bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Only the smartest? Motivating job characteristics for all ability levels and their impact on job satisfaction
Authors: Dopeso‐Fernández Roberto , Giusti Giovanni , Kucel Aleksander
Published: October 2022

Using Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies data, we explore the relation between cognitive ability, proxied by an explicit test of individual numeracy level and the reported satisfaction of individuals with their job. The paper identifies a relation of individual cognitive ability on job satisfaction interacting with some characteristics of the job related to job complexity, namely job autonomy and learning opportunity in the workplace. We found that individuals with different levels of cognitive ability exhibit different levels of job satisfaction depending on how much learning and job autonomy allows their employment. Individuals with low level of cognitive ability enjoy more their job autonomy than individuals in the top of the ability distribution. The learning effect brings the most profits to the utility of workers from the middle quartiles. Finally, planning is most enjoyed at the top of the distribution. We discuss the implication of these findings from a practical perspective.
The effect of burosumab on intact and C‐terminal FGF23 measurements
Authors: Ashrafzadeh‐Kian Susan Louise , Ito Nobuaki , Srivastava Tarak , Garg Uttam , Kato Hajime , Algeciras‐Schimnich Alicia , Bornhorst Joshua A.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of CRYSVITA® (burosumab‐twza) on FGF23 measurements in an intact and a C‐terminal immunoassay.

Methods

An intact serum FGF23 (MedFrontier) and a C‐terminal plasma FGF23 assay (Immutopics) were used. Serum/plasma pools were spiked to span the burosumab therapeutic range (1.4–11.3 μg/ml) and FGF23 recovery was assessed. Patient serum and plasma samples obtained pre and post‐burosumab treatment were evaluated on both assays and compared with corresponding phosphorus measurements

Results

Spiking burosumab (1.4–11.3 μg/ml) into sample pools resulted in a dose‐dependent negative analytical interference on intact FGF23 measurements and no significant interference for C‐terminal FGF23 measurements. However, more than a 500‐fold median increase (post‐ vs. pre‐burosumab administration) in in vivo FGF23 concentrations were observed by both assays.

Conclusions

Therapeutic concentrations of burosumab result in a negative analytical interference of the intact, but not the C‐terminal FGF23 immunoassay. Despite this in vitro analytical interference in the intact assay, relatively large elevations of both intact FGF23 and C‐terminal FGF23 measurements were observed in vivo following burosumab administration. Following burosumab administration, FGF23 measurements must be interpreted within the clinical context of the patient and other relevant biomarker results.

This article describes a negative analytical interference by burosumab in an intact FGF23 immunoassay. The recovery of C‐terminal FGF23 is not significantly affected by the presence of burosumab. In vivo, both assays demonstrate extreme FGF23 elevations in the presence of the drug. Furthermore, the measurement of FGF23 blocked by burosumab is not clinically useful regarding hypophosphataemia.
Adrenal venous sampling for lateralization of cortisol hypersecretion in patients with bilateral adrenal masses
Authors: Johnson Paige C. , Thompson Scott M. , Adamo Daniel , Fleming Chad J. , Bancos Irina , McKenzie Travis J. , Cheville John , Young William F. , Andrews James C.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of adrenal venous sampling (AVS) in guiding the management of patients with corticotropin (ACTH)‐independent glucocorticoid secretory autonomy and bilateral adrenal masses.

Design and Patients

A cohort with 25 patients underwent AVS and surgical management.

Measurements

Cortisol was measured from the adrenal veins (AVs) and inferior vena cava (IVC). AV/IVC cortisol ratio and cortisol lateralization ratio (CLR) (dominant AV cortisol concentration divided by the nondominant AV cortisol concentration) were calculated. Posthoc receiver‐operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the specificity of revised AV/IVC cortisol ratio and CLR in differentiating unilateral from bilateral disease.

Results

Patients underwent unilateral (n = 21) or bilateral (n = 4) adrenalectomy. The mean AV/IVC cortisol ratio for unilateral adrenalectomy was 12.1 ± 9.6 (dominant) and 4.7 ± 3.8 (contralateral) with a mean CLR of 3.6 ± 3.5. The mean AV/IVC cortisol ratio for bilateral adrenalectomy was 7.5 ± 2.1, with a mean CLR of 1.1 ± 0.6. At a mean follow‐up of 22 months, one patient who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy for the predicted bilateral disease developed recurrent mild autonomous cortisol secretion. Posthoc analyses demonstrated a specificity of 95%–100% for unilateral disease with AV/IVC cortisol ratio >9 for one side, <2.0 for the opposite side and a CLR > 2.3. The specificity was 80%–90% for bilateral disease with AV/IVC cortisol ratio >5.1 bilaterally and a CLR < 1.1.

Conclusions

Among patients with bilateral adrenal masses and ACTH‐independent autonomous cortisol secretion, AVS can distinguish between unilateral and bilateral disease with high specificity and may guide surgical management.
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in patients with primary polydipsia compared to healthy controls
Authors: Sailer Clara O. , Kuehne Jill M , da Conceição Ismael , Refardt Julie , Christ‐Crain Mirjam , Winzeler Bettina
Published: October 2022

Objective

Primary polydipsia is characterized by excessive fluid intake which may suppress vasopressin levels. It is speculated that suppressed vasopressin levels lead to a dysregulated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis as vasopressin co‐modulates the HPA axis. However, data are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate markers of the HPA axis in patients with primary polydipsia compared to healthy controls.

