bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can fisheries bioenergetics modelling refine spatially explicit assessments of climate change vulnerability?
Authors: Troia Matthew J , Perkin Joshuah S
Published: July 2022

Rising water temperature under climate change is affecting the physiology, population dynamics and geographic distribution of freshwater taxa. We propose a novel application of individual-based bioenergetics modelling (BEM) to assess the physiological impacts of warming on freshwater fishes across broad spatial extents. We test this approach using the Guadalupe bass (Micropterus treculii), a species of conservation and recreational significance that is endemic to central TX, USA. We projected historical-to-future changes (middle 20th century to end of 21st century) in daily bioenergetics of individual fish across 7872 stream reaches and compared this output to changes in reach occupancy derived from traditional species distribution modelling (SDM). SDMs project an 8.7% to 52.1% decrease in reach occupancy, depending on model parameterizations and climate change scenarios. Persistence is projected in the central Edwards Plateau region, whereas extirpations are projected for the warmer southeastern region. BEM projected a median 79.3% and 143.2% increase in somatic growth of age-1 Guadalupe bass across historically occupied reaches under moderate and severe climate change scenarios, respectively. Higher end-of-year body size under future climate was caused by a longer growing season. Future scenarios exploring suppressed or enhanced prey consumption suggest that small changes in prey availability will have relatively greater effects on growth than forecasted changes in temperature. Projected growth was geographically discordant with SDM-based habitat suitability, suggesting that SDMs do not accurately reflect fundamental thermal niche dimensions. Our assessment suggests that for locations where the species persists, Guadalupe bass may benefit from warming, although realized consumption gains will depend on seasonal, spatially varying changes in prey availability and other biotic and abiotic factors. More generally, we demonstrate that uniting species-specific BEM with spatially explicit climate change projections can elucidate the physiological impacts of climate change—including seasonal variation—on freshwater fishes across broad geographic extents to complement traditional SDM.
Using transcriptomics to predict and visualize disease status in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Authors: Bowen Lizabeth , Manlove Kezia , Roug Annette , Waters Shannon , LaHue Nate , Wolff Peregrine
Published: July 2022

Increasing risk of pathogen spillover coupled with overall declines in wildlife population abundance in the Anthropocene make infectious disease a relevant concern for species conservation worldwide. While emerging molecular tools could improve our diagnostic capabilities and give insight into mechanisms underlying wildlife disease risk, they have rarely been applied in practice. Here, employing a previously reported gene transcription panel of common immune markers to track physiological changes, we present a detailed analysis over the course of both acute and chronic infection in one wildlife species where disease plays a critical role in conservation, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). Differential gene transcription patterns distinguished between infection statuses over the course of acute infection and differential correlation (DC) analyses identified clear changes in gene co-transcription patterns over the early stages of infection, with transcription of four genes—TGFb, AHR, IL1b and MX1—continuing to increase even as transcription of other immune-associated genes waned. In a separate analysis, we considered the capacity of the same gene transcription panel to aid in differentiating between chronically infected animals and animals in other disease states outside of acute disease events (an immediate priority for wildlife management in this system). We found that this transcription panel was capable of accurately identifying chronically infected animals in the test dataset, though additional data will be required to determine how far this ability extends. Taken together, our results showcase the successful proof of concept and breadth of potential utilities that gene transcription might provide to wildlife disease management, from direct insight into mechanisms associated with differential disease response to improved diagnostic capacity in the field.
Mathematical models of message discrepancy: previous models and a modified psychological discounting model
Authors: Chung Sungeun , Fink Edward L
Published: July 2022

Formal modeling is rare in communication studies. Still, several mathematical models have been proposed regarding the persuasive effects of message discrepancy, the difference between a message’s advocated position and a message recipient’s initial position. With numerical simulations, we analyzed four formal models to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Based on analyses of previous models, we proposed a modified psychological discounting model by solving a differential equation regarding the rate of change of the probability of message acceptance with respect to psychological discrepancy. Whereas previous models predicted nonmonotonic relationships between message discrepancy and belief change, the new model predicts that as message discrepancy increases, belief change monotonically increases unless facilitating factors change due to extremely discrepant messages. We discuss differences between the previous models and the new model, and their significance and implications for theories of persuasion as well as the limitations of the new model.
Sex recognition does not modulate aggression toward nest intruders in a paper wasp
Authors: de Souza André Rodrigues , Franca Wilson , Prato Amanda , Nascimento Fábio Santos do
Published: July 2022

