bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early onset of azithromycin to prevent CLAD in lung transplantation: Promising results of a retrospective single centre experience
Authors: Cristeto Porras Marta , Mora Cuesta Víctor Manuel , Iturbe Fernández David , Tello Mena Sandra , Alonso Lecue Pilar , Sánchez Moreno Laura , Miñambres García Eduardo , Naranjo Gozalo Sara , Izquierdo Cuervo Sheila , Cifrián Martínez José Manuel
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Azithromycin (AZI) may be an effective immune modulator in lung transplant (LT) recipients, and can decrease chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) rates, the leading cause of mortality after the 1st year post‐LT. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of AZI initiation and its timing on the incidence and severity of CLAD in LT recipients.

Methods

Single‐center retrospective study, including LT recipients from 01/01/2011 to 30/06/2020. Four groups were established: those who started AZI at the 3rd week post‐LT (group A), those who received AZI later than the 3rd week post‐LT and had preserved FEV1 (B), those who did not receive AZI (C) and those who started AZI due to a decline in FEV1 (D). The dosage of AZI prescribed was 250 mg three times per week. CLAD was defined and graduated according to the 2019 ISHLT criteria.

Results

We included 358 LT recipients: 139 (38.83%) were in group A, 94 (26.25%) in group B, 91 (25.42%) in group C, and 34 (9.50%) in group D. Group A experienced the lowest CLAD incidence and severity at 1 (p = .01), 3 (p < .001), and 5 years post‐LT, followed by Group B. Groups C and D experienced a higher incidence and severity of CLAD (p = .015). Initiation of AZI prior to FEV1 decline (Groups A and B) proved to be protective against CLAD after adjusting for differences between the treatment groups.

Conclusions

Early initiation of AZI in LT recipients could have a role in decreasing the incidence and severity of CLAD. In addition, as long as FEV1 is preserved, initiating AZI at any time could also be useful to prevent the incidence of CLAD and reduce its severity.
Potential of temperature‐response collagen‐genipin sol as a novel submucosal injection agent for endoscopic resection: Acute and chronic phase study using living animals
Authors: Takatori Yusaku , Uraoka Toshio , Sasaki Motoki , Narita Takefumi , Yunoki Shunji , Shiraishi Junichi , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: October 2022

Objectives

We proposed a novel temperature‐response collagen sol as a submucosal injection agent for endoscopic resection (ER) using pepsin‐solubilized collagen (PSC) and genipin (Ge) in a prior study. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness and safety of the sol (PSC/Ge) in acute and chronic phase experiments using living animals.

Methods

In experiment 1, we performed endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for six pigs using normal saline (NS), sodium hyaluronate (SH), and PSC/Ge. We compared the required amount of each agent per unit area and procedure time. In experiment 2, we created artificial ulcers with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for five pigs using NS and PSC sol. We compared the artificial ulcer residual rate at 7 and 14 days after EMR, and the scarring rate at 14 days after EMR.

Results

The required amount of agents per unit area for PSC/Ge (0.8 ± 0.8 mL/cm2) and SH (1.1 ± 0.8 mL/cm2) were significantly smaller than that for NS (1.8 ± 0.7 mL/cm2). The total procedure time did not have a statistical difference. The artificial ulcer residual rates were 47.3 ± 0.7% for NS and 40.3 ± 0.7% for PSC/Ge on day 7 (P = 0.51), and 15.0 ± 0.1% for NS and 10.2 ± 0.1% for PSC/Ge sol on day 14 (P = 0.35). The scarring rate on day 14 was 10% for NS and 20% for PSC/Ge.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the feasibility of a novel temperature‐response collagen gel as a submucosal injection agent for ER in the acute and chronic phase animal experiment.
An omics evolutionary perspective on phytophagous insect–host plant interactions in Anastrepha obliqua: a review
Authors: Velasco‐Cuervo Sandra M. , Galindo‐González Leonardo , Toro‐Perea Nelson
Published: October 2022

Phytophagous insects have a close relationship with their host plants. For this reason, their interactions can lead to important changes in insect population dynamics and evolutionary trajectories. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has provided an opportunity to analyze omics data on a large scale, facilitating the change from a classical genetics approach to a more holistic understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of host plant use by insects. Most studies have been carried out on model species in Holarctic and temperate zones. In tropical zones, however, the effects of use of various host plants on evolutionary insect history is less understood. In the current review, we describe how omics methodologies help us to understand phytophagous insect–host plant interactions from an evolutionary perspective, using as example the Neotropical phytophagous insect West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae), an economically important fruit crop pest in the Americas. Anastrepha obliqua could adopt a generalist or a specialist lifestyle. We first review the adaptive molecular mechanisms of phytophagous insects to host plants, and then describe the main tools to study phytophagous insect–host plant interactions in the era of omics sciences. The omics approaches will advance the understanding of insect molecular mechanisms and their influence on diversification and evolution. Finally, we discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the use of omics tools and other, more classical methodologies in evolutionary studies.
Differential susceptibility of two locust pests to the microsporidium Paranosema (Antonospora) locustae at suboptimal rearing temperature
Authors: Tokarev Yuri S. , Gerus Aleksei V. , Pavlyushin Vladimir A.
Published: October 2022