Design

Exploratory analysis combining data from two different prospective observational studies.

Patients

We included 34 patients with primary polydipsia (68% females, median aged 29.5 years (interquartile range, IQR: 26.0, 38.8) and 20 healthy controls (55% females, median age 24.0 years [IQR: 22.0, 27.2]).

Measurements

The main outcome was difference in HPA axis activity assessed using circadian serum and salivary cortisol, 24‐h urinary free cortisol and cortisol levels before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation; vasopressin suppression was assessed measuring fasting copeptin levels between patients with primary polydipsia and healthy controls using Wilcoxon rank‐sum test.

Results

No difference was seen in circadian serum cortisol levels (p = .9), urinary free cortisol levels (p = .17) and serum cortisol in response to ACTH stimulation (p = .77) between groups. Circadian salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower in patients with primary polydipsia compared to healthy controls with an estimated difference of −3.7 nmol/L (95% CI: −5.5, −1.8 nmol/L, p < .001). Fasting copeptin levels were significantly lower in patients with primary polydipsia compared to healthy volunteers (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results suggest no difference in HPA axis activity between patients with primary polydipsia and healthy controls. The observed difference in salivary cortisol levels may be linked to a dilution effect in saliva rather than an altered stress axis considering the other findings.
Troubleshooting of embedded M‐Intraductal lasso in fistula of endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided hepaticogastrostomy
Authors: Masuda Sakue , Koizumi Kazuya , Makazu Makomo
Published: October 2022

Watch a video of this article.
Loss of tetraspanin‐7 expression reduces pancreatic β‐cell exocytosis Ca2+ sensitivity but has limited effect on systemic metabolism
Authors: McLaughlin Kerry , Acreman Samuel , Nawaz Sameena , Cutteridge Joseph , Clark Anne , Knudsen Jakob G. , Denwood Geoffrey , Spigelman Aliya F. , Manning Fox Jocelyn E. , Singh Sumeet Pal , MacDonald Patrick E. , Hastoy Benoit , Zhang Quan
Published: October 2022

Background

Tetraspanin‐7 (Tspan7) is an islet autoantigen involved in autoimmune type 1 diabetes and known to regulate β‐cell L‐type Ca2+ channel activity. However, the role of Tspan7 in pancreatic β‐cell function is not yet fully understood.

Methods

Histological analyses were conducted using immunostaining. Whole‐body metabolism was tested using glucose tolerance test. Islet hormone secretion was quantified using static batch incubation or dynamic perifusion. β‐cell transmembrane currents, electrical activity and exocytosis were measured using whole‐cell patch‐clamping and capacitance measurements. Gene expression was studied using mRNA‐sequencing and quantitative PCR.

Results

Tspan7 is expressed in insulin‐containing granules of pancreatic β‐cells and glucagon‐producing α‐cells. Tspan7 knockout mice (Tspan7y/− mouse) exhibit reduced body weight and ad libitum plasma glucose but normal glucose tolerance. Tspan7y/− islets have normal insulin content and glucose‐ or tolbutamide‐stimulated insulin secretion. Depolarisation‐triggered Ca2+ current was enhanced in Tspan7y/− β‐cells, but β‐cell electrical activity and depolarisation‐evoked exocytosis were unchanged suggesting that exocytosis was less sensitive to Ca2+. TSPAN7 knockdown (KD) in human pseudo‐islets led to a significant reduction in insulin secretion stimulated by 20 mM K+. Transcriptomic analyses show that TSPAN7 KD in human pseudo‐islets correlated with changes in genes involved in hormone secretion, apoptosis and ER stress. Consistent with rodent β‐cells, exocytotic Ca2+ sensitivity was reduced in a human β‐cell line (EndoC‐βH1) following Tspan7 KD.

Conclusion

Tspan7 is involved in the regulation of Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis in β‐cells. Its function is more significant in human β‐cells than their rodent counterparts.
Transplant experiments demonstrate that larger brains are favoured in high‐competition environments in Trinidadian killifish
Authors: Howell Kaitlyn J. , Walsh Matthew R.
Published: October 2022

The extent to which the evolution of a larger brain is adaptive remains controversial. Trinidadian killifish (Anablepsoides hartii) are found in sites that differ in predation intensity; fish that experience decreased predation and increased intraspecific competition exhibit larger brains. We evaluated the connection between brain size and fitness (survival and growth) when killifish are found in their native habitats and when fish are transplanted from sites with predators to high‐competition sites that lack predators. Selection for a larger brain was absent within locally adapted populations. Conversely, there was a strong positive relationship between brain size and growth in transplanted but not resident fish in high‐competition environments. We also observed significantly larger brain sizes in the transplanted fish that were recaptured at the end of the experiment versus those that were not. Our results provide experimental support that larger brains increase fitness and are favoured in high‐competition environments.
Intestinal histomorphological and molecular alterations in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bellini Gabriele , Benvenuti Laura , Ippolito Chiara , Frosini Daniela , Segnani Cristina , Rettura Francesco , Pancetti Andrea , Bertani Lorenzo , D'Antongiovanni Vanessa , Palermo Giovanni , Del Prete Eleonora , Antonioli Luca , Nardini Vincenzo , Morganti Riccardo , Pellegrini Carolina , Bernardini Nunzia , Ceravolo Roberto , Fornai Matteo , Bellini Massimo
Published: October 2022

Background and purpose

Changes in gut microbiota composition, enteric inflammation, impairments of the intestinal epithelial barrier and neuroplastic changes in the enteric nervous system have been reported in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and could contribute to the onset of both neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, their mutual interplay has rarely been investigated. This study evaluated, in an integrated manner, changes in faecal microbiota composition, morphofunctional alterations of colonic mucosal barrier and changes of inflammatory markers in blood and stools of PD patients.

