bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why biogeographical transition zones matter
Authors: Morrone Juan J.
Published: May 2023

Biogeographical transition zones are areas of overlap, replacement or partial segregation between different biotas, which are sets of taxa sharing similar geographical distributions as a result of a common evolutionary history and ecological affinities. Transition zones occur in a few particular areas of the world where historically contingent processes have allowed different biotic elements to coexist and interact. Evolutionary or historical biogeographers have traditionally characterized transition zones by the overlap of different biotic elements. More recently, authors applying track analyses have detected transition zones by the presence of nodes or by conflicting results in cladistic biogeographic analyses. Ecological biogeographers have taken a different approach, usually applying quantitative methods, for example, species turnover indices to analyse the strength and breadth of biogeographic transition zones. Some authors consider transition zones to represent outstanding areas for analysing the principles shaping biotic assembly, whereas others have dismissed them, sometimes as artificial. Biogeographical transition zones are particularly interesting for a truly integrative biogeography, being natural laboratories where the interaction of historical and ecological processes can be analysed fruitfully, and are especially appropriate for an integrative approach, epistemologically grounded in integrative pluralism. A coherent conceptual framework to analyse transition zones, however, is still lacking.
Age-specific survival of territorial and non-territorial male chamois
Authors: Corlatti Luca , Cotza Antonella
Published: May 2023

How alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) are maintained in wildlife populations is one of the major questions in evolutionary biology. As a dominant status, territoriality is typically linked to increased mating opportunities, and one explanation why this behaviour coexists with other tactics is that dominance implies survival costs. Such a trade-off may occur in the Northern chamois Rupicapra rupicapra, as reproductive advantages of territorial males over non-territorial males could be counterbalanced by a reduction in survival mediated through energy expenditure, stress and parasitic infections, ultimately favouring ART coexistence. Here, we analysed age-dependent survival probabilities of territorial (n = 15) and non-territorial (n = 16) adult chamois using information collected over 12 years between 2010 and 2021 in the Gran Paradiso National Park (Western Italian Alps). Survival rates were estimated with a CMR approach using Burnham's joint modelling of live encounter and dead recovery data. The model selection procedure, based on AICc value minimisation, supported a linear decrease of survival with age but the results did not match our predictions, as territorial chamois did not have lower survival rates than non-territorial chamois. In contrast, territorial males appeared to enjoy reproductive success at lower survival costs. This, in turn, supports the role of other factors, such as snow-dependent environmental stochasticity, in the maintenance of ARTs in chamois populations. The limited sample size, however, calls for caution in interpretation, and long-term studies of lifetime reproductive success and survival are necessary to clarify the mechanisms underlying the expression and coexistence of different reproductive behaviours in this species.

Abstract

How alternative reproductive tactics are maintained in wildlife populations is one of the major questions in evolutionary biology. As a dominant status, territoriality is typically linked to increased mating opportunities, and one explanation why this behaviour coexists with other tactics is that dominance implies survival costs. In this paper, we investigate if reproductive advantages of territoriality are traded off against reduced survival in male Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra. Territorial chamois did not have lower survival rates than non-territorial chamois, possibly supporting the role of external factors in the maintenance of alternative tactics in this species.
Hyper‐reflective dots in optical coherence tomography imaging and inflammation markers in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Mat Nor Mohd N. , Guo Cindy X. , Green Colin R. , Squirrell David , Acosta Monica L.
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to correlate small dot hyper‐reflective foci (HRF) observed in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) scans of an animal model of hyperglycaemia with focal electroretinography (fERG) response and immunolabelling of retinal markers. The eyes of an animal model of hyperglycaemia showing signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR) were imaged using SD‐OCT. Areas showing dot HRF were further evaluated using fERG. Retinal areas enclosing the HRF were dissected and serially sectioned, stained and labelled for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and a microglial marker (Iba‐1). Small dot HRF were frequently seen in OCT scans in all retinal quadrants in the inner nuclear layer or outer nuclear layer in the DR rat model. Retinal function in the HRF and adjacent areas was reduced compared with normal control rats. Microglial activation was detected by Iba‐1 labelling and retinal stress identified by GFAP expression in Müller cells observed in discrete areas around small dot HRF. Small dot HRF seen in OCT images of the retina are associated with a local microglial response. This study provides the first evidence of dot HRF correlating with microglial activation, which may allow clinicians to better evaluate the microglia‐mediated inflammatory component of progressive diseases showing HRF.
The role of fructose at a range of concentration on the texture and microstructure of freeze‐dried pectin–cellulose matrix cryogel
Authors: Du Qianqian , Bi Jinfeng , Yi Jianyong , Zhao Yuanyuan , Feng Shuhan , Ma Youchuan
Published: May 2023