Paranosema (Antonospora) locustae (Canning) is a microsporidium with an extensive host range including >100 reported insect hosts from the order Orthoptera. The susceptibility of two species of locusts (Orthoptera: Acrididae) – the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria subsp. migratorioides (Fairmaire & Reiche), and the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forsskål – to P. locustae was compared under laboratory conditions at a decreased temperature of 27 °C to enhance susceptibility to infection. Locusta migratoria was found highly vulnerable as infection percentages exceeded 70% at 104, 105, and 106 spores per insect, and mortality increased with increasing dosage. Conversely, P. locustae spores were not found in S. gregaria throughout the experiment. Only at 107 spores per insect, as many as 20% of S. gregaria were infected. This suggests that the desert locust is resistant to P. locustae infection, as opposed to the migratory locust. The laboratory models of these parasite–host systems may be useful for elucidating mechanisms of insect immunity to microsporidia.
An experimental study on post‐mortem dissolution and overgrowth processes affecting coccolith assemblages: A rapid and complex process
Authors: Holcová Katarína , Scheiner Filip
Published: October 2022

Coccolith dissolution together with post‐mortem morphological features are immensely important phenomena that can affect assemblage compositions, complicate taxonomic identification as well as provide valuable palaeoenvironmental insights. This study summarizes the effects of pH oscillations on post‐mortem coccolith morphologies and the abundances and compositions of calcareous nannoplankton assemblages in three distinct types of material—(i) Cretaceous chalk, (ii) Miocene marls, and (iii) late Holocene calcareous ooze. Two independent experimental runs within a semi‐enclosed system setting were realized to observe assemblage alterations. One experiment was realized with the presence of bacteria and, in contrast, the second one inhibited their potential effect on the studied system. The pH was gradually decreased within the range of 8.3–6.4 using a reaction of CO2 with H2O forming weak carbonic acid (H2CO3), thereby affecting []. Further, a subsequent overgrowth study was carried out during spontaneous degassing accompanied by a gradual pH rise. The experiment revealed that the process and intensity of coccolith corrosion and subsequent overgrowth build‐ups are influenced by a plethora of different factors such as (i) pH and associated seawater chemistry, (ii) mineral composition of the sediment, (iii) the presence of coccoliths within a protective substrate (faecal pellets, pores, pits), and (iv) the presence/absence of bacteria. Nannoplankton assemblages with corroded coccoliths or with coccoliths with overgrowth build‐ups showed that the observed relative abundances of taxa experienced alteration from the original compositions. Additionally, extreme pH oscillations may result in enhanced morphological changes that make coccoliths unidentifiable structures, and might even evoke the absence of coccoliths in the fossil record.
Prognostic impact of tumour budding in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wankhede D , Hofman P , Grover S
Published: October 2022

Tumour budding is an established prognostic factor in various solid tumours, including colorectal cancers and oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, its role is unclear and needs to be defined for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (LSCC). Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis investigating the prognostic role of tumour budding in LSCC. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched for peer‐reviewed literature investigating the association between tumour budding and survival outcomes or clinicopathological variables in LSCC. The primary outcomes were pooled estimates for overall and recurrence‐free survival with hazard ratio (HR) as the effect measure. The association between tumour budding and clinicopathological parameters was also investigated. Of 243 studies, nine were included, comprising 2546 patients. An increased risk of death [HR = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.50–2.05, P < 0.00001] and recurrence (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.12–1.68, P = 0.003) was evident in patients with high‐grade tumour budding. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses revealed consistent results. Pathological stage II, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular and pleural invasion were associated with high‐grade tumour budding. Tumour budding is a new and promising prognostic factor in patients with LSCC. However, pervasive heterogeneity and publication bias reduces the credibility of these findings and the applicability of tumour budding in clinical practice. Future studies are required to standardise reporting on tumour budding in LSCC.
A high‐dimensional cytometry atlas of peripheral blood over the human life span
Authors: Jalali Sedigheh , Harpur Christopher M , Piers Adam T , Auladell Maria , Perriman Louis , Li Shuo , An Kim , Anderson Jeremy , Berzins Stuart P , Licciardi Paul V , Ashhurst Thomas M , Konstantinov Igor E , Pellicci Daniel G
Published: October 2022

