bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aetiology, risk factors and treatment of typical and atypical pressure ulcers in patients with traumatic brain injury: A narrative review
Authors: Dehghani Mohammadreza , Pourmontaseri Hossein
Published: February 2024

Pressure ulcers are one of the leading complications in bedridden patients that result in multiple burdens on healthcare systems and patients (11 billion dollars/year). The prevalence of pressure ulcers in traumatic brain injury patients is 1.5‐fold compared with the other bedridden patients. Moreover, critical traumatic brain injury patients who are admitted to the intensive care unit experience severe pressure ulcers and further complications. The motor/sensory disabilities and low supplementation and oxygenation to the pressured side were the main mechanisms of the typical pressure ulcers. Intellectual evaluation is the first essential step to prevent the development of pressure ulcers in high‐risk patients. Till now, different scales, including Injury Scale Score and Braden Scale Score, have been provided to assess the pressure ulcer. Since low stages of pressure ulcers heal rapidly, traumatic brain injury patients require a periodical assessment to prevent further developments timely. Alongside different procedures provided to prevent and treat any pressure ulcer, traumatic brain injury patients required additional specific protections. For the first line, fast and efficient rehabilitation repairs motor/sensory disabilities and decreases the chance of pressure ulcer. Our review indicated that pressure ulcer in traumatic brain injury had several complex mechanisms that demand special care. Therefore, further studies are required to address these mechanisms and prevent their progression to typical and atypical pressure ulcers.
Comprehensive evaluation and screening identification indexes of heat‐resistance indices in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Yang Liuyan , Liu Xingke , Duan Jiahao , Du Kang , Wang Yuyao , Liang Xingjia , Liu Yang , Hu Wei , Zhou Zhiguo , Zhang Lei , Zhao Wenqing
Published: February 2024

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars exhibit varying responses to heat stress. To investigate the heat resistance of various cotton and establish an index system for evaluating their heat resistance, 21 cotton cultivars were selected and subjected to two temperature regimes (CK, average temperature 28°C, 32/24°C; HT, average temperature 38°C, 42/34°C). The results showed that under high temperatures, different changes occurred in individual indexes of cotton, reflecting the differences in heat resistance in cotton cultivars. A total of 21 cotton cultivars could be classified into four types: heat‐tolerant, moderate heat‐tolerant, moderate heat‐sensitive and heat‐sensitive cultivars by multivariate statistical analysis. Moreover, the indexes of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), leaf superoxide dismutase activity (LSOD), the maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm), the actual photochemical quantum yield (ΦPSII), leaf malondialdehyde content (LMDA), leaf catalase activity (LCAT), dry matter weight of shoot (SDW) and root malondialdehyde content (RMDA) were determined to be useful for evaluating the cotton heat tolerance by stepwise regression analysis. The pot experiment showed that the reduction of boll number, boll weight and seed cotton yield was more remarkable under HT in the heat‐sensitive cultivar CCRI‐92 than in the heat‐resistant cultivar CCRI‐69, which further verified the screening results. In conclusion, the heat‐sensitive cultivars CCRI‐92 and heat‐resistant cultivar CCRI‐69 which are identified by seedling experiment could serve as ideal experimental materials for studying heat resistance in cotton. The physiological indices such as Pn, LSOD, Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, LMDA, LCAT, SDW and RMDA be employed for assessing the heat tolerance in cotton.
Symptom severity reflected by NYHA grade is independently associated with pruritus in chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Soltani Samira , Hollstein Moritz M. , Berliner Dominik , Buhl Timo , Bauersachs Johann , Werfel Thomas , Bavendiek Udo , Traidl Stephan
Published: February 2024

Background

Pruritus is a symptom profoundly impairing patients' quality of life (QoL). It is a common symptom in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients of yet unknown nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of pruritus in CHF patients.

Methods

For this monocentric, prospective cohort study, CHF patients were recruited and CHF symptoms, comorbidities and drug intake were assessed using a structured report. Additionally, a questionnaire evaluated pruritus symptoms. Detailed medical histories including laboratory test results were retrieved from patient files for all participants.

