bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogen surveillance and epidemiology in endangered peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni)
Authors: Sanchez Jessica N. , Munk Brandon A. , Colby Janene , Torres Steve G. , Gonzales Ben J. , DeForge James R. , Byard Aimee J. , Konde Lora , Shirkey Nicholas J. , Pandit Pranav S. , Botta Randy A. , Roug Annette , Ziccardi Michael H. , Johnson Christine K.
Published: October 2022

Peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) are found exclusively in Southern California and Baja Mexico. They are federally endangered due to multiple threats, including introduced infectious disease. From 1981 to 2017, we conducted surveillance for 16 pathogens and estimated population sizes, adult survival, and lamb survival. We used mixed effects regression models to assess disease patterns at the individual and population levels. Pathogen infection/exposure prevalence varied both spatially and temporally. Our findings indicate that the primary predictor of individual pathogen infection/exposure was the region in which an animal was captured, implying that transmission is driven by local ecological or behavioral factors. Higher Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae seropositivity was associated with lower lamb survival, consistent with lambs having high rates of pneumonia‐associated mortality, which may be slowing population recovery. There was no association between M. ovipneumoniae and adult survival. Adult survival was positively associated with population size and parainfluenza‐3 virus seroprevalence in the same year, and orf virus seroprevalence in the previous year. Peninsular bighorn sheep are recovering from small population sizes in a habitat of environmental extremes, compounded by infectious disease. Our research can help inform future pathogen surveillance and population monitoring for the long‐term conservation of this population.
“Word and World: Luther Across Borders” The 14th International Congress for Luther Research, Thousand Oaks, California, 2022
Authors: Leppin Volker , Stjerna Kirsi
Published: October 2022

Reporting on the 14th International Congress for Luther Research, "Word and World: Luther across Borders," held in Thousand Oaks, California, on August 14–19, 2022, with brief reflections on the history, rationale, and organization of the Congress, as well as on future opportunities for Luther scholarship to engage.
A case of fetal isolated ventricular noncompaction with TNNT2 gene mutation and literature review
Authors: Zhang Huijing , Guo Yongbing , Kang Jinling , He Yingdong , Yang Huixia , Sun Yu , Fan Lixin
Published: October 2022

Background

Ventricular noncompaction (VNC) is a cardiomyopathy characterized by overdeveloped ventricular trabeculaes and deep recess, which has been rarely reported.

Case presentation

A 29‐year‐old Chinese pregnant woman with no obvious fetal abnormality in regular prenatal examination during first and second trimester. However, at 32 weeks of gestation, both obstetric growth scan and fetal echocardiogram revealed an enlarged heart with grid‐like changes at the apical region. Eventually, the genetic and autopsy findings indicated the deceased infant with VNC.

Conclusion

Isolated VNC could be detected prenatally, even during the late pregnancy. Fetuses suspected of VNC should be offered genetic tests.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of zirconia stabilized with increasing Y2O3, for use in dental restorations
Authors: Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Moschovas Dimitrios , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: October 2022

The present in vitro study aims at characterizing dental zirconia ceramics, which are stabilized with a high amount of Y2O3. Two groups of specimens were fabricated by computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing technique. The specimens of each group were divided into two subgroups (SGs): SGs 1a and 2a contained a relatively low amount of Y2O3 (6–8 wt.%), whereas SGs 1b and 2b contained a higher amount of Y2O3 (8–10 wt.%). The influence of yttria content on their microstructure and mechanical properties was experimentally determined. The statistical significance of the differences in the mechanical properties between the SGs was evaluated by the t‐test (p < 5% was considered statistically significant). Homogeneous and dense ceramics with fine nanostructure, comprising grains of yttria‐stabilized tetragonal and cubic zirconia, sized between ∼160 and ∼800 nm, were produced. The increase of yttria content, which causes an increase in grain size, favors the formation of cubic zirconia, resulting in mechanical properties’ slight reduction; yet, the differences were not statistically significant. Consequently, the mechanical properties (HV 11.74–12.91 GPa, and KIC 2.66–4.25 MPa m0.5) and the good esthetics of the investigated zirconia ceramics stabilized with high yttria content qualify these zirconia materials for fabricating dental restorations, because they can approach the properties and the esthetics of dental hard tissues as well as the tooth structure.
Effect of powdered vancomycin on stopping surgical site wound infections in neurosurgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Bo , He Yanli , Han Zian , Liu Tianjing , Zhang Xingye
Published: October 2022