Age can profoundly affect susceptibility to a broad range of human diseases. Children are more susceptible to some infectious diseases such as diphtheria and pertussis, while in others, such as coronavirus disease 2019 and hepatitis A, they are more protected compared with adults. One explanation is that the composition of the immune system is a major contributing factor to disease susceptibility and severity. While most studies of the human immune system have focused on adults, how the immune system changes after birth remains poorly understood. Here, using high‐dimensional spectral flow cytometry and computational methods for data integration, we analyzed more than 50 populations of immune cells in the peripheral blood, generating an immune cell atlas that defines the healthy human immune system from birth up to 75 years of age. We focused our efforts on children under 18 years old, revealing major changes in immune cell populations after birth and in children of schooling age. Specifically, CD4+ T effector memory cells, Vδ2+ gamma delta (γδ)T cells, memory B cells, plasmablasts, CD11c+ B cells and CD16+CD56bright natural killer (NK) cells peaked in children aged 5–9 years old, whereas frequencies of T helper 1, T helper 17, dendritic cells and CD16+CD57+CD56dim NK cells were highest in older children (10–18 years old). The frequency of mucosal‐associated invariant T cells was low in the first several years of life and highest in adults between 19 and 30 years old. Late adulthood was associated with fewer mucosal‐associated invariant T cells and Vδ2+ γδ T cells but with increased frequencies of memory subsets of B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and CD57+ NK cells. This human immune cell atlas provides a critical resource to understand changes to the immune system during life and provides a reference for investigating the immune system in the context of human disease. This work may also help guide future therapies that target specific populations of immune cells to protect at‐risk populations.
Influence of low insertion torque values on survival rate of immediately loaded dental implants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Darriba Iria , Seidel Anna , Moreno Federico , Botelho João , Machado Vanessa , Mendes José João , Leira Yago , Blanco Juan
Published: October 2022

Aim

The aim was to systematically evaluate the effect of low insertion torque values on the survival rate of immediately loaded dental implants.

Materials and Methods

The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID CRD42020189499). An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until June 2022 in English and Spanish. Studies analysing the failure or survival rate of immediately loaded dental implants according to different insertion torque values were included.

Results

Five‐hundred seventy‐three articles were assessed for eligibility, of which seven articles, four randomized clinical trials (RCTs), one controlled clinical trial, and two prospective case series studies were included in the qualitative analysis. The RCTs were classified as having low risk of bias and the non‐RCTs as having moderate and serious risk of bias. The mean survival rate for implants with low insertion toque (≤35 Ncm) was 96% (p > .001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–0.98) and that for implants with medium or high insertion torque (>35 Ncm) was 92% (p > .001, 95% CI: 0.86–0.96) (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.79–1.39, p = .175, I2 = 0.0%). Splinted implants with insertion torque >20 Ncm and single implants with insertion torque >35 Ncm had a higher survival rate than implants with lower insertion torque values (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.78–1.43, p = .956, I2 = 0.0%, and RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.48–1.75, p = .799, I2 = 0.0%, respectively). Different insertion torque values achieved equivalent outcomes. The mean follow‐up was 24 months.

Conclusions

Low insertion torque values have no significant effect on survival rates of immediate loading implants at a mean follow‐up of 24 months.
Improving patient and carer access to information and support through head and neck cancer treatment and survivorship using experience‐based co‐design
Authors: Hiatt Joanne , Young Adrienne , Brown Teresa , Banks Merrilyn , Bauer Judith
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies have highlighted the unmet nutritional and supportive care needs of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and their carers from diagnosis and throughout the treatment and survivorship period. The aim of this study was to bring patients, carers and healthcare professionals together to co‐design a framework to improve access to nutrition information and support for patients and carers with HNC from diagnosis and throughout the treatment and survivorship period.

Methods

Using experience‐based co‐design (EBCD), semistructured individual interviews were conducted with patients, carers and healthcare professionals to understand their experiences in accessing information and support outside of the hospital environment. Feedback events and co‐design workshops were held to prioritise areas for service improvement.

Results

Participants (10 patients, 7 carers and 15 healthcare professionals) highlighted the importance of having consistent information and support recommendations from the multidisciplinary team. The two key areas for improvement identified through group and workshop events were linking reputable HNC resources to a HNC portal on the hospital website and the development of a series of short podcasts and video blogs with fact sheets attached presented by members of the multidisciplinary team, patients and carers at four time points spanning pretreatment and throughout the survivorship period.

Conclusions

Using EBCD has enabled the co‐design of a framework for resource development with patients, carers and healthcare professionals to improve access to information and resources to support nutrition intake and supportive care needs for patients with HNC with their carers. Development and implementation of resources and evaluation of outcomes is ongoing.
LRRK2 expression in normal and pathologic human gut and in rodent enteric neural cell lines
Authors: de Guilhem de Lataillade Adrien , Caillaud Martial , Oullier Thibauld , Naveilhan Philippe , Pellegrini Carolina , Tolosa Eduardo , Neunlist Michel , Rolli‐Derkinderen Malvyne , Gelpi Ellen , Derkinderen Pascal
Published: October 2022

