bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding during the resting phase causes gastrointestinal tract dysfunction and desynchronization of metabolic and neuronal rhythms in rats
Authors: Salgado‐Delgado Roberto C. , Espinosa‐Tanguma Ricardo , Valdés Abadía Belkis , Ramírez‐Plascencia Oscar D. , Escobar Carolina , Saderi Nadia
Published: October 2023

Background

Disrupted circadian rhythms may result from a misalignment between the environmental cycles (due to shift work, sleep restriction, feeding at an unusual time of day) and endogenous rhythms or by physiological aging. Among the numerous adverse effects, disrupted rhythms affect the brain‐gut axis, contributing to the pathogenesis of several diseases in the gastrointestinal tract, for example, abdominal pain, constipation, gastric dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and others.

Methods

This study evaluated the rat gastric emptying, gastrointestinal motility, a clock gene, gut hormones, and the neuron activity on the nucleus of tractus solitarius (NTS), area postrema (AP), and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) in rats with restricted food access to the rest phase for 4 weeks.

Key Results

Our results show that food restricted to the rest light period disturbed the expression pattern of a series of transcripts, including metabolic and circadian regulation. Also, the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, gastric emptying, intestinal motility, and NTS, AP, and DMV activity were altered.

Conclusions & Inferences

These data indicate the importance of the time of the day food is ingested on the regulation of energy balance and the endocrine activity of the stomach and small intestine, emphasizing the importance of food as a powerful circadian synchronizer and an essential factor for the triggering of gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic problems. These findings offer a novel clue regarding the obesity‐promoting effect attributed to feeding time and open the possibility of treating this and other intestinal disorders.
Why plant diversity and distribution matter
Authors: Antonelli Alexandre , Govaerts Rafaël , Nic Lughadha Eimear , Onstein Renske E. , Smith Rhian J. , Zizka Alexander
Published: October 2023

This article is the Editorial for the Special Collection ‘Global plant diversity and distribution’. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details.
MYB6/bHLH13‐AbSUS2 involved in sugar metabolism regulates root hair initiation of Abies beshanzuensis
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Tingjin , Liu Lingjuan , Xiao Duohong , Yang Yang , Yuan Lu , Zhang Aijun , Xu Kexin , Liu Shenglong , Liu Ke , Chen Liping
Published: October 2023

Root hair is regarded as a pivotal complementary survival tactic for mycorrhizal plant like Abies beshanzuensis when symbiosis is disrupted. Relatively little is known about the mechanism underlying root hair morphogenesis in plant species that are strongly dependent on mycorrhizal symbiosis. Many of these species are endangered, and this knowledge is critical for ensuring their survival.

Here, a MYB6/bHLH13‐sucrose synthase 2 (AbSUS2) module was newly identified and characterized in A. beshanzuensis using bioinformatics, histochemistry, molecular biology, and transgenesis.

Functional, expression pattern, and localization analysis showed that AbSUS2 participated in sucrose synthesis and was involved in root hair initiation in A. beshanzuensis. Additionally, the major enzymatic product of AbSUS2 was found to suppress root hair initiation in vitro. Our data further showed that a complex involving the transcription factors AbMYB6 and AbbHLH13 directly interacted with the promoter of AbSUS2 and strengthened its expression, thereby inhibiting root hair initiation in response to exogenous sucrose.

Our findings offer novel insights into how root hair morphogenesis is regulated in mycorrhizal plants and also provide a new strategy for the preservation of endangered mycorrhizal plant species.
Role of the rostral dorsomedial column of the periaqueductal gray during social defeat in rats
Authors: de Almeida Alisson Pinto , Tamais Alicia Moraes , Zerbini Carolina , Melleu Fernando Falkenburger , Canteras Newton Sabino , Motta Simone Cristina
Published: October 2023

Previous studies showed that the dorsal premammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus (PMD) is involved in social passive defensive behaviors likely to be meditated by descending projections to the periaqueductal gray (PAG). We focused on the rostral dorsomedial PAG (rPAGdm) to reveal its putative neural mechanisms involved in mediating social defensive responses. By combining retrograde tracing and FOS expression analysis, we showed that in addition to the PMD, the rPAGdm is influenced by several brain sites active during social defeat. Next, we found that cytotoxic lesions of the rPAGdm drastically reduced passive defense and did not affect active defensive responses. We then examined the rPAGdm's projection pattern and found that the PAGdm projections are mostly restricted to midbrain sites, including the precommissural nucleus, different columns of the PAG, and the cuneiform nucleus (CUN). Also, we found decreased FOS expression in the caudal PAGdm, CUN, and PMD after the rPAGdm was lesioned. The results support that the rPAGdm mediates passive social defensive responses through ascending paths to prosencephalic circuits likely mediated by the CUN. This study provides further support for the role of the PAG in the modulation of behavioral responses by working as a unique hub for influencing prosencephalic sites during the mediation of aversive responses.
Potential biopsychosocial factors mediating/moderating the relationship between depressive symptoms and body size among children and adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Cao Bing , Shao Xiaoli , Xiao Yefei , McIntyre Roger S. , Teopiz Kayla M. , Li Ruonan , Fan Linlin , Chen Hong
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of depression and obesity in the pediatric population has increased along with multiple adverse health outcomes in later life. However, the mechanisms underlying the bidirectional relationship between obesity and depression have not yet been clarified. We aim to systematically summarize the literature reporting on mediational or moderational biopsychosocial factors in the relationship between depression and body size among children and adolescents. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and PsychArticles) were systematically searched from inception until December 23, 2021, and subsequently updated until June 9, 2023. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022301475). A total of 36 unique records reporting 152,513 children and adolescents meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. The results indicate that disparate psychological variables (e.g., body image, victimization and bullying, eating disorders, and sleep problems) may mediate the bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and body size. Moreover, the mediational/moderational effect of biological factors has not been well established. The moderational effect of social factors was inconsistently reported. Future research should aim to identify and characterize factors that may impact the bidirectional relationship between depression and obesity to inform prevention intervention strategies for affected children and adolescents.
Oral diseases are associated with cognitive function in adults over 60 years old
Authors: Gao Chenyi , Larvin Harriet , Bishop David Timothy , Bunce David , Pavitt Susan , Wu Jianhua , Kang Jing
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the bidirectional association between oral diseases and cognitive function comprehensively.