Results

We evaluated data from 550 CHF patients. Of those, 25.3% reported pruritus to occur frequently (3–5 times per week), often (1–2 times per week) or daily. Patients of higher NYHA classes (NYHA III + IV) experienced significantly more pruritus (31.2%) than lower NYHA classes (NYHA I + II) (21.1%, p = 0.024). Patients with pruritus reported disproportionately often concomitant stasis dermatitis (p = 0.026) and chronic lung disease (p = 0.014). Other parameters reflecting cardiac, liver, kidney and thyroid function, as well as medical therapies showed no significant differences between patients with and without pruritus. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only NYHA class (p = 0.016, OR 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.09; 2.20]) and elevated leukocyte count (p = 0.007, OR 1.11, CI [1.03; 1.21]) remained significantly associated with pruritus in CHF patients.

Conclusions

NYHA class is an independent predictor for pruritus in CHF patients. Besides NYHA class, leukocyte count was also associated with increased pruritus. Pruritus may impair QoL in CHF patients and should thus be included in the assessment of those patients. We suggest that providing best care for CHF patients can be achieved through an interdisciplinary approach of cardiologists and dermatologists and should include a pruritus assessment.
Short‐term outcomes of prehospital opioid pain management for older adults with fall‐related injury
Authors: Jarman Molly P. , Jin Ginger , Chen Annie , Losina Elena , Weissman Joel S. , Berry Sarah D. , Salim Ali
Published: February 2024

Background

Opioids are recommended for pain management in patients being cared for and transported by emergency medical services, but no specific guidelines exist for older adults with fall‐related injury. Prior research suggests prehospital opioid administration can effectively manage pain in older adults, but less is known about safety in this population. We compared short‐term safety outcomes, including delirium, disposition, and length of stay, among older adults with fall‐related injury according to whether they received prehospital opioid analgesia.

Methods

We linked Medicare claims data with prehospital patient care reports for older adults (≥65) with fall‐related injury in Illinois between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. We used weighted regression models (logistic, multinomial logistic, and Poisson) to assess the association between prehospital opioid analgesia and incidence of inpatient delirium, hospital disposition, and length of stay.

Results

Of 28,150 included older adults, 3% received prehospital opioids. Patients receiving prehospital opioids (vs. no prehospital opioids) were less likely to be discharged home from the emergency department (adjusted probability = 0.30 [95% CI: 0.25, 0.34] vs. 0.47 [95% CI: 0.46, 0.48]), more likely to be discharged to a non‐home setting after an inpatient admission (adjusted probability = 0.43 [95% CI: 0.39, 0.48] vs. 0.30 [95% CI: 0.30, 0.31]), had inpatient length of stay 0.4 days shorter (p < 0.001) and ICU length of stay 0.7 days shorter (p = 0.045). Incidence of delirium did not vary between treatment and control groups.

Conclusions

Few older adults receive opioid analgesia in the prehospital setting. Prehospital opioid analgesia may be associated with hospital disposition and length of stay for older adults with fall‐related injury. However, our findings do not provide evidence of an association with inpatient delirium. These findings should be considered when developing guidelines for prehospital pain management specific to the older adult population.
SlBEL11 regulates flavonoid biosynthesis, thus fine‐tuning auxin efflux to prevent premature fruit drop in tomato
Authors: Dong Xiufen , Liu Xianfeng , Cheng Lina , Li Ruizhen , Ge Siqi , Wang Sai , Cai Yue , Liu Yang , Meng Sida , Jiang Cai‐Zhong , Shi Chun‐Lin , Li Tianlai , Fu Daqi , Qi Mingfang , Xu Tao
Published: February 2024

