bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (GPOEM) in chronic gastroparesis management after pancreas transplantation
Authors: Drury Allison M. , Albunni Hashem , Al‐Haddad Mohammad , Powelson John A. , Lutz Andrew , Fridell Jonathan A.
Published: November 2023

Gastroparesis is a common complaint among patients with diabetes. Symptoms tend to improve following successful pancreas transplantation (PTx), but persist despite euglycemia in a subset of patients. We aimed to assess the benefit of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G‐POEM) in persistent gastroparesis following PTx. This was a single center retrospective review of all patients who underwent G‐POEM for persistent gastroparesis following PTx. Patient demographics, pre and post procedure perception of symptom severity according to the patient assessment of upper gastrointestinal symptoms severity index (PAGI‐SYM), gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) score, and 36‐item short form survey (SF36) score along with gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) were analyzed. Seven PTx recipients underwent G‐POEM for persistent gastroparesis symptoms. The majority were female. All reported nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and post prandial fullness prior to G‐POEM. The post procedure survey scores improved in all patients although this was not significant. The improvement in gastric emptying on GES was statistically significant. G‐POEM is a relatively new treatment option for gastroparesis. While it requires specialized proceduralist and training, we have documented improvement in the management of symptoms. With increasing experience, we anticipate more significant benefit in post PTx patients with persistent symptoms of gastroparesis undergoing G‐POEM.
LRP1 is the cell‐surface endocytosis receptor for vaspin in adipocytes
Authors: Tindall Catherine A. , Möhlis Kevin , Rapöhn Inka , Dommel Sebastian , Riedl Veronika , Schneekönig Michael , Höfling Corinna , Roßner Steffen , Stichel Jan , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G. , Weiner Juliane , Heiker John T.
Published: November 2023

Vaspin is a serine protease inhibitor that protects against adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance, two key drivers of adipocyte dysfunction and metabolic disorders in obesity. Inhibition of target proteases such as KLK7 has been shown to reduce adipose tissue inflammation in obesity, while vaspin binding to cell surface GRP78 has been linked to reduced obesity‐induced ER stress and insulin resistance in the liver. However, the molecular mechanisms by which vaspin directly affects cellular processes in adipocytes remain unknown. Using fluorescently labeled vaspin, we found that vaspin is rapidly internalized by mouse and human adipocytes, but less efficiently by endothelial, kidney, liver, and neuronal cells. Internalization occurs by active, clathrin‐mediated endocytosis, which is dependent on vaspin binding to the LRP1 receptor, rather than GRP78 as previously thought. This was demonstrated by competition experiments and RNAi‐mediated knock‐down in adipocytes and by rescuing vaspin internalization in LRP1‐deficient Pea13 cells after transfection with a functional LRP1 minireceptor. Vaspin internalization is further increased in mature adipocytes after insulin‐stimulated translocation of LRP1. Although vaspin has nanomolar affinity for LRP1 clusters II‐IV, binding to cell surface heparan sulfates is required for efficient LRP1‐mediated internalization. Native, but not cleaved vaspin, and also vaspin polymers are efficiently endocytosed, and ultimately targeted for lysosomal degradation. Our study provides mechanistic insight into the uptake and degradation of vaspin in adipocytes, thereby broadening our understanding of its functional repertoire. We hypothesize the vaspin‐LRP1 axis to be an important mediator of vaspin effects not only in adipose tissue but also in other LRP1‐expressing cells.
Variability of cnidae within a small clonal sea anemone (Isactiniasp.)
Authors: Kaposi Katrina L. , Mitchell Michela L. , Courtney Robert L. , Seymour Jamie E.
Published: November 2023

The cnidom and intraspecific variability of cnidae within the small sea anemoneIsactiniasp. were verified. The specific cnidae within the cnidom of four discrete morphological structures (tentacle, actinopharynx, mesenterial filaments, and body column) withinIsactiniasp. was investigated. Microbasicb‐mastigophores, microbasicp‐mastigophores, basitrichs, microbasicp‐amastigophores, and spirocysts were found in this species. In addition, two morphologically distinct basitrich forms, distinguishable only in a discharged state, were also found, of which basitrichs with the distinctly shorter thread were found predominately only on the body column. The distribution and abundance of cnidae types differed significantly around the body in the sea anemones, as did the length of basitrichs and spirocysts among tissue types. Cnidae length also differed significantly among individuals. Correlations between cnidae length and sea anemone size were variable, whereby cnidae size was significantly negatively correlated to sea anemone size in seven cnidae–tissue combinations, positively correlated in one, and not correlated in two. Linear regression revealed that sea anemone size was able to explain 33%–68% of variation in size ofb‐mastigophores,p‐amastigophores, and small basitrichs from within the mesenterial filaments. Correlations were negligible or not significant in remaining cnidae–tissue combinations, however. While providing key taxonomic cnidae information, this study also highlights the variability of cnidae that may occur within a species ofIsactinia.
BROWN*
Authors: BARTLESON C. JAMES
Published: November 2023

