bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
10-Year Nationwide Experience in Management with Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms – Hospital Incidence, Treatment and Outcome of 885 Patients Treated in Switzerland
Authors: Stoklasa K , Meuli L , Reutersberg B , Menges A L , Zimmermann A
Published: June 2023

Background

Thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair remains a challenging disease pattern. The evolution of fenestrated and branched endografts (f/bEVAR) has provided a less invasive method of treating these aneurysms compared to open TAAA repair (OR).

Aims

To analyse hospital incidence and in-hospital mortality of patients treated for TAAA in Switzerland.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of case-related hospital discharge data of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office for the years 2009-2018. Standardised annual incidences rates were calculated using the European standard population 2013. In-hospital all-cause mortality rates were calculated as raw values and standardised for age, sex, and the van Walraven comorbidity score.

Results

A total of 885 cases were included in this study (16.8% ruptured (rTAAA), 83.2% non-ruptured (nrTAAA)), of which 69.3% were male. Overall hospital incidence rates for nrTAAA were 0.42 in 100,000 women and 0.9 in 100,000 men in 2009 and doubled for both sexes in 2018. For rTAAA, the hospital incidence rate ranged from 0.00 to 0.12 in 100 000 women and 0.02 to 0.18 in 100,000 men, with no trend over the years. 39.5% of patients with TAAA were treated with OR, 44.2% were treated with f/bEVAR, and 9.8% with hybrid repair with no difference in outcome for nrTAAA. All-cause mortality was 55% in rTAAA and 7.1% in nrTAAA. Mortality was lower in rTAAA, when f/bEVAR or hybrid procedures were used. An increased age, a ruptured aneurysm and higher comorbidity strongly correlated with increased in hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Hospital incidence for nrTAAA doubled over the 10-year time period in Switzerland. 44.2% of all TAAA were treated with f/bEVAR with an increasing frequency over the years. However, mortality remained largely unchanged for both, rTAAA and nrTAAA. Increased age, a ruptured aneurysm and higher comorbidity are associated with worse outcome.
Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Post-Dissection Thoraco-Abdominal Aneurysms Using Inner Branch Device (Ibevar): A Preliminary Single Center Experience
Authors: Ettorre L , Ricciardi P , Roesti A , Ammollo R , Brusa J , Longchamp J , Côté E , Deslarzes-Dubuis C , Trunfio R , Déglise S
Published: June 2023

Background

Although open surgery remains the gold standard for the treatment of post-dissection thoraco-abdominal aneurysms (TAAAs), the endovascular approach using fenestrated or branched endografts has emerged as a valid alternative for patients considered at high risk for surgery. The use of inner branch devices (iBEVAR) combining benefits of fenestrations and outer branches could offer an ideal configuration in this context.

Aims

Our aim was to report our preliminary monocentric experience with iBEVAR in the treatment of post-dissection TAAAs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospective data retrieved from 1 center between Mars 2020 and January 2023 was done. Endpoints were immediate technical success, postoperative morbidity, rate of endoleaks, re-intervention and mortality.

Results

During this period, 18 patients (mean age 66,5 years, range 41-80) were identified. All were asymptomatic and operated in a 2-steps procedure with a TEVAR first. There were 5 off-the-shelf E-nside (28%) and 13 custom-made Extra-Design grafts (72%). Despite successful endograft deployment in all patients and branch catheterization in 68/70 cases (97%), the technical success was 94% due to an open conversion for ilio-mesenteric bypass. The 30-days mortality was 0%.

During the post-operative period, 17% of patients (3/18) presented complications with 1 case of mesenteric ischaemia requiring a visceral resection and 2 cases of paralytic ileus, treated conservatively. No spinal cord ischemia was observed. During the median follow-up of 16 months (range 1-36), 4 patients (22%) had a re-intervention: one case of type-Ic endoleak treated with an additional renal stent and 3 cases of type-III endoleaks in the celiac trunk requiring a relining. The overall target vessel patency was 100%. In all cases, the sac diameter remained stable.

Conclusions

The use of iBEVAR appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of post-dissection TAAAs with an acceptable rate of complications. Further patients and longer follow-up are needed.
Unexpected sound omissions are signaled in human posterior superior temporal gyrus: an intracranial study
Authors: Cho Hohyun , Fonken Yvonne M , Adamek Markus , Jimenez Richard , Lin Jack J , Schalk Gerwin , Knight Robert T , Brunner Peter
Published: June 2023

Context modulates sensory neural activations enhancing perceptual and behavioral performance and reducing prediction errors. However, the mechanism of when and where these high-level expectations act on sensory processing is unclear. Here, we isolate the effect of expectation absent of any auditory evoked activity by assessing the response to omitted expected sounds. Electrocorticographic signals were recorded directly from subdural electrode grids placed over the superior temporal gyrus (STG). Subjects listened to a predictable sequence of syllables, with some infrequently omitted. We found high-frequency band activity (HFA, 70–170 Hz) in response to omissions, which overlapped with a posterior subset of auditory-active electrodes in STG. Heard syllables could be distinguishable reliably from STG, but not the identity of the omitted stimulus. Both omission- and target-detection responses were also observed in the prefrontal cortex. We propose that the posterior STG is central for implementing predictions in the auditory environment. HFA omission responses in this region appear to index mismatch-signaling or salience detection processes.
Spatiotemporal topological correspondence between blood oxygenation and glucose metabolism revealed by simultaneous fPET-fMRI in brain’s white matter
Authors: Li Jiao , Wu Guo-Rong , Shi Mengyuan , Xia Jie , Meng Yao , Yang Siqi , Chen Huafu , Liao Wei
Published: June 2023