Freeze‐dried (FD) fruit and vegetable materials with a large amount of sugar are unstable. With the aim to understand the structure formation of FD products, the effects of fructose content on the texture and microstructure of FD matrix were investigated by using pectin–cellulose cryogel model. Cryogels containing fructose of 0–40% were produced using freeze‐drying at three different primary drying temperatures of −40, −20, and 20°C. The resultant cryogels were characterized by texture profile analyzer, scanning electron microscope, and μCT. Results indicated that at drying temperature of −40°C, increasing fructose concentration promoted the hardness of the cryogels, and cryogels of 16% fructose obtained maximum hardness. Excessive fructose (≥20%) weakened the described hardness, while exhibiting stronger springiness and resilience. The microstructure showed that dense pores and increased wall thickness due to fructose aggregation were critical factors responsible for increased hardness. The porous structure as well as relatively large pore size were necessary for crispness, in addition, rigid pore wall with certain strength were also required. At the drying temperature of 20°C, large hetero‐cavities dominated the microstructure of cryogels with 30% and 40% fructose, caused by melting inside during FD process. In this situation, lower Tm (−15.48 and −20.37°C) were responsible for cryogels’ melting In conclusion, if possible, regulating fructose content and state may enable the precision texture design of FD fruit and vegetable foods.
The influence of parasite load on transcriptional activity and morphology of a cestode and its ant intermediate host
Authors: Sistermans Tom , Hartke Juliane , Stoldt Marah , Libbrecht Romain , Foitzik Susanne
Published: May 2023

Parasites with complex life cycles are known to induce phenotypic changes in their intermediate hosts to increase transmission to the final host. The magnitude of these changes could increase with the number of parasites, which would be beneficial to co‐infecting parasites. Yet, adverse effects of high parasite load (i.e. many parasites in a single host) might stress both hosts and parasites (e.g. through an increased immune response). We investigated the consequences of parasite load on the transcriptional activity and morphology of the cestodeAnomotaenia brevisand its intermediate host, the antTemnothorax nylanderi. We demonstrated that many differentially expressed host genes shifted with parasite load, and their functions indicate a stronger immune response and fight against oxidative stress in heavily infected hosts. The expression of other host genes responded to infection in an all‐or‐nothing manner, as did the morphology of the host workers. However, the cestodes became smaller when they competed with other parasites for resources from a single host. Their expression profile further indicated shifts in host immune avoidance, starvation resistance and vesicle‐mediated transport. In summary, our study reveals clear consequences of parasite load and highlights specific processes and traits affected by this.
Thresholds for persistent leaf photochemical damage predict plant drought resilience in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Fortunel Claire , Stahl Clément , Coste Sabrina , Ziegler Camille , Derroire Géraldine , Levionnois Sébastien , Maréchaux Isabelle , Bonal Damien , Hérault Bruno , Wagner Fabien H. , Sack Lawren , Chave Jérôme , Heuret Patrick , Jansen Steven , John Grace , Scoffoni Christine , Trueba Santiago , Bartlett Megan K.
Published: May 2023

Water stress can cause declines in plant function that persist after rehydration. Recent work has defined ‘resilience’ traits characterizing leaf resistance to persistent damage from drought, but whether these traits predict resilience in whole‐plant function is unknown. It is also unknown whether the coordination between resilience and ‘resistance’ – the ability to maintain function during drought – observed globally occurs within ecosystems.

For eight rainforest species, we dehydrated and subsequently rehydrated leaves, and measured water stress thresholds for declines in rehydration capacity and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). We tested correlations with embolism resistance and dry season water potentials (ΨMD), and calculated safety margins for damage (ΨMD – thresholds) and tested correlations with drought resilience in sap flow and growth.

Ψ thresholds for persistent declines in Fv/Fm, indicating resilience, were positively correlated with ΨMD and thresholds for leaf vein embolism. Safety margins for persistent declines in Fv/Fm, but not rehydration capacity, were positively correlated with drought resilience in sap flow.

Correlations between resistance and resilience suggest that species' differences in performance during drought are perpetuated after drought, potentially accelerating shifts in forest composition. Resilience to photochemical damage emerged as a promising functional trait to characterize whole‐plant drought resilience.
Severe cardiac conduction disease associated with titin gene mutation
Authors: Uniat Jonathan , Hill Allison , Shwayder Mark , Bar‐Cohen Yaniv
Published: May 2023

Heart block is rare in pediatrics with many possible causes. An association between complete heart block (CHB) and pathogenic titin (TTN) mutations have not been previously described. We report a 9‐year‐old female with history of leukodystrophy and family history of atrial fibrillation who presented with syncope and conduction abnormalities, including CHB. She underwent pacemaker implantation and genetic testing demonstrated a pathogenic TTN mutation likely responsible for her cardiac findings. Our case suggests an association between TTN mutations and conduction disease and emphasizes broadening gene testing in assessing these patients, especially when a family history is present.
Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation can accelerate stress recovery: A repetitive transcranial stimulation study
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Gao Heming , Qi Mingming
Published: May 2023