Subjects and Methods

This cross sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Oral diseases include periodontitis, dental caries, and tooth loss (end point of oral disease resulting in tooth extraction). Cognitive function included three domains: memory, processing speed, and executive function. A global cognitive score was then derived from sum of the three cognitive domains. Oral cognition associations were examined using various statistical models: (1) Regress oral disease on cognitive function; (2) Regress cognitive function on oral disease; and (3) Structural equation modelling treating cognition and oral disease as latent variables.

Results

There were 2508 participants aged 60+ who had both oral and cognitive information. Associations between various oral disease and global cognitive score were observed (Odds ratio ORcog‐>periodontitis 0.95, 95% Confidence Interval [0.92, 0.99]; βcog‐>caries −0.13, [−0.23, −0.04]; βcog‐>tooth loss −0.03 [−0.04, −0.01]; βtooth loss‐>cog −0.04 [−0.06, −0.02]; βcaries‐>cog −0.03 [−0.06, −0.01]; βperiodontitis‐>cog −0.39 [−0.69, −0.10]). Significant correlation was also found between these oral disease and cognitive function using structural equation model (r −0.22, [−0.34, −0.10]).

Conclusions

This study found robust bidirectional associations between oral disease and cognitive function using various modelling approaches among the aging population.
A single range‐expanding species reshapes alpine ecosystems and their belowground diversity
Authors: Eckert Isaac , De Bellis Tonia , Muñoz Gabriel , Kembel Steven W. , Lessard Jean‐Philippe , Nuñez Martin A.
Published: October 2023

Species around the globe are shifting their ranges into new territories at an unprecedented rate. In particular, the spread of foundation species can transform recipient communities and ecosystems, however, the effects on belowground processes and diversity remain poorly documented. Belowground fungi are well suited for taking the ‘pulse' of changing ecosystems given their rapid turnover and implication in a wide variety of ecosystem processes. To better understand the belowground effects of range‐expanding species, we leveraged an ongoing invasion of a foundation tree species Pinus contorta into alpine tundra to study the impacts on belowground abiotic conditions and the fungal communities associating with the roots of resident plants. We found that individual range‐expanding trees create distinct abiotic ‘islands' with wetter soils and altered soil nutrients compared to the surrounding alpine tundra ecosystem. Potentially driven by these abiotic changes, we observed a decrease in the α diversity of mutualistic fungi and an increase in the α‐diversity of pathogenic fungi during later stages of range expansion. Changes in γ‐diversity mirrored patterns of α diversity while β‐diversity was only minorly affected by range‐expanding trees, suggesting that local habitat amelioration/deterioration rather than changes in among‐patch heterogeneity underpin trends in belowground diversity. In sum, our results show that range‐expanding foundation species can modify ecosystems by altering belowground abiotic conditions and diversity across scales. These impacts begin only a few years after initial range‐expansion and establishment and scale rapidly over time, indicating the need for preventative or swift conservation action to prevent long‐term consequences.
Pathways from childhood trauma to aberrant salience: A structural equation approach to mentalization model
Authors: Ozdemir Ercan , MacBeth Angus , Griffiths Helen
Published: October 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between affective disturbances and aberrant salience in the context of childhood trauma, attachment, and mentalization in an analogue study.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, an online community sample completed self‐report measures of key variables. Structural equation modelling was used to test childhood trauma's influence on aberrant salience via a set of intermediate risk factors (depression, negative schizotypy, and insecure attachment). These intermediate risk factors were assumed to lead to the proximal risk factors of aberrant salience (i.e., disorganized schizotypy and disorganized attachment) depending on the vulnerability of mentalizing capacity to elevated stress.