White matter (WM) makes up half of the human brain. Compelling functional MRI evidence indicates that white matter exhibits neural activation and synchronization via a hemodynamic window. However, the neurometabolic underpinnings of white matter temporal synchronization and spatial topology remain unknown. By leveraging concurrent [18F]FDG-fPET and blood-oxygenation-level-dependent-fMRI, we demonstrated the temporal and spatial correspondences between blood oxygenation and glucose metabolism in the human brain white matter. In the temporal scale, we found that blood-oxygenation-level-dependent signals shared mutual information with FDG signals in the default-mode, visual, and sensorimotor-auditory networks. For spatial distribution, the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent functional networks in white matter were accompanied by substantial correspondence of FDG functional connectivity at different topological scales, including degree centrality and global gradients. Furthermore, the content of blood-oxygenation-level-dependent fluctuations in the white matter default-mode network was aligned and liberal with the FDG graph, suggesting the freedom of default-mode network neuro-dynamics, but the constraint by metabolic dynamics. Moreover, the dissociation of the functional gradient between blood-oxygenation-level-dependent and FDG connectivity specific to the white matter default-mode network revealed functional heterogeneities. Together, the results showed that brain energy metabolism was closely coupled with blood oxygenation in white matter. Comprehensive and complementary information from fMRI and fPET might therefore help decode brain white matter functions.
Experience dependent plasticity of higher visual cortical areas in the mouse
Authors: Craddock Rosie , Vasalauskaite Asta , Ranson Adam , Sengpiel Frank
Published: June 2023

Experience dependent plasticity in the visual cortex is a key paradigm for the study of mechanisms underpinning learning and memory. Despite this, studies involving manipulating visual experience have largely been limited to the primary visual cortex, V1, across various species. Here we investigated the effects of monocular deprivation (MD) on the ocular dominance (OD) and orientation selectivity of neurons in four visual cortical areas in the mouse: the binocular zone of V1 (V1b), the putative “ventral stream” area LM and the putative “dorsal stream” areas AL and PM. We employed two-photon calcium imaging to record neuronal responses in young adult mice before MD, immediately after MD, and following binocular recovery. OD shifts following MD were greatest in LM and smallest in AL and PM; in LM and AL, these shifts were mediated primarily through a reduction of deprived-eye responses, in V1b and LM through an increase in response through the non-deprived eye. The OD index recovered to pre-MD levels within 2 weeks in V1 only. MD caused a reduction in orientation selectivity of deprived-eye responses in V1b and LM only. Our results suggest that changes in OD in higher visual areas are not uniformly inherited from V1.
“Floppy brain” in congenital hydrocephalus
Authors: Duy Phan Q , Kahle Kristopher T
Published: June 2023

Hydrocephalus is classically considered to be a disorder of altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, leading to the dilation of cerebral ventricles. Here, we report a clinical case of a patient who presented with fetal-onset hydrocephalus with diffusely reduced cortical and white matter volumes resulting from a genetic mutation in L1CAM, a well-known hydrocephalus disease gene involved in neuronal cell adhesion and axon development. After CSF was drained from the ventricle intraoperatively, the patient’s cortical mantle collapsed and exhibited a “floppy” appearance on neuroimaging, suggesting an inability of the hydrocephalic brain to maintain its structural integrity. The case provides clinical support for altered brain biomechanical properties in human hydrocephalus and adds to the emerging hypothesis that altered brain development with secondary impact on brain structural stability may contribute to ventricular enlargement in some subsets of hydrocephalus.
Metrologically Traceable Quantification of 3 Apolipoprotein E Isoforms in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Huynh Huu-Hien , Kuch Kellie , Orquillas Allen , Forrest Katrina , Barahona-Carrillo Lili , Keene Dirk , Henderson Victor W , Wagner Anthony D , Poston Kathleen L , Montine Thomas J , Lin Amy , Tian Lu , MacCoss Michael J , Emrick Michelle A , Hoofnagle Andrew N
Published: June 2023

Background

APOE genotype is associated with Alzheimer disease. Thus, the concentration of apolipoprotein E (apoE) isoforms in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could be altered in dementia. However, conflicting results have been obtained in different studies. Carefully validated and standardized assays could improve the interpretation of research findings, allow their replication in other laboratories, and generalize their application.

Methods

To evaluate this hypothesis, we aimed to develop, validate, and standardize a new measurement procedure using LC-MS/MS. Purified recombinant apoE protein standards (E2, E3, E4) were thoroughly characterized and used to assign the concentration of a matrix-matched calibration material that contained each apoE isoform, which ensured the metrological traceability of results.