In this study, a single high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF‐rTMS) session was applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) after a moderate‐to‐intense stressor to investigate whether left DLPFC stimulation could regulate cortisol concentration after stress induction. Participants were randomly divided into three groups (stress‐TMS, stress, and placebo‐stress). Stress was induced in both the stress‐TMS and stress groups using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The placebo‐stress group received a placebo TSST. In the stress‐TMS group, a single HF‐rTMS session was applied over the left DLPFC after TSST. Cortisol was measured across the different groups, and each group's responses to the stress‐related questionnaire were recorded. After TSST, both the stress‐TMS and stress groups reported increased self‐reported stress, state anxiety, negative affect, and cortisol concentration compared with the placebo‐stress group, indicating that TSST successfully induced a stress response. Compared with the stress group, the stress‐TMS group exhibited reduced cortisol levels at 0, 15, 30, and 45 min after HF‐rTMS. These results suggest that left DLPFC stimulation after stress induction might accelerate the stress recovery.
Urban resilience, digital technologies, and the economic recovery of a city from the pandemic
Authors: Zou Yonghua
Published: May 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has devastated the world economy, which has made global economic recovery a considerable challenge. When a city experiences disasters, it needs to utilize innovative governance instruments, such as digital technologies, to foster economic recovery resilience. This article proposes a theoretical framework aimed at revealing the interconnection between digital technologies and economic recovery resilience, and it presents the case of Hangzhou, China, to illustrate this framework. This article finds that digital technologies can foster economic recovery resilience by sustaining a collaborative network during disasters. This article also reveals that government‐sponsored platforms, public‐private partnerships, and citizen coproduction are the underlying dynamics through which digital technologies build resilience. This article provides a nuanced understanding of how digital technologies might impact the theory and practice of economic recovery resilience in the digital era.
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index is a predictor of tolerability of antifibrotic therapy and mortality risk in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Mochizuka Yasutaka , Suzuki Yuzo , Kono Masato , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Hashimoto Dai , Yokomura Koshi , Inoue Yusuke , Yasui Hideki , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Hidenori , Suda Takafumi
Published: May 2023

Background and Objective

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by progressive lung fibrosis of unknown aetiology. Epidemiological studies have suggested that IPF progression may negatively affect nutritional status. Weight loss during antifibrotic therapy is also frequently encountered. The association of nutritional status and outcome has not been fully evaluated in IPF patients.

Methods

This retrospective multicohort study assessed nutritional status of 301 IPF patients receiving antifibrotic therapy (Hamamatsu cohort, n = 151; Seirei cohort, n = 150). Nutritional status was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). The GNRI was calculated based on body mass index and serum albumin. The relationship between nutritional status and tolerability of antifibrotic therapy as well as mortality was explored.

Results

Of 301 patients, 113 (37.5%) had malnutrition‐related risk (GNRI < 98). Patients with malnutrition‐related risk were older, had increased exacerbations and worse pulmonary function than those without a GNRI status <98. Malnutrition‐related risk was associated with a higher incidence of discontinuation of antifibrotic therapy, particulary due to gastrointestinal disturbances. IPF patients with malnutrition‐related risk (GNRI < 98) had shorter survival than those without such risk (median survival: 25.9 vs. 41.1 months, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, malnutrition‐related risk was a prognostic indicator of antifibrotic therapy discontinuation and mortality, independent of age, sex, forced vital capacity, or gender–age–physiology index.

Conclusion

Nutritional status has significant effects on the treatment and outcome in patients with IPF. Assessment of nutritional status may provide important information for managing patients with IPF.
Missing: A correlation between exchange rate misalignment and GDP growth
Authors: Goncalves Carlos , Rodrigues Mauro
Published: May 2023

The impact of real exchange rate movements on growth is a hotly debated issue in policy and academic circles. We provide evidence that this association is very weak for a broad panel of countries. Controlling for initial GDP, country and time fixed effects, a more depreciated currency is associated with higher growth only if the savings rate is not included as a control. Further, even if the latter is not added to the estimation, the correlation becomes insignificant when outliers or very small countries are left out. Importantly, this also holds for the specific subsample of emerging economies.
Treatment of canine periocular dermatitis with rhytidectomy (surgical face‐lift) and fluorescence photobiomodulation: A case report
Authors: Knollinger Amy , Morgan Paul , Loek Rachael , Laporte Carine
Published: May 2023

Canine periocular dermatitis may be associated with excessive facial folds and heavy brows (EFF‐HB). There is no gold standard therapy for EFF‐HB‐associated periocular dermatitis, and conventional medical management may fail. Herein, we describe periocular fluorescence photobiomodulation and rhytidectomy as novel approaches to treat EFF‐HB‐associated periocular dermatitis refractory to medical management.
Successful management of minoxidil 5% toxicosis in 2 cats from the same household
Authors: Johnson Tyler E. , Fick Meghan E. , Haraschak Jenica L. , Vernier Mara E. , Kadotani Saki
Published: May 2023

Objective

To describe the successful management of 2 cats following ingestion of minoxidil 5%.

