bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural history and prognostic factors of candidemia in kidney transplant recipients: A retrospective, multinational study
Authors: Peçanha‐Pietrobom Paula M. , Truda Vanessa S. S. , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Gutiérrez Manuel García , Sukiennik Teresa Cristina T. , Santos Daniel Wagner De C. L. , Valerio Maricela , Gioia Francesca , Rodríguez‐Goncer Isabel , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Vena Antonio , Machado Marina , Bassetti Matteo , Muñoz Patricia , Aguado José María , Tedesco‐Silva Helio , Colombo Arnaldo Lopes
Published: November 2023

Background

The natural history of candidemia in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate mortality, prognostic factors and overall graft loss after candidemia in KTRs.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicentre study enrolling all KTRs ≥15 years old with candidemia diagnosed at hospitals in Brazil, Spain and Italy from 2010 to 2020. Primary endpoints were mortality rates at 14 and 30 days. Secondary endpoints were prognostic factors of 14‐day mortality and overall graft loss.

Results

We enrolled 93 KTRs of which 75 were from Brazil. The mean time interval from transplantation to the onset of candidemia was 45.2 ± 61.5 months. 42% of all patients were on haemodialysis, 31.3% had an episode of sepsis and 39% underwent surgery within 30 days before fungemia. European patients were more likely to receive echinocandin (32 vs. 72%, p < .001). 22.7% of Brazilian patients did not receive any antifungal before death. All‐cause mortality at 14 days was higher in Brazil (41.3 vs. 11.1%, p = .016). Candida colonisation (OR 6.91 [95% CI: 1.08–44.3], p = .042) and hypotension (OR 4.87 [95% CI: 1.62–14.66], p = .005) were associated with 14‐day mortality. Echinocandin treatment had a protective effect (OR 0.19 [95% CI: 0.05–0.73], p = .015). Graft loss at 90 days occurred in 48% of patients (70.7 in Brazil vs. 22.2% in Europe, p < .01).

Conclusions

Candidemia in KTR is usually documented late after engraftment in patients requiring HD, surgical procedures and dysbiosis secondary to antibiotic use. Mortality was higher in Brazil. Echinocandin therapy was associated with improved survival.
„Feurige Blitze in ihrem Kopf“: Hypersensitivität als Empathie in Marlen Haushofers Himmel, der nirgendwo endet
Authors: Van der Gucht Liselotte
Published: November 2023

Der Beitrag schlägt einen neuen Blick auf den Roman Himmel, der nirgendwo endet (1966) der österreichischen Autorin Marlen Haushofer vor, indem eine Neurodiversitätsperspektive eingenommen wird. Die im Vergleich zur Norm alternative sowie höchst intensive Erfahrung der Hauptfigur Meta wird von einer Hypersensitivität charakterisiert, die eine Hyperempathie für Lebewesen und sogar unlebendige Objekte auslöst. Der literarische Text trägt zu einem neuen Verständnis der gelebten Erfahrung von Neurodiversität im Gegensatz zu pathologischen Interpretationen bei, die von medizinischen oder sozialen Behinderungsmodellen aufgeführt werden, und macht kognitive Differenzen wie Hypersensitivität und Hyperempathie den Leser*innen zugänglich. Die literarische Darstellung dieser Differenz gelingt über die Naturerfahrung der Hauptfigur, wobei die Natur deren körperliche und mentale Zustände metaphorisch veranschaulicht.
Attentional modulation in literary reading: A theoretical‐empirical framework
Authors: van de Ven Inge
Published: November 2023

When we think of a person engaged in the act of reading literary fiction, the mental image that readily comes to mind is one of focused concentration. In our current information age, such a form of reading seems especially necessary, and often lacking. This causes a change in how we read, often described in terms of close reading versus hyperreading. Literary reading is typically associated with the former; screen‐based reading of information texts with the latter. Accounts of attention and distraction in reading research are often informed by a binary way of thinking. Literary reading, while often aligned with close reading, also involves selection, strategic allocation of attention informed by textual cues, condensation, and mind‐wandering. It never occurs in a state of continuous attention: we combine different modes, triggered by both textual and readerly characteristics. A challenge for literary studies in the present media landscape is to determine more precisely when readers read with close attention and when they skim, or what they skip. This article presents a theoretical contribution to studies of literary reading in the form of a literature review and a framework for attentional modulation. Education might benefit from a more sophisticated concept of such attentional modulations.
Survey of viruses and vectors in tomato plants, alternative hosts and weeds in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Gorayeb Eduardo Silva , do Nascimento Samara Campos , dos Santos Alba Nise Mericia Rocha , Batalhon Lucas , Albuquerque Matheus Rodrigues Magalhães , de Oliveira Vitória Gabrielli Ferreira , de Souza Vivian Borges , Bogo Amauri , da Silva Fábio Nascimento
Published: November 2023

