bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The acceptability of primary care or community‐based behavioural interventions for persistent physical symptoms: Qualitative systematic review
Authors: Scope Alison , Leaviss Joanna , Booth Andrew , Sutton Anthea , Parry Glenys , Buszewicz Marta , Moss‐Morris Rona
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) are often associated with profound physical disability and psychological distress. Interventions for PPS that promote behavioural change aim to reduce levels of symptoms and improve overall functioning in patients. The evidence for these interventions is mixed, with effective relationships between patients and health practitioners (HPs) reported as the key to the success of primary care interventions. The objectives of this systematic review were to synthesize the qualitative evidence and to evaluate the acceptability of behavioural interventions for PPS in primary care, from the perspective of both patients and HPs.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in seven major electronic bibliographic databases, to February 2019. The aim was to identify a broad range of literature including, qualitative research, mixed methods research, and qualitative data embedded in trial reports or process evaluations. Fifty‐eight full papers were screened against the inclusion criteria. Nine studies were included and quality‐assessed. A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted using thematic synthesis.

Results

Some patients and HPs reported positive gains from taking part in or delivering interventions, with appropriate support and explanation of their symptoms important for patients. Barriers appeared to be underpinned by the relationship between the patients and HPs, and by beliefs and attitudes held by both parties.

Conclusions

Patients should be provided with adequate information to make an informed decision about whether an intervention is appropriate for them, and interventions should not end suddenly or without adequate follow‐up. HPs should receive training and supervision to address their lack of confidence, and improve their knowledge of PPS.
Avian vocalisations: the female perspective
Authors: Austin Victoria I. , Dalziell Anastasia H. , Langmore Naomi E. , Welbergen Justin A.
Published: April 2021

Research on avian vocalisations has traditionally focused on male song produced by oscine passerines. However, accumulating evidence indicates that complex vocalisations can readily evolve outside the traditional contexts of mate attraction and territory defence by male birds, and yet the previous bias towards male song has shaped – and continues to shape – our understanding of avian communication as a whole. Accordingly, in this review we seek to address this imbalance by synthesising studies on female vocalisations from across signalling contexts throughout the Aves, and discuss the implications of recent empirical advances for our understanding of vocalisations in both sexes. This review reveals great structural and functional diversity among female vocalisations and highlights the important roles that vocalisations can play in mediating female‐specific behaviours. However, fundamental gaps remain. While there are now several case studies that identify the function of female vocalisations, few quantify the associated fitness benefits. Additionally, very little is known about the role of vocal learning in the development of female vocalisations. Thus, there remains a pressing need to examine the function and development of all forms of vocalisations in female birds. In the light of what we now know about the functions and mechanisms of female vocalisations, we suggest that conventional male‐biased definitions of songs and calls are inadequate for furthering our understanding of avian vocal communication more generally. Therefore, we propose two simple alternatives, both emancipated from the sex of the singer. The first distinguishes song from calls functionally as a sexually selected vocal signal, whilst the second distinguishes them mechanistically in terms of their underlying neurological processes. It is clear that more investigations are needed into the ultimate and proximate causes of female vocalisations; however, these are essential if we are to develop a holistic epistemology of avian vocal communication in both sexes, across ecological contexts and taxonomic divides.
Aluminium contact allergy without vaccination granulomas: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoffmann Stine Skovbo , Wennervaldt Michael , Alinaghi Farzad , Simonsen Anne Birgitte , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: April 2021

Aluminium contact allergy is mainly seen as granulomas following immunization with aluminium‐adsorbed vaccines and contact allergy following epicutaneous exposure may be overlooked. To investigate the prevalence of aluminium allergy confirmed by patch testing, with no association with vaccination granulomas, and explore whether epicutaneous exposure to aluminium can contribute to allergic contact dermatitis. Two authors independently searched PubMed and MEDLINE (OVID) for case studies on contact allergy to aluminium proven by patch testing. Age‐stratified meta‐analyses to calculate the pooled prevalence were performed. Twenty‐five studies describing a total of 73 cases were included in the review. Seven studies were suitable for meta‐analyses. The prevalence of aluminium contact allergy was 5.61% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12%‐11.08%) for children and 0.36% (95% CI 0.04%‐0.67%) for adults. The studies described a variety of epicutaneous exposures, where metallic aluminium, topical medicaments, and deodorants were the main sources. Aluminium sensitization without a known exposure source was described in 10 of the 25 articles. The prevalence of aluminium contact allergy in the general public may be higher than expected and not solely related to vaccination granulomas. However, the clinical relevance is rare if not related to granulomas.
Concern over hybridization risks should not preclude conservation interventions
Authors: Hirashiki Claire , Kareiva Peter , Marvier Michelle
Published: April 2021

