bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased soil cadmium concentrations enhanced poplar defence against a leaf pathogenic fungus infection
Authors: Zhao Zhengbao , Zou Li , Zhi Jingzi , Niu Yuzhen , Yan Sheng , Yan Rong , Lin Tiantian
Published: June 2023

Since heavy metals are toxic to herbivores and pathogens, the Elemental defence hypothesis suggested that metals accumulated in plants might serve as defence against herbivores and pathogen attacks. However, several studies have tested this hypothesis with regard to pathogen resistance are limited. Most existing studies used herbaceous species as study model while studies on tree species are still lacking. In this study, we used poplar as a study model, to investigate whether soil treatment with five different cadmium (Cd) concentrations can protect plants from artificial infection of a leaf pathogenic fungus. The results showed that the Cd concentrations accumulated in plant leaves were positively correlated with increasing Cd concentrations amended in the soil while negatively correlated with the disease severity index (DSI) of plants after pathogen infection. Additional partial correlation analysis indicated that the plant DSI was only significantly correlated with Cd concentration accumulated in plant leaves while plant growth parameters and other leaf substances showed no clear correlations. The in vitro toxicity test of fungal mycelium grown on a series of Cd concentrations amended in the artificial medium further showed that the mycelium growth decreased with increasing Cd concentrations contained in the medium, which confirmed the biological toxicity of Cd on this fungus independently of other organic defensive substances present in poplar leaves. In conclusion, our study supported the Elemental defence hypothesis and proved that even a lower accumulation of Cd in poplar plants can provide sufficient protection against leaf pathogen infection.
Subjective awareness of sleepiness while driving in younger and older adults
Authors: Cai Anna W. T. , Manousakis Jessica E. , Singh Bikram , Francis‐Pester Elly , Kuo Jonny , Jeppe Katherine J. , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W. , Lenné Michael G. , Howard Mark E. , Anderson Clare
Published: June 2023

Understanding whether drivers can accurately assess sleepiness is essential for educational campaigns advising drivers to stop driving when feeling sleepy. However, few studies have examined this in real‐world driving environments, particularly among older drivers who comprise a large proportion of all road users. To examine the accuracy of subjective sleepiness ratings in predicting subsequent driving impairment and physiological drowsiness, 16 younger (21–33 years) and 17 older (50–65 years) adults drove an instrumented vehicle for 2 h on closed loop under two conditions: well‐rested and 29 h sleep deprivation. Sleepiness ratings (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, Likelihood of Falling Asleep scale, Sleepiness Symptoms Questionnaire) were obtained every 15min, alongside lane deviations, near crash events, and ocular indices of drowsiness. All subjective sleepiness measures increased with sleep deprivation for both age groups (p < 0.013). While most subjective sleepiness ratings significantly predicted driving impairment and drowsiness in younger adults (OR: 1.7–15.6,p < 0.02), this was only apparent for KSS, likelihood of falling asleep, and “difficulty staying in the lane for the older adults” (OR: 2.76–2.86,p = 0.02). This may be due to an altered perception of sleepiness in older adults, or due to lowered objective signs of impairment in the older group. Our data suggest that (i) younger and older drivers are aware of sleepiness; (ii) the best subjective scale may differ across age groups; and (iii) future research should expand on the best subjective measures to inform of crash risk in older adults to inform tailored educational road safety campaigns on signs of sleepiness.
Disposition kinetics of robenacoxib following intravenous and oral administration in geese (Anser anser domesticus)
Authors: Fadel Charbel , Łebkowska‐Wieruszewska Beata , Lisowski Andrzej , Laut Seavchou , Poapolathep Amnart , Giorgi Mario
Published: June 2023

Robenacoxib (RX) is a veterinary cyclooxygenase‐2 selective inhibitor drug. It has never been tested on birds and is only labelled for use in cats and dogs. The purpose of this study was to assess its pharmacokinetics in geese after single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administrations. Four‐month healthy female geese (n = 8) were used. Geese were subjected to a two‐phase, single‐dose (2 mg/kg IV, 4 mg/kg PO), open, longitudinal study design with a four‐month washout period between the IV and the PO phases. Blood was collected from the left wing vein to heparinized tubes at 0, 0.085 (for IV only), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 h. Plasma RX concentrations were measured using HPLC coupled to an UV detector, and the data were pharmacokinetically analysed using ThothPro™ 4.3 software in a non‐compartmental approach. Following IV administration, terminal elimination half‐life, volume of distribution, and total clearance were 0.35 h, 0.34 L/kg, and 0.68 L/h/kg, respectively. For the PO route, the mean peak plasma concentration was 6.78 μg/mL at 0.50 h. The t1/2λz was very short and significantly different between the IV and PO administrations (0.35 h IV vs. 0.99 h PO), suggesting the occurrence of a flip‐flop phenomenon. The Cl values corrected for the F% were significantly different between IV and PO administrations. It might have been a consequence of the longitudinal study design and the altered physiological and environmental conditions after a 4‐month washout period. The absolute oral F% computed with the AUC method surpassed 150%, but after normalizing it to t1/2λz, it was 46%. In conclusion, the administration of RX might not be suitable for geese, due to its short t1/2λz.
Persistent organic pollutants associate with liver disease in a Finnish general population sample
Authors: Hakkarainen Konsta , Rantakokko Panu , Koponen Jani , Ruokojärvi Päivi , Korkalainen Merja , Salomaa Veikko , Jula Antti , Männistö Satu , Perola Markus , Lundqvist Annamari , Männistö Ville , Åberg Fredrik
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have multiple adverse effects on human health. Recent studies show a possible association with liver disease, but population‐based data are scarce. In this population‐based study, we studied the associations between POPs and biomarkers of liver disease and incident liver disease.

