bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Label‐Free Imaging of Membrane Potentials by Intramembrane Field Modulation, Assessed by Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy
Authors: de Coene Yovan , Jooken Stijn , Deschaume Olivier , Van Steenbergen Valérie , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Van den Haute Chris , Baekelandt Veerle , Callewaert Geert , Van Cleuvenbergen Stijn , Verbiest Thierry , Bartic Carmen , Clays Koen
Published: March 2022

Optical interrogation of cellular electrical activity has proven itself essential for understanding cellular function and communication in complex networks. Voltage‐sensitive dyes are important tools for assessing excitability but these highly lipophilic sensors may affect cellular function. Label‐free techniques offer a major advantage as they eliminate the need for these external probes. In this work, it is shown that endogenous second‐harmonic generation (SHG) from live cells is highly sensitive to changes in transmembrane potential (TMP). Simultaneous electrophysiological control of a living human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cell, through a whole‐cell voltage‐clamp reveals a linear relation between the SHG intensity and membrane voltage. The results suggest that due to the high ionic strengths and fast optical response of biofluids, membrane hydration is not the main contributor to the observed field sensitivity. A conceptual framework is further provided that indicates that the SHG voltage sensitivity reflects the electric field within the biological asymmetric lipid bilayer owing to a nonzero tensor. Changing the TMP without surface modifications such as electrolyte screening offers high optical sensitivity to membrane voltage (≈40% per 100 mV), indicating the power of SHG for label‐free read‐out. These results hold promise for the design of a non‐invasive label‐free read‐out tool for electrogenic cells.
Employer‐provided health insurance: Are two options too many?
Authors: Collier Trevor , Williams Marlon
Published: March 2022

Existing research shows that having numerous options can be overwhelming. Health economists have also demonstrated that individuals regularly fail to choose health insurance plans that minimize out‐of‐pocket costs or maximize expected utility. These failures are commonly attributed to choice overload, among other explanations. However, less has been written on how well people make choices when faced with only two options, particularly in the health insurance industry. In this article, we seek to add to this discussion by utilizing a proprietary database to analyze how well people choose between only two health insurance plans that are very similar in structure. Our findings indicate that many individuals still fail to choose health insurance plans that minimize out‐of‐pocket costs or maximize expected utility, even with this small and relatively simple choice set. This suggests that more research on nonstandard preferences, low insurance competence, consumer search tools, and smart defaults is needed to better understand the decision‐making process of health‐insurance consumers.
Analysis of trace parabens in environmental samples by highly efficient solid‐phase microextraction coupled with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Qianchun , Yang Bingnian , Wen Ming , Wang Xingyi
Published: March 2022

Widespread use of parabens in consumer products has resulted in their ubiquitous existence in the environment including sewage, soil, and sewage sludge. Their potential for human health hazards has, therefore, raised significant public concerns. In this work, an effective in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction device based on a poly(4‐vinylphenylboronic acid‐co‐ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) was combined with analysis with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for detecting parabens in sewage and soil samples, with the limits of detection ranged between 0.64 and 1.4 ng/L. Trace parabens in sewage and soil samples were determined, with amounts of four parabens in the range 0.0141–3.78 ng/g, whereas benzylparaben was not detected. Satisfactory recoveries were observed for the five parabens (86.4–113%), with relative standard deviations (n = 5) ranging between 2.1 and 6.0%. The results indicated that the developed method is prospective to expand in environmental monitoring.
Experimental and analytical studies of the dynamic behavior of particle dampers prepared with waste cement‐based materials
Authors: Wang Dianchao , Xiao Jianzhuang , Wang Chunhui , Lu Zheng , Ding Tao
Published: March 2022

The particle damper made of steel balls has a great capability of vibration attenuation. However, its noise causes serious problems in the comfortability of structures. In this study, waste concrete aggregates and powders are utilized as particles in particle dampers, aiming to reduce the generated noise and achieve comparable performance as well as better environmental and ecological benefits. The parameters, including damper type, particle materials, earthquake waves, particle number, and tunning frequency on the damping performance, are investigated through free vibration test and shaking table tests. The results show that the damping ratio and seismic performance of this novel damper are comparable to those of the steel particle dampers. Moreover, simulation was conducted based on theoretical analysis. Finally, the generated sound is tested and proved less than the commonly adopted steel ball damper. This study can encourage the application of particle dampers by reducing noise and cost, besides, promotes the environmental benefits by extending the usage of recycled building materials.
Phylogeny of Marsdenieae (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) based on chloroplast and nuclear loci, with a conspectus of the genera
Authors: Liede‐Schumann Sigrid , Reuss Sebastian J. , Meve Ulrich , Gâteblé Gildas , Livshultz Tatyana , Forster Paul I. , Wanntorp Livia , Rodda Michele
Published: March 2022