Conservation interventions such as assisted migration and genetic alterations are controversial in part because, through unintended hybridization events, they may imperil native species. Threats could stem from hybrid offspring having altered fitness or from genetic swamping due to extensive introgression of non‐native genes. Over the last 40 years, papers discussing hybridization increasingly use value‐laden terminology (e.g., “genetic contamination”). Such terms presume that any amount of hybridization equates to harm, but this perspective is at odds with modern evolutionary theory's recognition of hybridization as a creative force that can accelerate evolution or spur adaptive breakthroughs. To assess the evidence undergirding perceptions of hybridization threats, we examined the IUCN's Global Invasive Species Database (GISD). Of 870 invasive species, the GISD identified 35 as potentially threatening endemic taxa via hybridization. For each of these 35 species, we assessed the quality of data that the GISD cited pertaining to hybridization. Direct evidence for hybridization was cited for only 16 species, and there was neither direct nor indirect evidence demonstrating reduced fitness of hybrid offspring for 18 species. In our era of rapid environmental change, it is time to examine hybridization case‐by‐case and not to presume that hybridization always presents a threat to biodiversity, but rather, to consider it as a potential pathway to species survival.
Impact of the COVID‐19 Epidemic on hospitalization for diabetic foot ulcers during lockdown: A French nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Mariet Anne‐Sophie , Benzenine Eric , Bouillet Benjamin , Vergès Bruno , Quantin Catherine , Petit Jean‐Michel
Published: April 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID‐19 epidemic on the hospitalization rates for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), osteomyelitis and lower limb revascularization procedure in people with DFU.

Methods

This nationwide retrospective cohort study included hospital data on all people hospitalized in France for diabetes in weeks 2–43 in 2020, including the COVID‐19 lockdown period, compared to same period in 2019.

Results

The number of hospitalizations for DFU decreased significantly in weeks 12–19 (during the lockdown) (p < 10−4). Hospitalization for foot osteomyelitis also decreased significantly in weeks 12–19 (p < 10−4). The trend was the same for lower limb amputations and revascularizations associated with DFU or amputation.

Conclusions/interpretation

The marked drop in hospitalization rates for DFU, osteomyelitis and lower limb revascularization procedures in people with DFU observed in France during the lockdown period suggests that COVID‐19 was a barrier to DFU care, and may illustrate the combined deleterious effects of hospital overload and changes in health‐related behaviour.
Circ_0007142 downregulates miR‐874‐3p‐mediated GDPD5 on colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yueqing , Chen Hongshu , Wei Xueling
Published: April 2021

Background

Ferroptosis is an iron‐dependent and oxidative cell death form. Recent studies suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulated ferroptosis in tumour cells. Circ_0007142 was identified as a carcinogenic molecule in colorectal cancer (CRC), but its function on ferroptosis in CRC remains unknown.

Methods

Circ_0007142, microRNA‐874‐3p (miR‐874‐3p) and glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 5 (GDPD5) levels were assayed using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell survival and proliferation were measured by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. Protein detection was performed by Western blot. Cell apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry. Ferroptosis was assessed by iron accumulation and oxidative stress. Target binding was evaluated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. In vivo research was conducted by tumour xenograft in mice.

Results

Circ_0007142 was overexpressed in CRC. After expression inhibition of circ_0007142, proliferation was reduced, while apoptosis and ferroptosis were facilitated in CRC cells. Mechanically, circ_0007142 was found as a miR‐874‐3p sponge and miR‐874‐3p inhibitor eliminated the regulation of si‐circ_0007142 in CRC cells. MiR‐874‐3p targeted GDPD5 and upregulation of GDPD5 reversed the miR‐874‐3p‐triggered tumour inhibition and ferroptosis promotion in CRC cells. Moreover, GDPD5 was regulated by the circ_0007142/miR‐874‐3p axis. Circ_0007142 also affected CRC tumorigenesis in vivo through the regulation of miR‐874‐3p and GDPD5.

Conclusion

All these findings proved that circ_0007142/miR‐874‐3p/GDPD5 axis regulated tumorigenesis and ferroptosis of CRC cells. Circ_0007142 might be an available marker for ferroptosis in CRC therapy.
N‐acetylcysteine for depression and glutamate changes in the left prefrontal cortex in adolescents and young adults at risk for bipolar disorder: A pilot study
Authors: Nery Fabiano G. , Tallman Maxwell J. , Cecil Kim M. , Blom Thomas J. , Patino Luis R. , Adler Caleb M. , DelBello Melissa P.
Published: April 2021

Aims

To investigate the mechanism of action of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) in depressive symptoms in young individuals at familial risk for bipolar disorder.

Methods

We conducted an 8‐week open label clinical trial of NAC 2400 mg/days in 15–24 years old depressed offspring of a bipolar I disorder parent, with baseline and endpoint proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy acquired within the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC).

Results

Nine participants were enrolled and finished the study. NAC significantly improved depressive and anxiety symptom scores, and clinical global impression (all p < .001). There was a non‐significant reduction in glutamate levels in the left VLPFC. Reduction in depressive symptom scores was positively associated with reduction in glutamate levels in the left VLPFC (p = .007).

