bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 during early pregnancy induces hypoxia at the maternal–fetal interface
Authors: Shi Xiaohui , Xi Chenxiang , Dong Baoxing , Yan Zihui , Liu Wenqiang , Gao Shaorong , Chen Di
Published: October 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic increases the risk of adverse fetal outcomes during pregnancy. Maternal infection during pregnancy, particularly with cytomegalovirus (CMV), hepatitis B and C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus can have detrimental effects on both mother and fetus, potentially leading to adverse outcomes such as spontaneous abortion or neonatal infection. However, the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection on the maternal–fetal interface remains poorly understood. In this study, we initially utilised immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical to investigate placental samples from pregnant women who were infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 during the first trimester. Our data indicate that infection in the first trimester induces an upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) levels at the maternal–fetal interface. Subsequently, single‐cell RNA sequencing and metabolomics sequencing analyses reveal alterations in maternal–fetal interface. Remarkably, immune cells exhibited low expression levels of HIF possibly associated with immune activation. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate a gradual reduction in transcriptome and metabolic changes as gestation progressed beyond 12–16 weeks compared to samples obtained at 6–8 weeks gestation. Overall, our study suggests that early‐stage SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the first trimester leads to severe hypoxia and aberrant cell metabolism at the maternal–fetal interface which gradually resolves as pregnancy progresses. Nevertheless, these abnormal changes may have long‐term implications for maternal–fetal interface development.
Modelling myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury with inflammatory response in human ventricular cardiac organoids
Authors: Zhang Laihai , Jiang Yun , Jia Wenwen , Le Wenjun , Liu Jie , Zhang Peng , Yang Huangtian , Liu Zhongmin , Liu Yang
Published: October 2024

Current therapeutic drug exploring targeting at myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is limited due to the lack of humanized cardiac models that resemble myocardial damage and inflammatory response. Herein, we develop ventricular cardiac organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and simulate I/R injury by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), which results in increased cardiomyocytes apoptosis, elevated oxidative stress, disrupted morphological structure and decreased beat amplitude. RNA‐seq reveals a potential role of type I interferon (IFN‐I) in this I/R injury model. We then introduce THP‐1 cells and reveal inflammatory responses between monocytes/macrophages and H/R‐induced ventricular cardiac organoids. Furthermore, we demonstrate Anifrolumab, an FDA approved antagonist of IFN‐I receptor, effectively decreases IFN‐I secretion and related gene expression, attenuates H/R‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the co‐culture system. This study advances the modelling of myocardial I/R injury with inflammatory response in human cardiac organoids, which provides a reliable platform for preclinical study and drug screening.
Experiences of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes and chronically elevated glucose levels following the transition from multiple daily injections to advanced hybrid closed‐loop: A qualitative study
Authors: Wong Jessica Y. , Styles Sara E. , Wiltshire Esko J. , de Bock Martin I. , Boucsein Alisa , Palmer Octavia J. , Wheeler Benjamin J.
Published: October 2024

Aim

To understand experiences of using second‐generation advanced hybrid closed‐loop (AHCL) therapy in adolescents and young adults with chronically elevated glucose levels who were previously using multiple daily injections (MDI) therapy.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews with participants aged 13–25 years, on AHCL therapy for 3 months as part of a single‐arm prospective study. Key inclusions: HbA1c ≥69 mmol/mol (8.5%); diabetes duration ≥1 year; and using MDI therapy prior to the study. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes.

Results

Interviews were conducted among 14 participants with mean age 19.4 ± 4.3 years and mean baseline HbA1c 90 ± 25 mmol/mol (10.4 ± 4.5%). Three themes were identified: (1) substantially improved glucose levels improved perceptions of overall health; (2) features of AHCL aid in adoption and ongoing self‐management; and (3) burden of care was reduced through automation of insulin delivery. Overall, there were positive impacts on physical, mental and social well‐being. Participants were willing to overlook minor frustrations with AHCL because of the vast benefits that they had experienced. Four participants reported transient pseudo‐hypoglycaemia: symptoms of hypoglycaemia when objectively measured glucose was in the clinically recommended range (3.9–10 mmol/L, 70–180 mg/dL).

Conclusion

Transition to AHCL therapy positively impacted diabetes management in adolescents and youth with chronically elevated glucose levels. It appears to create a window of opportunity in which youth may re‐engage with diabetes management. Pseudo‐hypoglycaemia can occur during the transition to AHCL. This could be a barrier to AHCL uptake and is likely to require individualised support.
Political ideology, emotion response, and confirmation bias
Authors: Dickinson David L.
Published: October 2024

Motivated reasoning can serve to help resolve emotional discomfort, which suggests emotion as a likely moderator of such reasoning. This paper addresses a gap in the literature by examining emotion and confirmation bias in the political domain. Results from two preregistered studies, which involved over 900 unique participants, document a confirmation bias across distinct dimensions of belief and preference formation. Also, ideologically dissonant information significantly worsens self‐reported emotion. With some exceptions, the evidence generally supports the hypothesis that negative emotion moderates the strength of the bias, which highlights the importance of emotion response in understanding and potentially counteracting confirmation bias.
Characteristics of falls in Japanese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Yamada Minoru , Terao Yusuke , Kojima Iwao , Tanaka Shu , Saegusa Hiroki , Nanbu Miho , Soma Shiho , Matsumoto Hiroki , Saito Masaya , Okawa Kohei , Haga Naoto , Arai Hidenori
Published: October 2024

Objective

Understanding the characteristics of falls among older adults is necessary to prevent them. These characteristics include questions such as when (month and time), where (places), who (age), what (injury), why (trigger), and how (direction) the falls occur. The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of falls in individuals aged 65–74 years (young‐old), 75–84 years (old‐old), and ≥85 years (oldest‐old).