Results

The sample (N = 1263) was 78% female and aged between 18 and 35 years. The tested models closely fitted the observed data, revealing significant pathways from childhood trauma to aberrant salience via the hypothesized pathways. The direct effect of childhood trauma on aberrant salience was significant.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the pathway to aberrant salience may be characterized by disorganization of self‐state and intersubjectivity as a function of diminishment in mentalizing ability. This may relate to changes in attachment organization and socio‐cognitive capacity, which could constitute possible risk factors signalling development of aberrant salience.
Specific members of the TOPLESS family are susceptibility genes for Fusarium wilt in tomato and Arabidopsis
Authors: Aalders Thomas R. , de Sain Mara , Gawehns Fleur , Oudejans Nina , Jak Yoran D. , Dekker Henk L. , Rep Martijn , van den Burg Harrold A. , Takken Frank L.W.
Published: October 2023

Vascular wilt diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum are a major threat to many agriculturally important crops. Genetic resistance is rare and inevitably overcome by the emergence of new races. To identify potentially durable and non‐race‐specific genetic resistance against Fusarium wilt diseases, we set out to identify effector targets in tomato that mediate susceptibility to the fungus. For this purpose, we used the SIX8 effector protein, an important and conserved virulence factor present in many pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates. Using protein pull‐downs and yeast two‐hybrid assays, SIX8 was found to interact specifically with two members of the tomato TOPLESS family: TPL1 and TPL2. Loss‐of‐function mutations in TPL1 strongly reduced disease susceptibility to Fusarium wilt and a tpl1;tpl2 double mutant exerted an even higher level of resistance. Similarly, Arabidopsis tpl;tpr1 mutants became significantly less diseased upon F. oxysporum inoculation as compared to wildtype plants. We conclude that TPLs encode susceptibility genes whose mutation can confer resistance to F. oxysporum.
Tinea capitis in newborns: Report of a case and review of the literature with a focus on treatment modalities
Authors: Dell'Antonia Massimo , Pavan Giacomina , Lai Danila , Sechi Andrea
Published: October 2023

Tinea capitis is a common disease in children but rare in newborns younger than 1 month of age. Only 29 cases of tinea capitis in newborns have been described in indexed literature from 1990 until now. While antifungal agents can be used topically and systemically, systemic antifungal therapy is generally accepted as the treatment of choice for tinea capitis due to limited penetration of topical agents into the hair follicle. However, there is a lack of data on the use of systemic antifungal agents in newborns, and there are reports of successful treatment of tinea capitis in newborns using only topical therapy. In this paper, we present a case of tinea capitis in a 29‐day‐old female baby and review the previous 29 reported cases.
Silkworm Bombyx mori as a model organism: A review
Authors: Ashraf Hashim , Qamar Ayesha
Published: October 2023

Bombyx mori Linnaeus, 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), a very important economical insect and backbone of the silk industry, is fully reliant on humans for its life cycle. It has short life span, possessing many genes having high degree of homology with human disease‐causing genes, low breeding and maintenance cost, has less ethical issues associated with it and has also got its genome fully sequenced. Because of these characteristics, it has been recognized as an alternate invertebrate model organism candidate for use in life science research. It has been successfully used as an alternative invertebrate model organism in a variety of scientific domains, including human disease models, environmental monitoring models, epigenetic models and microbial drug screening and discovery models, since the last decade. This newly emerged model has given promising results so far in its short journey and has a tremendous future prospect of establishing itself as a successful model just like the classical invertebrate models, Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Caenorhabditis elegans Maupas, 1900 (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae). The use of the silkworm B. mori as a model organism in areas linked to human health and disease is reviewed here.
Ion incorporation into bone grafting materials
Authors: Zhao Qin , Ni Yueqi , Wei Hongjiang , Duan Yiling , Chen Jingqiu , Xiao Qi , Gao Jie , Yu Yiqian , Cui Yu , Ouyang Simin , Miron Richard J. , Zhang Yufeng , Wu Chengtie
Published: October 2023

The use of biomaterials in regenerative medicine has expanded to treat various disorders caused by trauma or disease in orthopedics and dentistry. However, the treatment of large and complex bone defects presents a challenge, leading to a pressing need for optimized biomaterials for bone repair. Recent advances in chemical sciences have enabled the incorporation of therapeutic ions into bone grafts to enhance their performance. These ions, such as strontium (for bone regeneration/osteoporosis), copper (for angiogenesis), boron (for bone growth), iron (for chemotaxis), cobalt (for B12 synthesis), lithium (for osteogenesis/cementogenesis), silver (for antibacterial resistance), and magnesium (for bone and cartilage regeneration), among others (e.g., zinc, sodium, and silica), have been studied extensively. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and recent developments in ion incorporation into biomaterials for bone and periodontal tissue repair. It also discusses recently developed biomaterials from a basic design and clinical application perspective. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of precise ion introduction into biomaterials to address existing limitations and challenges in combination therapies. Future prospects and opportunities for the development and optimization of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering are emphasized.
Joint contributions from brain activity and activity‐independent functional connectivity to working memory aging
Authors: Yang Caishui , Fan Jialing , Chen Kewei , Zhang Zhanjun ,   for the Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative
Published: October 2023