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests that NAC might be efficacious for depressive symptoms in at‐risk youth, and that its mechanism of action involves the modulation of glutamate in the left VLPFC.
Laser‐assisted epicutaneous immunization to target human skin dendritic cells
Authors: Tripp Christoph H. , Voit Hermann , An Angela , Seidl‐Philipp Magdalena , Krapf Johanna , Sigl Stephan , Romani Nikolaus , Del Frari Barbara , Stoitzner Patrizia
Published: April 2021

Dendritic cells (DC) are promising targets for immunotherapy of cancer. Clinically, immunization against cancer antigens by means of the most potent antigen‐presenting cells, that is DC, remains an important treatment option in combination with the modern immune checkpoint approaches. Instead of adoptively transferring in vitro monocyte‐derived DC, they can also be loaded in situ by antibody‐mediated targeting of antigen. Conventionally, these vaccines are delivered by classical intradermal injections. Here, we tested an alternative approach, namely laser‐assisted epicutaneous immunization. With an infrared laser (“Precise Laser Epidermal System”/P.L.E.A.S.E.® Laser System), we created micropores in human skin and applied monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against C‐type lectins, for example DEC‐205/CD205 and Langerin/CD207. Optimal parameters for formation of pores in epidermis and dermis were determined. We could induce pores of defined depths without enhanced apoptosis around them. Antibodies applied epicutaneously to the laser‐porated skin could be detected both in Langerhans cells (LC) in situ in the epidermis and in migratory skin DC subsets from short term human skin explant culture, demonstrating uptake and transport of Langerin and DEC‐205 mAbs. Efficacy of targeting was similar between the different laser treatments and pore depths. Thus, laser‐assisted epicutaneous immunization may be a valuable alternative to intradermal injection, yet the loading efficacy of DC needs to be further improved.
A new feature extraction approach for script invariant handwritten numeral recognition
Authors: Singh Pawan Kumar , Chatterjee Iman , Sarkar Ram , Smith Elisa Barney , Nasipuri Mita
Published: April 2021

Handwritten numeral recognition is a challenging research problem because of the enormous varieties of styles in which human beings write the numerals. Several researchers have tried to find solutions to this problem with exceptional recognition accuracies. However, most of these solutions have been dedicated to single script numerals. Such methods are inappropriate for multi‐lingual nations such as India where a large number of scripts are used. Keeping this issue in mind, a new feature descriptor named symbolization of binary images (SBI) is introduced here for the recognition of handwritten numerals of different scripts. Effectiveness of SBI is supported with experiments showing its script‐invariant nature. Classification of numerals using a multiclass support vector machine (SVM) classifier yields the recognition accuracies of 98.18, 96.22, 96.52, and 95.53% on datasets of numerals written in four popular scripts of the world: Arabic, Bangla, Devanagari, and Latin, respectively. This scheme has also been extended to the situation when the script used is not known a priori or the numerals written in a document belong to pairs of mixed scripts of {Arabic, Devanagari, Bangla} with Latin producing recognition rates of 92.97, 91.25, and 91.67%, respectively. When all four scripts are mixed, the recognition rate is still 90.98% overall. Encouraging outcomes suggest that the proposed SBI feature descriptor can recognize numerals invariant of the script class.
Bridging the gap between single receptor type activity and whole‐brain dynamics
Authors: Jancke Dirk , Herlitze Stefan , Kringelbach Morten L. , Deco Gustavo
Published: April 2021

What is the effect of activating a single modulatory neuronal receptor type on entire brain network dynamics? Can such effect be isolated at all? These are important questions because characterizing elementary neuronal processes that influence network activity across the given anatomical backbone is fundamental to guide theories of brain function. Here, we introduce the concept of the cortical ‘receptome’ taking into account the distribution and densities of expression of different modulatory receptor types across the brain's anatomical connectivity matrix. By modelling whole‐brain dynamics in silico, we suggest a bidirectional coupling between modulatory neurotransmission and neuronal connectivity hardware exemplified by the impact of single serotonergic (5‐HT) receptor types on cortical dynamics. As experimental support of this concept, we show how optogenetic tools enable specific activation of a single 5‐HT receptor type across the cortex as well as in vivo measurement of its distinct effects on cortical processing. Altogether, we demonstrate how the structural neuronal connectivity backbone and its modulation by a single neurotransmitter system allow access to a rich repertoire of different brain states that are fundamental for flexible behaviour. We further propose that irregular receptor expression patterns—genetically predisposed or acquired during a lifetime—may predispose for neuropsychiatric disorders like addiction, depression and anxiety along with distinct changes in brain state. Our long‐term vision is that such diseases could be treated through rationally targeted therapeutic interventions of high specificity to eventually recover natural transitions of brain states.
Systems genetic analysis of nicotine withdrawal deficits in hippocampus‐dependent learning
Authors: Goldberg Lisa R. , Kutlu Munir Gunes , Zeid Dana , Seemiller Laurel R. , Gould Thomas J.
Published: April 2021