Auxin regulates flower and fruit abscission, but how developmental signals mediate auxin transport in abscission remains unclear. Here, we reveal the role of the transcription factor BEL1‐LIKE HOMEODOMAIN11 (SlBEL11) in regulating auxin transport during abscission in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).SlBEL11is highly expressed in the fruit abscission zone, and its expression increases during fruit development. Knockdown ofSlBEL11expression by RNA interference (RNAi) caused premature fruit drop at the breaker (Br) and 3 d post‐breaker (Br+3) stages of fruit development. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis ofSlBEL11‐RNAi lines revealed impaired flavonoid biosynthesis and decreased levels of most flavonoids, especially quercetin, which functions as an auxin transport inhibitor. This suggested that SlBEL11 prevents premature fruit abscission by modulating auxin efflux from fruits, which is crucial for the formation of an auxin response gradient. Indeed, quercetin treatment suppressed premature fruit drop inSlBEL11‐RNAi plants. DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP‐seq) analysis indicated that SlBEL11 induced expression of the transcription factor geneSlMYB111by directly binding to its promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed thatS. lycopersicumMYELOBLASTOSIS VIRAL ONCOGENE HOMOLOG111 (SlMYB111) induces the expression of the core flavonoid biosynthesis genesSlCHS1,SlCHI,SlF3H, andSlFLSby directly binding to their promoters. Our findings suggest that the SlBEL11–SlMYB111 module modulates flavonoid biosynthesis to fine‐tune auxin efflux from fruits and thus maintain an auxin response gradient in the pedicel, thereby preventing premature fruit drop.
Constitutive cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis and subfornical organ of adult rats
Authors: Zhou Suijian , Makashova Olena , Chevillard Pierre‐Marie , Josey Vanessa , Li Banruo , Prager‐Khoutorsky Masha
Published: February 2024

Neurogenesis continues throughout adulthood in the subventricular zone, hippocampal subgranular zone, and the hypothalamic median eminence (ME) and the adjacent medio‐basal hypothalamus. The ME is one of the circumventricular organs (CVO), which are specialized brain areas characterized by an incomplete blood–brain barrier and, thus, are involved in mediating communication between the central nervous system and the periphery. Additional CVOs include the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) and the subfornical organs (SFO). Previous studies have demonstrated that the ME contains neural stem cells (NSCs) capable of generating new neurons and glia in the adult brain. However, it remains unclear whether the OVLT and SFO also contain proliferating cells, the identity of these cells, and their ability to differentiate into mature neurons. Here we show that glial and mural subtypes exhibit NSC characteristics, expressing the endogenous mitotic maker Ki67, and incorporating the exogenous mitotic marker BrdU in the OVLT and SFO of adult rats. Glial cells constitutively proliferating in the SFO comprise NG2 glia, while in the OVLT, both NG2 glia and tanycytes appear to constitute the NSC pool. Furthermore, pericytes, which are mural cells associated with capillaries, also contribute to the pool of cells constitutively proliferating in the OVLT and SFO of adult rats. In addition to these glial and mural cells, a fraction of NSCs containing proliferation markers Ki67 and BrdU also expresses the early postmitotic neuronal marker doublecortin, suggesting that these CVOs comprise newborn neurons. Notably, these neurons can differentiate and express the mature neuronal marker NeuN. These findings establish the sensory CVOs OVLT and SFO as additional neurogenic niches, where the generation of new neurons and glia persists in the adult brain.
Lipotoxicity: The missing link between diabetes and periodontitis?
Authors: Sun Yu , Yin Yuanyuan , Yang Sihan , Ai Dongqing , Qin Han , Xia Xuyun , Xu Xiaohui , Song Jinlin
Published: February 2024

Lipotoxicity refers to the accumulation of lipids in tissues other than adipose tissue (body fat). It is one of the major pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the progression of diabetes complications such as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetic nephropathy. Accumulating evidence indicates that lipotoxicity also contributes significantly to the toxic effects of diabetes on periodontitis. Therefore, we reviewed the current in vivo, in vitro, and clinical evidence of the detrimental effects of lipotoxicity on periodontitis, focusing on its molecular mechanisms, especially oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, ceramides, adipokines, and programmed cell death pathways. By elucidating potential therapeutic strategies targeting lipotoxicity and describing their associated mechanisms and clinical outcomes, including metformin, statins, liraglutide, adiponectin, and omega‐3 PUFA, this review seeks to provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment framework against diabetes‐associated periodontitis. Furthermore, the challenges and future research directions are proposed, aiming to contribute to a more profound understanding of the impact of lipotoxicity on periodontitis.
Demographic complexity within walnut species provides insights into the heterogeneity of geological and climatic fluctuations in East Asia
Authors: Geng Fang‐Dong , Lei Meng‐Fan , Zhang Nai‐Yu , Fu Yao‐Lei , Ye Hang , Dang Meng , Zhang Xue‐Dong , Liu Miao‐Qing , Li Meng‐Di , Liu Zhan‐Lin , Zhao Peng
Published: February 2024