Working memory (WM) impairment has been well characterized in normal aging. Various studies have explored changes in either the regional activity or the interregional connectivity underlying the aging process of WM. We proposed that brain activity and connectivity would independently alter with aging and affect WM performance. WM was assessed with a classical N‐back task during functional magnetic resonance imaging in a community‐based sample comprising 168 elderly subjects (aged 55–86 years old). Following the rationale of background functional connectivity, we assessed age‐related alterations in brain activity and seed‐based interregional connectivity independently. Analyses revealed age‐related decrease in positive activity of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and an increase in the negative activity of the ventral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the local functional dysfunctions were accompanied by alterations in their connectivity to other cortical regions. Importantly, regional activity impairments in the IPL and ACC could mediate age‐related effects on accuracy rate and reaction time, respectively, and those effects were further counterbalanced by enhancement of their background functional connectivity. We thus claimed that age‐induced alterations in regional activity and interregional connectivity occurred independently and contributed to WM changes in aging. Our findings presented the way brain activity and functional connectivity interact in the late adulthood, thus providing a new perspective for understanding WM and cognitive aging.
Science‐based innovation via university spin‐offs: the influence of intangible assets
Authors: Park Andrew , Maine Elicia , Fini Riccardo , Rasmussen Einar , Di Minin Alberto , Dooley Lawrence , Mortara Letizia , Lubik Sarah , Zhou Yuan (Joseph)
Published: October 2023

University spin‐offs (USOs) have attracted significant attention from scholars and policymakers as an important mechanism for science‐based innovation. The debate on how USOs generate innovation outcomes has often focused on tangible assets, while the role ofintangible assetshas been less explored and remains loosely defined. Yet emerging research suggests that intangible assets, especially in the early stages of a USO's lifecycle, have a critical influence on its survival and future success, highlighting a need for a better understanding of how intangible assets enable science‐based innovation through USOs. Drawing from several streams of literature, we define intangible assets in the context of science‐based innovation through USOs:an intangible asset is a resource that is non‐physical, non‐financial, has long life, and has potential to provide future benefits to the owner.Based on this working definition, we conduct a systematic literature review of the leading innovation management journals and inductively derive a framework outlining the antecedents, processes, and outcomes of science‐based innovation through USOs, focusing on the influence of intangible assets. The framework identifies the categories of resources which can enhance or hinder science‐based innovation through USOs. Such categorization reveals fruitful directions for future research such as a deeper examination of societal outcomes. We conclude by offering recommendations for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to better leverage intangible assets to enhance science‐based innovation.
The effect of Spartina alterniflora eradication on waterbirds and benthic organisms
Authors: Lyu Chenxue , Zhang Shen , Ren Xiaotong , Liu Mengling , Leung Kar‐Sin K. , He Tao , Chen Qing , Choi Chi‐Yeung
Published: October 2023

There has been an increasing number of coastal restoration projects to eradicate Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and restore bare tidal flats to conserve waterbirds. However, the evidence for the assumed benefits to waterbirds and benthic organisms after such restoration efforts remains limited. We evaluated the impact of S. alterniflora eradication on waterbirds and benthic organisms in southern China. We deployed time‐lapse cameras and satellite trackers to quantify and compare the occurrence frequency and habitat use of birds in different habitats. We compared the density and biomass of benthic organisms collected in bare tidal flats and areas where S. alterniflora had been eradicated. We found that almost all waterbirds, except gulls, avoided areas where S. alterniflora was present. Once S. alterniflora was eradicated, the species richness and species‐level diversity of shorebirds and waterbirds did not differ significantly from those of the bare tidal flats. At least 9 out of 14 tracked individual shorebirds used areas where S. alterniflora had been eradicated, with Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) demonstrating a clear preference for such habitat. The density and biomass of benthos in deeper sediments (5–20 cm below the surface) were significantly lower in areas where S. alterniflora had been eradicated than in bare tidal flats, indicating that the food resources for birds may take longer than 1 year to recover. This research demonstrates that the eradication of S. alterniflora is important for the restoration of waterbird habitats, and such efforts should be made in areas that are important to waterbirds.
Nurse assistants' experiences and knowledge of how they create a meaningful daily life for older persons receiving municipal home healthcare
Authors: James Inger , Pejner Margaretha Norell , Kihlgren Annica
Published: October 2023

Aims and Objectives

To explore nurse assistants' experiences and knowledge of how they create a meaningful daily life for older people receiving municipal home healthcare.

Design

A participatory appreciative action reflection approach.

Methods

Interviews, participant observations and informal conversations with 23 nurse assistants in municipal home healthcare generated the data. A thematic analysis was used.

Results

Two main themes were developed. The first main theme, building a reciprocal relationship, was structured by three subthemes: To strengthen the older person's self‐esteem, to co‐create care and to create equality. The second main theme, creating meaning, was structured by two subthemes: To create closeness and to receive appreciation. The two main themes are each other's prerequisite. Nursing assistants' building reciprocal relationships gives meaning; through the meaning, reciprocal relationships are achieved, and by that, meaningful daily lives for both the older people and the nurse assistants.