A densely sampled molecular phylogeny of the pantropical, predominantly forest‐dwelling tribe Marsdenieae (Apocynaceae) is presented, including almost a quarter of the ca. 740 species. Sampling focused on resolving the circumscription of Marsdenia, which ranges from Marsdenia sensu Bullock with less than 10 Asian species closely related to the type, M. tinctoria, to Marsdenia sensu Forster, with ca. 300 species distributed throughout the range of the tribe, encompassing the genera Cionura, Dregea, Gongronema, Gymnema, Leichhardtia, Stephanotis, and Wattakaka as synonyms. All analyses resolve two well‐supported clades: an Asia‐Pacific Clade that includes the large epiphytic Dischidia‐Hoya alliance and a number of Marsdenia species, among them the type M. tinctoria, and a Cosmopolitan Clade that includes most of the rest of Marsdenieae with several moderately to well‐supported subclades that span the entire geographic range of Marsdenieae. The position of two small genera, Rhyssolobium (southern Africa) and Sicyocarpus (Madagascar), is ambiguous. Given this topology, a monophyletic Marsdenia s.l. would subsume all species of Marsdenieae. Instead, we propose a classification that maintains Dischidia and Hoya as distinct genera. We revise generic circumscriptions, reducing Marsdenia s.str. to a small clade of Asian species. Two new genera, Gongreos gen. nov. and Gongronemopsis gen. nov., are described, with two and nine species, respectively. A total of twenty‐six new combinations, one new name, and six new synonyms are proposed. Three neotypes and eleven lectotypes are selected, and one 2nd step lectotypification is carried out. Diagnostic morphological characters for identified clades are discussed. Biogeographic analysis retrieves tropical Asia as most likely ancestral area for Marsdenieae, with widespread tropical Asia‐Africa almost equally likely. The first‐branching lineages in both major clades are tropical Asian; the Asia‐Pacific Clade comprises a sizeable radiation in the Pacific area, with two dispersals from Australia to New Caledonia. The Cosmopolitan Clade comprises several genera (Gongronemopsis, Gymnema, Stephanotis, Telosma) widespread in Africa and tropical Asia, and some also in Madagascar, and the New World genus Ruehssia.
Monitoring diet with automated microhistology
Authors: Shively Rachel D. , Barboza Perry S.
Published: March 2022

Microscopic analysis of indigestible fragments (microhistology) has long been used to monitor diets of wildlife, but the method is slow and difficult to replicate. We automated microhistology analysis by training a computer vision network to quantify the percent slide cover of identified fragments. We compared automated and manual analyses for 3 reference mixes with known proportions of plants and for samples of feces collected during the fall of 2016 and 2017 from white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and goats (Capra aegagrus) with access to the same plants in the wild at the Sonora Research Station, Edward's Plateau, Texas. Consistent size and shape of fragments for grass (Bothriochloa ischaemum) and conifer (Juniperus ashei) were associated with absolute errors of 6 to 16% for both methods. Irregular fragments of leaves and acorns of oak (Quercus virginiana) were underestimated by both methods. Small star‐shaped trichomes of a forb (Croton fruticulosus) were underestimated by computer analysis but overestimated by manual analysis. Fecal fragments from deer were more diverse in plant species and more variable in thickness and shape than those of goats. Computer analysis estimated conifer content of the goat diet within 4% of the manual estimate whereas those estimates for deer were up to 35% greater than the manual estimate. Automated analysis of digital images can increase the rigor of microhistology by expanding the size of sample sets and facilitating the routine use of calibrated references to assess errors in estimates of diet.
Gene Manipulation in Hydractinia
Authors: Chrysostomou Eleni , Febrimarsa  , DuBuc Timothy , Frank Uri
Published: March 2022

The ability to regenerate lost body parts is irregularly distributed among animals, with substantial differences in regenerative potential between and within metazoan phyla. It is widely believed that regenerative animal clades inherited some aspects of their capacity to regenerate from their common ancestors but have also evolved new mechanisms that are not shared with other regenerative animals. Therefore, to gain a broad understanding of animal regenerative mechanisms and evolution, a broad sampling approach is necessary. Unfortunately, only few regenerative animals have been established as laboratory models with protocols for functional gene studies. Here, we describe the methods to establish transgenic individuals of the marine cnidarian Hydractinia. We also provide methods for transient gene expression manipulation without modifying the genome of the animals.
Random Integration Transgenesis in a Free-Living Regenerative Flatworm Macrostomum lignano
Authors: Wudarski Jakub , Ustyantsev Kirill , Reinoite Filipa , Berezikov Eugene
Published: March 2022

Regeneration-capable flatworms are highly informative research models to study the mechanisms of stem cell regulation, regeneration, and tissue patterning. Transgenesis is a powerful research tool for investigating gene function, but until recently, a transgenesis method was missing in flatworms, hampering their wider adoption in biomedical research. Here we describe a detailed protocol to create stable transgenic lines of the flatworm M. lignano using random integration of DNA constructs through microinjection into single-cell stage embryos.
Creating a User-Friendly and Open-Access Gene Expression Database for Comparing Embryonic Development and Regeneration in Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Croce Olivier , Röttinger Eric
Published: March 2022