Results

The assay of each isoform in human CSF was precise (≤11%CV) and of moderate throughput (approximately 80 samples per day). It demonstrated good linearity and parallelism for lumbar CSF, ventricular CSF, and bovine CSF. The use of an SI-traceable matrix-matched calibrator enabled precise and accurate measurements. There was no association observed between total apoE concentration and the number of Ɛ4 alleles in a cohort of 322 participants. However, the concentration of each isoform was significantly different in heterozygotes, with E4 > E3 > E2. Isoform concentrations were associated with cognitive and motor symptoms but contributed negligibly to a predictive model of cognitive impairment that included established CSF biomarkers.

Conclusions

Our method simultaneously measures each apoE isoform in human CSF with excellent precision and accuracy. A secondary matrix-matched material has been developed and is available to other laboratories to improve interlaboratory agreement.
Bandwidth-Efficient Zero-Knowledge Proofs For Threshold ECDSA
Authors: Cui Handong , Chan Kwan Yin , Yuen Tsz Hon , Kang Xin , Chu Cheng-Kang
Published: June 2023

In most threshold Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) signatures using additively homomorphic encryption, the zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs related to the ciphertext or the message space are the bottleneck in terms of bandwidth as well as computation time. In this paper, we propose a compact ZK proof for relations related to the Castagnos–Laguillaumie (CL) encryption, which is 33% shorter and 29% faster than the existing work in PKC 2021. We also give new ZK proofs for relations related to homomorphic operations over the CL ciphertext. These new ZK proofs are useful to construct a bandwidth-efficient universal composable-secure threshold ECDSA without compromising the proactive security and the non-interactivity. In particular, we lowered the communication and computation cost of the key refresh algorithm in the Paillier-based counterpart from $O(n^3)$ to $O(n^2)$. Considering a 5-signer setting, the bandwidth is better than the Paillier-based counterpart for up to 99, 95 and 35% for key generation, key refreshment and pre-signing, respectively.
Ivabradine for inappropriate sinus tachycardia-induced symptomatic Mobitz type I atrio-ventricular block: a case summary
Authors: Korolewicz James , Meenakshisundaram Ramachandran , Lim Phang Boon
Published: June 2023

Background

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is characterized by a continuum of symptoms, and the aetiology of IST is imprecise. IST-induced autonomic dysfunction is well known, but IST-induced atrio-ventricular block is not reported to our knowledge.

Case summary

A 67-year-old female presented with a 4-day history of random intermittent difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, palpitations, and dizziness, with a recorded heart rate of 30 beats per minute (BPM) on home monitoring equipment. The initial electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated sinus rhythm with intermittent Mobitz type I second degree atrio-ventricular (AV) block, with continuous cardiac monitoring demonstrating frequent episodes of Wenckebach phenomenon throughout the day, with a sinus rate of 100–120 BPM. Echocardiogram showed no significant structural abnormalities. The patient was on bisoprolol, and hence, it was suspected Wenckebach may be due to that and so stopped. However, there was no tangible effect on rhythm 48 hours after stopping bisoprolol, leading to a suspicion of IST-induced Mobitz type I second degree AV block; and so decided to introduce ivabradine 2.5 mg twice daily. After 24 hours of Ivabradine, the patient remained in sinus rhythm with no documented episodes of Wenckebach phenomenon on cardiac monitor, a finding subsequently confirmed by 24-hour Holter monitoring. During a recent follow-up visit in clinic, the patient remained symptom-free, with an ECG demonstrating sinus rhythm at a physiological rate.

Discussion

Mobitz type I second degree AV block is usually due to reversible conduction block at the level of the AV node whereby malfunctioning AV nodal cells tend to progressively fatigue until they fail to conduct an impulse. Under conditions of increased vagal tone and autonomic dysfunction, Wenckebach occurrence will be increased. Thus, selective impulse conduction within the sinoatrial (SA) node by ivabradine to reduce beat conduction to the AV node in patients with IST/dysautonomia-induced Mobitz type I AV will reduce the occurrence of Wenckebach.
Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia in pregnancy: ‘I have ice for you’
Authors: Abou Rachid , Louwe Leoni A , Jukema J Wouter , Kortekaas Kirsten A
Published: June 2023

Background

Pregnancy is a known trigger of novel and pre-existing supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. We present a case of a stable pregnant patient presenting with atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) and application of the ‘facial ice immersion technique’.

Case summary

A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented with recurrent AVNRT. Due to unsuccessful attempts of conventional vagal manoeuvres (VMs) and refusal of pharmacological agents, we successfully performed a non-conventional VM with the ‘facial ice immersion technique’. This technique was applied successfully at repeated clinical presentation.