Experimental data are presented to examine the questions: (a) what is brown? and (b) is brown unique? Direct scaling techniques have been used to derive psycho‐sensorial relations among the attributes of color that may be used to define the perception “brown” for stimuli presented in the surface mode of appearance. Brown is shown to be a three‐dimensional color as distinct from a one‐dimensional hue perception. The conditions necessary to elicit a brown response may be specified according to relationships among three dimensions of color, and not less than three. Brown is shown not to have the same property of uniqueness associated with the unitary hues red. green, blue, and yellow. The question relating to the possible uniqueness of brown as a three‐dimensional color is not answered in a definitive sense. It is clear, however, that care should be used to distinguish between hue‐names and color‐names.
The Physiology of Color Vision*
Authors: Wasserman Gerald S.
Published: November 2023

This is a review of certain recent advances in the study of the physiological mechanisms that mediate color perception. Data obtained from studies of the function of single nerve cells are emphasized. Also emphasized are those areas in which a consensus of opinion exists. Of particular significance are recent findings on the spectral sensitivity of single photoreceptors and on the central interactions that modify signals originating in the photoreceptors.
An Experiment in Visual Scaling of Small Color Differences*
Authors: Kuehni Rolf G. , Marcus Robert T.
Published: November 2023

Under the auspices of the ISCC Committee on Color Difference Problems, an experiment was carried out in the visual scaling of small color differences involving six color microspaces. The object‐color samples were visually evaluated by ranking, by subjective estimation, and by acceptability judgments. Visual scales were calculated by traditional procedures. Correlations were calculated between the visual scales and four color‐difference formulas (CIELAB, C1ELUV, FMC‐2, and FCM), and ellipsoids were optimized to the visual data. No fundamental differences were found between the results of the perceptibility judgments and the acceptability judgments. Higher correlations than reported for earlier comparable experiments were obtained between visual and calculated color differences.
An authentic leadership training programme to increase nurse empowerment and patient safety: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Dirik Hasan Fehmi , Seren Intepeler Seyda
Published: November 2023

Background

Authentic leadership and empowered nurses are necessary if a healthy work environment is to be created and patient safety maintained; however, few studies have examined the impact of authentic leadership, on nurse empowerment and the patient safety climate.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of an educational intervention delivered through a multi‐faceted training programme on nurses' perceptions of authentic leadership, nurse empowerment (both structural and psychological) and the patient safety climate.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study using a one‐group pretest–posttest design consistent with TREND guidelines.

Methods

The study was conducted in a university hospital between December 2018 and January 2020. Participants were followed for 6 months. The programme involved 36 head nurses (leaders) and 153 nurses (followers). The effectiveness of the programme was evaluated using repeated measures of analysis of variance, dependent sample t‐tests and hierarchical regression analysis.

Results

Following the intervention, safety climate and authentic leadership scores increased among both leaders and followers. Structural and psychological empowerment scores also increased among followers. We found that authentic leadership and structural empowerment were predictors of safety climate.

Conclusion

The implementation of the education programme resulted in positive changes in participants' perceptions of authentic leadership and empowerment, which can enhance patient safety.

Implications

Healthcare organizations can implement similar multi‐faceted training programmes focused on authentic leadership, and nurse empowerment to increase patient safety. Achieving effective results in such programmes can be facilitated by motivating participants with the support of the top management.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study included nurses in the intervention and the data collection processes.

Impact

Patient safety is a global concern, and improving patient safety culture/climate is a key strategy in preventing harm.

Authentic leadership and nurse empowerment are essential in creating healthy work environments and delivering safe, high‐quality care.

Training programmes addressing these issues can help bring about improvements in healthcare organizations.
Long‐term outcomes of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and negative programmed ventricular stimulation followed with implantable loop recorders: Impact of delayed‐enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gupte Trisha , Liang Jackson J. , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Crawford Thomas , Jongnarangsin Krit , Bogun Frank , Ghannam Michael
Published: November 2023

Background

Programed ventricular stimulation (PVS) is a risk stratification tool in patients at risk for adverse arrhythmia outcomes. Patients with negative PVS may yet be at risk for adverse arrhythmia‐related events, particularly in the presence of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias (VA).

Objective

To investigate the long‐term outcomes of real‐world patients with symptomatic VA without indication for device therapy and negative PVS, and to examine the role of cardiac scaring on arrhythmia recurrence.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic VA, and late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐CMR), and negative PVS testing were included. All patients underwent placement of implantable cardiac monitors (ICM). Survival analysis was performed to investigate the impact of LGE‐CMR findings on survival free from adverse arrhythmic events.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients were included (age 60 ± 14 years, women n = 36 (46%), ejection fraction 57 ± 9%, cardiomyopathy n = 26 (33%), mitral valve prolapse [MVP] n = 9 (12%), positive LGE‐CMR scar n = 49 (62%), history of syncope n = 23 (29%)) including patients with primarily premature ventricular contractions (n = 21) or nonsustained VA (n = 57). Patients were followed for 1.6 ± 1.5 years during which 14 patients (18%) experienced VA requiring treatment (n = 14) or syncope due to bradycardia (n = 2). Four/9 patients (44%) with MVP experienced VA (n = 3) or syncope (n = 1). Baseline characteristics between those with and without adverse events were similar (p > 0.05); however, the presence of cardiac scar on LGE‐CMR was independently associated with an increased risk of adverse events (hazard ratio: 5.6 95% confidence interval: [1.2–27], p = 0.03, log‐rank p = 0.03).

