bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fostering Empathy in Global Citizenship Education: Necessary, Desirable, or Simply Misguided?
Authors: Risberg Eirik Julius
Published: February 2023

In an increasingly globalized world, empathy has been identified as a core competency of future global citizens and thus as an important skill to be fostered in global citizenship education (GCE). Despite this, however, what empathy is, and how it can play the pivotal role often claimed for it in the literature, have not been adequately explored. Here, Eirik Risberg argues that, pace the common conception of empathy, empathy should not be construed narrowly, as an affective concept, but broadly, as a cognitive and epistemic concept. Drawing on recent work in philosophy and psychology, Risberg explores a suggestion that construes empathy as a complex self‐directed perspective‐taking of the situation of another. While this may constitute a conception of empathy that is more modest than the most ardent proponents of empathy would like, it has the benefit of avoiding the objections that have been leveled against empathy as a moral concept and thus allows us to maintain that empathy is a valuable skill to be cultivated in educating global citizens for the twenty‐first century.
Proportional processing of a visual mate choice signal in the green swordtail, Xiphophorus hellerii
Authors: Caves Eleanor M. , Kelley Laura A.
Published: February 2023

During mate choice, receivers often assess the magnitude (duration, size, etc.) of signals that vary along a continuum and reflect variation in signaller quality. It is generally assumed that receivers assess this variation linearly, meaning each difference in signalling trait between signallers results in a commensurate change in receiver response. However, increasing evidence shows receivers can respond to signals non‐linearly, for example through Weber's Law of proportional processing, where discrimination between stimuli is based on proportional, rather than absolute, differences in magnitude. We quantified mate preferences of female green swordtail fish, Xiphophorus hellerii, for pairs of males differing in body size. Preferences for larger males were better predicted by the proportional difference between males (proportional processing) than the absolute difference (linear processing). This demonstration of proportional processing of a visual signal implies that receiver perception may be an important mechanism selecting against the evolution of ever‐larger signalling traits.
Consumer sentiment analysis with aspect fusion and GAN‐BERT aided adversarial learning
Authors: Jain Praphula Kumar , Quamer Waris , Pamula Rajendra
Published: February 2023

The sentiment analysis (SA) from the user‐generated reviews is the latest research topic in natural language processing. Nowadays, the extraction of consumer sentiment from the content of the consumer reviews is getting much attention because of its importance in understanding consumers' experiences regarding services or products. Consumer sentiment may be helpful for both consumers and organizations; a consumer can refer to previous consumers' feedback while making their purchase decisions, and organizations can use it in service improvements. For the consumer SA, this article proposed the BERT‐GAN model with review aspect fusion, which improves the fine‐tuning performance of the BERT model by introducing semi‐supervised adversarial learning. For our objective, we extracted various service aspects from consumer reviews and fused them with the word sequences before feeding them into the model. That helps in incorporating aspect representation as well as position information in context with the sentences. Our results analysis and their demonstration show the contribution of the presented model in terms of accuracy compared with the existing models found in the previous work.
A survey of clustering large probabilistic graphs: Techniques, evaluations, and applications
Authors: Danesh Malihe , Dorrigiv Morteza , Yaghmaee Farzin
Published: February 2023

Given the growth of uncertainty in the real world, analysing probabilistic graphs is crucial. Clustering is one of the most fundamental methods of mining probabilistic graphs to discover the hidden patterns in them. This survey examines an extensive and organized analysis of the clustering techniques of large probabilistic graphs proposed in the literature. First, the definition of probabilistic graphs and modelling them are introduced. Second, the clustering of such graphs and their challenges, such as uncertainty of edges, high dimensions, and the impossibility of applying certain graph clustering techniques directly, are expressed. Then, a taxonomy of clustering approaches is discussed in two main categories: threshold‐based and possible worlds‐based methods. The techniques presented in each category are explained and examined. Here, these methods are evaluated on real datasets, and their performance is compared with each other. Finally, the survey is summarized by describing some of the applications of probabilistic graph clustering and future research directions.
Increased expression of CEP72 predicts poor prognosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Guo Dan , Lu Jinfeng , Ji Hao , Lin Zenghua , Hong Lemin , Huang Hongming , Liu Hong
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a fatal hematological malignancy and does not have adequate prognostic indicators. Previous studies indicate that CEP72 is closely related to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, the expression and function of CEP72 in multiple myeloma have yet to be elucidated.

Methods

In this study, we explored the correlation between CEP72 expression and clinicopathological characteristics as well as the impacts of CEP72 expression on the survival of MM patients. In addition, PPI, GSEA and Chemotherapy drug resistance analysis identified the possible mechanism.

Results

CEP72 is overexpressed in both MM patients and MM cell lines. Clinically, patients in the CEP72high subgroup were significantly older than those in the CEP72low subgroup (p = 0.003). Up‐regulation of CEP72 was related to poor overall survival and event‐free survival. PPI network showed that CEP72 was related to PCM1, KIZ, OFD1, etc. GSEA analysis showed that CEP72 was enriched in cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, protein export, lysosome and N‐glycan biosynthesis pathways. Drug resistance analysis indicated that there was a positive correlation between the CEP72 expression and the IC50 values of 6‐mercaptopurine, 8‐chloro‐adenosine, clofarabine, fludarabine and allopurinol.