East Asia constitutes one of the largest and most complex areas of plant diversity globally. This complexity is attributable to the geological history and climatic diversity of East Asia. However, controversy persists over the biogeographical hypotheses and different studies on this topic. The demographical complexity of temperate deciduous woody plants and heterogeneity of geological and climatic fluctuations in East Asia remain poorly understood. We aimed to assemble the chloroplast and nuclear genomes of 360 individuals from five walnut (Juglans) species in East Asia and comprehensively analyze the phylogenetic inference, genetic structure, population demographic, and selection pressure. The results showed that East Asian walnuts could be divided into two major groups, that is, section Juglans/Dioscaryon and sect. Cardiocaryon. Within sect. Cardiocaryon, the samples were categorized into the northern clade and southern clade, both of which were affected by Quaternary glaciation; however, the southern clade was affected to a lesser extent. The population expansion events observed in sect. Cardiocaryon and sect. Dioscaryon since the late Miocene indicated that Neogene climate cooling substantially affected the distribution of Tertiary relict plants in East Asia. Biogeographic analysis results showed that the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) might have contributed to the divergence within sect. Dioscaryon. Our findings highlight the heterogeneity of climatic fluctuations in the northern and southern regions of East Asia during the late Neogene and Quaternary periods and suggest that the uplift of QTP could have facilitated the divergence of temperate deciduous woody plants.
A traffic state prediction method based on spatial–temporal data mining of floating car data by using autoformer architecture
Authors: Yu Shuangzhi , Peng Jiankun , Ge Yuming , Yu Xinlian , Ding Fan , Li Shen , Ma Charlie
Published: February 2024

Floating car data (FCD), characterized by wide spatiotemporal coverage, low collection cost, and immunity to adverse weather conditions, are one of the key approaches for intelligent transportation systems to obtain real‐time urban road network traffic information. The research aims to utilize GPS data from taxis in Shanghai and vector geographic information data of the road network, with urban expressways as the research focus. Based on the different driving characteristics of expressways and the vehicles on the ramps below, a clustering analysis is employed to determine all floating vehicles traveling on the target road. Furthermore, an adaptive buffer zone consistent with the road orientation is established based on road vector geographic data. This allows for the extraction of FCD within segmented areas, and the average vehicle speed for that road segment is obtained through weighted calculations. This method fully exploits the natural characteristics of taxis in urban areas with a wide spatiotemporal distribution. The data effectiveness and coverage reach 90.2% and 85.7%, respectively, significantly surpassing the traditional grid‐based extraction method for FCD. Additionally, to capture the long‐term spatiotemporal dependencies of road network traffic states, a spatial–temporal autoformer (STAF) network based on spatial–temporal sequence autocorrelation is employed for traffic state prediction. The results indicate that the STAF method demonstrates good performance in medium‐ and long‐term prediction. We believe that the proposed FCD mining method in this paper provides a new approach for efficiently extracting large‐scale road network traffic states and conducting medium‐ to long‐term predictions.
Social Change, Solidarity, and Mass Agency
Authors: Richardson Kevin
Published: February 2024

Critics of social injustice argue that the agent of transformative social change will (or should) be a mass agent; namely, an agent that is large, complex, and geographically dispersed. Traditional theories of collective agency emphasize the presence of shared intentions and common knowledge, but mass agents are too large for such cohesion. To make sense of mass agency, I suggest a new approach. On the solidarity theory of mass agency, a mass agent is composed of (a) organizers who intend to fight for social change and (b) supporters who are in solidarity with organizers.
Plant glucosinolate biosynthesis and breakdown pathways shape the rhizosphere bacterial/archaeal community
Authors: Chroston Eleanor C. M. , Bziuk Nina , Stauber Einar J. , Ravindran Beena M. , Hielscher Annika , Smalla Kornelia , Wittstock Ute
Published: February 2024