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of powdered vancomycin on stopping surgical site wound infections in neurosurgery. A systematic literature search up to July 2022 was performed and 24 137 subjects with neurosurgery at the baseline of the studies; 10 496 of them were using the powdered vancomycin, and 13 641 were not using the powdered vancomycin as a control. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of powdered vancomycin on stopping surgical site wound infections in neurosurgery using dichotomous methods with a random or fixed‐effect model. The powdered vancomycin had significantly lower surgical site wound infections after spinal surgery (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41‐0.70, P < .001), deep surgical site wound infections after spinal surgery (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.57, P < .001), superficial surgical site wound infections after spinal surgery (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43‐0.83, P = .002), and surgical site wound infections after cranial surgery (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.22‐0.61, P < .001) compared to control in subjects with neurosurgery. The powdered vancomycin had significantly lower surgical site wound infections after spinal surgery, deep surgical site wound infections after spinal surgery, superficial surgical site wound infections after spinal surgery, and surgical site wound infections after cranial surgery compared to control in subjects with neurosurgery. The analysis of outcomes should be done with caution even though the low number of studies with low sample size, 3 out of the 42 studies, in the meta‐analysis, and a low number of studies in certain comparisons.
Changes in the foliar fungal community between oak leaf flushes along a latitudinal gradient in Europe
Authors: Gaytán Álvaro , Abdelfattah Ahmed , Faticov Maria , Moreira Xoaquín , Castagneyrol Bastien , Van Halder Inge , De Frenne Pieter , Meeussen Camille , Timmermans Bart G. H. , Ten Hoopen Jan P. J. G. , Rasmussen Pil U. , Bos Nick , Jaatinen Raimo , Pulkkinen Pertti , Söderlund Sara , Gotthard Karl , Pawlowski Katharina , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Leaves support a large diversity of fungi, which are known to cause plant diseases, induce plant defences or influence leaf senescence and decomposition. To advance our understanding of how foliar fungal communities are structured and assembled, we assessed to what extent leaf flush and latitude can explain the within‐ and among‐tree variation in foliar fungal communities.

Location

A latitudinal gradient spanning c. 20 degrees in latitude in Europe.

Taxa

The foliar fungal community associated with a foundation tree species, the pedunculate oak Quercus robur.

Methods

We examined the main and interactive effects of leaf flush and latitude on the foliar fungal community by sampling 20 populations of the pedunculate oak Quercus robur across the tree's range. We used the ITS region as a target for characterization of fungal communities using DNA metabarcoding.

Results

Species composition, but not species richness, differed between leaf flushes. Across the latitudinal gradient, species richness was highest in the central part of the oak's distributional range, and foliar fungal community composition shifted along the latitudinal gradient. Among fungal guilds, the relative abundance of plant pathogens and mycoparasites was lower on the first leaf flush, and the relative abundance of plant pathogens and saprotrophs decreased with latitude.

Conclusions

Changes in community composition between leaf flushes and along the latitudinal gradient were mostly a result of species turnover. Overall, our findings demonstrate that leaf flush and latitude explain 5%–22% of the small‐ and large‐scale spatial variation in the foliar fungal community on a foundation tree within the temperate region. Using space‐for‐time substitution, we expect that foliar fungal community structure will change with climate warming, with an increase in the abundance of plant pathogens and mycoparasites at higher latitudes, with major consequences for plant health, species interactions and ecosystem dynamics.
Patterns of students' collaborations by variations in their learning orientations in blended course designs: How is it associated with academic achievement?
Authors: Han Feifei , Ellis Robert A. , Guan Enjing
Published: October 2022

Background

While a number of learner factors have been identified to impact students' collaborative learning, there has been little systematic research into how patterns of students' collaborative learning may differ by their learning orientations.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate: (1) variations in students' learning orientations by their conceptions, approaches, and perceptions; (2) the patterns of students' collaborations by variations in their learning orientations and (3) the contribution of patterns of collaborations to academic achievement.

Methods

A cohort of 174 Chinese undergraduates in a blended engineering course were surveyed for their conceptions of learning, approaches to learning and to using online learning technologies, and perceptions of e‐learning, to identify variations in their learning orientations. Students' collaborations and mode of collaborations were collected through an open‐ended social network analysis (SNA) questionnaire.

Results and Conclusions

A hierarchical cluster analysis identified an ‘understanding’ and ‘reproducing’ learning orientations. Based on students' learning orientations and their choices to collaborate, students were categorized into three mutually exclusive collaborative group, namely Understanding Collaborative group, Reproducing Collaborative group and Mixed Collaborative group. SNA centrality measures demonstrated that students in the Understanding Collaborative group had more collaborations and stayed in a better position in terms of capacity to gather information. Both students' approaches to learning and students' average collaborations significantly contributed to their academic achievement, explaining 3% and 4% of variance in their academic achievement respectively. The results suggest that fostering a desirable learning orientation may help improve students' collaborative learning.
Physico‐nutritional characterization of composite cassava and orange‐fleshed sweet potato flours and sensory evaluation of “fufu” prepared from the flour blends
Authors: Younge Samuel , Amoah Robert Sarpong , Abano Ernest Ekow , Kumi Francis , Anyebuno George
Published: October 2022

The orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is being promoted for consumption as a public health tool to combat vitamin A deficiency diseases in Africa. As a staple diet in many households in West Africa, “fufu” aptly lends itself to fortification with OFSP for the delivery of essential micronutrients for health improvement. In this study, the nutritional and functional characteristics of composite cassava/OFSP flours for preparation into "fufu" were examined, and the cooked food was subjected to sensory evaluation. OFSP enriched the nutritional composition as its substitution levels for cassava increased. However, the texture and pasting properties degraded concomitantly during the heating process. Sensory panelists preferred "fufu" prepared from the composite flours with up to 5% replacement of cassava with OFSP. This can potentially contribute 39–77% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin A for children and 33% for women of reproductive age and help alleviate related deficiency diseases.