Methods

This study consisted of 2789 adults that participated in the environmental toxin subset of the Finnish health‐examination survey, FINRISK 2007. Toxins were measured from serum samples, and standard liver tests and dynamic aspartate aminotransferase‐alanine aminotransferase ratio (dAAR) were measured as biomarkers of liver function. Associations between POPs and the biomarkers were then analysed using linear regression. Associations between POPs and incident liver disease (n = 36) were analysed by Cox regression.

Results

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and several perfluorinated alkyl substances exhibited statistically significant positive associations with several biomarkers of liver injury (betacoefficient per SD 0.04–0.14, p < 0.05). These associations were stronger in subgroups of individuals with obesity or non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. OCPs, PCBs and perfluoro‐octanoic acid also had significant positive associations with dAAR, which can be used to predict risk of incident severe liver outcomes (beta coefficient per SD 0.05–0.08, p < 0.05). OCPs and PCBs were also significantly and positively associated with incident liver disease (hazard ratio per SD 1.82 95% CI 1.21–2.73, p < 0.01 and hazard ratio per SD 1.69, 95% CI 1.07–2.68, p < 0.05 respectively).

Conclusions

Several POPs show positive associations with markers of liver injury and incident liver disease, suggesting that environmental toxins are important risk factors for chronic liver disease.
Patient‐reported quality of care in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Walmsley Martine , Tornai Dávid , Cazzagon Nora , Leburgue Angela , Mrzljak Anna , Lenzen Henrike , Carbone Marco , Madaleno João , Lleo Ana , Junge Norman , Schramm Christoph , Bergquist Annika
Published: June 2023

Background

Management and follow‐up strategies for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) vary. The aim of the present study was to assess patient‐reported quality of care to identify the most important areas for improvement.

Methods

Data were collected via an online survey hosted on the EU Survey platform in 11 languages between October 2021 and January 2022. Questions were asked about the disease, symptoms, treatment, investigations and quality of care.

Results

In total, 798 nontransplanted people with PSC from 33 countries responded. Eighty‐six per cent of respondents reported having had at least one symptom. Twenty‐four per cent had never undergone an elastography, and 8% had not had a colonoscopy. Nearly half (49%) had never undergone a bone density scan. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was used in 90–93% in France, Netherlands and Germany, and 49–50% in the United Kingdom and Sweden. Itch was common (60%), and 50% of those had received any medication. Antihistamines were taken by 27%, cholestyramine by 21%, rifampicin by 13% and bezafibrate by 6.5%. Forty‐one per cent had been offered participation in a clinical trial or research. The majority (91%) reported that they were confident with their care although half of the individuals reported the need for more information on disease prognosis and diet.

Conclusion

Symptom burden in PSC is high, and the most important areas of improvement are disease monitoring with more widespread use of elastography, bone density scan and appropriate treatment for itch. Personalised prognostic information should be offered to all individuals with PSC and include information on how they can improve their health.
PlasmodiumGPI‐anchored micronemal antigen is essential for parasite transmission through the mosquito host
Authors: Jennison Charlie , Armstrong Janna M. , Dankwa Dorender A. , Hertoghs Nina , Kumar Sudhir , Abatiyow Biley A. , Naung Myo , Minkah Nana K. , Swearingen Kristian E. , Moritz Robert , Barry Alyssa E. , Kappe Stefan H. I. , Vaughan Ashley M.
Published: June 2023

Plasmodium parasites, the eukaryotic pathogens that cause malaria, feature three distinct invasive forms tailored to the host environment they must navigate and invade for life cycle progression. One conserved feature of these invasive forms is the micronemes, apically oriented secretory organelles involved in egress, motility, adhesion, and invasion. Here we investigate the role of GPI‐anchored micronemal antigen (GAMA), which shows a micronemal localization in all zoite forms of the rodent‐infecting species Plasmodium berghei. ∆GAMA parasites are severely defective for invasion of the mosquito midgut. Once formed, oocysts develop normally, however, sporozoites are unable to egress and exhibit defective motility. Epitope‐tagging of GAMA revealed tight temporal expression late during sporogony and showed that GAMA is shed during sporozoite gliding motility in a similar manner to circumsporozoite protein. Complementation of P. berghei knockout parasites with full‐length P. falciparum GAMA partially restored infectivity to mosquitoes, indicating conservation of function across Plasmodium species. A suite of parasites with GAMA expressed under the promoters of CTRP, CAP380, and TRAP, further confirmed the involvement of GAMA in midgut infection, motility, and vertebrate infection. These data show GAMA's involvement in sporozoite motility, egress, and invasion, implicating GAMA as a regulator of microneme function.
Schlick and Wittgenstein on games and ethics
Authors: Vrahimis Andreas
Published: June 2023