The sea anemoneNematostella vectensishas emerged as a powerful research model to understand at the gene regulatory network level, to what extend regeneration recapitulates embryonic development. Such comparison involves massive transcriptomic analysis, a routine approach for identifying differential gene expression. Here we present a workflow to build a user-friendly, mineable, and open-access database providing access to the scientific community to various RNAseq datasets.
Impact of recent (g − 2)μ measurement on the light CP-even Higgs scenario in general Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model
Authors: Cao Junjie , Lian Jingwei , Pan Yusi , Yue Yuanfang , Zhang Di
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The General Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (GNMSSM) is an attractive theory that is free from the tadpole problem and the domain-wall problem ofZ3-NMSSM, and can form an economic secluded dark matter (DM) sector to naturally predict the DM experimental results. It also provides mechanisms to easily and significantly weaken the constraints from the LHC search for supersymmetric particles. These characteristics enable the theory to explain the recently measured muon anomalous magnetic moment, (g− 2)μ, in a broad parameter space that is consistent with all experimental results and at same time keeps the electroweak symmetry breaking natural. This work focuses on a popular scenario of the GNMSSM in which the next-to-lightest CP-even Higgs boson corresponds to the scalar discovered at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Both analytic formulae and a sophisticated numerical study show that in order to predict the scenario without significant tunings of relevant parameters, the Higgsino massμtot≲ 500 GeV and tanβ≲ 30 are preferred. This character, if combined with the requirement to account for the (g −2)μanomaly, will entail some light sparticles and make the LHC constraints very tight. As a result, this scenario can explain the muon anomalous magnetic moment in very narrow corners of its parameter space.
Primary or revision arthroplasty with an integrated acetabular cup—MUTARS® RS cup system
Authors: Janko Maren , Verboket René , Genari Maria , Frank Johannes , Marzi Ingo
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The aim of this article is to show a new concept of indication and application of the MUTARS® RS Cup System in primary and revision hip arthroplasty. This integrated system is applicable for different acetabular cup replacements in patients with acetabular fractures or instable defects, as well as periprosthetic acetabular fractures. The MUTARS® RS Cup System is a cementless revision cup for insertion into the acetabulum with an integrated polyethylene cup, which fits to a regular or bipolar head. This system replaces the conventional approach for acetabular revision with a Burch-Schneider ring, in which a normal polyethylene cup is cemented. This interface with its complications is avoided with this system of a titanium revision cup with integrated polyethylene cup. Steps of preoperative planning and the intraoperative implementation will be highlighted in this article.

Material and methods

This system was applied in 49 patients with 52 MUTARS® RS Cup Implantations in 30 males, 22 females, with an average age of 76,1 years (36,9–94,4 years).

Results and discussion

The system shows a good operative feasibility, as well as a reliable handling and safe method for stable treatment of non-reconstructable acetabular fractures or acetabular incongruencies and instabilities.
Verzögerte Lokalreaktion mit subkutaner Infiltration nach Impfung mit mRNA-1273 – ein bisher unbeschriebenes Reaktionsmuster eines COVID-Arms
Authors: Kofler Lukas , Forchhammer Stephan
Published: March 2022

Der Impfstoff mRNA-1273 gegen SARS-CoV‑2 wurde Anfang 2021 in Europa zugelassen. Inzwischen liegen einige Fallberichte zu verzögerten Lokalreaktionen nach Impfung vor („COVID-Arm“). Es wurden dabei oberflächliche lymphozytäre Infiltrate beschrieben, jedoch keine Beteiligung der tiefen Dermis oder Subkutis. Wir berichten über den Fall eines gesunden 32-jährigen Mannes mit Beteiligung der tiefen Dermis und Subkutis nach Impfung mit mRNA-1273. Dieser Fall zeigt erstmals eine verzögerte T‑Zell-vermittelte Reaktion mit tiefem Reaktionsmuster, wobei sich das dermale perivaskuläre und periadnexiale Infiltrat von der papillären Dermis bis in die tiefe retikuläre Dermis und die Subkutis erstreckte. Es zeigte sich ein überwiegend lymphozytäres Infiltrat mit einer Beimischung von Histiozyten und neutrophilen Granulozyten, vereinzelten Mastzellen und spärlichen eosinophilen Granulozyten.
Efficient multi-stage aerodynamic topology optimization using an operator-based analytical differentiation
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Elham Ali
Published: March 2022

A high-performance density-based topology optimization tool is presented for laminar flows with focus on 2D and 3D aerodynamic problems via OpenFOAM software. Density-based methods are generally robust in terms of initial design, making them suitable for designing purposes. However, these methods require relatively fine resolutions for external flow problems to accurately capture the solid-fluid interfaces on Cartesian meshes, which makes them computationally very expensive, particularly for 3D problems. To address such high computational costs, two techniques are developed here. Firstly, an operator-based analytical differentiation (OAD) is proposed, which efficiently computes the exact partial derivatives of the flow solver (simpleFOAM). OAD also facilitates a convenient development process by minimizing hand-coding and utilizing the chain-rule technique, in contrast to full hand-differentiation, which is very complex and prone to implementation errors. Secondly, a multi-stage design process is proposed to further reduce the computational costs. In this technique, instead of using a fixed refined mesh, the optimization processes are initiated with a coarse mesh, and the converged solutions are projected to a locally refined mesh (as an initial guess) for a secondary optimization stage, which can be repeated to obtain a sufficient accuracy. A set of 2D and 3D laminar aerodynamic problems were studied, which promisingly confirmed the utility of the present approach, which can be adopted as a starting point for developing a design tool for large-scale aerodynamic engineering applications. In addition, the 3D problems indicated that less than $$3\%$$