Cognitive deficits, such as disrupted learning, are a major symptom of nicotine withdrawal. These deficits are heritable, yet their genetic basis is largely unknown. Our lab has developed a mouse model of nicotine withdrawal deficits in learning, using chronic nicotine exposure via osmotic minipumps and fear conditioning. Here, we utilized the BXD genetic reference panel to identify genetic variants underlying nicotine withdrawal deficits in learning. Male and female mice (n = 6–11 per sex per strain, 31 strains) received either chronic saline or nicotine (6.3 mg/kg per day for 12 days), and were then tested for hippocampus‐dependent learning deficits using contextual fear conditioning. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping analyses using GeneNetwork identified a significant QTL on Chromosome 4 (82.13 Mb, LRS = 20.03, p < 0.05). Publicly available hippocampal gene expression data were used to identify eight positional candidates (Snacpc3, Mysm1, Rps6, Plaa, Lurap1l, Slc24a2, Hacd4, Ptprd) that overlapped with our behavioral QTL and correlated with our behavioral data. Overall, this study demonstrates that genetic factors impact cognitive deficits during nicotine withdrawal in the BXD recombinant inbred panel and identifies candidate genes for future research.
Sand geographies: Disentangling the material foundations of the built environment
Authors: John Robert
Published: April 2021

Sand is the world's most used construction material forming the physical backbone of the built environment, while its extraction is causing severe socioecological damages and political–economic frictions. This paper answers the need for more scientific attention, by tracing sand and the geographies of its multiple entanglements from the global economy to the local socioecological effects of its exploitation. First, the article reviews existing literature, providing an introduction into sand's political relevance, economic use, geophysical dynamics and socioenvironmental effects of its extraction. Second, it proposes a sociomaterial geography of sand centred around resource geographies, calling for a stronger engagement with the material foundations of urbanisation and its spatiotemporal effects. Overall, the article calls for more sociomaterial analyses of sand in order to challenge its normalisation as a universal, readily available, cheap and conflict‐free construction material.
Is being green what matters? Functional diversity of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps and their interaction networks with parasites in different reforestation types in Amazonia
Authors: de Araújo Gustavo Júnior , Storck‐Tonon Danielle , Dáttilo Wesley , Izzo Thiago Junqueira
Published: April 2021

Understanding the processes that shape biotic interactions within biological communities helps us to develop strategies for the establishment of ecological communities and to rehabilitate the functionality of degraded environments.

We evaluated the functional diversity of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps and their interaction networks established with nest parasites in different types of reforestation in Southern Amazonia. To do so, we used bee and wasp trap‐nests to sample six different types of environments: pasture, teak reforestation, fig reforestation, mixed reforestation, natural regeneration and primary forest.

Although the bees' functional diversity indices evaluated did not vary between reforestation types and natural forests, the functional traits of these insects were quite different in reforestation with planting species, especially teak. For wasps, we observed lower functional diversity in pasture, fig plantation and mixed reforestation. Moreover, we observed that while teak reforestation presented the highest parasite richness, parasitism rate and diversity of interactions, natural regeneration shows higher interaction specialisation.

Our results indicate that the simplification of the structure of reforested environments contributes to increase the divergence in the functional diversity of cavity‐nesting bee and wasp community and the interactions they establish with their parasites in relation to natural environments. However, these differences can be reduced by structuring the environment. Thus, natural regeneration can be a favourable strategy if the degraded areas are not severely impacted and present proximity to the source of propagules.
Effects of micro‐sized mullite on cristobalite crystallization and properties of silica‐based ceramic cores
Authors: Zheng Wenlong , Chen Xiao , Liu Chunyang , Ren Shiping , Zhang Li
Published: April 2021

Silica‐based ceramic cores are extensively used in investment casting process, during which they must exhibit sufficient flexural strength and deformation resistance. In this study, micro‐sized mullite was used as an additive to silica‐based ceramic cores to optimize their high temperature properties. To investigate the effects of micro‐sized mullite on cristobalite crystallization, mechanical and thermal properties of silica‐based ceramic cores, ceramic cores with different amounts of micro‐sized mullite were fabricated. The XRD results showed that additional micro‐sized mullite diminished the crystallization of cristobalite at high temperatures, primarily caused by the mullite related compressive stresses on the surface regions of fused silica particles. Three‐point bending tests and SEM results showed that micro‐sized mullite had a more significant effect on the flexural strength of ceramic cores compared with conventional additives. Particularly, the fracture mechanism of silica‐based ceramic cores had been changed from intergranular fracture into a mixed fracture consisting of both intergranular and transgranular fracture. The mechanical and thermal properties of ceramic cores were all reduced slightly as the mullite content exceed 4.6 wt%. Hence, to optimize the properties of silica‐based ceramic cores, the micro‐sized mullite content should not exceed 4.6 wt%.
Can umami taste be an adequate tool for reducing sodium in food preparations?
Authors: Rosa Mariana Simões do Couto , Pinto‐e‐Silva Maria Elisabeth Machado , Simoni Natalia Koren
Published: April 2021