Discussion

The role of non-pharmacological interventions remains pivotal and may lead to desired therapeutical effects without the use of any costly pharmacological agents with possible adverse events. However, non-conventional VMs such as the ‘facial ice immersion technique’ are less commonly known but appear to be easy and a safe option for both mother and foetus in the management of AVNRT during pregnancy. Clinical awareness and understanding of treatment options are imperative in contemporary patient care.
Small Powers, International Organizations and the Role of Law: Jorge Castañeda’s Views from Mexico
Authors: Quintana Francisco-José
Published: June 2023

This article examines the work of Mexican diplomat and jurist Jorge Castañeda as an insight into the trajectory of international legal thought in the semi-periphery on international organizations. It argues that Castañeda adopted a distinct approach to international organizations law that foregrounds power asymmetries. The article considers three interventions made by Castañeda that express this semi-peripheral approach and have lasting relevance. First, it shows how, by focusing on the interests of small powers, Castañeda’s work in the 1950s departed from functionalist optimism and stressed the tension between rule by international organizations and domestic rule, emphasizing the centrality of the reserved domain and drawing lessons for strategic legal engagement for small powers. Second, this article studies how Castañeda’s concern for the cause of small powers shaped his views on regionalism, grounding his critique of Pan-Americanism and his vindication of the United Nations (UN) to attenuate the perils of regionalism. Third, this article retrieves Castañeda’s defence of the UN General Assembly as a platform for international law-making, contextualizes it within the rise of decolonization and explores the implications for his earlier sceptical views about the expansion of UN powers. The article concludes by highlighting the significance of the thought of semi-peripheral jurists for any efforts aimed at re-theorizing international organizations.
The female-breadwinner well-being ‘penalty’: differences by men’s (un)employment and country
Authors: Kowalewska Helen , Vitali Agnese
Published: June 2023

This article examines the relationship between female breadwinning and life satisfaction in heterosexual couples. We extend previous research by treating the man’s employment status as a variable that helps to explain rather than confounds this relationship, and by comparing multiple countries through regression analyses of European Social Survey data (Rounds 2–9). Results provide evidence of a female-breadwinner well-being ‘penalty’: men and women are less satisfied with their lives under the female-breadwinner arrangement versus the dual-earner and male-breadwinner alternatives. The penalty is marginal when the male partner is part-time employed but sizeable when he is jobless. However, there are gender differences: after controls for composition, gender-role attitudes, and partners’ relative incomes, the penalty becomes negligible for women while remaining large for men. Analyses suggest these gender differences are linked to high male unemployment among female-breadwinner couples: whereas women appear roughly equally adversely affected by a male partner’s unemployment as by their own, men report substantially higher well-being when she is unemployed instead of him. Country comparisons indicate that while this female-breadwinner well-being penalty is largest in more conservative contexts, especially Germany, it is fairly universal across Europe. So, even in countries where women’s employment is more widespread and cultural and institutional support for the male-breadwinner model is weaker, unemployed men with breadwinner wives are not immune from the social stigma and psychological difficulties associated with their gender non-conformity.
Analgesics and ASH medications in workers increase the risk of disability pension and mortality: prospective cohort
Authors: Andersen Lars Louis , Vinstrup Jonas , Calatayud Joaquín , López-Bueno Rubén , Clausen Thomas , Manniche Claus
Published: June 2023

Background

Relying on medication for musculoskeletal and mental disorders are common, but may have long-term consequences. This study investigates whether use of analgesics and anxiolytic/sedative/hypnotic (ASH) medication increases the risk of disability pension and mortality.

Methods

After completing a survey in 2005, 7773 female eldercare workers were followed for 11 years in a national register. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for disability pension and mortality from using analgesics and ASH.

Results

During follow-up, 10.3% obtained disability pension and 2.4% died. For use of analgesics, a frequency-response association for the risk of disability pension existed with HR’s (95% confidence interval) of 1.30 (1.07–1.57), 2.00 (1.62–2.46) and 3.47 (2.69–4.47) for monthly, weekly and daily use, respectively. For ASH, an increased risk of disability pension also existed (HR’s between 1.51 and 1.64). For mortality risk, only daily use of analgesics and ASH remained significant. Population attributable fractions of analgesics and ASH, respectively, were 30% and 3% for disability pension and 5% and 3% for mortality.

Conclusions

Frequent use of analgesics and ASH medication in workers increase the risk of disability pension and early death. Better management of musculoskeletal and mental health conditions, without excessive medication use, is necessary.
Effects of population size change on the genetics of adaptation following an abrupt change in environment
Authors: McDonough Yasmine , Connallon Tim
Published: June 2023

Since the rediscovery of Mendelian genetics over a century ago, there has been much debate about the evolutionary importance of mutations with large phenotypic effects. While population genetic models predict that large-effect mutations will typically contribute to adaptation following an abrupt change in environment, the prediction applies to populations of stable size and overlooks the effects of population size change on adaptation (e.g., population decline following habitat loss; growth during range expansion). We evaluate the phenotypic and fitness effects of mutations contributing to adaptation immediately following an abrupt environmental shift that alters both selection and population size dynamics. We show that large-effect mutations are likely to contribute to adaptation in populations declining to a new carrying capacity, somewhat smaller-effect mutations contribute to evolutionary rescue, and small-effect mutations predominate in growing populations. We also show that the relative contributions of positively selected and overdominant mutations to adaptation depend on interactions between the phenotypic effect size distribution for new mutations and the specific form of population size change during adaptation (i.e., growth, decline, or evolutionary rescue). Our results illustrate how population size dynamics can shape the genetic basis of adaptation, which should motivate empirical comparisons of populations adapting in different demographic contexts.
Development of a visual detection method for Salmonella based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification using pyrophosphatase
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Zhang Shuai , Chen Chang , Jin Junhua , Liu Hui , Bian Zheng , Qi Wenjing , Xie Yuanhong , Zhang Hongxing
Published: June 2023

