bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coli‐associated follicular cystitis in dogs: Clinical and pathologic characterization
Authors: Viitanen Sanna J. , Tuomisto Laura , Salonen Nina , Eskola Katariina , Kegler Kristel
Published: May 2023

Background

Follicular cystitis is an uncommon inflammatory change in the urinary bladder wall characterized by the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in the submucosa.

Objectives

To characterize clinical and pathologic features of follicular cystitis in dogs and to explore in situ distribution and possible role of Escherichia coli as an associated cause.

Animals

Eight dogs diagnosed with follicular cystitis and 2 control dogs.

Methods

Retrospective descriptive study. Dogs diagnosed with follicular cystitis (macroscopic follicular lesions in the urinary bladder mucosa and histopathologic detection of TLSs in bladder wall biopsies) were identified from medical records. Paraffin embedded bladder wall biopsies were subject to in situ hybridization for E. coli 16SrRNA identification.

Results

Follicular cystitis was diagnosed in large breed (median weight 24.9 kg, interquartile range [IQR] 18.8‐35.4 kg) female dogs with a history of chronic recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs; median duration of clinical signs 7 months, IQR 3‐17 months; median number of previous UTIs 5, IQR 4‐6). Positive E. coli 16SrRNA signal was detected within developing, immature and mature TLSs in 7/8 dogs, through submucosal stroma in 8/8 dogs and within the urothelium in 3/8 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Chronic inflammation associated with an intramural E. coli infection in the urinary bladder wall represents a possible triggering factor for the development of follicular cystitis.
Phenotypic cross‐species conservation and cross‐generation directionality switching in epigenetic inheritance
Authors: Bhalla Ameek , Sharma Abhay
Published: May 2023

Evidence supporting non‐DNA sequence‐based inheritance in animals has increasingly been described in recent years, often under intergenerational inheritance or transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). Existence of the latter, a stronger indicator of germline transmission, has been demonstrated in invertebrates and mammals alike. The mechanisms and physiological implications of TEI, however, remain unclear. Here, in an unbiased approach, we compared existing transcriptomic data associated with so far available Drosophila models of inter‐ and trans‐, and rodent models of inter‐generational inheritance; observed phenotypic cross‐species conservation and cross‐generation directionality shift therein; and confirmed these observations experimentally in flies. Specifically, previous models of cold and diet‐induced inheritance in both flies and mice were commonly associated with altered regulation of proteolysis genes. Besides, fly TEI models were in general characterized by opposite phenotypic regulation in transgenerational offsprings, compared to the ancestors. As insulin‐producing cell (IPC) ablation was also associated with proteolysis gene dysregulation in one of the mouse models, we opted to use genetic ablation of IPCs in flies for the experimental validation. Remarkably, the ablation led to transcriptomic alterations across multiple generations, with dysregulated genes showing proteolysis enrichment. Similarly, phenotypic directionality changed in the opposite direction in transgenerational offsprings, in comparison of the ancestors. These results support evolutionary conservation, and both physiologically adaptive and maladaptive consequences of germline mediated epigenetic inheritance.
Confederate Theology: Robert Lewis Dabney and the Theological Afterlife of Slavery
Authors: Jantzen Matt R.
Published: May 2023

In the wake of social movements to remove Confederate monuments from public spaces and expose suppressed legacies of white supremacy in the United States, this article uncovers an influential and overtly white supremacist tradition of US Christian theology through a case study of the Reformed theologian Robert Lewis Dabney (1820‐1898). Regarded by his contemporaries as one of the most prolific theological teachers and scholars of his time, Dabney was also an unrepentant defender of racialized chattel slavery and white supremacy. He was also a leading contributor to Lost Cause revisionism after the Civil War. This reveals a troubling paradox: one of the leading theologians in the United States during the nineteenth century was also one of that century's most committed white supremacists. While Dabney's theological defense of a patriarchal, white supremacist society has too often been either conveniently forgotten or uncritically excused by later generations, this article offers a theological reckoning with Dabney's project in order to diagnose its ramifications for contemporary theology and articulate a constructive response.
Effect of inter‐swallow interval on striated esophagus peristalsis; a comparative study with smooth muscleesophagus
Authors: Edeani Francis , Sanvanson Patrick , Mei Ling , Agrawal Dilpesh , Kern Mark , Kovacic Katja , Shaker Reza
Published: May 2023

Background

Effect of inter‐swallow interval on the contractility of smooth muscle esophagus is well‐documented. However, the effects on peristalsis of the striated esophagus have not been systematically studied. A better understanding of striated esophagus motor function in health and disease may enhance the interpretation of manometric studies and inform clinical care. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of inter‐swallow interval on striated esophagus compared to findings with that of the smooth muscle esophagus.

Methods

We performed two sets of studies to (1) determine the effect of various inter‐swallow interval in 20 healthy volunteers and (2) assess the effect of ultra‐short swallow intervals facilitated by straw drinking in 28 volunteers. We analyzed variables using ANOVA with Tukey's pairwise comparison and paired t‐test.

Key results

Unlike smooth muscle esophagus, the striated esophagus contractile integral did not change significantly for swallow intervals ranging from 30 to 5 s. On the contrary, striated esophagus demonstrated absent or reduced peristalsis in response to ultra‐short (<2 s) intervals during straw‐facilitated multiple rapid swallows.