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene, which is the gene most commonly associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), is also a susceptibility gene for Crohn's disease, thereby suggesting that LRRK2 may sit at the crossroads of gastrointestinal inflammation, Parkinson's, and Crohn's disease. LRRK2 protein has been studied intensely in both CNS neurons and in immune cells, but there are only few studies on LRRK2 in the enteric nervous system (ENS). LRRK2 is present in ENS ganglia and the existing studies on LRRK2 expression in colonic biopsies from PD subjects have yielded conflicting results. Herein, we propose to extend these findings by studying in more details LRRK2 expression in the ENS. LRRK2 expression was evaluated in full thickness segments of colon of 16 Lewy body, 12 non‐Lewy body disorders cases, and 3 non‐neurodegenerative controls and in various enteric neural cell lines. We showed that, in addition to enteric neurons, LRRK2 is constitutively expressed in enteric glial cells in both fetal and adult tissues. LRRK2 immunofluorescence intensity in the myenteric ganglia was not different between Lewy body and non‐Lewy body disorders. Additionally, we identified the cAMP pathway as a key signaling pathway involved in the regulation of LRRK2 expression and phosphorylation in the enteric glial cells. Our study is the first detailed characterization of LRRK2 in the ENS and the first to show that enteric glial cells express LRRK2. Our findings provide a basis to unravel the functions of LRRK2 in the ENS and to further investigate the pathological changes in enteric synucleinopathies.

image
Nurse's, physician's and family member's experiences of withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment process in an intensive care unit
Authors: Choi Hye Ri , Rodgers Sheila , Tocher Jennifer , Kang Sung Wook
Published: October 2022

Aims

To explore nurse's, physician's and family member's experiences of withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment in an intensive care unit.

Background

In South Korea, withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment is legalised by the enforcement of the Hospice, Palliative Care and Life‐sustaining Treatment Decision‐making Act (2018). The Act (2018) is the first legal ground for making decisions regarding life‐sustaining treatment in South Korea.

Design

Focused ethnography. The standards for reporting qualitative research checklist is used.

Methods

Interview data are collected between August 2018 and January 2019 using semi‐structured interviews with 23 nurses, 10 physicians and four family members in a South Korean intensive care unit. The interview data are analysed following the thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke.

Results

An overarching theme of ‘constructing death’ is identified from the experiences of nurses, physicians and family members regarding withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment in a South Korean intensive care unit. Family members had the strongest power in the withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment process whilst the process had to be based on medical consideration. All the research participants shared the purpose and motivation of withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment as the dying patient's dignity. Due to the South Korean national health insurance system, the relationships between medical staff and family members were driven by customer ideology.

Conclusion

The impact and linkage of the context of familism culture and health insurance with the process of withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment in South Korea are shown in this research. The findings of this research inspire future studies to uncover the impact of the cultural context in the decision‐making process of a patient's death, to explore the dynamics of family members under cultural values and to explore the influence of the healthcare system and medical costs on the relationships between medical staff and family members.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

By integrating the experiences of nurses, physicians and family members, the findings of this study inform the shared values in the context of familism culture and the health insurance system. In particular, understanding family dynamics when a patient's dying and death as a result of withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment informs nurses to provide quality of care in the intensive care setting. Therefore, the findings of this research contribute to distinguishing the priority in care when withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment, rapidly changing the aims of care from the patient's recovery to a dignified death.
Import Competition and Household Debt
Authors: BARROT JEAN‐NOËL , LOUALICHE ERIK , PLOSSER MATTHEW , SAUVAGNAT JULIEN
Published: October 2022

We analyze the effect of import competition on household balance sheets using individual data on consumer finances. We exploit variation in local industry exposure to foreign competition to study households' response to the income shock triggered by China's accession to the World Trade Organization. We show that household debt increases significantly in regions where manufacturing industries are more exposed to import competition. The effects are driven by home equity extraction and are concentrated in areas with strong house price growth. Our results highlight the role played by mortgage markets in absorbing displacement shocks triggered by globalization.
Impact of a School‐Based Nutrition Intervention in Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Children in Thailand
Authors: Kanchanachitra Manasigan , Angeles Gustavo
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the impact of a school‐based nutrition program on preventing overweight and obesity in children in Thailand from 2014 to 2019.

METHODS

We used difference‐in‐differences with matched comparison group to evaluate program impact. Treatment schools were categorized into those that participated in phase 1 only, and those that participated in phase 1 and 2. We matched 311 treatment schools in phase 1 only with 1504 comparison schools, and 75 treatment schools in both phases with 216 comparison schools. Administrative data from Thailand Office of Basic Education Commission were used from 2014 (baseline), 2016 (first follow‐up), and 2019 (second follow‐up).

RESULTS

Program resulted in a 0.6‐1.1 percentage point reduction in the students' probability of overweight by the end of phase 1, and 1.7 percentage points by the end of phase 2. Impact on obesity was found only for schools participating in both phases (0.4 and 0.9 percentage points by the end of phase 1 and 2, respectively).

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

Program continuity and intensity are key to achieve a reduction in overweight and obesity in schoolchildren.