In conversations with Schlick and Waismann from June to December 1930, Wittgenstein began to turn his attention to the topic of games. This topic also centrally concerned Schlick. In his earliest philosophical output, Schlick had relied on the results of evolutionary biology in setting out an account of the emergence of the human species' ability to play [Spiel] as a prerequisite for the genesis of scientific knowledge. Throughout his subsequent works, one finds fragmentary appeals to this early view, for example in his oft‐misunderstood claim that play constitutes the meaning of life. Wittgenstein's turn to the topic of games in 1930 not only happened while Professor Schlick was in the room but was also coupled with an explicit response to Schlick's 1930 book Fragen der Ethik. Schlick here employs the example of chess to distinguish between rules and their application—a distinction that underlies his whole attempt to naturalise ethics as a descriptive psycho‐sociological discipline. This paper investigates the relation between Wittgenstein's and Schlick's accounts of games in the light of Wittgenstein's criticisms of Schlick's ethics. Wittgenstein's objections can be answered by taking Schlick's theory of play into consideration.
‘On the necessity of identity and Tarski's T‐schema’—A response to Davood Hosseini
Authors: Blum Alex
Published: June 2023

The paper defends my position on Kripke in  ‘The Necessity of Identity and Tarski's T‐schema’, which was recently criticized in this journal by Davood Hosseini.
Clinical, cytological, and pathological characteristics of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid: A study of 14 cases at a Japanese single institution
Authors: Tanaka Aki , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Suzuki Ayana , Higuchi Miyoko , Miyauchi Akira , Akamizu Takashi
Published: June 2023

A preoperative diagnosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid (MRCCT) is important for determining clinical management but is challenging even in cases with a clinical history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study aimed to elucidate the clinical, cytological, and pathological characteristics of MRCCT. Fourteen MRCCT cases extracted from 18 320 malignant thyroid tumors were included in this study. Twelve MRCCT (85.7%) occurred as solitary lesions and the most frequently suspected lesions on ultrasonography were follicular tumors. On cytology, 46.2% of cases were reported as RCC or suspected RCC; a medical history of RCC and immunocytochemistry were helpful in interpretation. RCC metastasized to a follicular adenoma in 50.0% of the solitary lesions. MRCCTs with a long interval from the initial presentation, solitary lesion, and Ki‐67 labeling index <10% showed significantly longer disease‐free survival. MRCCT is characterized by a long interval from the initial presentation of RCC, appearance as a solitary nodule, ultrasonographic similarity to follicular tumors, sharing cytological findings with primary thyroid tumors, and high frequency of metastasis within follicular adenoma. A long interval from the initial presentation, occurrence as a solitary lesion, and low Ki‐67 labeling index may be favorable prognostic factors.
Customer segmentation and ex ante fairness: A queueing perspective
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhou Yong‐Pin , Chen Jian
Published: June 2023

In this study, we analyze how customer perceptions of ex ante unfairness affect a service provider that offers a priority service option. Customers differ in their waiting time costs, but that information is private to each customer. To address this issue and maximize revenue, the service provider offers a regular queue and a priority queue with an additional fee, thereby inducing the self‐selection of customers into those two queues. The customers make their service‐joining decision, based on the publicized queue terms, before entering the queue. In such a service system, the priority customers pay to reduce their waiting time, which increases the average waiting time for regular customers, as compared with a “first come, first served” (FCFS) queue. This increase in the waiting time can lead to a perception of unfairness by the regular customers. In this paper, we model this ex ante unfairness perception as a negative utility for the regular customers that is proportional to the difference in the expected waiting times between the segmented regular queue and a nonsegmented FCFS queueing system and investigate the service provider's optimal decisions regarding segmentation and pricing. We find that, in a service system where customers can balk, the service provider should focus on only one service offering through a lower priority fee or differentiated services under certain conditions and charge a higher priority fee once the perception of unfairness is taken into consideration. An equilibrium sensitivity study provides guidance on how best to design, construct, and operate queues. Finally, we examine two extension cases in which (1) the customer ex ante unfairness perception is defined as proportional to the waiting time difference between regular and priority queues or (2) priority customers exhibit either a “negative ex ante unfairness perception” or “positive ex ante unfairness perception” of queueing. Our results are robust, and we identify conditions under which a heightened unfairness perception could be beneficial or detrimental to the service provider.
Overview of the causes of abortion in horses, their follow‐up and management
Authors: Leon Albertine , Pillon Clément , Tebourski Inès , Bruyas Jean‐François , Lupo Coralie
Published: June 2023

Abortions in horses represent an important health and economic challenge for equine industry. Primary causes of abortion are divided in non‐infectious and infectious. Non‐infectious causes include abnormalities of foetal appendices (umbilical cord and placenta essentially), abnormalities of gestation, maternal and foetal origins. Infectious abortions are caused in almost cases by bacterial infections, followed by viruses, fungi and parasites. New abortive pathogens (asLeptospira, Neospora caninum, Coxiella burnetii,Chlamydophila abortus, and) have been confirmed in equines by comparison already known for their abortive properties in human or in other species. Despite an increasing number of autopsies and continuous improvements in diagnostic tools, in management and surveillance, 20%–40% of the causes of equine abortion remain unknown depending on the country. To increase the likelihood of a definitive diagnosis in cases of abortion and stillbirth in horses, new diagnostic approaches are needed.
Epigaeic invertebrate diversity of post‐mining revegetation evaluated by comparison with adjacent remnant woodlands
Authors: Houston Wayne A. , Black Robert L. , Merritt John
Published: June 2023

