bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid hormone analogues: Promising therapeutic avenues to improve the neurodevelopmental outcomes of intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Chincarini Ginevra , Walker David W. , Wong Flora , Richardson Samantha J. , Cumberland Angela , Tolcos Mary
Published: May 2024

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pregnancy complication impairing fetal growth and development. The compromised development is often attributed to disruptions of oxygen and nutrient supply from the placenta, resulting in a number of unfavourable physiological outcomes with impaired brain and organ growth. IUGR is associated with compromised development of both grey and white matter, predisposing the infant to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including long‐lasting cognitive and motor difficulties. Cerebral thyroid hormone (TH) signalling, which plays a crucial role in regulating white and grey matter development, is dysregulated in IUGR, potentially contributing to the neurodevelopmental delays associated with this condition. Notably, one of the major TH transporters, monocarboxylate transporter‐8 (MCT8), is deficient in the fetal IUGR brain. Currently, no effective treatment to prevent or reverse IUGR exists. Management strategies involve close antenatal monitoring, management of maternal risk factors if present and early delivery if IUGR is found to be severe or worsening in utero. The overall goal is to determine the most appropriate time for delivery, balancing the risks of preterm birth with further fetal compromise due to IUGR. Drug candidates have shown either adverse effects or little to no benefits in this vulnerable population, urging further preclinical and clinical investigation to establish effective therapies. In this review, we discuss the major neuropathology of IUGR driven by uteroplacental insufficiency and the concomitant long‐term neurobehavioural impairments in individuals born IUGR. Importantly, we review the existing clinical and preclinical literature on cerebral TH signalling deficits, particularly the impaired expression of MCT8 and their correlation with IUGR. Lastly, we discuss the current evidence on MCT8‐independent TH analogues which mimic the brain actions of THs by being metabolised in a similar manner as promising, albeit underappreciated approaches to promote grey and white matter development and improve the neurobehavioural outcomes following IUGR.

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Phoenixin knockout mice show no impairment in fertility or differences in metabolic response to a high‐fat diet, but exhibit behavioral differences in an open field test
Authors: McIlwraith Emma K. , Loganathan Neruja , Mak Kimberly W. Y. , He Wenyuan , Belsham Denise D.
Published: May 2024

Phoenixin (PNX) is a conserved secreted peptide that was identified 10 years ago with numerous studies published on its pleiotropic functions. PNX is associated with estrous cycle length, protection from a high‐fat diet, and reduction of anxiety behavior. However, no study had yet evaluated the impact of deleting PNX in the whole animal. We sought to evaluate a mouse model lacking the PNX parent gene, small integral membrane protein 20 (Smim20), and the resulting effect on reproduction, energy homeostasis, and anxiety. We found that the Smim20 knockout mice had normal fertility and estrous cycle lengths. Consistent with normal fertility, the hypothalamii of the knockout mice showed no changes in the levels of reproduction‐related genes, but the male mice had some changes in energy homeostasis‐related genes, such as melanocortin receptor 4 (Mc4r). When placed on a high‐fat diet, the wildtype and knockout mice responded similarly, but the male heterozygous mice gained slightly less weight. When placed in an open field test box, the female knockout mice traveled less distance in the outer zone, indicating alterations in anxiety or locomotor behavior. In summary, the homozygous knockout of PNX did not alter fertility and modestly alters a few neuroendocrine genes in response to a high‐fat diet, especially in the female mice. However, it altered the behavior of mice in an open field test. PNX therefore may not be crucial for reproductive function or weight, however, we cannot rule out possible compensatory mechanisms in the knockout model. Understanding the role of PNX in physiology may ultimately lead to an enhanced understanding of neuroendocrine mechanisms involving this enigmatic peptide.
Investigation of core symptoms and symptom clusters in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A network analysis
Authors: Zhang Yingjun , Liu Li , Chen Lin , He Li , Shi Mei , Chen Hui
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To construct a symptom network of maintenance hemodialysis patients and identify the core symptoms and core symptom clusters. Finally, this study provides a reference for accurate symptom management.

Design and Method

A correlational cross‐sectional design. A total of 368 patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled from two hemodialysis centers in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. A symptom network was constructed with the R coding language to analyze the centrality index. Symptom clusters were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, and core symptom clusters were preliminarily determined according to the centrality index of the symptom network.

Findings

The most common symptoms in maintenance hemodialysis patients were fatigue, dry skin, and pruritus. In the symptom network, headache had the highest mediation centrality (rB = 2.789) and closeness centrality (rC = 2.218) and the greatest intensity of numbness or tingling in the feet (rS = 1.952). A total of six symptom clusters were extracted, including pain and discomfort symptom clusters, emotional symptom clusters, gastrointestinal symptom clusters, sleep disorder symptom clusters, dry symptom clusters, and sexual dysfunction symptom clusters. The cumulative variance contribution rate was 69.269%.