Series Summary

Two 2‐year‐old neutered male Savannah cats were presented following suspected minoxidil 5% ingestion. Both cats developed significant myocardial injury, and clinical signs were consistent with congestive heart failure, supported by cardiac troponin I concentrations, echocardiogram, and thoracic radiographs. They required vasopressor therapy and were decontaminated with intravenous lipid emulsion therapy. Following decontamination, both cats were successfully discontinued from vasopressor therapy, and their clinical signs resolved within 24 hours. The cats were successfully discharged without long‐lasting cardiac compromise. Their echocardiograms and cardiac troponin concentration 7 weeks after discharge were within reference intervals.

New or Unique Information

This is the first detailed report of the successful management of cats following minoxidil 5% ingestion.
The Balmer spectrum of certain Deligne–Mumford stacks
Authors: Lau Eike
Published: May 2023

We consider a Deligne–Mumford stack $X$ which is the quotient of an affine scheme $\operatorname {Spec}A$ by the action of a finite group $G$ and show that the Balmer spectrum of the tensor triangulated category of perfect complexes on $X$ is homeomorphic to the space of homogeneous prime ideals in the group cohomology ring $H^*(G,A)$.
Nitrogen centers in single crystal diamond grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Misra D. S.
Published: May 2023

The single crystals of diamond grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are getting wider acceptance in the market for gem purposes and various other applications. Most popular applications are gems, particle detectors, high pressure anvils, and laser windows. It is widely accepted that, unless specifically made, the CVD diamond single crystals are type IIa, which implies that they have a nitrogen concentration of less than 5 ppm in the diamond. The concentration of nitrogen in CVD grown single crystal diamond is a serious deterrent for certain applications such as particle detectors, high pressure anvils, and laser windows. The threshold of nitrogen for these specific applications is subparts per billion (less than 1 ppb). On the other hand, the CVD single crystal diamonds for gems could hold nitrogen in subparts per million (less than 1 ppm) range and would still qualify as excellent gems. In this paper, an attempt is made to understand the nature of nitrogen in two types of CVD single crystal diamonds: one that shows very week fluorescence in the PL spectrum (light color or white color) with low nitrogen concentration and the other with high nitrogen concentration that shows strong fluorescence in the PL spectrum (brown to dark brown color). The correlation of nitrogen in different forms of vacancy centers in these two types of single crystals of CVD diamonds is studied. The results indicate that a strong relationship exists in concentrations of the (NVH)0 and NS+ centers in brown and dark brown color CVD grown single crystal diamonds.
Source localization based on steered frequency–wavenumber analysis for sparse array
Authors: Choi Y. H. , Kim J. S. , Byun Gihoon
Published: May 2023

When using a sparse array, locating the target signal of a high-frequency component is difficult. Although forecasting the direction in a sparse situation is challenging, the frequency–wavenumber (f–k) spectrum can simultaneously determine the direction and frequency of the analyzed signal. The striation of the f–k spectrum shifts along the wavenumber axis in a sparse situation, which reduces the spatial resolution required to determine the target's direction using the f–k spectrum. In this study, f–k spectra of a high-frequency signal were used for near-field source localization. Snapping shrimp sounds (5–24 kHz) from SAVEX15 (a shallow-water acoustic variability experiment conducted in May 2015) were used as the data source, and a simulation was used to evaluate the proposed method. Beam steering was performed before creating the f–k spectrum to improve spatial resolution. We found that the spatial resolution was improved, and the location of the sound source could be determined when a signal with beam steering was utilized. The shrimp sound from SAVEX15, a near-field broadband signal, was used to determine the shrimp's location (range, 38 m; depth, 100 m) and the tilt of the vertical line array. These results suggest that the proposed analysis helps to accurately estimate the location of sound source.
Particle Image micro-Rheology (PIR) using displacement probability density function
Authors: Ahmadzadegan Adib , Mitra Harsa , Vlachos Pavlos P. , Ardekani Arezoo M.
Published: May 2023

We present a novel approach to perform passive microrheology. A method to measure the rheological properties of fluids from the Brownian motion of suspended particles. Rheological properties are found from the particles' mean square displacements (MSDs) as a function of measurement time lag. Current state-of-the-art approaches find the MSD by tracking multiple particles' trajectories. However, particle tracking approaches face many limitations, including low accuracy and high computational cost, and they are only applicable to low particle seeding densities. Here, we present a novel method, termed particle image rheometry (PIR), for estimating the particle ensemble MSD from the temporal evolution of the probability density function of the displacement as a function of measurement time lag. First, the probability density function (PDF) of the particle displacements for each time lag is found using a generalized ensemble image cross-correlation approach that eliminates the need for particle tracking. Then, PDFs are used to calculate the MSD from which the complex viscosity of the solution is measured. We evaluate the performance of PIR using synthetic datasets and show that it can achieve an error of less than 1% in passive microrheology measurements, which corresponds to a twofold lower error than existing methods. Finally, we compare the measured complex viscosity from PIR with bulk rheometry for a polymeric solution and show agreement between the two measurements.
Amino Acid-Based Beverage Interventions Ameliorate Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Syndrome in Response to Exertional-Heat Stress: The Heat Exertion Amino Acid Technology (HEAAT) Study
Authors: Costa Ricardo J.S. , Henningsen Kayla , Gaskell Stephanie K. , Alcock Rebekah , Mika Alice , Rauch Christopher , Cheuvront Samuel N. , Blazy Phil , Kenefick Robert
Published: May 2023