Researches indicate that the Brazilian population is still consuming sodium in excess and national epidemiological studies, have not verified the impact of taste modifications provided by the formulations available on the market and in homemade meals. The objective is to verify whether the basic umami taste, in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG) monohydrate, is an alternative for reducing sodium in the preparation of meals. Also, to confirm the ideal concentration of MSG equivalent to acceptance with salt, and the impact of an explanatory video about warnings of salt excess on consumer behaviour, regarding the intention to use table salt in meals. For this study, three concentrations of sodium were used in the preparations rice and ground meat: one with the intrinsic sodium of the food, one with the addition of salt, 1 g for 100 g of rice and for meat, and one with salt and MSG, for 100 g of rice, 0.54% are of salt and 0.43% are of MSG and for 100 g of meat, 0.55% are of salt and 0.44% are of MSG. All quantities were suggested by a previous study, confirmed in a sensorial pre‐test. The acceptability of preparations was assessed by the preference test. The levels of sodium and glutamic acid in the test preparations were also analysed. The results showed no significant difference between the exposed to the video. This study showed a sodium reduction of at least 30% in rice and 33% in ground meat, two kinds of meals widely consumed in Brazil, maintaining the same acceptance. These data suggest that the partial substitution of NaCl with MSG/umami can be an alternative to reduce sodium in meals.
HLA‐G in Mayas from Yucatan: An evolutionary approach
Authors: Arnaiz‐Villena Antonio , Suárez‐Trujillo Fabio , Palacio‐Gruber José , Rodríguez‐Sainz Carmen , Fernández‐Cruz Eduardo , Martín‐Villa José Manuel , Fragoso José Manuel
Published: April 2021

HLA‐G allele frequencies were studied in Yucatán (Mexico) Maya Amerindians by a direct exon DNA sequencing technique. It is described that Mayas are probably one of the first populations together with Olmecs that populated Meso America and that important HLA genetic differences between Mexican and Guatemalan Mayas support that Maya languages were imposed to several neighbouring Amerindian groups. HLA‐G*01:01:02, HLA‐G*01:01:01 and HLA‐G*01:04:01 are the most frequent alleles in this population. It is remarkable that HLA‐G*01:05N allele was not found in the population in accordance with similar results found in another Amerindians. Also, protein allele HLA‐G*01:04 frequency is found not to differ to those found in another far or close living Amerindians in contrast to other World populations. It seems that while high HLA‐G*01:05N frequency is found in Iran and Middle East populations, probably where this allele appeared within an ancestral HLA‐A*19 group of alleles haplotype and it is maintained by unknown evolutionary forces, Amerindians do not have a high frequency because a founder effect or because required natural evolutionary forces do not exist in America. Finally, we believe useful to study HLA‐G evolution for its physiopathology understanding in addition to the many papers on statistics on HLA‐G and in vitro models that are yearly published.
Robertsonian rearrangements in Neotropical Meliponini karyotype evolution (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: Cunha M. S. , Soares F. A. F. , Clarindo W. R. , Campos L. A. O. , Lopes D. M.
Published: April 2021

Genome changes, evidenced through karyotype or nuclear genome size data, can result in reproductive isolation, diversification and speciation. The aim of this study was to understand how changes in the karyotype such as chromosome number and nuclear genome size accompanied the evolution of neotropical stingless bees, and to discuss these data in a phylogenetic context focusing on the karyotype evolution of this clade. We sampled 38 species representing the three Neotropical Meliponini groups; 35 for karyotype analyses and 16 for 1C value measurement. The chromosome number varied from 2n = 16 to 2n = 34, with distinct karyotypic formulae and the presence of a few polymorphisms, such as B chromosomes in one species and arm size differences between homologous chromosomes in two species. The mean 1C value varied from 0.31 pg to 0.92 pg. We associated empirical data on chromosome number and mean 1C value to highlight the importance of Robertsonian fusion rearrangements, leading to a decrease in chromosome number during the Neotropical Meliponini evolution. These data also allowed us to infer the independent heterochromatin amplification in several genera. Although less frequent, Melipona species with 2n = 22 represent evidence of Robertsonian fissions. We also pointed out the importance of chromosomal rearrangements that did not alter chromosome number, such as inversions and heterochromatin amplification.
Making the most of high‐dimensional cytometry data
Authors: Marsh‐Wakefield Felix MD , Mitchell Andrew J , Norton Samuel E , Ashhurst Thomas Myles , Leman Julia KH , Roberts Joanna M , Harte Jessica E , McGuire Helen M , Kemp Roslyn A
Published: April 2021

High‐dimensional cytometry represents an exciting new era of immunology research, enabling the discovery of new cells and prediction of patient responses to therapy. A plethora of analysis and visualization tools and programs are now available for both new and experienced users; however, the transition from low‐ to high‐dimensional cytometry requires a change in the way users think about experimental design and data analysis. Data from high‐dimensional cytometry experiments are often underutilized, because of both the size of the data and the number of possible combinations of markers, as well as to a lack of understanding of the processes required to generate meaningful data. In this article, we explain the concepts behind designing high‐dimensional cytometry experiments and provide considerations for new and experienced users to design and carry out high‐dimensional experiments to maximize quality data collection.
Student‐led field studies of herbivory: Hands‐on experiences for remote (or in‐person) learning
Authors: Berke Sarah K. , Clark Rebecca M.
Published: April 2021