During social interactions, the behavior of an individual often depends on the sex of its social partner. Many animal societies have males and females that play very different behavioral roles, although they coexist and interact non-sexually. At specific phases of the colony cycle, social wasp females and males are contemporaries within a nest, they often interact, although mating occurs mostly off the nest, therefore providing an opportunity to test sex discrimination in contexts other than classical sexual ones. We performed a lure presentation experiment to test if Mischocyttarus metathoracicus discriminate between conspecifics of the 2 sexes during on-nest social interactions. Female wasps discriminated conspecific sex during experimentally simulated nest intrusions. Visual and chemical cues may account for this sex discrimination. Despite sex discrimination (evidenced by differential inspective behavior from the nest females toward the female and the male lures), female wasps were as aggressive toward lures of both sexes. In the female-dominated hymenopteran societies, males are often subordinate and not aggressive on nest, resulting in females directing less aggression to them compared to other females. Instead, M. metathoracicus males and females are both aggressive toward nestmates, so they might be perceived as similar threat during on-nest social interactions.
Prognostic impact of examined mediastinal lymph node count in clinical N0 non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kamigaichi Atsushi , Aokage Keiju , Katsumata Shinya , Ishii Genichiro , Wakabayashi Masashi , Miyoshi Tomohiro , Tane Kenta , Samejima Joji , Tsuboi Masahiro
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES

The number of examined mediastinal lymph nodes (mLNs) could represent the quality of mediastinal lymphadenectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of the number of examined individual mLNs in patients with resectable NSCLC.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 1420 patients with clinical stage IA–IIB, N0 NSCLC who underwent complete resection by lobectomy, which involved hilar and mLN dissection, between 2008 and 2016. We investigated the threshold number of examined mLNs that had prognostic significance and evaluated their effects on the risk of mLN recurrence.

RESULTS

In a respective multivariable analysis according to the number of examined mLNs, examining ≥3 mLNs [reference (ref.) mLNs ≤2] achieved statistical significance and had the best prognosis (hazard ratio, 0.68; P = 0.013). In the multivariable analyses for each pathological N (pN) stage, ≥3 examined mLNs (ref. mLNs ≤2) were an independent prognostic factor in pN1 disease (hazard ratio, 0.32, P = 0.002), but not in pN0 or pN2 disease. The cumulative incidence of mLN recurrence was significantly lower in patients with ≥3 examined mLNs (ref. mLNs ≤2, hazard ratio, 0.27; P = 0.008) in pN1 disease. Patients with ≥3 examined mLNs had higher upstaging rates to pN2 than those with ≤2 examined mLNs.

CONCLUSIONS

Examining ≥3 mLNs contributed to a favourable prognosis and low mLN recurrence risk in patients with clinical stage I–II, N0 NSCLC. Our findings can serve as a benchmark for the number of required mLNs to be examined.
Histological and structural effects of biodegradable polydioxanone stents in the rabbit trachea
Authors: Morante-Valverde Rocío , Usategui Alicia , López María , Grau Montserrat , Luna-Paredes Ma Carmen , Albi Salomé , Alonso-Riaño Marina , Pablos José L , Antón-Pacheco Juan L
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential biologic effects caused by the successive placement of biodegradable polydioxanone (PDO) stents in the rabbit trachea. PDO stents could eventually induce a fibroproliferative reaction in the submucosa that could be beneficial in the treatment of malacia due to an increase in its consistency without impairing the tracheal lumen.

METHODS

Sixteen adult NZ rabbits were distributed into 3 groups with different survival times according to the number of stents placed: 1 stent (14 weeks), 2 stents (28 weeks) and 3 stents (42 weeks). Stent insertion was performed endoscopically in the cervical trachea of the animal. Histopathological studies included Masson’s trichrome staining for submucosal fibrosis and Safranin O to assess the structural integrity of cartilage. Potential inflammatory changes were analysed by means of immunohistochemistry determining the number of CD45-positive cells.

RESULTS

Stent placement was successful in every case. Histological studies did not show a statistically significant increase in tracheal wall collagen area and cartilage structure was not modified in those rabbits with 1 or more PDO stents inserted compared to non-stented tracheal sections. Furthermore, no statistically significant changes in the number of CD45+ cells were observed in stented tracheal segments compared to normal tracheal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our data, successive PDO stenting caused mild inflammatory changes in the tracheal wall and no increase in the collagen matrix, and the cartilaginous support was not modified during a long follow-up period (up to 42 weeks). These findings suggest that they may be safe and show good biocompatibility in the long term.
General practitioners’ role in improving health care in care homes: a realist review
Authors: Chadborn Neil H , Devi Reena , Goodman Claire , Williams Christopher D , Sartain Kate , Gordon Adam L
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite recent focus on improving health care in care homes, it is unclear what role general practitioners (GPs) should play. To provide evidence for future practice we set out to explore how GPs have been involved in such improvements.

Methods

Realist review incorporated theory-driven literature searches and stakeholder interviews, supplemented by focussed searches on GP-led medication reviews and end-of-life care. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library were searched. Grey literature was identified through internet searches and professional networks. Studies were included based upon relevance. Data were coded to develop and test contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes for improvements involving GPs.