3
%

of total optimization CPU-time is devoted to OAD, and multi-staging up to $$45\%$$

45
%

has reduced the overall costs.
Different injury patterns exist among patients undergoing operative treatment of isolated PCL, combined PCL/ACL, and isolated ACL injuries: a study from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry
Authors: Zsidai Bálint , Horvath Alexandra , Winkler Philipp W. , Narup Eric , Kaarre Janina , Svantesson Eleonor , Musahl Volker , Hamrin Senorski Eric , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To compare demographic characteristics and concomitant injury patterns in patients undergoing primary isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCL-R) and combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (PCL-R/ACL-R) with isolated ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) as a reference using data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry (SNKLR).

Methods

This cohort study based on the SNKLR comprised patients undergoing either PCL-R, ACL-R, or combined PCL-R/ACL-R between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2019 in Sweden. Demographic and surgery-related data with regards to injury mechanism, concomitant intraarticular lesions and their treatment, neurovascular damage, and concomitant ligamentous injuries were extracted. Exclusion criteria included concomitant fractures of the femur, fibula, patella or tibia, and quadriceps or patellar tendon injury.

Results

A total of 45,564 patients were included in this study. Isolated PCL-R, combined PCL-R/ACL-R, and isolated ACL-R were performed in 192 (0.4%), 203 (0.5%) and 45,169 (99.1%) patients, respectively. Sports were identified as the cause of 64% of PCL-Rs, 54% of PCL-R/ACL-Rs, and 89% of ACL-Rs, while a traffic-related mechanism was identified in 20% of PCL-Rs, 27% of PCL-R/ACL-Rs and 2% of ACL-Rs. Meniscus injury prevalence was 45% in ACL-Rs, 31% in PCL-R/ACL-Rs and 16% in isolated PCL-Rs (p < 0.001). Cartilage injuries were more common in PCL-R (37%) and PCL-R/ACL-R patients (40%) compared to ACL-R patients (26%, p < 0.001). Concomitant knee ligament injury was identified in 28–44% of PCL-R/ACL-R patients. Neurovascular injuries were present in 9% of PCL-R/ACL-Rs, 1% of PCL-Rs, and 0.3% of ACL-Rs (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Differences in injury mechanisms among patient groups confirm that operatively treated PCL tears are frequently caused by both traffic and sports. Cartilage and ligament injuries were more frequent in patients with PCL-R compared to ACL-R. Consequently, combined PCL and ACL tears should raise suspicion for concomitant knee lesions with clinical relevance during the operative treatment of these complex injuries.

Level of evidence

III.
Biotransformation of artemisinin to a novel derivative via ring rearrangement by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Luo Jiaer , Mobley Rebecca , Woodfine Sian , Drijfhout Falko , Horrocks Paul , Ren Xiao-Dong , Li Wen-Wu
Published: March 2022

Artemisinin is a component part of current frontline medicines for the treatment of malaria. The aim of this study is to make analogues of artemisinin using microbial transformation and evaluate their in vitro antimalarial activity. A panel of microorganisms were screened for biotransformation of artemisinin (1). The biotransformation products were extracted, purified and isolated using silica gel column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Spectroscopic methods including LC-HRMS, GC–MS, FT-IR, 1D and 2D NMR were used to elucidate the structure of the artemisinin metabolites.1H NMR spectroscopy was further used to study the time-course biotransformation. The antiplasmodial activity (IC50) of the biotransformation products of 1 against intraerythrocytic cultures of Plasmodium falciparum were determined using bioluminescence assays. A filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger CICC 2487 was found to possess the best efficiency to convert artemisinin (1) to a novel derivative, 4-methoxy-9,10-dimethyloctahydrofuro-(3,2-i)-isochromen-11(4H)-one (2) via ring rearrangement and further degradation, along with three known derivatives, compound (3), deoxyartemisinin (4) and 3-hydroxy-deoxyartemisinin (5). Kinetic study of the biotransformation of artemisinin indicated the formation of artemisinin G as a key intermediate which could be hydrolyzed and methylated to form the new compound 2. Our study shows that the anti-plasmodial potency of compounds 2, 3, 4 and 5 were ablated compared to 1, which attributed to the loss of the unique peroxide bridge in artemisinin (1). This is the first report of microbial degradation and ring rearrangement of artemisinin with subsequent hydrolysis and methoxylation by A.niger.