Methods

We conducted an observational mail survey among community‐dwelling older adults in Japan and collected detailed information on the incidence of falls over the past 3 years. The month, time, location, trigger, direction, and resulting trauma of each fall were analyzed and compared across the different age groups (young‐old, old‐old, and oldest‐old).

Results

A total of 1695 falls among 1074 community‐dwelling older adults were analyzed in this study. Falls were frequent during May and October as well as during the winter season from December to February, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. These fall characteristics were consistent across all the age groups. There was a higher incidence of outdoor falls among relatively young older adults, which were typically caused by tripping or slipping. However, as one progresses with age, there is a higher incidence of falls indoors, typically due to loss of balance or leg entrapment. Approximately 60% of older fallers experience some form of injury due to falls, with fractures considered the most serious, occurring in ≈10% of all falls.

Conclusion

We clarified the characteristics of falls including the “when, where, who, what, why, and how” of the fall. A future challenge is to use this valuable information to develop effective fall prevention programs for older populations worldwide. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1181–1188.
How many polyps need to be histologically assessed when multiple polyps are submitted for the Bowel Cancer Screening Program?
Authors: Wong Newton A C S , Jones Hannah E , Halloran Katherine M
Published: October 2024

Aims

Since 2020 there has been an increase in the number of polyps removed from patients scoped for the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) of England. General cellular pathology workload also continues to increase disproportionately ahead of consultant pathologist numbers in the United Kingdom. The Optical Diagnosis initiative for BCSP patients has not yet, and may not be, implemented at every hospital in England. The following study therefore aimed to determine whether only a certain number of removed polyps need to be histologically assessed to consistently guide a BCSP patient's post‐polypectomy management, and whether all remaining smaller polyps beyond that number could then be discarded.

Methods

This retrospective study considered all BCSP specimens/cases submitted to the Cellular Pathology department of a large English teaching hospital from 2016 to 2024. Only cases with six or more resected polyps, for which the endoscopic report stated individual sizes, were included in the final study cohort.

Results

Of the 8066 BCSP cases submitted to the aforementioned department, there were six or more polyps for 345 cases. Analysis of the final study cohort of 135 cases showed that assessment of the seven largest polyps measured endoscopically was sufficient to correctly guide follow‐up management of the BCSP patient as per the 2020 British Society of Gastroenterology post‐polypectomy guidelines.

Conclusions

When colonoscopy of a BCSP patient leads to removal of multiple polyps, only the seven largest polyps need to be assessed histologically and the remaining smaller polyps could be discarded with no impact to the patient's BCSP‐related management.
Firms' heterogeneity and intraindustry reallocation: Beyond dichotomous partitioning
Authors: Chen Xi
Published: October 2024

This paper studies the trade‐induced reallocation of resources beyond the conventional partition in trade models. It challenges the typical partition of firms into domestic‐only and trading entities. The paper demonstrates that reallocation across heterogeneous firms can occur without such dichotomous partitioning. For reallocation to happen, firms must have different exposure to international markets. The paper uses offshoring models with labor market frictions to illustrate this principle. The offshoring model reveals that labor market frictions induce variations in wage and offshoring intensity. These variations then lead to differential impacts from offshoring cost shifts, resulting in reallocation across heterogeneous firms without partition.
Effects of Dentifrices With Antierosive Potential on the Surface of Bovine Enamel Submitted to Acidic Beverage
Authors: dos Santos Guilherme Silva , Felix Amanda Ferreira , Matos Iago César Ribeiro Teles , Carvalho Gabriela Luiza Moreira , André Carolina Bosso , Kury Matheus , Cavalli Vanessa
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of dentifrices containing sodium fluoride (NaF) combined with NovaMin (Sensodyne Repair & Protect—SRP), NaF combined with stannous fluoride (SnF2, Oral‐B Pro‐Gengiva—OBP), and amine fluoride (AmF, Colgate Elmex—ELM) on enamel subjected to simulated erosive cycling.

Materials and Methods

Bovine enamel‐dentin discs (n = 10/group) were subjected to erosive cycling with orange juice (pH = 3.29, 5 min, 3x/day), artificial saliva (SA–2 h, 3x/day and overnight) and treated with dentifrice (2 min, 2x/day) or without treatment (CONT). Surface microhardness (SMH) was evaluated at baseline (T0), on the first (T1) and fifth (T5) days. SMH loss (%SHL) was calculated. Surface roughness (Ra, μm) was determined at T0 and T5. Morphology and mineral content were evaluated under scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using ANOVA/Tukey or Bonferroni (α = 5%).