Conclusions

In a real‐world cohort with long‐term follow‐up, adverse arrhythmic outcomes occurred in 18% of patients with symptomatic VA despite negative PVS, and this risk was significantly greater in patients with positive DE‐CMR scar. Long term‐monitoring, including the use of ICM, may be appropriate in these patients.
Development and effects of a non‐face‐to‐face forest therapy program for nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kang Mi‐Jung , Kim Hyun‐Sun , Kim Ji‐Yeon
Published: November 2023

Aim

In this study, we developed a non‐face‐to‐face forest therapy program using videos and applied it to nurses working in hospitals during the prolonged COVID‐19 situation to confirm the effect on their mental health.

Method

This study was a randomized control group pretest‐posttest, and 27 clinical nurses in the experimental group and 28 clinical nurses in the control group participated. The program developed forest therapy videos and three city videos each. The experimental group watched the forest therapy video and the control group watched the city video and stress and happiness were measured through pre‐test and post‐test.

Results

The stress level of clinical nurses who applied the non‐face‐to‐face forest therapy program had a significant reduction effect compared to the control group on day 2 (t = −2.239 P = .026) and day 3 (t = −3.188, P = .003). On the other hand, there was no significant effect in happiness in both groups. In addition, repeated measures analysis of variance statistical analysis confirmed that the stress level of the experimental group significantly decreased over time (F = 10.578, P < .001).

Conclusion

The non‐face‐to‐face forest therapy program is significant in that it had a positive effect on relieving stress by conducting a randomized controlled study targeting clinical nurses working in various hospitals.
Unidirectional trans‐Atlantic gene flow and a mixed spawning area shape the genetic connectivity of Atlantic bluefin tuna
Authors: Díaz‐Arce Natalia , Gagnaire Pierre‐Alexandre , Richardson David E. , Walter John F. , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Fromentin Jean‐Marc , Brophy Deirdre , Lutcavage Molly , Addis Piero , Alemany Francisco , Allman Robert , Deguara Simeon , Fraile Igaratza , Goñi Nicolas , Hanke Alex R. , Karakulak F. Saadet , Pacicco Ashley , Quattro Joseph M. , Rooker Jay R. , Arrizabalaga Haritz , Rodríguez‐Ezpeleta Naiara
Published: November 2023

The commercially important Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), a large migratory fish, has experienced notable recovery aided by accurate resource assessment and effective fisheries management efforts. Traditionally, this species has been perceived as consisting of eastern and western populations, spawning respectively in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, with mixing occurring throughout the Atlantic. However, recent studies have challenged this assumption by revealing weak genetic differentiation and identifying a previously unknown spawning ground in the Slope Sea used by Atlantic bluefin tuna of uncertain origin. To further understand the current and past population structure and connectivity of Atlantic bluefin tuna, we have assembled a unique dataset including thousands of genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 500 larvae, young of the year and spawning adult samples covering the three spawning grounds and including individuals of other Thunnus species. Our analyses support two weakly differentiated but demographically connected ancestral populations that interbreed in the Slope Sea. Moreover, we also identified signatures of introgression from albacore (Thunnus alalunga) into the Atlantic bluefin tuna genome, exhibiting varied frequencies across spawning areas, indicating strong gene flow from the Mediterranean Sea towards the Slope Sea. We hypothesize that the observed genetic differentiation may be attributed to increased gene flow caused by a recent intensification of westward migration by the eastern population, which could have implications for the genetic diversity and conservation of western populations. Future conservation efforts should consider these findings to address potential genetic homogenization in the species.
Integrative transcriptome and whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing analyses of a temperature‐sensitive albino tea plant cultivar
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Feng Xia , Liu Ying , Yang Yajun , Hao Xinyuan , Li Dongliang , Wang Xinchao , Wang Lu
Published: November 2023

Green tea made from albino buds and leaves has a strong umami taste and aroma. The cultivar ‘Zhonghuang 2’ (ZH2, Camellia sinensis) is a natural mutant with young shoots that are yellow in spring and green or yellow‐green in summer. However, the mechanism of leaf color change remains unclear. Here, we found that young shoots of ZH2 were yellow at low temperature (LT) and green at high temperature (HT), indicating that ZH2 is a temperature‐sensitive cultivar. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the grana in the chloroplasts of young shoots grown at LT were poorly stacked, which caused a lack of photoreactions and chlorophyll. RNA‐seq results showed 1279 genes differentially expressed in the young shoots grown at LT compared with those at HT, including genes related to cytochrome synthesis, chloroplast development, photosynthesis, and DNA methylation. A whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing assay revealed that the dynamics of DNA methylation levels in the CG, CHG, and CHH contexts decreased under LT, and the change was most obvious in the CHH context. Furthermore, 72 genes showed significant changes in both expression and DNA methylation levels, and most of them were related to cytochrome synthesis, chloroplast development, photosynthesis, transcription factors, and signaling pathways. These results demonstrate that DNA methylation is involved in the LT‐regulated albino processes of ZH2. Changes in DNA methylation levels were associated with changes in gene expression levels, affecting the structure and function of chloroplasts, which may have a phenotypic impact on shoot and leaf color.
Linking tonic and phasic pupil responses to P300 amplitude in an emotional face‐word Stroop task
Authors: Chang Yi‐Hsuan , Chen He‐Jun , Barquero Cesar , Tsai Hsu Jung , Liang Wei‐Kuang , Hsu Chun‐Hsien , Muggleton Neil G. , Wang Chin‐An
Published: November 2023