Conclusion

High CEP72 expression was a poor prognostic factor in patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
Energetic synchrony throughout the non‐breeding season in common guillemots from four colonies
Authors: Buckingham Lila , Daunt Francis , Bogdanova Maria I. , Furness Robert W. , Bennett Sophie , Duckworth James , Dunn Ruth E. , Wanless Sarah , Harris Michael P. , Jardine David C. , Newell Mark A. , Ward Robin M. , Weston Ewan D. , Green Jonathan A.
Published: February 2023

The non‐breeding season presents significant energetic challenges to birds that breed in temperate or polar regions, with clear implications for population dynamics. In seabirds, the environmental conditions at non‐breeding sites drive food availability and the energetic cost of regulatory processes, resulting in variation in diet, behaviour and energetics; however, very few studies have attempted to understand if and how these aspects vary between populations. We investigated whether non‐breeding location influenced diet, behaviour and energetics in the common guillemotUria aalge. We studied guillemots from four UK breeding colonies, two located on the west coast of Scotland and two on the east. We quantified non‐breeding distribution, foraging behaviour and activity budgets of 39 individuals from July to March, using geolocation–immersion loggers and time‐depth recorders, and used feather stable isotope signatures to infer diet during the post‐breeding moult. We calculated energy expenditure and investigated whether the peak (an indicator of the potential vulnerability to marine threats) varied between colonies. Individuals were spatially segregated according to the coastline they breed on, with west coast guillemots distributed off the west coast of the UK and east coast guillemots distributed off the east coast. Diet and behaviour were more similar in guillemots that shared a breeding coastline than those that did not, as west coast guillemots foraged at a lower trophic level, spent less time diving and engaged in more pelagic foraging than east coast guillemots. However, energy expenditure was remarkably similar between colonies, peaking during late February/early March, indicating that, during our study period, there was high synchrony between colonies in the timing of potential vulnerability to marine threats. Therefore, any anthropogenic changes that result in decreased food availability or increased energy expenditure during late winter may have greater impacts on energy balance, with consequences for population dynamics.
Exosomes for angiogenesis induction in ischemic disorders
Authors: Moeinabadi‐Bidgoli Kasra , Rezaee Malihe , Hossein‐Khannazer Nikoo , Babajani Amirhesam , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Arki Mandana Kazem , Afaghi Siamak , Niknejad Hassan , Vosough Massoud
Published: February 2023

Ischaemic disorders are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While the current therapeutic approaches have improved life expectancy and quality of life, they are unable to “cure” ischemic diseases and instate regeneration of damaged tissues. Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles with an average size of 100–150 nm, secreted by many cell types and considered a potent factor of cells for paracrine effects. Since exosomes contain multiple bioactive components such as growth factors, molecular intermediates of different intracellular pathways, microRNAs and nucleic acids, they are considered as cell‐free therapeutics. Besides, exosomes do not rise cell therapy concerns such as teratoma formation, alloreactivity and thrombotic events. In addition, exosomes are stored and utilized more convenient. Interestingly, exosomes could be an ideal complementary therapeutic tool for ischemic disorders. In this review, we discussed therapeutic functions of exosomes in ischemic disorders including angiogenesis induction through various mechanisms with specific attention to vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. Furthermore, different delivery routes of exosomes and different modification strategies including cell preconditioning, gene modification and bioconjugation, were highlighted. Finally, pre‐clinical and clinical investigations in which exosomes were used were discussed.
Significant improvement in melanoma survival over the last decade: A Hungarian nationwide study between 2011 and 2019
Authors: Liszkay Gabriella , Benedek Angela , Polgár Csaba , Oláh Judit , Holló Péter , Emri Gabriella , Csejtei András , Kenessey István , Polányi Zoltán , Knollmajer Kata , Várnai Máté , Vokó Zoltán , Nagy Balázs , Rokszin György , Fábián Ibolya , Barcza Zsófia , Gyulai Rolland , Kiss Zoltan
Published: February 2023

Background

Recent real‐world studies have reported significant improvements in the survival of malignant melanoma in the past few years, mainly as a result of modern therapies. However, long‐term survival data from Central Eastern European countries such as Hungary are currently lacking.

Methods

This nationwide, retrospective study examined melanoma survival in Hungary between 2011–2019 using the databases of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Central Statistical Office (CSO) of Hungary. Crude overall survival and age‐standardized 5‐year net survival as well as the association between age, sex and survival were calculated.

Results

Between 2011 and 2019, 22,948 newly diagnosed malignant melanoma cases were recorded in the NHIF database (47.89% male, mean age: 60.75 years (SD: ±16.39)). Five‐year overall survival was 75.40% (women: 80.78%; men: 69.52%). Patients diagnosed between 2017–2019 had a 20% lower risk of mortality compared to patients diagnosed between 2011–2012 (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.73–0.89; p < 0.0001). Age‐standardized 5‐year net survival rates in 2011–2014 and 2015–2019 were 90.6% and 95.8%, respectively (women: 93.1% and 98.4%, men: 87.8% and 92.7%, respectively). The highest age‐standardized 5‐year net survival rates were found in the 0–39 age cohort (94.6% in the 2015–2019 period).