Rhizosphere microbial community assembly results from microbe‐microbe‐plant interactions mediated by small molecules of plant and microbial origin. Studies with Arabidopsis thaliana have indicated a critical role of glucosinolates in shaping the root and/or rhizosphere microbial community, likely through breakdown products produced by plant or microbial myrosinases inside or outside of the root. Plant nitrile‐specifier proteins (NSPs) promote the formation of nitriles at the expense of isothiocyanates upon glucosinolate hydrolysis with unknown consequences for microbial colonisation of roots and rhizosphere. Here, we generated the A. thaliana triple mutant nsp134 devoid of nitrile formation in root homogenates. Using this line and mutants lacking aliphatic or indole glucosinolate biosynthesis pathways or both, we found bacterial/archaeal alpha‐diversity of the rhizosphere to be affected only by the ability to produce aliphatic glucosinolates. In contrast, bacterial/archaeal community composition depended on functional root NSPs as well as on pathways of aliphatic and indole glucosinolate biosynthesis. Effects of NSP deficiency were strikingly distinct from those of impaired glucosinolate biosynthesis. Our results demonstrate that rhizosphere microbial community assembly depends on functional pathways of both glucosinolate biosynthesis and breakdown in support of the hypothesis that glucosinolate hydrolysis by myrosinases and NSPs happens before secretion of products to the rhizosphere.
“I Didn't See That Coming!” A daily investigation of the effects of as‐expected and un‐expected workload levels
Authors: Fu Sherry (Qiang) , Lee Young Eun , Yoon Seoin , Dimotakis Nikolaos , Koopman Joel , Tepper Bennett J.
Published: February 2024

Workload is a ubiquitous feature of the workplace and an exemplar occupational stressor. In contrast to other such experiences, workload represents a necessary aspect of employment that cannot be alleviated or removed. It also has both aversive and beneficial aspects; research, therefore, has aimed to examine the circumstances under which its negative effects can be alleviated while still maintaining its potential benefits for individuals and organizations. Such efforts, however, have had mixed success. In this paper, we propose a new way forward by examining the extent to which the concordance of individual expectations about daily workload and actually experienced workload is associated with aversive affective responses (with ultimate impacts of the latter for cross‐day functioning). We test these propositions in two daily studies and find that when experienced workload levels do not align with expectations, individuals experience higher levels of anxiety. Importantly, these effects of unexpected workload are overall stronger in magnitude than the effects of high but expected workload; furthermore, they operate through their impact on individuals’ sense of control. These workload patterns are further indirectly associated with next‐day functioning through sense of control and anxiety. Implications for theory and practice are discussed, together with directions for future research.
Pre‐infection efficacy of resistance inducers against grapevine powdery mildew
Authors: Taibi Othmane , Fedele Giorgia , Rossi Vittorio
Published: February 2024

Plant resistance inducers (PRIs) are of increasing interest for disease control in sustainable viticulture, but their efficacy in vineyards is still under investigation. We studied the effects of four commercial PRIs, of natural and microbial origin, on the development of powdery mildew (PM) on grapevine leaves over a 3‐year period. Disease and sporulation severity were evaluated following the artificial inoculation of PRI‐treated leaves with Erysiphe necator conidia at 1, 3, 7 and 12 days after treatment (DAT). Laminarin (LAM) and cos‐oga (COS) were the most effective in reducing both disease (57.1% and 49.5%, respectively) and sporulation (85.3% and 90.2%, respectively) severity; the reduction in PM severity provided by cerevisane (CER) was lower (27%), and that of Pythium oligandrum (PYT) was intermediate (44.9%). LAM was effective from 1 DAT, while COS and PYT were more effective when E. necator was inoculated at 7 to 12 DAT. These results open new perspectives on how PRIs are used as single, preventative interventions performed 1 to 3 days before E. necator infection, depending on the product used. The effect of PRIs on the sporulation of E. necator colonies also suggests a broader and longer effect on PM epidemics.
Integrating education for clinical practice change
Authors: Chawla Elizabeth M. , Schuler Christine L. , Barnhardt Elizabeth W. , Herbst Lori A. , Sarkissian Aliese , McNeal‐Trice Kenya , Newmeyer Amy , Perry Martha , Poynter Sue E. , Lannon Carole
Published: February 2024

Background

Children with chronic medical conditions and their families have significant emotional health concerns, yet paediatricians are often ill‐equipped to address these needs. The American Board of Pediatrics launched the Roadmap Project to better support emotional health as part of routine care. We present pilot work in paediatric training programmes to test educational approaches and explore lessons learned.

