bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pervasiveness of inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) in handguns after cleaning and conditioning procedures
Authors: Donghi Matteo , Orsenigo Stefano , Manna Luigi , Profumo Antonella , Mattino Alessia , Merli Daniele
Published: February 2024

Memory effect in firearms that is, the possibility for a weapon to release inorganic particles whose elemental composition depends on its entire shooting history, is responsible for most of the interpretation difficulties encountered in forensic gunshot residue analysis. The presence of residues chemically inconsistent with the last discharged round, the creation of particles having unusual elemental profiles, and the dependence of residue population composition on the collection point are all manifestations of memory effect. The experimental results reported in this paper highlight the ineffectiveness of a wide number of gun cleaning procedures in reducing memory effect. Moreover, the common alternative of discharging batches of rounds having a “new” primer mixture does not fully eliminate the possibility to recover “old” residues at least from the shooter's hands. Two brand new pistols and ammunition having lead‐based, leadless and heavy metal free primers were used. Specimens, collected both from the shooters' hands and from cotton targets set nearby the gun muzzle, were analyzed by SEM‐EDS and by ICP‐OES. After discharging 10's of new ammunitions, the number of old residues ejected from the gun muzzle indeed showed an asymptotic decrease to zero. In spite of this, the number of old residues recovered from the shooter's hands did not follow any predictable trend. These different behaviors suggest that all internal components of a gun, and not just the barrel, play a role in memory effect.
Autophagy activation alleviates the LPS‐induced inflammatory response in endometrial epithelial cells in dairy cows
Authors: Dong Junsheng , Ji Bowen , Jiang Yongshuai , Liu Kangjun , Guo Long , Cui Luying , Wang Heng , Li Bichun , Li Jianji
Published: February 2024

Problem

Endometritis is a common disease that affects dairy cow reproduction. Autophagy plays a vital role in cellular homeostasis and modulates inflammation by regulating interactions with innate immune signaling pathways. However, little is known about the regulatory relationship between autophagy and inflammation in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs). Thus, we aimed to determine the role of autophagy in the inflammatory response in BEECs.

Methods of Study

In the present study, the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway and autophagy were determined using immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. The induction of autophagosome formation was visualized by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Our results demonstrated that autophagy activation was inhibited in LPS‐treated BEECs, while activation of the NF‐κB pathway and the mRNA expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α were increased. Furthermore, blocking autophagy with the inhibitor chloroquine increased NF‐κB signaling pathway activation and proinflammatory factor expression in LPS‐treated BEECs. Conversely, activation of autophagy with the agonist rapamycin inhibited the NF‐κB signaling pathway and downregulated proinflammatory factors.

Conclusions

These data indicated that LPS‐induced inflammation was related to the inhibition of autophagy in BEECs. Thus, the activation of autophagy may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for eliminating inflammation in BEECs.
Effect of anti‐CGRP‐targeted therapy on migraine aura: Results of an observational case series study
Authors: Cresta Elena , Bellotti Alessia , Rinaldi Giovanni , Corbelli Ilenia , Sarchielli Paola
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Limited clinical evidence is available regarding the potential effectiveness of anti‐CGRP monoclonal antibodies for the preventive treatment of migraine with aura.

Aim of the Study

This observational study involved a series of migraine patients affected by either migraine with or without aura, who were investigated for any changes in their frequencies and their migraine aura attack characteristics observed during treatment with anti‐CGRP Mabs over a 1‐year period.

Patients and Methods

Twelve migraine patients were included, seven of whom were treated with erenumab, 2 with fremanezumab, and 3 with galcanezumab. Clinical data were collected at baseline, which were defined as 3 months prior to the initiation of treatment, and thereafter at each trimester, over the 1‐year treatment period. The parameters included the number of headache and migraine days/month, the frequency of aura episodes, the number of days with acute drug intakes/month, and the scores from the migraine disability status scale (MIDAS), and the Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT‐6).

Results

Anti‐CGRP Mbs antibodies induced significant decreases in mean headache and migraine without aura days per month, the number of days with medication intake, as well as MIDAS and HIT‐6 scores (p < 0.0001). In contrast, the anti‐CGRP Mab treatment did not appear to impact the frequency of migraine with aura attacks but seemed to reduce both the intensity and the duration of headache phases of migraine aura. Furthermore, some migraine patients referred to having aura attacks without headache over the course of the treatment period.

Conclusions

Based on the above findings, we hypothesize that anti‐CGRP Mabs did not influence neuronal and vascular events related to cortical spreading depression (CSD) which is considered the pathophysiological substrate of aura. Conversely, these antibodies are able to counteract, via their peripheral mechanisms of action, the sensitization of the trigemino‐vascular pathway which is triggered by CSD. This aforementioned might explain why in our patients, migraine aura attacks remained unchanged in their frequencies, but the headache phases were either reduced or absent.
Impaired synaptic plasticity and decreased excitability of hippocampal glutamatergic neurons mediated by BDNF downregulation contribute to cognitive dysfunction in mice induced by repeated neonatal exposure to ketamine
Authors: Wan Jie , Ma Linhui , Jiao Xinhao , Dong Wei , Lin Jiatao , Qiu Yongkang , Wu Weifeng , Liu Qiang , Chen Chen , Huang He , Li Shuai , Zheng Hui , Wu Yuqing
Published: February 2024

Aim

Repeated exposure to ketamine during the neonatal period in mice leads to cognitive impairments in adulthood. These impairments are likely caused by synaptic plasticity and excitability damage. We investigated the precise role of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cognitive impairments induced by repeated ketamine exposure during the neonatal period.