Santa Catarina is an important tomato‐producing state in Brazil, but there is little data regarding the prevalence and characterization of viruses and insect vectors in tomato plants in this state. This study surveyed viruses and their vectors in commercial tomato‐producing areas, as well as alternative hosts and weeds in the surrounding areas. Sixty‐five samples of young leaves were collected between 2019 and 2023, and viruses were detected with generic or specific PCR primers targeting several virus genera. In addition, 397 virus vector insect samples were collected and identified. The orthotospoviruses tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) and groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV) were the most prevalent and distributed in several regions, whilst the crinivirus tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) and begomovirus tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) were restricted to the metropolitan region of Florianópolis. This is the first report of ToSRV in Solanum americanum in Brazil and of TCSV in zucchini and cucumbers worldwide. A survey of insect vectors found whiteflies, Mediterranean cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci (MED) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum were predominant, while Frankliniella occidentalis and F. schultzei thrips were often found cohabiting in the sampled crops. These results highlight the need to adapt management strategies in Santa Catarina, especially in the Santo Amaro da Imperatriz region, where a greater frequency and diversity of viral species and vectors were found. In addition, both the thrips and whitefly species (especially MED) found are a cause for concern, as they readily transmit viruses that infest crops in the open fields of Santa Catarina.
How citizens want to “see” the state: Exploring the relationship between transparency and public values
Authors: Schnell Sabina , Kim Jiho , Munno Greg , Nabatchi Tina
Published: November 2023

Although transparency is recognized as an important public value, few studies examine how citizens see the relationship between transparency and other public values. To empirically investigate this relationship, we distinguish among five types of transparency and explore their associations with different views of “good” government and other public values. Using survey data and Q methodology, we find that citizens see transparency as an important value, albeit not the most important one. We also find that people give different weight to different kinds of transparency and that this depends on individual characteristics and on their overall value orientation or conception of “good” government. In particular, those who hold a contractarian view of democracy prefer types of transparency associated with accountability. Overall, transparency as candor is valued most highly and least associated with other value preferences—suggesting an important interpretation of transparency that has been hitherto neglected in the literature.
Soft‐sediment deformation structures and Neptunian dykes across a carbonate system: Evidence for an earthquake‐related origin (Norian, Dolomia Principale, Southern Alps, Italy)
Authors: Berra Fabrizio
Published: November 2023

Identification of the processes producing soft‐sediment deformation structures, common in siliciclastic deposits and less abundant in carbonate successions, is complex, because different processes may produce similar structures. Thus, interpreting the origin of these structures may be challenging: it requires both a detailed sedimentological study, and the knowledge of the depositional environment and stratigraphic evolution, in order to provide hints to identify the processes affecting sediments after deposition. Among the potential causes of the formation of soft‐sediment deformation structures, seismic shock is one of the possibilities, but their origin could be also related to other triggering mechanisms, such as volcanic activity, sediment loading, salt tectonics, fluid expulsion, meteorite impacts and mass movements. Although it is a plausible option, the interpretation of these structures as ‘seismites' is not obvious: it must be supported by different lines of evidence, considering that the correct interpretation of soft‐sediment deformation structures as a consequence of seismic shocks acquires important implications in palaeoseismology studies. The occurrence of diverse soft‐sediment deformation structures in a fault‐controlled basin (i.e. in a geological setting characterized by syndepositional tectonics) preserved in different subenvironments of a Norian carbonate system in the Southern Alps of Italy provides the chance to characterize different types of soft‐sediment deformation structures along a platform‐to‐basin depositional profile. Presence of pseudonodules in basinal resedimented limestone, sedimentary dykes and clinostratified breccias with unlithified clasts in slope settings and liquefaction of inner platform facies at the platform top testify to an origin compatible with multiple seismic shocks, repetitively affecting the same stratigraphic intervals. The diverse types of soft‐sediment deformation structures in the studied carbonate system provide a rich catalogue of structures related to seismic shocks, representing a possible reference for other similar settings.
Understudied regions and messy taxonomy: Geography, not taxonomy, is the best predictor for genetic divergence of the Poecilimon bosphoricus species group
Authors: Çıplak Battal , Yahyaoğlu Özgül , Uluar Onur , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: November 2023

The complex and dynamic history of the Anatolian Peninsula during the Pleistocene set the stage for species diversification. However, the evolutionary history of biodiversity in the region is shrouded by the challenges of studying species divergence in the recent, dynamic past. Here, we study the Poecilimon bosphoricus (PB) species group to understand how the bush crickets' diversification and the regions' complex history are coupled. Specifically, using sequences of two mitochondrial and two nuclear gene segments from over 500 individuals for a comprehensive set of taxa with extensive geographic sampling, we infer the phylogenetic and geographic setting of species divergence. In addition, we use the molecular data to examine hypothesized species boundaries that were defined morphologically. Our analyses of the timing of divergence confirm the recent origin of the PB complex, indicating its diversification coincided with the dynamic geology and climate of the Pleistocene. Moreover, the geography of divergence suggests a history of fragmentation followed by admixture of populations, suggestive of a ring species. However, the evolutionary history based on genetic divergence conflicts with morphologically defined species boundaries raising the prospects that incipient species divergences may be relatively ephemeral. As such, the morphological differences observed in the PB complex may not to be sufficient to have prevented homogenizing gene flow in the past. Alternatively, with the recent origin of the complex, the lack of time for lineage sorting may underlie the discord between morphological species boundaries and genetic differentiation. Under either hypothesis, geography—not taxonomy—is the best predictor of genetic divergence.
Reactions to serum eye drops—New Zealand experience and review of the literature
Authors: Badami Krishna G. , McKellar Malcolm
Published: November 2023

Background

Serum eye drops (SED) are used to treat ocular surface disease. Reactions to SED are poorly documented.