Methods

Nineteen PD patients and nineteen asymptomatic subjects were enrolled. Blood lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP, marker of altered intestinal permeability) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels, as well as stool IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) levels, were evaluated. Gut microbiota analysis was performed. Epithelial mucins, collagen fibres, claudin‐1 and S100‐positive glial cells as markers of an impairment of the intestinal barrier, mucosal remodelling and enteric glial activation were evaluated on colonic mucosal specimens collected during colonoscopy.

Results

Faecal microbiota analysis revealed a significant difference in the α‐diversity in PD patients compared to controls, while no differences were found in the β‐diversity. Compared to controls, PD patients showed significant chenags in plasma LBP levels, as well as faecal TNF and IL‐1β levels. The histological analysis showed a decrease in epithelial neutral mucins and claudin‐1 expression and an increased expression of acidic mucins, collagen fibres and S100‐positive glial cells.

Conclusions

Parkinson's disease patients are characterized by enteric inflammation and increased intestinal epithelial barrier permeability, as well as colonic mucosal barrier remodelling, associated with changes in gut microbiota composition.
Fatigue crack propagation behavior of multiphase microstructure in a quenched and partitioned medium‐carbon bainitic steel
Authors: Li Qiangguo , Zhang Yanan , Luo Hong
Published: October 2022

A medium‐carbon steel was treated by the bainitic isothermal transformation plus quenching and partitioning (B‐QP) process to obtain bainite/martensite/retained austenite multiphase microstructure, and its fatigue crack propagation (FCP) behavior was evaluated in contrast with BAT (bainite austempering) sample with fully bainite microstructure. Results show that B‐QP sample exhibits a lower FCP rate and higher fatigue threshold ΔKth (12.6 MPa·m1/2). Moreover, the FCP path of B‐QP sample displays a strongly tortuosity and more crack branching due to more filmy retained austenite (7.2%) and higher percentage of high angle misoriented boundaries (68%). The larger crack tortuosity and the secondary cracks as result of crack branching are primarily responsible for the lower FCP rate of B‐QP sample. In addition, the FCP rate curve of B‐QP sample shows a pronounced small plateauing at the near‐threshold zone, which can be ascribed to the mechanical twinning that occurred in the filmy retained austenite.
‘Corona is coming’: COVID‐19 vaccination perspectives and experiences amongst Culturally and Linguistically Diverse West Australians
Authors: Carlson Samantha J. , Edwards Gracie , Blyth Christopher C. , Nattabi Barbara , Attwell Katie
Published: October 2022

Background

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) groups within high‐income countries are at risk of being left behind by the COVID‐19 vaccination rollout. They face both access and attitudinal barriers, including low trust in government and health authorities.

Objective

To explore perceptions and attitudes towards COVID‐19 vaccination, as well as facilitators, barriers and strategies to promote uptake among CALD residents of Western Australia (WA), where there were almost no COVID‐19 cases for 2 years.

Design and Participants

Perth, WA's capital, was chosen as the state's study site because most of the state's CALD population lives there. Eleven semistructured in‐depth interviews and three focus groups (with 37 participants) were conducted with CALD residents between August and October 2021. Thematic analysis was conducted, informed by the ‘Capability’, ‘Opportunity’, ‘Motivation’, ‘Behaviour’ model.

Results

CALD participants faced barriers including a lack of knowledge about COVID‐19 and the vaccines, low self‐rated English proficiency and education levels, misinformation, passive government communication strategies and limited access to vaccine clinics/providers. They were, however, motivated to vaccinate by the imminent opening of state and international borders, trust in government and healthcare authorities, travel intentions and the desire to protect themselves and others.

Conclusions

Despite high levels of trust and significant desire for vaccines among CALD communities in Perth, current strategies were not meeting their needs and the community remains at risk from COVID‐19. Tailored intervention strategies are required to provide knowledge, address misinformation and facilitate access to ensure uptake of COVID‐19 vaccines—including for additional doses—amongst CALD communities. Governments should work with trusted CALD community members to disseminate tailored COVID‐19 vaccine information and adequately translated resources.

Patient or Public Contribution

The Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Community Reference Group at Telethon Kids Institute consulted on this project in September 2020; Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services consulted on and facilitated the focus groups.
Experiences and expectations of receiving volunteer services among home‐based elderly in Chinese urban areas: A qualitative study
Authors: Huang Lei , Zhang Fengjian , Guo Lin , Chen Yuqin , Feng Mingjiao , You Yanjie , Zhang Lihua , Jiang Ziyun , Liu Yilan
Published: October 2022

Background

The various complex needs for assistance among home‐based older adults have increased dramatically. Thus, it would be advantageous to recruit volunteers with medical knowledge and a better understanding to support and assist the elderly living in urban communities.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the experiences and expectations of receiving volunteer services among the home‐based elderly in Chinese urban areas.