The locus coeruleus‐norepinephrine (LC‐NE) system, which regulates arousal levels, is important for cognitive control, including emotional conflict resolution. Additionally, the LC‐NE system is implicated in P300 generation. If the P300 is mediated by the LC‐NE system, and considering the established correlations between LC activity and pupil dilation, P300 amplitude should correlate with task‐evoked (phasic) pupil dilation on a trial‐by‐trial basis. However, prior studies, predominantly utilizing oddball‐type paradigms, have not demonstrated correlations between concurrently recorded task‐evoked pupil dilation and P300 responses. Using a recently developed emotional face‐word Stroop task that links pupil dilation to the LC‐NE system, here, we examined both intra‐ and inter‐individual correlations between task‐evoked pupil dilation and P300 amplitude. We found that lower accuracy, slower reaction times, and larger task‐evoked pupil dilation were obtained in the incongruent compared to the congruent condition. Furthermore, we observed intra‐individual correlations between task‐evoked pupil dilation and P300 amplitude, with larger pupil dilation correlating with a greater P300 amplitude. In contrast, pupil dilation did not exhibit consistent correlations with N450 and N170 amplitudes. Baseline (tonic) pupil size also showed correlations with P300 and N170 amplitudes, with smaller pupil size corresponding to larger amplitude. Moreover, inter‐individual differences in task‐evoked pupil dilation between the congruent and incongruent conditions correlated with differences in reaction time and P300 amplitude, though these effects only approached significance. To summarize, our study provides evidence for a connection between task‐evoked pupil dilation and P300 amplitude at the single‐trial level, suggesting the involvement of the LC‐NE system in P300 generation.
Risk aversion and public sector employment
Authors: Chang Ahrum
Published: November 2023

This study examines whether public sector workers are more risk averse than those in the private sector and, if so, whether risk‐averse individuals self‐select themselves into the public sector or public employees become more risk averse during their career. Drawing on portfolio theory that individuals assemble their asset portfolio that maximizes expected return within an acceptable level of risk, this study analyzes 6276 South Korean employees' portfolio selection behaviors from 2000 to 2017. Findings show that public employees are likely to hold safer assets while those in the private sector tend to own riskier assets. Such behavioral heterogeneity is witnessed at the time of their first entrance into each sector and remains constant over their career. These results indicate that public employees' risk aversion is primarily a consequence of their self‐selection, but their sector affiliation also plays a role in sustaining their risk aversion.
Entheogens: Psychedelic religion in the United States, part two
Authors: Stoddard Brad
Published: November 2023

Scholars across the academic spectrum have written about the renewed interest in psychedelics that is commonly called the Psychedelic Renaissance (PR). Psychedelic religion is a major component of the PR, as psychedelic churches are growing exponentially and as people who consume and who research psychedelics routinely contend that these substances induce or occasion religious, spiritual, or mystical experiences. Scholars have noticed the growing association of psychoactive substances and religiosity, and they have addressed this association from a variety of academic fields, methods, and methodologies. Part one of this article (“Entheogens: Psychedelic religion in the United States, Part One”) explored the historiography of associations of psychoactive substances and religiosity in the United States from the 1800s to the 1980s. Part two of this article continues the historiographical analysis of this literature beginning in the 1980s and ends with recent scholarship. Collectively, this analysis highlights the evolving political, legal, and sociocultural capital associated with psychoactive substances and religion.
Context need teaching approach
Authors: Saputra Brury Eko
Published: November 2023

This note introduces the “Context Need Teaching Approach” applied at Aletheia Theological Seminary, Indonesia. The approach helps students to have a contextual experience with the problems faced by churches or similar organizations and discuss them with their peers in the classroom.
Splenic stromal sarcomas in dogs: Outcome and clinicopathological prognostic factors in 32 cases
Authors: Ferrari Roberta , Marconato Laura , Boracchi Patrizia , Stefanello Damiano , Godizzi Francesco , Murgia Daniela , Schievenin Valentina , Amati Maria , Faroni Eugenio , Roccabianca Paola
Published: November 2023