Methods

We present our experience of self‐reported reactions in New Zealand to SED (25%; autologous, allogeneic, or both) between 2003 and 2023, and a focused review of the literature.

Results

In total, 1067 patients received SED treatment (562 autologous, 318 allogeneic, and 187 both). Three (0.5% of those treated with allogeneic SED) reported reactions. All appeared to be allergic. All were associated with allogeneic SED. We have information on two patients: one had an eye reaction; in the other, the gastrointestinal tract was involved. The literature contains few reports of reactions to SED. They have involved both autologous and allogeneic SED, and various SED concentrations. None appears to have been severe. Notably, no eye or systemic infections have been reported.

Conclusions

Information on the types and frequencies of reactions to SED is poor. This may be due to: serum being less likely to cause reactions; eyes being resistant to reactions; reactions being rare, and insufficient use of SED having occurred; under‐reporting related to SED use at home and reactions being mild. More robust monitoring for reactions to SED is needed.
Redundant Serial Manipulator Inverse Position Kinematics and Dynamics
Authors: Haug Edward J.
Published: November 2023

A redundant serial manipulator inverse position kinematic mapping is employed to define a new manipulator operational space differentiable manifold and an associated system of well posed operational space differential equations of manipulator dynamics. A review of deficiencies in the conventional generalized inverse velocity approach to manipulator redundancy resolution and a numerical example show that the conventional approach is incompatible with kinematics of redundant serial manipulators. The inverse position kinematic mapping presented is shown to define a differentiable manifold that is parameterized by either input or operational space coordinates. Differentiation of the inverse position mapping yields an inverse velocity mapping that is a total differential, in contrast with generalized inverse velocity mappings, hence avoiding the deficiencies identified. A second differentiation yields an inverse acceleration mapping that is used, without ad-hoc derivation, to obtain well posed operational space ordinary differential equations of redundant manipulator dynamics that are equivalent to the equations of multibody dynamics.
Pre-war experimental evidence that Putin’s propaganda elicited strong support for military invasion among Russians
Authors: Krishnarajan Suthan , Tolstrup Jakob
Published: November 2023

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The Putin regime used extensive and aggressive propaganda to win public support for the war. But can this propaganda really convince ordinary people? Using the unique timing of a survey experiment fielded a year before the invasion, we provide the first experimental evidence of the effectiveness of this propaganda among Russian citizens. Vignette treatments containing information on threats similar to stories running in Russian media around the time of the invasion in combination with statements from President Putin show that propaganda was highly effective. Even mild treatments were enough to increase support for military aggression against neighboring countries among Russians from around 8 to 48% and up to 59% among Putin’s supporters. Thus, the Russian president had good reason to believe that he could control popular opinion when he decided to launch a war against Ukraine.
A monoclonal antibody activating AdipoR for type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Asahara Naomi , Okada-Iwabu Miki , Iwabu Masato , Wada Kouichi , Oka Kozo , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: November 2023

Adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are promising targets for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. In this study, we aimed to establish agonistic antibodies against AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 with a long enough half-life to provide a means of improving poor medication adherence associated with preclinical small-molecule AdipoR agonists or existing antidiabetic drugs. Monoclonal antibodies were obtained by immunizing AdipoR knockout mice with human AdipoR-expressing cells. Of the antibodies shown to bind to both, an agonist antibody was obtained, which exhibited adenosine 5′-monophosphate–activated protein kinase–activating properties such as adiponectin and was named AdipoR-activating monoclonal antibody (AdipoRaMab). AdipoRaMab ameliorated glucose intolerance in high-fat diet–fed mice, which was not observed in AdipoR1·AdipoR2 double knockout mice. AdipoRaMab exhibited anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model, indicating its therapeutic potential in diabetes and in NASH. In addition, the results of this study indicated that AdipoRaMab may exert therapeutic effects even in a once-monthly dosing regimen through its humanization.
In situ measurement of damage evolution in shocked magnesium as a function of microstructure
Authors: MacNider Brianna , Jones David , Callanan Jesse , Beason Matt , Gray George T. , Dattelbaum Dana M. , Boechler Nicholas , Fensin Saryu
Published: November 2023