Conclusion

Hungary has similar melanoma survival rates to Western European countries. Based on net survival, the risk of dying of melanoma within 5 years was cut by more than half (55%) during the study period, which coincides with the successful implementation of awareness campaigns and the wide availability of modern therapies.
A new multi‐criteria framework to identify optimal detention ponds in urban drainage systems
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Azadeh , Behzadian Kourosh , Rossi Pekka , Karami Mozhgan , Ardeshir Abdollah , Torabi Haghighi Ali
Published: February 2023

Urban development broadly impacts the hydrological cycle, leading to increased peak flow and flooding. Surface water detention ponds are among the most efficient measures for attenuating peak flow and returning it from development to pre‐development conditions. However, the major challenge is identifying optimal locations and cost‐effective designs for these ponds. This paper presents a new framework for identifying the best strategies for using detention ponds to control floods in urban drainage systems (UDS). The framework comprises a portfolio of simulation tools coupled with evolutionary optimisation and multi‐criteria decision analysis models. Hydraulic simulation of UDS is first modelled using SWMM and GIS tools. A multi‐objective optimisation model was used to find the optimal location and design for detention ponds. The compromise programming (CP) multi‐criteria decision‐making method was then used to prioritise potential best management solutions for detention ponds based on several sustainability criteria comprising economic, environmental, physiographic and social factors. The results identified the key features of potential detention ponds appearing in all multi‐objective optimal solutions that are useful for decision‐makers/designers when planning/designing for new detention ponds. The selected optimal pond strategies can significantly improve the UDS performance by decreasing flood damage between 66% and 90% at the cost of between $50,000 and $160,000.
Effect of germicidal short wavelength ultraviolet light on the polyphenols, vitamins, and microbial inactivation in a highly opaque apple juice
Authors: Akwu Anita Scales , Patras Ankit , Pendyala Brahmaiah , Kurup Anjali H. , Chen Fur‐Chi , Boushra Markous , Khalil Matthew , Vergne Matthew J.
Published: February 2023

The aim of this investigation was to study the efficacy of UV‐C light emitting diode (LED) system operating at 263 nm for the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7. UV‐C irradiation was applied to stirred 5 ml samples, using a collimated beam LED system operating at a 263 nm wavelength. UV irradiation doses ranging from 0 to 160 mJ/cm2 were also delivered to apple juice (AJ) and polyphenols and vitamins were profiled. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis was conducted to assess the stability of polyphenols or vitamins in UV‐C exposed AJ. The polyphenol and vitamin results demonstrated that UV‐C irradiation in AJs at relevant commercial UV doses induced significant reductions in the concentrations of selected polyphenols and vitamins, p < .05. Ascorbic acid was reduced to 32%, at 160 mJ/cm2 whereas 17% reduction was observed at 40 mJ/cm2. Riboflavin was observed to be relatively stable. Epicatechin and chlorogenic were significantly reduced at high exposure doses. In contrast, minor changes were observed at 40 mJ/cm2. Results show that UV‐C irradiation effectively inactivated pathogenic microbes in AJ. Inactivation levels of all organisms were proportional to UV‐C dose. The log reduction kinetics of microorganisms followed log‐linear and with higher R2 (>0.95). The decimal reduction dose (D10) values of 4.16 and 3.84 mJ/cm2 were obtained from the inactivation of E. coli and L. monocytogenes in AJ. The results from this study imply that adequate log reduction of pathogens is achievable in AJ and suggests significant potential for UV‐C treatment of other opaque liquid foods.
Delirium among people aging with and without HIV: Role of alcohol and Neurocognitively active medications
Authors: Akgün Kathleen M. , Krishnan Supriya , Tate Janet , Bryant Kendall , Pisani Margaret A. , Lo Re Vincent , Rentsch Christopher T. , Crothers Kristina , Gordon Kirsha S. , Justice Amy C. ,   for the VACS project team
Published: February 2023

Background

People aging with and without HIV (PWH and PWoH) want to avoid neurocognitive dysfunction, especially delirium. Continued use of alcohol in conjunction with neurocognitively active medications (NCAMs) may be a largely underappreciated cause, especially for PWH who experience polypharmacy a decade earlier than PWoH. We compare absolute and relative risk of delirium among PWH and PWoH by age, level of alcohol use, and exposure to NCAMs.

Methods

Using the VACS cohort, we compare absolute and relative risk of inpatient delirium among PWH and PWoH by age, level of alcohol use, and exposure to NCAMs between 2007 and 2019. We matched each case based on age, race/ethnicity, sex, HIV, baseline year, and observation time with up to 5 controls. The case/control date was defined as date of admission for cases and the date corresponding to the same length of time on study for controls. Level of alcohol use was defined using Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT‐C). Medication exposure was measured from 45 to 3 days prior to index date; medications were classified as anticholinergic NCAM, non‐anticholinergic NCAM, or non NCAM and counts generated. We used logistic regression to determine odds ratios (ORs) for delirium associated with medication counts stratified by HIV status and adjusted for demographics, severity of illness, and related diagnoses.

Results

PWH experienced a higher incidence of delirium (5.6, [95% CI 5.3–5.9/1000 PY]) than PWoH (5.0, [95% CI 4.8–5.1/1000 PY]). In multivariable analysis, anticholinergic and non‐anticholinergic NCAM counts and level of alcohol use demonstrated strong independent dose–response associations with delirium.