Practical applications

Reducing hunger and promoting health is the foremost objective of the Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3. This requires prioritizing specific food micronutrients and establishing approaches to deliver them to the consuming public. "Fufu" is a staple diet regularly consumed in many households in West Africa. However, its nutritional content is low due to the low content of micronutrients in the traditional ingredients. A new processing recipe for "fufu", which uses the composite flours of the ingredients, aptly lends it to fortification with nutrient‐rich ingredients to administer the essential dietary requirements of its consumers. Given the substantial composition of important food micronutrients, particularly β‐Carotene, in the orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), it is the most considered candidate crop for meeting the critical dietary needs of people plagued with vitamin A deficiency diseases. The importance of this study, therefore, lies in the development of a new "fufu" product fortified with OFSP to avert the vitamin A deficiency diseases that mostly affect women of reproductive age and children in Africa.
Segmentation of SEM images of multiphase materials: When Gaussian mixture models are accurate?
Authors: Chatzigeorgiou Manolis , Vrigkas Michalis , Beazi‐Katsioti Margarita , Katsiotis Marios , Boukos Nikos , Constantoudis Vassilios
Published: October 2022

Scanning electron microscopy has been a powerful technique to investigate the structural and chemical properties of multiphase materials on micro and nanoscale due to its high‐resolution capabilities. One of the main outcomes of the SEM‐based analysis is the calculation of the fractions of material components constituting the multiphase material by means of the segmentation of their back scattered electron SEM images. In order to segment multiphase images, Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are commonly used based on the deconvolution of the image pixel histogram. Despite its extensive use, the accuracy of GMM predictions has not been validated yet. In this paper, we proceed to a systematic study of the evaluation of the accuracy and the limitations of the GMM method when applied to the segmentation of a four‐phase material. To this end, first, we build a modelling framework and propose an index to quantify the accuracy of GMM predictions for all phases. Then we apply this framework to calculate the impact of collective parameters of image histogram on the accuracy of GMM predictions. Finally, some rules of thumb are concluded to guide SEM users about the suitability of using GMM for the segmentation of their SEM images based only on the inspection of the image histogram. A suitable histogram for GMM is a histogram with number of peaks equal to the number of Gaussian components, and if that is not the case, kurtosis and skewness should be smaller than 2.35 and 0.1, respectively.
Serum amyloid A as a marker to detect sepsis and predict outcome in hospitalized neonatal foals
Authors: Hoeberg Emma , Sånge Alexandra , Saegerman Claude , Bohlin Anna , Nostell Katarina , Durie Inge , Husted Louise , Öhman Anna , Jacobsen Stine , Berg Lise , Laursen Sigrid Hyldahl , van Galen Gaby
Published: October 2022

Background

Serum amyloid A (SAA) has been reported to hold promise as diagnostic and prognostic marker in foals. This has not been investigated thoroughly.

Objectives

Evaluate admission SAA concentrations as predictor of sepsis and outcome.

Animals

Five hundred and ninety hospitalized foals <14 days old.

Methods

Retrospective multicenter study. Foals were scored with sepsis and survival scores, grouped according to health category (septic, sick but nonseptic, uncertain sepsis status) and outcome; septic foals were further categorized according to severity (normal sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock). SAA was compared between groups using Mann‐Whitney test and Kruskal‐Wallis test. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified optimal SAA cut off values for detecting sepsis and predicting outcome.

Results

Admission SAA concentrations differed significantly between sick nonseptic foals (312.1 ± 685.4 mg/L) and septic foals (1079.7 ± 1254.5 mg/L) and increased with increasing sepsis score. SAA did not differ between sepsis severity groups. The optimal cut off for sepsis detection was 1050 mg/L (sensitivity 30.2%, specificity 90.7%). Admission SAA concentrations were lower in surviving (435.0 ± 723.6 mg/L) compared to nonsurviving foals (1062.7 ± 1440.1 mg/L) and decreased with increasing survival score. The optimal cut off for nonsurvival prediction was 1250 mg/L (sensitivity 22.1%, specificity 90.8%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

SAA concentration was higher in septic foals and nonsurviving foals. Even though optimal cut offs for SAA to detect sepsis and predict outcome had low sensitivity, they had good specificity. SAA can therefore be used as a marker to rule out sepsis and nonsurvival.
Genetic mechanisms modulating behaviour through plastic chemosensory responses in insects
Authors: Kohlmeier Philip , Billeter Jean‐Christophe
Published: October 2022