Results

No differences in %SHL were detected among groups at T1. At T5, OBP promoted %SHL, Ra, and ΔRa significantly lower than all the other groups (p < 0.05). All groups exhibited morphological changes in topography and similar Ca/P means before and after treatments.

Conclusions

Dentifrice containing SnF2 minimized the negative effects on the SMH and Ra caused by exposure to orange juice after 5 days of simulated cycling.

Clinical Relevance

Patients who are more exposed to risk factors for dental erosion could benefit from the use of dentifrice containing SnF2.
Response to treatment, relapse and outcome of two dogs treated for Mycobacterium avium infection
Authors: Coates V. , Taylor S. , D'Aout C. , Sanchez Jimenez C. , O'Halloran C.
Published: October 2024

A 3‐year‐old male neutered Golden Retriever with nasal swelling and lymphadenopathy was diagnosed with diffuse Mycobacterium avium infection. Treatment with 9 months of enrofloxacin, clarithromycin and rifampicin was successful, but relapsed 10 months later with lymphadenopathy, skin plaques and testicular involvement. Repeat treatment for 12 months was effective but 15 months later a second relapse responded to the same therapy which is ongoing with survival from diagnosis of 82 months. A 1‐year‐old male neutered Portuguese Podengo was diagnosed with polyarthritis and M. avium infection and treated with enrofloxacin, clarithromycin and rifampicin for 4 months but relapsed, subsequently responding to combined pradofloxacin, rifampicin, doxycycline and ethambutol. After 12 months of treatment, M. avium was detected and treatment extended to 17 months before stopping when no organism was detected. Relapse occurred after 6 weeks, responding to retreatment but relapsing (polyarthropathy, lymphadenomegaly) after 15 months, with euthanasia 38 months after diagnosis. Dogs with M. avium are challenging to treat with frequent relapse; however, long‐term survival is possible.
Child maltreatment and insomnia symptoms among Chinese university students: the buffering role of self‐efficacy
Authors: Xiong Peng , Feng Wanmin , Lin Yusi
Published: October 2024

Insomnia symptoms represent a significant public health concern, as it engenders substantial long‐term health consequences. Considerable research has established the detrimental impacts of child maltreatment on sleep problems among university students. However, the role of self‐efficacy in the association between childhood maltreatment and insomnia remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations between child maltreatment and insomnia symptoms among university students, and to investigate whether self‐efficacy moderated the effects of child maltreatment on insomnia symptoms. A total of 2014 participants with random cluster sampling method were recruited from Jinan University in Guangzhou, China, from October 2022 to November 2022. Adjusting for covariates, the results of multiple logistic regression indicated that the participants with the experience of any type of child maltreatment (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63–3.07), childhood emotional abuse (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.95–3.41), childhood emotional neglect (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.87–1.54), childhood physical abuse (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.60–2.8), childhood physical neglect (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.64–2.92), childhood sexual abuse (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.46–2.68) were more likely to report insomnia symptoms than those without. Individuals reporting one–two types and three–five types of child maltreatment were 1.81 times (95% CI 1.30–2.52) and 3.77 times (95% CI 2.58–5.50) more likely to report insomnia symptoms than those reporting zero types of child maltreatment, respectively. Furthermore, robust linear regression analysis revealed that self‐efficacy moderated the associations between child maltreatment and insomnia symptoms (β = 0.007, 95% CI 0.004–0.010). These findings underscore the need for integrated mental health education, support services, and faculty training to address the impact of child maltreatment on insomnia symptoms among university students. Policy recommendations include advocating for comprehensive mental health services, incorporating self‐efficacy initiatives, and fostering community engagement for a holistic approach to student well‐being.
Prognosis of Acute HEV Infection in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Study of 628 Chinese Patients
Authors: An Wen , Li Mengqi , Luo Jing , Yu Zhe , Wei Hongshan
Published: October 2024

Acute hepatitis E virus infection is a serious global health problem, which a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to characterise the clinical features and therapeutic response of patients with acute HEV infection and identify risk factors for poor prognosis. In a retrospective study from 01 January 2014 to 01 Januray 2022, we collected baseline data from all patients eligible for acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and followed up with all patients via interviews and medical records. We explored the clinical feature of Chinese patients with acute HEV infection. The follow‐up data of patients were used to identify risk factors for poor prognosis. In total, 628 acute hepatitis E (AHE) patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria. Among them, 452 were males and 176 were females (M:F = 2.57:1). The median age at diagnosis was 57.0 years (interquartile range: 46–64 years). The median baseline serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) were elevated in this cohort (642.3 U/L, 216.2 U/L, 104.1 μmol/L, respectively). The median hospitalisation duration was 16 days. Compared with patients without other liver diseases, patients with liver cirrhosis show lower baseline ALT and AST level, poorer coagulation indices and higher MELD scores. According to multivariate analysis, liver cirrhosis, high MELD score, low albumin concentration was found to be independent predictors of poor prognosis in patients with AHE. Our study used a lager sample size to validate that some demographic and serological features were quite different between patients with/without CLDs. Liver cirrhosis was a significant independent predictor of poor prognosis in acute HEV hepatitis.
Use of prototype bi‐nasal prongs for noninvasive ventilation in foals
Authors: Raidal Sharanne L. , van Diggelen Michael , Catanchin Chee Sum M. , Lehmann Heidi S. , Quinn Chris T.
Published: October 2024

Background

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides effective respiratory support in foals, but face masks are poorly tolerated and associated with hypercapnia. Bi‐nasal prongs might be a more effective device interface in foals.