Conclusion

Nurse assistants built a reciprocal relationship both for the older people and for the nurse assistant. This contributes to create a meaningful daily life for the older people. The older person was the main character, and it seems that the nurse assistants apply person‐centred care, which can represent a shared common vision that can be used in the encounter.
Locals’ support for integration policies and asylum seekers’ rights: Exploring a normative model of support for Syrians in Turkey
Authors: Duman Yasin , Coşkan Canan
Published: October 2023

Syrian asylum seekers in Turkey have been trying to adapt to their new life circumstances despite unclear integration and resettlement policies and high levels of discrimination and exclusion. We argue that fostering integration and asylum seekers’ rights requires a bottom‐up normative approach that considers members of the receiving society as active agents of these processes. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated the role of normative social context as well as sociopsychological antecedents among citizens of Turkey in facilitating their support for governmental integration policies and Syrian asylum seekers’ rights. A survey study was conducted with 202 residents in three cities, namely Bursa, Mardin, and Hatay, representing different geographical, ethnic, and cultural components in Turkey (i.e., Turkish, Kurdish, Arab, and Kurdish‐Arab). We specifically examined whether the normative context as perceived by residents' pro‐diversity norms in their city and generalized attitudes toward minorities predict their expectations of governmental integration policy for Syrians and support for their rights. Furthermore, we tested the mediating roles of valuing contact with Syrians and acceptance of their presence and stay in these relations. Parallel mediation analyses indicated that residents' perceived pro‐diversity norms in the city predict lower expectations from the government regarding Syrian asylum seekers' integration and lower support for Syrians' rights through lower acceptance of Syrians' stay. Furthermore, positive feelings toward other minority groups predicted higher expectations for governmental policies regarding Syrian asylum seekers' accommodation through both higher importance attributed to contact with Syrians, and higher acceptance of Syrians' stay in Turkey. These findings suggest that considering the attitudes toward existing minority groups among the members of the receiving society can be crucial in designing psychosocial interventions aimed at fostering a supportive environment for the newcomers. However, they also indicate caution regarding the taken‐for‐granted role of pro‐diversity beliefs among the residents, especially in societies with complex intergroup relations.
Associations between physical fitness and cerebellar gray matter volume in adolescents
Authors: Jalanko Petri , Säisänen Laura , Kallioniemi Elisa , Könönen Mervi , Lakka Timo A. , Määttä Sara , Haapala Eero A.
Published: October 2023

Despite the importance of the developing cerebellum on cognition, the associations between physical fitness and cerebellar volume in adolescents remain unclear. We explored the associations of physical fitness with gray matter (GM) volume of VI, VIIb and Crus I & II, which are cerebellar lobules related to cognition, in 40 (22 females; 17.9 ± 0.8 year‐old) adolescents, and whether the associations were sex‐specific. Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) and power were assessed by maximal ramp test on a cycle ergometer, muscular strength with standing long jump (SLJ), speed‐agility with the shuttle‐run test (SRT), coordination with the Box and Block Test (BBT) and neuromuscular performance index (NPI) as the sum of SLJ, BBT and SRT z‐scores. Body composition was measured using a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Cerebellar volumes were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. V̇O2peak relative to lean mass was inversely associated with the GM volume of the cerebellum (standardized regression coefficient (β) = −0.038, 95% confidence interval (CI) ‐0.075 to 0.001, p = 0.044). Cumulative NPI was positively associated with the GM volume of Crus I (β = 0.362, 95% CI 0.045 to 0.679, p = 0.027). In females, better performance in SRT was associated with a larger GM volume of Crus I (β = −0.373, 95% CI ‐0.760 to −0.028, p = 0.036). In males, cumulative NPI was inversely associated with the GM volume of Crus II (β = −0.793, 95% CI ‐1.579 to −0.008 p = 0.048). Other associations were nonsignificant. In conclusion, cardiorespiratory fitness, neuromuscular performance and speed‐agility were associated with cerebellar GM volume, and the strength and direction of associations were sex‐specific.
Effects of a 12‐week gait retraining program on the Achilles tendon adaptation of habitually shod runners
Authors: Zhang Xini , Deng Liqin , Xiao Songlin , Fu Weijie
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study investigated the effects of a 12‐week gait retraining program on the morphological and mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon (AT) during running on the basis of real‐time dynamic ultrasound imaging.

Methods

A total of 30 male recreational runners who were used to wearing cushioned shoes with a rearfoot strike (RFS) pattern were recruited. They were randomized into a retraining group (RG, n = 15) and a control group (CG, n = 15). The RG group was asked to run in five‐fingered minimalist shoes with a forefoot strike (FFS) pattern, and the CG group was asked to keep their strike pattern. Three training sessions were performed per week. All the participants in RG uploaded running tracks obtained through a mobile application (.jpg) after each session for training supervision. The ground reaction force, kinematics, and kinetics of the ankle joint at 10 km/h were collected using an instrumented split‐belt treadmill and a motion capture system. The morphological (length and cross‐sectional area) and mechanical characteristics (force, stress, strain, etc.) of AT in vivo were recorded and calculated with a synchronous ultrasonic imaging instrument before and after the intervention. Repeated two‐way ANOVA was used to compare the aforementioned parameters.