Conclusions and inferences

Striated esophagus peristalsis is subject to manometrically observed inhibition during swallows with ultra‐short intervals. Inter‐swallow intervals as short as 5 s that inhibit smooth muscle esophagus peristalsis do not inhibit striated muscle peristalsis. The mechanisms of these observations are unknown but may relate to central or myenteric nervous system influences or the effects of pharyngeal biomechanics.
On the origin and nature of nongenetic information in eumetazoans
Authors: Cabej Nelson R.
Published: May 2023

Nongenetic information implies all the forms of biological information not related to genes and DNA in general. Despite the deep scientific relevance of the concept, we currently lack reliable knowledge about its carriers and origins; hence, we still do not understand its true nature. Given that genes are the targets of nongenetic information, it appears that a parsimonious approach to find the ultimate source of that information is to trace back the sequential steps of the causal chain upstream of the target genes up to the ultimate link as the source of the nongenetic information. From this perspective, I examine seven nongenetically determined phenomena: placement of locus‐specific epigenetic marks on DNA and histones, changes in snRNA expression patterns, neural induction of gene expression, site‐specific alternative gene splicing, predator‐induced morphological changes, and cultural inheritance. Based on the available evidence, I propose a general model of the common neural origin of all these forms of nongenetic information in eumetazoans.
Low hemoglobin levels predict increased radiation‐induced trismus rates in nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Somay Efsun , Yilmaz Busra , Topkan Erkan , Pehlivan Berrin , Selek Uğur
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To investigate the predictive significance of hemoglobin (Hb) values in the incidence of radiation‐induced trismus (RIT) in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA‐NPC) patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C‐CRT).

Methods

Data of LA‐NPC patients were examined before and after C‐CRT and to confirm the presence of RIT, maximum mouth openings (MMO) were measured; RIT is defined as an MMO of ≤35 mm. All Hb values were derived from complete blood count tests obtained on the first day of C‐CRT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to scrutinize a possible connection between pre‐treatment Hb values and RIT status.

Results

Two hundred and twenty three patients were included in the study and RIT was diagnosed in 46 (20.6%) patients. The Hb cutoff in ROC curve analysis that separated the patients into two groups was 12.05 g/dL [Area under the curve (AUC): 82.7%; sensitivity: 72.9%; and specificity: 71.3%]. RIT was significantly more prevalent in the Hb ≤ 12 g/dL group than in its counterpart (41.9% vs. 7.3%; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, Hb ≤ 12, anemia, pre‐C‐CRT MMO < 41.4 mm, and masticatory apparatus doseV58 Gy < 32% groups were found to be independently associated with significantly increased rates of RIT.

Conclusion

Low pre‐C‐CRT Hb and anemia status are novel biological markers that independently predict higher RIT rates in LA‐NPC undergoing C‐CRT.
p‐AKT/VPS4B regulates the small extracellular vesicle size in venous malformation endothelial cells
Authors: Lai Wen‐Qiang , Xia Hou‐Fu , Chen Gao‐Hong , Wang Xiao‐Le , Yang Jie‐Gang , Wu Lian‐Zhi , Zhao Yi‐Fang , Jia Yu‐Lin , Chen Gang
Published: May 2023

Objective

Small extracellular vesicle (sEV)‐mediated intercellular communication is increasingly the key for the understanding of venous malformations (VMs). This study aims to clarify the detailed changes of sEVs in VMs.

Subjects and Methods

Fifteen VM patients without treatment history and twelve healthy donors were enrolled in the study. sEVs were isolated from both fresh lesions and cell supernatant, and were examined by western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were adopted to screening candidate regulator of sEV size. Specific inhibitors and siRNA were employed to validate the role of dysregulated p‐AKT/vacuolar protein sorting‐associated protein 4B (VPS4B) signaling on the size of sEVs in endothelial cells.

Results

The size of sEVs derived from both VM lesion tissues and cell model was significantly increased. VPS4B, whose expression level was mostly significantly downregulated in VM endothelial cells, was responsible for the size change of sEVs. Targeting abnormal AKT activation corrected the size change of sEVs by recovering the expression level of VPS4B.

Conclusion

Downregulated VPS4B in endothelial cells, resulted from abnormally activated AKT signaling, contributed to the increased size of sEVs in VMs.
MRTF‐A/SRF signaling suppresses invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Dan , Yang Dan , He Yuqing , Liu Jiaxin , Song Yansong , Zhou Yu , Jiang Lu , Zeng Xin , Xu Xiaoping , Xu Hao , Li Jing , Dan Hongxia
Published: May 2023

Background

Serum response factor (SRF) and myocardial‐associated transcription factor‐A (MRTF‐A) had different regulatory effects on the tumorigenesis and development in different cancers. However, the role of MRTF‐A/SRF in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains to be determined.

Methods

CCK‐8 assay, cell scratch experiment, and transwell invasion assay were conducted to investigate the effects of MRTF‐A/SRF on biological behavior of OSCC cells. The expression pattern and prognostic value of MRTF‐A/SRF in OSCC were analyzed based on cBioPortal website and TCGA database. Protein–protein interaction network was visualized to identify protein functions. Go and KEGG pathway analyses were performed to investigate related pathways. The effect of MRTF‐A/SRF on epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of OSCC cells was explored by western blot assay.