Accurate modeling and prediction of damage induced by dynamic loading in materials have long proved to be a difficult task. Examination of postmortem recovered samples cannot capture the time-dependent evolution of void nucleation and growth, and attempts at analytical models are hindered by the necessity to make simplifying assumptions, because of the lack of high-resolution, in situ, time-resolved experimental data. We use absorption contrast imaging to directly image the time evolution of spall damage in metals at ∼1.6-μm spatial resolution. We observe a dependence of void distribution and size on time and microstructure. The insights gained from these data can be used to validate and improve dynamic damage prediction models, which have the potential to lead to the design of superior damage-resistant materials.
SAR92 clade bacteria are potentially important DMSP degraders and sources of climate-active gases in marine environments
Authors: He Xiao-Yan , Liu Ning-Hua , Liu Ji-Qing , Peng Ming , Teng Zhao-Jie , Gu Tie-Ji , Chen Xiu-Lan , Chen Yin , Wang Peng , Li Chun-Yang , Todd Jonathan D. , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Zhang Xi-Ying
Published: November 2023

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is one of Earth’s most abundant organosulfur molecules, which can be catabolized by marine bacteria to release climate-active gases through the cleavage and/or demethylation pathways. The marine SAR92 clade is an abundant oligotrophic group of
Gammaproteobacteria
in coastal seawater, but their ability to catabolize DMSP is untested. Three SAR92 clade strains isolated from coastal seawater in this study and the SAR92 representative strain HTCC2207 were all shown to catabolize DMSP as a carbon source. All the SAR92 clade strains exhibited DMSP lyase activity producing dimethylsulfide (DMS) and their genomes encoded a ratified DddD DMSP lyase. In contrast, only HTCC2207 and two isolated strains contained the DMSP demethylase
dmdA
gene and potentially simultaneously demethylated and cleaved DMSP to produce methanethiol (MeSH) and DMS. In SAR92 clade strains with
dddD
and
dmdA
, transcription of these genes was inducible by DMSP substrate. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that SAR92 clade bacteria containing and transcribing DddD and DmdA were widely distributed in global oceans, especially in polar regions. This study highlights the SAR92 clade of oligotrophic bacteria as potentially important catabolizers of DMSP and sources of the climate-active gases MeSH and DMS in marine environments, particularly in polar regions.

IMPORTANCE

Catabolism of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by marine bacteria has important impacts on the global sulfur cycle and climate. However, whether and how members of most oligotrophic bacterial groups participate in DMSP metabolism in marine environments remains largely unknown. In this study, by characterizing culturable strains, we have revealed that bacteria of the SAR92 clade, an abundant oligotrophic group of
Gammaproteobacteria
in coastal seawater, can catabolize DMSP through the DMSP lyase DddD-mediated cleavage pathway and/or the DMSP demethylase DmdA-mediated demethylation pathway to produce climate-active gases dimethylsulfide and methanethiol. Additionally, we found that SAR92 clade bacteria capable of catabolizing DMSP are widely distributed in global oceans. These results indicate that SAR92 clade bacteria are potentially important DMSP degraders and sources of climate-active gases in marine environments that have been overlooked, contributing to a better understanding of the roles and mechanisms of the oligotrophic bacteria in oceanic DMSP degradation.
The contribution of DNA repair pathways to
Staphylococcus aureus
fitness and fidelity during nitric oxide stress
Authors: Hurley Kelly E. , Banerjee Srijon K. , Stephens Amelia C. , Scribner Michelle R. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Richardson Anthony R.
Published: November 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major human pathogen that causes a variety of illnesses, ranging from minor skin and soft tissue infections to more severe systemic infections. Although the primary host immune response can typically clear bacterial infections,
S. aureus
is uniquely resistant to inflammation. For instance, our laboratory has determined that
S. aureus
is highly resistant to nitric oxide (NO⋅), an important component of the innate immune response that plays a role in both immunomodulatory and antibacterial processes. Additionally, NO⋅ and its derivatives can cause damage to
S. aureus
DNA, more specifically, deamination and/or oxidation of DNA bases; however, regulation and repair mechanisms of DNA in
S. aureus
are understudied. Thus, we hypothesize that several DNA repair mechanisms may account for the replication fidelity of
S. aureus
and may contribute to fitness in the presence of NO⋅. Here, we show the role of several DNA repair mechanisms in
S. aureus
. More specifically, we found that recombinational repair genes
recJ
,
recG
, and
polA
may play a role in the repair of NO⋅-induced replication fork collapses. We also show the role of the base excision repair pathway protein, MutY, in reducing NO⋅-mediated mutagenesis. Overall, our results suggest that NO⋅ leads to DNA damage, which subsequently induces the activity of several DNA repair pathways, contributing to the replication fidelity and fitness of
S. aureus
.