The ability to transition between different behavioural stages is a widespread phenomenon across the animal kingdom. Such behavioural adaptations are often linked to changes in the sensitivity of those neurons that sense chemical cues associated with the respective behaviours. To identify the genetic mechanisms that regulate neuronal sensitivity, and by that behaviour, typically *omics approaches, such as RNA‐ and protein‐sequencing, are applied to sensory organs of individuals displaying differences in behaviour. In this review, we discuss these genetic mechanisms and how they impact neuronal sensitivity, summarize the correlative and functional evidence for their role in regulating behaviour and discuss future directions. As such, this review can help interpret *omics data by providing a comprehensive list of already identified genes and mechanisms that impact behaviour through changes in neuronal sensitivity.
Rescue of the first alphanucleorhabdovirus entirely from cloned complementary DNA: An efficient vector for systemic expression of foreign genes in maize and insect vectors
Authors: Kanakala Surapathrudu , Xavier César A. D. , Martin Kathleen M. , Tran Hong Hanh , Redinbaugh Margaret G. , Whitfield Anna E.
Published: October 2022

Recent reverse genetics technologies have enabled genetic manipulation of plant negative‐strand RNA virus (NSR) genomes. Here, we report construction of an infectious clone for the maize‐infecting Alphanucleorhabdovirus maydis, the first efficient NSR vector for maize. The full‐length infectious clone was established using agrobacterium‐mediated delivery of full‐length maize mosaic virus (MMV) antigenomic RNA and the viral core proteins (nucleoprotein N, phosphoprotein P, and RNA‐directed RNA polymerase L) required for viral transcription and replication into Nicotiana benthamiana. Insertion of intron 2 ST‐LS1 into the viral L gene increased stability of the infectious clone in Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. To monitor virus infection in vivo, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was inserted in between the N and P gene junctions to generate recombinant MMV‐GFP. Complementary DNA (cDNA) clones of MMV‐wild type (WT) and MMV‐GFP replicated in single cells of agroinfiltrated N. benthamiana. Uniform systemic infection and high GFP expression were observed in maize inoculated with extracts of the infiltrated N. benthamiana leaves. Insect vectors supported virus infection when inoculated via feeding on infected maize or microinjection. Both MMV‐WT and MMV‐GFP were efficiently transmitted to maize by planthopper vectors. The GFP reporter gene was stable in the virus genome and expression remained high over three cycles of transmission in plants and insects. The MMV infectious clone will be a versatile tool for expression of proteins of interest in maize and cross‐kingdom studies of virus replication in plant and insect hosts.
Rapid evolution of an RNA virus to escape recognition by a rice nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat domain immune receptor
Authors: Bonnamy Mélia , Pinel‐Galzi Agnès , Gorgues Lucille , Chalvon Véronique , Hébrard Eugénie , Chéron Sophie , Nguyen Tràng Hiếu , Poulicard Nils , Sabot François , Pidon Hélène , Champion Antony , Césari Stella , Kroj Thomas , Albar Laurence
Published: October 2022

Viral diseases are a major limitation for crop production, and their control is crucial for sustainable food supply.

We investigated by a combination of functional genetics and experimental evolution the resistance of rice to the rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV), which is among the most devastating rice pathogens in Africa, and the mechanisms underlying the extremely fast adaptation of the virus to its host.

We found that the RYMV3 gene that protects rice against the virus codes for a nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat domain immune receptor (NLRs) from the Mla‐like clade of NLRs. RYMV3 detects the virus by forming a recognition complex with the viral coat protein (CP). The virus escapes efficiently from detection by mutations in its CP, some of which interfere with the formation of the recognition complex.

This study establishes that NLRs also confer in monocotyledonous plants immunity to viruses, and reveals an unexpected functional diversity for NLRs of the Mla clade that were previously only known as fungal disease resistance proteins. In addition, it provides precise insight into the mechanisms by which viruses adapt to plant immunity and gives important knowledge for the development of sustainable resistance against viral diseases of cereals.
Gestational weight gain and mode of delivery by the class of obesity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Le , Zhang Yijia , Chen Cheng , Lu Liping , Sutton Desmond , D'Alton Mary , Kahe Ka
Published: October 2022

The association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and mode of delivery in females with different obesity classes is not clear. We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the association between GWG, categorized according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, and the risk of cesarean section (CS) or operative vaginal delivery (OVD) in females with different obesity classes. Eight studies were identified. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of CS for females with GWG above the recommendations were 1.27 (1.20–1.33) for obesity class I, 1.22 (1.20–1.23) for class II, and 1.17 (1.15–1.19) for class III. Also, the pooled ORs (95% CI) of OVD were 1.21 (1.005–1.46) for obesity class I, 1.12 (1.04–1.21) for class II, and 1.10 (1.001–1.22) for obesity class III. GWG below the recommendations was associated with lower risk of CS for females with obesity class I (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.82–0.92), class II (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77–0.90), and class III (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.93). Pregnant participants gaining weight above the 2009 IOM guidelines were at higher risk for CS and OVD regardless of obesity classes. Gaining weight below the guidelines was associated with a lower risk of CS among females in any obesity class.
Medication safety in pediatric anesthesia: An educational review and a call to action
Authors: Jones‐Oguh Sheri , Elliott Elizabeth M. , McClung Pasqualino Heather , Harris Kathleen , Isserman Rebecca S.
Published: October 2022