Methods

We evaluated the cognitive function of mice using the Morris water maze test and novel object recognition test. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein levels of BDNF. Western blotting, Golgi‐Cox staining, transmission electron microscopy, and long‐term potentiation (LTP) recordings were used to assess synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The excitability of neurons was evaluated using c‐Fos. In the intervention experiment, pAdeno‐CaMKIIα‐BDNF‐mNeuronGreen was injected into the hippocampal CA1 region of mice to increase the level of BDNF. The excitability of neurons was enhanced using a chemogenetic approach.

Results

Our findings suggest that cognitive impairments in mice repeatedly exposed to ketamine during the neonatal period are associated with downregulated BDNF protein level, synaptic plasticity damage, and decreased excitability of glutamatergic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. Furthermore, the specific upregulation of BDNF in glutamatergic neurons of the hippocampal CA1 region and the enhancement of excitability can improve impaired synaptic plasticity and cognitive function in mice.

Conclusion

BDNF downregulation mediates synaptic plasticity and excitability damage, leading to cognitive impairments in adulthood following repeated ketamine exposure during the neonatal period.
Occupancy trends of overwintering coastal waterbird communities reveal guild‐specific patterns of redistribution and shifting reliance on existing protected areas
Authors: de Zwaan Devin R. , Huang Andrew , Fox Caroline H. , Bradley David W. , Ethier Danielle M.
Published: February 2024

Climate change and anthropogenic stressors are redistributing species and altering community composition globally. Protected areas (PAs) may not sufficiently protect populations of species undergoing distributional shifts, necessitating that we evaluate existing PAs and identify areas for future protection to conserve biodiversity across regional and temporal scales. Coastal waterbirds are important indicators of marine ecosystem health, representing mobile, long‐lived, higher trophic‐level consumers. Using a 20‐year citizen science dataset (1999–2019) with a before‐after control‐intervention sampling framework for habitat protection, we applied dynamic occupancy models to assess winter occupancy trends along the Pacific coast of Canada. Specifically, we sought to understand potential drivers of regional declines, spatial commonalities among guilds, and changes in habitat use before and after PA designation, as well as between PAs and non‐PAs. Occupancy trends varied regionally, with greater declines in the south compared to the north. Regional differences underlined potential range shifts, particularly for species with traits linked to temperature tolerance, movement, and high productivity foraging, as cold‐tolerant, migratory benthivores and piscivores wintered farther north relative to 20 years ago or retreated to cold‐water fjords. While 21 of 57 (36.8%) species responded positively to PA designation (before‐after), greater occupancy declines tended to occur in PAs established pre‐1999 relative to non‐PAs (control‐intervention). Since PAs are currently concentrated in the south, negative associations were most apparent for species retreating northward, but existing PAs may have a stabilizing or transitory effect on southern wintering species shifting into the region from farther south. We emphasize that conservation strategies must balance persistence of current communities with preserving the climate‐adapted biodiversity of tomorrow by accounting for community‐level effects of species moving into and out of existing PAs. Incorporating range shifts into PA planning by predicting distributional changes will allow conservation practitioners to identify priority habitats, such as cold‐water refugia, for persistent wildlife communities.
The influence of self‐brand connection on consumer reactions to symbolic incongruency and perceived betrayal
Authors: Sayin Eda , Gürhan‐Canlı Zeynep
Published: February 2024

This research provides compelling evidence that consumer reactions toward symbolically incongruent brand behaviors depend on their level of self‐brand connection. It challenges the conventional belief that high self‐brand connection works as a protecting shield for brands and reveals that consumers with higher (vs. lower) self‐brand connection react more negatively toward symbolically incongruent brand behaviors because they feel betrayed by the brand. The results unveil that a sense of betrayal can be incited, when a brand's behavior is symbolically incongruent with its established meaning. This pattern of consumer responses is consistent across four experimental studies, which involved a diverse sample of 563 participants from different countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain and used various product categories. The results consistently show that individuals with high self‐brand connection display an increased intention to engage in negative word of mouth, along with a decline in their brand attitudes and purchase intentions, driven by feelings of betrayal. This effect is further intensified for consumers with higher self‐enhancement need. It is worth noting that prior literature on betrayal has often linked such feelings to more significant transgressions and behaviors with immoral connotations.
Effect of fentanyl and remifentanil on neuron damage and oxidative stress during induction neurotoxicity
Authors: Taghizadehghalehjoughi Ali , Naldan Muhammet Emin , Yeni Yesim , Genc Sidika , Hacimuftuoglu Ahmet , Isik Mesut , Necip Adem , Bolat İsmail , Yildirim Serkan , Beydemir Sukru , Baykan Mahmut
Published: February 2024