Challenging students to independently design and implement experiments is a powerful way to teach the scientific method while engaging with STEM‐related course material. For ecology and organismal biology, such experiences often take the form of field work. The COVID‐19 pandemic presented formidable challenges for instructors of such courses: How can students conductanyexperiments, much less ones of their own design, when they might not even have access to campus? Here we describe a student‐led field project exploring invertebrate herbivory in terrestrial plant systems. Designed to flexibly accommodate student groups working either in‐person, remotely, or both, the project would be suitable for invertebrate biology, plant biology, or general ecology courses at the college or high school level. We describe our implementation in two sections of a sophomore‐level course, provide specific advice based on our experiences, make suggestions for future improvements or adaptations, and provide all the written materials that instructors would need to implement this in their own teaching.
Properties of irradiated sodium borosilicate glasses from experiment and atomistic simulations
Authors: Sun Mengli , Jahn Sandro , Peng Haibo , Zhang Xiaoyang , Wang Tieshan , Kowalski Piotr M.
Published: April 2021

With a combination of atomistic modeling and experimental techniques, we have investigated the structural and elastic parameters of sodium borosilicate glasses, including irradiation‐induced changes. Both approaches show that the Young's modulus depends linearly on the density of material. The simulated glass density and boron speciation match also the estimates by independent, elemental glass composition‐based models, indicating that atomistic simulations could be used in validation of theoretical models and experimental results. This allows us to formulate Young's modulus—density relationships for investigated borosilicate glasses and test the existing empirical model for description of Vickers hardness of these materials. The simulation of irradiation reveals a change of B[4] content under irradiation. By applying a simple defects accumulation procedure, we are able to correctly reproduce the measured critical irradiation dose of ~0.1 dpa and provide reasonable information on density change and stored internal energy. With the obtained agreements between the experimental and simulation results, we obtained superior insights into the atomic‐scale structural evolution of irradiated borosilicate glasses.
Construction of an immune‐related LncRNA signature with prognostic significance for bladder cancer
Authors: Luo Wen‐Jie , Tian Xi , Xu Wen‐Hao , Qu Yuan‐Yuan , Zhu Wen‐Kai , Wu Jie , Ma Chun‐Guang , Zhang Hai‐Liang , Ye Ding‐Wei , Zhu Yi‐Ping
Published: April 2021

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most common urological cancer with increasing cases and deaths every year. In the present study, we aim to construct an immune‐related prognostic lncRNA signature (IRPLS) in bladder cancer (BLCA) patients and explore its immunogenomic implications in pan‐cancers. First, the immune‐related differentially expressed lncRNAs (IRDELs) were identified by ‘limma’ R package and the score of IRPLS in every patient were evaluated by Cox regression. The dysregulation of IRDELs expression between cancer and para‐cancer normal tissues was validated through RT‐qPCR. Then, we further explore the biological functions of a novel lncRNA from IRPLS, RP11‐89 in BLCA using CCK8 assay, Transwell assay and Apoptosis analysis, which indicated that RP11‐89 was able to promote cell proliferation and invasive capacity while inhibits cell apoptosis in BLCA. In addition, we performed bioinformatic methods and RIP to investigate and validate the RP11‐89/miR‐27a‐3p/PPARγ pathway in order to explore the mechanism. Next, CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithm were used to evaluate abundance of tumour‐infiltrating immune cells and scores of tumour environment elements in BLCA with different level of IRPLS risk scores. Finally, multiple bioinformatic methods were performed to show us the immune landscape of these four lncRNAs for pan‐cancers. In conclusion, this study first constructed an immune‐related prognostic lncRNA signature, which consists of RP11‐89, PSORS1C3, LINC02672 and MIR100HG and might shed lights on novel targets for individualized immunotherapy for BLCA patients.
Annual Research Review: Youth firearm violence disparities in the United States and implications for prevention
Authors: Bottiani Jessika H. , Camacho Daniel A. , Lindstrom Johnson Sarah , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Research has identified the United States (U.S.) as a global outlier in its firearm ownership rates, with a correspondingly higher risk of youth firearm violence compared to other countries. The relative extent of disparities in youth firearm violence within the U.S. has been less clear. Little is known about factors in the social ecology driving these disparities and whether current firearm violence prevention approaches sufficiently address them.

Method

Applying a health disparities framework, we synthesized epidemiological, sociological, and prevention science literatures, emphasizing structural inequalities in youth sociocultural positionality in life course developmental context. We also highlighted findings from national injury data and other studies regarding the magnitude and impacts of youth firearm violence disparities.

Results

The burden of firearm violence varied markedly at intersections of gender, race, place, developmental stage, and homicidal or suicidal intent. Firearm homicide among Black boys and young men (ages 15‐24) was at outlier levels ‐ many times greater than the rates of any other demographic group, developmental stage, or violence intent, particularly in urban settings. Recent research has operationalized structural racism and implicated historically racialized spaces as a root cause of this disparity. In contrast, elevated firearm suicide rates were found among Native and White boys and young men in rural settings; firearm‐related cultural attitudes and gender socialization were points of consideration to explain these disparities. We highlighted research‐based youth firearm violence preventive interventions, and emphasized gaps in efforts focused on structural and sociocultural factors.