Children presenting for anesthesia are at high risk for medication error during their care. In this educational review, we address the rates of medication error in pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia, why they are at higher risk than adults, and why reporting chronically underestimates the number of medication errors incurred during the anesthetic care of children. We also introduce the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation and Wake Up Safe, two safety organizations that have led the call to decrease medication errors. We discuss various tools to increase medication safety, as championed by Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation and Wake Up Safe, including human factors research and highlight a few studies that have evaluated and addressed medication safety in the anesthesia environment.
Impacts of climate change on food utilization in Nepal
Authors: Guo Wenmei , Rayamajhee Veeshan , Bohara Alok K.
Published: October 2022

Understanding how long‐term climate patterns affect food security outcomes is crucial for crafting food policy in developing countries. In the case of Nepal, existing studies have focused overwhelmingly on food production and supply, but relatively little attention has been paid to understanding how extreme climate trends affect food utilization. This study fills that gap in the literature by examining the effects of temperature and rainfall trends from 1976 to 2005 on individual daily caloric intake and food diversity in Nepal. We use the copula method to jointly estimate the two potentially correlated food utilization outcomes. We find that climate risk negatively affects both outcomes. One percent increase (0.01 points) in climate risk index (index ranges from 0 to 1) leads to a decrease in weighted caloric intake by 8.1 calories (equivalent to 1.1% of average weighted caloric intake of 726 calories) and food diversity by 0.114 points (a reduction of 0.43% reduction of the mean score). We also find that factors such as ecological belts and social capital are strongly correlated with food security. Based on our findings, we recommend policies that attract private and public investments towards improving farmers' access to financial institutions, transportation networks, and risk‐mitigation products and programs.
Childhood and adolescent trauma and dissociation: The mediating role of rumination, intrusive thoughts and negative affect
Authors: Ródenas‐Perea Gabriel , Velasco‐Barbancho Elena , Perona‐Garcelán Salvador , Rodríguez‐Testal Juan F. , Senín‐Calderón Cristina , Crespo‐Facorro Benedicto , Ruiz‐Veguilla Miguel
Published: October 2022

Dissociation is a complex phenomenon which is present in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders and also in the general population. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between childhood and adolescent traumas and development of dissociative phenomena in a nonclinical population, emphasizing the potentially mediating role of rumination, intrusive thoughts and negative affect in a population with no psychiatric pathology in adulthood. The sample was comprised of 337 participants from the general population (58.8% women) with a mean age of 33.10 years (SD: 14.08). They completed the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ), the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), the White Bear Suppression Scale (WBSI), the Dissociative Experience Scale, 2d ver. Rev. (DES‐II) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21). The results supported the starting hypotheses showing a positive correlation between childhood and adolescent trauma and dissociation, and between childhood and adolescent trauma and rumination, intrusive thoughts and negative affect, and mediation of these variables between childhood and adolescent trauma and dissociative states. The relationship between trauma in early ages and dissociation in adulthood is complex. Although the design used in this study was cross‐sectional, the results are compatible with the starting hypothesis that rumination, intrusive thoughts and negative affect mediate this relationship.
Neural and contractile determinants of burst‐like explosive isometric contractions of the knee extensors
Authors: D'Emanuele Samuel , Tarperi Cantor , Rainoldi Alberto , Schena Federico , Boccia Gennaro
Published: October 2022

Walking and running are based on rapid burst‐like muscle contractions. Burst‐like contractions generate a Gaussian‐shaped force profile, in which neuromuscular determinants have never been assessed. We investigated the neural and contractile determinants of the rate of force development (RFD) in burst‐like isometric knee extensions. Together with maximal voluntary force (MVF), voluntary and electrically evoked (8 stimuli at 300 Hz, octets) forces were measured in the first 50, 100, and 150 ms of burst‐like quadriceps contractions in 24 adults. High‐density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) was adopted to measure the root mean square (RMS) and muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) from the vastus lateralis and medialis. The determinants of voluntary force at 50, 100, and 150 ms were assessed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. Force at 50 ms was explained by RMS (R2 = 0.361); force at 100 ms was explained by octet (R2 = 0.646); force at 150 ms was explained by MVF (R2 = 0.711) and octet (R2 = 0.061). Peak RFD (which occurred at 60 ± 10 ms from contraction onset) was explained by MVF (R2 = 0.518) and by RMS50 (R2 = 0.074). MFCV did not emerge as a determinant of RFD. Muscle excitation was the sole determinant of early RFD (50 ms), while contractile characteristics were more relevant for late RFD (≥100 ms). As peak RFD is mostly determined by MVF, it may not be more informative than MVF itself. Therefore, a time‐locked analysis of RFD provides more insights into the neuromuscular characteristics of explosive contractions.
Germline immortality relies on TRIM32-mediated turnover of a maternal mRNA activator inC. elegans
Authors: Oyewale Tosin D. , Eckmann Christian R.
Published: October 2022