Opioids can be used for medical and non‐medical purposes. Chronic pain such as cancer, as well as the frequent use of such drugs in places such as operating rooms and intensive care units, and in non‐medical areas like drug abuse the effects and side effects of these drugs need to be examined in more detail. For this purpose, the effects of fentanyl and remifentanil drugs on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and cholinesterase metabolism were investigated. Neuron cells (CRL‐10742) were used for the evaluation of the toxicity of fentanyl and remifentanil. MTT, PON1 activity and total thiol levels for its effect on oxidative stress, AChE and BChE activities for its effect on the cholinergic system, and TNF, IL‐8 and IL‐10 gene levels for its neuroinflammation effect were determined. The highest neurotoxic dose of fentanyl and remifentanil was determined as 10 μg/mL. It was observed that the rate of neuron cells in this dose has decreased by up to 61.80% and 56.89%, respectively. The IL‐8 gene expression level in both opioids was down‐regulated while IL 10 gene level was up‐regulated in a dose‐dependent manner compared to the control. In our results, the TNF gene expression level differs between the two opioids. In the fentanyl group, it was seen to be up‐regulated in a dose‐dependent manner compared to the control. Fentanyl and remifentanil showed an inhibitory effect against PON1, while remifentanil showed an increase in total thiol levels. PON1, BChE and total thiol activities showed similarity with MTT.
Systemic inflammation and its relationship with pruritus in early‐stage mycosis fungoides
Authors: Solak Berna , Kara Rabia Öztaş
Published: February 2024

The underlying mechanisms mycosis fungoides (MF)‐related pruritus remain unclear, and the link between pruritus and systemic inflammation in MF is unexplored. We aimed to investigate systemic inflammation in MF patients and its potential connection to pruritus. In this retrospective study, demographic characteristics, MF stage, clinical and laboratory findings, and neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and pan‐immune inflammation value (PIV) were assessed for all participants. Additionally, mSWAT scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and pruritus presence and intensity via Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scoring were recorded for MF patients. A total of 81 patients with early‐stage MF and 50 controls were enrolled. Itching was present in 41 patients (50.6%). NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI and CRP values in the MF group were significantly higher. CRP, NLR, mSWAT and DLQI score were significantly higher in MF patients with pruritus than those without. Pruritus was positively correlated with DLQI, mSWAT, CRP, NLR, MLR and SIRI. VAS score was positively correlated with eosinophil count and DLQI. In the multivariate logistic regression model, only NLR was an independent and significant associate of pruritus in patients with MF. This study provides evidence of enhanced systemic inflammation in early‐stage MF patients. Additionally, the correlation between pruritus with mSWAT scores and systemic inflammation parameters suggests a potential link between pruritus and the inflammatory milieu in MF.
Genetic influences on sibling bullying and mental health difficulties
Authors: Toseeb Umar , Vincent John , Asbury Kathryn
Published: February 2024

Background

Sibling bullying is associated with mental health difficulties; both in the short and long term. It is commonly assumed that sibling bullying leads to mental health difficulties but additional explanations for the relationship between the two are seldom investigated.

Methods

To address this gap in knowledge, we used a genetically sensitive design with data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (maximum N = 3,959, 53% female). At ages 11–13 years, individuals self‐reported their involvement in sibling bullying, as a victim and perpetrator, and parents reported on their child's mental health difficulties. Polygenic scores, indices of genetic risk for psychiatric disorders (major depressive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) were computed using children's genetic data. Regression and structural equation models were fitted to the data.

Results

Sibling bullying, victimisation and perpetration, and polygenic scores both predicted mental health difficulties in an additive manner but there was no interaction between them. Polygenic scores for mental health difficulties were also associated with sibling bullying.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that sibling bullying, victimisation and perpetration, is associated with mental health difficulties, even after accounting for some genetic effects. Additionally, the relationship between sibling bullying and mental health difficulties may be, at least partly, due to shared genetic aetiology. One possibility is that genetic risk for mental health difficulties influences the onset of mental health difficulties which in turn make children more susceptible to sibling bullying.
Reduction in size‐at‐maturity in unprecedentedly strong cohorts of redfish (Sebastes mentella and S. fasciatus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Laurentian Channel
Authors: Brûlé Caroline , Benhalima Kadra , Roux Marie‐Julie , Parent Geneviève J. , Chavarria Caroline , Senay Caroline
Published: February 2024