Objectives

To compare bi‐nasal prongs and masks for NIV in foals with pharmacologically induced respiratory insufficiency.

Animals

Six healthy foals.

Methods

In a randomized cross‐over study, sedated foals received NIV delivered by mask or bi‐nasal prongs, with the treatment repeated using the alternative device interface after a 3‐day rest period. After periods of spontaneous ventilation through the allocated interface, with and without supplementary O2 (T2‐T3), foals were subject to 10‐minute treatment periods of NIV at different pressure support (5 or 10 cmH2O) and end‐expiratory pressure settings (5 or 10 cmH2O), with and without supplementary O2 (T4‐T7). Vital signs, arterial blood gases, spirometry, and gas exchange data were measured in the final 2 minutes of each treatment window.

Results

Bi‐nasal prongs were well tolerated and required less manual positioning or monitoring compared to the mask. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide did not increase during NIV with bi‐nasal prongs and was lower than observed with masks (mean difference, 8.2 mmHg [95% confidence interval, 4.1‐12.2 mmHg] at T6). Oxygenation and respiratory mechanics were improved in all foals and not different between device interfaces.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Nasal prongs were well tolerated, had similar effects on respiratory function, and appeared to ameliorate hypercapnia observed previously during NIV in foals.
The host and pathogen myo‐inositol‐1‐phosphate synthases are required for Rhizoctonia solaniAG1‐IA infection in tomato
Authors: Tyagi Kriti , Chandan Ravindra K. , Sahoo Debashis , Ghosh Srayan , Gupta Santosh Kumar , Jha Gopaljee
Published: October 2024

The myo‐inositol‐1‐phosphate synthase (MIPS) catalyses the biosynthesis of myo‐inositol, an important sugar that regulates various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Here, we provide evidence that host (SlMIPS1) and pathogen (Rs_MIPS) myo‐inositol‐1‐phosphate synthase (MIPS) genes are required for successful infection of Rhizoctonia solani, a devastating necrotrophic fungal pathogen, in tomato. Silencing of either SlMIPS1 or Rs_MIPS prevented disease, whereas an exogenous spray of myo‐inositol enhanced disease severity. SlMIPS1 was upregulated upon R. solani infection, and potentially promoted source‐to‐sink transition, induced SWEET gene expression, and facilitated sugar availability in the infected tissues. In addition, salicylic acid (SA)‐jasmonic acid homeostasis was altered and SA‐mediated defence was suppressed; therefore, disease was promoted. On the other hand, silencing of SlMIPS1 limited sugar availability and induced SA‐mediated defence to prevent R. solani infection. Virus‐induced gene silencing of NPR1, a key gene in SA signalling, rendered SlMIPS1‐silenced tomato lines susceptible to infection. These analyses suggest that induction of SA‐mediated defence imparts disease tolerance in SlMIPS1‐silenced tomato lines. In addition, we present evidence that SlMIPS1 and SA negatively regulate each other to modulate the defence response. SA treatment reduced SlMIPS1 expression and myo‐inositol content in tomato, whereas myo‐inositol treatment prevented SA‐mediated defence. We emphasize that downregulation of host/pathogen MIPS can be an important strategy for controlling diseases caused by R. solani in agriculturally important crops.
Two new species and additional records of Coenogonium (Ostropales: Coenogoniaceae) from India
Authors: Adhikari Rakesh Singh , Ngangom Roshinikumar , Biswas Suparna , Daimari Rebecca , Nayaka Sanjeeva
Published: October 2024

Two corticolous species of Coenogonium viz., C. pseudonepalense and C. submoniliforme are described as new to science. Coenogonium pseudonepalense is characterized by a crustose, greenish‐grey thallus, pale‐orange apothecial disc and 13.0–17.0 × 2.5–3.0 µm ascospores. Coenogonium submoniliforme is characterized by appressed‐filamentous thallus, small‐sized apothecia (up to 0.4 mm in diameter), pale orange apothecial disc and 14.0–18.0 × 2.8–3.8 µm ascospores. Coenogonium lueckingii and C. pineti are new records for Indian lichen biota. An updated world key to the known species of Coenogonium is also provided.
The role of evolutionary processes in determining trophic structure
Authors: Furness Euan N. , Speed James D. M. , Garwood Russell J. , Sutton Mark D.
Published: October 2024