Salmonella is one of the most widely distributed and harmful food-borne pathogens; thus, the rapid detection of viable Salmonella is important for ensuring food safety. In this study, a rapid visual strategy based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with the addition of thermal inorganic pyrophosphatase and linked with an ammonium molybdate chromogenic buffer was established to detect Salmonella. Specific primers were designed based on the phoP gene of Salmonella spp. The pyrophosphatase concentration, LAMP time, addition of ammonium molybdate chromogenic buffer, and color reaction time were optimized. Based on the optimal conditions, the sensitivity and specificity of the method were examined. In addition, the ability to detect actual samples was verified using apple juice containing Salmonella. LAMP was performed at 65°C for 45 min in the presence of thermal inorganic pyrophosphatase at a final concentration of 4 U mL−1, and 20 μL of the LAMP product was reacted with 50 μL of phosphate chromogenic buffer at 25°C for 15 min. According to our results, the limit of detection of the LAMP assay for viable Salmonella was 1.83 × 102 CFU per reaction, and nonspecific amplification was not observed. The detection rates of Salmonella Typhimurium with different concentrations in apple juice were 89.11% to 94.80%, which verifies that the visual detection strategy is suitable for actual sample detection.
Different culture media and purification methods unveil the core proteome of Propionibacterium freudenreichii-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Rodovalho Vinícius de Rezende , da Luz Brenda Silva Rosa , Nicolas Aurélie , Jardin Julien , Briard-Bion Valérie , Folador Edson Luiz , Santos Anderson Rodrigues , Jan Gwénaël , Loir Yves Le , Azevedo Vasco Ariston de Carvalho , Guédon Éric
Published: June 2023

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural lipidic nanoparticles implicated in intercellular communication. Although EV research focused mainly on pathogens, the interest in probiotic-derived EVs is now rising. One example is Propionibacterium freudenreichii, which produces EVs with anti-inflammatory effects on human epithelial cells. Our previous study with P. freudenreichii showed that EVs purified by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) displayed variations in protein content according to bacterial growth conditions. Considering these content variations, we hypothesized that a comparative proteomic analysis of EVs recovered in different conditions would elucidate whether a representative vesicular proteome existed, possibly providing a robust proteome dataset for further analysis. Therefore, P. freudenreichii was grown in two culture media, and EVs were purified by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation (UC). Microscopic and size characterization confirmed EV purification, while shotgun proteomics unveiled that they carried a diverse set of proteins. A comparative analysis of the protein content of UC- and SEC-derived EVs, isolated from cultures either in UF (cow milk ultrafiltrate medium) or YEL (laboratory yeast extract lactate medium), showed that EVs from all these conditions shared 308 proteins. This EV core proteome was notably enriched in proteins related to immunomodulation. Moreover, it showed distinctive features, including highly interacting proteins, compositional biases for some specific amino acids, and other biochemical parameters. Overall, this work broadens the toolset for the purification of P. freudenreichii-derived EVs, identifies a representative vesicular proteome, and enumerates conserved features in vesicular proteins. These results hold the potential for providing candidate biomarkers of purification quality, and insights into the mechanisms of EV biogenesis and cargo sorting.
Hydrogen sulfide production during early yeast fermentation correlates with volatile sulfur compound biogenesis but not thiol release
Authors: Hou Ruoyu , Jelley Rebecca E , van Leeuwen Katryna A , Pinu Farhana R , Fedrizzi Bruno , Deed Rebecca C
Published: June 2023

Yeasts undergo intensive metabolic changes during the early stages of fermentation. Previous reports suggest the early production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is associated with the release of a range of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), as well as the production of varietal thiol compounds 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (3SH) and 3-sulfanylhexyl acetate (3SHA) from six-carbon precursors, including (E)-hex-2-enal. In this study, we investigated the early H2S potential, VSCs/thiol output, and precursor metabolism of 11 commonly used laboratory and commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in chemically defined synthetic grape medium (SGM) within 12 h after inoculation. Considerable variability in early H2S potential was observed among the strains surveyed. Chemical profiling suggested that early H2S production correlates with the production of dimethyl disulfide, 2-mercaptoethanol, and diethyl sulfide, but not with 3SH or 3SHA. All strains were capable of metabolizing (E)-hex-2-enal, while the F15 strain showed significantly higher residue at 12 h. Early production of 3SH, but not 3SHA, can be detected in the presence of exogenous (E)-hex-2-enal and H2S. Therefore, the natural variability of early yeast H2S production contributes to the early output of selected VSCs, but the threshold of which is likely not high enough to contribute substantially to free varietal thiols in SGM.
Near-Chromosomal-Level Genome Assembly of the Sea Urchin Echinometra lucunter, a Model for Speciation in the Sea
Authors: Davidson Phillip L , Lessios Harilaos A , Wray Gregory A , McMillan W Owen , Prada Carlos
Published: June 2023