Life‐history traits, such as size‐at‐maturity, are key parameters to model population dynamics used to inform fisheries management. Fishery‐induced evolution, density‐dependent effects, and global warming have been shown to affect size‐ and age‐at‐maturity, and resulting spawning stock biomass (SSB) in a wide range of commercial fish stocks. Marked changes in redfish biomass and environmental conditions in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Laurentian Channel over the past decade called for a review and update of size‐at‐maturity for commercially important deepwater redfish Sebastes mentella and Acadian redfish Sebastes fasciatus stocks. Following a 25‐year moratorium, local redfish biomass has recently reached unprecedented levels, co‐occurring with an overall warming of bottom water temperatures. Our objectives were (1) to perform a histological assessment of redfish reproduction stages, including the validation and fine‐tuning of a robust visual chart to facilitate monitoring of size‐at‐maturity and SSB in a transforming environment, and (2) to evaluate changes in size‐at‐maturity in unprecedentedly strong cohorts of redfish, and consequences for stock status assessment and fisheries management. Each specimen was genetically identified to species, and gonad reproduction stages were determined by histology and macroscopic appearances. The present study enabled a robust visual chart for continued and cost‐effective monitoring of redfish reproduction stages to be refined and validated, and has shown a large decrease in redfish length when 50% of the individuals are considered mature that led to an increase in estimates of SSB during the 2011–2021 period for S. mentella and S. fasciatus. These changes modified the perception of stock status, thus having significant implications for fisheries management. Given that fishery‐induced evolution and community structure changes along with global warming are affecting numerous stocks worldwide, the present study outlines a major and global challenge for scientists and resources managers. As shown by our results, the monitoring and frequent updates of life‐history traits in transforming environments are needed to provide reliable science advice for sustainable fisheries.
First records of the sicklefin (Mobula tarapacana), bentfin (Mobula thurstoni), and spinetail (Mobula mobular) devil rays in the Chagos Archipelago
Authors: Harris Joanna L. , Collins Claire , Spalding Mark , Stevens Guy M. W.
Published: February 2024

Recent encounters with sicklefin (Mobula tarapacana) and bentfin (Mobula thurstoni) devil rays in the Chagos Archipelago provide the first confirmed observations of live specimens of these species in this region. Examination of illegal fishing photo archives collected during enforcement revealed these endangered species, and spinetail devil rays (Mobula mobular), are being caught within the archipelago's vast no‐take marine protected area. Future cooperation between authorities and mobulid ray experts is crucial to improve the availability and accuracy of enforcement data and improve management of illegal fishing and mobulid ray conservation activities.
Inferior vena cava collapsibility index and stroke volume as predictors of blood transfusion in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the emergency department
Authors: Ayar Mustafa Selçuk , Baydın Ahmet , Ustaoglu Müge , Caliskan Fatih , Erenler Ali Kemal
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

This study investigates the effectiveness of bedside ultrasonography in predicting blood transfusion requirements in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). It focuses on evaluating the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, IVC collapsibility index (CI), and stroke volume (SV) as ultrasonographic measures.

Methods

A hundred adult patients enrolled in this prospective clinical study. The patients were divided into two groups (group 1: only saline administered group, group 2: saline and blood administered group). IVC diameter, IVC CI, and SV were measured at the time of admission and after treatment.

Results

At the initial admission, group 1 exhibited an IVC CI of 20.4% and an SV of 65.0 mL, whereas group 2 displayed an IVC CI of 26.6% and an SV of 58.0 mL. Upon analyzing the relationship between the Glasgow–Blatchford score (GBS) and SV, we identified a significant negative correlation (r = −0.7350; P < 0.001). Similarly, a weak negative correlation was observed between the Rockall score (RS) and SV (r = −0.4718; P < 0.001). It is worth noting that patients with UGIB require blood transfusion if their SV falls below 62.5 mL, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 89.1% and a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 82.8% to 95.4%.

Conclusion

IVC CI and SV can be used as parameters to predict the need for blood transfusion in the ED in patients with UGIB.
Transgender and non‐binary peoples experiences of cervical cancer screening: A scoping review
Authors: Rivers Georgia , Hinchliff Sharron , Thompson Jill
Published: February 2024

Aim(s)

To synthesise the literature about transgender and non‐binary people's experiences of cervical cancer screening and identify ways to improve screening.

Background

Transgender people often face barriers to accessing health services including cervical screening, where transgender people have a lower uptake than cisgender women.

Design

A scoping review was undertaken following the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework and the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Following database searching of Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CINHAL, 23 papers published between 2008 and 2003 were included. Papers were included if they shared trans and non‐binary people's experiences of cervical screening and were written in English. There were no date or geographical data restrictions due to the paucity of research.

Results

Transgender people experience barriers to cervical screening including gender dysphoria, a history of sexual trauma, and mistrust in health professionals or health services, which can result in having negative experiences of screening or avoiding screening. Health professionals can help to create a positive experience by informing themselves about best practices for trans+ health.