Conclusions

Decreasing alcohol use and limiting the use of neurocognitively active medications may help decrease excess rates of delirium, especially among PWH.
Cardiac effects of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: One‐year follow‐up
Authors: Özgür Gündeşlioğlu Özlem , Subaşı Berivan , Pişkin Ferhat , Atmış Anıl , Demir Fadli , Erdem Sevcan , Alabaz Derya , Çay Ümmühan , Tapaç Nisanur , Kılınç Fatma , Kaymaz Selime T , Özgür Horoz Özden , Yıldızdaş Rıza D , Ünal İlker
Published: February 2023

Aim

Cardiovascular involvement is common among children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS‐C) and can cause shock and death. In this study, we evaluated the early and long‐term cardiac effects of MIS‐C.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we included all children treated for MIS‐C from October 2020 to November 2021 in the Department of Paediatric Infectious Disease at Cukurova University School of Medicine Hospital. The patients underwent serial echocardiographical evaluation during hospitalisation and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge. The patients were evaluated using Holter monitorisation between 4 and 6 months and using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months and thereafter.

Results

Twenty‐six patients diagnosed with MIS‐C and with a median age of 84 months were included. Cardiac involvement was found in 19 (73.1%) patients. At initial echocardiographic evaluation, the mean ejection fraction value of the patients was 56.7% (range: 30–75). Coronary artery dilatation was detected in two (7.7%) patients, and mitral regurgitation persisted in only one patient by month 3. Treatment was started in two (7.7%) patients due to ventricular arrhythmia. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 13 (50%) patients at a median of 6 months (range: 5–9). The cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings were consistent with possible interstitial fibrosis in two (7.7%) patients.

Conclusion

Our results showed that cardiac involvement of patients improved rapidly with treatment, as indicated by previous studies. However, during the 1‐year follow‐up, frequent extraventricular systole was detected in two patients, one of whom initially did not show cardiac involvement. Moreover, possible interstitial fibrosis was detected in the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of two patients. In particular, we believe that these findings may be useful to evaluate critically ill paediatric patients and patients with severely low EF with cardiac MRI in their follow‐up.
Risk factors for perinatal stroke in term infants: A case–control study in Australia
Authors: Roy Bithi , Webb Annabel , Walker Karen , Morgan Catherine , Badawi Nadia , Novak Iona
Published: February 2023

Aim

The aetiology of perinatal stroke is poorly understood. This study aimed to prospectively confirm the risk factors and identify any previously unknown variables.

Methods

A prospective case–control study was conducted in Australia. Univariate odds ratios (ORs), associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and multivariable logistic regression models fitted with backwards stepwise variable selection were used.

Results

Sixty perinatal stroke cases reported between 2017 and 2019 included 95% (57/60) with multiple risk factors. Univariate analysis identified emergency caesarean section rather than NVD (P < 0.01), low Apgar score (<7) at 1, 5 and 10 min of age (P < 0.01), resuscitation at birth (P < 0.01), abnormal cord blood gas (P < 0.01), neonatal infection/sepsis (P < 0.01), congenital heart disease (P < 0.01) and hypoglycaemia (P < 0.01) as significant risk factors. Multivariate analysis found smoking during pregnancy (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.09–1.99), 1‐min Apgar score < 7 (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.15–2.08), 10‐min Apgar score < 7 (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02–1.54) and hypoglycaemia (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.07–2.06).

Conclusions

Perinatal stroke is associated with multiple risk factors. Exposure to smoking, 10‐min Apgar score < 7, neonatal infection and hypoglycaemia were independent risk factors. Emergency caesarean section, resuscitation at birth and abnormal cord blood gas were additional risk factors.
Effect of withholding food versus feeding on creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine, cholesterol, triglycerides, and other biochemical analytes in 100 healthy dogs
Authors: Yi Katarina C. , Heseltine Johanna C. , Jeffery Nicholas D. , Cook Audrey K. , Nabity Mary B.
Published: February 2023

Background

Withholding food is often recommended before collection of blood for routine biochemical analysis in dogs despite a paucity of evidence to support this requirement.

Objectives

To compare measurements of selected biochemical analytes collected before and after feeding in clinically healthy dogs.

Animals

One hundred clinically healthy staff‐ and student‐owned dogs weighing ≥15 kg.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Food was withheld from the dogs for 10‐26 hours. Preprandial serum was collected, and then dogs were fed their usual food at an amount equivalent to at least 2/3 resting energy requirement (RER). Selected serum analytes were measured at 2‐, 4‐, 6‐, and 8‐hours postprandially. The proportion of postprandial values that exceeded either the reported allowable total error (TEa), or for symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), the reference change value (RCV), was determined. As neither TEa nor RCV is available for lipase, comparison was made to the high end of the reference interval (RI).