CONCLUSIONS

The program was successful in reducing overweight and/or obesity given appropriate level of continuity and intensity.
Gene mutations and chromosomal abnormalities in syndromes with tooth agenesis
Authors: Lan Rong , Wu Yiqun , Dai Qinggang , Wang Feng
Published: October 2022

This study aims to review the pathogenic mechanisms and clinical manifestations in syndromes with tooth agenesis (TA). Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and PubMed databases were searched for a comprehensive review. Previous publications reported complicated aetiologies of syndromic TA. Gene mutations in conserved signalling pathways (WNT, EDA, SHH, FGF, and TGF‐β/BMP) and crucial molecules (PAX9, PIXT2, IRF6, the p53 family, and subunits of RNA polymerase III) are the main causes of syndromic TA. In the process of odontogenesis, antagonistic or synergistic interactions are demonstrated in patients and murine models. Mutations in some genes (WNT10A, WNT10B, AXIN2, ANTXR1, MSX1, EDA, EDAR, and EDARADD) can result in both syndromic and isolated TA. In addition, chromosomal anomalies are also responsible for syndromic TA (Down syndrome, Wolf‐Hirschhorn syndrome, Williams syndrome, and Pierre Robin sequence). The causes and manifestations of syndromic TA are highly complex, and this constitutes a clinical challenge. Mutations in signalling pathways and crucial molecules as well as chromosomal anomalies are responsible for syndromic TA. And there are overlaps between the causative genes of syndromic and isolated TA.
Morphological disparity trends in Devonian trilobites from North Africa
Authors: Bault Valentin , Crônier Catherine , Monnet Claude
Published: October 2022

The Devonian was a time of drastic environmental change that shaped the morphology of trilobites. This study aims to investigate their morphological evolution and to show the influence of some abiotic and biotic factors (bathymetry, feeding habits and visual abilities) on their shape. A dataset was compiled to investigate the shape of three structures (cephalon as a whole, central part of the cephalon, and pygidium) of Devonian trilobites from North Africa, using a geometric morphometric approach. Based on empirical morphospaces, the morphological changes were quantified through the Devonian stages. The results reveal important variations in the morphological disparity of the glabella shape, the facial suture location, the pygidial length and the presence of spines. In the Lochkovian, morphological disparity was low, subsequently increased in the Pragian with numerous innovations, and reached a maximum in the Emsian. If the morphospace occupancy remained until the Eifelian, a severe loss of disparity occurred in the Givetian, a time known for important environmental changes. Disparity then remained low in the Late Devonian. The shapes inherited from the Silurian persisted throughout the Devonian whereas Pragian novelties were most affected by losses. These persistent shapes were more versatile for environmental adaptation, helping those trilobites to survive the environmental events. Similarly, the trilobite orders that survived Devonian events had a wide morphological spectrum and were better adapted to withstand environmental change.
Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles reveal adaptive responses of three poplar varieties against the bacterial pathogen Lonsdalea populi
Authors: Yang Xiaoqian , Li Yiwen , Yu Ruen , Zhang Lichun , Yang Yuzhang , Xiao Dandan , Li Aining , Wang Yanwei
Published: October 2022

Different poplar varieties vary in their tolerance to certain pathogens. However, knowledge about molecular regulation and critical responses of resistant poplars during pathogen infection remains scarce. To investigate adaptive responses to canker disease caused by the bacterium Lonsdalea populi, we screened three poplar varieties with contrasting tolerance, including Populus deltoides. ‘Zhonglin 2025’ (2025), Populus × Euramericana. ‘74/76’ (107) and Populus tomentosa cv ‘henan’ (P. tomentosa). Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant changes in the expression levels of defence‐related genes in different poplar varieties in response to infection, which reshaped the PTI and ETI processes. Intriguingly, photosynthesis‐related genes were found to be highly expressed in the resistant variety, whereas the opposite was observed in the susceptible variety. Susceptible poplars maintained the activation of defence‐related genes during early period of onset, which restricted the expression of photosynthesis‐related and auxin signal‐related genes. Furthermore, combined with metabolomic analysis, differences in the content of antibacterial substances and key differentially expressed genes in phenylpropane and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were identified. Delayed induction of catechin in the susceptible variety and it's in vitro antibacterial activity were considered to be one of the important reasons for the differences in resistance to L. populi compared with the resistant variety, which is of practical interest for tree breeding. Moreover, the trade‐off between growth and defence observed among the three poplar varieties during infection provides new insights into the multilevel regulatory circuits in tree‐pathogen interactions.
Root water uptake depth determines the hydraulic vulnerability of temperate European tree species during the extreme 2018 drought
Authors: Kahmen A. , Basler D. , Hoch G. , Link R. M. , Schuldt B. , Zahnd C. , Arend M.
Published: October 2022

We took advantage of the European 2018 drought and assessed the mechanisms causing differences in drought vulnerability among mature individuals of nine co‐occurring tree species at the Swiss Canopy Crane II site in Switzerland.

Throughout the drought we monitored leaf water status and determined native embolism formation in the canopy of the trees as indicators of drought vulnerability. We also determined hydraulic vulnerability thresholds (Ψ12‐, Ψ50‐ and Ψ88‐values), corresponding hydraulic safety margins (HSMs) and carbohydrate reserves for all species as well as total average leaf area per tree, and used stable isotopes to assess differences in root water uptake depth among the nine species as variables predicting differences in drought vulnerability among species.