The study aimed to determine the effects of two differing amino acid beverage interventions on biomarkers of intestinal epithelial integrity and systemic inflammation in response to an exertional-heat stress challenge. One week after the initial assessment, participants (n = 20) were randomly allocated to complete two exertional-heat stress trials, with at least 1 week washout. Trials included a water control trial (CON), and one of two possible amino acid beverage intervention trials (VS001 or VS006). On VS001 (4.5 g/L) and VS006 (6.4 g/L), participants were asked to consume two 237-ml prefabricated doses daily for 7 days before the exertional-heat stress, and one 237-ml dose immediately before, and every 20 min during 2-hr running at 60% maximal oxygen uptake in 35 °C ambient conditions. A water volume equivalent was provided on CON. Whole blood samples were collected pre-, immediately post-, 1 and 2 hr postexercise, and analyzed for plasma concentrations of cortisol, intestinal fatty acid protein, soluble CD14, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) by ELISA, and systemic inflammatory cytokines by multiplex. Preexercise resting biomarker concentrations for all variables did not significantly differ between trials (p > .05). A lower response magnitude for intestinal fatty acid protein (mean [95% CI]: 249 [60, 437] pg/ml, 900 [464, 1,336] pg/ml), soluble CD14 (−93 [−458, 272] ng/ml, 12 [−174, 197] ng/ml), and IgM (−6.5 [−23.0, 9.9] MMU/ml, −10.4 [−16.2, 4.7] MMU/ml) were observed on VS001 and V006 compared with CON (p < .05), respectively. Systemic inflammatory response profile was lower on VS001, but not VS006, versus CON (p < .05). Total gastrointestinal symptoms did not significantly differ between trials. Amino acid beverages’ consumption (i.e., 4.5–6.4 g/L), twice daily for 7 days, immediately before, and during exertional-heat stress ameliorated intestinal epithelial integrity and systemic inflammatory perturbations associated with exercising in the heat, but without exacerbating gastrointestinal symptoms.
Examining the Effect of Time-From-Treatment on Activities of Daily Living Kinematics in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Wills Rebecca A.M. , Maciukiewicz Jacquelyn M. , Mourtzakis Marina , Dickerson Clark R.
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer affects one in 8 females with a 5-year survival rate of 89%. Up to 72% of breast cancer survivors have trouble with activities of daily living (ADL) following treatment. Increased time-from-treatment improves some measures of function, yet ADL limitations persist. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of time-from-treatment on upper extremity kinematics during ADLs in breast cancer survivors. Twenty-nine female breast cancer survivors were divided into 2 groups: <1 year (n = 12) and 1–2 years (n = 17) from treatment. Kinematics were collected during 6 ADL tasks, and humerothoracic joint angles were quantified. A 2-way mixed analysis of variance assessed the effects of time-from-treatment and arm on maximum angles for each ADL. Decreased maximum angle existed for breast cancer survivors with increased time-from-treatment during all ADLs. Breast cancer survivors in the 1–2 years group used ∼28° to 32° lower elevation, ∼14° to 28° lower axial rotation, and ∼10° to 14° lower plane of elevation range across tasks. Decreased ranges of arm movement during ADLs with increased time-from-treatment may reflect compensatory movement strategies. Recognizing this shift in strategies and accompanying underlying disease progression can help inform responses to functional performance limitations in breast cancer survivors as delayed effects are present posttreatment.
Single-Leg Squat Test in the Clinical Setting Does Not Discriminate Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome From Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Oliveira Letícia Almeida de , Frasson Viviane Bortoluzzi , Torresan Anna , Vaz Marco Aurélio , Baroni Bruno Manfredini
Published: May 2023

Context: Laboratorial 3-dimensional kinematic analyses have shown changes in the single-leg squat’s (SLS) pattern of patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). However, it is unknown whether clinicians are able to detect these changes using 2-dimensional kinematics. Objective: To compare the frontal plane 2-dimensional kinematics of patients with FAIS and asymptomatic individuals in the SLS test performed in a clinical setting. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Physical therapy clinic. Participants: Twenty men with bilateral FAIS and 20 asymptomatic men. Main Outcome Measures: Two-dimensional kinematic analysis was collected in the frontal plane during the execution of the SLS test. The outcomes were squat depth, pelvic drop (pelvis angle relative to the horizontal plane), hip adduction (femur angle relative to the pelvis), and knee valgus (femur angle relative to the tibia). Results: Most and least painful limbs of patients with FAIS had squat depth (9.8% [2.9%] and 9.5% [3.1%] of height), pelvic drop (4.2° [3.9°] and 3.7° [4.2°]), hip adduction (74.9° [5.8°] and 75.9° [5.7°]), and knee valgus (4.0° [11.0°] and 5.0° [9.9°]) similar to asymptomatic individuals (9.0% [2.3%], 4.8° [2.6°], 73.7° [4.9°], and −1.7° [8.5°]; P > .05 for all). Conclusion: The frontal plane 2-dimensional kinematic analysis of the SLS test in the clinical setting is not able to distinguish patients with FAIS from asymptomatic individuals.
Higher depression risks in medium- than in high-density urban form across Denmark
Authors: Chen Tzu-Hsin Karen , Horsdal Henriette Thisted , Samuelsson Karl , Closter Ane Marie , Davies Megan , Barthel Stephan , Pedersen Carsten Bøcker , Prishchepov Alexander V. , Sabel Clive E.
Published: May 2023