Results

The proportion of dogs with at least 1 postprandial measurement that exceeded the TEa or RCV was 92/100 for triglycerides, 66/100 for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 46/100 for phosphorus, 17/100 for glucose, 9/100 for bilirubin, 5/100 for SDMA, 2/100 for creatinine, and 0/100 for cholesterol and albumin. Postprandial lipase never exceeded the RI in dogs with normal fasted lipase.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Withholding food is generally not necessary before performing routine biochemical analysis in clinically healthy dogs. Withholding food might be helpful to limit variability in analytes impacted by feeding, such as triglycerides and phosphorus.
Utility of 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin)‐ester‐lipase for monitoring dogs with chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Kuzi Sharon , Adlersberg Dana , Aroch Itamar , Segev Gilad
Published: February 2023

Background

The utility of 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin)‐ester‐(DGGR)‐lipase activity (DLA) in monitoring clinical progression of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in dogs is unknown.

Objective

To examine the association of DLA with clinical signs of CP, as assessed by a CP clinical severity score (CPCSS).

Animals:Twenty‐four dogs.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. Chronic pancreatitis was diagnosed based on clinical signs and DLA > 250 U/L and monitored using CPCSS and DLA.

Results

The study included 134 visits (median, 10 visits/dog; range, 2‐11). Mild‐moderate (CPCSS, 0‐3) and severe (CPCSS, ≥4) disease were documented in 94 (70%) and 40 (30%) visits, respectively. In emergency visits (n = 44; 33%) CPCSS (median, 5; range, 0‐15) and DLA (median, 534 U/L; range, 63‐7133) were higher (P < .001 andP = .003, respectively) than in scheduled ones (n = 90; 67%; median, 1; range, 0‐6 and median, 384 U/L; range, 49‐3747, respectively). DGGR‐lipase activity was associated (P = .009) with the CPCSS, with a lower activity documented in mild‐moderate CPCSS (median 391 U/L; range, 49‐3747), compared to severe score (median, 558 U/L; range, 63‐7133). DGGR‐lipase activity was significantly, but weakly, correlated with CPSS (r = 0.233,P = .007). DGGR‐lipase activity inefficiently discriminated mild‐moderate vs severe CP (area under the receiver operator characteristics curve, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.53‐0.75;P = .012), with DLA cutoff of 428 U/L corresponding to sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 63%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Increased DLA is associated with emergency revisits in dogs with CP, possibly reflecting acute flare‐ups. DGGR‐lipase activity was associated with the CPCSS over the follow‐ups but could not differentiate disease severity.
The RNA–RNA interactome between a phage and its satellite virus reveals a small RNA that differentially regulates gene expression across both genomes
Authors: Dunham Drew T. , Angermeyer Angus , Seed Kimberley D.
Published: February 2023

Satellite viruses are present across all domains of life, defined as subviral parasites that require infection by another virus for satellite progeny production. Phage satellites exhibit various regulatory mechanisms to manipulate phage gene expression to the benefit of the satellite, redirecting resources from the phage to the satellite, and often inhibiting phage progeny production. While small RNAs (sRNAs) are well documented as regulators of prokaryotic gene expression, they have not been shown to play a regulatory role in satellite‐phage conflicts. Vibrio cholerae encodes the phage inducible chromosomal island‐like element (PLE), a phage satellite, to defend itself against the lytic phage ICP1. Here, we use Hi‐GRIL‐seq to identify a complex RNA–RNA interactome between PLE and ICP1. Both inter‐ and intragenome RNA interactions were detected, headlined by the PLE sRNA, SviR. SviR is involved in regulating both PLE and ICP1 gene expression uniquely, decreasing ICP1 target translation and affecting PLE transcripts. The striking conservation of SviR across all known PLEs suggests the sRNA is deeply rooted in the PLE‐ICP1 conflict and implicates sRNAs as unidentified regulators of gene expression in phage–satellite interactions.
Neutropenia‐related aspergillosis in non‐transplant haematological patients hospitalised under ambient air versus purified air conditions
Authors: Friese Christina , Breuckmann Katharina , Hüttmann Andreas , Eisele Lewin , Dührsen Ulrich
Published: February 2023

Background

To reduce the risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA), air purification by high‐efficiency particulate air filtration and laminar air flow (HEPA/LAF) is standard of care in allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation. Its use in non‐transplant haematological patients is inconsistent.

Objectives

We sought to assess the incidence and outcome of pulmonary IA in non‐transplant patients with life‐threatening neutropenia by comparing an ambient air hospitalisation period (2008–2011) with a subsequent HEPA/LAF hospitalisation period (2012–2014).

Patients and Methods

We compared 204 consecutive patients with acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or aplastic anaemia completing 534 neutropenia‐related hospitalisations under ambient air conditions with 126 such patients completing 437 neutropenia‐related hospitalisations under HEPA/LAF conditions. IA was defined using the 2008 EORTC/MSG criteria.

Results

Within a 7‐year study period, we observed one ‘proven’, three ‘probable’ and 73 ‘possible’ IAs, most often during acute leukaemia remission induction. Their frequency rose with increasing duration of life‐threatening neutropenia (1–10 days, 1.8%; >40 days, 35.2%) and concomitant severe anaemia (0 days, 3.2%; >20 days, 31.0%). Multiple logistic regression revealed a strong correlation between IA incidence and hospitalisation under HEPA/LAF conditions (odds ratio [OR], 0.368 [95% confidence interval, 0.207–0.654]; p < .001) and duration of neutropenia (OR, 1.043 [1.023–1.062] per day; p < .001) and anaemia (OR, 1.044 [1.008–1.081] per day; p = .016). IA‐associated fatal outcomes were non‐significantly reduced under HEPA/LAF (OR, 0.077 [0.005–1.151]; p = .063). The protective effect of HEPA/LAF was not seen under posaconazole prophylaxis (OR, 0.856 [0.376–1.950]; p = .711).