There are two contrasting hypotheses regarding the drivers of biomass‐distribution among trophic levels within ecosystems. Energetic or bottom–up models propose control by supply of energy, either from autotrophy or from the underlying trophic level. Dynamical or top‐down models propose control by predators in the overlying trophic level. Although multiple approaches have been used to reconcile these hypotheses, they have rarely considered the evolutionary pressures created by different distributions of biomass. Here, we study the effects of these evolutionary processes using an agent‐based, spatially‐explicit, eco‐evolutionary model. We demonstrate that, when ecosystems are simple and predator–prey relationships between species are fixed and do not evolve, primary productivity limits the number of trophic levels. In this case, the abundance in the top trophic level is always limited by productivity. However, productivity‐limited trophic levels subject those below them to limitation by predation, and predation‐limited trophic levels allow trophic levels below them to grow until limited by productivity. These results match the expectations of the exploitation ecosystems hypothesis (EEH), which predicts the same pattern of alternating top–down and bottom–up control on trophic levels. When species are able to evolve to adaptively adjust their trophic levels, however, selection is liable to lead to collapse of the trophic pyramid through prey switching. Under these conditions, all trophic levels experience bottom–up control. When the evolution of prey switching is restricted, higher trophic levels are evolutionarily stable and the predictions of the EEH are once again met; the stability of long food chains is thus dependent on the difficulty associated with prey switching. These results suggest that, at least under the combinations of model parameters explored in this study, evolutionary limitation is key to maintaining trophic structure.
Effect of Environmental Awareness‐Based Education on Environmental Attitudes of Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Evcimen Hasan , Çiftci Necmettin , Yıldız Metin
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the effect of environmental awareness‐based education given to nursing students on their environmental attitudes.

Method

This study was designed in a parallel‐group 1:1 single‐blind randomized controlled experimental design. The study was conducted with 110 nursing students studying at a state university in Turkey between November 1, 2023, and March 15, 2024. Data were collected using a personal information form and the Environmental Attitude Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and G Power 3.1.9.7 software.

Results

After the training program was applied to the students, it was found that the mean score of the environmental attitude scale of the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). It was found that the posttest mean score of the experimental group's environmental attitude scale was higher than the pretest (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It was observed that the environmental awareness‐based education program given to nursing students had a positive effect on environmental attitude. Longitudinal studies on environmental attitude are recommended.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06169189
The (un)known issue with using rose bengal as a standard of singlet oxygen photoproduction
Authors: Mokrzyński Krystian , Szewczyk Grzegorz
Published: October 2024

Rose bengal (RB) is a widely used photosensitizer for determining quantum yields of singlet oxygen generation. While it is known to aggregate in polar environments at concentrations above 2 μM, the relationship between RB concentration and singlet oxygen photogeneration remains unclear. This study investigates the shift from monomeric to dimeric RB with increasing concentration and its impact on singlet oxygen generation in D2O‐based solutions and DMPC liposomes. Absorbance maxima for RB were observed at 514 nm (dimer) and 549 nm (monomer), with ionic environments influencing aggregation rates. Singlet oxygen phosphorescence showed non‐linear dependency above 2 μM, indicating the effects of aggregation. Results suggest that RB concentrations should be kept at 1 μM or lower in photochemical studies to avoid aggregation‐related discrepancies in singlet oxygen yield determination. These findings highlight the importance of considering RB aggregation in photochemical research and medical applications.
Xylem embolism induced by freeze–thaw and drought are influenced by different anatomical traits in subtropical montane evergreen angiosperm trees
Authors: Zhang Feng , Liu Yi‐Wen , Qin Jie , Jansen Steven , Zhu Shi‐Dan , Cao Kun‐Fang
Published: October 2024

Subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests distributed in montane zones of southern China experience seasonal droughts and winter frost. Previously, studies have recognized that xylem anatomy is a determinant of its vulnerability to embolism caused by drought and freezing events. We hypothesized that there is a coordination of xylem resistance to freeze–thaw and drought‐induced embolism for the subtropical montane evergreen broadleaved tree species because they are influenced by common xylem structural traits (e.g., vessel diameter). We examined the branch xylem anatomy, resistance to drought‐induced embolism (P50), and the percent loss of branch hydraulic conductivity after a severe winter frost (PLCwinter) for 15 evergreen broadleaved tree species in a montane forest in South China. Our results showed that P50 of the studied species ranged from −2.81 to −5.13 MPa, which was not associated with most xylem anatomical properties except for the axial parenchyma‐to‐vessel connectivity. These tree species differed substantially in PLCwinter, ranging from 0% to 76.41%. PLCwinter was positively related to vessel diameter and negatively related to vessel density, vessel group index, and vessel‐to‐vessel connectivity, but no coordination with P50. This study suggests that hydraulic adaptation to frost is important to determine the distributional limit of subtropical montane evergreen woody angiosperms.
Genome‐wide identification of sweet potato U‐Box E3 ubiquitin ligases and roles of IbPUB52 in negative regulation of drought stress
Authors: Lyu Shanwu , Mao Yaping , Zhang Yi , Yu Tianli , Yang Xuangang , Zhu Hongbo , Deng Shulin
Published: October 2024