Urban areas are associated with higher depression risks than rural areas. However, less is known about how different types of urban environments relate to depression risk. Here, we use satellite imagery and machine learning to quantify three-dimensional (3D) urban form (i.e., building density and height) over time. Combining satellite-derived urban form data and individual-level residential addresses, health, and socioeconomic registers, we conduct a case-control study (
n
= 75,650 cases and 756,500 controls) to examine the association between 3D urban form and depression in the Danish population. We find that living in dense inner-city areas did not carry the highest depression risks. Rather, after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, the highest risk was among sprawling suburbs, and the lowest was among multistory buildings with open space in the vicinity. The finding suggests that spatial land-use planning should prioritize securing access to open space in densely built areas to mitigate depression risks.
Progressive and instantaneous nature of lithium nucleation discovered by dynamic and operando imaging
Authors: Feng Guangxia , Shi Yaping , Jia Hao , Risal Samprash , Yang Xu , Ruchhoeft Paul , Shih Wei-Chuan , Fan Zheng , Xu Wu , Shan Xiaonan
Published: May 2023

The understanding of lithium (Li) nucleation and growth is important to design better electrodes for high-performance batteries. However, the study of Li nucleation process is still limited because of the lack of imaging tools that can provide information of the entire dynamic process. We developed and used an operando reflection interference microscope (RIM) that enables real-time imaging and tracking the Li nucleation dynamics at a single nanoparticle level. This dynamic and operando imaging platform provides us with critical capabilities to continuously monitor and study the Li nucleation process. We find that the formation of initial Li nuclei is not at the exact same time point, and Li nucleation process shows the properties of both progressive and instantaneous nucleation. In addition, the RIM allows us to track the individual Li nucleus’s growth and extract spatially resolved overpotential map. The nonuniform overpotential map indicates that the localized electrochemical environments substantially influence the Li nucleation.
Mitophagy restricts BAX/BAK-independent, Parkin-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Quarato Giovanni , Mari Luigi , Barrows Nicholas J. , Yang Mao , Ruehl Sebastian , Chen Mark J. , Guy Cliff S. , Low Jonathan , Chen Taosheng , Green Douglas R.
Published: May 2023

Degradation of defective mitochondria is an essential process to maintain cellular homeostasis and it is strictly regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and lysosomal activities. Here, using genome-wide CRISPR and small interference RNA screens, we identified a critical contribution of the lysosomal system in controlling aberrant induction of apoptosis following mitochondrial damage. After treatment with mitochondrial toxins, activation of the PINK1-Parkin axis triggered a BAX- and BAK-independent process of cytochrome c release from mitochondria followed by APAF1 and caspase 9–dependent apoptosis. This phenomenon was mediated by UPS-dependent outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) degradation and was reversed using proteasome inhibitors. We found that the subsequent recruitment of the autophagy machinery to the OMM protected cells from apoptosis, mediating the lysosomal degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria. Our results underscore a major role of the autophagy machinery in counteracting aberrant noncanonical apoptosis and identified autophagy receptors as key elements in the regulation of this process.
Evaluation of Omadacycline Alone and in Combination with Rifampin against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Biofilm Model
Authors: Morrisette Taylor , Stamper Kyle C. , Lev Katherine L. , Kebriaei Razieh , Holger Dana J. , Abdul-Mutakabbir Jacinda C. , Kunz Coyne Ashlan J. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: May 2023

Biofilm-associated infections lead to substantial morbidity. Omadacycline (OMC) is a novel aminomethylcycline with potent
in vitro
activity against
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, but data surrounding its use in biofilm-associated infections are lacking.
Pre-Steady-State Kinetic Characterization of an Antibiotic-Resistant Mutant of Staphylococcus aureus DNA Polymerase PolC
Authors: Nelson-Rigg Rachel , Fagan Sean P. , Jaremko William J. , Pata Janice D.
Published: May 2023

The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens are serious and ongoing threats to public health. Since chromosome replication is essential to cell growth and pathogenesis, the essential DNA polymerases in bacteria have long been targets of antimicrobial development, although none have yet advanced to the market.
Increased Thermostability of an Engineered Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase to Remediate Trimethylamine in Fish Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Goris Marianne , Cea-Rama Isabel , Puntervoll Pål , Ree Rasmus , Almendral David , Sanz-Aparicio Julia , Ferrer Manuel , Bjerga Gro Elin Kjæreng
Published: May 2023