Key points

• Aspergillus niger CICC 2487 was found to be efficient for biotransformation of artemisinin

• A novel and unusual artemisinin derivative was isolated and elucidated

• The peroxide bridge in artemisinin is crucial for its high antimalarial potency

• The pathway of biotransformation involves the formation of artemisinin G as a key intermediate
Native T1 mapping for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Lavall Daniel , Vosshage Nicola H. , Geßner Romy , Stöbe Stephan , Ebel Sebastian , Denecke Timm , Hagendorff Andreas , Laufs Ulrich
Published: March 2022

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with parametric mapping can improve the characterization of myocardial tissue. We studied the diagnostic value of native T1 mapping to detect cardiac amyloidosis in patients with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy.

Methods

One hundred twenty-five patients with increased LV wall thickness (≥ 12 mm end-diastole) who received clinical CMR in a 3 T scanner between 2017 and 2020 were included. 31 subjects without structural heart disease served as controls. Native T1 was measured as global mean value from 3 LV short axis slices. The study was registered at German clinical trial registry (DRKS00022048).

Results

Mean age of the patients was 66 ± 14 years, 83% were males. CA was present in 24 patients, 21 patients had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 80 patients suffered from hypertensive heart disease (HHD). Native T1 times were higher in patients with CA (1409 ± 59 ms, p < 0.0001) compared to healthy controls (1225 ± 21 ms), HCM (1266 ± 44 ms) and HHD (1257 ± 41 ms). HCM and HHD patients did not differ in their native T1 times but were increased compared to control (p < 0.01). ROC analysis of native T1 demonstrated an area under the curve for the detection of CA vs. HCM and HHD of 0.9938 (p < 0.0001), which was higher than that of extracellular volume (0.9876) or quantitative late gadolinium enhancement (0.9406; both p < 0.0001). The optimal cut-off value of native T1 to diagnose CA was 1341 ms (sensitivity 100%, specificity 97%).

Conclusion

Non-contrast CMR imaging with native T1 mapping provides high diagnostic accuracy to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Alkaline nucleoplasm facilitates contractile gene expression in the mammalian heart
Authors: Hulikova Alzbeta , Park Kyung Chan , Loonat Aminah A. , Gunadasa-Rohling Mala , Curtis M. Kate , Chung Yu Jin , Wilson Abigail , Carr Carolyn A. , Trafford Andrew W. , Fournier Marjorie , Moshnikova Anna , Andreev Oleg A. , Reshetnyak Yana K. , Riley Paul R. , Smart Nicola , Milne Thomas A. , Crump Nicholas T. , Swietach Pawel
Published: March 2022

Cardiac contractile strength is recognised as being highly pH-sensitive, but less is known about the influence of pH on cardiac gene expression, which may become relevant in response to changes in myocardial metabolism or vascularization during development or disease. We sought evidence for pH-responsive cardiac genes, and a physiological context for this form of transcriptional regulation. pHLIP, a peptide-based reporter of acidity, revealed a non-uniform pH landscape in early-postnatal myocardium, dissipating in later life. pH-responsive differentially expressed genes (pH-DEGs) were identified by transcriptomics of neonatal cardiomyocytes cultured over a range of pH. Enrichment analysis indicated “striated muscle contraction” as a pH-responsive biological process. Label-free proteomics verified fifty-four pH-responsive gene-products, including contractile elements and the adaptor protein CRIP2. Using transcriptional assays, acidity was found to reduce p300/CBP acetylase activity and, its a functional readout, inhibit myocardin, a co-activator of cardiac gene expression. In cultured myocytes, acid-inhibition of p300/CBP reduced H3K27 acetylation, as demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. H3K27ac levels were more strongly reduced at promoters of acid-downregulated DEGs, implicating an epigenetic mechanism of pH-sensitive gene expression. By tandem cytoplasmic/nuclear pH imaging, the cardiac nucleus was found to exercise a degree of control over its pH through Na+/H+ exchangers at the nuclear envelope. Thus, we describe how extracellular pH signals gain access to the nucleus and regulate the expression of a subset of cardiac genes, notably those coding for contractile proteins and CRIP2. Acting as a proxy of a well-perfused myocardium, alkaline conditions are permissive for expressing genes related to the contractile apparatus.
A novel male Japanese quail structural connectivity atlas using ultra-high field diffusion MRI at 11.7 T
Authors: Yebga Hot Raïssa , Siwiaszczyk Marine , Love Scott A. , Andersson Frédéric , Calandreau Ludovic , Poupon Fabrice , Beaujoin Justine , Herlin Bastien , Boumezbeur Fawzi , Mulot Baptiste , Chaillou Elodie , Uszynski Ivy , Poupon Cyril
Published: March 2022