The plant U‐box (PUB) proteins, a family of ubiquitin ligases (E3) enzymes, are pivotal in orchestrating many biological processes and facilitating plant responses to environmental stressors. Despite their critical roles, exploring the PUB gene family's characteristics and functional diversity in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) has been notably limited. There were 81 IbPUB genes identified within the sweet potato genome, and they were categorized into eight distinct groups based on domain architecture, revealing a non‐uniform distribution across the 15 chromosomes of I. batatas. The investigation of cis‐acting elements has shed light on the potential of PUBs to participate in a wide array of biological processes, particularly emphasizing their role in mediating responses to abiotic stresses. Transcriptome profiles revealed that IbPUB genes displayed a wide range of expression levels among different tissues and were regulated by salt or drought stress. IbPUB52 has emerged as a gene of significant interest due to its induction by salt and drought stresses. Localization studies have confirmed the presence of IbPUB52 in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and its ubiquitination activity has been validated through rigorous in vitro and in vivo assays. Intriguingly, the heterogeneous expression of IbPUB52 in Arabidopsis resulted in decreased drought tolerance. The virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of IbPUB52 in sweet potatoes led to enhanced resistance to drought. This evidence suggests that IbPUB52 negatively regulates the drought tolerance of plants. The findings of this study are instrumental in advancing our comprehension of the functional dynamics of PUB E3 ubiquitin ligases in sweet potatoes.
An emotional perspective on the Multiple Streams Framework
Authors: Maor Moshe
Published: October 2024

Emotions are central to human behavior and, consequently, play a significant role in policymaking. While the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) incorporates the notion of “public mood” into the political stream, this concept primarily focuses on a fleeting, less intense, and diffuse emotional state that is not necessarily linked to a specific triggering event or policy‐related object. To address this limitation, the current article draws on robust findings from political psychology, viewing and interpreting the MSF through an emotional lens. It investigates the intersections between emotions, on the one hand, and the assumptions and structural elements of the MSF, on the other, by sharpening existing concepts—such as the emotional agenda (policy) window, emotional decision window, and emotional policy entrepreneurs—to examine emotionality in policy dynamics. It concludes by discussing how an emotional perspective on the MSF can help scholars generate nuanced hypotheses, overcome the MSF's metaphorical language, and gauge when policy may be in search of a rationale.
A taste for government employment also rests on its political flavor
Authors: Gilad Sharon , Sulitzeanu‐Kenan Raanan , Levi‐Faur David
Published: October 2024

The global experience of political polarization, and politicians' attacks on democratic institutions, render individuals' identification with the governing coalition, or with its opposition, a likely antecedent of their attraction to work in government. This article examines to what extent individuals' partisan alignment with the governing coalition, and perceptions of its actions as a threat to democracy, shapes attraction to government jobs. Findings are based on a two‐stage survey with 1861 Israeli panel respondents, aged 21–30, carried out during the government's attempt to undermine the legal system (hereafter: the Judicial Overhaul), and a follow‐up survey experiment with 1211 of the respondents. Against the politically neutral explanations of previous research, we show that partisan alignment affects the propensity to choose a job in a government ministry versus other sectors. We find mixed evidence in support of the proposition that perceptions of the Judicial Overhaul as a threat to democracy underlie this effect.
Open ecosystems restoration: a global review shows biases and mismatches between theory and practice
Authors: Barbosa‐Dias Luiz G. , Silveira Fernando A. O. , De Marco Júnior Paulo , Padilha Danira L.
Published: October 2024

Ecological restoration aims to recover the structure, biodiversity, and function of degraded ecosystems. However, open ecosystems have been largely overlooked in restoration, and the extent of theory‐based restoration is unclear. We systematically review papers on open ecosystems restoration from 2011 to 2021, examining publication trends with data on restored site age, size, indicators, and assessment frequency. We also explore the relationships between interventions, indicators, and ecological concepts. By analyzing 343 papers, we found that open ecosystems restoration is concentrated in North America and Europe, with nearly 75% of restored areas originating in these continents. Restored areas are small, assessed for a short duration, with a plethora of indicators and no establishment of clear control or reference areas for meaningful comparisons. Common open ecosystems restoration sites interventions involved trees and shrubs management, soil management, seeding, and transfer of plant material as the main interventions. From our analyzed papers, we found that 30% of them mentioned any ecological concepts, with community assembly and succession being the most mentioned ones. Furthermore, our exploratory analysis revealed no relationship between interventions, indicators, and ecological concepts, suggesting a widespread mismatch between theory and practice. As the Decade for Ecosystem Restoration unfolds, we call practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders working on open ecosystems to address challenges and curtail widespread biases. Despite the uniqueness of each restoration project, a clear, well‐planned design encompassing site‐specific variables and solid theoretical bases is expected to enhance restoration outcomes, optimizing costs and biodiversity gains.
Conversational silence, reconsidered
Authors: Klieber Anna
Published: October 2024