This study evaluated the validity of invertebrate diversity for evaluating the condition of minesite rehabilitation. Because the aim of rehabilitation of mined lands in this region is to establish a self‐sustaining ecosystem that resembles “bushland,” a variety of remnant woodlands in the vicinity of the minesite were selected as reference sites. Reference sites encompassed a range of soil types (alluvial, coarse‐textured, or clay) and understorey structural types (grassy, grass, and shrub or shrubby). Grassland sites (cleared woodlands) were also sampled to provide a negative control. Epigaeic invertebrates of three rehabilitation sites were compared with five reference sites and three grassland sites using pitfall traps over 6 years. Sites were sampled annually and the annual data within each of two time periods (T1: 2008–2010 and T2: 2011–2013) were pooled. Ants, beetles, and springtails were identified as morphospecies, providing site species richness and composition data. Springtail metrics of all three habitats, reference, rehabilitation, and grassland, resembled each other in T1 as well as T2, indicating that rehabilitation rapidly provided suitable conditions for this group. In contrast, the ant and beetle composition of rehabilitation sites differed significantly from that of reference sites in T1 but not T2, although only ants matched the expected negative control with grassland sites remaining distinct from reference sites in both time periods. Thus, ant assemblages of rehabilitation sites show a positive trajectory toward native woodlands and away from grasslands. These findings demonstrate that rehabilitation sites are developing diverse invertebrate assemblages comparable to local remnant woodlands in relatively short time frames.
Differential effects of parental control on preschool‐age adjustment depending on child effortful control
Authors: Shimomaeda Lisa , Thompson Stephanie F. , Lengua Liliana J.
Published: June 2023

This study examined whether parental control differentially predicted children's effortful control and adjustment depending on children's levels of executive control and delay ability. Using longitudinal data, the study included 241 preschool‐age children and their mothers. Fifty‐seven percent of the sample was lower income and included 64% White, 10% Latino/Hispanic, 9% Black, 3% Asian‐American, 2% Native or American Indian, and 12% multiple racial/ethnic backgrounds. Interactions between aspects of parental and child control at 3‐years‐old were tested as predictors of mother‐reported child effortful control at 4.5 years and teacher‐reported adjustment at 5.5 years. Children's early levels of executive control and delay ability moderated the relations of some forms of parental control with child outcomes, although several hypothesized interactions were nonsignificant. Low parental autonomy respect predicted higher externalizing for children initially high in executive control but predicted lower externalizing for children initially low in executive control. Conversely, high autonomy respect predicted higher impulsivity for children low in delay ability but higher social competence for children high in delay ability. Finally, low maternal negative control predicted higher internalizing for children low in delay ability, whereas it predicted higher internalizing for children high in delay ability. These findings suggest that in some cases the type and degree of parental control should match a child's level of effortful control to support their social, emotional, and behavioral adjustment optimally.
Testing Boundaries or Feeling Cautious: College Students' Gendered Perspectives on a Flirtatious Conversation*
Authors: Groggel Anne
Published: June 2023

Role‐taking is the process of mentally and affectively placing the self in the position of another. This study used a mixed‐methods approach to highlight how a traditional sexual script often imposes gendered expectations of role‐taking. To explore role‐taking within flirtatious exchanges, a sample of college students read a Snapchat conversation and then inferred what each character was thinking and feeling. Hooking up was the most common qualitative theme among the undergraduate participants; however, this theme was more prominent when considering the perspective of the male character, and this expectation was strengthened by the presence of emoji. The male character was expected to be excited or aroused, more focused on social cues—such as their roommate not being present—and to have the female character over to study as a way to pressure her for physical intimacy. The participants were more likely to think that the female character just wanted to study, was anxious or nervous, and was more aware of the male character's perspective. These findings highlight the complex nature of conveying sexual interest, which often forefronts desire and agency from a male perspective.
The Use of Imagery to Improve Self-Efficacy of Rehabilitation Capabilities in Athletes Following a Sport-Related Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Singleton K. Michelle , McAllister-Deitrick Jamie
Published: June 2023