Conclusions

Fatigue, dry skin, and pruritus are the sentinel symptoms of maintenance hemodialysis patients, headache is the core symptom and bridge symptom, and pain symptom clusters are the core symptom clusters of MHD patients. Nurses can develop interventions based on core symptoms and symptom clusters to improve the effectiveness of symptom management in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding the core symptoms and symptom groups that plague maintenance hemodialysis patients is critical to providing accurate symptom management. To ensure that maintenance hemodialysis patients receive effective support during treatment, reduce the adverse effects of symptoms, and improve the quality of life of patients.
Efficacy and safety of CO2 fractional laser versus Er:YAG fractional laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scar: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Liu Fei , Zhou Qiujun , Tao Maocan , Shu Luying , Cao Yi
Published: May 2024

Background

To date, a consensus on the relative efficacy and safety of CO2 fractional laser versus erbium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) fractional laser treatments for atrophic acne scars has not been reached. This meta‐analysis aims to systematically assess and compare their effectiveness and safety in clinical practice.

Methods

For this meta‐analysis, we conducted comprehensive searches in Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases, covering publications from their inception up to August 2023. Our focus was on studies comparing fractional CO2 laser with Er:YAG fractional laser treatments for atrophic acne scars. We excluded duplicate publications, research lacking full‐text access, incomplete data, or cases where data extraction was not feasible. Additionally, animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews were not considered. Data analysis was performed using STATA 15.1.

Results

Eight studies (seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a retrospective study) were included in this meta‐analysis. The sample size ranged from 28 to 106 with a total of 418 patients, including 210 in the CO2 fractional group and 208 in Er:YAG fractional group. The pooled results showed that the effective rate of CO2 fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly higher than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08–3.01) and the downtime of CO2 fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly shorter than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) = −2.11, 95% CI: −3.11 to −1.10). In addition, VAS of CO2 fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly higher than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (WMD = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.32–2.21) and the duration of erythema of CO2 fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly longer than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (WMD = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.63–2.07). However, there was no significant difference in the duration of pain and incidence of PIHbetween CO2 fractional laser and of Er:YAG fractional laser.

Conclusion

When it comes to treating atrophic acne scars, CO2 fractional laser demonstrates superior efficacy and leads to shorter downtime. However, it is important to note that CO2 fractional laser treatments tend to result in higher pain intensity and may carry a higher risk of post‐treatment pigmentation compared to Er:YAG fractional laser procedures.
Olaparib maintenance therapy for platinum‐sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer at a single institution: A retrospective study
Authors: Katsuda Takahiro , Nishio Shin , Tasaki Shingo , Park Jongmyung , Tasaki Kazuto , Tsuda Naotake , Ushijima Kimio
Published: May 2024

Aim

In this study, we aimed to investigate patient characteristics, efficacy, prognostic factors, and safety of olaparib maintenance therapy for platinum‐sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer at our institution.

Methods

Patients responding to platinum‐based therapy and starting olaparib maintenance therapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer at Kurume University Hospital between January 2018 and November 2021 were enrolled in the study. Their data were extracted retrospectively from medical records.

Results

In all, 50 patients were included. The median (range) age of the patients, follow‐up time, and duration of olaparib maintenance therapy were 62 (39–87) years, 21.6 (2.2–45.9) months, and 7.2 (2–45.9) months, respectively. Among the 29 patients tested for homologous recombination (HR) status, 22 (75.9%) were positive for HR deficiency (HRD), 12 (54.5%) of whom had BRCA‐positive tumors. The median progression‐free survival was 8.9 months (95% confidence interval: 6.2–12.6), and the median overall survival was 27.1 months (95% confidence interval: 22.5–40.3). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors revealed that HRD was an independent prognostic factor for both progression‐free survival and overall survival. The most common adverse event was nausea (any grade, n = 30, 60%), resulting in drug interruption (n = 23, 46%), dose reduction (n = 17, 34%), and discontinuation of treatment (n = 1, 2%).

Conclusion

Olaparib maintenance therapy for recurrent platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer at our institution was effective, with acceptable adverse events. HRD was the most significant prognostic factor for patients with recurrent platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer.
Enhancing immune and antioxidant responses in Nile tilapia through dietary supplementation with Ulva fasciata extract: A study on gene expression and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Abo‐Raya Mohamed H. , Shi Yuntian , Wang Youji , sayed Samy M. , Shukry Mustafa
Published: May 2024