Conclusions

Implementation of HEPA/LAF was associated with a significant reduction in neutropenia‐related IA in non‐transplant haematological patients.
Pilocytic astrocytoma harboring a novel GNAI3‐BRAF fusion
Authors: Lin Ruihe , Kenyon Alicia , Wang Zi‐Xuan , Cai Jingli , Iacovitti Lorraine , Kenyon Lawrence C.
Published: February 2023

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), a central nervous system (CNS) World Health Organization grade 1 tumor, is mainly seen in children or young adults aged 5–19. Surgical resection often provides excellent outcomes, but residual tumors may still remain. This low‐grade tumor is well recognized for its classic radiological and morphological features; however, some unique molecular findings have been unveiled by the application of next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Among the genetic abnormalities identified in this low‐grade tumor, increasing evidence indicates that BRAF alterations, especially BRAF fusions, play an essential role in PA tumorigenesis. Among the several fusion partner genes identified in PAs, KIAA1549‐BRAF fusion is notably the most common detectable genetic alteration, especially in the cerebellar PAs. Here, we report a case of a young adult patient with a large, right‐sided posterior fossa cerebellar and cerebellopontine angle region mass consistent with a PA. Of note, NGS detected a novel GNAI3‐BRAF fusion, which results in an in‐frame fusion protein containing the kinase domain of BRAF. This finding expands the knowledge of BRAF fusions in the tumorigenesis of PAs, provides an additional molecular signature for diagnosis, and a target for future therapy.
Biotinylated Tn5 transposase‐mediated CUT&Tag efficiently profiles transcription factor‐DNA interactions in plants
Authors: Tao Xiao‐Yuan , Guan Xue‐Ying , Hong Gao‐Jie , He Yu‐Qing , Li Su‐Juan , Feng Shou‐Li , Wang Jian , Chen Guang , Xu Fei , Wang Jia‐Wei , Xu Sheng‐Chun
Published: February 2023

In contrast to CUT&Tag approaches for profiling bulk histone modifications, current CUT&Tag methods for analysing specific transcription factor (TF)‐DNA interactions remain technically challenging due to TFs having relatively low abundance. Moreover, an efficient CUT&Tag strategy for plant TFs is not yet available. Here, we first applied biotinylated Tn5 transposase‐mediated CUT&Tag (B‐CUT&Tag) to produce high‐quality libraries for interrogating TF‐DNA interactions. B‐CUT&Tag combines streptavidin‐biotin‐based DNA purification with routine CUT&Tag, optimizing the removal of large amounts of intact chromatin not targeted by specific TFs. The biotinylated chromatin fragments are then purified for construction of deep sequencing libraries or qPCR analysis. We applied B‐CUT&Tag to probe genome‐wide DNA targets of Squamosa promoter‐binding‐like protein 9 (SPL9), a well‐established TF in Arabidopsis; the resulting profiles were efficient and consistent in demonstrating its well‐established target genes in juvenile‐adult transition/flowering, trichome development, flavonoid biosynthesis, wax synthesis and branching. Interestingly, our results indicate functions of AtSPL9 in modulating growth‐defence trade‐offs. In addition, we established a method for applying qPCR after CUT&Tag (B‐CUT&Tag‐qPCR) and successfully validated the binding of SPL9 in Arabidopsis and PHR2 in rice. Our study thus provides a convenient and highly efficient CUT&Tag strategy for profiling TF‐chromatin interactions that is widely applicable to the annotation of cis‐regulatory elements for crop improvement.
New woodlands created adjacent to existing woodlands grow faster, taller and have higher structural diversity than isolated counterparts
Authors: Hughes Samuel , Kunin William , Watts Kevin , Ziv Guy
Published: February 2023

Creating native woodland is a policy goal globally, and one strategy to maximize woodland creation benefits in limited space is to target efforts to extend existing woodlands. There is evidence to support spatially targeting habitat creation for biodiversity, however, there is little evidence of how this affects a habitat's structural development. Here, a space‐for‐time study using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data assesses how the structure of recently created woodlands, are affected by the presence of an adjacent older woodland. Recently created native woodlands were identified across the Isle of Wight UK using historical maps and satellite imagery. Canopy height and foliage height diversity were derived for all woodlands from LiDAR data collected at two different time points (2011 and 2021), and linear models were used to test for any differences in these structural metrics between sites with an adjacent older woodland, and those without. The percentage change in woodland height between the two time points was also tested. In woodlands created adjacent to older woodlands, canopy height was found to be higher by an average of nearly 2 m, and foliage height diversity was found to be on average 4.7% higher, using the 2021 data. Growth rates between 2011 and 2021 were not significantly different between the groups, although young adjacent woodlands grew the most on average. This research shows that creating woodlands adjacent to existing older woodlands reduces the time taken to create tall and to a lesser extent structurally diverse habitat, which may lead to early biodiversity benefits.
Dental innovations which will influence the oral health care of baby boomers
Authors: Hartshorn Jennifer E , Nair Rohit U
Published: February 2023