Clinical Scenario: Sport-related injuries are a common occurrence within the athletic population and every athlete responds differently. The cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses associated with injuries ultimately impact the injury rehabilitation process and return to play. Specifically, self-efficacy significantly impacts the rehabilitation process and psychological techniques to improve self-efficacy are crucial in the recovery process. Imagery is one of these beneficial techniques. Clinical Question: Does the use of imagery during injury rehabilitation improve self-efficacy of rehabilitation capabilities compared with rehabilitation alone in athletes with a sport-related injury? Summary of Key Findings: The current literature was searched to identify the effects of imagery use to improve self-efficacy of rehabilitation capabilities, and 2 studies were selected: a mixed methods ecologically valid design and randomized controlled trial. Both studies investigated the relationship between imagery and self-efficacy and found positive results for imagery use in rehabilitation. Additionally, one of the studies specifically assessed rehabilitation satisfaction and found positive results. Clinical Bottom Line: The use of imagery should be considered as a clinical option for increasing self-efficacy during injury rehabilitation. Strength of Recommendation: Based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine strength of recommendation, there is a grade B of recommendation to support the use of imagery to improve self-efficacy of rehabilitation capabilities during an injury rehabilitation program.
Translation and Validation of the Arabic Version of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire
Authors: Alhowimel Ahmed S. , Alenazi Aqeel M. , Alshehri Mohammed M. , Alqahtani Bader A. , Aljaman Abdulaziz , Alzahrani Hosam , Alodaibi Faris , Rice Simon M.
Published: June 2023

Context: The international sports community is becoming more proactive in clinical mental health practice and research. An athlete-specific psychological distress screening tool can identify potential mental health illness. Design: The Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) is a simple screening tool for detecting early signs of athlete-specific strain and related mental health concerns. Methods: We evaluated the internal consistency and reliability of the translated and culturally adjusted Arabic version of the APSQ (APSQ-Ar) with Arabic-speaking elite athletes. The final translation underwent standard forward and backward translation, an inspection by a team of experts, and then preliminary testing. The APSQ-Ar was cross-culturally validated and then assessed for internal consistency and reliability among (n = 98) Arabic-speaking athletes. Results: There were no problems with the patients’ understanding or interpretation of the items on the APSQ-Ar translation. The intraclass correlation value was .93 (95% confidence interval, .89–.95), and the mean difference was 2.4 with a minimal detectable change of 5.12, demonstrating strong test–retest reliability. Moreover, Cronbach alpha showed excellent internal consistency (.76). Conclusions: The APSQ-Ar was demonstrated to be good, reliable, and internally consistent. With APSQ-Ar, sports medicine professionals in Arabic-speaking countries will be able to identify psychological distress and symptoms in athletes and, as a result, provide them with mental health support.
Ocean currents magnify upwelling and deliver nutritional subsidies to reef-building corals during El Niño heatwaves
Authors: Fox Michael D. , Guillaume-Castel Robin , Edwards Clinton B. , Glanz J. , Gove Jamison M. , Green J. A. Mattias , Juhlin E. , Smith Jennifer E. , Williams Gareth J.
Published: June 2023

Marine heatwaves are triggering coral bleaching events and devastating coral populations globally, highlighting the need to identify processes promoting coral survival. Here, we show that acceleration of a major ocean current and shallowing of the surface mixed layer enhanced localized upwelling on a central Pacific coral reef during the three strongest El Niño–associated marine heatwaves of the past half century. These conditions mitigated regional declines in primary production and bolstered local supply of nutritional resources to corals during a bleaching event. The reefs subsequently suffered limited post-bleaching coral mortality. Our results reveal how large-scale ocean-climate interactions affect reef ecosystems thousands of kilometers away and provide a valuable framework for identifying reefs that may benefit from such biophysical linkages during future bleaching events.
Dynamic switching of transcriptional regulators between two distinct low-mobility chromatin states
Authors: Wagh Kaustubh , Stavreva Diana A. , Jensen Rikke A. M. , Paakinaho Ville , Fettweis Gregory , Schiltz R. Louis , Wüstner Daniel , Mandrup Susanne , Presman Diego M. , Upadhyaya Arpita , Hager Gordon L.
Published: June 2023

How chromatin dynamics relate to transcriptional activity remains poorly understood. Using single-molecule tracking, coupled with machine learning, we show that histone H2B and multiple chromatin-bound transcriptional regulators display two distinct low-mobility states. Ligand activation results in a marked increase in the propensity of steroid receptors to bind in the lowest-mobility state. Mutational analysis revealed that interactions with chromatin in the lowest-mobility state require an intact DNA binding domain and oligomerization domains. These states are not spatially separated as previously believed, but individual H2B and bound-TF molecules can dynamically switch between them on time scales of seconds.

Single bound-TF molecules with different mobilities exhibit different dwell time distributions, suggesting that the mobility of TFs is intimately coupled with their binding dynamics. Together, our results identify two unique and distinct low-mobility states that appear to represent common pathways for transcription activation in mammalian cells.
Inhalation delivery of dexamethasone with iSEND nanoparticles attenuates the COVID-19 cytokine storm in mice and nonhuman primates
Authors: Meng Qian-Fang , Tai Wanbo , Tian Mingyao , Zhuang Xinyu , Pan Yuanwei , Lai Jialin , Xu Yangtao , Xu Zhiqiang , Li Min , Zhao Guangyu , Yu Guang-Tao , Yu Guocan , Chen Rongchang , Jin Ningyi , Li Xiao , Cheng Gong , Chen Xiaoyuan , Rao Lang
Published: June 2023