IMPORTANCE

Pathogenic bacteria must evolve various mechanisms in order to evade the host immune response that they are infecting. One aspect of the primary host immune response to an infection is the production of an inflammatory effector component, nitric oxide (NO⋅).
Staphylococcus aureus
has uniquely evolved a diverse array of strategies to circumvent the inhibitory activity of nitric oxide. One such mechanism by which
S. aureus
has evolved allows the pathogen to survive and maintain its genomic integrity in this environment. For instance, here, our results suggest that
S. aureus
employs several DNA repair pathways to ensure replicative fitness and fidelity under NO⋅ stress. Thus, our study presents evidence of an additional strategy that allows
S. aureus
to evade the cytotoxic effects of host NO⋅.
BsR1, a broad-spectrum antibacterial peptide with potential for plant protection
Authors: Song Pei , Zhao Li , Zhu Li , Sha Gan , Dong Wubei
Published: November 2023

The urgent need for new antibacterial drugs arises from the emergence of bacterial multidrug resistance due to antibiotic overuse. Antimicrobial peptides, crucial components of innate immunity in animals and plants, exhibit effectiveness against multidrug-resistant bacteria while minimizing the development of drug resistance. In this study, the antibacterial peptide BsR1, comprising 21 amino acids, was finalized by predicting the active site of an antifungal gene and sequence optimization. BsR1 displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activities against diverse Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with a low minimum inhibitory concentration of 4.25–17 μM. Stability experiments demonstrated that BsR1 has high resistance to thermal, ultraviolet, and acid-base conditions, while revealing increased sensitivity to divalent ions Ca
2+
and Mg
2+
. The mode of action of BsR1 involved cell membrane damage, leading to bacterial cell structure disruption and subsequent death. Secondary structure prediction indicated a linear helical conformation with a positive charge of +7.5, facilitating its interaction with the target cell membrane. BsR1 exhibited excellent biological safety, as it did not induce necrosis in tobacco leaves, and the low observed hemolytic effect on mammalian cells with a value of 3.26%. Additionally, BsR1 demonstrated the ability to enhance disease resistance in rice and effectively curbed the spread of rice bacterial blight. This research presents BsR1 as a novel approach and potential medication in the development of antibacterial drugs, offering a valuable tool in combating pathogenic microorganisms, particularly in plants.

IMPORTANCE

This study addresses the critical need for new antibacterial drugs in the face of bacterial multidrug resistance resulting from antibiotic overuse. It highlights the significance of antimicrobial peptides as essential components of innate immunity in animals and plants, which have been proven effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria and are difficult to develop resistance against. This study successfully synthesizes a broad-spectrum antibacterial peptide, BsR1, with strong inhibitory activities against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. BsR1 demonstrates favorable stability and a mode of action that damages bacterial cell membranes, leading to cell death. It also exhibits biological safety and shows potential in enhancing disease resistance in rice. This research offers a novel approach and potential medication for antibacterial drug development, presenting a valuable tool in combating pathogenic microorganisms, particularly in plants.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disability Index is a valid and reliable measure of disability in an English-speaking hospital practice and predicts long-term requirement for treatment escalation
Authors: Storan Darragh , McDermott Edel , Moloney Jenny , Keenan Lisa , Stack Roisin , Sheridan Juliette , Doherty Glen , Cullen Garret , McHugh Louise , Mulcahy Hugh E
Published: November 2023

Objective

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disability Index (IBD-DI) was developed according to WHO standards and has been validated in population-based cohorts. However, there are limited data on its relationship to various psychosocial and economic variables or its relevance to hospital clinical practice. The study aims were to determine the validity and reliability of the IBD-DI in an English-speaking hospital out-patient population and to evaluate its association with short and long-term disease activity.

Design/Methods

329 subjects were enrolled in a cross-sectional and longitudinal study assessing the IBD-DI and a range of quality of life, work impairment, depression, anxiety, body image, interpersonal, self-esteem, disease activity, symptom scoring scales in addition to long-term outcome.

Results

The IBD-DI had adequate structure, was internally consistent and demonstrated convergent and predictive validity and was reliable in test–retest study. Disability was related to female sex (p=0.002), antidepressant use (p<0.001), steroid use (p<0.001) and disease activity (p<0.001). Higher IBD-DI scores were associated with long-term disease activity and need for treatment escalation in univariate (p<0.001) and multivariate (p=0.002) analyses.

Conclusion

The IBD-DI is a valid and reliable measure of disability in English-speaking hospital populations and predicts long-term requirement for treatment escalation.
Functional freezing of gait: lessons from compensation
Authors: Nonnekes Jorik , Tibben Marleen , van de Venis Lotte , Bloem Bastiaan R
Published: November 2023

We highlight a specific and hitherto poorly characterised phenotype of functional gait impairments: functional freezing of gait. Unique to the presented case is the use of compensation strategies, many of which at first sight might appear to hint towards the presence of freezing of gait typical of Parkinson’s disease or another form of Parkinsonism. Importantly, however, this patient’s compensation strategies involved various inconsistent and incongruent elements, supporting the diagnosis of a functional neurological disorder. Recognising the features of functional freezing also helps to appreciate better the classical manifestations of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease.
Discriminative Power of Handwriting and Drawing Features in Depression
Authors: Greco Claudia , Raimo Gennaro , Amorese Terry , Cuciniello Marialucia , Mcconvey Gavin , Cordasco Gennaro , Faundez-Zanuy Marcos , Vinciarelli Alessandro , Callejas-Carrion Zoraida , Esposito Anna
Published: November 2023