How the germ line achieves a clean transition from maternal to zygotic gene expression control is a fundamental problem in sexually reproducing organisms. Whereas several mechanisms terminate the maternal program in the soma, this combined molecular reset and handover are poorly understood for primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here, we show that GRIF-1, a TRIM32-related and presumed E3 ubiquitin ligase inCaenorhabditis elegans, eliminates the maternal cytoplasmic poly(A) polymerase (cytoPAP) complex by targeting the germline-specific intrinsically disordered region of its enzymatic subunit, GLD-2, for proteasome-mediated degradation. Interference with cytoPAP turnover in PGCs causes frequent transgenerational sterility and, eventually, germline mortality. Hence, positively acting maternal RNA regulators are cleared via the proteasome system to avoid likely interference between maternal and zygotic gene expression programs to maintain transgenerational fertility and acquire germline immortality. This strategy is likely used in all animals that preform their immortal germ line via maternally inherited germplasm determinants.
Establishing a reproducible approach to study cellular functions of plant cells with 3D bioprinting
Authors: Van den Broeck Lisa , Schwartz Michael F. , Krishnamoorthy Srikumar , Tahir Maimouna Abderamane , Spurney Ryan J. , Madison Imani , Melvin Charles , Gobble Mariah , Nguyen Thomas , Peters Rachel , Hunt Aitch , Muhammad Atiyya , Li Baochun , Stuiver Maarten , Horn Timothy , Sozzani Rosangela
Published: October 2022

Capturing cell-to-cell signals in a three-dimensional (3D) environment is key to studying cellular functions. A major challenge in the current culturing methods is the lack of accurately capturing multicellular 3D environments. In this study, we established a framework for 3D bioprinting plant cells to study cell viability, cell division, and cell identity. We established long-term cell viability for bioprinted Arabidopsis and soybean cells. To analyze the generated large image datasets, we developed a high-throughput image analysis pipeline. Furthermore, we showed the cell cycle reentry of bioprinted cells for which the timing coincides with the induction of core cell cycle genes and regeneration-related genes, ultimately leading to microcallus formation. Last, the identity of bioprinted Arabidopsis root cells expressing endodermal markers was maintained for longer periods. The framework established here paves the way for a general use of 3D bioprinting for studying cellular reprogramming and cell cycle reentry toward tissue regeneration.
Molecular insights on the crystalline cellulose-water interfaces via three-dimensional atomic force microscopy
Authors: Yurtsever Ayhan , Wang Pei-Xi , Priante Fabio , Morais Jaques Ygor , Miyazawa Keisuke , MacLachlan Mark J. , Foster Adam S. , Fukuma Takeshi
Published: October 2022

Cellulose, a renewable structural biopolymer, is ubiquitous in nature and is the basic reinforcement component of the natural hierarchical structures of living plants, bacteria, and tunicates. However, a detailed picture of the crystalline cellulose surface at the molecular level is still unavailable. Here, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we revealed the molecular details of the cellulose chain arrangements on the surfaces of individual cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in water. Furthermore, we visualized the three-dimensional (3D) local arrangement of water molecules near the CNC surface using 3D AFM. AFM experiments and MD simulations showed anisotropic water structuring, as determined by the surface topologies and exposed chemical moieties. These findings provide important insights into our understanding of the interfacial interactions between CNCs and water at the molecular level. This may allow the establishment of the structure-property relationship of CNCs extracted from various biomass sources.
Ossification patterns of the carpus and tarsus in salamanders and impacts of preaxial dominance on the fin-to-limb transition
Authors: Jia Jia , Anderson Jason S. , Jiang Jian-Ping , Wu Wenhao , Shubin Neil H. , Gao Ke-Qin
Published: October 2022

Early limb skeletogenesis in salamanders is characterized by preaxial elements, digits I and II forming earlier than their postaxial counterparts (digits III to V), a phenomenon known as preaxial dominance, whereas in amniotes and anurans, these developmental sequences are reversed. This pattern characterizes the late skeletogenesis of digits and zeugopodium of anamniote tetrapods but remains unknown in carpals/tarsals. To correct this gap in knowledge, we investigate the ossification patterns of the carpals/tarsals in six salamander families/clades based on micro–computed tomography scans. We found that preaxial dominance is seen in the distal carpals/tarsals of several salamander clades and diverse early tetrapods, such as temnospondyls and amniotes. This distribution suggests that preaxial dominance is a primitive developmental pattern in tetrapods. Our results demonstrate that the distal carpals/tarsals are developmentally and evolutionarily independent in the autopodium, and preaxial dominance facilitates stabilization of the number of distal carpals/tarsals during fin-to-limb transition and digit reduction in early tetrapods.
Resident T
H
2 cells orchestrate adipose tissue remodeling at a site adjacent to infection
Authors: Kabat Agnieszka M. , Hackl Alexandra , Sanin David E. , Zeis Patrice , Grzes Katarzyna M. , Baixauli Francesc , Kyle Ryan , Caputa George , Edwards-Hicks Joy , Villa Matteo , Rana Nisha , Curtis Jonathan D. , Castoldi Angela , Cupovic Jovana , Dreesen Leentje , Sibilia Maria , Pospisilik J. Andrew , Urban Joseph F. , Grün Dominic , Pearce Erika L. , Pearce Edward J.
Published: October 2022