Results

Evidence was synthesized from 30 articles. Programme theories described: (i) “negotiated working with GPs,” where other professionals led improvement and GPs provided expertise; and (ii) “GP involvement in national/regional improvement programmes.” The expertise of GPs was vital to many improvement programmes, with their medical expertise or role as coordinators of primary care proving pivotal. GPs had limited training in quality improvement (QI) and care home improvement work had to be negotiated in the context of wider primary care commitments.

Conclusions

GPs are central to QI in health care in care homes. Their contributions relate to their specialist expertise and recognition as leaders of primary care but are challenged by available time and resources to develop this role.
Interspecific Differences in the Flow Regimes and Drag of North Pacific Skate Egg Cases
Authors: Hall Kayla C , Elcock Jaida N , Hoff Gerald R , Stevenson Duane E , Summers Adam P , Donatelli Cassandra M
Published: July 2022

Synopsis

Skates are a diverse group of dorso-ventrally compressed cartilaginous fish found primarily in high-latitude seas. These slow-growing oviparous fish deposit their fertilized eggs into cases, which then rest on the seafloor. Developing skates remain in their cases for 1–4 years after they are deposited, meaning the abiotic characteristics of the deposition sites, such as current and substrate type, must interact with the capsule in a way to promote long residency. Egg cases are morphologically variable and can be identified to species. Both the gross morphology and the microstructures of the egg case interact with substrate to determine how well a case stays in place on a current-swept seafloor. Our study investigated the egg case hydrodynamics of eight North Pacific skate species to understand how their morphology affects their ability to stay in place. We used a flume to measure maximum current velocity, or “break-away velocity,” each egg case could withstand before being swept off the substrate and a tilt table to measure the coefficient of static friction between each case and the substrate. We also used the programing software R to calculate theoretical drag on the egg cases of each species. For all flume trials, we found the morphology of egg cases and their orientation to flow to be significantly correlated with break-away velocity. In certain species, the morphology of the egg case was correlated with flow rate required to dislodge a case from the substrate in addition to the drag experienced in both the theoretical and flume experiments. These results effectively measure how well the egg cases of different species remain stationary in a similar habitat. Parsing out attachment biases and discrepancies in flow regimes of egg cases allows us to identify where we are likely to find other elusive species nursery sites. These results will aid predictive models for locating new nursery habitats and protective policies for avoiding the destruction of these nursery sites.
Impact of reductive tricuspid ring annuloplasty on right ventricular size, geometry and strain in an ovine model of functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Iwasieczko Artur , Malinowski Marcin , Solarewicz Monica , Bush Jared , MacDougall Brian , Rausch Manuel , Timek Tomasz A
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES

Reductive ring annuloplasty of the tricuspid annulus represents the contemporary surgical approach to functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR). We set out to investigate the influence of moderate reductive tricuspid ring annuloplasty on tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular (RV) size, geometry and strain in an ovine model of chronic FTR.

METHODS

Eight healthy Dorsett male sheep (62.8 + 2kg) underwent a left thoracotomy for placement and tightening of pulmonary artery band to at least double proximal pulmonary artery blood pressure. After 8 weeks of recovery, animals underwent sternotomy, epicardial echocardiography and sonomicrometry crystal implantation. Six crystals were placed around tricuspid annulus and 13 on RV free wall epicardium along 3 parallels defining 3 wall regions (basal, mid and lower) and 1 on the RV apex. All animals underwent beating heart implantation of 26 mm MC3 annuloplasty ring during a second cardiopulmonary bypass run after baseline data acquisition. Simultaneous haemodynamic, sonomicrometry and echocardiography data were acquired at Baseline and after reductive tricuspid ring annuloplasty.

RESULTS

Implantation of reductive ring annuloplasty resulted in 47 ± 7% annular area reduction (996 ± 152 mm vs 516 ± 52 mm2, P = 0.0002) and significantly decreased RV end-diastolic volume (185 ± 27 vs 165 ± 30 ml, P = 0.02). Tricuspid ring annuloplasty effectively reduced FTR grade (3.75 ± 0.6 vs 0.3 ± 0.5, P = 0.00004) and had little influence on RV function, cross-sectional area, radius of curvature or free wall regional strains.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult sheep with 8 weeks of pulmonary artery banding and FTR, tricuspid annulus reduction of 47% with prosthetic ring annuloplasty effectively abolished FTR while maintaining regional RV function and strain patterns.
A 20-year experience with cryopreserved allografts as the valve replacement of choice in aortic root reconstruction for destructive endocarditis with abscess formation
Authors: Yousif Afram , Ali Khaldoun , Anssar Marcel , Harringer Wolfgang , El-Essawi Aschraf , Brouwer René
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the early- and long-term outcomes following the use of cryopreserved allografts in aortic valve endocarditis with peri-annular abscess formation.