This study contributes knowledge on the detection of depression through handwriting/drawing features, to identify quantitative and noninvasive indicators of the disorder for implementing algorithms for its automatic detection. For this purpose, an original online approach was adopted to provide a dynamic evaluation of handwriting/drawing performance of healthy participants with no history of any psychiatric disorders ([Formula: see text]), and patients with a clinical diagnosis of depression ([Formula: see text]). Both groups were asked to complete seven tasks requiring either the writing or drawing on a paper while five handwriting/drawing features’ categories (i.e. pressure on the paper, time, ductus, space among characters, and pen inclination) were recorded by using a digitalized tablet. The collected records were statistically analyzed. Results showed that, except for pressure, all the considered features, successfully discriminate between depressed and nondepressed subjects. In addition, it was observed that depression affects different writing/drawing functionalities. These findings suggest the adoption of writing/drawing tasks in the clinical practice as tools to support the current depression detection methods. This would have important repercussions on reducing the diagnostic times and treatment formulation.
The Quality of Biodiversity Inputs to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the Succulent Karoo Biodiversity Hotspot, South Africa
Authors: Wentzel T. , Retief F. P. , Alberts R. C. , Moolman H. J. , Roos C. , Cilliers D. P.
Published: November 2023

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is an important environmental policy instrument to proactively inform development decisions that might impact biodiversity, especially in internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots. One such hotspot region is the Succulent Karoo Biodiversity Hotspot (SKBH), known for its rich endemism of flora and fauna. The aim of this research is to determine the quality of biodiversity inputs to EIA in areas with high biodiversity value, such as the SKBH. This was achieved by reviewing the quality of biodiversity inputs to 16 EIAs against a tailor-made review package. The review produced ‘unsatisfactory’ results related to the integration of biodiversity impacts, public participation, and continual monitoring. ‘Satisfactory’ results were achieved for the consideration of ecological approaches, description of the baseline environment, and the application of the precautionary principle. To address the unsatisfactory results, we recommend the development of context specific guidelines dealing with (i) significance thresholds, (ii) alternatives and mitigation, and (iii) monitoring plans. Standard approaches, guidelines, and general competencies do not suffice for EIA in biodiversity hotspots.
The Cretaceous carbonate platforms of the Americas and their rudist bivalves
Authors: Mitchell Simon F.
Published: November 2023

Following the break-up of Pangaea, many rifted margins of the Americas became carbonate platforms. During the Cretaceous, these platforms, as well as those associated with volcanic arcs, were populated by rudist bivalves that underwent a major radiation from the Early to Late Cretaceous. Carbonate platform development was episodic with major platforms represented by the Hauterivian to early Aptian, the early to late Albian and the Campanian to Maastrichtian. Different rudist bivalves characterized different phases of platform development. The Hauterivian to Aptian saw the rise of the Rethinae and Caprinidae, and was terminated by Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE1a). The Albian saw the rise of the Caprinuloideina and Youngicaprininae together with the first radiolitids. The Cenomanian is poorly understood in term of rudist bivalve development and the effects of the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary event (CTBE or OAE2) are not well documented in the Americas. The Turonian to Maastrichtian saw a major radiation at the genus level of the rudists – hippuritids were initially represented by cosmopolitan genera, but through the late Santonian to early Campanian these were replaced by endemic genera. The radiolitids and antillocaprinids also underwent major radiations at this time, and numerous new endemic taxa characterized the carbonate platforms of the Americas. The Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary event decimated the carbonate platforms of the Americas and wiped out the rudist bivalves. Two new radiolitid genera are described:
Vermuntia
and
Thiadensia
.
Microfossils and biostratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous Coon Creek Formation Lagerstätte, Mississippi Embayment, USA
Authors: Self-Trail Jean M. , Gardner Kristina F. , O'Keefe Jennifer , Mason Patricia H. , Puckett Mark , Gibson Michael A. , McCarty M. Maeve
Published: November 2023

The Upper Cretaceous Coon Creek Formation type-locality in McNairy County, Tennessee, is an exceptional marine invertebrate Lagerstätte that was deposited in a nearshore reentrant into the ancestral continent of Appalachia. Extensive taxonomic analysis of the macrofauna has been done for over 100 years. However, documentation of the microfossil component at the type-locality has largely been ignored. This paper provides analysis of calcareous microfossils (benthic and planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils and ostracods) and palynomorphs (pollen, spores, algal remains and dinoflagellates) for detailed age control and information regarding environment of deposition. The Coon Creek type-locality is late Campanian (76.8–76.0 Ma) in age and was deposited in 35–60 m water depths. Calcareous nannofossil assemblages suggest that there was an influence of colder water through time, possibly by a connection to the northern Western Interior Seaway. The complex interplay between currents of the Gulf of Mexico and the Western Interior Seaway, upwelling and runoff influenced the palaeoenvironment. Increased influx of freshwater palynomorphs near the top of the section suggests placement proximal to the palaeoshoreline and that weathering increased through time. Changes in the dinoflagellate assemblage may be linked to a mosasaur mass mortality event and the presence of a harmful algal bloom.
LiteWiSys: A Lightweight System for WiFi-based Dual-task Action Perception
Authors: Sheng Biyun , Li Jiabin , Gui Linqing , Guo Zhengxin , Xiao Fu
Published: November 2023