Dexamethasone (DEX) is the first drug to show life-saving efficacy in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), while DEX is associated with serious adverse effects. Here, we report an inhaled, Self-immunoregulatory, Extracellular Nanovesicle-based Delivery (iSEND) system by engineering neutrophil nanovesicles with cholesterols to deliver DEX for enhanced treatment of COVID-19. Relying on surface chemokine and cytokine receptors, the iSEND showed improved targeting to macrophages and neutralized broad-spectrum cytokines. The nanoDEX, made by encapsulating DEX with the iSEND, efficiently promoted the anti-inflammation effect of DEX in an acute pneumonia mouse model and suppressed DEX-induced bone density reduction in an osteoporosis rat model. Relative to an intravenous administration of DEX at 0.1 milligram per kilogram, a 10-fold lower dose of nanoDEX administered by inhalation produced even better effects against lung inflammation and injury in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–challenged nonhuman primates. Our work presents a safe and robust inhalation delivery platform for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Highly piezoelectric, biodegradable, and flexible amino acid nanofibers for medical applications
Authors: Chorsi Meysam T. , Le Thinh T. , Lin Feng , Vinikoor Tra , Das Ritopa , Stevens James F. , Mundrane Caitlyn , Park Jinyoung , Tran Khanh T. M. , Liu Yang , Pfund Jacob , Thompson Rachel , He Wu , Jain Menka , Morales-Acosta M. Daniela , Bilal Osama R. , Kazerounian Kazem , Ilies Horea , Nguyen Thanh D.
Published: June 2023

Amino acid crystals are an attractive piezoelectric material as they have an ultrahigh piezoelectric coefficient and have an appealing safety profile for medical implant applications. Unfortunately, solvent-cast films made from glycine crystals are brittle, quickly dissolve in body fluid, and lack crystal orientation control, reducing the overall piezoelectric effect. Here, we present a material processing strategy to create biodegradable, flexible, and piezoelectric nanofibers of glycine crystals embedded inside polycaprolactone (PCL). The glycine-PCL nanofiber film exhibits stable piezoelectric performance with a high ultrasound output of 334 kPa [under 0.15 voltage root-mean-square (Vrms)], which outperforms the state-of-the-art biodegradable transducers. We use this material to fabricate a biodegradable ultrasound transducer for facilitating the delivery of chemotherapeutic drug to the brain. The device remarkably enhances the animal survival time (twofold) in mice-bearing orthotopic glioblastoma models. The piezoelectric glycine-PCL presented here could offer an excellent platform not only for glioblastoma therapy but also for developing medical implantation fields.
Will reshoring manufacturing of advanced electric vehicle battery support renewable energy transition and climate targets?
Authors: Lal Apoorv , You Fengqi
Published: June 2023

Recent global logistics and geopolitical challenges draw attention to the potential raw material shortages for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Here, we analyze the long-term energy and sustainability prospects to ensure a secure and resilient midstream and downstream value chain for the U.S. EV battery market amid uncertain market expansion and evolving battery technologies. With current battery technologies, reshoring and ally-shoring the midstream and downstream EV battery manufacturing will reduce the carbon footprint by 15% and energy use by 5 to 7%. While next-generation cobalt-free battery technologies will achieve up to 27% carbon emission reduction, transitioning to 54% less carbon-intensive blade lithium iron phosphate may diminish the mitigation benefits of supply chain restructuring. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting nickel from secondary sources and nickel-rich ores. However, the advantages of restructuring the U.S. EV battery supply chain depend on projected battery technology advancements.
Does vegetation accelerate coastal dune erosion during extreme events?
Authors: Feagin Rusty A. , Innocenti Rachel A. , Bond Hailey , Wengrove Meagan , Huff Thomas P. , Lomonaco Pedro , Tsai Benjamin , Puleo Jack , Pontiki Maria , Figlus Jens , Chavez Valeria , Silva Rodolfo
Published: June 2023

A broadly accepted paradigm is that vegetation reduces coastal dune erosion. However, we show that during an extreme storm event, vegetation surprisingly accelerates erosion. In 104-m-long beach-dune profile experiments conducted within a flume, we discovered that while vegetation initially creates a physical barrier to wave energy, it also (i) decreases wave run-up, which creates discontinuities in erosion and accretion patterns across the dune slope, (ii) increases water penetration into the sediment bed, which induces its fluidization and destabilization, and (iii) reflects wave energy, accelerating scarp formation. Once a discontinuous scarp forms, the erosion accelerates further. These findings fundamentally alter the current understanding of how natural and vegetated features may provide protection during extreme events.
Video-rate mid-infrared photothermal imaging by single-pulse photothermal detection per pixel
Authors: Yin Jiaze , Zhang Meng , Tan Yuying , Guo Zhongyue , He Hongjian , Lan Lu , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: June 2023