METHODS

From 2001 to 2021, 110 consecutive patients with active infective endocarditis and peri-annular abscess, underwent a cryopreserved allograft root replacement. In 100 patients (91%), the operation was performed <48 h after admission due to refractory heart failure and or septic shock. In 95 patients (86.4%), a redo operation was performed due to a prosthetic valve endocarditis. Preoperatively, 12 patients were dialysis-dependent and 30 patients suffered from a recent stroke.

RESULTS

The 30-day mortality was 18% (20 patients). Freedom from reintervention was 98.3% (standard deviation: 1.7) at 1 year and 83.3% (standard deviation: 8.5) at 10 years. Four patients required a redo operation. Three patients did develop re-endocarditis. Freedom from re-endocarditis was 95% after 17 years of follow-up. Preoperative dialysis dependency (odds ratio: 22.75, 95% confidence interval: 4.79–108.14, P < 0.001), ejection fraction under 30% (odds ratio: 17.91, 95% confidence interval: 3.27–98.01, P < 0.001) and stroke within 14 days prior to operation (odds ratio: 5.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.28–21.2, P = 0.021) were incremental factors associated with the 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In aortic root endocarditis with abscesses formation, cryopreserved allografts exhibit excellent clinical performance with a low rate of reinfection and reintervention, which make its use as valve replacement a very desirable option. Dialysis dependency, ejection fraction under 30% and recent stroke have the highest impact on the 30-day mortality.
Evaluation of pharmacists’ knowledge in emergency preparedness and disaster management
Authors: Ahmad Suleiman Muhammad , Magaji Mohammed Garba , Mohammed Shafiu
Published: July 2022

Background

Emergency preparedness and disaster management are global phenomena that have a significant impact on the economy and healthcare system. Pharmacists have assumed additional responsibilities in the wake of emergencies and disasters that are beyond their training curricula. Some research highlighted the need for pharmacists to assume these responsibilities in the cause of emergency and disaster. The objective of this study is to evaluate pharmacists' knowledge in relation to emergency preparedness and disaster management.

Method

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out from April to August 2020, on selected pharmacists from different areas of practice in Kaduna/Nigeria. Participants were evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire which consisted of 15 knowledge questions that were distributed online using pharmacists' social-media platforms. The questionnaire was adapted from previous studies and was validated by the team of expect using face validation and pre-tested.

Main outcome

The majority of pharmacists have good knowledge of emergency preparedness and disaster management.

Results

The online poll received 102 respondents, and their knowledge was evaluated by rating respondents out of 15 questions. 55%, 40%, and 5% scored good, fair, and poor knowledge respectively. At p<0.05, there was a relationship between knowledge score and years of practice experience, level of education, and area of practice. 44% reported being taught emergency, with the majority at the undergraduate level. 78% of respondents have never participated in drills or workshops.

Conclusion

Pharmacists demonstrated good knowledge of basic emergency and disaster terms, they do, however, need to be more conversant with other emergency areas, which necessitates more training and drills.
Species-Specific Expression of Growth-Regulatory Genes in 2 Anoles with Divergent Patterns of Sexual Size Dimorphism
Authors: Cox Christian L , Logan Michael L , Nicholson Daniel J , Chung Albert K , Rosso Adam A , McMillan W Owen , Cox Robert M
Published: July 2022

Synopsis

Sexual size dimorphism is widespread in nature and often develops through sexual divergence in growth trajectories. In vertebrates, the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) network is an important regulator of growth, and components of this network are often regulated in sex-specific fashion during the development of sexual size dimorphism. However, expression of the GH/IGF network is not well characterized outside of mammalian model systems, and the extent to which species differences in sexual size dimorphism are related to differences in GH/IGF network expression is unclear. To begin bridging this gap, we compared GH/IGF network expression in liver and muscle from 2 lizard congeners, one with extreme male-biased sexual size dimorphism (brown anole, Anolis sagrei), and one that is sexually monomorphic in size (slender anole, A. apletophallus). Specifically, we tested whether GH/IGF network expression in adult slender anoles resembles the highly sex-biased expression observed in adult brown anoles or the relatively unbiased expression observed in juvenile brown anoles. We found that adults of the 2 species differed significantly in the strength of sex-biased expression for several key upstream genes in the GH/IGF network, including insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2. However, species differences in sex-biased expression were minor when comparing adult slender anoles to juvenile brown anoles. Moreover, the multivariate expression of the entire GH/IGF network (as represented by the first two principal components describing network expression) was sex-biased for the liver and muscle of adult brown anoles, but not for either tissue in juvenile brown anoles or adult slender anoles. Our work suggests that species differences in sex-biased expression of genes in the GH/IGF network (particularly in the liver) may contribute to the evolution of species differences in sexual size dimorphism.
Infrared webcam-based non-contact measurement of event-related potentials from event-related pupillary responses: An approach focused on mental workload
Authors: Park Sangin , Kim Laehyun , Ha Jihyeon , Mun Sungchul
Published: July 2022