Design, Setting and Participants

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. This study was performed in two communities in Wuhan, Hubei Province. A purposive sampling method, which includes criterion and maximum variation sampling, was used to identify and select a diverse range of participants. Semistructured face‐to‐face interviews with 20 older adults (aged 62–90 years old) were performed. The conventional content analysis method was used for thematic analysis.

Results

Three categories with associated subcategories were identified: experiences of receiving volunteer services including negative and positive experiences; specific needs for volunteer services involving physiological, psychosocial, health‐related behaviours and environmental domains; characteristics of expected volunteer services including availability, formats, recipients, providers and service strategies.

Conclusions

The volunteer services provided to the home‐based elderly were found to be unsatisfactory, and lacking relevance and effectiveness. Due to a lack of family support or difficulty in meeting some high‐level needs, the home‐based elderly expressed a strong demand for volunteer services involving physiological, psychosocial, health‐related behaviours and environmental domains. This finding can provide a basis for developing training plans beneficial to volunteers. Furthermore, the present research clarifies the criteria for selecting volunteers and the necessity of supervising and managing volunteers. Improving the effectiveness and accessibility of urban‐community volunteer service may reduce the burden on care institutions and home caregivers while enhancing the quality of life and well‐being of the elderly.

Patient or Public Contribution

Developing research questions, study design, management and conduct and interpretation of evidence.
Investigating the nonlinear and conditional effects of trust—The new role of institutional contexts in online repurchase
Authors: Zou Haiyun (Melody) , Qureshi Israr , Fang Yulin , Sun Heshan , Lim Kai H. , Ramsey Elaine , McCole Patrick
Published: October 2022

Trust is paramount to developing and maintaining long‐term relationships in all stages of the customer lifecycle, including the repurchase stage. This research goes beyond the simple finding documented in the extant trust literature that the effect of trust will diminish. It sheds light on the role of institutional contexts and develops a nuanced understanding of the boundary conditions under which trust operates in the repurchase stage, where knowledge‐based trust becomes more predominant. Drawing on a different theoretical tenet, prospect theory, we find that customers exhibit distinctively different transaction intentions in the two perceptual conditions of high and low trust in institutional contexts. Specifically, the nonlinear relationship between trust and repeat online transaction intention is inverted U‐shaped curvilinear when trust in institutional contexts is high, but is U‐shaped when trust in institutional contexts is low. With data collected from both e‐commerce and mobile banking contexts using two different measures of institutional contexts, we employed a new and advanced latent moderated structural (LMS) equations approach for analysis and provided robust results. Our findings largely confirm the hypotheses and offer theoretical, methodological, and practical implications.
Influencing factors and hemodynamic study of initial and sustained orthostatic hypotension in middle‐aged and elderly patients
Authors: Hui Geng , Xiahuan Chen , Yanjun Wang , Wenyi Liang , Meilin Liu
Published: October 2022

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common autonomic disorder. This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors and hemodynamic mechanisms of initial and sustained OH in middle‐aged and elderly patients. The authors analyzed the clinical characteristics and hemodynamic variables of patients aged ≥ 50 years according to the various forms of OH, diagnosed by an active orthostatic test using the CNAP monitor. The study included 473 participants; 119 (25.2%) patients had initial (54, 45.4%) or sustained (65, 54.6%) OH. Age, comorbidities, or medications did not differ significantly between the initial OH and non‐OH groups. Sustained OH was associated with age and diabetes (p = .003 and p = .015, respectively). Hemodynamic analysis revealed higher cardiac output (CO) in the sustained OH group within 15 s than in the non‐OH and initial OH groups (both p < .001); no difference in CO was observed between the initial OH and non‐OH groups. The systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in both initial OH and sustained OH groups within 15 s was lower than that in the non‐OH group (both p < .001). No differences in SVR at 3 min were observed between the initial OH and non‐OH groups. The SVR at 3 min in the sustained OH group was significantly lower than in non‐OH and initial OH groups (both p < .001). Age and diabetes emerged as the independent risk factors associated with sustained OH. Initial OH is associated with a mismatch of increase in CO and decrease in SVR. Sustained OH is mainly associated with sustained inadequate adjustment in SVR.
Direct and indirect phenotypic effects on sociability indicate potential to evolve
Authors: Fisher David N.
Published: October 2022