Results

A total of 28 participants completed the training. The strike angle of RG after training was significantly smaller than that before training and significantly smaller than that of CG after training (F (1, 13) = 23.068, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.640). The length (F (1, 13) = 10.086, p = 0.007, partial η2 = 0.437) and CSA (F (1, 13) = 7.475, p = 0.017, partial η2 = 0.365) of AT in RG increased after training. A significant main effect for time was observed for the time‐to‐peak AT force (F (1, 13) = 5.225, p = 0.040, partial η2 = 0.287), average (F (1, 13) = 7.228, p = 0.019, partial η2 = 0.357), and peak AT loading rate (F (1, 13) = 11.687, p = 0.005, partial η2 = 0.473).

Conclusion

Preliminary evidence indicated that a 12‐week gait retraining program could exert a beneficial effect on AT. 57% (8/14) runners in RG shifted from RFS to FFS pattern. Although not all runners were categorized as FFS pattern after the intervention, their foot strike angle was reduced. Retraining primarily positively promoted AT morphological properties (i.e., CSA and length) to strengthen AT capability for mechanical loading.
Red blood cell alloimmunization in myelodysplastic syndromes: Associations with sex, DAT‐positivity, and increased transfusion needs
Authors: Rydén Jenny , Clements Mark , Wikman Agneta , Hellström‐Lindberg Eva , Edgren Gustaf , Höglund Petter
Published: October 2023

Background

Many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) need repeated red blood cell transfusions which entails a risk of immunization and antibody formation. Associations between alloantibodies, autoantibodies and increased transfusion requirements have been reported, but their relationship remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed factors potentially associated with red blood cell alloimmunization, as well as changes in transfusion intensity and post‐transfusion hemoglobin increments.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, we linked Swedish MDS patients diagnosed between 2003 and 2017 to transfusion and immunohematology data. Potentially associated factors were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. The transfusion rate after detected alloimmunization was analyzed using a fixed effects Poisson regression. Post‐transfusion hemoglobin increments before and after alloimmunization were compared using a mixed effects regression.

Results

Alloantibodies following MDS diagnosis were detected in 50 out of 429 patients (11.7%). Female sex and a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) were independently associated with alloimmunization, with hazard ratios of 2.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–3.78) and 9.72 (95% CI, 5.31–17.74), respectively. The transfusion rate following alloimmunization was increased with an incidence rate ratio of 1.33 (95% CI, 0.98–1.80) and the post‐transfusion hemoglobin increment after alloimmunization was 1.40 g/L (95% CI, 0.52–2.28) lower per red blood cell unit (p = .002) compared to before alloimmunization, in multivariable analyses.

Discussion

Alloimmunization against blood group antigens was associated with sex, DAT‐positivity, increased transfusion needs, and lower post‐transfusion hemoglobin increments. These findings warrant further investigation to evaluate the clinical significance of up‐front typing and prophylactic antigen matching in patients with MDS.
Risk factors for T‐cell lymphopenia in frequent platelet donors: The BEST collaborative study
Authors: Kaufman Richard M. , Marks Denese C. , Flamand Yael , Acker Jason P. , Brown Bethany L. , Olafson Carly , Marschner Susanne , Pandey Suchitra , Papari Mona , Petraszko Tanya , Serrano Katherine , Ward Dawn , Bazin Renée ,   for the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion Collaborative
Published: October 2023

Background

Severe T‐cell lymphopenia of uncertain clinical significance has been observed in frequent apheresis platelet donors. Two commonly used plateletpheresis instruments are the Trima Accel, which uses a leukoreduction system (LRS) chamber to trap leukocytes and the Fenwal Amicus, which does not use an LRS chamber.

Study Design and Methods

We performed an international, multicenter, observational study comparing T‐cell populations in frequent platelet donors collected exclusively using the Trima instrument (n = 131) or the Amicus instrument (n = 77). Age‐ and sex‐matched whole blood donors (n = 126) served as controls.

Results

CD4+ T‐cell counts <200 cells/μL were found in 9.9% of frequent Trima (LRS+) platelet donors, 4.4% of frequent Amicus (LRS−) platelet donors, and 0 whole blood donors (p < .0001). CD4+ T‐cell counts <200 cells/μL were only seen in platelet donors with ≥200 lifetime donations. In multivariable analysis, age, lifetime donations, and instrument (Trima vs. Amicus) were independent risk factors for lymphopenia. In 40 Trima platelet donors, a plasma rinseback procedure was routinely performed following platelet collections. No Trima platelet donors receiving plasma rinseback had a CD4+ T‐cell count <200 cells/μL versus 13/91 Trima platelet donors not receiving plasma rinseback (p = .01).