Results

Overexpression of MRTF‐A/SRF inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells in vitro. High expression of SRF was related to better prognosis of OSCC patients on hard palate, alveolar ridge, and oral tongue. Besides, overexpression of MRTF‐A/SRF inhibited the EMT of OSCC cells.

Conclusion

SRF was closely related to the prognosis of OSCC. High expression of SRF and its co‐activator MRTF‐A inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells in vitro, possibly via EMT suppression.
Clinical and Radiographic Comparison of Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients with L4/5 grade‐1 Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: He Da , He Wei , Tian Wei , Liu Bo , Liu Yajun , Sun Yuqing , Xing Yonggang , Lang Zhao , Wang Yumei , Ma Tengfei , Liu Mingming
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in patients with grade‐1 L4/5 degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Methods

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the comparative analysis included consecutive patients with grade‐1 degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent oblique LIF (OLIF, n = 36) or minimally invasive transforaminal LIF (MI‐TLIF, n = 45) at the Department of Spine Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2016 to August 2017. Patient satisfaction Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), radiographic outcomes including anterior/posterior disc heights (ADH/PDH), foraminal height (FH), foraminal width (FW), cage subsidence, cage retropulsion, and fusion rate were assessed during a 2‐year follow‐up. Continuous data are presented as mean ± standard deviation and were compared between groups using the independent sample t‐test. Categorical data are presented as n (%) and were compared between groups using the Pearson chi‐squared test or Fisher's exact test. Repetitive measurement and analysis of variance was employed in the analysis of ODI, back pain VAS score, and leg pain VAS score. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Results

The OLIF and MI‐TLIF groups comprised 36 patients (age, 52.1 ± 7.2 years; 27 women) and 45 patients (age, 48.4 ± 14.4 years; 24 women), respectively. Satisfaction rates at 2 years post procedure exceeded 90% in both groups. The OLIF group had less intraoperative blood loss (140 ± 36 vs 233 ± 62 mL), lower back pain VAS score (2.42 ± 0.81 vs 3.38 ± 0.47), and ODI score (20.47 ± 2.53 vs 27.31 ± 3.71) at 3 months follow‐up (with trends toward lower values at 2 years follow‐up), but higher leg pain VAS scores at all postoperative time points than the MI‐TLIF group (all p < 0.001). ADH, PDH, FD, and FW improved in both groups post‐surgery. At the 2 year follow‐up, the OLIF group had a higher rate of Bridwell grade‐I fusion (100% vs 88.9%, p = 0.046) and lower incidences of cage subsidence (8.33% vs 46.67%, p < 0.001) and retropulsion (0% vs 6.67%, p = 0.046) than the MI‐TLIF group.

Conclusions

In patients with grade‐I spondylolisthesis, OLIF was associated with lower blood loss and greater improvements in VAS for back pain and ODI and radiologic outcomes than MI‐TLIF. The OLIF is more suitable for these patients with low back pain as the main symptoms are accompanied by mild or no leg symptoms before operation.
Metabolic engineering and mechanical investigation of enhanced plant autoluminescence
Authors: Zheng Peng , Ge Jieyu , Ji Jiayi , Zhong Jingling , Chen Hongyu , Luo Daren , Li Wei , Bi Bo , Ma Yongjun , Tong Wanghui , Han Leiqin , Ma Siqi , Zhang Yuqi , Wu Jianping , Zhao Yanqiu , Pan Ronghui , Fan Pengxiang , Lu Mengzhu , Du Hao
Published: May 2023

The fungal bioluminescence pathway (FBP) was identified from glowing fungi, which releases self‐sustained visible green luminescence. However, weak bioluminescence limits the potential application of the bioluminescence system. Here, we screened and characterized a C3′H1 (4‐coumaroyl shikimate/quinate 3′‐hydroxylase) gene from Brassica napus, which efficiently converts p‐coumaroyl shikimate to caffeic acid and hispidin. Simultaneous expression of BnC3′H1 and NPGA (null‐pigment mutant in A. nidulans) produces more caffeic acid and hispidin as the natural precursor of luciferin and significantly intensifies the original fungal bioluminescence pathway (oFBP). Thus, we successfully created enhanced FBP (eFBP) plants emitting 3 × 1011 photons/min/cm2, sufficient to illuminate its surroundings and visualize words clearly in the dark. The glowing plants provide sustainable and bio‐renewable illumination for the naked eyes, and manifest distinct responses to diverse environmental conditions via caffeic acid biosynthesis pathway. Importantly, we revealed that the biosynthesis of caffeic acid and hispidin in eFBP plants derived from the sugar pathway, and the inhibitors of the energy production system significantly reduced the luminescence signal rapidly from eFBP plants, suggesting that the FBP system coupled with the luciferin metabolic flux functions in an energy‐driven way. These findings lay the groundwork for genetically creating stronger eFBP plants and developing more powerful biological tools with the FBP system.
Chilling induces sugar and ABA accumulation that antagonistically signals for symplastic connection of dormant potato buds
Authors: Danieli Raz , Assouline Shmuel , Salam Bolaji Babajide , Vrobel Ondřej , Teper‐Bamnolker Paula , Belausov Eduard , Granot David , Tarkowski Petr , Eshel Dani
Published: May 2023