The decision to leave or join a group is important as group size influences many aspects of organisms' lives and their fitness. This tendency to socialise with others, sociability, should be influenced by genes carried by focal individuals (direct genetic effects) and by genes in partner individuals (indirect genetic effects), indicating the trait's evolution could be slower or faster than expected. However, estimating these genetic parameters is difficult. Here, in a laboratory population of the cockroachBlaptica dubia, I estimate phenotypic parameters for sociability: repeatability (R) and repeatable influence (RI), that indicate whether direct and indirect genetic effects respectively are likely. I also estimate the interaction coefficient (Ψ), which quantifies how strongly a partner's trait influences the phenotype of the focal individual and is key in models for the evolution of interacting phenotypes. Focal individuals were somewhat repeatable for sociability across a 3‐week period (R = 0.080), and partners also had marginally consistent effects on focal sociability (RI = 0.053). The interaction coefficient was non‐zero, although in opposite sign for the sexes; males preferred to associate with larger individuals (Ψmale = −0.129), while females preferred to associate with smaller individuals (Ψfemale = 0.071). Individual sociability was consistent between dyadic trials and in social networks of groups. These results provide phenotypic evidence that direct and indirect genetic effects have limited influence on sociability, with perhaps most evolutionary potential stemming from heritable effects of the body mass of partners. Sex‐specific interaction coefficients may produce sexual conflict and the evolution of sexual dimorphism in social behaviour.
Thwarted belonging needs: A mechanism prospectively linking multiple levels of stigma and interpersonal outcomes among sexual minorities
Authors: Lattanner Micah R. , Hatzenbuehler Mark L.
Published: October 2022

The association between stigma and adverse interpersonal outcomes is well established. However, the mechanisms underlying this association have yet to be comprehensively conceptualized and tested, in part because research has neglected to evaluate stigma across multiple levels. To address this gap, we examined whether stigma—measured at individual, interpersonal, and structural levels—prospectively affects loneliness and social support by thwarting fundamental belonging needs, using a longitudinal sample of 315 gay men. Results indicated that thwarted belonging needs prospectively mediated the association between interpersonal discrimination, internalized homonegativity, and concealment motivation and changes in loneliness and lack of social support. When indirect pathways were tested simultaneously, discrimination was uniquely associated with reductions in social support via thwarted belonging needs. In addition, the prospective association between objectively‐measured structural stigma (at the state and county levels) and loneliness and lack of social support was serially mediated by perceptions of structural stigma and thwarted belonging needs. To guide future work, we propose a model outlining pathways by which stigma, across multiple levels, may lead to adverse interpersonal outcomes by increasing relationally‐oriented biological, motivational, cognitive, affective, and behavioral mechanisms that affect belonging needs.
Evaluation of dietary metabolizable energy concentrations on meat quality and lipid metabolism‐related gene expression in yellow‐feathered chickens
Authors: Cui Xiaoyan , El‐Senousey HebatAllah Kasem , Gou Zhongyong , Li Long , Lin Xiajing , Fan Qiuli , Wang Yibing , Jiang Zongyong , Jiang Shouqun
Published: October 2022

This study evaluated the effects of different dietary metabolizable energy (ME) concentrations on the meat quality, carcass traits, volatile flavour and lipid metabolism‐related gene expression levels in yellow‐feathered chickens. In total, 600 Huxu female chickens aged 90 days were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments, each with 10 replicates of 10 birds. During the finisher phase, the birds were fed diets containing 2880 (low), 2940, 3000, 3060, 3120 and 3180 (high) kcal ME/kg. The results showed that the average daily gain of chickens increased as the dietary ME concentration increased, while the feed to gain improved (p < 0.05), and the intramuscular fat content of breast muscle increased (p < 0.05). The energy concentration had no effect on the breast muscle pH (45 min and 24 h), colour parameter (L*) or percentage of drip loss (p > 0.05), but the shear force values decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The diameter and area of the breast muscle fiber decreased and the muscle fibre density increased as the dietary ME concentration increased (p < 0.05). The highest ME concentration (3180 kcal) increased the percentages of aldehydes (hexanal, heptanal, 2,4‐nonadienal, octanal, nonanal and 2‐decenal), alcohols (2‐nonen‐1‐ol, trans‐2‐undecen‐1‐ol, 7‐hexadecenal, 2‐hexyl‐1‐decanoal and n‐nonadecanol‐1,3,7,11‐trimethyl‐1‐dodecanol), alkanes (2,6‐dimethyl‐heptadecane) and carboxylic acids (9‐hexadecenoic acid), but reduced the percentages of octadecanal, octadecane, heneicosane and tetradecanal (p < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA gene expression levels of fatty acid‐binding protein 3 and apolipoprotein B were significantly upregulated in the liver, whereas that of cholesteryl ester transfer protein was significantly downregulated. In conclusion, increasing the ME diet to 3180 kcal/kg significantly improved the quality and flavour of the meat from yellow‐feathered broilers. our finding may help poultry producers to improve the taste of meat by regulating genes related to lipid metabolism, thereby achieving the flavour and taste characteristics preferred by consumers.
Antarctic micrometeorite composed of CP and CS IDP‐like material: A micro‐breccia originated from a partially ice‐melted comet‐like small body
Authors: Noguchi Takaaki , Matsumoto Rikako , Yabuta Hikaru , Kobayashi Hanae , Miyake Akira , Naraoka Hiroshi , Okazaki Ryuji , Imae Naoya , Yamaguchi Akira , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Takeichi Yasuo , Takahashi Yoshio
Published: October 2022