Background: The study focused on the impact of Ulva fasciata extract (UFE) supplementation in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on blood and biochemical markers, immune and oxidative responses, and the expression of related genes, with a specific interest in their condition following exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila. Methods: Four different levels of UFE were tested in the diets: 0% (0 mg kg−1) for the control group (U0), and incremental additions of 0.05% (50 mg kg−1), 0.1% (100 mg kg−1), and 0.15% (150 mg kg−1) for the experimental groups U50, U100, and U150 respectively. Groups of 45 fish weighing 3.126 ± 0.120 g were fed these diets over 90 days. Results: The study found that groups treated with UFE showed statistically significant enhancements (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. These improvements included increased red and white blood cell counts, higher haemoglobin concentrations, greater packed cell volume, and elevated enzyme activities—specifically, superoxide dismutase, catalase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Additionally, lysozyme and phagocytic activities were notably higher, especially in the U100 group after exposure. Before exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila, all levels of UFE supplementation led to increased expression of TNF‐α and COXII genes and decreased NFκ‐B expression. After the challenge, UFE intake resulted in varied expression levels of immune and antioxidant genes (TNF‐α, NFκ‐B, SOD, and COXII) in the liver, with the most effective responses observed in the U50, U100, and U150 groups. Conclusions: The findings underscore the potential of dietary UFE as a natural antioxidant and immune booster for Nile tilapia.
Umbelliferone reduces inflammation and ligature‐induced osteoclastic alveolar bone resorption in mice
Authors: Tavares Samia Jessica Silva , Pereira Camila Rodrigues , Fortes Roseane Aline Monteiro , Alves Bianca Elen Souza , Fonteles Cristiane Sá Roriz , Wong Deysi Viviana Tenazoa , Lima‐Júnior Roberto César Pereira , Moraes Manoel Odorico , Lima Vilma
Published: May 2024

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Umbelliferone (UMB) on the inflammation underlying alveolar bone resorption in mouse periodontitis.

Methods

Male Swiss mice subjected to a ligature of molars were grouped as non‐treated (NT), received UMB (15, 45, or 135 mg/kg) or saline daily for 7 days, respectively, and were compared with naïve mice as control. Gingival tissues were evaluated by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and interleukin‐1β level by ELISA. The bone resorption was directly assessed on the region between the cement–enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest. Microscopically, histomorphometry of the furcation region, immunofluorescence for nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐ĸB), and immunohistochemistry for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and cathepsin K (CTSK) were performed. Systemically, body mass variation and leukogram were analyzed.

Results

Periodontitis significantly increased MPO activity, interleukin‐1β level, and NF‐ĸB+ immunofluorescence, and induced severe alveolar bone and furcation resorptions, besides increased TRAP+ and CTSK+ cells compared with naïve. UMB significantly prevented the inflammation by reducing MPO activity, interleukin‐1β level, and NF‐ĸB+ intensity, besides reduction of resorption of alveolar bone and furcation area, and TRAP+ and CTSK+ cells compared with the NT group. Periodontitis or UMB treatment did not affect the animals systemically.

Conclusion

UMB improved periodontitis by reducing inflammation and bone markers.
A hybrid method for intercity transport mode identification based on mobility features and sequential relations mined from cellular signaling data
Authors: Ding Fan , Zhang Yongyi , Peng Jiankun , Ge Yuming , Qu Tao , Tao Xingyuan , Chen Jun
Published: May 2024

The proliferation of mobile phones has generated vast quantities of cellular signaling data (CSD), covering extensive spatial areas and populations. These data, containing spatiotemporal information, can be employed to identify and analyze intercity transport modes, providing valuable insights for understanding travel distribution and behavior. However, CSD are primarily intended for communication purposes and are not directly suitable for transportation research due to issues such as low spatial precision, sparse sampling granularity, and lacking traffic semantic features. This article proposes a Hybrid model for identifying individual intercity transport modes based on CSD. Several multidimensional mobility features are proposed that extract interpretable motion characteristics from CSD. A preliminary transport mode probability judgment is made based on the mobility features. Then, the complete transport mode is confirmed considering the temporal continuity correlation of the entire trace. Experiments confirm the Hybrid model's superior precision in identifying transport modes over baseline models, with an average F1 score of 0.92, maintaining high accuracy across various trajectory lengths. This model would support further studying individual intercity travel behavior patterns, aiding transportation planning and operational management decisions using CSD.
Perineuronal nets are phagocytosed by MMP‐9 expressing microglia and astrocytes in the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model
Authors: Cheung Sang Won , Bhavnani Ekta , Simmons David G. , Bellingham Mark C. , Noakes Peter G.
Published: May 2024

Aims

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are an extracellular matrix structure that encases excitable neurons. PNNs play a role in neuroprotection against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress within motor neurons can trigger neuronal death, which has been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated the spatio‐temporal timeline of PNN breakdown and the contributing cellular factors in the SOD1G93A strain, a fast‐onset ALS mouse model.

Methods

This was conducted at the presymptomatic (P30), onset (P70), mid‐stage (P130), and end‐stage disease (P150) using immunofluorescent microscopy, as this characterisation has not been conducted in the SOD1G93A strain.