In ‘Conversational Pressure. Normativity in Speech Exchanges’ (2020), Sanford Goldberg discusses the significance of conversational silence, arguing that, absent certain defeating conditions, we have a general entitlement to assume that somebody who remains silent in a conversation doesn't reject what was said. Call this ‘No‐Silent‐Rejection’ (NSR). I reconsider Goldberg's account of conversational silence by arguing that silence cannot be explained via a universal claim like NSR: I show that there are at least some examples where, absent defeating conditions, silence doesn't communicate assent—argue that my account of silent conversational implicature can meet and better capture the complexity of silences.
Introduction of 7‐day amotosalen/ultraviolet A light pathogen‐reduced platelets in Honduras: Impact on platelet availability in a lower middle‐income country
Authors: Pedraza Marcelo , Mejia Julio , Pitman John P. , Arriaga Glenda
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

Honduras became the first lower middle‐income country (LMIC) to adopt amotosalen/UVA pathogen‐reduced (PR) platelet concentrates (PCs) as a national platelet safety measure in 2018. The Honduran Red Cross (HRC) produces ~70% of the national platelet supply using the platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) method. Between 2015 and 2018, PCs were screened with bacterial culture and issued as individual, non‐pooled PRP units with weight‐based dosing and 5‐day shelf‐life. PR PCs were produced in six‐PRP pools with a standardized dose (≥3.0 × 1011), no bacterial screening and 7‐day shelf‐life. Gamma irradiation and leukoreduction were not used.

Materials and Methods

PC production and distribution data were retrospectively analysed in two periods. Period 1 (P1) included 3 years of PRP PCs and a transition year (2015–18). Period 2 (P2) included 5 years of PR PCs (2019–23). PC doses were standardized to an equivalent adult dose for both periods. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results

HRC produced 10% more PC doses per year on average in P2 compared to P1. Mean annual waste at HRC declined from 23.9% in P1 to 1.1% in P2. Two urban regions consumed 96% of PC doses in P1 and 88.3% in P2. PC distributions increased in 14/18 regions.

Conclusion

Standardized dosage, PR and 7‐day shelf‐life increased PC availability, reduced waste, eliminated bacterial screening and avoided additional costs for arboviral testing, leukoreduction and irradiation. Access to PC transfusion remains limited in Honduras; however, the conversion to pooled PR PCs illustrates the potential to sustainably expand PC distribution in an LMIC.
Epidemiological Study of Track-and-Field Meets On-Field Medical Care
Authors: Hiroshige Yosuke , Watanabe Hodaka , Tomiyama Shinji , Kato Hajime
Published: October 2024

Background: Most epidemiological studies on track-and-field meets have been limited to the Olympics and world championships. These are meets in which only high-performance athletes participate at a certain time of the year. In contrast, epidemiological studies on athletes of various ages and across different seasons may provide health care providers with valuable insights into injury prevention and on-field medical care. The study aims to determine the trends and locations of injuries during track-and-field meets in athletes of various ages and seasons based on on-field medical care records. Methods: The number and incidence of injuries requiring on-field medical care during or after the event were obtained from 39 track-and-field meets. Injuries were defined as cases that required on-field medical care. The incidence was defined as the number of injuries per 1000 athlete exposures wherein 1 athlete exposure is the athlete’s participation in one event. We also recorded the number of injuries at each location and whether transportation to a medical station was required. Results: A total of 191 injuries were reported. This study identified a population with a high incidence of injury (middle- and long-distance events, combined events, and athletes over the age of 19), areas within the stadium where injuries were more likely to occur (finish line and first turn), and a high rate of transport to the medical station (approximately 70%); most of them were transported to wheelchairs. Conclusion: The results provide insights into the trends, locations, and transport of injured athletes during track-and-field meets. Professionals will better understand the injuries occurring during track-and-field meets and can improve the efficiency of on-field medical care activities. They will also assist organizers in track-and-field meets to improve the safety of their meet operations.
A
Vibrio cholerae
anti-phage system depletes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to restrict virulent bacteriophages
Authors: Woldetsadik Yishak A. , Lazinski David W. , Camilli Andrew
Published: October 2024

Bacteria and their predatory viruses (bacteriophages or phages) are in a perpetual molecular arms race. This has led to the evolution of numerous phage defensive systems in bacteria that are still being discovered, as well as numerous ways of interference or circumvention on the part of phages. Here, we identify a unique molecular battle between the classical biotype of
Vibrio cholerae
and virulent phages ICP1, ICP2, and ICP3. We show that classical biotype strains resist almost all isolates of these phages due to a 25-kb genomic island harboring several putative anti-phage systems. We observed that one of these systems, Nezha, encoding SIR2
-
like and helicase proteins, inhibited the replication of all three phages. Bacterial SIR2-like enzymes degrade the essential metabolic coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
+
), thereby preventing replication of the invading phage. In support of this mechanism, we identified one phage isolate, ICP1_2001, which circumvents Nezha by encoding two putative NAD
+
regeneration enzymes. By restoring the NAD
+
pool, we hypothesize that this system antagonizes Nezha without directly interacting with its proteins and should be able to antagonize other anti-phage systems that deplete NAD
+
.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria and phages are in a perpetual molecular arms race, with bacteria evolving an extensive arsenal of anti-phage systems and phages evolving mechanisms to overcome these systems. This study identifies a previously uncharacterized facet of the arms race between
Vibrio cholerae
and its phages. We identify an NAD
+
-depleting anti-phage defensive system called Nezha, potent against three virulent phages. Remarkably, one phage encodes proteins that regenerate NAD
+
to counter the effects of Nezha. Without Nezha, the NAD
+
regeneration genes are detrimental to the phage. Our study provides new insight into the co-evolutionary dynamics between bacteria and phages and informs the microbial ecology and phage therapy fields.
Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1 complicated by recurrent deep-seated MSSA infections necessitating lifelong antibiotic suppression
Authors: Tracy Evan Paul , Adereti Iyanujesu , Chu Justin , Brown Julianna
Published: October 2024