Asteroids and comets are thought to form in the inner and outer solar systems, respectively. Chondritic porous and smooth interplanetary dust particles (CP IDPs and CS IDPs, respectively) in the stratosphere are regarded as dust grains from comets and hydrated asteroids, respectively. Here, we describe an Antarctic micrometeorite (AMM) composed of lithologies of both CP and CS IDPs. In addition to the CS IDP‐like compact lithology that experienced severe aqueous alteration, the CP IDP‐like porous lithology shows evidence of very weak aqueous alteration. The structure of the organic matter in the porous lithology varies from that in the CP IDPs to aromatic‐rich organic matter. In contrast, the structure of the organic matter in the compact lithology is homogenous, which is consistent with higher degrees of aqueous alteration. Its structure is more similar to that of CP IDPs and Wild 2 samples than that of meteoritic insoluble organic matter, suggesting that the compact lithology formed from the porous lithology. Some CP IDPs are related to cometary dust streams, such as those originating from 26P/Grigg‐Skjellerup. In addition, the presence of this AMM indicates an additional origin of the CP IDPs and their equivalent AMMs. The mineralogy and organic chemistry of this AMM suggest that its parent body was composed of the same building blocks as those of the comets, and later experienced incomplete aqueous alteration. The AMM probably formed as microbreccia in the regolith layer composed of materials from a CP IDP‐like crust and a hydrated interior.
Engineered ATG8‐binding motif‐based selective autophagy to degrade proteins and organelles in planta
Authors: Luo Na , Shang Dandan , Tang Zhiwei , Mai Jinyan , Huang Xiao , Tao Li‐Zhen , Liu Linchuan , Gao Caiji , Qian Yangwen , Xie Qingjun , Li Faqiang
Published: October 2022

Protein‐targeting technologies represent essential approaches in biological research. Protein knockdown tools developed recently in mammalian cells by exploiting natural degradation mechanisms allow for precise determination of protein function and discovery of degrader‐type drugs. However, no method to directly target endogenous proteins for degradation is currently available in plants.

Here, we describe a novel method for targeted protein clearance by engineering an autophagy receptor with a binder to provide target specificity and an ATG8‐binding motif (AIM) to link the targets to nascent autophagosomes, thus harnessing the autophagy machinery for degradation.

We demonstrate its specificity and broad potentials by degrading various fluorescence‐tagged proteins, including cytosolic mCherry, the nucleus‐localized bZIP transcription factor TGA5, and the plasma membrane–anchored brassinosteroid receptor BRI1, as well as fluorescence‐coated peroxisomes, using a tobacco‐based transient expression system. Stable expression of AIM‐based autophagy receptors in Arabidopsis further confirms the feasibility of this approach in selective autophagy of endogenous proteins.

With its wide substrate scope and its specificity, our concept of engineered AIM‐based selective autophagy could provide a convenient and robust research tool for manipulating endogenous proteins in plants and may open an avenue toward degradation of cytoplasmic components other than proteins in plant research.
The concept of destiny and free will in Chauntecleer's dream
Authors: Zuraikat Malek J.
Published: October 2022

The episode of Chauntecleer's dream found in Chaucer's "The Nun's Priest's Tale" is a controversial topic for Chaucer critics. Some critics argue that the downfall‐escape experience of Chauntecleer is worthy of investigation because animal figures in fables symbolize people (Finlayson, 2005, 495) and thus their rise and downfall sometimes allude to certain theological or philosophical issues such as the original Fall of Adam and Eve (Payne, 1976, 211–112). Other critics propose, on the contrary, that the episode of Chauntecleer is a "joke" and therefore should not be overestimated (Eliason, 1972, 172). These two opposing perspectives have their own rationale; nevertheless, the centrality of Chauntecleer's dream to the narrative of "The Nun's Priest's Tale" is hard to ignore. Considering the philosophical reverberations of the tale concerning the medieval concepts of destiny and free will, this paper argues that the Chauntecleer episode is not a "joke" but a philosophical exemplar that proposes the absence of any demarcating lines between destiny and free will, bearing in mind that destiny refers to the many options decreed by the deity to be available in every single situation for each individual, while free will refers to humans' freedom to decide what to say and do. The paper contends that Chauntecleer's dream shows how free will and destiny—though they are "inconsistent" forces (Boethius, 1785, 195)—mysteriously connive together to form what can be called conditional free will.
Factors Influencing Nonunion and Fracture Following Biological Intercalary Reconstruction for Lower‐Extremity Bone Tumors: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Huang Siyi , Li Hongfei , Xing Zhili , Ji Tao , Guo Wei
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To determine nonunion rate, fracture rate, and their risk factors following biological intercalary reconstruction for lower extremity bone tumors.

Methods

A systematic review and pooled analysis were conducted. PubMed, Embase, and Wiley Cochrane Library were searched from inception up to June 01, 2020. Studies concerning biological intercalary reconstruction after resection of lower extremity bone tumors were included. Overall nonunion and fracture rates were calculated. For studies reporting patient outcomes individually with precise graft characteristics and fixation methods, the individual data were extracted. Patients with demographical and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, tumor location, graft characteristics, and fixation method, were pooled for a multivariate analysis. For each factor of interest, odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and p‐value from logistic regression were reported.