Discussion

Recurrent bulk lymphocyte removal appears to contribute to the development of T‐cell lymphopenia in frequent, long‐term platelet donors. Lymphopenia is more common when an LRS chamber is used during platelet collection but can occur without an LRS chamber. Blood centers using LRS chambers can mitigate donor lymphopenia by performing plasma rinseback.
Current status of whole-genome sequences of Korean angiosperms
Authors: PARK Jongsun , YUN Yunho , XI Hong , KWON Woochan , SON Janghyuk
Published: October 2023

Owing to the rapid development of sequencing technologies, more than 1,000 plant genomes have been sequenced and released. Among them, 69 Korean plant taxa (85 genome sequences) contain at least one whole-genome sequence despite the fact that some samples were not collected in Korea. The sequencing-by-synthesis method (next-generation sequencing) and the PacBio (third-generation sequencing) method were the most commonly used in studies appearing in 65 publications. Several scaffolding methods, such as the Hi-C and 10x types, have also been used for pseudo-chromosomal assembly. The most abundant families among the 69 taxa are Rosaceae (10 taxa), Brassicaceae (7 taxa), Fabaceae (7 taxa), and Poaceae (7 taxa). Due to the rapid release of plant genomes, it is necessary to assemble the current understanding of Korean plant species not only to understand their whole genomes as our own plant resources but also to establish new tools for utilizing plant resources efficiently with various analysis pipelines, including AI-based engines.
The complete chloroplast genome of Scrophularia kakudensis and a comparative analysis of S. kakudensis and S. cephalantha
Authors: SON Ogyeong , CHOI KyoungSu
Published: October 2023

The genus Scrophularia L. (Scrophulariaceae) comprises 200–270 species worldwide and is a taxonomically challenging lineage, displaying morphological diversity and hybridization. S. kakudensis is morphologically similar to the closely related taxa S. kakudensis var. microphylla, S. pilosa, and S. cephalantha. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to sequence the chloroplast (cp) genome of S. kakudensis using next-generation sequencing and compare it to those of related taxa. The complete cp genome sequence of Scrophularia kakudensis was found to be 152,355 bp long, consisting of a pair of inverted repeats of 25,485 bp that separate a large single-copy (LSC) of 83,479 bp from small single-copy regions of 17,909 bp. The cp genome contained 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and four rRNAs. A phylogenetic analysis based on 78 protein-coding genes from six Scrophularia species showed S. kakudensis and S. cephalantha formed with 100% bootstrap values. We compared the complete cp genomes of S. kakudensis and S. cephalantha and identified seven sequence divergence regions: matK/rps16, rps16/trnQ, trnS/trnG, rpoB/trnC, trnS/trnG, rpl32/trnL, and ndhD/psaC. These regions may be useful for determining the phylogenetic relationships among S. kakudensis-related species.
Continuous stable regularity
Authors: Chavarria Nicolas , Conant Gabriel , Pillay Anand
Published: October 2023

We prove an analytic version of the stable graph regularity lemma by Malliaris and Shelah (Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 366 (2014), no. 3, 1551–1585), which applies to stable functions . Our methods involve continuous model theory and, in particular, results on the structure of local Keisler measures for stable continuous formulas. Along the way, we develop some basic tools around ultraproducts of metric structures and linear functionals on continuous formulas, and we also describe several concrete families of examples of stable functions.
Roles of endothelial prostaglandin I2 in maintaining synchronous spontaneous Ca2+ transients in rectal capillary pericytes
Authors: Mitsui Retsu , Miwa‐Nishimura Kyoko , Hashitani Hikaru
Published: October 2023

In hollow visceral organs, capillary pericytes appear to drive spontaneous Ca2+ transients in the upstream arterioles. Here, mechanisms underlying the intercellular synchrony of pericyte Ca2+ transients were explored. Ca2+ dynamics in NG2 chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (NG2)‐expressing capillary pericytes were examined using rectal mucosa–submucosa preparations of NG2‐GCaMP6 mice. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients arising from endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release were synchronously developed amongst capillary pericytes in a gap junction blocker (3 μM carbenoxolone)‐sensitive manner and could spread into upstream vascular segments. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients were suppressed by the Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel (CaCC) blocker niflumic acid and their synchrony was diminished by a TMEM16A inhibitor (3 μM Ani9) in accordance with TMEM16A immunoreactivity in pericytes. In capillaries where cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 immunoreactivity was expressed in endothelium but not pericytes, non‐selective COX inhibitors (1 μM indomethacin or 10 μM diclofenac) or COX‐2 inhibitor (10 μM NS 398) disrupted the synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ transients and raised the basal Ca2+ level. Subsequent prostaglandin I2 (PGI2; 100 nM) or the KATP channel opener levcromakalim restored the synchrony with a reduction in the Ca2+ level. PGI2 receptor antagonist (1 μM RO1138452) also disrupted the synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ transients and increased the basal Ca2+ level. Subsequent levcromakalim restored the synchrony and reversed the Ca2+ rise. Thus, the synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ transients in pericytes appears to be developed by the spread of spontaneous transient depolarisations arising from the opening of TMEM16A CaCCs. Endothelial PGI2 may play a role in maintaining the synchrony, presumably by stabilising the resting membrane potential in pericytes.

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Key points

Capillary pericytes in the rectal mucosa generate synchronous spontaneous Ca2+ transients that could spread into the upstream vascular segment.

Spontaneous Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers the opening of Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel TMEM16A and resultant depolarisations that spread amongst pericytes via gap junctions, establishing the synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ transients in pericytes.

Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), which is constitutively produced by the endothelium depending on cyclooxygenase‐2, appears to prevent premature ER Ca2+ releases in the pericytes allowing periodic, regenerative Ca2+ releases.