Results

We observed a significant breakdown of PNNs around α‐motor neurons in the ventral horn of onset and mid‐stage disease SOD1G93A mice compared with wild‐type controls. This was observed with increased numbers of microglia expressing matrix metallopeptidase‐9 (MMP‐9), an endopeptidase that degrades PNNs. Microglia also engulfed PNN components in the SOD1G93A mouse. Further increases in microglia and astrocyte number, MMP‐9 expression, and engulfment of PNN components by glia were observed in mid‐stage SOD1G93A mice. This was observed with increased expression of fractalkine, a signal for microglia engulfment, within α‐motor neurons of SOD1G93A mice. Following PNN breakdown, α‐motor neurons of onset and mid‐stage SOD1G93A mice showed increased expression of 3‐nitrotyrosine, a marker for protein oxidation, which could render them vulnerable to death.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that increased numbers of MMP‐9 expressing glia and their subsequent engulfment of PNNs around α‐motor neurons render these neurons sensitive to oxidative damage and eventual death in the SOD1G93A ALS model mouse.
Feelings and thoughts of midwifery students during their first birth suite placement: A qualitative study
Authors: Balkan Elif , Genc Koyucu Refika
Published: May 2024

This descriptive qualitative study aimed to understand the feelings and thoughts experienced by 4th year midwifery students during the first birth they attended during clinical practice. Focus group interviews were conducted with 22 final year midwifery students in Istanbul, Türkiye December 2020. The transcribed data were analyzed by the descriptive qualitative analysis method. The students experienced not only negative feelings such as fear, torment, anxiety but also positive feelings such as hope, excitement, and curiosity during the first birth practice. The situations that caused negative feelings and thoughts were not only the feelings of the students but also the conditions that negatively affected the care provided to the patient in the clinic. The clinical practice environment affects the feelings and thoughts of midwifery students about the birth process. For this reason, improving the clinical practice environment and supporting students throughout the education process may contribute to the development of positive feelings and thoughts when attending as a student for their first birth suite placement.
Post‐ICU psychology support during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Reynolds‐Cowie Paul , Kirkwood Kim , O'Connor Rory
Published: May 2024

Background

Critical illness survival rates have improved, but patients frequently face prolonged new or worsened physical, cognitive and psychosocial impairments. These difficulties associated with critical care admission are known as post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS).

Aims

The multidisciplinary Intensive care Syndrome: Promoting Independence and Return to Employment (InS:PIRE) programme was developed to support patients in the recovery period from critical illness. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the psychology support offered by this service was adapted from an in‐person group to individual remote review. This audit evaluated both the extent to which this input aligned with the recommended guidelines and the acceptability of this adapted delivery to this patient group, which could help guide post‐pandemic psychology input to the service.

Study Design

The records of 207 patients were analysed retrospectively. The nature of support offered to a sub‐sample of 50 patients detailed in clinical summary letters was compared with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (2019) guidelines. Telephone calls were made to gather feedback on the virtual psychology support from 10 patients.

Results

Psychological difficulties were identified by 111 of the 207 patients who attended the virtual clinic. A total of 88 of these patients accepted referral for virtual psychology support and 67 (76%) of those patients attended. The virtual psychology support offered was found to be largely in accordance with ICU aftercare guidance and acceptable to patients. Patients found the summary letters of consultations accurate and helpful. Most patients expressed a preference for in‐person support and the opportunity to meet other patients.

Conclusions

The adaptations to the psychology support offered by InS:PIRE during the COVID‐19 pandemic were found to be largely in line with ICU aftercare psychology guidelines and were acceptable to patients. Further research is needed on future methods of delivering psychology support for this patient group.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This audit highlights issues important to patients in the post‐ICU period based on individual consultations not previously possible. Patient opinion was sought on the impact of changing the delivery of post‐ICU psychological support, which will help guide future improvements in the service.
ATR2Cala2 from Arabidopsis‐infecting downy mildew requires 4 TIR‐NLR immune receptors for full recognition
Authors: Kim Dae Sung , Li Yufei , Ahn Hee‐Kyung , Woods‐Tör Alison , Cevik Volkan , Furzer Oliver J. , Ma Wenbo , Tör Mahmut , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: May 2024

Arabidopsis Col‐0 RPP2A and RPP2B confer recognition of Arabidopsis downy mildew (Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis [Hpa]) isolate Cala2, but the identity of the recognized ATR2Cala2 effector was unknown.

To reveal ATR2Cala2, an F2 population was generated from a cross between Hpa‐Cala2 and Hpa‐Noks1. We identified ATR2Cala2 as a non‐canonical RxLR‐type effector that carries a signal peptide, a dEER motif, and WY domains but no RxLR motif. Recognition of ATR2Cala2 and its effector function were verified by biolistic bombardment, ectopic expression and Hpa infection.

ATR2Cala2 is recognized in accession Col‐0 but not in Ler‐0 in which RPP2A and RPP2B are absent. In ATR2Emoy2 and ATR2Noks1 alleles, a frameshift results in an early stop codon. RPP2A and RPP2B are essential for the recognition of ATR2Cala2. Stable and transient expression of ATR2Cala2 under 35S promoter in Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana enhances disease susceptibility.