Results

A total of 2776 articles were identified from the initial literature search and 76 studies (2052 patients) were included. Sixty‐nine studies were case series and seven were comparative studies. The overall nonunion rate was 19% (382/2052; range: 0%–53%), and the overall fracture rate was 17% (344/2052; range: 0%–75%). Thirty of the 76 studies (362 patients) reported patients' characteristics individually and were thus included in the pooled multivariate analysis. Intramedullary nail fixation was associated with a significantly higher nonunion rate compared to plate fixation (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.23–4.10, p = 0.009). Reconstruction with a vascularized fibula graft had a statistically non‐significant lower nonunion rate than reconstruction without the graft (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.34–1.07, p = 0.086). Devitalized autografts had a lower fracture risk than allografts (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.14–0.64, p = 0.002), and males tended to have higher fracture risk than females (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.00–4.44, p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Reconstruction with intramedullary nail fixation is related to an elevated risk of nonunion. Allografts and males have a higher fracture risk than devitalized autografts and females, respectively. Further high‐quality comparative analyses with large sample sizes and adequate follow‐up duration are needed to validate these findings.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis in Thailand
Authors: Supsrisunjai Chavalit , Bunnag Thareena , Chaowalit Prapaipit , Boonpuen Niorn , Kootiratrakarn Tanawatt , Wessagowit Vesarat
Published: October 2022

Background

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a heterogenous group of rare keratinization disorders. To date, more than 13 causative genes have been identified. However, data on clinical and molecular characteristics including genotype–phenotype correlation are lacking in Thailand.

Objective

We collected cases diagnosed with non‐syndromic ARCI and syndromic recessive congenital ichthyosis at the Institute of Dermatology from 2011 to 2021 and performed genetic testing with next‐generation sequencing and assessed clinical details.

Methods

Baseline demographic data, birth history, family history, skin manifestations at birth, current cutaneous manifestations, comorbidities, and response to treatments were assessed. DNA was screened for mutations using targeted gene sequencing of 45 genes related to congenital ichthyosis.

Results

A total of 33 patients were analyzed with an average age of 23.8 ± 13.9 years. Congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE) was most common (60.6%), followed by lamellar ichthyosis (18.2%), self‐improving congenital ichthyosis (6.1%), Netherton syndrome (6.1%), ichthyosis prematurity syndrome (3%), Sjögren–Larsson syndrome (3%) and bathing suit ichthyosis (3%). Eight genes were found with pathogenic variants in our cohort as follows: ABCA12 42.4% (14/33), NIPAL4 24.2% (8/33), TGM1 15.2% (5/33), SPINK5 6.1% (2/33), ALDH3A2 3% (1/33), SLC27A4 3% (1/33), CYP4F22 3% (1/33), and ST14 3% (1/33). Clinically, 79% of patients with ABCA12 pathogenic variants in this study had CIE, 79% of w had novel biallelic pathogenic compound heterozygous variants, whereas 21% had homozygous missense variants.

Conclusions

This is the first study to describe clinical and molecular findings of ARCI in a cohort from Thailand. Our findings demonstrate the clinical spectrum of the diseases and expand the molecular findings in a Southeast Asian population.
Effects of extender filtration and egg yolk concentration on canine semen cryopreservation
Authors: Divar Mohammad Reza , Mogheiseh Asghar , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Mavalizadeh Leili
Published: October 2022

The semen cooling and freezing extenders commonly contain the chicken egg yolk (EY) as the main sperm cryoprotectant. Besides its advantages, the EY has large lipoprotein granules that cause several physical and biological interferences. The previous studies have proposed several methods to resolve the problems with the EY‐based semen extenders, including mechanical agitation, EY fractionation, replacing the EY with purified EY LDL, and ultrasonication. In the current research, we aimed to evaluate the syringe filtration (220 nm) of an EY‐based canine semen freezing extender as a simple and cheap method to remove the EY granules. We also studied the possibility of re‐aggregation of EY granules after cooling, freeze/thawing, and lyophilization/rehydration of the filtered extenders. Additionally, we compared the effects of the filtration on lipid profile, turbidity, EY particle size distribution, and osmolality of the EY‐based extenders. Next, we examined the effects of filtered extenders containing different levels of EY (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) versus the control extender (20% EY, unfiltered) on post‐thaw sperm quality traits. We collected the semen samples from seven clinically healthy mixed‐breed adult dogs and pooled them for sperm freezing procedures. Samplings were repeated at least five times, independently. Our results indicated that the syringe filtration could remove the large EY particles and reduce the extender turbidity without affecting the lipid profile of the whole extender solution. The filtered extender supplemented with 25% (v/v) EY led to the best post‐thaw canine spermatozoa quality markers. The frozen–thawed spermatozoa evaluations included motility parameters (computer‐assisted semen analysis system), membrane and acrosome integrity (hypo‐osmotic swelling test, chlortetracycline binding assay), DNA fragmentation (sperm chromatin dispersion assay), membrane lipid peroxidation (MDA levels), apoptosis (Annexin V/propidium iodide assay), and fertility‐associated sperm mRNA transcript abundance (protamine 2 and 3). In conclusion, the syringe filtration of the EY‐based semen extenders was a simple and cheap method that could effectively remove large EY lipoprotein granules and possibly prevent EY‐origin bacterial contamination of the final extender solution. The EY at 25% (v/v) concentration in the filtered extenders resulted in the highest canine spermatozoa cryo‐tolerance.
Serologic evaluation of vaccine preventable infections and vaccination rates in kidney transplant candidates
Authors: Schneider Sabrina , Carlson Adrian , Sirandas Bhanupriya , Clark Breanna , Truax Crystal
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Assessing vaccine serologic status presents opportunities to provide live vaccinations to kidney transplant candidates (KTC). This is especially important given the increased risk of infection while taking lifelong immunosuppression following transplant and the inability to routinely provide live vaccines to patients on immunosuppressive medications. In March 2019, the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Disease Community of Practice (AST‐IDCOP) released updated guidelines for vaccination of KTC, which emphasize pretransplant viral serology screening and live vaccine administration prior to transplant.