Conclusion

Changes are required to improve transgender people's experiences and uptake of cervical screening. Improving medical education about trans health and updating health systems would help to combat issues discussed.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Having an understanding of the reasons why accessing health services can be more difficult for transgender people will help health professionals to provide appropriate care for transgender patients. This paper details this in the context of cervical cancer screening and can be applied to other areas of healthcare.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and used the PRISMA‐ScR reporting method. No Patient or Public Contribution.
Real‐world study of lymphadenectomy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Yin Ziran , Wang Ming
Published: February 2024

Background

The evidence on the role of retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is limited to less common histology subtypes of epithelial advanced ovarian cancer.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. Patients with stage III–IV epithelial ovarian cancer were included and divided into two groups based on whether they received retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. The primary outcomes are overall survival (OS) and cause‐specific survival (CSS).

Results

Among the 10 184 included patients, 5472 patients underwent debulking surgery with retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, while 4712 patients only underwent debulking surgery. No differences were found in the baseline information between the two groups after propensity score matching. Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy during debulking surgery was associated with improved 5‐year OS (43.41% vs. 37.49%, p < 0.001) and 5‐year CSS (46.43% vs. 41.79%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis further validate the retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy increased the 5‐year OS and CSS in patients with high‐grade serous cancer. Although the results were not validated in the less common ovarian cancer (including endometrial cancer, mucinous cancer, low‐grade serous cancer, and clear cell cancer), the tendency showed patients with the above four subtypes may benefit from the lymphadenectomy which is restricted for small sample size after propensity score matching.

Conclusions

This study revealed that retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy could further improve the survival outcome during debulking surgery in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. The conclusion was affected by the histology subtypes of ovarian cancer and further studies are needed to validate the conclusion in less common ovarian cancer.
Sensorineural deafness in purebred white Devon Rex cats
Authors: Kortas Annemarie , Pomianowski Andrzej , Kolecka Malgorzata , Rytel Liliana
Published: February 2024

Background

Data regarding congenital sensorineural deafness (CSD) in client‐owned, white Devon Rex cats is limited because most of the information on this disease comes from experiments on mixed‐breed cats.

Objectives

Provide data on the occurrence of CSD in a population of client‐owned purebred white Devon Rex cats.

Animals

Forty client‐owned, purebred, white Devon Rex cats examined at 2 different facilities. Median age of the examined cats was 19 weeks.

Methods

Hearing status was defined by use of brainstem auditory evoked responses.

Results

The occurrence of sensorineural deafness in the studied population of Devon Rex cats was estimated at 10%. Unilateral and bilateral deafness occurred equally often, with 2 individuals having each (ie, 5.0%). No association between the occurrence of CSD and sex could be found, χ2 (1, n = 40) = 0.001 (P > .99). No association between blue irises and deafness was noted in the studied population, χ2 (1, n = 40) < 0.01 (P > .99).

Conclusions

The occurrence of CSD in a population of client‐owned, white Devon Rex cats was found to be lower compared with data obtained in previously conducted studies of deafness in purebred cats. In the studied population of Devon Rex cats, no association between blue irises and CSD was found.
Assessment of mercury concentrations in fur, liver, and brain tissue from necropsied southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)
Authors: Hawk Draven W. , Dunkin Robin C. , Batac Francesca , Miller Melissa , Weiss‐Penzias Peter
Published: February 2024

Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) are a federally listed threatened keystone species of the California kelp forest ecosystem and a sentinel species, indicating environmental health. Mercury (Hg) is a bioaccumulative neurotoxin that poses a threat to high trophic‐level species such as marine mammals. We quantified total Hg (THg) concentrations in fur, brain, and liver tissues of necropsied southern sea otters (n = 44) that stranded along the California coast from 2010 to 2019. THg concentrations differed significantly between fur and brain, and between liver and brain. Tissue type explained 64%, and sex explained only 3.3% of overall THg variability (0.48–46.1 μg/g dry weight). All individuals had liver Hg concentrations measuring well under the proposed lower‐limit low risk guideline for harp seals, Pagophilus groenlandicus. However, six sea otters exceeded the liver THg moderate risk threshold for terrestrial furbearers to which sea otters are closely related. These data represent baseline THg concentrations in fur, brain, and liver of the southern sea otter and build upon previous studies in various sea otter subspecies. Research on sea otter Hg tolerance and continued monitoring are needed to clarify potential health risks associated with the tissue concentrations observed in this study.
Profiling of deubiquitinases that control virulence in the pathogenic plant fungus Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Chen Ahai , Han Xingmin , Liu Chao , Zhou Yifan , Ren Yiyi , Shen Xingxing , Shim Won Bo , Chai Yunrong , Ma Zhonghua , Chen Yun
Published: February 2024

Eukaryotes have evolved sophisticated post‐translational modifications to regulate protein function and numerous biological processes, including ubiquitination controlled by the coordinated action of ubiquitin‐conjugating enzymes and deubiquitinating enzymes (Dubs). However, the function of deubiquitination in pathogenic fungi is largely unknown.

Here, the distribution of Dubs in the fungal kingdom was surveyed and their functions were systematically characterized using the phytopathogen Fusarium graminearum as the model species, which causes devastating diseases of all cereal species world‐wide.