Endodormancy (ED) is a crucial stage in the life cycle of many perennial plants. ED release requires accumulating a certain amount of cold exposure, measured as chilling units. However, the mechanism governing the effect of chilling on ED duration is poorly understood. We used the potato tuber model to investigate the response to chilling as associated with ED release. We measured the accumulation of specific sugars during and after chilling, defined as sugar units. We discovered that ED duration correlated better with sugar units accumulation than chilling units. A logistic function was developed based on sugar units measurements to predict ED duration. Knockout or overexpression of the vacuolar invertase gene (StVInv) unexpectedly modified sugar units levels and extended or shortened ED, respectively. Silencing the energy sensor SNF1‐related protein kinase 1, induced higher sugar units accumulation and shorter ED. Sugar units accumulation induced by chilling or transgenic lines reduced plasmodesmal (PD) closure in the dormant bud meristem. Chilling or knockout of abscisic acid (ABA) 8′‐hydroxylase induced ABA accumulation, in parallel to sweetening, and antagonistically promoted PD closure. Our results suggest that chilling induce sugar units and ABA accumulation, resulting in antagonistic signals for symplastic connection of the dormant bud.
Ghosts of dry seasons past: Legacy of severe drought enhances mangrove salinity tolerance through coordinated cellular osmotic and elastic adjustments
Authors: Beckett Holly A. A. , Neeman Teresa , Fuenzalida Tomás I. , Bryant Callum , Latorre Sara Chica , Ovington Leuwin I. , Sack Lawren , Meir Patrick , Ball Marilyn C.
Published: May 2023

The incidence and severity of global mangrove mortality due to drought is increasing. Yet, little is understood of the capacity of mangroves to show long‐term acclimation of leaf water relations to severe drought. We tested for differences between mid‐dry season leaf water relations in two cooccurring mangroves, Aegiceras corniculatum and Rhizophora stylosa before a severe drought (a heatwave combined with low rainfall) and after its relief by the wet season. Consistent with ecological stress memory, the legacy of severe drought enhanced salinity tolerance in the subsequent dry season through coordinated adjustments that reduced the leaf water potential at the turgor loss point and increased cell wall rigidity. These adjustments enabled maintenance of turgor and relative water content with increasing salinity. As most canopy growth occurs during the wet season, acclimation to the ‘memory’ of higher salinity in the previous dry season enables greater leaf function with minimal adjustments, as long‐lived leaves progress from wet through dry seasons. However, declining turgor safety margins ‐ the difference between soil water potential and leaf water potential at turgor loss ‐ implied increasing limitation to water use with increasing salinity. Thus, plasticity in leaf water relations contributes fundamentally to mangrove function under varying salinity regimes.
Taking stock: The contribution of policy studies to our understanding of gun policy
Authors: Schwartz Noah S.
Published: May 2023

In the summer of 2022, the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas once again thrust firearms policy onto the public agenda and opened an agenda window for bipartisan gun reforms in the Senate. Almost simultaneously, the Supreme Court struck down restrictions on concealed carry in New York state in the first major ruling on Second Amendment Rights sinceMacDonald v.Chicago. Given the salience of firearms policy to contemporary policy debates, it is important to take stock of how the discipline of policy studies has contributed to our understanding of this pressing area of policy. As we see, scholars of policy studies have largely left discussions of firearms policy to disciplines like criminology, sociology, economics, and public health. Despite this, a small group of scholars has used the theoretical toolkit of our discipline to better understand this issue. This short review article will present the contribution of policy studies to our understanding of firearms policy from Sandy Hook to Uvalde and provide suggestions for areas where the discipline can contribute to our understanding of this vitally important regulatory issue. Most importantly, more work is needed to develop robust and multidimensional evaluations of firearms policies.

Related Articles

Cook, Philip J., and Jens Ludwig. 2019. “Understanding Gun Violence: Public Health vs. Public Policy.”Journal of Policy Analysis and Management38(3): 788–95.https://doi.org/10.1002/pam.22141.

Haider‐Markel, Donald P., and Mark R. Joselyn. 2017. “Special Issue Editors' Introduction: Gun Politics.”Social Science Quarterly98(2): 377–81.https://doi.org/10.1111/ssqu.12415.
An application of a qd‐type discrete hungry Lotka–Volterra equation over finite fields to a decoding problem
Authors: Pan Yan , Chang Xiang‐Ke , Hu Xing‐Biao
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the decoding problem for multiple Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem (BCH)‐Goppa codes over the same finite field is investigated. A new iterative decoding algorithm is proposed based on the quotient difference (qd)‐type discrete hungry Lotka–Volterra equation over finite fields. Compared with certain existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm manifests its advantage in computational complexity. A few of examples are presented to demonstrate its efficiency.
Equine allergic skin diseases: Clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology
Authors: Marsella R. , White S. , Fadok V. A. , Wilson D. , Mueller R. , Outerbridge C. , Rosenkrantz W.
Published: May 2023

Background

Allergic skin diseases are common in horses worldwide. The most common causes are insect bites and environmental allergens.