Type 2 immunity is associated with adipose tissue (AT) homeostasis and infection with parasitic helminths, but whether AT participates in immunity to these parasites is unknown. We found that the fat content of mesenteric AT (mAT) declined in mice during infection with a gut-restricted helminth. This was associated with the accumulation of metabolically activated, interleukin-33 (IL-33), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and extracellular matrix (ECM)–producing stromal cells. These cells shared transcriptional features, including the expression of
Dpp4
and
Pi16
, with multipotent progenitor cells (MPC) that have been identified in numerous tissues and are reported to be capable of differentiating into fibroblasts and adipocytes. Concomitantly, mAT became infiltrated with resident T helper 2 (T
H
2) cells that responded to TSLP and IL-33 by producing stromal cell–stimulating cytokines, including transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ
1
) and amphiregulin. These T
H
2 cells expressed genes previously associated with type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), including
Nmur1
,
Calca
,
Klrg1
, and
Arg1
, and persisted in mAT for at least 11 months after anthelmintic drug–mediated clearance of infection. We found that MPC and T
H
2 cells localized to ECM-rich interstitial spaces that appeared shared between mesenteric lymph node, mAT, and intestine. Stromal cell expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the receptor for amphiregulin, was required for immunity to infection. Our findings point to the importance of MPC and T
H
2 cell interactions within the interstitium in orchestrating AT remodeling and immunity to an intestinal infection.
Comparison of endometrial preparation protocols (natural cycle versus hormone replacement cycle) for frozen embryo transfer (COMPETE): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liu Xitong , Wen Wen , Wang Tao , Sun Ting , Wang Ting , Zhang Na , Pan Dan , Cai He , Xie Jinlin , Liu Xiaojuan , Shi Zan , Wang Rui , Li Xiaofang , Lu Na , Pan Rong , Tian Li , Meng Bin , Bai Haiyan , Zhou Hanying , Qu Pengfei , Zhao Doudou , Mol Ben W , Li Wentao , Shi Juanzi
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Natural cycle (NC) and hormone replacement treatment (HT) are frequently used endometrial preparation protocols prior to frozen-thawed embryo transfer in ovulatory women. It is not clear which protocol results in a higher live birth rate. It has been suggested that there is an increased risk in maternal and perinatal morbidity following HT protocol due to the lack of corpus luteum. The objective of this trial is to compare the clinical outcomes of NC and HT protocols in frozen embryo transfer.

Methods and analysis

COMPETE is an open-label, single-centre, randomised controlled trial targeting to recruit 888 women, with 444 women each in two arms (1:1 treatment ratio). Women undergoing in vitro fertilisation scheduled for a frozen embryo transfer and have a regular menstrual cycle are eligible. Exclusion criteria include ovulation disorders and intrauterine adhesions. The primary outcome is live birth resulting from the first frozen embryo transfer after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, endometrial thickness, cycle cancellation, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, antepartum haemorrhage, preterm birth, birth weight, large for gestational age, congenital anomaly and perinatal mortality. The data analysis will be following the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Northwest women’s and children’s hospital (2020008). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant before randomisation. The results of the trial will be presented via publications.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000040640.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for reducing alcohol intake in patients with alcohol use disorder: protocol for a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled 12-week clinical trial (The QUANTUM Trip Trial)
Authors: Jensen Mathias Ebbesen , Stenbæk Dea Siggaard , Juul Tobias Søgaard , Fisher Patrick MacDonald , Ekstrøm Claus Thorn , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Fink-Jensen Anders
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Alcohol use disorder is a difficult-to-treat psychiatric disorder and a major burden on public health. Existing treatment efficacy is moderate, and relapse rates are high. Preliminary findings suggest that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, can safely and reliably occasion highly meaningful experiences that may spur a positive change in drinking behaviour when administered in a therapeutic context. However, the efficacy of a single psilocybin administration and its potential neurobiological underpinnings still remain unknown.

Methods and analysis

To establish efficacy, we will investigate the effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy versus placebo in a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled 12-week clinical trial. Ninety treatment-seeking patients, aged 20–70 years, diagnosed with alcohol use disorder will be recruited from the community via advertisement and referrals from general practitioners or specialised treatment units. The psilocybin or placebo will be administered in accordance with a protocol for psychological support before, during and after the dosing. Outcome assessments will be carried out 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postdosing. The primary outcome is reduction in the percentage of heavy drinking days from baseline to follow-up at 12 weeks. Key secondary outcomes are as follows: (1) total alcohol consumption, (2) phosphatidyl-ethanol, an objective biomarker for alcohol, (3) plasma psilocin, the active metabolite, to establish a possible therapeutic range, (4) the acute subjective drug experience as a possible predictor of treatment outcome and (5) neuronal response to alcohol cues and cognitive flexibility within corticostriatal pathways by use of functional MR brain imaging 1-week postdosing.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Committee on Health Research Ethics of the Capital Region of Denmark (H-20043832). All patients will be provided oral and written information about the trial before screening. The study results will be disseminated by peer-review publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