Our findings demonstrate that Dubs are critical for fungal development and virulence, especially the ubiquitin‐specific protease 15 (Ubp15). Global ubiquitome analysis and subsequent experiments identified three important substrates of Ubp15, including the autophagy‐related protein Atg8, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase Gpmk1, and the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) biosynthetic protein Tri4. Ubp15 regulates the deubiquitination of the Atg8, thereby impacting its subcellular localization and the autophagy process. Moreover, Ubp15 also modulates the deubiquitination of Gpmk1 and Tri4. This modulation subsequently influences their protein stabilities and further affects the formation of penetration structures and the biosynthetic process of DON, respectively.

Collectively, our findings reveal a previously unknown regulatory pathway of a deubiquitinating enzyme for fungal virulence and highlight the potential of Ubp15 as a target for combating fungal diseases.
Brown planthopper infestation on rice reduces plant susceptibility to Meloidogyne graminicola by reducing root sugar allocation
Authors: Xiao Liying , Gheysen Godelieve , Yang Mingwei , Xiao Xueqiong , Xu Lihe , Guo Xiaoli , Yang Lijie , Liu Wen , He Yueping , Peng Deliang , Peng Huan , Ma Kangsheng , Long Haibo , Wang Gaofeng , Xiao Yannong
Published: February 2024

Plants are simultaneously attacked by different pests that rely on sugars uptake from plants. An understanding of the role of plant sugar allocation in these multipartite interactions is limited.

Here, we characterized the expression patterns of sucrose transporter genes and evaluated the impact of targeted transporter gene mutants and brown planthopper (BPH) phloem‐feeding and oviposition on root sugar allocation and BPH‐reduced rice susceptibility to Meloidogyne graminicola.

We found that the sugar transporter genes OsSUT1 and OsSUT2 are induced at BPH oviposition sites. OsSUT2 mutants showed a higher resistance to gravid BPH than to nymph BPH, and this was correlated with callose deposition, as reflected in a different effect on M. graminicola infection. BPH phloem‐feeding caused inhibition of callose deposition that was counteracted by BPH oviposition. Meanwhile, this pivotal role of sugar allocation in BPH‐reduced rice susceptibility to M. graminicola was validated on rice cultivar RHT harbouring BPH resistance genes Bph3 and Bph17.

In conclusion, we demonstrated that rice susceptibility to M. graminicola is regulated by BPH phloem‐feeding and oviposition on rice through differences in plant sugar allocation.
Untargeted metabolomic in basil cell cultures – a case study of Ocimum basilicum L. var. minimum Alef.
Authors: Jakovljević Dragana , Kruszka Dariusz , Waligórski Piotr , Warchoł Marzena , Skrzypek Edyta
Published: February 2024

Aims

Due to the lack of experimental databases, together with the chemical complexity and the dynamic nature of plants' metabolome, most of the metabolites in complex biological materials (like plant in vitro tissue cultures) are not‐annotated, unidentified metabolites. In this study, a method for further metabolite characterization and classification based on the UPLC‐HESI‐HRMS/MS approach for small‐leaved basil (Ocimum basilicum L. var. minimum Alef.) callus and cell suspension culture is presented.

Key results

A total of 2168 metabolic features were detected, out of which the database for exact mass metabolic profiling for 1949 metabolites is presented here since there is no available database dedicated to O. basilicum. We further focused on secondary metabolites (particularly phenolic compounds). The presence of 60 different phenolic compounds belonging mainly to the groups of flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and phenolic acids is confirmed. By comparing relative abundances of phenolic compounds from callus culture and cell suspension culture, both grown on two types of media, via svd‐PCА, univariate analysis, post‐hoc tests, and heatmapping of metabolites, we provided a practical example of how resources presented here can be further applied in tissue culture‐based basil metabolomics studies.

Utility

This study represents the first approach toward routine targeted investigation of secondary metabolites in basil in vitro cultures and provides various opportunities for new‐generation analyses.
Microscale Surface Defects Influence on Thermally Sprayed Alumina Droplets Deformation and Splashing Dynamics
Authors: Nastic Aleksandra , Pershin Larry , Mostaghimi Javad
Published: February 2024

During plasma spraying, interaction between splats and surface microsized features can be critical to the splat dynamic progress and consequently to the coating microstructural development and interfacial bonding. The transient spreading of molten alumina impacting a flat substrate exhibiting micro-obstructions, commonly produced during surface machining, grinding and/or even polishing, is numerically investigated using a three-dimensional model comprising of splat solidification and shrinkage developments. Single isolated splats are also experimentally characterized using top surface scanning electron microscope analysis. Droplets impacting directly onto a microsized surface protuberance show no signs of premature splashing behavior. The microscopic features (<2.5 μm) are not able to generate flow instabilities to initially affect the splat inherent overall spreading. However, subsequent splat peripheral contact with target surface micro-obstructions, characterized by peak and valley features, induces peripheral lift, waviness, and instability. It follows that the ejected destabilized material shears/fractures during stretching triggering the formation of splash fingers. Solidification plays a major role in detracting the role of surface micro-obstructions, i.e., surface roughness, in splashing phenomena.
Thermal Characterization of Subcooled Flow Boiling in a Pin-Fin Coldplate With Non-Uniform Heating
Authors: Osman Ammar , Joshi Yogendra
Published: February 2024