Marked differences in drought vulnerability were observed among the nine tree species. Six species maintained their water potentials above hydraulic thresholds, while three species,Fagus sylvatica,Carpinus betulusandPicea abies, were pushed beyond their hydraulic thresholds and showed loss of hydraulic conductivity in their canopies at the end of the drought. Embolism resistance thresholds and associated HSMs did not explain why the co‐existing species differed in their drought vulnerability, neither did their degree of isohydry, nor their regulation of carbohydrate reserves. Instead, differences in structural–morphological traits, in particular root water uptake depth, were associated with the risk of reaching hydraulic vulnerability thresholds and embolism formation among the nine species.

Our study shows that structural–morphological traits, such as root water uptake depth, determine how quickly different species approach hydraulic vulnerability thresholds during a drought event and can thus explain species differences in drought vulnerability among mature field‐grown trees.
From voluntary to mandatory corporate accountability: The politics of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act
Authors: Weihrauch David , Carodenuto Sophia , Leipold Sina
Published: October 2022

Following a long‐standing and highly contested policy debate, in June 2021, the German parliament passed the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act requiring mandatory due diligence (MDD) of large companies, holding them accountable for the impacts of their supply chain operations abroad. Applying the discursive agency approach and using evidence from policy documents and 21 interviews with key stakeholders, we analyze the political strategies that paved the way toward MDD in Germany. The decisive strategy was an innovative benchmarking and monitoring mechanism that provided the legitimacy for a law and opened a window of opportunity for MDD supporters. Civil society and supportive politicians used this window of opportunity to build broad political coalitions that included the support of some companies. We discuss the ramifications of these findings for understanding the domestic politics behind the newly emerging norm of foreign corporate accountability.
Time Series Modelling of Repeated Survey Data for Estimation of Finite Population Parameters
Authors: Pfeffermann Danny
Published: October 2022

In the first part of the article, I review and discuss the pioneering contributions of the late Alastair Scott and T.M.F Smith to time series analysis of repeated survey data. In the second part, I review and discuss some of the extensive theoretical and applied developments in this area, emerging from their work over the ensuing 40 years or so. I conclude with a brief summary of Scott and Smith contributions and extensions, with some remarks on possible advances and challenges to time series analysis of repeated surveys.
Twice Harmonic Balance Method for Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of Quasi-Periodic Responses
Authors: Zheng Zechang , Lu Zhongrong , Liu Guang , Chen Yanmao
Published: October 2022

A twice harmonic balance (THB) method is proposed to compute and analyze quasi-periodic (QP) responses of nonlinear dynamical systems, with emphasis on the stability and bifurcation of QP responses. In the first harmonic balancing, the original system is transformed into a truncated system via harmonic balance method with variable-coefficients. The truncated system is further solved via the second harmonic balancing, more specifically the incremental harmonic balance (IHB) method. The equivalence is addressed between the periodic solutions of the truncated system and the QP responses of the original system. According to the relationship, the presented method is in essence to convert the problem of solving the original system for QP responses into a truncated system for periodic solutions. Numerical examples show that the semi-analytical QP solutions obtained by the THB method are in well consistence with the solutions obtained by the Runge–Kutta (RK) method and the IHB method with two time scales, respectively. More importantly, the stability of the attained QP solutions can be analyzed by just applying the Floquet theory to the periodic response of the truncated system. The continuation of the QP responses is generated by the presented method, on which the possible bifurcations resulted from the stability reversal are analyzed in detail. In addition, the evolution of QP responses can also be tracked from periodic solutions, such as that due to the onset of a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation.
Estimate of Neutron Fluence Using Isotope Ratio Method for ZR-2.5NB Materials Irradiated in the National Research Universal Reactor
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Shi Youqing , Bickel Grant , Robert DeAbreu
Published: October 2022

The isotope ratio method (IRM) is a technique used for estimating the energy production in a fission reactor by measuring isotope ratios in nonfuel reactor components. This method has been successfully demonstrated on the estimation of cumulative energy production as well as plutonium production in graphite-moderated and light-water-moderated reactors for nonproliferation purposes. In this paper, IRM was used to estimate neutron fluence in Zr-2.5Nb materials irradiated in fast neutron (FN) irradiation facilities in the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor. Neutron fluence has been shown to be an important parameter for studying irradiation effects on the performance and properties of critical reactor components. Selected isotope ratios of hafnium and iron were used as indicators of the neutron fluence in Zr-2.5Nb sample materials. Correlations between neutron fluence and the indicator element isotope ratios were generated using the reactor physics simulation codes Winfrith improved multigroup scheme (WIMS)-AECL and SCALE/Oak Ridge Isotope GENeration code (ORIGEN). Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to obtain accurate measurements of the isotope ratios. Neutron fluence values estimated using IRM, were in good agreement with the values based on measured irradiation power histories of the NRU reactor. This study proposes a potential application of IRM to the estimation of neutron fluence for critical reactor components in heavy-water-moderated reactors such as pressure and calandria tubes in CANDU® reactors.
Study on Combustion Characteristics of Diesel/Natural Gas/Hydrogen RCCI Engine
Authors: Qin Wenjin , Xu Lihui , Cheng Qiang
Published: October 2022