Endothelial PGI2 may maintain the synchrony of pericyte activity by stabilising pericyte resting membrane potential by opening of KATP channels.
Fabrication of hierarchical nanostructures using binary colloidal nanosphere assembly
Authors: Flores Ethan , Mohanty Saurav , Tunell Andrew , Chang Chih-Hao
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate the self-assembly of hierarchical nanostructures using monodispersed nanospheres with two different diameters. Our approach is to use a two-step method where the assembly of larger 200 nm nanospheres is used to direct the assembly of smaller 50 nm particles. This self-assembly technique is based on Langmuir–Blodgett assembly and has low equipment cost when compared with traditional lithography methods. We examine the effects of substrate surface treatment, solution concentration ratio, and spin speeds on the quality of the hierarchical assembly. The fabricated samples are examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy to investigate assembly yield. Various defect types are identified and mitigated by process control. The ability to create more complex assembly can result in smaller features and can enhance the performance of photonics and nanostructured surfaces.
People With Low Back Pain Exhibit Higher Trunk Muscle Activity and Impaired Postural Control During Static and Dynamic Functional Tasks: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Salamat Sara , Talebian Saeed , Maroufi Nader , Kalbassi Gitta , Salamat Davood , O’Sullivan Kieran
Published: October 2023

The study compared superficial trunk muscle activity and postural control among an active extension subgroup of people with nonspecific chronic low back pain (AE-NSCLBP) with painfree controls during functional tasks. Thirty-two people (17 people with low back pain [LBP] and 15 painfree controls) participated in this study. Muscle activity of 5 trunk muscles and postural control were investigated during both standing tasks (eyes open/closed; single/double-leg balance) and dynamic functional tasks (spinal forward flexion and return, and a sit to stand transfer). Results showed that during single-leg standing, people with AE-NSCLBP exhibit higher muscle activity than painfree controls for 3 trunk muscles, especially with their eyes closed. There were no significant differences in muscle activity between eye conditions during double-leg standing and sit to stand transfer, forward flexion, and return from flexion. The AE-NSCLBP subgroup also demonstrated significantly impaired postural control (lower time to boundary) in 4 of 8 conditions, especially during single-leg standing and with their eyes closed. These findings show people with LBP typically demonstrated greater trunk muscle activity and poorer postural control while maintaining standing posture. This pattern was most evident when the postural challenge was higher, such as single-leg standing or with eyes closed. While this study design cannot infer causality, these findings have implications for LBP rehabilitation, particularly regarding approaches which seek to alter muscle activation among people with LBP.
Lepidopteran prolegs are novel traits, not leg homologs
Authors: Matsuoka Yuji , Murugesan Suriya Narayanan , Prakash Anupama , Monteiro Antónia
Published: October 2023

Lepidopteran larvae have both thoracic legs and abdominal prolegs, yet it is unclear whether these are serial homologs. A RNA-seq analysis with various appendages of
Bicyclus anynana
butterfly larvae indicated that the proleg transcriptome resembles the head-horn transcriptome, a novel trait in the lepidoptera, but not a thoracic leg. Under a partial segment
abdominal-A
(
abd-A
) knockout, both thoracic leg homologs (pleuropodia) and prolegs developed in the same segment, arguing that both traits are not serial homologs. Further, three of the four coxal marker genes,
Sp5
,
Sp6-9
, and
araucan
, were absent from prolegs, but two endite marker genes,
gooseberry
and
Distal-less
, were expressed in prolegs, suggesting that prolegs may be using a modular endite gene-regulatory network (GRN) for their development. We propose that larval prolegs are novel traits derived from the activation of a pre-existing modular endite GRN in the abdomen using
abd-A
, the same Hox gene that still represses legs in more lateral positions.
Structural and functional specializations of human fast-spiking neurons support fast cortical signaling
Authors: Wilbers René , Galakhova Anna A. , Driessens Stan L.W. , Heistek Tim S. , Metodieva Verjinia D. , Hagemann Jim , Heyer Djai B. , Mertens Eline J. , Deng Suixin , Idema Sander , de Witt Hamer Philip C. , Noske David P. , van Schie Paul , Kommers Ivar , Luan Guoming , Li Tianfu , Shu Yousheng , de Kock Christiaan P.J. , Mansvelder Huibert D. , Goriounova Natalia A.
Published: October 2023

Fast-spiking interneurons (FSINs) provide fast inhibition that synchronizes neuronal activity and is critical for cognitive function. Fast synchronization frequencies are evolutionary conserved in the expanded human neocortex despite larger neuron-to-neuron distances that challenge fast input-output transfer functions of FSINs. Here, we test in human neurons from neurosurgery tissue, which mechanistic specializations of human FSINs explain their fast-signaling properties in human cortex. With morphological reconstructions, multipatch recordings, and biophysical modeling, we find that despite threefold longer dendritic path, human FSINs maintain fast inhibition between connected pyramidal neurons through several mechanisms: stronger synapse strength of excitatory inputs, larger dendrite diameter with reduced complexity, faster AP initiation, and faster and larger inhibitory output, while Na
+
current activation/inactivation properties are similar. These adaptations underlie short input-output delays in fast inhibition of human pyramidal neurons through FSINs, explaining how cortical synchronization frequencies are conserved despite expanded and sparse network topology of human cortex.