The event-related potential (ERP) technique is widely used in various fields, but the requirement for sensor attachment limits its application. The aim of this study was to develop an infrared (IR) webcam-based, non-contact system to obtain the amplitudes and latencies of ERP via measurement of event-related pupillary responses (ErPRs) from pupillary rhythms. A total of 32 healthy volunteers participated in this study, and they were required to perform the three levels of mental arithmetic tasks to induce mental workloads (MWLs). ERPs and ErPR were measured by ERP task for the different MWL states and compared based on statistical analysis, classification, correlation, and Bland–Altman plot. Both ERP and ErPR amplitudes and latencies for the three MWL states were revealed by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance to be statistically significantly different. Furthermore, the ERP and ErPR data were found to have 73 and 80% classification performances, respectively, using k-nearest neighbour (10-fold cross validation, n = 96). Correlation coefficients between ERP and ErPR features, which were in the range of 0.642–0.734, indicated good or strong correlation, and good agreement between the indices from these two types of experimental measurement indices was apparent in Bland–Altman plots. An advanced method for IR-webcam-based non-contact determination of ERP components via ErPR measurement was successfully developed, and it was demonstrated that this technique can be used for ERP component monitoring using a low-cost, non-invasive, and easily implemented IR webcam without the burden of sensor attachment.
Full Protection and Security (for Racial Capitalism)
Authors: Tzouvala Ntina
Published: July 2022

Scholars and practitioners of international investment law have repeatedly attempted to legitimise the field by presenting it as an antidote against the arbitrary and excessive powers of the (postcolonial) state. Early cases, such as AAPL v. Sri Lanka, have contributed to this popular, yet ultimately unpersuasive, argument by seemingly constraining the conduct of warfare in the Global South. My contribution questions this received wisdom and in so doing it shows that repressive state violence is not simply permitted but even mandated by international investment law. My analysis focuses on the obligation of host states to provide ‘full protection and security’ (FPS) to foreign investors. My argument unfolds in three steps. First, I examine in detail the tribunal’s approach to FPS in the von Pezold case, an award that stands out amongst the jurisprudent of investment tribunals due to its explicit engagement with questions of race/ism. Secondly, I construct a theory of FPS that draws from US legal realism in order to show that international investment law does not create bilateral legal relations (state-investor) but rather directly determines (and in particular, diminishes) the sphere of lawful action of a potentially indefinite number of actors subject to the host state’s jurisdiction. In other words, I read FPS as a legal standard that aims to create an authoritarian form of statehood and mobilise the state against the exploited and racialised sections of its population. Finally, I link the above observation to broader debates about ‘racial capitalism’. I show that the FPS demands a particular form of racial sovereignty in defence of global capitalist accumulation, and it does so as a matter of structural allocation of violence, and not simply due to bigoted or insensitive language.
High-Dimensional Granger Causality Tests with an Application to VIX and News
Authors: Babii Andrii , Ghysels Eric , Striaukas Jonas
Published: July 2022

We study Granger causality testing for high-dimensional time series using regularized regressions. To perform proper inference, we rely on heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation consistent (HAC) estimation of the asymptotic variance and develop the inferential theory in the high-dimensional setting. To recognize the time-series data structures, we focus on the sparse-group LASSO (sg-LASSO) estimator, which includes the LASSO and the group LASSO as special cases. We establish the debiased central limit theorem for low-dimensional groups of regression coefficients and study the HAC estimator of the long-run variance based on the sg-LASSO residuals. This leads to valid time-series inference for individual regression coefficients as well as groups, including Granger causality tests. The treatment relies on a new Fuk–Nagaev inequality for a class of τ-mixing processes with heavier than Gaussian tails, which is of independent interest. In an empirical application, we study the Granger causal relationship between the VIX and financial news.
Pyogenic granuloma of the larynx
Authors: Hijazi Leen Omar , Asiri Mohammed , Al Mahdi Mohammed Jihad , Pharaon Majed
Published: July 2022

Pyogenic granulomas are benign, typically painless, vascular tumors of the skin and mucosal surface. Recently the term ‘lobular capillary hemangioma’ has been introduced to describe the histological appearance more accurately. Major locations for pyogenic granuloma are in the head and neck region, but larynx localization is rare. In this case report, we present a case of a 36-year-old male with lobular capillary hemangioma of the larynx and discuss the related literature.
A unique scaphocapitate fracture syndrome in an adolescent: a case report and a review of literature from the last decade
Authors: Mortada Hatan , AlKhudhair Mohammed Riyadh , Alsaygh Ehab F , AlModumeegh Abdulaziz S , Kattan Abdullah
Published: July 2022