From the widespread use of smartphones and tablets to the multitude of applications available, older adults are showing an interest in utilizing technology to maintain their independence and to improve their quality of life. As technology continues to advance and be incorporated into many day‐to‐day activities, the baby boom generation will see these changes affecting the way they access and utilize dental services. Innovative toothbrushes and chemotherapeutics are continuing to be developed and utilized by many older adults. Within the dental office, older adults are seeing greater application of technology in every day dental procedures. These include the use of teledentistry, artificial intelligence (AI), innovative restorative materials, digitization of fixed and removable prosthodontics, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to guide dental implant placement and endodontic procedures. There is also new technology to aid in cancer detection and shielding during cancer treatment. Improved communication between the medical and dental fields has become increasingly necessary to facilitate effective patient care and a few innovative healthcare systems have begun to consolidate these services. Overall, the baby boom generation will continue to see dental innovations that will change the way they experience everyday life and dental services.
Deep‐water sedimentary systems and tectono–sedimentary interactions on the oblique convergent margin in Antarctica
Authors: Liu Shan , Yang Chupeng , Yin Shaoru , Zhuo Haiteng , Su Ming , Luo Kunwen , Xu Ziying , Zhu Rongwei , Liang Zijun
Published: February 2023

Active continental margins are tectonic sites with complex sedimentary processes. Tectono–sedimentary interactions occur over geological time and determine the modern morphology of the margin. However, such interactions have been poorly documented in high‐latitude regions. This study focuses on deep‐water sedimentary systems on the South Shetland convergent margin, which is the only remaining active continental margin in Antarctica. Numerous gullies, 20 canyons and three contourite drifts are identified by interpreting bathymetry, oceanography and reflection seismic data. Heavy mineral contents of a gravity core, located at a downslope elongated mounded drift, show the asynchronous interplay of downslope and alongslope processes. The rest of the margin is dominated by turbidity currents. Variations in the slope gradient control thalweg profiles and sinuosity of canyons. Tectonic‐related morphology restricts the distribution of contourite drifts. Earthquakes triggered by underplating and tectonic compression may induce slope instability at the lower flank of the plastered drift. Tectonic uplift influences the amount of sediments transported by ice sheets and controls the shelf stacking pattern. The mixed turbidite–contourite system transitions to separated canyon and drift systems from passive to active continental margins under the influence of the tectonic‐related morphology. A systematic comparison has been made among several convergent margins with similar tectonic settings. Results suggest that submarine canyons on these shelf‐slope systems have similar morphological features and are comparable in size. Coarse sediment input and steep continental slopes (mean slope 7 to 10°) control the canyon morphology on these margins. Therefore, this research has important implications for furthering the current understanding of sedimentary systems on high‐latitude convergent margins and tectono–sedimentary interactions.
Contrasting expectancy effects with objective measures in adults with untreated ADHD during QbTest
Authors: Löhman Monica , Domingo Blanca , Östlund Mona , Jansson Lennart
Published: February 2023

Expectancy has been associated with neuropsychological assessments and cognitive performance. However, little is known about the effects of expectations in clinical assessments during drug trials with continuous performance tests (CPTs). In a randomized, double‐blind study with cross‐over design, we examined if the participants' self‐reported expectations changed after one‐single dose immediate release methylphenidate (MPH) and after one‐single dose placebo during the QbTest. Forty adults between 19 and 64 years (72.5% women) with un treated ADHD were consecutively enrolled in the study and their assessments of expected performance, mental effort, perceived performance and help from the pill were analyzed. The study comprised two trial days with four days in between. The QbTest was performed twice on the same day, before and 80 minutes after a pill. Our study demonstrates that there were expectancy effects during CPTs. Participants reported lower mental effort and improved their performance in the coronary parameter QbInattention both after MPH and after placebo. No significant differences in expected performance were reported. The participants seemed to show some uncertainty when assessing their expected performance, however, they could evaluate their performance afterwards. In clinical practice, the focus should be on reinforcing patients’ expectations in order to increase treatment effects.
Biochemical and structural basis of polyamine, lysine and ornithine acetylation catalyzed by spermine/spermidine N‐acetyl transferase in moss and maize
Authors: Bělíček Jakub , Ľuptáková Eva , Kopečný David , Frömmel Jan , Vigouroux Armelle , Ćavar Zeljković Sanja , Jagic Franjo , Briozzo Pierre , Kopečný David Jaroslav , Tarkowski Petr , Nisler Jaroslav , De Diego Nuria , Moréra Solange , Kopečná Martina
Published: February 2023