Marine by-products are a high-quality source for peptide ingredients, but the unpleasant fishy odor caused by TMA limits their access to the food market. This problem can be mitigated by enzymatic conversion of TMA into the odorless TMAO.
Refining Timely Diagnosis of Early Syphilis by Using Treponema pallidum PCR or IgM Immunoblotting Next to Conventional Serology for Syphilis
Authors: Flipse Jacky , Niekamp Anne-Marie , Dirks Anne , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M. , Hoebe Christian J. P. A. , Wolffs Petra , van Loo Inge H. M.
Published: May 2023

Treponema pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
is a fastidious spirochete and the etiologic agent of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Syphilis diagnoses and disease staging are based on clinical findings and serologic testing.
HSPA5 Promotes Attachment and Internalization of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus through Interaction with the Spike Protein and the Endo-/Lysosomal Pathway
Authors: Zhou Chuanjie , Liu Yunchao , Wei Qiang , Chen Yumei , Yang Suzhen , Cheng Anchun , Zhang Gaiping
Published: May 2023

PEDV infection causes severe piglet mortality and threatens the global pig industry. However, the complex invasion mechanism of PEDV makes its prevention and control difficult.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Bacillus cereus Temperate Bacteriophage BSG01
Authors: Imm Seulgi , Chang Yoonjee
Published: May 2023

The
Bacillus cereus
phage BSG01 has a siphovirus morphology that can belong to the order
Caudovirales
. It consists of 81,366 bp, with a GC content of 34.6%, and contains 70 predicted open reading frames. BSG01 includes lysogeny-related genes (tyrosine recombinase and antirepressor protein), indicating that it is a temperate phage.
Distribution and Environmental Drivers of Fungal Denitrifiers in Global Soils
Authors: Bösch Yvonne , Pold Grace , Saghaï Aurélien , Karlsson Magnus , Jones Christopher M. , Hallin Sara
Published: May 2023

Fungal denitrifiers, in contrast to their bacterial counterparts, are a poorly studied functional group within the nitrogen cycle, even though they produce the greenhouse gas N
2
O. To curb soil N
2
O emissions, a better understanding of their ecology and distribution in soils from different ecosystems is needed.
Nonbacterial Microflora in Wastewater Treatment Plants: an Underappreciated Potential Source of Pathogens
Authors: Ariyadasa Sujani , Taylor William , Weaver Louise , McGill Erin , Billington Craig , Pattis Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Nonbacterial microflora in wastewater remain understudied compared to their bacterial counterparts despite their importance in the wastewater treatment process. In this study, we report the temporal and spatial distributions of DNA viruses, archaea, protozoa, and fungi in raw wastewater influent, effluent, oxidation pond water, and oxidation pond sediments by using shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
Refinement of the Fusion Tag PagP for Effective Formation of Inclusion Bodies in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Zhang Baorong , Hu Quan , Chen Changchao , Huang Jiahua , Liu Lu , Wang Shengbin
Published: May 2023

Fusion tag-induced formation of inclusion bodies provides a powerful means to express unstructured or toxic proteins. For a given fusion tag, how to enhance the formation of inclusion bodies remains to be explored.
Impact of gender on clinical features and outcomes of ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: Lyons Matilda R , Arantes Tiago , Vieira Barbara R , Furtado Joao M , Smith Justine R
Published: May 2023

Aim

To investigate the effect of gender on the clinical features and outcomes of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Methods

262 patients (139 women and 123 men) presenting to a tertiary referral uveitis service in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, with serological and clinical evidence of ocular toxoplasmosis were prospectively enrolled in an observational study. Predefined data items including demographics, descriptors of uveitis and ocular toxoplasmosis, best-corrected visual acuity and ocular complications were disaggregated by gender and compared statistically.

Results

Approximately equal numbers of women and men had active versus inactive ocular toxoplasmosis. In both women and men, most infections were remotely acquired. Men were significantly more likely to present with primary active disease than women (24.4% vs 12.9%); conversely, women were significantly more likely to present with recurrent active disease than men (36.0% vs 28.5%). One toxoplasmic retinal lesion was observed in more eyes of men than eyes of women (50.4% vs 35.3%), while women’s eyes were more likely to have multiple lesions than men’s eyes (54.7% vs 39.8%). Lesions in women’s eyes were significantly more likely to occur at the posterior pole compared with those in men’s eyes (56.1% vs 39.8%). Measures of vision were similar for women and men. There were no significant differences in measures of visual acuity, ocular complications, and occurrence and timing of reactivations between the genders.

Conclusion

Ocular toxoplasmosis has equivalent outcomes in women and men, with clinical differences in the form and type of disease, as well as characteristics of the retinal lesion.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and newly diagnosed hypertension during pregnancy: prospective, population based cohort study
Authors: Örtqvist Anne K. , Magnus Maria C. , Dahlqvist Elisabeth , Söderling Jonas , Johansson Kari , Sandström Anna , Håberg Siri E. , Stephansson Olof
Published: May 2023

Objective

To study the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and newly diagnosed hypertension during pregnancy.