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) leads to arteriovenous malformations (AVM) that increase the risk of haemorrhage and cause right-left shunting bypassing the reticuloendothelial system increasing the risk for recurrent infections. A 60+ year old male patient with HHT type 1 (status post six pulmonary AVM coiled embolisations) with epistaxis presented with intractable back pain, methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus(MSSA) bacteraemia and spinal MRI revealing spondylodiskitis and L4-L5 epidural phlegmon. He has an extensive history of deep-seated infections including two prior spinal infections, two joint infections and one muscular abscess—all with MSSA. The patient was treated with 6 weeks of intravenous nafcillin with symptom resolution. Infectious disease prescribed cefalexin 500 mg daily for suppression of infection recurrence considering his extensive deep-seated infection history and multiple risk factors. This case raises important questions about preventative antimicrobial management of high-risk patients with HHT, which is a grey area in current international HHT guidelines.
Retinol-binding protein 4 is a potential biomarker of changes in lean mass in postmenopausal women
Authors: Freitas Augusto Corrêa de Queiroz , Orsatti Cláudio Lera , Santato Alexia Souza , de Oliveira Erick P. , Nahas Eliana A. P. , Souza Markus Vinicius Campos , Orsatti Fábio Lera
Published: October 2024

Identifying biomarkers can help in the early detection of muscle loss and drive the development of new therapies. Research suggests a potential link between retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and muscle mass, particularly in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to examine the association between baseline RBP4 levels and changes in appendicular lean mass (ALM), an indicator of muscle mass, in postmenopausal women. A 12-month follow-up period ( n = 153) included baseline and 12-month ALM assessments using DXA. ALM was normalized to squared height (ALMI). Baseline evaluations encompassed insulin resistance via HOMA-IR and immunoassay magnetic bead panel measurements of RPB4, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10. Postmenopausal women were categorized into higher ( n = 77) and lower ( n = 76) RPB4 groups based on baseline RPB4 values. Their changes in ALMI were compared using Mann–Whitney tests. General linear model was employed to evaluate the predictive power of baseline RBP4 for ALMI changes, adjusting for confounding variables: age, physical activity, smoking status, body fat, HOMA-IR, inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6), and anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10). The higher RBP4 group exhibited a more pronounced reduction in ALMI compared to the lower RBP4 group (Higher RBP4 = −0.39 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0.48 to −0.31 kg/m2vs. Lower RBP4 = −0.24 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0.32 to −0.15 kg/m2, P = 0.011). After adjusting for confounding factors, the association between baseline RBP4 changes and ALMI remained ( b = −0.008, SE = 0.002, P < 0.001), indicating higher baseline RBP4 values linked to greater ALMI reduction. Our findings support RBP4 as a potential biomarker for changes in muscle mass in postmenopausal women.
NuTag: a proof-of-concept study for a long-baseline neutrino beam
Authors: Baratto-Roldán A. , Perrin-Terrin M. , Parozzi E. G. , Jebramcik M. A. , Charitonidis N.
Published: October 2024

The study of neutrino oscillation at accelerators is limited by systematic uncertainties, in particular on the neutrino flux, cross section, and energy estimates. These systematic uncertainties could be eliminated by a novel experimental technique: neutrino tagging. This technique relies on a new type of neutrino beamline and its associated instrumentation which would enable the kinematic reconstruction of the neutrinos produced in
"Image missing" and
"Image missing" decays. This article presents a proof-of-concept study for such a tagged beamline, aiming to serve a long-baseline neutrino experiment exploiting a megaton scale natural water Cherenkov detector. After optimising the target and the beamline optics to first order, a complete Monte Carlo simulation of the beamline has been performed. The results show that the beamline provides a meson beam compatible with the operation of the spectrometer, and delivers a neutrino flux sufficient to collect neutrino samples with a size comparable with similar experiments and with other un-tagged long-baseline neutrino experimental proposals.
Note about canonical formalism for gravity with dynamical determinant of metric
Authors: Klusoň J.
Published: October 2024

In this short note we perform canonical analysis of the theory invariant under restricted diffeomorphism so that the action contains kinetic term for determinant of metric. We find corresponding Hamiltonian and determine structure of constraints.