Two additional Col‐0 TIR‐NLR (TNL) genes (RPP2C and RPP2D) adjacent to RPP2A and RPP2B are quantitatively required for full resistance to Hpa‐Cala2. We compared RPP2 haplotypes in multiple Arabidopsis accessions and showed that all four genes are present in all ATR2Cala2‐recognizing accessions.
LbSakA‐mediated phosphorylation of the scaffolding protein LbNoxR in the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Laccaria bicolor regulates NADPH oxidase activity, ROS accumulation and symbiosis development
Authors: Shi Liang , Wang Zi , Chen Ju Hong , Qiu Hao , Liu Wei Dong , Zhang Xiao Yan , Martin Francis M. , Zhao Ming Wen
Published: May 2024

Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, which involves mutually beneficial interactions between soil fungi and tree roots, is essential for promoting tree growth. To establish this symbiotic relationship, fungal symbionts must initiate and sustain mutualistic interactions with host plants while avoiding host defense responses. This study investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by fungal NADPH oxidase (Nox) in the development of Laccaria bicolor/Populus tremula × alba symbiosis.

Our findings revealed that L. bicolor LbNox expression was significantly higher in ectomycorrhizal roots than in free‐living mycelia. RNAi was used to silence LbNox, which resulted in decreased ROS signaling, limited formation of the Hartig net, and a lower mycorrhizal formation rate.

Using Y2H library screening, BiFC and Co‐IP, we demonstrated an interaction between the mitogen‐activated protein kinase LbSakA and LbNoxR. LbSakA‐mediated phosphorylation of LbNoxR at T409, T477 and T480 positively modulates LbNox activity, ROS accumulation and upregulation of symbiosis‐related genes involved in dampening host defense reactions.

These results demonstrate that regulation of fungal ROS metabolism is critical for maintaining the mutualistic interaction between L. bicolor and P. tremula × alba. Our findings also highlight a novel and complex regulatory mechanism governing the development of symbiosis, involving both transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of gene networks.
Evaluation of T‐wave memory after accessory pathway ablation in pediatric patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome
Authors: Duras Ensar , Sulu Ayse , Kafali Hasan Candas , Sisko Sezen Gulumser , Caran Bahar , Ergul Yakup
Published: May 2024

Background

T‐wave memory (TWM) is a rare cause of T‐wave inversion (TWI). Alterations in ventricular activation due to abnormal depolarization may cause repolarization abnormalities on the ECG, even if myocardial conduction returns to normal. These repolarization changes are defined as TWM. In our study, we aimed to determine the frequency of TWM development and the predictors affecting it in the pediatric population who underwent accessory pathway (AP) ablation due to Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome.

Methods

The data of patients with manifest AP who underwent electrophysiological studies and ablation between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The study included 180 patients who were under 21 years of age and had at least one year of follow‐up after ablation. Patients with structural heart disease, intermittent WPWs, recurrent ablation, other arrhythmia substrates, and those with less than one‐year follow‐up were excluded from the study. The ECG data of the patients before the procedure, in the first 24 h after the procedure, three months, and in the first year were recorded. The standard ablation technique was used in all patients.

Results

Postprocedure TWM was observed in 116 (64.4%) patients. Ninety‐three patients (51.7%) had a right‐sided AP, and 87 patients (48.3%) had a left‐sided AP. The presence of posteroseptal AP was found to be significantly higher in the group that developed TWM. Of these patients, 107 (93.1%) patients showed improvement at the end of the first year. Preprocedural absolute QRS‐T angle, postprocedural PR interval, and right posteroseptal pathway location were identified as predictors of TWM.

Conclusion

The development of TWM is particularly associated with the right‐sided pathway location, especially the right posteroseptal pathway location. The predictors of TWM are the preprocedural QRS‐T angle, the postprocedural PR interval, and the presence of the right posteroseptal AP.
An in vitro nevus explant model for studying the effects of ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Wang Rui , Feng Jianglong , Zhang Wei , Wang Yu , Lu Hongguang , Zeng Wen
Published: May 2024

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been recognized as a potential trigger for the transformation of benign melanocytic nevi into melanoma. However, the mechanisms governing the formation and progression of melanocytic nevi remain poorly understood. This lack of understanding is partly due to the difficulty in isolating and culturing nevus tissues in vitro, resulting in a dearth of robust ex vivo models for nevi. Therefore, the establishment of a reliable melanocytic nevus model is imperative. Such a model is essential for elucidating nevus pathogenesis and facilitating the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Therefore, we have sought to establish an ex vivo nevus explant model to study UVR stimulation. And the structural integrity and tissue activity of the ex vivo nevi explant model was evaluated. We then observed melanogenesis and proliferation activity of the explants after UVR stimulation. There was less blister formation after Day 3 in nevi explants under our modified medium conditions. The nevi explant was able to maintain almost the same morphological structure and tissue activity as in vivo tissue within 24 h. Following UVR stimulation, we observed increased melanogenesis and proliferation activity in nevi explants. Nevi explants could serve as an ex vivo model for UVR‐induced nevi stimulation research.
Gone with the waves: the role of sea currents as key dispersal mechanism for Mediterranean coastal and inland plant species
Authors: Cuena‐Lombraña A. , Fois M. , Bacchetta G.
Published: May 2024

Thalassochory, the dispersal of propagules through marine currents, is a key long‐distance dispersal (LDD) mechanism with implications for global biogeography and particularly for island colonization. The propagules of coastal plant species are generally assumed to be better adapted for sea dispersal than those of inland plants, but this hypothesis remains largely untested.