Scaphocaptiate fracture syndrome is a unique condition and is challenging to manage. This rare fracture develops after high-energy wrist trauma. We reported a patient with a history of falling on an outstretched hand. A 15-year-old boy had scaphocapitate fracture syndrome, which included a displaced fracture of the capitate, an avulsion fracture at the distal tubercle of the scaphoid bone with an extension to the articular surface, and a perilunate fracture. A few months after open reduction and internal fixation were performed, the patient had a satisfying outcome. In addition, we have conducted a review of the literature regarding the mechanism of injury, diagnosis and outcome of published cases in correlation to our discussed case.
Dermal nonneural granular cell tumor: a case report
Authors: El Ochi Mohamed Reda , Essaoudi Amine , Allaoui Mohamed , Abrid Jamal Eddin , Touri Salima , Moussaoui Nada , El Ktaibi Abderrahim , Damiri Amal , Chahdi Hafsa , Oukabli Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Dermal nonneural granular cell tumor is a rare neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis that Le Boit and colleagues originally described in 1991. It arises commonly from the back, extremities and head and neck. To the best of our knowledge, only 50 cases have been reported in adults in the English literature. A 42-year-old man presented with a polypoid skin nodule of the front side of the chest wall, measuring 1,8 × 1,5 cm. The lesion was removed completely with tumor-free margins. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of a diffuse infiltrate of polygonal cells, S 100 negatives, with abundant granular cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei. The diagnosis of dermal nonneural granular cell tumor was retained. No recurrence was noted during follow up of 6 months. The prognosis is good.
Molecular insights into the phototropin control of chloroplast movements
Authors: Łabuz Justyna , Sztatelman Olga , Hermanowicz Paweł
Published: July 2022

Chloroplast movements are controlled by ultraviolet/blue light through phototropins. In Arabidopsis thaliana, chloroplast accumulation at low light intensities and chloroplast avoidance at high light intensities are observed. These responses are controlled by two homologous photoreceptors, the phototropins phot1 and phot2. Whereas chloroplast accumulation is triggered by both phototropins in a partially redundant manner, sustained chloroplast avoidance is elicited only by phot2. Phot1 is able to trigger only a small, transient chloroplast avoidance, followed by the accumulation phase. The source of this functional difference is not fully understood at either the photoreceptor or the signalling pathway levels. In this article, we review current understanding of phototropin functioning and try to dissect the differences that result in signalling to elicit two distinct chloroplast responses. First, we focus on phototropin structure and photochemical and biochemical activity. Next, we analyse phototropin expression and localization patterns. We also summarize known photoreceptor systems controlling chloroplast movements. Finally, we focus on the role of environmental stimuli in controlling phototropin activity. All these aspects impact the signalling to trigger chloroplast movements and raise outstanding questions about the mechanism involved.
The social network of target of rapamycin complex 1 in plants
Authors: Jamsheer K Muhammed , Awasthi Prakhar , Laxmi Ashverya
Published: July 2022

Target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) is a highly conserved serine–threonine protein kinase crucial for coordinating growth according to nutrient availability in eukaryotes. It works as a central integrator of multiple nutrient inputs such as sugar, nitrogen, and phosphate and promotes growth and biomass accumulation in response to nutrient sufficiency. Studies, especially in the past decade, have identified the central role of TORC1 in regulating growth through interaction with hormones, photoreceptors, and stress signaling machinery in plants. In this review, we comprehensively analyse the interactome and phosphoproteome of the Arabidopsis TORC1 signaling network. Our analysis highlights the role of TORC1 as a central hub kinase communicating with the transcriptional and translational apparatus, ribosomes, chaperones, protein kinases, metabolic enzymes, and autophagy and stress response machinery to orchestrate growth in response to nutrient signals. This analysis also suggests that along with the conserved downstream components shared with other eukaryotic lineages, plant TORC1 signaling underwent several evolutionary innovations and co-opted many lineage-specific components during. Based on the protein–protein interaction and phosphoproteome data, we also discuss several uncharacterized and unexplored components of the TORC1 signaling network, highlighting potential links for future studies.
The frequency and mass-ratio distribution of binaries in clusters – I. Description of the method and application to M67
Authors: Albrow Michael D , Ulusele Isaac H
Published: July 2022

We present a new method for probabilistic generative modelling of stellar colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) to infer the frequency of binary stars and their mass-ratio distribution. The method invokes a mixture model to account for overlapping populations of single stars, binaries, and outliers in the CMD. We apply the model to Gaia observations of the old open cluster, M67, and find a frequency fB(q > 0.5) = 0.258 ± 0.019 for binary stars with mass ratio greater than 0.5. The form of the mass-ratio distribution function rises towards higher mass ratios for q > 0.3.
Rectangular core-collapse supernova remnants: application to Puppis A
Authors: Meyer D M-A , Velázquez P F , Petruk O , Chiotellis A , Pohl M , Camps-Fariña A , Petrov M , Reynoso E M , Toledo-Roy J C , Schneiter E M , Castellanos-Ramírez A , Esquivel A
Published: July 2022