Design

Prospective, population based cohort study.

Setting

All singleton pregnancies after 22 completed gestational weeks registered in the Swedish Pregnancy Register and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, from 1 March 2020 to 24 May 2022.

Participants

312 456 individuals available for analysis (201 770 in Sweden and 110 686 in Norway), with pregnancies that reached 42 completed gestational weeks by the end of follow-up in the pregnancy registries, excluding individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection before pregnancy and those with a diagnosis of pre-existing hypertension or onset of hypertension before 20 gestational weeks.

Main outcome measures

Newly diagnosed hypertension during pregnancy was defined as a composite outcome of a diagnosis of gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome, or eclampsia, from gestational week 20 to one week after delivery. The association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hypertension during pregnancy was investigated with a stratified Cox proportional hazard model, adjusting for maternal age, body mass index, parity, smoking, region of birth, education, income, coexisting medical conditions, previous hypertension during pregnancy, number of healthcare visits during the past year, and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Pre-eclampsia was also analysed as a separate outcome.

Results

Of 312 456 individuals available for analysis, 8% (n=24 566) had SARS-CoV-2 infection any time during pregnancy, 6% (n=18 051) had a diagnosis of hypertension during pregnancy, and 3% (9899) had pre-eclampsia. SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of hypertension during pregnancy (adjusted hazard ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.04) or pre-eclampsia (0.98, 0.87 to 1.10). The results were similar for SARS-CoV-2 infection in all gestational trimesters and in different time periods that corresponded to dominance of different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Conclusions

This population based study did not find any evidence of an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of hypertension during pregnancy or pre-eclampsia.
Association between TyG index and long-term mortality of critically ill patients: a retrospective study based on the MIMIC Database
Authors: Dai Lingli , Yu Yun , Wang Kunling , Hu Cuining , Wu Dan , Shan Shan
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the association of triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index on admission with outcomes of critically ill patients.

Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

A population-based cohort study of Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III Database (MIMIC III).

Participants

All intensive care unit admissions were extracted from MIMIC III.

Main outcome measures

The TyG index was calculated as ln [triglycerides (mg/dL)×glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The primary endpoint was 360-day mortality.

Results

A total of 3902 patients with an average age of 63.1±15.9 years old were enrolled, including 1623 (41.6%) women. The 360-day mortality was lower in a higher TyG group. Compared with the lowest TyG group, the HR of 360-day mortality was 0.79 (95% CI (0.66, 0.95); p=0.011) in the fully adjusted Cox model and 0.71 (95% CI (0.59, 0.85); p<0.001) in the stepwise Cox model. In the subgroup analysis, an interaction effect was detected between TyG index and gender.

Conclusions

A lower TyG index was associated with the risk of 360-day mortality in critically ill patients, which could be a predictor of long-term survival of critically ill patients.
Medication use and comorbidities in an increasingly younger osteoarthritis population: an 18-year retrospective open-cohort study
Authors: Graham Jove , Novosat Tonia , Sun Haiyan , Piper Brian J , Boscarino Joseph A , Kern Melissa S , Hayduk Vanessa A , Beck Craig , Robinson Rebecca L , Casey Edward , Hall Jerry , Dorling Patricia , Wright Eric
Published: May 2023

Objectives

As understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for osteoarthritis (OA) evolves, it is important to understand how patient factors are also changing. Our goal was to examine demographics and known risk factors of patients with OA over time.

Design

Open-cohort retrospective study using electronic health records.

Setting

Large US integrated health system with 7 hospitals, 2.6 million outpatient clinic visits and 97 300 hospital admissions annually in a mostly rural geographic region.

Participants

Adult patients with at least two encounters and a diagnosis of OA or OA-relevant surgery between 2001 and 2018. Because of geographic region, over 96% of participants were white/Caucasian.

Interventions

None.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Descriptive statistics were used to examine age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Charlson Comorbidity Index, major comorbidities and OA-relevant prescribing over time.

Results

We identified 290 897 patients with OA. Prevalence of OA increased significantly from 6.7% to 33.5% and incidence increased 37% (from 3772 to 5142 new cases per 100 000 patients per year) (p<0.0001). Percentage of females declined from 65.3% to 60.8%, and percentage of patients with OA in the youngest age bracket (18–45 years) increased significantly (6.2% to 22.7%, p<0.0001). The percentage of patients with OA with BMI ≥30 remained above 50% over the time period. Patients had low comorbidity overall, but anxiety, depression and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease showed the largest increases in prevalence. Opioid use (tramadol and non-tramadol) showed peaks followed by declines, while most other medications increased slightly in use or remained steady.

Conclusions

We observe increasing OA prevalence and a greater proportion of younger patients over time. With better understanding of how characteristics of patients with OA are changing over time, we can develop better approaches for managing disease burden in the future.