The structural connectivity of animal brains can be revealed using post-mortem diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite the existence of several structural atlases of avian brains, few of them address the bird’s structural connectivity. In this study, a novel atlas of the structural connectivity is proposed for the male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), aiming at investigating two lines divergent on their emotionality trait: the short tonic immobility (STI) and the long tonic immobility (LTI) lines. The STI line presents a low emotionality trait, while the LTI line expresses a high emotionality trait. 21 male Japanese quail brains from both lines were scanned post-mortem for this study, using a preclinical Bruker 11.7 T MRI scanner. Diffusion-weighted MRI was performed using a 3D segmented echo planar imaging (EPI) pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) sequence with a 200 $$\upmu$$μm isotropic resolution, 75 diffusion-encoding directions and a b-value fixed at 4500 s/mm2. Anatomical MRI was likewise performed using a 2D anatomical T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) sequence with a 150 $$\upmu$$μm isotropic resolution. This very first anatomical connectivity atlas of the male Japanese quail reveals 34 labeled fiber tracts and the existence of structural differences between the connectivity patterns characterizing the two lines. Thus, the link between the male Japanese quail’s connectivity and its underlying anatomical structures has reached a better understanding.
Measuring and modelling microclimatic air temperature in a historically degraded tropical forest
Authors: Marsh Christopher D. , Hill Ross A. , Nowak Matthew G. , Hankinson Emma , Abdullah Abdullah , Gillingham Phillipa , Korstjens Amanda H.
Published: March 2022

Climate change is predicted to cause widespread disruptions to global biodiversity. Most climate models are at the macroscale, operating at a ~ 1 km resolution and predicting future temperatures at 1.5–2 m above ground level, making them unable to predict microclimates at the scale that many organisms experience temperature. We studied the effects of forest structure and vertical position on microclimatic air temperature within forest canopy in a historically degraded tropical forest in Sikundur, Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. We collected temperature measurements in fifteen plots over 20 months, alongside vegetation structure data from the same fifteen 25 × 25 m plots. We also performed airborne surveys using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to record canopy structure remotely, both over the plot locations and a wider area. We hypothesised that old-growth forest structure would moderate microclimatic air temperature. Our data showed that Sikundur is a thermally dynamic environment, with simultaneously recorded temperatures at different locations within the canopy varying by up to ~ 15 °C. Our models (R2 = 0.90 to 0.95) showed that temperature differences between data loggers at different sites were largely determined by variation in recording height and the amount of solar radiation reaching the topmost part of the canopy, although strong interactions between these abiotic factors and canopy structure shaped microclimate air temperature variation. The impacts of forest degradation have smaller relative influence on models of microclimatic air temperature than abiotic factors, but the loss of canopy density increases temperature. This may render areas of degraded tropical forests unsuitable for some forest-dwelling species with the advent of future climate change.
Fear of prognosis? How anxiety, coping, and expected burden impact the decision to have cytogenetic assessment in uveal melanoma patients
Authors: Gollrad Johannes , Korpusik Nevenka , Rabsahl Christopher , Boehmer Dirk , Besserer Angela , Grittner Ulrike , Boeker Alexander , Keilholz Ulrich , Joussen Antonia , Budach Volker , Goerling Ute
Published: March 2022

Background

Cytogenetic testing (CGT) in uveal melanoma patients reveals prognostic information about the individual risk of developing distant metastasis with dismal prognosis. There is currently no medical intervention strategy with proven effect on the prognosis, rendering the result of the cytogenetic testing purely informative. We explored patients’ socio-demographic backgrounds, psychological preconditions, coping strategies, external influences, and concerns about “knowing their fate” to study their possible interactions with decision-making for CGT.

Methods

Uveal melanoma patients were asked to complete questionnaires on their interest in undergoing CGT for prognostication and the factors influencing their decision. Data were collected on socio-demographics, baseline anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), coping strategies (Brief COPE), and assumed future concerns regarding the CGT result. Data were analyzed by using multiple ordinal logistic regression and exploring estimated marginal effects.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 121 of 131 (92.4%) patients. Fifty-two patients (43%) had no interest in CGT, 34 (28.1%) were undecided, and 35 (28.9%) were interested. We observed no significant differences regarding age, sex, partnership, education, occupation, baseline anxiety, or depression. Decision-making favoring CGT was influenced by the treating physicians, internet resources, and level of baseline anxiety. Patients were likely to reject CGT when they worried that “knowing the result will have an unintended influence” on their life.

Conclusion

Decision-making about CGT for prognostication in uveal melanoma is burdensome to many patients and in general not guided by medical advice regarding further treatment and screening procedures. The psychological impact of the decision is therefore unique and requires careful support by psycho-oncologists considering the patient’s fears and expectations.
Impact of myocardial injury on regional left ventricular function in the course of acute myocarditis with preserved ejection fraction: insights from segmental feature tracking strain analysis using cine cardiac MRI
Authors: Weber L. , Sokolska J. M. , Nadarevic T. , Karolyi M. , Baessler B. , Fischer X. , Sokolski M. , von Spiczak J. , Polacin M. , Matziris I. , Alkadhi H. , Robert M.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to provide insights into myocardial adaptation over time in myocyte injury caused by acute myocarditis with preserved ejection fraction. The effect of myocardial injury, as defined by the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), on the change of left ventricular (LV) segmental strain parameters was evaluated in a longitudinal analysis. Patients with a first episode of acute myocarditis were enrolled retrospectively. Peak radial (PRS), longitudinal (PLS) and circumferential (PCS) LV segmental strain values at baseline and at follow-up were computed using feature tracking cine cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The change of segmental strain values in LGE positive (LGE+) and LGE negative (LGE−) segments was compared over a course of 89 ± 20 days. In 24 patients, 100 LGE+ segments and 284 LGE− segments were analysed. Between LGE+ and LGE− segments, significant differences were found for the change of segmental PCS (p < 0.001) and segmental PRS (p = 0.006). LGE + segments showed an increase in contractility, indicating recovery, and LGE− segments showed a decrease in contractility, indicating normalisation after a hypercontractile state or impairment of an initially normal contracting segment. No significant difference between LGE+ and LGE− segments was found for the change in segmental PLS. In the course of acute myocarditis with preserved ejection fraction, regional myocardial function adapts inversely in segments with and without LGE. As these effects seem to counterbalance each other, global functional parameters might be of limited use in monitoring functional recovery of these patients.
Bicomponent regenerated cellulose fibres: retaining the colour from waste cotton textiles
Authors: Rosson Lucas , Byrne Nolene
Published: March 2022