Due to the low frequency and the changes in diagnostic techniques and terminology during the last few years, only little clinical information is available on splenic stromal sarcoma (SSS). This multi‐institutional study aimed at gathering clinical cases of SSS in dogs and investigates their clinical behaviour, as well as analyse possible clinicopathological prognostic factors, including the use of adjuvant therapy. Dogs with a histologically confirmed SSS that underwent splenectomy were retrospectively included. To be included in the study, either FFPE tissue blocks or multiple tissue sections had to be available for histopathologic and immunohistochemical revision. Clinical and pathological variables, along with adjuvant therapy data, were collected. Cumulative incidence of metastatic disease was analysed through univariate and bivariate analyses. The impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on metastasis incidence and survival was assessed, considering an estimated propensity score. A total of 32 dogs were included. Among them, 22 developed metastases with an incidence of 37.5%, 59.38%, and 65.94% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Univariate analysis identified mitotic count, total scoring, and necrosis as prognostic factors. In bivariate analysis, mitotic count remained prognostic. The administration of adjuvant chemotherapy did not have an impact on metastasis incidence or survival time. The study found that dogs with SSSs are at high risk of metastasis, although a small subgroup may experience longer survival after splenectomy. Mitotic count was the only variable having a reliable prognostic impact. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not appear to decrease the incidence of metastasis or prolong survival in these dogs.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Material Removal Rate in Magnetorheological Shear Thickening Polishing of Ti–6Al–4V Alloy
Authors: Tian Yebing , Ma Zhen , Ahmad Shadab , Qian Cheng , Ma Xifeng , Yuan Xiangyu , Fan Zenghua
Published: November 2023

Magnetorheological shear thickening polishing (MRSTP) is a novel hybrid polishing method that combines the magnetorheological effect and the shear thickening effect. It has great potential for ultra-precision machining of complex surfaces. However, the absence of a correlation between material removal and the rheological properties of the polishing media has posed difficulties for further improvements in polishing efficiency and quality in MRSTP. In this work, a material removal model for MRSTP was established based on the principles of magneto-hydrodynamics, non-Newtonian fluid kinematics, and microscopic contact mechanics. This model combines the material removal model for a single abrasive particle with a statistical model of active grits. When comparing the experimental and theoretical results, it became evident that the developed material removal model can accurately predict the material removal depth of the workpiece under different processing parameters such as rotational speed of the rotary table and magnetic field strength. The average prediction error was found to be less than 5.0%. Furthermore, the analysis of the rheological behavior and fluid dynamic pressure of the polishing media reveals the coupling effects between the magnetic, stress, and flow fields. This provides theoretical guidance for the actual processing of MRSTP. Finally, the maximum material removal rate of 3.3 μm/h was achieved on the cylindrical surface of the Ti–6Al–4V workpiece using the MRSTP method. These results demonstrate that the MRSTP method holds great potential in the field of ultra-precision machining of difficult-to-machine materials.
Emulating an atomic gyroscope with multiple accelerometers
Authors: Shettell Nathan , Dumke Rainer
Published: November 2023

The main advantage of an atomic accelerometer when compared to a classical accelerometer is negligible bias drift, allowing for stable long-term measurements, which opens the potential application in navigation. This negligible drift arises from the fact that the measurements can be traced back to natural constants, and the system is intrinsically stable due to the simple design. In this manuscript, we extend this property of long-term stability to gyroscopic measurements by considering an array of atomic accelerometers, and comparing the performance to atomic gyroscopes, which are technologically more prone to bias drifts. We demonstrate that an array consisting of four three-axis atomic accelerometers can outperform state-of-the-art atomic gyroscopes with respect to long-term stability.
The heat response regulators HSFA1s promote
Arabidopsis
thermomorphogenesis via stabilizing PIF4 during the day
Authors: Tan Wenrong , Chen Junhua , Yue Xiaolan , Chai Shuli , Liu Wei , Li Chenglin , Yang Feng , Gao Yongfeng , Gutiérrez Rodríguez Lucas , Resco de Dios Víctor , Zhang Dawei , Yao Yinan
Published: November 2023

During summer, plants often experience increased light inputs and high temperatures, two major environmental factors with contrasting effects on thermomorphological traits. The integration of light and temperature signaling to control thermomorphogenesis in plants is critical for their acclimation in such conditions, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. We found that heat shock transcription factor 1d (HSFA1d) and its homologs are necessary for plant thermomorphogenesis during the day. In response to warm daytime temperature, HSFA1s markedly accumulate and move into the nucleus where they interact with phytochrome-interacting factor 4 (PIF4) and stabilize PIF4 by interfering with phytochrome B–PIF4 interaction. Moreover, we found that the HSFA1d nuclear localization under warm daytime temperature is mediated by constitutive photomorphogenic 1–repressed GSK3-like kinase BIN2. These results support a regulatory mechanism for thermomorphogenesis in the daytime mediated by the HSFA1s-PIF4 module and uncover HSFA1s as critical regulators integrating light and temperature signaling for a better acclimation of plants to the summer high temperature.
Flagellar motors of swimming bacteria contain an incomplete set of stator units to ensure robust motility
Authors: Niu Yuhui , Zhang Rongjing , Yuan Junhua
Published: November 2023