Approach

Four institutions implemented Roadmap tools into their paediatric training programmes, either incorporating them into existing educational structures or embedding them into the clinical workplace. One programme utilised an existing longitudinal curriculum, and another incorporated into a block rotation. Two programmes embedded training for residents into a larger programme for the healthcare team within the clinical space, one in outpatient clinics and one in an inpatient service.

Evaluation

Evaluation strategies at each site matched the intended outcomes. Sites working within education programmes evaluated learners, demonstrating increases in resident skills and confidence on pre‐/post‐self‐assessments. Sites embedding tools into the practice context measured changes in the clinical practice of the healthcare team. Despite variability in implementation, all approaches improved trainee skills; sites embedding education into a clinical setting saw greater changes in clinical practice.

Implications

Our pilot provided structure yet allowed for flexibility, and all sites improved trainee skills. Engaging the entire healthcare team within practice settings appears advantageous, thus embedding education into clinical practice may be preferable to a separate education programme. Similar to outcomes found in interprofessional education (IPE), educating clinical teams together may be more impactful for cultural shifts needed for changing clinical practice.
Computer tomography measurements of the airway and thoracic cavity do not provide support for bronchial conformation as a predisposing factor of left cranial lung lobe torsion in pugs
Authors: Gall Nick , Butts Daniel R. , Chanoit Guillaume P. , Major Alison C.
Published: February 2024

The objective of this retrospective clinical study was to determine if airway or thoracic cavity measurements in pugs, particularly the left cranial lung lobe, were significantly different from brachycephalic and mesocephalic control. Thoracic computed tomographic studies of 10 pugs, French bulldogs (FB), and Jack Russell Terriers (JRT) were analyzed. Thoracic height: width ratio (H:W), cross‐sectional areas of the left mainstem bronchus (CSA LMB), left cranial lung lobe bronchus (CSA LCrBr), left caudal lung lobe bronchus (CSA LCauBr), CSA LCrBr relative to length (CSA LCrBr/length) and CSA LCauBr/length were measured and adjusted to body weight (/kg). CSA LMB/kg, CSA LCauBr/length/kg, and CSA LCrBr/length /kg were smaller in pugs and FB compared with JRT (P < .05), but no differences were found between pugs and FB. Cross‐sectional areas of left cranial lung lobe bronchus /kg and CSA LCauBr/kg were smaller in pugs than JRT (P < .05), but no differences were found between pugs and FB or FB and JRT. No difference was found in thoracic H:W between any breeds. This demonstrated that pugs and FB had significantly narrower bronchi CSA/lengths ratios compared with JRT, but this was not limited to the LCBr. Airway measurements were not significantly different between brachycephalic breeds; therefore, the pugs’ predisposition to left cranial lung lobe torsion cannot be solely explained by narrower lower airways.
Primary Mouse Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Exhibit Region- and Sex-Dependent Biological Responses In Vitro
Authors: Karbasion Niyousha , Xu Yujun , Snider J. Caleb , Bersi Matthew R.
Published: February 2024