We conducted experiments on four genera (Juniperus, Daucus, Ferula, and Pancratium) and compared traits among nine species with different habitats and distributions.

Our results showed that Juniperus spp. and P. maritimum have strong thalassochorous potential within the Mediterranean Basin. Interestingly, we did not find a clear association on the thalassochorous potential of coastal versus inland species within all the tested genera, apart from P. maritimum compared with the endemic inland P. illyricum.

These findings suggest that thalassochory may be a more common dispersal mechanism than previously assumed. The apparently weak link of dispersal syndrome with species ecology broadens the possibility of dispersal by the sea also for inland plants, although considered to be poorly salt‐tolerant. Moreover, our results reveal significant differences in sea dispersal between endemic and widespread species, but do not rule out an important role of thalassochory in shaping the distribution patterns of archipelago endemic flora. The presented method is largely replicable and could be used for further studies with a larger set of species to better delineate trends of sea dispersal syndrome among species with different ecology or dispersal traits.
Wanting, liking, and the sociology of motivation
Authors: Abrutyn Seth , Lizardo Omar
Published: May 2024

Despite being a central topic, current theories of motivation in sociology remain underdeveloped. This paper supplements existing sociological theories on motivation with insights from affective and cognitive neuroscience to address this issue. The resulting sociological affective model of motivation treats affect as an independent force that sometimes coordinates with cognition while taking charge at other times. Drawing on recent work in the neuroscience of motivation and reward, the paper shows how two affective mechanisms—wanting and liking—can shed light on various behavioral outcomes of interest while allowing for sharper theorizing of key distinctions that need clarification in the literature. By examining the distinctive contribution of each process, the paper reveals a proactive, desire‐driven agent often overlooked by prevailing sociological models emphasizing a reactive actor responding creatively and deliberately when internal meanings and external cues are incongruent. The paper concludes by outlining the broader implications of this synthetic affective model of motivation for sociology.
The novel HLA‐B*15:02:15 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhang Xiang‐mei , Xie Zhi‐cong , Ma Li , Li Ye‐mo , Tan Mei
Published: May 2024

HLA‐B*15:02:15 differs from HLA‐B*15:02:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 2.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DQA1*02:32 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Milhès Jean , Cargou Marine , Bouthemy Charlène , Congy‐Jolivet Nicolas
Published: May 2024

HLA‐DQA1*02:32 differs from DQA1*02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 210 in exon 4.
Generating grid maps via the snake model
Authors: Wei Zhiwei , Yang Nai , Wenjia Xu , Su Ding
Published: May 2024

The grid map, often referred to as the tile map, stands as a vital tool in geospatial visualization, possessing unique attributes that differentiate it from more commonly known techniques such as choropleths and cartograms. It transforms geographic regions into grids, which requires the displacement of both region centroids and boundary nodes to establish a coherent grid arrangement. However, existing approaches typically displace region centroids and boundary nodes separately, potentially resulting in self‐intersected boundaries and compromised relative orientation relations between regions. In this article, we introduce a novel approach that leverages the Snake displacement algorithm from cartographic generalization to concurrently displace region centroids and boundary nodes. The revised constrained Delaunay triangulation (CDT) is employed to represent the relations between regions and serves as a structural foundation for the Snake algorithm. Forces for displacing the region centroids into a grid‐like pattern are then computed. These forces are iteratively applied within the Snake model until a satisfactory new boundary is achieved. Subsequently, the grid map is created by aligning the grids with the newly generated boundary, utilizing a one‐to‐one match algorithm to assign each region to a specific grid. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach excels in maintaining the relative orientation and global shape of regions, albeit with a potential increase in local location deviations. We also present two strategies aligned with existing approaches to generate diverse grid maps for user preferences. Further details and resources are available on our project website: https://github.com/TrentonWei/DorlingMap.git.
Amber coloured plasma—Case for illustration
Authors: Radhakrishnan Nair Amita , Gopalakrishnan Baby Saritha , Gupta Debasish
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Abnormal colour of plasma is infrequently identified during processing of blood and blood components. Common reasons include haemolysis, medications or diet related. Sometimes, the aetiology is unknown. It is a dilemma for every transfusion specialist encountering this situation. Effort should be made to find the aetiology of discolouration of plasma, so that the blood donor can be suitably advised, and a decision can be made regarding the use of blood products.

Materials and Methods

We encountered two cases of orange coloured (amber coloured) plasma in our regular blood donors. All the common reasons for abnormal plasma discolouration were evaluated, including the donor's medication and diet. Spectrophotometry along with Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS) in both the positive and negative ion modes with literature search helped in arriving at a conclusion.

Results

Haemolysis was ruled out by estimation of plasma haemoglobin. Spectrophotometric analysis of the coloured plasma samples showed a peak, which was absent in normal coloured plasma. This was further investigated using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS) in both the positive and negative ion modes. There was no significant difference between the coloured and normal samples in the positive ion mode. But in the negative ion mode, there was a peak observed at 110.5 and 191 m/z value in the profile of the coloured samples in comparison with the normal sample. Literature review shows the peak was corresponding to the presence of quinic acid residues—a substance found in coffee, and potentially excreted into the plasma of an individual with high coffee consumption.