Echinometra lucunter, the rock-boring sea urchin, is a widely distributed echinoid and a model for ecological studies of reproduction, responses to climate change, and speciation. We present a near chromosome-level genome assembly of E. lucunter, including 21 scaffolds larger than 10 Mb predicted to represent each of the chromosomes of the species. The 760.4 Mb assembly includes a scaffold N50 of 30.0 Mb and BUSCO (benchmarking universal single-copy orthologue) single copy and a duplicated score of 95.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Ab-initio gene model prediction and annotation with transcriptomic data constructed 33,989 gene models composing 50.4% of the assembly, including 37,036 transcripts. Repetitive elements make up approximately 39.6% of the assembly, and unresolved gap sequences are estimated to be 0.65%. Whole genome alignment with Echinometra sp. EZ revealed high synteny and conservation between the two species, further bolstering Echinometra as an emerging genus for comparative genomics studies. This genome assembly represents a high-quality genomic resource for future evolutionary and developmental studies of this species and more broadly of echinoderms.
A primary microcephaly-associated sas-6 mutation perturbs centrosome duplication, dendrite morphogenesis, and ciliogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bergwell Mary , Smith Amy , Smith Ellie , Dierlam Carter , Duran Ramon , Haastrup Erin , Napier-Jameson Rebekah , Seidel Rory , Potter William , Norris Adam , Iyer Jyoti
Published: June 2023

The human SASS6(I62T) missense mutation has been linked with the incidence of primary microcephaly in a Pakistani family, although the mechanisms by which this mutation causes disease remain unclear. The SASS6(I62T) mutation corresponds to SAS-6(L69T) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Given that SAS-6 is highly conserved, we modeled this mutation in C. elegans and examined the sas-6(L69T) effect on centrosome duplication, ciliogenesis, and dendrite morphogenesis. Our studies revealed that all the above processes are perturbed by the sas-6(L69T) mutation. Specifically, C. elegans carrying the sas-6(L69T) mutation exhibit an increased failure of centrosome duplication in a sensitized genetic background. Further, worms carrying this mutation also display shortened phasmid cilia, an abnormal phasmid cilia morphology, shorter phasmid dendrites, and chemotaxis defects. Our data show that the centrosome duplication defects caused by this mutation are only uncovered in a sensitized genetic background, indicating that these defects are mild. However, the ciliogenesis and dendritic defects caused by this mutation are evident in an otherwise wild-type background, indicating that they are stronger defects. Thus, our studies shed light on the novel mechanisms by which the sas-6(L69T) mutation could contribute to the incidence of primary microcephaly in humans.
Demographic history inference and the polyploid continuum
Authors: Blischak Paul D , Sajan Mathews , Barker Michael S , Gutenkunst Ryan N
Published: June 2023

Polyploidy is an important generator of evolutionary novelty across diverse groups in the Tree of Life, including many crops. However, the impact of whole-genome duplication depends on the mode of formation: doubling within a single lineage (autopolyploidy) versus doubling after hybridization between two different lineages (allopolyploidy). Researchers have historically treated these two scenarios as completely separate cases based on patterns of chromosome pairing, but these cases represent ideals on a continuum of chromosomal interactions among duplicated genomes. Understanding the history of polyploid species thus demands quantitative inferences of demographic history and rates of exchange between subgenomes. To meet this need, we developed diffusion models for genetic variation in polyploids with subgenomes that cannot be bioinformatically separated and with potentially variable inheritance patterns, implementing them in the dadi software. We validated our models using forward SLiM simulations and found that our inference approach is able to accurately infer evolutionary parameters (timing, bottleneck size) involved with the formation of auto- and allotetraploids, as well as exchange rates in segmental allotetraploids. We then applied our models to empirical data for allotetraploid shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), finding evidence for allelic exchange between the subgenomes. Taken together, our model provides a foundation for demographic modeling in polyploids using diffusion equations, which will help increase our understanding of the impact of demography and selection in polyploid lineages.
Between-Person and Daily Within-Person Variation Patterns in Measures of Views of Aging
Authors: O’Brien Erica L , Smyth Joshua M
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Recent work suggests that views of aging (VOA; a meta-construct reflective of individuals’ aging-related thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and experiences) fluctuate within persons in day-to-day life. This study characterized the extent of daily variability in VOA and explored differences in variability patterns based on measure to enhance understanding of the dynamic nature of VOA.

Methods

An online sample of 122 adults aged 26–78 years completed multiple measures of VOA (subjective age, age group identity, aging attitudes, implicit theories of aging, awareness of age-related losses or gains) on each of 7 consecutive days. We partitioned variance in responses to each measure at the person level and day level to assess between-person and within-person variability, respectively.