As two important contents in WiFi-based action perception, detection and recognition require localizing motion regions from the entire temporal sequences and classifying the corresponding categories. Existing approaches, though yielding reasonably acceptable performances, are suffering from two major drawbacks: heavy empirical dependency and large computational complexity. In order to solve these issues, we develop LiteWiSys in this article, a lightweight system in an end-to-end deep learning manner to simultaneously detect and recognize WiFi-based human actions. Specifically, we assign different attentions on sub-carriers, which are then compressed to reduce noise and information redundancy. Then, LiteWiSys integrates deep separable convolution and a channel shuffle mechanism into a multi-scale convolutional backbone structure. By feature channel split, two network branches are obtained and further trained with a joint loss function for dual tasks. We collect different datasets at multi-scenes and conduct experiments to evaluate the performance of LiteWiSys. In comparison to existing WiFi sensing systems, LiteWiSys achieves promising precision with lower complexity.
Proof-of-concept for monoclonal antibody therapy in a cellular model of acquired long QT syndrome type 3
Authors: Kis Lenke , Li Jin
Published: November 2023

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) type 3 although less common than the first two forms, differs in that arrhythmic events are less likely triggered by adrenergic stimuli and are more often lethal. Effective pharmacological treatment is challenged by inter-individual differences, mutation dependence and adverse effects, translating into an increased use of invasive measures (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, sympathetic denervation) in LQTS type 3 patients. Previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of polyclonal KCNQ1 antibody for LQTS type 2. Here, we sought to identify a monoclonal KCNQ1 antibody that preserves the electrophysiological properties of the polyclonal form. Using hybridoma technology, murine monoclonal antibodies were generated, and patch clamp studies performed for functional characterization. We identified a monoclonal KCNQ1 antibody able to normalize cardiac action potential duration and to suppress arrhythmias in a pharmacological model of LQTS type 3 using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
Sex differences in the age-related decrease of spontaneous baroreflex function in healthy individuals
Authors: Schumann Andy , Gupta Yubraj , Gerstorf Denis , Demuth Ilja , Bär Karl-Jürgen
Published: November 2023

In this study, we demonstrate that the age-related decrease of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity is different in men and women by analyzing resting state cardiovascular data of a large sample of healthy individuals.
Antisickling and Antihemolytic Mechanism of Spirulina platensis (Oscillatoriaceae): A Nutraceutical Commonly Used in Cameroon
Authors: Teguem Tchoulegheu Apollinaire , Nya Nkwikeu Prudence Josela , Lena Yembeau Natacha , Choupo Arnaud Cyrille , Nkenmeni Djamnou Celestin , Feudjio Alfloditte Flore , Chetcha Chemegni Bernard , Biapa Nya Prosper Cabral , Pieme Constant Anatole
Published: November 2023

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a widespread genetic disease in Africa, associated with chronic hemolytic anaemia and vaso‐occlusive and infectious complications. The most commonly used means of management and treatment such as blood transfusions and allografting are expensive and predispose patients to the risk of infections. This research study aimed at evaluating the antisickling and antihemolytic activities of aqueous extracts of Spirulina platensis from Cameroon for optimising the management of this disease using natural substances. The Spirulina platensis harvested in Nomayos‐Yaounde was dried, crushed, and macerated for 24 h in distilled water and the filtrate was freeze dried. The determination of the inhibition rates of falciformation induced by 2% sodium metabisulfite (MBS) and the sickling reversibility rate was carried out at different concentrations (100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 μg·mL−1) of the spirulina extract at different time intervals (2 h, 4 h, and 24 h). Aspirin, hypotonic solution, Triton X‐100, and hydrogen peroxide were used as hemolytic inducers and the antihemolytic activity of the extract was studied at 800 μg·mL−1 and 1600 μg·mL−1 using the colorimetric method. The extraction yield was 14.015%. The maximum duration of induced falciformation was 2 h 30 min and the percentage of falciformation increased from 27.99 ± 3.15% (at the initial time) to 91.44 ± 3.70%, giving a falciformation induction rate of 69.3%. The falciformation inhibition rate after 2 h 30 min ranges from 15.10 ± 0.60% to 66.09 ± 4.69% for the concentration of 100 μg·mL−1 to 1600 μg·mL−1 of the spirulina extract. This rate of inhibition of falciformation was found to be dose‐dependent. The best concentration of the extract was 1600 μg·mL−1. The reversibility rate of falciformation at 800 μg·mL−1 and 1600 μg·mL−1 varied from 37.54 ± 6.35% to 82.34 ± 5.63% as a function of time. 1600 μg·mL−1 was the most active concentration after 24 h. In addition, the extract improved the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio with an increase in the rates of 69.78 ± 8.81 and 69.78 ± 13.82 at 800 μg·mL−1 and 1600 μg·mL−1, respectively. According to each inducer at 800 μg·mL−1 and 1600 μg·mL−1, respectively, of the spirulina extract, the following rates of inhibition of hemolysis were found: 53.03 ± 9.46% and 96.67 ± 5.77% (aspirin); 80 ± 8.66% and 71.25% (hypotonic solution); 36.56 ± 9.53% and 45.67 ± 22.55% (Triton X‐100); 24.26 ± 9.55% and 36.76 ± 1.27% (hydrogen peroxide). At the end of this study, the best antickling activities were obtained at the concentrations 800 μg·mL−1 and 1600 μg·mL−1. It also has antihemolytic properties on various hemolysis inducers at concentrations 800 μg·mL−1 and 1600 μg·mL−1 with inhibition rates varying from 36% to 96%.
Dual Antenna-Based Line Crossing Detection with UHF RFID
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Wang Xuan , Xun Kai , Wang Xia , Liu Jia , Zhao Zhihong , Chen Lijun
Published: November 2023