Conclusion

Reporting unusual causes associated with plasma discolouration is important. Present guidelines forbid issue of abnormal coloured blood and blood components for transfusion. Further such reports are necessary to confirm the safety of recipients receiving such units. This is the first case report to our knowledge of quinic acid discolouring blood products.
The SmMYC2–SmMYB36 complex is involved in methyl jasmonate‐mediated tanshinones biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Cao Ruizhi , Lv Bingbing , Shao Shuai , Zhao Ying , Yang Mengdan , Zuo Anqi , Wei Jia , Dong Juane , Ma Pengda
Published: May 2024

The jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway plays an important role in promoting the biosynthesis of tanshinones. While individual transcription factors have been extensively studied in the context of tanshinones biosynthesis regulation, the influence of methyl jasmonate (MeJA)‐induced transcriptional complexes remains unexplored. This study elucidates the positive regulatory role of the basic helix–loop–helix protein SmMYC2 in tanshinones biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza. SmMYC2 not only binds to SmGGPPS1 promoters, activating their transcription, but also interacts with SmMYB36. This interaction enhances the transcriptional activity of SmMYC2 on SmGGPPS1, thereby promoting tanshinones biosynthesis. Furthermore, we identified three JA signaling repressors, SmJAZ3, SmJAZ4, and SmJAZ8, which interact with SmMYC2. These repressors hindered the transcriptional activity of SmMYC2 on SmGGPPS1 and disrupted the interaction between SmMYC2 and SmMYB36. MeJA treatment triggered the degradation of SmJAZ3 and SmJAZ4, allowing the SmMYC2–SmMYB36 complex to subsequently activate the expression of SmGGPPS1, whereas SmJAZ8 inhibited MeJA‐mediated degradation due to the absence of the LPIARR motif. These results demonstrate that the SmJAZ‐SmMYC2–SmMYB36 module dynamically regulates the JA‐mediated accumulation of tanshinones. Our results reveal a new regulatory network for the biosynthesis of tanshinones. This study provides valuable insight for future research on MeJA‐mediated modulation of tanshinones biosynthesis.
Immunoadsorption as a method of antibody donation during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rothenburg Jannik , Rink‐Baron Silke , Müller Lisa , Ostermann Philipp Niklas , Fischer Johannes C. , Hermsen Derik , Stegbauer Johannes , Moldenhauer Anja
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Initial therapeutic efforts to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) included the use of plasma from convalescent donors containing anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. High‐neutralizing antibody titres are required for therapeutic efficacy. This study aims to show that immunoadsorption followed by tangential flow filtration can be used to obtain antibody concentrates with high‐neutralizing capacities.

Materials and Methods

Eligible donors (n = 10, five males and three females) underwent immunoadsorption using adsorber columns specific for human antibodies. Glycine‐washed out eluates of 1.5 L volume were further concentrated by tangential flow filtration using 30 kDa ultrafiltration membranes. The same membranes were applied for diafiltrations to exchange residual glycine for 0.9% normal saline.

Results

Antibody concentrates were obtained within 8 h from the start of donation and had 4.58 ± 1.95, 3.28 ± 1.28 and 2.02 ± 0.92 times higher total IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations, 3.29 ± 1.62 and 3.74 ± 0.6 times higher SARS‐CoV‐2 N and S antibody concentrations and 3.85 ± 1.71 times higher SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐specific IgG concentrations compared to the donors' peripheral blood. The specific SARS‐CoV‐2 virus neutralization capacities increased in all but one concentrate. All antibody concentrates (50–70 mL final volume) passed microbiological tests, were free of hazardous glycine levels and could be stored at −80°C and 4°C for 1 year with 20 ± 3% antibody loss.

Conclusion

Immunoadsorption followed by tangential flow filtration is a feasible procedure to collect IgG, IgA and IgM as well as SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐ and S‐specific antibody concentrates of low volume, free of albumin and coagulation factors. Whether these concentrates can be used as passive immunisation in infected patients remains to be elucidated.
Parasitic success of the pathogenic plant Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel. (Orobanchaceae) differs in some re‐infected versus naïve tomato cultivars
Authors: Leman Julia K. H. , Brun Guillaume , Rohwedder Hannah M. , Wicke Susann
Published: May 2024