Polyamines such as spermidine and spermine are essential regulators of cell growth, differentiation, maintenance of ion balance and abiotic stress tolerance. Their levels are controlled by the spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyltransferase (SSAT) via acetylation to promote either their degradation or export outside the cell as shown in mammals. Plant genomes contain at least one gene coding for SSAT (also named NATA for N‐AcetylTransferase Activity). Combining kinetics, HPLC‐MS and crystallography, we show that three plant SSATs, one from the lower plant moss Physcomitrium patens and two from the higher plant Zea mays, acetylate various aliphatic polyamines and two amino acids lysine (Lys) and ornithine (Orn). Thus, plant SSATs exhibit a broad substrate specificity, unlike more specific human SSATs (hSSATs) as hSSAT1 targets polyamines, whereas hSSAT2 acetylates Lys and thiaLys. The crystal structures of two PpSSAT ternary complexes, one with Lys and CoA, the other with acetyl‐CoA and polyethylene glycol (mimicking spermine), reveal a different binding mode for polyamine versus amino acid substrates accompanied by structural rearrangements of both the coenzyme and the enzyme. Two arginine residues, unique among plant SSATs, hold the carboxyl group of amino acid substrates. The most abundant acetylated compound accumulated in moss was N6‐acetyl‐Lys, whereas N5‐acetyl‐Orn, known to be toxic for aphids, was found in maize. Both plant species contain very low levels of acetylated polyamines. The present study provides a detailed biochemical and structural basis of plant SSAT enzymes that can acetylate a wide range of substrates and likely play various roles in planta.
Genome assembly, resequencing and genome‐wide association analyses provide novel insights into the origin, evolution and flower colour variations of flowering cherry
Authors: Nie Chaoren , Zhang Yingjie , Zhang Xiaoqin , Xia Wensheng , Sun Hongbing , Zhang Sisi , Li Na , Ding Zhaoquan , Lv Yingmin , Wang Nian
Published: February 2023

Flowering cherry is a very popular species around the world. High‐quality genome resources for different elite cultivars are needed, and the understanding of their origins and the regulation of key ornamental traits are limited for this tree. Here, a high‐quality chromosome‐scale genome of Prunus campanulata ‘Plena’ (PCP), which is a native and elite flowering cherry cultivar in China, was generated. The contig N50 of the genome was 18.31 Mb, and 99.98% of its contigs were anchored to eight chromosomes. Furthermore, a total of 306 accessions of flowering cherry germplasm and six lines of outgroups were collected. Resequencing of these 312 lines was performed, and 761 267 high‐quality genomic variants were obtained. The origins of flowering cherry were predicted, and these 306 accessions could be classified into three clades, A, B and C. According to phylogenetic analysis, we predicted two origins of flowering cherry. Flowering cherry in clade A originated in southern China, such as in the Himalayan Mountains, while clades B and C originated in northeastern China. Finally, a genome‐wide association study of flower colour was performed for all 312 accessions of flowering cherry germplasm. A total of seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified. One gene encoding glycosylate transferase was predicted as the candidate gene for one QTL. Taken together, our results provide a valuable genomic resource and novel insights into the origin, evolution and flower colour variations of flowering cherry.
A comparative review of evaporative dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction in dogs and humans
Authors: Hisey Erin A. , Galor Anat , Leonard Brian C.
Published: February 2023

Dry eye disease is a complex ophthalmic disorder that consists of two main subtypes, aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) and evaporative dry eye disease (EDED). Due to the complex underlying physiology, human dry eye disease can be difficult to model in laboratory animal species. Thus, the identification and characterization of a spontaneous large animal model of dry eye disease is desirable. Dogs have been described as an ideal spontaneous model of ADDE due to the similar pathophysiology between dogs and humans. Recently, EDED and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) have been increasingly recognized and reported in dogs. These reports on EDED and MGD in dogs have identified similarities in pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and diagnostic parameters to humans with the comparable disorders. Additionally, the tests that are used to diagnose EDED and MGD in humans are more easily applicable to dogs than to laboratory species due to the comparable globe sizes between dogs and humans. The reported response of dogs to EDED and MGD therapies are similar to humans, suggesting that they would be a valuable preclinical model for the development of additional therapeutics. Further research and clinical awareness of EDED and MGD in dogs would increase their ability to be utilized as a preclinical model, improving the positive predictive value of therapeutics for EDED and MGD in both humans and dogs.
Comparative Study of Different Tube Geometries of Evacuated Tube Solar Collector
Authors: Sonowal Juri , Bhowmik Mrinal , Muthukumar P. , Anandalakshmi R.
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the thermal performance of an evacuated U-tube solar collector (ETSC) using different tube geometrical configurations. The effect of tube geometry on the overall collector efficiency is numerically analyzed and compared with experimental results. Three different ETSC configurations made of copper viz., Model 1 (M1) having one inlet and two outlets, Model 2 (M2) having one inlet and three outlets, and Model 3 (M3) having one inlet and four outlets are considered. An overall rise in temperature of heat transfer fluid at the outlets for each model is predicted and compared with a conventional U-tube (CT) for different mass flowrates and solar insolations to evaluate the collector performance. In comparison with the CT, the outlet temperature of the M3 and M1 is higher by 46.2% and 40.3%, respectively. M2 gives a nearly similar fluid outlet temperature as M1. A maximum of 35.4% enhancement in heat gain compared to the CT is observed for M3 (which is best among modified configurations) under similar operating conditions. However, at 788 W/m2 solar insolation and a constant mass flowrate of 0.0167 kg/s, the estimated thermal efficiency of M1 is higher among the three models which is 33.5% higher than the CT. The experimental results closely approximate the numerical predictions with a deviation of ± 1.1 °C. From the economic evaluation of the modified collectors, a minimum payback period of 2.5 years was observed for Model 1 which is the shortest among the investigated ETSC systems.