Bicomponent regenerated cellulose fibres (bRCF) have been created in a core–shell configuration from waste textiles. Textile dyeing and colouration is known to be a major contributor to the environmental impact of producing textiles and this needs to be addressed for textiles to become more sustainable. Coloration of the bRCF here was achieved by utilizing coloured textile waste in the shell component whilst using white cotton waste in the core. The shell and core extrusion speed and thus shell and core diameter were varied and optimised for colour strength. The optimised bRCF was made up of 49.6% dyed material yet was able to achieve the same colour strength as the single component regenerated cellulose fibre (RCF). The potential benefit of this approach is the reduced amount of coloured material required to colour these recycled fibres without any sacrifice in colour intensity. The mechanical properties of the bRCF were similar to the single component RCF with tensile strengths of 115–116 MPa and maximum elongations of 15.2–17.5%. The morphology of the bRCF was similar to single component regenerated cellulose fibres, while optical micrographs showed the discrete coloured core–shell structure of the bRCF. This manuscript details the fibre properties, dye savings and spinning approach.
A two-step carbon pricing scheme enabling a net-zero and net-negative CO$$_2$$-emissions world
Authors: Becattini Viola , Gabrielli Paolo , Frattini Linda , Weisbach David , Mazzotti Marco
Published: March 2022

This contribution introduces a novel carbon pricing system and illustrates its benefits. The system is based on two related but distinct ideas. First, we group the global pools of carbon into three aggregate pools, and we tax or credit human-caused carbon fluxes across the boundaries of the pools. Second, we base the tax or credit solely on physical movements of carbon between pools; hence, the system uses a physical baseline instead of a behavioral baseline based on the hypothetical emissions levels that would have arisen absent the carbon price. The proposed system goes beyond the limitations of current carbon pricing schemes for a number of reasons: it is designed to capture all positive and negative emissions based purely on their climate impact, allowing a broader scope and more appropriate incentives than current systems; it avoids creating bad incentives, particularly those caused by additionality requirements found in carbon offset systems; it captures the complexity of carbon movements through human and natural systems; it reduces measurement errors; and it provides transparent and easily observed price signals. Though this manuscript is conceptual in nature and refrains from discussing the technicalities related to the implementation of the proposed carbon pricing system, we trust that it may contribute to the development of policies enabling a net-zero and net-negative CO$$_{2}$$

2

-emissions world.
A Dynamic Baseline Calibration Procedure for CGE models
Authors: Ziesmer Johannes , Jin Ding , Thube Sneha D , Henning Christian
Published: March 2022

Baseline assumptions play a crucial role in conducting consistent quantitative policy assessments for dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models. Two essential factors that influence the determination of the baselines are the data sources of projections and the applied calibration methods. We propose a general, Bayesian approach that can be employed to build a baseline for any recursive-dynamic CGE model. We use metamodeling techniques to transform the calibration problem into a tractable optimization problem while simultaneously reducing the computational costs. This transformation allows us to derive the exogenous model parameters that are needed to match the projections. We demonstrate how to apply the approach using a simple CGE and supply the full code. Additionally, we apply our method to a multi-region, multi-sector model and show that calibrated parameters matter as policy implications derived from simulations differ significantly between them.
Accelerating the Pool-Adjacent-Violators Algorithm for Isotonic Distributional Regression
Authors: Henzi Alexander , Mösching Alexandre , Dümbgen Lutz
Published: March 2022

In the context of estimating stochastically ordered distribution functions, the pool-adjacent-violators algorithm (PAVA) can be modified such that the computation times are reduced substantially. This is achieved by studying the dependence of antitonic weighted least squares fits on the response vector to be approximated.
Neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life of children after pediatric intensive care admission: a systematic review
Authors: Hordijk José A. , Verbruggen Sascha C. , Buysse Corinne M. , Utens Elisabeth M. , Joosten Koen F. , Dulfer Karolijn
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study systematically reviewed recent findings on neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children after pediatric intensive care unit admission (PICU).

Data sources

Electronic databases searched included Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar. The search was limited to studies published in the last five years (2015–2019).

Study selection

Original studies assessing neurocognitive functioning or HRQoL in children who were previously admitted to the PICU were included in this systematic review.