Results

Between-person variability accounted for most of the total observed variation in VOA, whereas within-person variability accounted for a smaller amount. Different measures exhibited different ratios of between-person to within-person variation, with the lowest ratios observed for subjective age. Exploration of potential differences between age groups also suggests lower ratios in younger compared to older adults.

Discussion

Analyses suggest relative stability in daily measures of VOA over a 1-week period. Further study of measures (and age groups) showing greater within-person variability (evidenced by lower ratios of between-person to within-person variation) can increase understanding about constructs with greater sensitivity to fluctuating contexts. It can also inform future work linking VOA to other phenomenon in daily life.
Public sector’s misinformation debunking during the public health campaign: a case of Hong Kong
Authors: Zhu Rui , Zhang Xinzhi
Published: June 2023

For a public health campaign to succeed, the public sector is expected to debunk the misinformation transparently and vividly and guide the citizens. The present study focuses on COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in Hong Kong, a non-Western society with a developed economy and sufficient vaccine supply but high vaccine hesitancy. Inspired by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and research on source transparency and the use of visuals in the debunking, the present study examines the COVID-19 vaccine misinformation debunking messages published by the official social media and online channels of the public sector of Hong Kong (n = 126) over 18 months (1 November 2020 to 20 April 2022) during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Results showed that the most frequently occurring misinformation themes were misleading claims about the risks and side effects of vaccination, followed by (non-)effectiveness of the vaccines and the (un)-necessity of vaccination. Among the HBM constructs, barriers and benefits of vaccination were mentioned the most, while self-efficacy was the least addressed. Compared with the early stage of the vaccination campaign, an increasing number of posts contained susceptibility, severity or cues to action. Most debunking statements did not disclose any external sources. The public sector actively used illustrations, with affective illustrations outnumbering cognitive ones. Suggestions for improving the quality of misinformation debunking during public health campaigns are discussed.
The enduring role of sense of coherence in facing the pandemic
Authors: Danioni Francesca , Barni Daniela , Ferrari Laura , Ranieri Sonia , Canzi Elena , Iafrate Raffaella , Lanz Margherita , Regalia Camillo , Rosnati Rosa
Published: June 2023

Research has been focussing on protective and resistance-related factors that may help people face the long-lasting psychological challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sense of coherence allows to remain healthy and to recover after stressful or traumatic life experiences. We aimed at investigating whether, and the extent to which, social support, in terms of both family and friends support, mediated the well-established link between sense of coherence and mental health as well as that between sense of coherence and COVID-19–related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In May 2021, 3048 Italian respondents (51.5% women) aged between 18 and 91 (Mage = 48.33, SD = 14.04) filled in a self-report questionnaire. The mediation analyses we carried out on their responses showed a difference between focussing on mental health or on a psychological disorder. Indeed, despite the respectively positive and negative relation between sense of coherence and mental health and PTSD symptoms, this confirming the protective role of sense of coherence more than 1 year after the beginning of the pandemic, social support only mediated, partially, the former link. We also discuss practical implications and further expansion of the study.
Mechanistic Hypotheses for Proprioceptive Sensing Within the Avian Lumbosacral Spinal Cord
Authors: Stanchak Kathryn E , Miller Kimberly E , Shikiar Devany , Brunton Bingni W , Perkel David J
Published: June 2023

Synopsis

Animals need to accurately sense changes in their body position to perform complex movements. It is increasingly clear that the vertebrate central nervous system contains a variety of cells capable of detecting body motion, in addition to the comparatively well-understood mechanosensory cells of the vestibular system and the peripheral proprioceptors. One such intriguing system is the lower spinal cord and column in birds, also known as the avian lumbosacral organ (LSO), which is thought to act as a set of balance sensors that allow birds to detect body movements separately from head movements detected by the vestibular system. Here, we take what is known about proprioceptive, mechanosensory spinal neurons in other vertebrates to explore hypotheses for how the LSO might sense mechanical information related to movement. Although the LSO is found only in birds, recent immunohistochemical studies of the avian LSO have hinted at similarities between cells in the LSO and the known spinal proprioceptors in other vertebrates. In addition to describing possible connections between avian spinal anatomy and recent findings on spinal proprioception as well as sensory and sensorimotor spinal networks, we also present some new data that suggest a role for sensory afferent peptides in LSO function. Thus, this perspective articulates a set of testable ideas on mechanisms of LSO function grounded in the emerging spinal proprioception scientific literature.
The user state: an alternative reading of the state role and duty in the age of platformized harm
Authors: Wodajo Kebene
Published: June 2023

States are increasingly delegating their regulatory functions to social media platforms to censor information, and the risk of a state retreat from the regulatory space has been extensively discussed. However, little is said about what this means when the state becomes a user of the same platform from which it retreats as a regulator—and more importantly relies on its user capacity to configure and repress public opinion. This article asks how we go about contextualizing the evolving nature of state violation of rights and freedoms on social media platforms and the state’s dereliction of duty? It argues that the changing dynamic represents a process by which power reproduces itself by linking state and corporate interests to the detriment of the people. Using perspectives from business and human rights and the Afro-centric conception of human rights, it presents an alternative reading of state duty for digital wrongdoing.
Multilevel quasi-Monte Carlo for random elliptic eigenvalue problems I: regularity and error analysis
Authors: Gilbert Alexander D , Scheichl Robert
Published: June 2023