Coldplates are a crucial component in various cooling applications, such as cooling data center servers and power electronics. The unprecedented growth in electronics power density, along with the resulting ultrahigh heat fluxes, demands a transition from single-phase forced convection to two-phase flow boiling heat transfer. The majority of studies in the literature have focused on flow boiling in fin-enhanced silicon microgaps and microchannels, with only a few addressing flow boiling in millimeter-scale heat sinks. In the present study, flow boiling of HFE-7200 dielectric fluid in a millimeter-scale pin-fin coldplate is experimentally investigated under nonuniform heating conditions. Four background heaters represent the low-dissipating-power devices. On the other hand, five hotspot heaters mimic the high-heat-flux devices and generate heat fluxes ranging from 50 W/cm2 to 1000 W/cm2, corresponding to hotspot heat inputs ranging from 62.5 W to 1.25 kW, respectively. The coldplate's thermohydraulic performance is investigated for various flow rates and inlet temperature ranging from 0.5 L/min to 1.5 L/min and from 25 °C to 60 °C, respectively. A high-speed camera is utilized for a narrow field of view (FOV) flow visualization at a frame rate of 2229 fps while a digital camera is used for a wider FOV at 60 fps. Flow visualization demonstrated the transition between bubbly, slug/churn, and stratified two-phase flow regimes.
High Power Density Thermal Energy Storage With Phase Change Material in Enhanced Compact Heat Exchangers
Authors: Kannan Sarath , Jog Milind A. , Manglik Raj M.
Published: February 2024

Performance of a novel ultracompact thermal energy storage (TES) heat exchanger, designed as a microchannel finned-tube exchanger is presented. With water as the heating–cooling fluid in the microchannels, a salt hydrate phase change material (PCM), lithium nitrate trihydrate (LiNO3 · 3H2O), was encased on the fin side. To establish the hypothesis that small-length-scale encasement (<3 mm) of PCM substantially enhances heat transfer to yield very high power-density energy storage, heat exchanger designs with 10 and 24 fins/inch were considered. They were subjected to thermal cycling, or repeated heating (melting) and cooling (freezing), with inlet fluid flow mimicking diurnal variation between 42 °C and 25 °C (representing typical arid-region conditions) over an accelerated time period. By employing salt self-seeding to obviate subcooling during cooling or recrystallization, the TES was found to exhibit stable long-term (100 heating–cooling cycles) operation with very high PCM-side heat transfer coefficients (∼100–500 W/m2 K) and storage power density (∼160–175 kW/m3). In fact, with optimization of heating–cooling fluid flowrate for given charging–discharging time period and exchanger size, power density >300 kW/m3 can be achieved. The results clearly establish that highly compact heat exchangers used as TES units can provide very high-performance alternatives to conventional ones.
Design and Reconfiguration Analysis of the Trunk Mechanism for a Reconfigurable Wheeled Mobile Platform
Authors: Teng Xinyu , Li Yezhuo , Liu Yang , Yao Yan-an
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a reconfigurable wheeled mobile platform (RWMP) consisting of two two-wheeled mobile robots and a reconfigurable trunk. The reconfigurable trunk is a 6R multi-mode single-loop mechanism (SLM) that is obtained by inserting two revolute (R) joints with intersected axes into a planar rhombus 4R mechanism. The 6R mechanism has reconfigurable characteristics owing to changes in the wrench system. All six motion modes and their constraint equations of the 6R mechanism are obtained by solving the closed-loop equation based on the D-H transformation matrix. The analysis shows that the mechanism has six single-DOF motion modes, including a planar rhombus 4R mode, two overconstrained spatial 6R modes, and three coaxial 1R modes. The motion characteristics of the six motion modes are identified using screw theory. The six transition configurations among different modes are identified by combining the constraint equations of each mode. The locomotion modes of the RWMP are designed based on the reconfiguration analysis of the trunk mechanism. The locomotion effect of the RWMP under two confined spaces is verified by simulation analysis and prototype experiment.
Self-Reported Depression in Collegiate Athletes: The Effect of Privacy on Symptom Disclosure
Authors: Ouellet-Pizer Chloe M. , Harenberg Sebastian , Vosloo Justine , Meyer Barbara B.
Published: February 2024