By optically sensing absorption-induced photothermal effect, mid-infrared (IR) photothermal (MIP) microscope enables super-resolution IR imaging of biological systems in water. However, the speed of current sample-scanning MIP system is limited to milliseconds per pixel, which is insufficient for capturing living dynamics. By detecting the transient photothermal signal induced by a single IR pulse through fast digitization, we report a laser-scanning MIP microscope that increases the imaging speed by three orders of magnitude. To realize single-pulse photothermal detection, we use synchronized galvo scanning of both mid-IR and probe beams to achieve an imaging line rate of more than 2 kilohertz. With video-rate speed, we observed the dynamics of various biomolecules in living organisms at multiple scales. Furthermore, by using hyperspectral imaging, we chemically dissected the layered ultrastructure of fungal cell wall. Last, with a uniform field of view more than 200 by 200 square micrometer, we mapped fat storage in free-moving
Caenorhabditis elegans
and live embryos.
Microbiome alteration via fecal microbiota transplantation is effective for refractory immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced colitis
Authors: Halsey Taylor M. , Thomas Anusha S. , Hayase Tomo , Ma Weijie , Abu-Sbeih Hamzah , Sun Baohua , Parra Edwin Roger , Jiang Zhi-Dong , DuPont Herbert L. , Sanchez Christopher , El-Himri Rawan , Brown Alexandria , Flores Ivonne , McDaniel Lauren , Ortega Turrubiates Miriam , Hensel Matthew , Pham Dung , Watowich Stephanie S. , Hayase Eiko , Chang Chia-Chi , Jenq Robert R. , Wang Yinghong
Published: June 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) target advanced malignancies with high efficacy but also predispose patients to immune-related adverse events like immune-mediated colitis (IMC). Given the association between gut bacteria with response to ICI therapy and subsequent IMC, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents a feasible way to manipulate microbial composition in patients, with a potential benefit for IMC. Here, we present a large case series of 12 patients with refractory IMC who underwent FMT from healthy donors as salvage therapy. All 12 patients had grade 3 or 4 ICI-related diarrhea or colitis that failed to respond to standard first-line (corticosteroids) and second-line immunosuppression (infliximab or vedolizumab). Ten patients (83%) achieved symptom improvement after FMT, and three patients (25%) required repeat FMT, two of whom had no subsequent response. At the end of the study, 92% achieved IMC clinical remission. 16SrRNA sequencing of patient stool samples revealed that compositional differences between FMT donors and patients with IMC before FMT were associated with a complete response after FMT. Comparison of pre- and post-FMT stool samples in patients with complete responses showed significant increases in alpha diversity and increases in the abundances ofCollinsellaandBifidobacterium, which were depleted in FMT responders before FMT. Histologically evaluable complete response patients also had decreases in select immune cells , including CD8+T cells, in the colon after FMT when compared with non-complete response patients (n= 4). This study validates FMT as an effective treatment strategy for IMC and gives insights into the microbial signatures that may play a critical role in FMT response.
Sedimentary
Vibrio
Blooms in the Xisha Islands May Associate with the 2020 Coral Bleaching Event
Authors: Zhao Wenbin , Chen Leiran , Liu Mei , Huang Keyi , Ding Yunqi , Xiao Jiaguang , Tian Peng , Liu Jiwen , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Niu Wentao , Wang Xiaolei
Published: June 2023

Coral reefs exert important roles in maintaining the sustainability of marine ecosystems but decline worldwide due to various drivers, especially pathogenic microorganisms. Here, we investigated the distribution pattern and interactions of total bacteria and
Vibrio
spp. in the sediments from Xisha Islands during the coral bleaching event of 2020.
Daily SARS-CoV-2 Nasal Antigen Tests Miss Infected and Presumably Infectious People Due to Viral Load Differences among Specimen Types
Authors: Viloria Winnett Alexander , Akana Reid , Shelby Natasha , Davich Hannah , Caldera Saharai , Yamada Taikun , Reyna John Raymond B. , Romano Anna E. , Carter Alyssa M. , Kim Mi Kyung , Thomson Matt , Tognazzini Colten , Feaster Matthew , Goh Ying-Ying , Chew Yap Ching , Ismagilov Rustem F.
Published: June 2023

We reveal three findings from a longitudinal study of daily nasal antigen rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) evaluated against SARS-CoV-2 viral load quantification in three specimen types (saliva, nasal swab, and throat swab) in participants enrolled at the incidence of infection. First, the evaluated Ag-RDT showed low (44%) clinical sensitivity for detecting infected persons at all infection stages.
Supplemental Material: Faunal provinciality in the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway using network modeling
Authors: Purcell Ceara , al. et
Published: June 2023

Taxonomic database, detailed methods and results, and references used for taxonomic vetting. 
Ewing’s sarcoma of the duodenum: a rare clinical condition managed with surgical resection
Authors: Saiyed Saniya , Mownah Omar A , Bowles Matthew J , Kanwar Aditya
Published: June 2023

A man in his 40s with no medical history presented with right-sided abdominal and chest pain. A CT scan of the abdomen demonstrated a 7.7 cm heterogeneous mass arising from the second part of the duodenum. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy confirmed a malignant-appearing duodenal lesion, with biopsy showing features consistent with small cell carcinoma. The patient underwent three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by elective Kausch-Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy. A combination of immunohistochemistry and molecular studies confirmed the diagnosis of a rare Ewing’s sarcoma tumour originating from the duodenum with invasion into the duodenal lumen. The patient recovered well from surgery and remains disease-free 18 months following resection.
Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis in a patient with a history of diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Yoshimura Yusuke , Kanda-Kikuchi Junko , Hara Takayuki , Sugimoto Izumi
Published: June 2023