Flagellated bacteria, like
Escherichia coli
, swim by rotating helical flagellar filaments powered by rotary flagellar motors at their base. Motor dynamics are sensitive to the load it drives. It was previously thought that motor load was high when driving filament rotation in free liquid environments. However, torque measurements from swimming bacteria revealed substantially lower values compared to single-motor studies. We addressed this inconsistency through motor resurrection experiments, abruptly attaching a 1-micrometer-diameter bead to the filament to ensure high load. Unexpectedly, we found that the motor works with only half the complement of stator units when driving filament rotation. This suggests that the motor is not under high load during bacterial swimming, which we confirmed by measuring the torque-speed relationship by varying media viscosity. Therefore, the motor operates in an intermediate-load region, adaptively regulating its stator number on the basis of external load conditions. This ensures the robustness of bacterial motility when swimming in diverse load conditions and varying flagella numbers.
Experimental certification of contextuality, coherence, and dimension in a programmable universal photonic processor
Authors: Giordani Taira , Wagner Rafael , Esposito Chiara , Camillini Anita , Hoch Francesco , Carvacho Gonzalo , Pentangelo Ciro , Ceccarelli Francesco , Piacentini Simone , Crespi Andrea , Spagnolo Nicolò , Osellame Roberto , Galvão Ernesto F. , Sciarrino Fabio
Published: November 2023

Quantum superposition of high-dimensional states enables both computational speed-up and security in cryptographic protocols. However, the exponential complexity of tomographic processes makes certification of these properties a challenging task. In this work, we experimentally certify coherence witnesses tailored for quantum systems of increasing dimension using pairwise overlap measurements enabled by a six-mode universal photonic processor fabricated with a femtosecond laser writing technology. In particular, we show the effectiveness of the proposed coherence and dimension witnesses for qudits of dimensions up to 5. We also demonstrate advantage in a quantum interrogation task and show it is fueled by quantum contextuality. Our experimental results testify to the efficiency of this approach for the certification of quantum properties in programmable integrated photonic platforms.
CSF1R-dependent macrophages in the salivary gland are essential for epithelial regeneration after radiation-induced injury
Authors: McKendrick John G. , Jones Gareth-Rhys , Elder Sonia S. , Watson Erin , T’Jonck Wouter , Mercer Ella , Magalhaes Marlene S. , Rocchi Cecilia , Hegarty Lizi M. , Johnson Amanda L. , Schneider Christoph , Becher Burkhard , Pridans Clare , Mabbott Neil , Liu Zhaoyuan , Ginhoux Florent , Bajenoff Marc , Gentek Rebecca , Bain Calum C. , Emmerson Elaine
Published: November 2023

The salivary glands often become damaged in individuals receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, resulting in chronic dry mouth. This leads to detrimental effects on their health and quality of life, for which there is no regenerative therapy. Macrophages are the predominant immune cell in the salivary glands and are attractive therapeutic targets due to their unrivaled capacity to drive tissue repair. Yet, the nature and role of macrophages in salivary gland homeostasis and how they may contribute to tissue repair after injury are not well understood. Here, we show that at least two phenotypically and transcriptionally distinct CX3CR1+macrophage populations are present in the adult salivary gland, which occupy anatomically distinct niches. CD11c+CD206–CD163–macrophages typically associate with gland epithelium, whereas CD11c−CD206+CD163+macrophages associate with blood vessels and nerves. Using a suite of complementary fate mapping systems, we show that there are highly dynamic changes in the ontogeny and composition of salivary gland macrophages with age. Using an in vivo model of radiation-induced salivary gland injury combined with genetic or antibody-mediated depletion of macrophages, we demonstrate an essential role for macrophages in clearance of cells with DNA damage. Furthermore, we show that epithelial-associated macrophages are indispensable for effective tissue repair and gland function after radiation-induced injury, with their depletion resulting in reduced saliva production. Our data, therefore, provide a strong case for exploring the therapeutic potential of manipulating macrophages to promote tissue repair and thus minimize salivary gland dysfunction after radiotherapy.
Distinct use of super-enhancer elements controls cell type–specific CD25 transcription and function
Authors: Spolski Rosanne , Li Peng , Chandra Vivek , Shin Boyoung , Goel Shubham , Sakamoto Keiko , Liu Chengyu , Oh Jangsuk , Ren Min , Enomoto Yutaka , West Erin E. , Christensen Stephen M. , Wan Edwin C. K. , Ge Meili , Lin Jian-Xin , Yan Bingyu , Kazemian Majid , Yu Zu-Xi , Nagao Keisuke , Vijayanand Pandurangan , Rothenberg Ellen V. , Leonard Warren J.
Published: November 2023