Data extraction

Of the 3649 identified studies, 299 met the inclusion criteria based on title abstract screening. After full-text screening, 75 articles were included in the qualitative data reviewing: 38 on neurocognitive functioning, 33 on HRQoL, and 4 on both outcomes.

Data synthesis

Studies examining neurocognitive functioning found overall worse scores for general intellectual functioning, attention, processing speed, memory, and executive functioning. Studies investigating HRQoL found overall worse scores for both physical and psychosocial HRQoL. On the short term (≤ 12 months), most studies reported HRQoL impairments, whereas in some long-term studies HRQoL normalized. The effectiveness of the few intervention studies during and after PICU admission on long-term outcomes varied.

Conclusions

PICU survivors have lower scores for neurocognitive functioning and HRQoL than children from the general population. A structured follow-up program after a PICU admission is needed to identify those children and parents who are at risk. However, more research is needed into testing interventions in randomized controlled trials aiming on preventing or improving impairments in critically ill children during and after PICU admission.
The Sexual and Emotional Life Experiences Reported by Brazilian Men with Head and Neck Cancer at a Public University Hospital: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sant’Ana Ricardo Souza Evangelista , Zerbinati João Paulo , de Faria Maria Eufrasia , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos , Maheu Christine , Turato Egberto Ribeiro
Published: March 2022

This study explored the sexual and emotional experiences of male patients with head and neck cancer. This study utilized a clinical-qualitative method. Twelve patients with head and neck cancer were recruited to participate in the research through in-depth semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions recorded. Data was collected at the radiotherapy of a Brazilian hospital. All patients demonstrated negative impacts on the dynamics of affective and sexual relationships caused by a serious disease. Data revealed that impacts mainly affect “The felt/lived body”, and “The affective-sexual body”. Requiring, then, an “Elaboration of the grief of the bodily and sexual changes”. Considering, evaluating and proposing care for a sexual and emotional aspects of patients with head and neck cancer is essential for the creation and implementation of comprehensive health measures, especially in terms of quality of life for patients.
Expectancies and Motives as Predictors of Risky Alcohol Consumption in College Women
Authors: Cortés-Tomás María-Teresa , Giménez-Costa José-Antonio , Motos-Sellés Patricia , Sancerni-Beitia María-Dolores
Published: March 2022

Despite the consequences of alcohol use, it continues showing a high incidence among college students. Besides, the increasing presence of women in risk alcohol patterns calls for a gender-sensitive approach to design specific actions. Some variables have been analyzed as underlying alcohol consumption (expectations and motives). This paper assesses the type and influence of both variables on female university alcohol consumers at different levels of risk. Five hundred four college women were assessed using the Spanish adaptations of the Expectancy Questionnaire, the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised, and the AUDIT. We determine the unique contributions of expectancies, motives, and the presence of binge drinking (BD) to the pattern of risky drinking. The percentage of variance explained by risky drinking is 37.7%. Negative expectancies (20.4%) are the most explanatory variables, followed by enhancement motives (10.4%). Interventions with university women should focus on their negative expectancies, in addition to addressing for improvement, coping with depression, and conformity motives.
NMR Metabolome-Based Classification of Cymbopogon Species: a Prospect for Phyto-equivalency of its Different Accessions Using Chemometric Tools
Authors: Otify Asmaa M. , Serag Ahmed , Porzel Andrea , Wessjohann Ludger A. , Farag Mohamed A.
Published: March 2022

Cymbopogon species are widely distributed worldwide and known for their high essential oil content with potential commercial and medicinal benefits justifying for their inclusion in food and cosmetics. Most species received scant characterization regarding their full complement of bioactive constituents necessary to explain their medicinal activities. In this study, the metabolite profiles of 5 Cymbopogon species, C. citratus, C. flexuosus, C. procerus, C. martini, and C. nardus, were characterized via NMR-based metabolomics. The results of 13 shoot accessions revealed the identification and quantification of 23 primary and secondary metabolites belonging to various compound classes. Multivariate analyses were used for species classification, though found not successful in discrimination based on geographical origin. Nevertheless, C. citratus was found particularly enriched in neral, geranial, (E)-aconitic acid, isoorientin, and caffeic acid as the major characterizing metabolites compared to other species, while an unknown apigenin derivative appeared to discriminate C. martini. The high essential oil and phenolic content in C. citratus emphasizes its strong antioxidant activity, whereas (E)-aconitic acid accounts for its traditional use as insecticide. This study affords the first insight into metabolite compositional differences among Cymbopogon species. Moreover, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antidiabetic, and antioxidant compounds were identified that can be utilized as biomarkers for species authentication.
A synopsis of Neotropical Dichapetalaceae
Authors: Prance Ghillean T.
Published: March 2022

The Neotropical Dichapetalaceae was last monographed by Prance (1972). Since then twenty-nine new species have been described and the known geographic distribution of many species has been much extended. The 1972 treatment is updated here with summary descriptions of all Neotropical species and keys for their identification. New information on type collections and on conservation including the IUCN Red Data status for all species is given and several older names are now lectotypified.