Prevalence studies on depressive symptoms in collegiate athletes have yielded varied estimations, which may be due, in part, to survey administration privacy. However, the influence of survey administration privacy (i.e., anonymous and confidential) on depressive symptom disclosure remains unknown in sport. The purposes of the current study, therefore, were twofold: (a) compare depressive symptoms reported under high- and low-privacy conditions and (b) examine factors associated with underreporting (i.e., social desirability). College athletes (N = 123) were randomly assigned to high- and low-privacy conditions. Results indicated no significant difference, F(1, 120) = 0.59, p = .446, between the prevalence of depressive symptoms reported across conditions when controlling for sex, and no significant correlation between depressive symptoms and social desirability (r = −.01, p = .886). Taken together, results indicated that survey administration privacy did not impact depressive symptom disclosure in the current sample.
Physical Education Teacher Education: The Past, Present, and Future Questions
Authors: Curtner-Smith Matthew D. , Fletcher Tim
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this article is to overview the history of research in physical education teacher education (PETE), discuss contemporary trends, and identify future directions for scholarship and teacher education practice. Teacher education is defined as formal and informal experiences that contribute to teachers’ education across their careers. Using the phases of occupational socialization and Kosnik and Beck’s “seven priorities of teacher education” to frame an analysis of literature from the 1980s through to the present, a brief summary of research on PETE is provided, using the chronological categories of past and present. The analysis takes into account implications for PETE that were left by the global pandemic, where traditional PETE practices were significantly disrupted by a shift to online learning. The chapter is concluded by listing questions regarding PETE that researchers and teacher educators might tackle in the future.
Evidence for phonon hardening in laser-excited gold using x-ray diffraction at a hard x-ray free electron laser
Authors: Descamps Adrien , Ofori-Okai Benjamin K. , Bistoni Oliviero , Chen Zhijiang , Cunningham Eric , Fletcher Luke B. , Hartley Nicholas J. , Hastings Jerome B. , Khaghani Dimitri , Mo Mianzhen , Nagler Bob , Recoules Vanina , Redmer Ronald , Schörner Maximilian , Senesky Debbie G. , Sun Peihao , Tsai Hai-En , White Thomas G. , Glenzer Siegfried H. , McBride Emma E.
Published: February 2024

Studies of laser-heated materials on femtosecond timescales have shown that the interatomic potential can be perturbed at sufficiently high laser intensities. For gold, it has been postulated to undergo a strong stiffening leading to an increase of the phonon energies, known as phonon hardening. Despite efforts to investigate this behavior, only measurements at low absorbed energy density have been performed, for which the interpretation of the experimental data remains ambiguous. By using in situ single-shot x-ray diffraction at a hard x-ray free-electron laser, the evolution of diffraction line intensities of laser-excited Au to a higher energy density provides evidence for phonon hardening.
The protein carboxymethyltransferase–dependent aspartate salvage pathway plays a crucial role in the intricate metabolic network of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Micaletto Maureen , Fleurier Sebastien , Dion Sara , Denamur Erick , Matic Ivan
Published: February 2024

Protein carboxymethyltransferase (Pcm) is a highly evolutionarily conserved enzyme that initiates the conversion of abnormal isoaspartate to aspartate residues. While it is commonly believed that Pcm facilitates the repair of damaged proteins, a number of observations suggest that it may have another role in cell functioning. We investigated whether Pcm provides a means for
Escherichia coli
to recycle aspartate, which is essential for protein synthesis and other cellular processes. We showed that Pcm is required for the energy production, the maintenance of cellular redox potential and of
S
-adenosylmethionine synthesis, which are critical for the proper functioning of many metabolic pathways. Pcm contributes to the full growth capacity both under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Last, we showed that Pcm enhances the robustness of bacteria when exposed to sublethal antibiotic treatments and improves their fitness in the mammalian urinary tract. We propose that Pcm plays a crucial role in
E. coli
metabolism by ensuring a steady supply of aspartate.
Sequential CRISPR screening reveals partial NatB inhibition as a strategy to mitigate alpha-synuclein levels in human neurons
Authors: Santhosh Kumar Saranya , Naseri Nima N. , Pather Sarshan R. , Hallacli Erinc , Ndayisaba Alain , Buenaventura Chris , Acosta Karen , Roof Jennifer , Fazelinia Hossein , Spruce Lynn A. , Luk Kelvin , Khurana Vikram , Rhoades Elizabeth , Shalem Ophir
Published: February 2024

Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein levels correlate with the risk and severity of Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases. Lowering αSyn is being actively investigated as a therapeutic modality. Here, we systematically map the regulatory network that controls endogenous αSyn using sequential CRISPR-knockout and -interference screens in an αSyn gene (
SNCA
)–tagged cell line and induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neurons (iNeurons). We uncover αSyn modifiers at multiple regulatory layers, with amino-terminal acetyltransferase B (NatB) enzymes being the most potent endogenous αSyn modifiers in both cell lines. Amino-terminal acetylation protects the cytosolic αSyn from rapid degradation by the proteasome in a Ube2w-dependent manner. Moreover, we show that pharmacological inhibition of methionyl-aminopeptidase 2, a regulator of NatB complex formation, attenuates endogenous αSyn in iNeurons carrying
SNCA
triplication. Together, our study reveals several gene networks that control endogenous αSyn, identifies mechanisms mediating the degradation of nonacetylated αSyn, and illustrates potential therapeutic pathways for decreasing αSyn levels in synucleinopathies.