The IL-2 receptor α chain (IL-2Rα/CD25) is constitutively expressed on double-negative (DN2/DN3 thymocytes and regulatory T cells (T
regs
) but induced by IL-2 on T and natural killer (NK) cells, with
Il2ra
expression regulated by a STAT5-dependent super-enhancer. We investigated CD25 regulation and function using a series of mice with deletions spanning STAT5-binding elements. Deleting the upstream super-enhancer region mainly affected constitutive CD25 expression on DN2/DN3 thymocytes and T
regs
, with these mice developing autoimmune alopecia, whereas deleting an intronic region decreased IL-2–induced CD25 on peripheral T and NK cells. Thus, distinct super-enhancer elements preferentially control constitutive versus inducible expression in a cell type–specific manner. The mediator-1 coactivator colocalized with specific STAT5-binding sites. Moreover, both upstream and intronic regions had extensive chromatin interactions, and deletion of either region altered the super-enhancer structure in mature T cells. These results demonstrate differential functions for distinct super-enhancer elements, thereby indicating previously unknown ways to manipulate CD25 expression in a cell type–specific fashion.
Paediatric intensive care admissions of preterm children born <32 weeks gestation: a national retrospective cohort study using data linkage
Authors: van Hasselt Tim J , Gale Chris , Battersby Cheryl , Davis Peter J , Draper Elizabeth , Seaton Sarah E
Published: November 2023

Objective

Survival of babies born very preterm (<32 weeks gestational age) has increased, although preterm-born children may have ongoing morbidity. We aimed to investigate the risk of admission to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) of children born very preterm following discharge home from neonatal care.

Design

Retrospective cohort study, using data linkage of National Neonatal Research Database and the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network datasets.

Setting

All neonatal units and PICUs in England and Wales.

Patients

Children born very preterm between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 and admitted to neonatal units.

Main outcome measures

Admission to PICU after discharge home from neonatal care, before 2 years of age.

Results

Of the 40 690 children discharged home from neonatal care, there were 2308 children (5.7%) with at least one admission to PICU after discharge. Of these children, there were 1901 whose first PICU admission after discharge was unplanned.

The percentage of children with unplanned PICU admission varied by gestation, from 10.2% of children born <24 weeks to 3.3% born at 31 weeks.

Following adjustment, unplanned PICU admission was associated with lower gestation, male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.79), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (aOR 1.37), necrotising enterocolitis requiring surgery (aOR 1.39) and brain injury (aOR 1.42). For each week of increased gestation, the aOR was 0.90.

Conclusions

Most babies born <32 weeks and discharged home from neonatal care do not require PICU admission in the first 2 years. The odds of unplanned admissions to PICU were greater in the most preterm and those with significant neonatal morbidity.
Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis causing fatal bowel obstruction
Authors: Nabata Kylie , Watanabe Akie , Stuart Heather
Published: November 2023

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare condition characterised by a fibrotic peritoneal membrane encasing loops of bowel often resulting in obstruction. We present a case of SEP complicated by non-resolving small bowel obstruction in the context of prior malignancies and surgical complications. A literature review on SEP was performed to outline potential aetiologies, diagnostic investigations and treatment strategies that may be considered in the management of this disease.
Replacement of a destroyed scaphoid by a 3D modelled prosthesis
Authors: Kemler Marius A
Published: November 2023

Preiser disease is a rare condition where ischaemia and necrosis of the scaphoid bone occurs without previous fracture. A female patient in her 30s presented with severe right wrist pain caused by Preiser disease. Initially, she was treated by a pedicled vascularised bone graft, but unsuccessfully. Four years after the initial diagnosis, the affected scaphoid was replaced by a 3D modelled prosthesis. Three years after the operation, the patient had significant pain reduction, good wrist function and grip strength. Final X-rays demonstrated no signs of dislocation of the implant or signs of periprosthetic arthritis. Studies have shown that once scaphoid non-union advanced collapse occurs, treatment should consist of either a proximal row carpectomy or scaphoidectomy and four corner fusion. In our case, despite collapse and previous surgery, replacement of the single affected bone by a 3D modelled prosthesis lead to good return of function.
Deep-learning-based prediction of glaucoma conversion in normotensive glaucoma suspects
Authors: Ha Ahnul , Sun Sukkyu , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Kim Hee Chan , Park Ki Ho
Published: November 2023

Background/aims

To assess the performance of deep-learning (DL) models for prediction of conversion to normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) in normotensive glaucoma suspect (GS) patients.

Methods

Datasets of 12 458 GS eyes were reviewed. Two hundred and ten eyes (105 eyes showing NTG conversion and 105 without conversion), followed up for a minimum of 7 years during which intraocular pressure (IOP) was lower than 21 mm Hg, were included. The features of two fundus images (optic disc photography and red-free retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) photography) were extracted by convolutional auto encoder. The extracted features as well as 15 clinical features including age, sex, IOP, spherical equivalent, central corneal thickness, axial length, average circumpapillary RNFL thickness, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and body mass index were used to predict NTG conversion. Prediction was performed using three machine-learning classifiers (ie, XGBoost, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting) with different feature combinations.

Results

All three algorithms achieved high diagnostic accuracy for NTG conversion prediction. The AUCs ranged from 0.987 (95% CI 0.978 to 1.000; Random Forest trained with both fundus images and clinical features) and 0.994 (95% CI 0.984 to 1.000; XGBoost trained with both fundus images and clinical features). XGBoost showed the best prediction performance for time to NTG conversion (mean squared error, 2.24). The top three important clinical features for time-to-conversion prediction were baseline IOP, diastolic blood pressure and average circumpapillary RNFL thickness.