Core-collapse supernova remnants are the gaseous nebulae of galactic interstellar media (ISM) formed after the explosive death of massive stars. Their morphology and emission properties depend both on the surrounding circumstellar structure shaped by the stellar wind–ISM interaction of the progenitor star and on the local conditions of the ambient medium. In the warm phase of the Galactic plane ($n\approx 1\, \rm cm^{-3}$, $T\approx 8000\, \rm K$), an organized magnetic field of strength $7\, \mu \rm G$ has profound consequences on the morphology of the wind bubble of massive stars at rest. In this paper, we show through 2.5D magnetohydrodynamical simulations, in the context of a Wolf–Rayet-evolving $35\, \rm M_{\odot }$ star, that it affects the development of its supernova remnant. When the supernova remnant reaches its middle age ($15\!-\!20\, \rm kyr$), it adopts a tubular shape that results from the interaction between the isotropic supernova ejecta and the anisotropic, magnetized, shocked stellar progenitor bubble into which the supernova blast wave expands. Our calculations for non-thermal emission, i.e. radio synchrotron and inverse-Compton radiation, reveal that such supernova remnants can, due to projection effects, appear as rectangular objects in certain cases. This mechanism for shaping a supernova remnant is similar to the bipolar and elliptical planetary nebula production by wind–wind interaction in the low-mass regime of stellar evolution. If such a rectangular core-collapse supernova remnant is created, the progenitor star must not have been a runaway star. We propose that such a mechanism is at work in the shaping of the asymmetric core-collapse supernova remnant Puppis A.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: The Unexplored Landscape of Geriatric Oncology
Authors: Choucair Khalil , Naqash Abdul Rafeh , Nebhan Caroline A , Nipp Ryan , Johnson Douglas B , Saeed Anwaar
Published: July 2022

Cancer is classically considered a disease of aging, with over half of all new cancer diagnoses occurring in patients over the age of 65 years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, yet the participation of older adults with cancer in ICI trials has been suboptimal, particularly at the extremes of age. Despite significant improvement in treatment response and an improved toxicity profile when compared with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapies, many cancers develop resistance to ICIs, and these drugs are not free of toxicities. This becomes particularly important in the setting of older adults with cancer, who are generally frailer and harbor more comorbidities than do their younger counterparts. Immunosenescence, a concept involving age-related changes in immune function, may also play a role in differential responses to ICI treatment in older patients. Data on ICI treatment response in older adult with cancers remains inconclusive, with multiple studies revealing conflicting results. The molecular mechanisms underlying response to ICIs in older cancer patients are poorly understood, and predictors of response that can delineate responders from non-responders remain to be elucidated. In this review, we explore the unique geriatric oncology population by analyzing existing retrospective datasets, and we also sought to highlight potential cellular, inflammatory, and molecular changes associated with aging as potential biomarkers for response to ICIs.
Reactive Carbonyl Species Inhibit Blue-Light-Dependent Activation of the Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase and Stomatal Opening
Authors: Murakami Nanaka , Fuji Saashia , Yamauchi Shota , Hosotani Sakurako , Mano Jun’ichi , Takemiya Atsushi
Published: July 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. ROS stimulate stomatal closure by inhibiting blue light (BL)-dependent stomatal opening under diverse stresses in the daytime. However, the stomatal opening inhibition mechanism by ROS remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of reactive carbonyl species (RCS), lipid peroxidation products generated by ROS, on BL signaling in guard cells. Application of RCS, such as acrolein and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal (HNE), inhibited BL-dependent stomatal opening in the epidermis of Arabidopsis thaliana. Acrolein also inhibited H+ pumping and the plasma membrane H+-ATPase phosphorylation in response to BL. However, acrolein did not inhibit BL-dependent autophosphorylation of phototropins and the phosphorylation of BLUE LIGHT SIGNALING1 (BLUS1). Similarly, acrolein affected neither the kinase activity of BLUS1 nor the phosphatase activity of protein phosphatase 1, a positive regulator of BL signaling. However, acrolein inhibited fusicoccin-dependent phosphorylation of H+-ATPase and stomatal opening. Furthermore, carnosine, an RCS scavenger, partially alleviated the abscisic-acid- and hydrogen-peroxide-induced inhibition of BL-dependent stomatal opening. Altogether, these findings suggest that RCS inhibit BL signaling, especially H+-ATPase activation, and play a key role in the crosstalk between BL and ROS signaling pathways in guard cells.
Transcriptional networks regulating suberin and lignin in endodermis link development and ABA response
Authors: Xu Huimin , Liu Peng , Wang Chunhua , Wu Shasha , Dong Chaoqun , Lin Qingyun , Sun Wenru , Huang Benben , Xu Meizhi , Tauqeer Arfa , Wu Shuang
Published: July 2022