Objectives

To review the current literature and provide consensus on pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Materials and Methods

The authors reviewed the literature up to November 2022. Results were presented at North America Veterinary Dermatology Forum (2021) and European Veterinary Dermatology Congress (2021). The report was available to member organisations of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology for feedback.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the best characterised allergic skin disease. An immunoglobulin (Ig)E response againstCulicoidessalivary antigens is widely documented. Genetics and environmental factors play important roles. Tests with high sensitivity and specificity are lacking, and diagnosis of IBH is based on clinical signs, seasonality and response to insect control. Eosinophils, interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐31 are explored as therapeutic targets. Presently, the most effective treatment is insect avoidance. Existing evidence does not support allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) using commercially available extracts ofCulicoides. Hypersensitivity to environmental allergens (atopic dermatitis) is the next most common allergy. A role for IgE is supported by serological investigation, skin test studies and positive response to ASIT. Prospective, controlled, randomised studies are limited, and treatment relies largely on glucocorticoids, antihistamines and ASIT based on retrospective studies. Foods are known triggers for urticaria, yet their role in pruritic dermatitis is unknown. Recurrent urticaria is common in horses, yet our understanding is limited and focussed on IgE and T‐helper 2 cell response. Prospective, controlled studies on treatments for urticaria are lacking. Glucocorticoids and antihistamines are primary reported treatments.
Deep learning in the marking of medical student short answer question examinations: Student perceptions and pilot accuracy assessment
Authors: Hollis-Sando Lily , Pugh Charlotte , Franke Kyle , Zerner Toby , Tan Yiran , Carneiro Gustavo , Van den Hengel Anton , Symonds Ian , Duggan Paul , Bacchi Stephen
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Machine learning has previously been applied to text analysis. There is limited data regarding the acceptability or accuracy of such applications in medical education. This project examined medical student opinion regarding computer-based marking and evaluated the accuracy of deep learning (DL), a subtype of machine learning, in the scoring of medical short answer questions (SAQs).
Methods: Fourth- and fifth-year medical students undertook an anonymised online examination. Prior to the examination, students completed a survey gauging their opinion on computer-based marking. Questions were marked by humans, and then a DL analysis was conducted using convolutional neural networks. In the DL analysis, following preprocessing, data were split into a training dataset (on which models were developed using 10-fold cross-validation) and a test dataset (on which performance analysis was conducted).
Results: One hundred and eighty-one students completed the examination (participation rate 59.0%). While students expressed concern regarding the accuracy of computer-based marking, the majority of students agreed that computer marking would be more objective than human marking (67.0%) and reported they would not object to computer-based marking (55.5%). Regarding automated marking of SAQs, for 1-mark questions, there were consistently high classification accuracies (mean accuracy 0.98). For more complex 2-mark and 3-mark SAQs, in which multiclass classification was required, accuracy was lower (mean 0.65 and 0.59, respectively).
Conclusions: Medical students may be supportive of computer-based marking due to its objectivity. DL has the potential to provide accurate marking of written questions, however further research into DL marking of medical examinations is required.
A collaborative approach to engaging undergraduate students in learning and developing evidence-based practice
Authors: Lee Nigel , Jauncey-Cooke Jacqueline
Published: May 2023

Background: Students often have difficulty engaging with evidenced-based practice (EBP) courses that are largely theoretical and lack clinical relevance. This may result in graduates lacking vital skills to critique practice and participate in quality improvement.
Approach: This paper describes the development and implementation of a collaborative academic and healthcare industry-based course that linked theoretical aspects of EBP. Students undertook a quality improvement project during clinical practice experience. Course assessments were designed to provide feedback on the progression of projects, the integration of theoretical and practical aspects of EBP and dissemination of findings.
Conclusions: The course required substantial collaboration between the university and industry partners to identify clinically relevant projects and coordinate academic and clinical mentorship to support the students. The course demonstrated a significant level of clinical and academic partnership that resulted in relevant clinical quality improvements and increased student engagement with learning about, producing and implementing EBP.
Selective generation of reactive oxygen species in plasma-activated water using CO2 plasma
Authors: Rathore Vikas , Nema Sudhir Kumar
Published: May 2023

In this study, we discuss a process for selectively generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as H2O2 and dissolved O3, in plasma-activated water (PAW) using pure CO2 as a plasma-forming gas. A detailed comparison of the gas species/radicals present in plasma and the properties of PAW when using CO2 and air as plasma-forming gases is presented. Our results show that PAW generated with CO2 has a significantly higher pH and lower oxidizing potential and electrical conductivity compared to PAW generated with air. Species formed in PAW (CO2) due to CO2 plasma-water interaction include dissolved O3, H2O2, dissolved CO2, CO32− ions, etc. Moreover, the concentration of NO2− and NO3− ions in PAW (CO2) is beyond the detection limit. PAW (CO2) has a substantially higher concentration of H2O2 than PAW (air). Furthermore, increasing the plasma treatment time with water significantly increases the concentration of H2O2 and dissolved O3 in PAW (CO2). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that selective generation of ROS in PAW is possible using CO2 as a plasma-forming gas, leading to a higher H2O2 concentration compared to air.
On the selection of rheological tests for the prediction of 3D printability
Authors: Liu Ying , Hildner Matthew , Roy Omkar , Van den Bogert William A. , Lorenz James , Desroches Maude , Koppi Kurt , Shih Albert , Larson Ronald G.
Published: May 2023