Conclusion

DL models, trained with both fundus images and clinical data, showed the potential to predict whether and when normotensive GS patients will show conversion to NTG.
Historical trends demonstrate a pattern of increasingly frequent and severe spillover events of high-consequence zoonotic viruses
Authors: Meadows Amanda Jean , Stephenson Nicole , Madhav Nita K. , Oppenheim Ben
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on patterns of infectious disease spillover. Climate and land-use changes are predicted to increase the frequency of zoonotic spillover events, which have been the cause of most modern epidemics. Characterising historical trends in zoonotic spillover can provide insights into the expected frequency and severity of future epidemics, but historical epidemiological data remains largely fragmented and difficult to analyse. We utilised our extensive epidemiological database to analyse a specific subset of high-consequence zoonotic spillover events for trends in the annual frequency and severity of outbreaks. Our analysis, which excludes the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, shows that the number of spillover events and reported deaths have been increasing by 4.98% (confidence interval [CI]95% [3.22%; 6.76%]) and 8.7% (CI 95% [4.06%; 13.62%]) annually, respectively. This trend can be altered by concerted global efforts to improve our capacity to prevent and contain outbreaks. Such efforts are needed to address this large and growing risk to global health.
Association between intraprocedural drops in blood pressure and infarct growth rate patterns after acute large-vessel occlusions
Authors: Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Quispe-Orozco Darko , Farooqui Mudassir , Dajles Andres , Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Prasad Ayush , Begunova Liza , Petersen Nils H , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: November 2023

Background

Infarct growth rate (IGR) differs among patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO-AIS), and this variability has critical clinical repercussions. We explored IGR patterns and their association with blood pressure during endovascular therapy (EVT).

Methods

This is a two-center cohort observational study that included consecutive anterior circulation LVO-AIS patients who underwent EVT and achieved modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2 c-3. Initial and final infarct volumes (FIV) were defined using admission computed tomography perfusion (CTP) defined as relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) <30%, and diffusion-weighted imaging-magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) at 24 hours post-EVT. We categorized IGR patterns as exponential (ExpIGR) and Non-exponential (NonExp) based on their growth curves. We then dichotomized ExpIGR clinical significance based on the association of infarct growth with 90-day Modified Rankin Score (mRS) as ExpIGR-A (
>
13 mL) and ExpIGR-B (<13 mL). Intraprocedural blood pressure (BP) drops were calculated as the difference between median arterial pressure (MAP) at admission and the lowest intraprocedural MAP reading before recanalization, and the area between admission MAP threshold and all lower measurements of intraprocedural MAP. Logistic and linear regression were used to investigate associations between variables of interest.

Results

Of 159 modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2 c-3 patients, we found that 36% demonstrated ExpIGR-A, 31% ExpIGR-B, and 32.7% NonExp patterns. The Exp-A and Exp-B groups differed significantly in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), glucose, and FIV. The Exp-A and NonExp groups differed in rCBF <30% vol, and time of stroke onset (SO) to admission CTP; and the Exp-B and NonExp groups in NIHSS, rCBF <30%, Tmax <6 s volume, collateral flow measured by hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR), and FIV. Hypotensive MAP area (HMA) was independently associated with an ExpIGR-A pattern. Infarct volume increased by 1 mL per 100 units of hypotensive area and 4.2 mL per 0.1 units of HIR, with a significant interaction between both variables.

Conclusion

After an LVO-AIS, the IGR can be differentiated into two distinct exponential and non-exponential patterns. A subgroup of patients with the exponential pattern experienced clinically meaningful infarct growth rates between CTP acquisition and reperfusion and seem to be highly vulnerable to episodes of sustained intraprocedural BP drops during EVT.
The influence of soil fabric on the monotonic and cyclic shear behaviour of consolidated and compacted specimens
Authors: Silva Isabella Novais , Indraratna Buddhima , Nguyen Thanh T. , Rujikiatkamjorn Cholachat
Published: November 2023

While the fabric of soil can significantly influence its behaviour, the effect of varying fabric parameters on the subgrade shear response is still not well understood. This study creates soil specimens with different fabrics which are then captured through X-ray microscopic-computed tomography scanning and quantified by image processing techniques. A comprehensive laboratory investigation is conducted to understand how the soil fabric affects its monotonic and cyclic shear behaviour. The results indicate that the consolidation method creates a more homogeneous fabric with mainly small-to-medium interconnected pores, whereas the compaction technique creates significantly large and mostly inter-aggregate pores with lower connectivity. In this regard, the consolidated specimens exhibit an elastic-perfectly plastic behaviour, while the compacted specimens show strain-hardening transformation during isotropic monotonic shearing. Under anisotropic conditions, the compacted specimens exhibit a greater strain softening response and excess pore pressure than the consolidated specimens because they have a weaker fabric. Furthermore, the compacted specimens show a smaller threshold strain at a lower critical number of cycles due to the collapse of large pores. These current findings prove the decisive role that soil fabric plays in determining the shear response and failure of subgrade soils.