Plants are exposed to infection and predation by organisms from most kingdoms of life, including their own. Layers of molecular defence mechanisms have evolved to limit damage and disease from microbial and insect pathogens, and plants can also defend themselves against attack by members of their own kingdom. These so‐called parasitic plants attach to and take up nutrients from a host plant. It is not yet known whether parasites belonging to the plant kingdom can elicit a systemic defence response in their hosts, to which they have much more in common molecularly than viruses and fungi. To gain insight as to whether previous infection reduces the susceptibility of a host, we used two successive rounds of infection of the same host plants with the holoparasitic plant Phelipanche ramosa (‘broomrape,’ Orobanchaceae). We tested seven cultivars of tomato, and found that the ‘Moneymaker’ cultivar was re‐infested at a lower rate than its naïve counterpart and, if pre‐infested, supported fewer parasites than other cultivars. We collected tissue for RNA sequencing at the host–parasite interface of two cultivars, ‘Moneymaker’ and ‘Zuckertraube’, the latter of which showed no difference in susceptibility upon reinfection. These data revealed tomato cultivar‐specific transcriptional profiles in the parasite, including the upregulation of several peroxidase genes in parasites infecting ‘Moneymaker’, compared to ‘Zuckertraube’. Furthermore, we detected the upregulation of lignin biosynthesis genes in ‘Moneymaker’ tomato plants when they were pre‐infected with the holoparasitic plant. Together, our data suggest that some tomato cultivars may be naturally able to build up defences against parasitic plant infection. This could be relevant for agriculture, in that cuttings or other forms of vegetative propagation of pre‐infected tomato plants can prime crops to withstand field infestations more effectively.
Restricting angles of incidence to improve super resolution in time reversal focusing that uses metamaterial properties of a resonator array
Authors: Basham Andrew , Anderson Brian E. , Kingsley Adam D.
Published: May 2024

Focusing waves with a spatial extent smaller than a half wavelength (i.e., super resolution or sub diffraction limit) is possible using resonators placed in the near field of time reversal (TR) focusing. While a two-dimensional (2D) Helmholtz resonator array in a three-dimensional reverberant environment has limited ability to produce a high-resolution spatial focus in the TR focusing of audible sound, it is shown that acoustic waves propagating out-of-plane with the resonator array are not as strongly affected by the smaller effective wavelength induced by the resonator array, partially negating the effect of the resonators. A physical 2D waveguide is shown to limit the out-of-plane propagation, leading to improved resolution. It is also shown that post processing using an orthogonal particle velocity decomposition of a spatial scan of the focusing can filter out-of-plane particle motion in the near field of the array, which bypasses the effect of the unwanted third spatial dimension of propagation. The spatial resolution in a reverberant environment is shown to improve in the presence of a 2D Helmholtz resonator array and then further improve by adding a 2D waveguide. The resolution among the resonator array is better still without using a waveguide and instead using the partial-pressure reconstruction.
“Getting Back on the Bike”: Risk, Injury, and Sport-Related Concussion in Competitive Road Cycling
Authors: Hardwicke Jack , Hurst Howard Thomas , Matthews Christopher R.
Published: May 2024

A clear and consistent finding across three decades of sociological work focused on performance sports is that various sports can be considered social spaces in which risk, pain, and injury are accepted, normalized, and valorized. In recent years, the emergent scientific and popular concern around the short- and long-term consequences of sport-related concussion has seen a resurgence in the use of classic sociological ideas to help understand why athletes appear to downplay, continue competing, and sometimes ignore potential brain injuries. Using data from interviews, this paper explores these social processes in the sport of road cycling in Britain. We present the argument that the enduring utility of classic sociological concepts in explaining athlete behaviors toward risk, pain, and injury may be indicative of the obdurate nature of the cultural norms which circulate in performance sport settings. With regard to the ongoing problems with concussion in sport, we show the continued need to understand the social context in which much sport is imagined and practiced. This leads to our suggestion that sociocultural and interactional processes in many sporting subcultures that support the normative acceptance of behaviors which often prioritize performance over health need to be more readily challenged if we wish to achieve comprehensive change toward improved athlete welfare.
Synergy of lytic phage pB23 and meropenem combination against carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Luo Jun , Liu Min , Ai Wen , Zheng Xiaoling , Liu Shaowei , Huang Kuo , Zhang Changlin , Li Qianyuan , Luo Chunhua
Published: May 2024

Phage-antibiotic combination treatment is a novel noteworthy drug delivery method in anti-infection. In the current study, we have isolated a new phage, pB23, against
carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
2023. Synergistic antibacterial effect between phage pB23 and meropenem combination could be more stable, using moderate doses of phage (multiplicity of infection ranging from 0.1 to 1,000) based on results of
in vitro
antibacterial activity. Phage pB23 and meropenem combination could effectively clear mature biofilms and prevent biofilm formation of carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii in vitro
. Phage pB23 and meropenem combination also has good synergistic antibacterial effects against carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
in different growth phases under static culture conditions. The
pig skin explant model
shows that phage pB23 and meropenem combination has a synergistic effect to remove bacteria from wounds
ex vivo
. Phage pB23 and meropenem combination also exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect
in vivo
using a zebrafish infection mode. The potential promotion of phage proliferation by meropenem and the sensitivity recovery of phage-resistant bacteria to meropenem might elucidate the mechanism of the synergistic antimicrobial activity. In summary, our study illustrates that phage pB23 and meropenem combination could produce synergistic antibacterial effects against carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
under static growth conditions. This study also demonstrates that phage-antibiotic combination will become an effective strategy to enhance
antibacterial activity
of individual drug and provide a new idea of the drug development for the treatment of infections due to carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
and other multidrug-resistant bacteria.