Vascular tissues are surrounded by an apoplastic barrier formed by endodermis that is vital for selective absorption of water and nutrients. Lignification and suberization of endodermal cell walls are fundamental processes in establishing the apoplastic barrier. Endodermal suberization in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots is presumed to be the integration of developmental regulation and stress responses. In root endodermis, the suberization level is enhanced when the Casparian strip, the lignified structure, is defective. However, it is not entirely clear how lignification and suberization interplay and how they interact with stress signaling. Here, in Arabidopsis, we constructed a hierarchical network mediated by SHORT-ROOT (SHR), a master regulator of endodermal development, and identified 13 key MYB transcription factors (TFs) that form multiple sub-networks. Combined with functional analyses, we further uncovered MYB TFs that mediate feedback or feed-forward loops, thus balancing lignification and suberization in Arabidopsis roots. In addition, sub-networks comprising nine MYB TFs were identified that interact with abscisic acid signaling to integrate stress response and root development. Our data provide insights into the mechanisms that enhance plant adaptation to changing environments.
Rice catalase OsCATC is degraded by E3 ligase APIP6 to negatively regulate immunity
Authors: You Xiaoman , Zhang Fan , Liu Zheng , Wang Min , Xu Xiao , He Feng , Wang Debao , Wang Ruyi , Wang Yiqin , Wang Guirong , Chu Chengcai , Wang Guo-Liang , Ning Yuese
Published: July 2022

Catalase negatively regulates plant immunity and is targeted and degraded by ubiquitin E3 ligase.
Quantifying the immunological distinctiveness of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants in the context of prior regional herd exposure
Authors: Niesen Michiel J M , Murugadoss Karthik , Lenehan Patrick J , Marchler-Bauer Aron , Wang Jiyao , Connor Ryan , Brister J Rodney , Venkatakrishnan A J , Soundararajan Venky
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the persistent emergence of immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants under the selection pressure of natural and vaccination-acquired immunity. However, it is currently challenging to quantify how immunologically distinct a new variant is compared to all the prior variants to which a population has been exposed. Here, we define “Distinctiveness” of SARS-CoV-2 sequences based on a proteome-wide comparison with all prior sequences from the same geographical region. We observe a correlation between Distinctiveness relative to contemporary sequences and future change in prevalence of a newly circulating lineage (Pearson r = 0.75), suggesting that the Distinctiveness of emergent SARS-CoV-2 lineages is associated with their epidemiological fitness. We further show that the average Distinctiveness of sequences belonging to a lineage, relative to the Distinctiveness of other sequences that occur at the same place and time (n = 944 location/time data points), is predictive of future increases in prevalence (Area Under the Curve, AUC = 0.88 [95% confidence interval 0.86 to 0.90]). By assessing the Delta variant in India versus Brazil, we show that the same lineage can have different Distinctiveness-contributing positions in different geographical regions depending on the other variants that previously circulated in those regions. Finally, we find that positions that constitute epitopes contribute disproportionately (20-fold higher than the average position) to Distinctiveness. Overall, this study suggests that real-time assessment of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in the context of prior regional herd exposure via Distinctiveness can augment genomic surveillance efforts.
Anti-CD74 IgA antibodies show diagnostic potential for axial spondyloarthritis but are not associated with microscopic gut inflammation
Authors: De Craemer Ann-Sophie , Witte Torsten , Lobaton Ortega Triana , Hoorens Anne , De Vos Martine , Cuvelier Claude , Vastert Sebastiaan J , Baraliakos Xenofon , Van den Bosch Filip , Elewaut Dirk
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Gut inflammation commonly occurs in axial SpA (axSpA), and is linked to disease activity and outcome. Given the role of IgA in mucosal immunity, we explored the association between anti-CD74 IgA antibodies, gut inflammation and axSpA.

Methods

Anti-CD74 IgA was measured by ELISA in serum samples of axSpA patients, fulfilling the 2009 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria. A group of fibromyalgia (FM) and RA patients served as non-inflammatory and inflammatory controls. Newly diagnosed axSpA patients underwent ileocolonoscopy; mucosal biopsies were histopathologically assessed as normal, acute or chronically inflamed. Optimal anti-CD74 IgA cut-off values were determined with a receiver operating characteristics curve.

Results

axSpA patients (n = 281) showed higher anti-CD74 IgA levels [mean (s.d.) 18.8 (12.4) U/ml] compared with 100 FM patients [10.9 (5.0) U/ml, P < 0.001] and 34 RA patients [13.7 (9.6) U/ml, P = 0.02]. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for diagnosis (axSpA vs FM) was 0.70, providing a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 87% (cut-off 15 U/ml). Antibody concentrations were not significantly different between axSpA patients with (n = 40) and without (n = 69) gut inflammation (P = 0.83), yielding an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.51. Anti-CD74 IgA levels were not associated with degree of bone marrow oedema on MRI of the sacroiliac joints, CRP or any other disease-specific feature such as the use of NSAIDs or biological treatment.

Conclusion

Serum anti-CD74 IgA is a potentially useful diagnostic biomarker for axSpA. However, antibody levels do not correlate with any phenotypical feature, including microscopic gut inflammation, suggesting this to be a disease-specific rather than an inflammatory marker.