Direct ink writing is used to print multiple polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixtures with fumed silica or as a two-part commercial liquid silicone rubber (LSR) mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or as a two-part commercial vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. We correlate their printability into a hollow slump cone with rheological measurements, including (1) a shear rate up-ramp followed by (2) a down-ramp in the shear rate, (3) creep tests, and (4) large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) with increasing amplitude. The PDMS-fumed silica mixtures fail to print even at the highest fumed silica loading used (9 wt. %), while LSR-PEG with 4 or 6 wt. % PEG prints well, and one of the two RTV silicone components is printable, as is the mixture due in part to its rapid chemical curing. The large differences in printability of these materials do not correlate well with any single rheological test. They do correlate with a combination of a measure of material strength, given by either the yield stress σycr from creep tests or the “flow stress” σf at which G′ and G″ cross-over in LAOS, and of material recoverability given by the dynamic yield stress σy− in test 2. The latter is measured during a down-ramp in the shear rate after reaching a maximum shear rate of 1000 s−1, the highest shear rate in the print nozzle.
The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Disablement in the Physically Active Scale
Authors: Acar Manolya , Öztürk Demet , Demirsöz Mert , Tekindal Mustafa Agah
Published: May 2023

Context: The Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (DPAS) was recently developed to evaluate the disability process and health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DPAS in physically active individuals with musculoskeletal injury. Methods: The study sample comprised 64 physically active individuals with musculoskeletal injury aged 16–40 years. The DPAS was translated into Turkish according to the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation. Short Form-36 was used concurrently to test the construct validity. The test–retest reliability of the Turkish version of the scale assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach α was calculated for internal consistency. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis carried out on the Turkish version of the DPAS was confirmed. Cronbach α was calculated to be .946. The intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between .593 and .924 (P < .001). The Turkish version of the scale showed significant correlations with domains of the Short Form-36 (P < .05). When the sensitivity of the study was evaluated, the highest correlation was found between DPAS total score and impairments (r = .906, P = .001), and the lowest correlation was  between DPAS total score and quality of life (r = .637, P = .001). Conclusion: The Turkish version of the DPAS is a reliable, valid, and practical tool. The Turkish version of the DPAS can be used by health professionals to understand quality of life, the disability process, and activity limitations in Turkish-speaking physically active people after musculoskeletal injuries.
Understanding the Interaction of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Visual Feedback During an Ankle Movement Task
Authors: Cummings Mark , Doshi Aditi , Madhavan Sangeetha
Published: May 2023

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been demonstrated to facilitate motor performance in healthy individuals; however, results are variable. The neuromodulatory effects of tDCS during visuomotor tasks may be influenced by extrinsic visual feedback. However, this interaction between tDCS and visual feedback has not been explored for the lower limb. Hence, our objective was to explore if tDCS over the primary lower limb motor cortex differentially facilitates motor performance based on the availability of visual feedback. Methods: Twenty-two neurotypical adults performed ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion movements while tracking a sinusoidal target. Spatiotemporal, spatial, and temporal error were calculated between the ankle position and target. Participants attended two sessions, a week apart, with (Stim) and without (No-Stim) anodal tDCS. Sessions were divided into two blocks containing randomized visual feedback conditions: full, no, and blindfold. During Stim sessions, the first block included the application of tDCS to the lower limb M1. Results: Spatiotemporal and spatial error increased as feedback faded (p < .001). A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a significant interaction between tDCS and visual feedback (p < .05) on spatiotemporal error. Post hoc analyses revealed a significant improvement in spatiotemporal error when visual feedback was absent (p < .01). Spatial and temporal errors were not significantly affected by stimulation or visual feedback. Discussion: Our results suggest that tDCS enhances spatiotemporal ankle motor performance only when visual feedback is not available. These findings indicate that visual feedback may play an important role in demonstrating the effectiveness of tDCS.
Protective Effect of Select Bacterial Species Representative of Fresh Produce on Human Norovirus Surrogates Exposed to Disinfecting Pulsed Light
Authors: Péloquin Laurence , Goetz Coralie , Jubinville Eric , Jean Julie
Published: May 2023

Recent studies have shown that bacteria may be involved in the attachment of HuNoV to the surface of fresh produce. Because these foods are difficult to disinfect by conventional methods without compromising product quality, nonthermal nonchemical disinfectants such as pulsed light are being investigated.
Expanding the Physiological Role of Aryl-Alcohol Flavooxidases as Quinone Reductases
Authors: Ferreira Patricia , Carro Juan , Balcells Beatriz , Martínez Angel T. , Serrano Ana
Published: May 2023

In this work, quinone reductase activity is analyzed in three AAO flavooxidases, whose preferred oxidizing-substrate is O
2
. The results presented, including reactions in the presence of both oxidizing substrates—benzoquinone and molecular oxygen—suggest that such aryl-alcohol dehydrogenase activity, although less important than its oxidase activity in terms of maximal turnover, may have a physiological role during fungal decay of lignocellulose by the reduction of quinones (and phenoxy radicals) from lignin degradation, preventing repolymerization.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Response of the Bacterium
Priestia Aryabhattai
SK1-7 to Interactions and Dissolution with Potassium Feldspar
Authors: Yang Hui , Lu Lanxiang , Chen Yifan , Ye Jianren
Published: May 2023