With the increasing environmental and energy problems, the development of new combustion technology has become a hot topic in the research of internal combustion engine. Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion mode is the most promising combustion mode at present, which can solve the problems of combustion ignition controllability, and expand the engine load range. In this paper, optical diagnostics and numerical simulation are used to study the diesel/natural gas/hydrogen tri-fuel RCCI engine performance. Results show that hydrogen can significantly improve in-cylinder combustion and emission characteristics. With the increase of hydrogen addition, the combustion efficiency is increased accordingly, and the afterburning is prevented, which makes the exhaust energy loss decrease.
Endocannabinoids produced in photoreceptor cells in response to light activate
Drosophila
TRP channels
Authors: Sokabe Takaaki , Bradshaw Heather B. , Tominaga Makoto , Leishman Emma , Chandel Avinash , Montell Craig
Published: October 2022

Drosophila
phototransduction is a model for signaling cascades that culminate in the activation of transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels. TRP and TRPL are the canonical TRP (TRPC) channels that are regulated by light stimulation of rhodopsin and engagement of Gα
q
and phospholipase Cβ (PLC). Lipid metabolite(s) generated downstream of PLC are essential for the activation of the TRPC channels in photoreceptor cells. We sought to identify the key lipids produced subsequent to PLC stimulation that contribute to channel activation. Here, using genetics, lipid analysis, and Ca
2+
imaging, we found that light increased the amount of an abundant endocannabinoid, 2-linoleoyl glycerol (2-LG), in vivo. The increase in 2-LG amounts depended on the PLC and diacylglycerol lipase encoded by
norpA
and
inaE
, respectively. This endocannabinoid facilitated TRPC-dependent Ca
2+
influx in a heterologous expression system and in dissociated ommatidia from compound eyes. Moreover, 2-LG and mechanical stimulation cooperatively activated TRPC channels in ommatidia. We propose that 2-LG is a physiologically relevant endocannabinoid that activates TRPC channels in photoreceptor cells.
Impact of Organism Reporting from Endotracheal Aspirate Cultures on Antimicrobial Prescribing Practices in Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Patients
Authors: Prinzi Andrea M. , Wattier Rachel L. , Curtis Donna J. , Ziniel Sonja I. , Fitzgerald Allyson , Pearce Kelly , Parker Sarah K.
Published: October 2022

Endotracheal aspirate cultures (EACs) help diagnose lower respiratory tract infections in mechanically ventilated patients but are limited by contamination with normal microbiota and variation in laboratory reporting. Increased use of EACs is associated with increased antimicrobial prescribing, but the impact of microbiology reporting on prescribing practices is unclear. This study was a retrospective analysis of EACs from mechanically ventilated patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) admitted between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019. Chart review was performed to collect all culture and Gram stain components, as well as antibiotic use directed to organisms in culture. Reporting concordance was determined for each organism using American Society for Microbiology guidelines.
Nature of β-1,3-Glucan-Exposing Features on Candida albicans Cell Wall and Their Modulation
Authors: de Assis Leandro José , Bain Judith M. , Liddle Corin , Leaves Ian , Hacker Christian , Peres da Silva Roberta , Yuecel Raif , Bebes Attila , Stead David , Childers Delma S. , Pradhan Arnab , Mackenzie Kevin , Lagree Katherine , Larcombe Daniel E. , Ma Qinxi , Avelar Gabriela Mol , Netea Mihai G. , Erwig Lars P. , Mitchell Aaron P. , Brown Gordon D. , Gow Neil A. R. , Brown Alistair J. P.
Published: October 2022

Microbes that coexist with humans have evolved ways of avoiding or evading our immunological defenses. These include the masking by these microbes of their “pathogen-associated molecular patterns” (PAMPs), which are recognized as “foreign” and used to activate protective immunity.
Noncanonical Mismatch Repair Protein NucS Modulates the Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Fressatti Cardoso Rosilene , Martín-Blecua Isabel , Pietrowski Baldin Vanessa , Meneguello Jean Eduardo , Valverde José Ramón , Blázquez Jesús , Castañeda-García Alfredo
Published: October 2022

Chronic infections caused by
M. abscessus
are an emerging challenge in public health, posing a substantial health and economic burden, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis. Treatment of
M. abscessus
infections with antibiotics is particularly challenging, as its complex drug resistance mechanisms, including constitutive resistance through DNA mutation, lead to high rates of treatment failure.
Alginate Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Promoting Bifidobacterium animalis and Intestinal Hyodeoxycholic Acid Synthesis in Mice
Authors: Pi Yu , Zhang Xiangyu , Wu Yujun , Wang Zhenyu , Bai Yu , Liu Xiaoyi , Han Dandan , Zhao Jinbiao , Tobin Isabel , Zhao Jiangchao , Zhang Guolong , Wang Junjun
Published: October 2022