Conclusions

More explicit attention to reducing firearm homicide among Black boys and young men and firearm suicide among Native and rural White boys and young men is urgently needed and has potential to substantially lower overall rates of firearm violence in the U.S.
Optimizing the SEM specimen preparation method for accurate microanalysis of carbon nanotube/nanocluster hybrids
Authors: Yue Nailin , Wang Li , He Xingquan , Liu Hongyan , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2021

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) integrated with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDS) are scientifically used to characterise the morphology, chemical composition and elemental distribution of powder samples. Upon an accessible analytical instrument, the specimen preparation method directly affects the quality and accuracy of the observation and analysis. In this paper, three preparation methods were utilised to characterise the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based materials, and their strengths as well as the limitations are discussed. Thus, a characterisation strategy was established by comparing the obtained three measurement together with the derived sample information. To the end, we proposed to acquire the backscattered electron (BSE) images of nanoscale heavier nanoclusters grafted CNTs, typically for wide functional applications such as energy conversion and storage. Our proposed optimum method works particularly on the clarification of powder samples with small particle sizes and low atomic numbers, which underscores the involved contribution of SEM backscattered electron images.
Kynurenine pathway metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid and blood as potential biomarkers in Huntington's disease
Authors: Rodrigues Filipe B. , Byrne Lauren M. , Lowe Alexander J. , Tortelli Rosanna , Heins Mariette , Flik Gunnar , Johnson Eileanoir B. , De Vita Enrico , Scahill Rachael I. , Giorgini Flaviano , Wild Edward J.
Published: April 2021

Converging lines of evidence from several models, and post‐mortem human brain tissue studies, support the involvement of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. Quantifying KP metabolites in HD biofluids is desirable, both to study pathobiology and as a potential source of biomarkers to quantify pathway dysfunction and evaluate the biochemical impact of therapeutic interventions targeting its components. In a prospective single‐site controlled cohort study with standardised collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, phenotypic and imaging data, we used high‐performance liquid‐chromatography to measure the levels of KP metabolites—tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3‐hydroxykynurenine, anthranilic acid and quinolinic acid—in CSF and plasma of 80 participants (20 healthy controls, 20 premanifest HD and 40 manifest HD). We investigated short‐term stability, intergroup differences, associations with clinical and imaging measures and derived sample‐size calculation for future studies. Overall, KP metabolites in CSF and plasma were stable over 6 weeks, displayed no significant group differences and were not associated with clinical or imaging measures. We conclude that the studied metabolites are readily and reliably quantifiable in both biofluids in controls and HD gene expansion carriers. However, we found little evidence to support a substantial derangement of the KP in HD, at least to the extent that it is reflected by the levels of the metabolites in patient‐derived biofluids.

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Role of mass effect and trehalose on early erythrolysis after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Gong Yuhua , Ren Peng , Deng Jia , Hou Zongkun , Guo Tingwang , Hao Shilei , Wang Bochu
Published: April 2021

The mechanisms of brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) involve mass effect‐induced primary injury and secondary injury caused by a pathologic response to the hematoma. Considerable attentions have recently been paid to the mechanisms and therapeutic strategy for secondary brain injury due to no overall benefit from early surgery compared with initial conservative treatment. However, it is unclear whether there is a causal relationship between mass effect and secondary brain injury. Here, the role of mass effect on early erythrolysis after experimental ICH was investigated based on the poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) ICH model. Autologous blood and PNIPAM hydrogel were co‐injected into the right basal ganglia of rats to induce different degrees of mass effect, but with a constant hematoma. The influences of different mass effect and time courses on erythrolysis and brain damages after ICH were investigated. Furthermore, the protective effect of trehalose against erythrolysis after ICH was evaluated. The results showed that mass effect caused erythrocyte morphological change at 24 hr after ICH. The released hemoglobin was quantitatively evaluated by a polynomial concerning with the mass effect, the volume of hematoma, and the time of ICH. An obvious increase in heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule‐1 (Iba‐1) expression, iron deposition, cell death, and neurological deficits was observed with increasing mass effect. Moreover, trehalose alleviated brain injury by inhibiting erythrolysis after ICH. These data demonstrated that mass effect accelerated the erythrolysis and brain damages after ICH, which could be relieved through trehalose therapy.

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Treatment responses in chronic temporomandibular patients depending on the treatment modalities and frequency of parafunctional behaviour
Authors: Gikić Marijana , Vrbanović Ema , Zlendić Marko , Alajbeg Iva Z.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

(i) To evaluate the effect of three different interventions on treatment outcomes and (ii) to determine how the frequency of oral parafunction influences the effectiveness of the different therapeutic modalities.