Primary Endpoint

The primary endpoint of this study was to determine adherence to AST‐IDCOP guidelines for live measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and VZV vaccination prior to transplant in KTC non‐immune by serology.

Methods

This retrospective, descriptive study examined serologic status and rates of live vaccination in 672 patients listed for kidney transplant at our center between July 2014 and July 2019. Secondary endpoints included subgroup analysis of adherence to full AST‐IDCOP vaccination recommendations and validation of CDC presumed immunity definitions for measles and VZV.

Results

Seventeen patients (2.7%) were nonimmune by serology for VZV, while 182 (27.1%) were nonimmune by serology to MMR. In a subgroup analysis of the seronegative KTC, none received VZV vaccination, and 6% received MMR vaccination prior to transplant or last follow‐up.

Conclusions

Overall, a large portion of KTC had immunity gaps that were not resolved before transplantation. These findings are limited due to the retrospective, single‐center nature of this study and should be confirmed with larger, prospective assessments of serologic status and vaccine administration.

image
Detection of intestinal parasites in human faecal samples using dissolved air flotation
Authors: Soares Felipe Augusto , dos Santos Bianca Martins , Rosa Stefany Laryssa , Loiola Saulo Hudson Nery , Stéfano Vitória Castilho , Proença Letícia Rodrigues , Suzuki Celso Tetsuo Nagase , Sabadini Edvaldo , Bresciani Katia Denise Saraiva , Falcão Alexandre Xavier , Gomes Jancarlo Ferreira
Published: October 2022

Objective

Ova and parasite (O&P) examination is recommended for the laboratory diagnosis of agents causing parasitic infections; however, this exam requires scientific and technological improvements to enhance its diagnostic validity. Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is an efficient technical principle separating suspended solids in a liquid medium. We aimed to develop and validate a new procedure for intestinal parasite detection with DAF.

Methods

In this study, we collected samples from 500 volunteers, screened them by direct examination, and transferred the material to tubes using the Three Faecal Test (TF‐Test) for triplicate DAF tests. We evaluated physical–chemical parameters and DAF prototype components through quantifying parasites recovered from floated and non‐floated regions of the flotation column. The DAF operation protocol was validated with the gold standard results.

Results

The 10% saturated volume proportion and cationic surfactant showed regularity and high parasite recovery (80%). Modifications of the needle device did not influence parasite recovery (p > 0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and kappa agreement obtained with the DAF protocol were 91%, 100%, 93% and substantial (k = 0.64), respectively.

Conclusion

The DAF principle could be used to process faecal samples in routine laboratory exams, enabling intestinal parasite detection.
CT and cross‐sectional anatomy of the paranasal sinuses in the Holstein cow
Authors: Turgut Nimet , Bahar Sadullah , Kılınçer Abidin
Published: October 2022

The structure of paranasal sinuses in cattle is difficult to understand due to its complexity, age‐related changes, and insufficient published data. In this prospective, anatomic study, we described the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses in the Holstein cow using computed tomography (CT) and cross‐sectional anatomic slices. Twelve healthy adult Holstein cow heads were used for this study. The heads were scanned using CT, and frozen anatomical sections were taken. The locations, borders, and relationships of the paranasal sinuses were defined on the anatomical sections and CT images. The paranasal sinuses on each side of the head consisted of conchal (dorsal, middle, and ventral), maxillary, lacrimal, palatine, frontal, sphenoid sinuses, and ethmoidal cells. The frontal sinus pneumatized all bones surrounding the cranial cavity, except for the ethmoidal and body of basisphenoid bones. The sphenoid and ventral conchal sinuses were the most asymmetrical, and the middle conchal sinus was the simplest. The ventral conchal sinus was detected in eleven animals, one of which was unilateral. This sinus communicated with the middle nasal meatus (13/21) and ventral nasal meatus (8/21). Findings can be used as background for interpreting CT studies of cattle with clinical signs of sinonasal region diseases. Future cross‐sectional radiological and reconstructive anatomical studies and investigation of the postnatal development of related structures in cattle are needed.
Refinement of a High Cycle Fatigue Decision-Gate Assessment for Additively Repaired Blades
Authors: Scott-Emuakpor Onome , Runyon Brian , Gillaugh Daniel , Smith Lucas , Johnson Phil
Published: October 2022

A recently developed high cycle fatigue (HCF) acceptance criteria demonstrates effectiveness in assessing the viability of two laser directed energy deposition (DED) repair processes on titanium 6Al-4V (Ti 6Al-4V) fan blades. The criteria demonstratively proved effective with basic coupon specimens; however, additional factors need to be considered to include available material or component information and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) conditional acceptance. The results from this study help define a prior rule (entrance statement) that identifies expected results based on manufacturing/microstructure information as well as a second-tier rule incorporating NDE for a more refined HCF acceptance criteria.