Mineral-microbe interactions play important roles in the biogeochemical cycling of elements. Manipulating mineral-microbe interactions and optimizing the consequences of such interactions can be used to benefit society.
Telaprevir Treatment Reduces Paralysis in a Mouse Model of Enterovirus D68 Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Authors: Frost Joshua , Rudy Michael J. , Leser J. Smith , Tan Haozhou , Hu Yanmei , Wang Jun , Clarke Penny , Tyler Kenneth L.
Published: May 2023

Recent outbreaks of EV-D68 in 2014, 2016, and 2018 have resulted in over 600 cases of a paralytic illness that is known as AFM. AFM is a predominantly pediatric disease with no FDA-approved treatment, and many patients show minimal recovery from limb weakness.
The SETD2 Methyltransferase Supports Productive HPV31 Replication through the LEDGF/CtIP/Rad51 Pathway
Authors: Mac Michelle , DeVico Brianna M. , Raspanti Sophia M. , Moody Cary A.
Published: May 2023

The productive phase of the HPV life cycle is restricted to the differentiating cells of the stratified epithelium. The HPV genome is histone-associated and subject to epigenetic regulation, though the manner in which epigenetic modifications contribute to productive replication is largely undefined.
Whole-Genome Sequence of a Human Monkeypox Virus Strain Detected in Egypt
Authors: Roshdy Wael H. , El-Shesheny Rabeh , Moatasim Yassmin , Kamel Mina N. , Showky Shaymaa , Gomaa Mokhtar , Naguib Amel , El Guindy Nancy , Fahim Manal , Khalifa Mohamed , Galal Ramy , Hassany Mohamed , Kandeil Ahmed , Ali Mohamed A. , Kandeel Amr
Published: May 2023

Monkeypox virus has recently been detected in multiple countries. Two cases of monkeypox virus were reported in Egypt as part of an ongoing international outbreak. We report the whole-genome sequence of a monkeypox virus that was retrieved from the first confirmed case in Egypt. The virus was fully sequenced on the Illumina platform, and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the current monkeypox strain is closely related to clade IIb, which caused recent multicountry outbreaks.
Survey of the Endophytic Bacteria Inhabiting Wild
Daucus
Seed Using 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Johnson Linda J. , Teasdale Suliana , Morozova Yulia , de Bonth Anouck C. M. , Jauregui Ruy , Hannaford Rina , Card Stuart D.
Published: May 2023

We report a preliminary survey of the endophytic bacterial microbiota of seed from wild carrot (
Daucus carota
) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.
Actinobacteria
,
Bacteroidetes
,
Firmicutes
, and
Proteobacteria
were the most abundant phyla detected, while
Bacillus
,
Massilia
,
Paenibacillus
,
Pantoea
,
Pseudomonas
,
Rhizobium
,
Sphingomonas
, and
Xanthomonas
were the most abundant genera.
Comparative Genomic Insights into Bacterial Induction of Larval Settlement and Metamorphosis in the Upside-Down Jellyfish
Cassiopea
Authors: Ohdera Aki , Attarwala Khushboo , Wu Victoria , Henry Rubain , Laird Henry , Hofmann Dietrich K. , Fitt William K. , Medina Mónica
Published: May 2023

The pelagic to benthic transition for the larvae of many marine invertebrate species are thought to be triggered by microbial cues. The microbial species and exact cue that initiates this transition remains unknown for many animals.
Mitochondrial ADP/ATP Carrier 1 Is Important for the Growth of
Toxoplasma
Tachyzoites
Authors: Qian Jiahui , Zhao Tongjie , Guo Liyu , Li Senyang , He Zhengming , He Mingfeng , Shen Bang , Fang Rui
Published: May 2023

T. gondii
has an efficient and flexible energy metabolism system to meet different growth needs. ATP is an energy-carrying molecule and needs to be exchanged between organelles with the assistance of transporters.
The Nucleocapsid Proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Close Relative Bat Coronavirus RaTG13 Are Capable of Inhibiting PKR- and RNase L-Mediated Antiviral Pathways
Authors: LeBlanc Kyle , Lynch Jessie , Layne Christine , Vendramelli Robert , Sloan Angela , Tailor Nikesh , Deschambault Yvon , Zhang Fushun , Kobasa Darwyn , Safronetz David , Xiang Yan , Cao Jingxin
Published: May 2023

The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 is an important viral factor defining the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To transmit efficiently, SARS-CoV-2 must be capable of disarming the innate immune response of its host efficiently.
Identification of Toxic Proteins Encoded by Mycobacteriophage TM4 Using a Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Method
Authors: Wang Chun-Liang , Zhang Lan-Yue , Ding Xin-Yuan , Sun Yi-Cheng
Published: May 2023

The wide spread of drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
has brought an urgent need for new drug development. Mycobacteriophages are natural killers of
M. tuberculosis
, and their toxic gene products might provide potential anti-
M. tuberculosis
candidates.
Mantle wedge olivine modifies slab-derived fluids: Implications for fluid transport from slab to arc magma source
Authors: Hoog Jan C.M. De , Clarke Eleri , Hattori Keiko
Published: May 2023