Stochastic partial differential equation (PDE) eigenvalue problems are useful models for quantifying the uncertainty in several applications from the physical sciences and engineering, e.g., structural vibration analysis, the criticality of a nuclear reactor or photonic crystal structures. In this paper we present a multilevel quasi-Monte Carlo (MLQMC) method for approximating the expectation of the minimal eigenvalue of an elliptic eigenvalue problem with coefficients that are given as a series expansion of countably-many stochastic parameters. The MLQMC algorithm is based on a hierarchy of discretizations of the spatial domain and truncations of the dimension of the stochastic parameter domain. To approximate the expectations, randomly shifted lattice rules are employed. This paper is primarily dedicated to giving a rigorous analysis of the error of this algorithm. A key step in the error analysis requires bounds on the mixed derivatives of the eigenfunction with respect to both the stochastic and spatial variables simultaneously. Under stronger smoothness assumptions on the parametric dependence, our analysis also extends to multilevel higher-order quasi-Monte Carlo rules. An accompanying paper (Gilbert, A. D. & Scheichl, R. (2023) Multilevel quasi-Monte Carlo methods for random elliptic eigenvalue problems II: efficient algorithms and numerical results. IMA J. Numer. Anal.) focusses on practical extensions of the MLQMC algorithm to improve efficiency and presents numerical results.
Nonsecretor Phenotype Is Associated With Less Risk of Rotavirus-Associated Acute Gastroenteritis in a Vaccinated Nicaraguan Birth Cohort
Authors: Reyes Yaoska , St Jean Denise T , Bowman Natalie M , González Fredman , Mijatovic-Rustempasic Slavica , Becker-Dreps Sylvia , Svensson Lennart , Nordgren Johan , Bucardo Filemón , Vielot Nadja A
Published: June 2023

Background

Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) have been associated with rotavirus vaccine take; but the effect of these HBGAs on rotavirus incidence and risk remains poorly explored in vaccinated populations.

Methods

Rotavirus-associated acute gastroenteritis (AGE) was assessed in 444 Nicaraguan children followed from birth until 3 years of age. AGE episodes were tested for rotavirus by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and saliva or blood was used to determine HBGA phenotypes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the relative hazard of rotavirus AGE by HBGA phenotypes.

Results

Rotavirus was detected in 109 (7%) stool samples from 1689 AGE episodes over 36 months of observation between June 2017 and July 2021. Forty-six samples were successfully genotyped. Of these, 15 (35%) were rotavirus vaccine strain G1P[8], followed by G8P[8] or G8P[nt] (11 [24%]) and equine-like G3P[8] (11 [24%]). The overall incidence of rotavirus-associated AGE was 9.2 per 100 child-years, and was significantly higher in secretor than nonsecretor children (9.8 vs 3.5/100 child-years, P = .002).

Conclusions

The nonsecretor phenotype was associated with decreased risk of clinical rotavirus vaccine failure in a vaccinated Nicaraguan birth cohort. These results show the importance of secretor status on rotavirus risk, even in vaccinated children.
Collaborative benchmarking of functional-structural root architecture models: Quantitative comparison of simulated root water uptake
Authors: Schnepf Andrea , Black Christopher K , Couvreur Valentin , Delory Benjamin M , Doussan Claude , Heymans Adrien , Javaux Mathieu , Khare Deepanshu , Koch Axelle , Koch Timo , Kuppe Christian W , Landl Magdalena , Leitner Daniel , Lobet Guillaume , Meunier Félicien , Postma Johannes A , Schäfer Ernst D , Selzner Tobias , Vanderborght Jan , Vereecken Harry
Published: June 2023

Functional-structural root architecture models have evolved as tools for the design of improved agricultural management practices and for the selection of optimal root traits. In order to test their accuracy and reliability, we present the first benchmarking of root water uptake from soil using five well-established functional-structural root architecture models: DuMux, CPlantBox, R-SWMS, OpenSimRoot and SRI. The benchmark scenarios include basic tests for water flow in soil and roots as well as advanced tests for the coupled soil-root system. The reference solutions and the solutions of the different simulators are available through Jupyter Notebooks on a GitHub repository. All of the simulators were able to pass the basic tests and continued to perform well in the benchmarks for the coupled soil-plant system. For the advanced tests, we created an overview of the different ways of coupling the soil and the root domains as well as the different methods used to account for rhizosphere resistance to water flow. Although the methods used for coupling and modelling rhizosphere resistance were quite different, all simulators were in reasonably good agreement with the reference solution. During this benchmarking effort, individual simulators were able to learn about their strengths and challenges, while some were even able to improve their code. Some now include the benchmarks as standard tests within their codes. Additional model results may be added to the GitHub repository at any point in the future and will be automatically included in the comparison.