A man in his early 70s with a 4-year history of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was admitted to our hospital with diplopia and achromatopsia. Neurological examination revealed visual impairment, ocular motility disorder and diplopia on looking to the left. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid investigations showed no significant findings. MRI revealed diffusely thickened dura mater and contrast-enhanced structures in the left apical orbit, consistent with hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP). We performed an open dural biopsy to distinguish the diagnosis from lymphoma. The pathological diagnosis was idiopathic HP, and DLBCL recurrence was ruled out. Following methylprednisolone pulse and oral prednisolone therapy, his neurological abnormalities gradually receded. Open dural biopsy played an important role not only in diagnosing idiopathic HP but also in relieving the pressure on the optic nerve.
Predicting outcomes at the individual patient level: what is the best method?
Authors: Liu Qiang , Ostinelli Edoardo Giuseppe , De Crescenzo Franco , Li Zhenpeng , Tomlinson Anneka , Salanti Georgia , Cipriani Andrea , Efthimiou Orestis
Published: June 2023

Objective

When developing prediction models, researchers commonly employ a single model which uses all the available data (end-to-endapproach). Alternatively, asimilarity-basedapproach has been previously proposed, in which patients with similar clinical characteristics are first grouped into clusters, then prediction models are developed within each cluster. The potential advantage of the similarity-based approach is that it may better address heterogeneity in patient characteristics. However, it remains unclear whether it improves the overall predictive performance. We illustrate the similarity-based approach using data from people with depression and empirically compare its performance with the end-to-end approach.

Methods

We used primary care data collected in general practices in the UK. Using 31 predefined baseline variables, we aimed to predict the severity of depressive symptoms, measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-9, 60 days after initiation of antidepressant treatment. Following the similarity-based approach, we usedk-means to cluster patients based on their baseline characteristics. We derived the optimal number of clusters using the Silhouette coefficient. We used ridge regression to build prediction models in both approaches. To compare the models’ performance, we calculated the mean absolute error (MAE) and the coefficient of determination (R2) using bootstrapping.

Results

We analysed data from 16 384 patients. The end-to-end approach resulted in an MAE of 4.64 and R2of 0.20. The best-performing similarity-based model was for four clusters, with MAE of 4.65 and R2of 0.19.

Conclusions

The end-to-end and the similarity-based model yielded comparable performance. Due to its simplicity, the end-to-end approach can be favoured when using demographic and clinical data to build prediction models on pharmacological treatments for depression.
Community-generated solutions to cancer inequity: recommendations from transgender, non-binary and intersex people on improving cancer screening and care
Authors: Ragosta Sachiko , Berry Jasmine , Mahanaimy Moria , Fix Laura , Gomez Anu Manchikanti , Obedin-Maliver Juno , Moseson Heidi
Published: June 2023

Objective

Transgender, non-binary and intersex people are less likely to receive appropriate cancer screening for their bodies and have a higher incidence of certain cancers than cisgender people. We aimed to elicit community-generated solutions to improve cancer screening for these populations.

Methods and analysis

We conducted six online, asynchronous focus groups in English and Spanish with transgender, non-binary, intersex and cisgender participants who were at least 15 years of age from across the USA. Participants shared their experiences with cancer screening and related conversations with healthcare providers and recommendations for making screening practices more inclusive of their bodies and experiences. Focus group data were exported into transcripts and analysed with thematic analysis.

Results

The 23 participants represented a diversity of races, genders, sexualities, ages and geographical locations. Transgender, non-binary and intersex participants, particularly Black, Indigenous and/or people of colour, reported having to self-advocate to receive necessary care by initiating conversations about screening with their providers, requesting specific screenings and educating providers about the appropriate care for their body. Notably, no white or cisgender participants described having to request relevant screenings or initiate conversations with their providers. Participants recommended that forms ask about body parts and allow for self-identification.

Conclusion

The ability to properly screen patients can have a direct impact on cancer outcomes. More inclusive intake forms may alleviate the need for transgender, non-binary and intersex patients to self-advocate to receive necessary care. More work should be done to educate providers on cancer risk for transgender, non-binary and intersex individuals.
Systematic review of studies comparing infliximab and adalimumab in autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Mase Oliver , Qasem Mustafa , Beare Nicholas
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to review effectiveness studies comparing two biological anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX), in the management of autoimmune uveitis.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar from 2014 until February 2022. The search included the following keywords “Adalimumab”, “Infliximab”, “Autoimmune”, “Anterior”, “Intermediate”, “Posterior”, “Panuveitis”, “Refractory” and “Uveitis”. Primary studies comparing both ADA and IFX in a population of autoimmune uveitis patients were considered. Outcomes of interest were measures of response to treatment and incidence of adverse events.

Results

The preliminary literature search generated 7156 references. Six studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis; all were non-randomised, retrospective or observational. The included studies found similar effectiveness and side effect profiles for both ADA and IFX in the management of autoimmune uveitis, however, one did not report effectiveness for each separately, and three were limited to Behcet’s disease.

Conclusion

ADA and IFX seem to display comparable effectiveness and safety profiles. However, the available evidence remains scarce, of low quality and at high risk of bias. A direct comparison between ADA and IFX through large randomised controlled trials is needed to provide more substantial evidence of equivalence or superiority in uveitis.