19. To facilitate research on SARS‐CoV‐2 NSP12 protein, we developed a rat monoclonal antibody (CM12.1) against the NSP12 N‐terminus that can facilitate functional studies. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) confirmed the specific detection of NSP12 protein by this antibody for cells overexpressing the protein. Although NSP12 is generated from the ORF1ab polyprotein, IFA of human autopsy COVID‐19 lung samples revealed NSP12 expression in only a small fraction of lung cells including goblet, club‐like, vascular endothelial cells, and a range of immune cells, despite wide‐spread tissue expression of spike protein antigen. Similar studies using in vitro infection also generated scant protein detection in cells with established virus replication. These results suggest that NSP12 may have diminished steady‐state expression or extensive posttranslation modifications that limit antibody reactivity during SARS‐CoV‐2 replication.
Monkeypox viral detection in semen specimens of confirmed cases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reda Abdullah , Abdelaal Abdelaziz , Brakat Aml M. , Lashin Basant Ismail , Abouelkheir Moustafa , Abdelazeem Basel , Rodriguez‐Morales Alfonso J. , Sah Ranjit
Published: October 2022

The current literature shows increasing concerns about potential seminal transmission of monkeypox virus (MPXV). Accordingly, we aimed to understand better the potential presence of MPXV in the seminal fluids and others specimens obtained from MPX cases. On June 26, 2022, a systematic search of the literature was conducted to find articles that examine the presence of MPXV in the seminal fluid of confirmed cases. The search was updated once on August 12 and another on October 12, 2022, to include newly published articles. The prevalence of MPXV DNA presence in the seminal fluid and other specimens was pooled in a meta‐analysis (from studies with sample size > 5 to reduce overestimation) and results were presented as effect sizes (ES) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Nine articles were included. Only five studies were eligible for a meta‐analysis, and the pooled prevalence of MPXV DNA in semen specimens was 72.4% (95% CI: 55.7%−84.5%) among 115 patients. The positive rate of MPXV viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was higher among skin samples (89%; 95% CI: 78.2%−94.8%; N = 62; studies = 2), followed by anogenital/rectal samples (74.3%; 95% CI: 60.4%−84.5%; N = 54; studies = 2). On the other hand, the positivity rate was lower in nasopharyngeal (62.4%; 95% CI: 20.4%−91.5%; N = 587; studies = 3), urine (21.1%; 95% CI: 4.3%−61.1%; N = 617; studies = 4), and blood/plasma (14.3%; 95% CI: 11.3%−18.1%; N = 609; studies = 3) samples. Besides, MPXV can be detected in semen early from Day 1 and up to 19 days after symptoms onset. Finally, two articles investigated the infectivity of MPXV particles detected in seminal specimens by testing their replication competence. Culturing MPXV was successful in two out of four patients included in these studies. MPXV is highly prevalent in seminal specimens of MPX cases, further corroborating the role of sexual transmission of the disease. However, further evidence is still needed to shed more light on the replication competence of these particles.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage Ib_pec2 against shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Inbaraj Sophia , Angappan M. , Thomas Prasad , Kumar Manish , Irungbam Karuna , Verma Med Ram , Viswas K. Nagaleekar , Abhishek  , Rawat Mayank , Chaudhuri Pallab
Published: October 2022

This study was aimed to isolate and characterize bacteriophage against drug‐resistant, shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), one of the zoonotic, food‐borne organisms associated with ruminants, mainly cattle. STEC were isolated (n = 35) from neonatal calves, dairy workers, and the surrounding environment and their antimicrobial resistance pattern was studied. Out of the 35 isolates tested, 17 isolates were found to be multidrug resistant to important antibiotics like ampicillin, amoxicillin‐clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and tetracycline. Bacteriophage namely Ib_pec2 was isolated against one of the STEC isolates and its morphology, genetic and proteomic characterization was done. Morphological analysis by TEM revealed bacteriophages belonging to myoviridae family. The genetic characterization of g23 gene revealed that the bacteriophage belonged to Tequatrovirus of myoviridae family. Proteomic analysis was able to identify five proteins identical to Tequatrovirus of myoviridae family. One‐step growth curve experiment revealed a latency period of 40 min and a burst size of 893 pfu/bacteria. Temperature and pH ranging from 40°C to 50°C, pH 6–8, respectively. Phage could able to lyse majority of the STEC isolates. STEC are commensal organisms in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants but are pathogenic in humans. Bacteriophages can be used as alternatives to antibiotics to control bacterial growth in ruminants and prevent its further spillage in the environment.