EudraCT 2020-000829-55 andNCT05416229.
Predictors of risk of relapse in classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Fromm Jonathan R , Tang Claire , Naresh Kikkeri N
Published: October 2022

Using multiparametric flow cytometric analysis, in a cohort of 62 patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma having a median follow-up period of 69.5 months, we found—patients who experienced primary resistance or disease relapse (DR) had lower percentage of rosetted Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells (HRS-cells) as compared with patients who achieved sustained complete remission (SCR) (p=0.022); patients >35 years of age had higher percentage of HRS-cells (p=0.017) and lower percentage of B cells (p=0.017) and the nodular sclerosis subtype had higher percentage of B-cells (p=0.046) and activated B-cells (p=0.03). The proportion of SCR and DR subsets did not differ by histological subtypes, disease stage or age groups.
Quantitative epileptiform burden and electroencephalography background features predict post-traumatic epilepsy
Authors: Chen Yilun , Li Songlu , Ge Wendong , Jing Jin , Chen Hsin Yi , Doherty Daniel , Herman Alison , Kaleem Safa , Ding Kan , Osman Gamaleldin , Swisher Christa B , Smith Christine , Maciel Carolina B , Alkhachroum Ayham , Lee Jong Woo , Dhakar Monica B , Gilmore Emily J , Sivaraju Adithya , Hirsch Lawrence J , Omay Sacit B , Blumenfeld Hal , Sheth Kevin N , Struck Aaron F , Edlow Brian L , Westover M Brandon , Kim Jennifer A
Published: October 2022

Background

Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a severe complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electroencephalography aids early post-traumatic seizure diagnosis, but its optimal utility for PTE prediction remains unknown. We aim to evaluate the contribution of quantitative electroencephalograms to predict first-year PTE (PTE1).

Methods

We performed a multicentre, retrospective case–control study of patients with TBI. 63 PTE1patients were matched with 63 non-PTE1patients by admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, age and sex. We evaluated the association of quantitative electroencephalography features with PTE1using logistic regressions and examined their predictive value relative to TBI mechanism and CT abnormalities.

Results

In the matched cohort (n=126), greater epileptiform burden, suppression burden and beta variability were associated with 4.6 times higher PTE1risk based on multivariable logistic regression analysis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC (95% CI) 0.69 (0.60 to 0.78)). Among 116 (92%) patients with available CT reports, adding quantitative electroencephalography features to a combined mechanism and CT model improved performance (AUC (95% CI), 0.71 (0.61 to 0.80) vs 0.61 (0.51 to 0.72)).

Conclusions

Epileptiform and spectral characteristics enhance covariates identified on TBI admission and CT abnormalities in PTE1prediction. Future trials should incorporate quantitative electroencephalography features to validate this enhancement of PTE risk stratification models.
The caesium fountain clock at the NRC
Authors: Beattie Scott , Jian Bin , Alcock John , Gertsvolf Marina
Published: October 2022

Atomic clocks form the foundation of international timekeeping and synchronization. At the National Research Council Canada, the NRC-FCs2 fountain clock has been run nearly continuously with minimal interruption since 2020, participating in the steering of International Atomic Time through regular submissions of data to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. We describe the design and performance of NRC-FCs2, a caesium fountain clock serving as a primary frequency standard for Canada, and its role in global timekeeping.
Enhancement of heat transfer considering Joule heating and variable conductivity in magneto Maxwell nanofluid
Authors: Irfan M. , Hamid Aamir , Khan M. , Nadeem Aamir , Khan W. A. , Nasir Nadeem
Published: October 2022

The heat conversation medium temperately regulates the heat exploitation effectiveness of solar energy. Nanofluids, a kind of functioning fluids with extraordinary thermal conductivity and strong light concentration, have been scrutinized and functionalized to progress the exploitation of solar energy. In recent times the current progress examines the nanofluids with the consideration of thermal sources as it can raise the heat transportation amount. Here, the purpose is to explore the thermal properties of Joule heating and thermal conductivity in magnetite Maxwell nanofluid. The concept of heat sink/source and chemical reaction are also studied. The achieved ordinary differential equations have been solved via homotopic algorithm. The enactment of functioning variables is examined. For Eckert number and variable conductivity factors, the Maxwell temperature field has analogous tendencies. The fluid concentration inflates for thermophoretic factor; however, slows down for the Brownian motion factor. The Brownian and thermophoretic factors decay for Nusselt number. Additionally, the excellent results have been achieved accompanied with possible existing prose precisely.
Multiple soliton solutions and other solutions of a variable-coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Mabenga C. , Muatjetjeja B. , Motsumi T. G.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we construct multiple soliton solutions of a time-dependent variable-coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equation in the form of bright, dark and singular soliton solutions. Furthermore, the periodic solutions are derived. These will be achieved via the aid of solitary wave ansatz methods. In addition, other exact solutions of a time-dependent variable-coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equation are attained using symmetry reductions. In one special case, the power series method is employed to derive a solution of the aforesaid equation. We also examine the conservation laws of the aforementioned equation using the variational approach. A brief physical representation of the derived conserved vectors will be conversed.