Methods

Forty‐five participants were randomly assigned into three treatment groups [physical therapy (PT), stabilisation splint (SS) and control therapy (CT)]. According to Oral Behavior Checklist score, participants were divided into “high‐frequency parafunction” (HFP) and low‐frequency parafunction” (LFP) group. Primary (spontaneous pain and characteristic pain intensity) and secondary outcomes (range of mouth opening, anxiety symptoms, quality of life, perceived stress and global functional limitation) were evaluated during six‐month treatment period.

Results

Participants in PT group showed a significant reduction in characteristic pain intensity (p = .047, η2 = 0.243) when compared to SS and CT group, but significant improvement in spontaneous pain was found in all treatment groups. Patients treated with PT and SS exhibited significantly stronger improvement in pain‐free mouth opening than patients in CT group (3rd month: p=.037, η2=0.258; 6th month: p = .005, η2 = 0.383). Within‐group analyses showed significant decrease of perceived stress, anxiety symptoms and global functional limitation only in PT group over a six‐month treatment period. Participants with HFP presented significantly greater levels of anxiety (3rd month: p = .009, η2 = 0.275; 6th month: p = .041, η2 = 0.176) than participants with LFP. Within‐group analyses, however, showed significant improvement of anxiety, but also the decrease of perceived stress and improvement of global limitation for the HFP group but not for the LFP group.

Conclusion

Although no treatment can be marked as superior in terms of spontaneous pain relief, PT was more effective when observing relief of characteristic pain intensity. In HFP group the reduction of anxiety, stress and functional limitation was present regardless of the applied therapy.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04694274. Registered on 01/04/2021.
Nutrient deposition enhances post‐fire survival in non‐N‐fixing savanna tree seedlings
Authors: Varma Varun , Sankaran Mahesh
Published: April 2021

Questions

Nutrient deposition can modify plant growth and potentially alter the susceptibility of plants to disturbance events, while simultaneously influencing properties of the disturbance regimes themselves. With deposition rates accelerating, ecosystems such as savannas and tropical dry forests that are characterised by frequent disturbances such as fire, might be particularly sensitive to changes in nutrient availability. In these mixed tree–grass ecosystems, tree seedling growth rates strongly influence the ability of seedlings to survive fire, and hence, vegetation structure and tree community composition. However, the effects of nutrient deposition on the susceptibility of recruiting trees to fire remain poorly quantified. Here we ask: (a) how does nutrient deposition influence post‐fire survival of tree seedlings, and hence, tree recruitment in savannas; and (b) whether the co‐dominant functional groups (N‐fixers and non‐N‐fixers) respond differently, signalling a potential for long‐term changes in tree communities.

Location

Savannas and tropical dry forests of India.

Methods

In a field experiment, seedlings of four N‐fixing and four non‐N‐fixing savanna tree species were grown for 18 months while exposed to a factorial combination of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition. We quantified nutrient‐mediated changes in mean seedling growth and growth of the fastest growing individuals. Seedlings were then exposed to a fire treatment at the end of 18 months, and post‐fire seedling survival recorded after six months.

Results

N‐fixers showed substantially greater post‐fire seedling survival compared to non‐N‐fixers in unfertilised treatments. Nutrient addition did not alter post‐fire survival of N‐fixers. However, fertilisation, especially with N, increased post‐fire survival in non‐N‐fixers by increasing the growth of the fastest growing individuals.

Conclusions

Nutrient deposition can dilute the relative advantage of N‐fixing seedlings in terms of their post‐fire survival, potentially leading to increased relative abundances of non‐N‐fixers in post‐fire resprout communities, with long‐term consequences for the composition of savanna tree communities.
Liquidity in competitive dealer markets
Authors: Bank Peter , Ekren Ibrahim , Muhle‐Karbe Johannes
Published: April 2021

We study a continuous‐time version of the intermediation model of Grossman and Miller. To wit, we solve for the competitive equilibrium prices at which liquidity takers' demands are absorbed by dealers with quadratic inventory costs, who can in turn gradually transfer these positions to an exogenous open market with finite liquidity. This endogenously leads to transient price impact in the dealer market. Smooth, diffusive, and discrete trades all incur finite but nontrivial liquidity costs, and can arise naturally from the liquidity takers' optimization.
Riboswitch control of bacterial RNA stability
Authors: Richards Jamie , Belasco Joel G.
Published: April 2021

Although riboswitches have long been known to regulate translation initiation and transcription termination, a growing body of evidence indicates that they can also control bacterial RNA lifetimes by acting directly to hasten or impede RNA degradation. Ligand binding to the aptamer domain of a riboswitch can accelerate RNA decay by triggering a conformational change that exposes sites to endonucleolytic cleavage or by catalyzing the self‐cleavage of a prefolded ribozyme. Alternatively, the conformational change induced by ligand binding can protect RNA from degradation by blocking access to an RNA terminus or internal region that would otherwise be susceptible to attack by an exonuclease or endonuclease. Such changes in RNA longevity often accompany a parallel effect of the same riboswitch on translation or transcription. Consequently, a single riboswitch aptamer may govern the function of multiple effector elements (expression platforms) that are co‐resident within a transcript and act independently of one another.