Line crossing detection is to check whether people or objects go across a given barrier line, which is quite common and important in our daily life, such as the electronic article surveillance (EAS) checkpoint in a retail store or the finish line in track and field. Although existing solutions to line crossing detection have achieved great advancement, they do not function well when multiple objects or people cross the line at the same time. In this paper, we propose a new radio frequency identification (RFID)-based solution called RF-Line to line crossing detection, especially for multiobject scenarios. The biggest challenge is that the RFID reader’s coverage zone is invisible and irregular; we cannot roughly take the time when a tag is seen by the reader for the first time as the time when line crossing occurs. In RF-Line, we deploy two antennas opposite to each other and collect the RF phase profiles of two antennas at the same time. By a series of geometric transformations and mathematical derivations, we find that summing up the two phase profiles will get a new phase curve, in which the inflection point of the curve is the time of line crossing. In addition, we address the problem of turning back or long stay on the barrier line. We implement RF-Line with commodity RFID systems. Extensive experiments show that RF-Line can achieve accurate line crossing detection with a small error of 6.1 cm, with no need for any system calibration or complicated deployment.
The Clinical Relevance and Functional Implications of Thymosin Beta-10 in Glioma
Authors: Li Weimin , Chen Jinliang , Xiang Chengwei , Long Yong , Wu Ke , Li Juan
Published: November 2023

Glioma is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer characterized by limited treatment options and poor patient prognosis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the oncogenic role of thymosin beta-10 (TMSB10) in glioma through comprehensive analyses of patient data from the TCGA and GTEx databases. Our investigation encompassed several key aspects, including the analysis of patients’ clinical characteristics, survival analysis, in vitro and in vivo functional experiments, and the exploration of correlations between TMSB10 expression and immune cell infiltration. Our findings revealed a significant upregulation of TMSB10 expression in glioma tissues compared to normal brain tissues, with higher expression levels observed in tumors of advanced histological grades. Moreover, we observed positive correlations between TMSB10 expression and patient age, while no significant association with gender was detected. Additionally, TMSB10 exhibited marked elevation in gliomas with wild-type IDH and noncodeletion of 1p/19q. Survival analysis indicated that high TMSB10 expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival in glioma patients. Functionally, knockdown of TMSB10 in glioma cells resulted in reduced cellular growth rates and impaired tumor growth in xenograft models. Furthermore, our study revealed intriguing correlations between TMSB10 expression and immune cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, TMSB10 showed negative associations with plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and γδ T cells (Tgd), while displaying positive correlations with neutrophils and macrophages. These findings collectively provide valuable insights into the oncogenic properties of TMSB10 in glioma, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target and a biomarker for patient stratification.
Cronassial Ameliorates Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inhibiting Lipid Oxidation and Carbonyl Stress in the Brain and Spinal Cord of Rats
Authors: Ghazaryan Gayane , Zanginyan Hasmik , Hovsepyan Laura , Azatyan Artyom , Ghazaryan Maria , Mardanyan Lusine
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the pathogenetic role of oxidative stress in damaging myelin cells, a precursor to the development of myelin-related diseases such as multiple sclerosis, has gained increasing significance. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rats serves as an experimental model for human multiple sclerosis. Our study elucidates and demonstrates the antioxidant properties of Cronassial, a drug containing gangliosides, on the processes of free radical lipid oxidation and oxidative modification of proteins in the brains and spinal cords of rats with EAE. Our research results reveal an elevated production of oxidative stress products, including peroxides, hydroperoxides, and oxidized proteins, in experimental animals. This phenomenon is one of the factors contributing to myelin damage. Administering a ganglioside-containing drug normalizes the consequences of oxidative stress and inhibits the formation of reactive oxygen species. Consequently, the data obtained highlight the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Cronassial when administered to animals with autoimmune encephalomyelitis.