ALG has been shown to ameliorate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but little is known about the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory action. This study was the first to demonstrate that ALG provided a preventive effect against colitis in an intestinal microbiota-dependent manner.
Forced Cenozoic continental subduction of Tarim craton-like lithosphere below the Tianshan revealed by ambient noise tomography
Authors: Sun Weijia , Ao Songjian , Tang Qingya , Malusà Marco G. , Zhao Liang , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: October 2022

The possibility that craton-like lithosphere may undergo subduction during convergence of major tectonic plates is still poorly investigated. We addressed this issue using ambient noise tomography of the Tarim Basin and the Tianshan (Central Asia). Our S-wave velocity model reveals a flat-lying high-velocity anomaly beneath the Tarim Basin in the 45–60 km depth range, consistent with intrusion of mafic rocks at the base of the lower crust above a depleted lithospheric mantle, as expected after interaction of the lithosphere with a mantle plume. This high-velocity anomaly can be followed northward, steeply dipping (∼45°) beneath the Tianshan, which indicates that the Tarim craton-like lithosphere was subducted to mantle depths. It is connected with a fast P-wavespeed anomaly in the upper mantle, interpreted as a relict of the South Tianshan Ocean. A long period of tectonic quiescence, after the closure of the South Tianshan Ocean and before the Cenozoic tectonic rejuvenation of the Tianshan, suggests a minor role of oceanic slab pull in controlling continental subduction. The major player is instead the northward push of India within the framework of Cenozoic India-Asia convergence. We conclude that forced subduction can be experienced not only by thinned continental crust but also by a strong craton-like lithosphere.
Insulin resistance based on postglucose load measure is associated with prevalence and burden of cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Zhou Mengyuan , Wang Suying , Jing Jing , Yang Yingying , Cai Xueli , Meng Xia , Mei Lerong , Lin Jinxi , Li Shan , Li Hao , Wei Tiemin , Wang Yongjun , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yilong
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is highly prevalent and results in irreversible cognitive impairment and reduced quality of life. Previous studies reported controversial associations between insulin resistance and cSVD. Here, we estimated the association between insulin resistance and cSVD in non-diabetic communities in southeastern China.

Research design and methods

The Polyvascular Evaluation for Cognitive Impairment and Vascular Events study (NCT03178448) recruited 3067 community-dwelling adults. We estimated the association of insulin resistance, assessed by the insulin sensitivity index (ISI0,120) and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) based on the standard oral glucose tolerance test, with cSVD in those without a history of diabetes mellitus. cSVD was measured for both main neuroimaging manifestations of cSVD and total SVD burden scores.

Results

A total of 2752 subjects were enrolled. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the first quartile of ISI0,120was found to be potentially associated with an increased risk of lacunes (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.36), severe age-related white matter changes (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.38), and higher total SVD burden (4-point scale: common OR (cOR) 1.34, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.72; 6-point scale: cOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.80). The associations between HOMA-IR and lacunes (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.25) and the 4-point scale of total SVD burden (cOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.70) were also significant after adjustment for age, gender, medical history, and medications. However, the associations were not statistically significant after further adjustment for blood pressure/hypertension and body mass index (BMI).

Conclusions

A potential association was found between insulin resistance and cSVD, and the ISI0,120index presented a greater association with increased risk of cSVD as compared with the HOMA-IR. However, these associations were greatly influenced by blood pressure and BMI.
Effect of progressive resistance training with weight loss compared with weight loss alone on the fatty liver index in older adults with type 2 diabetes: secondary analysis of a 12-month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Freer Christine L , George Elena S , Tan Sze-Yen , Abbott Gavin , Dunstan David W , Daly Robin M
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent (~75%) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since exercise and weight loss (WL) are recommended for the management of both NAFLD and T2D, this study examined whether progressive resistance training (PRT) plus WL could lead to greater improvements in the fatty liver index (FLI), an indicator of NAFLD, compared with WL alone in older adults with T2D.

Research design and methods

This study represents a secondary analysis of a 12-month, two-arm randomised controlled trial including 36 overweight and obese adults (60–80 years) with T2D randomly allocated to supervised PRT plus WL (hypocaloric diet) (n=19) or WL plus sham (stretching) (n=17) for 6 months (phase I), followed by 6-months home-based training with ad libitum diet (phase II). FLI, which is an algorithm based on waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides and gamma-glutamyl transferase, was assessed at baseline and every 3 months. Linear mixed models were used to analyse between-group differences over time, adjusting for baseline values.

Results

At baseline, the mean±SD FLI was 76.6±18.5 and the likelihood of NAFLD (FLI >60) in all participants was 86%. Following phase I, both groups had similar statistically significant improvements in FLI (mean change (95% CI): PRT+WL, −12 (−20 to –4); WL, −9 (−15 to –4)), with no significant between-group difference. After the subsequent 6-month home-based phase, the improvements in FLI tended to persist in both groups (PRT+WL, −7 (−11 to –2); WL, −4 (−10 to 1)), with no between-group differences.

Conclusions

In older overweight adults with T2D, PRT did not enhance the benefits of WL on FLI, a predictor of NAFLD.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622000640707.