Boron is an effective tracer of fluid processes in subduction zones. High B and δ11B in arc magmas require efficient B transfer from the slab to magma source regions. The Higashi-akaishi metaperidotite body in the Sanbagawa high-pressure belt, Japan, is composed of locally serpentinized mantle wedge peridotites exhumed in a subduction channel. Cores of coarse-grained primary mantle olivine have 1–4 µg/g B, enriched compared to typical mantle olivine, and δ11B of −10‰ to −1‰, consistent with incorporation of fluids from dehydrating slab at ~90–120 km depth. Rims of primary mantle olivine as well as olivine neoblasts have even higher B (5–20 µg/g) and higher δ11B (−8‰ to +2‰) due to incorporating slab fluids at depths of ~70–100 km. Antigorite, formed below 650 °C, shows comparable δ11B and B contents as olivine rims. The data show that olivine is capable of scavenging significant amounts of B from fluids by diffusion and recrystallization at sub-arc pressures and temperatures. Considering the large amount of olivine in the mantle wedge, transport of slab-derived material to magma sources requires processes with minimal interaction with mantle peridotite, such as intensely channelized fluid flow or ascent of mélange diapirs, and limited porous fluid flow.
Erratum to: Combined Action of Melatonin and Water Deficiency on Growth and MDA Content of Hypocotyls and Roots of Lupine and Respiration of Mitochondria Isolated from These Organs
Authors: Generozova I. P. , Vasilyev S. V. , Butsanets P. A. , Shugaev A. G.
Published: May 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1021443723330026
Beyond cuts in small signal scenarios
Authors: Alvestad Daniel , Fomin Nikolai , Kersten Jörn , Maeland Steffen , Strümke Inga
Published: May 2023

We investigate enhancing the sensitivity of new physics searches at the LHC by machine learning in the case of background dominance and a high degree of overlap between the observables for signal and background. We use two different models, XGBoost and a deep neural network, to exploit correlations between observables and compare this approach to the traditional cut-and-count method. We consider different methods to analyze the models’ output, finding that a template fit generally performs better than a simple cut. By means of a Shapley decomposition, we gain additional insight into the relationship between event kinematics and the machine learning model output. We consider a supersymmetric scenario with a metastable sneutrino as a concrete example, but the methodology can be applied to a much wider class of models.
First-order Logic with Connectivity Operators
Authors: Schirrmacher Nicole , Siebertz Sebastian , Vigny Alexandre
Published: May 2023

First-order logic (FO) can express many algorithmic problems on graphs, such as the independent set and dominating set problem parameterized by solution size. However, FO cannot express the very simple algorithmic question whether two vertices are connected. We enrich FO with connectivity predicates that are tailored to express algorithmic graph problems that are commonly studied in parameterized algorithmics. By adding the atomic predicates connk(x,y,z_1,..., zk) that hold true in a graph if there exists a path between (the valuations of)xandyafter (the valuations of)z1,..., zkhave been deleted, we obtainseparator logicFO + conn. We show that separator logic can express many interesting problems, such as the feedback vertex set problem and elimination distance problems to first-order definable classes. Denote by FO + connkthe fragment of separator logic that is restricted to connectivity predicates with at mostk + 2variables (that is, at mostkdeletions), we show that FO + connk + 1is strictly more expressive than FO + connkfor allk ≥ 0. We then study the limitations of separator logic and prove that it cannot express planarity, and, in particular, not the disjoint paths problem. We obtain the strongerdisjoint-paths logicFO + DP by adding the atomic predicates disjoint-pathsk[(x1, y1),..., (xk, yk) that evaluate to true if there are internally vertex-disjoint paths between (the valuations of)xiandyifor all 1 ≤ i ≤ k. Disjoint-paths logic can express the disjoint paths problem, the problem of (topological) minor containment, the problem of hitting (topological) minors, and many more. Again, we show that the fragments FO + DPkthat use predicates for at mostkdisjoint paths form a strict hierarchy of expressiveness. Finally, we compare the expressive power of the new logics with that of transitive-closure logics and monadic second-order logic.
Distance, Origin and Category Constrained Paths
Authors: Teng Xu , Trajcevski Goce , Züfle Andreas
Published: May 2023

Recommending a Point of Interest (PoI) or a sequence of PoIs to visit based on user’s preferences and geo-locations has been one of the most popular applications of Location-Based Services (LBS). Variants have also been considered which take other factors into consideration, such as broader (implicit or explicit) semantic constraints as well as the limitations on the length of the trip. In this work, we present an efficient algorithmic solution to a novel query –
PaDOC
(Paths with Distance, Origin, and Category constraints) – which combines the generation of a path that (a) can be traversed within a user-specified budget (e.g., limit on distance), (b) starts at one of the user-specified origin locations (e.g., a hotel), and (c) contains PoIs from a user-specified list of PoI categories. We show that the problem of deciding whether such a path exists is an NP-hard problem. Based on a novel indexing structure, we propose two efficient algorithms for approximate
PaDOC
query processing based on both conservative and progressive distance estimations. We conducted extensive experiments over real, publicly available datasets, demonstrating the benefits of the proposed methodologies over straightforward solutions.