Despite advancements in elucidating biological mechanisms of cardiovascular remodeling, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. When stratified by sex, clear differences in CVD prevalence and mortality between males and females emerge. Regional differences in phenotype and biological response of cardiovascular cells are important for localizing the initiation and progression of CVD. Thus, to better understand region and sex differences in CVD presentation, we have focused on characterizing in vitro behaviors of primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the thoracic and abdominal aorta of male and female mice. VSMC contractility was assessed by traction force microscopy (TFM; single cell) and collagen gel contraction (collective) with and without stimulation by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and cell proliferation was assessed by a colorimetric metabolic assay (MTT). Gene expression and TFM analysis revealed region- and sex-dependent behaviors, whereas collagen gel contraction was consistent across sex and aortic region under baseline conditions. Thoracic VSMCs showed a sex-dependent sensitivity to TGF-β1-induced collagen gel contraction (female > male; p = 0.025) and a sex-dependent proliferative response (female > male; p < 0.001) that was not apparent in abdominal VSMCs. Although primary VSMCs exhibit intrinsic region and sex differences in biological responses that may be relevant for CVD presentation, several factors—such as inflammation and sex hormones—were not included in this study. Such factors should be included in future studies of in vitro mechanobiological responses relevant to CVD differences in males and females.
Remodeling of Murine Branch Pulmonary Arteries Under Chronic Hypoxia and Short-Term Normoxic Recovery
Authors: Ramachandra Abhay B. , Jiang Bo , Jennings Isabella R. , Manning Edward P. , Humphrey Jay D.
Published: February 2024

Chronic hypoxia plays a central role in diverse pulmonary pathologies, but its effects on longitudinal changes in the biomechanical behavior of proximal pulmonary arteries remain poorly understood. Similarly, effects of normoxic recovery have not been well studied. Here, we report hypoxia-induced changes in composition, vasoactivity, and passive biaxial mechanics in the main branch pulmonary artery of male C57BL/6J mice exposed to 10% FiO2 for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. We observed significant changes in extracellular matrix, and consequently wall mechanics, as early as 1 week of hypoxia. While circumferential stress and stiffness returned toward normal values by 2–3 weeks of hypoxia, area fractions of cytoplasm and thin collagen fibers did not return toward normal until after 1 week of normoxic recovery. By contrast, elastic energy storage and overall distensibility remained reduced after 3 weeks of hypoxia as well as following 1 week of normoxic recovery. While smooth muscle and endothelial cell responses were attenuated under hypoxia, smooth muscle but not endothelial cell responses recovered following 1 week of subsequent normoxia. Collectively, these data suggest that homeostatic processes were unable to preserve or restore overall function, at least over a brief period of normoxic recovery. Longitudinal changes are critical in understanding large pulmonary artery remodeling under hypoxia, and its reversal, and will inform predictive models of vascular adaptation.
High enhancement, low cost, large area surface enhanced Raman scattering substrates all by atomic layer deposition on porous filter paper
Authors: Niu Feng , Hu Yimin , LeKarz Stephen , Lu Wei
Published: February 2024

We successfully developed an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method for making Ag noble nanoparticles on cheap, commercial filter paper consisting of three-dimensional porous glass fibers and investigated the evolution of Ag nanostructures with some key process parameters. By tuning Ag particle sizes and controlling the cycle numbers of ALD deposited Ag films, we were able to obtain high-density isolated Ag nanoparticles with average sizes in 3–9 nm without the formation of agglomerates and continuous Ag films. We proved the presence of strong localized surface plasmon resonance peaks near a target wavelength of 632 nm. We further proved the presence of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals on the Ag coated filter paper substrates using pyridine as the test analyte. Our results demonstrate that ALD is a very promising technique for a rational design of SERS substrates and, thus, has great potential for the fabrication of large-area, low-cost SERS substrates for future commercial applications, as compared to other existing techniques.
Fabrication of the low-k films with tunable k value as spacers in advanced CMOS technology
Authors: Qian Lewen , Sun Xin , Liu Tao , Huang Ziqiang , Guo Xinlong , Pan Maolin , Wang Dawei , Xu Saisheng , Xu Min , Wang Chen , Wu Chunlei , Zhang David Wei
Published: February 2024

In advanced CMOS technology, a suitable spacer scheme is crucial to alleviate the effects of increasing parasitic resistance and capacitance on device performance as the critical dimensions shrinking. Low dielectric constant (low-k) films, possessing a tunable k value ranging from 3.5 to 6.5, were fabricated using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition in a single chamber. The fabrication process involved the deposition of the SiN film via SiH2I2 with N2 plasma, as well as the deposition of the SiOX, SiOCN, and SiON films using diisopropylamino silane with O2, Ar/O2, and N2/O2 plasmas, respectively. The introduction of groups containing carbon (C) tended to loosen the film structure, due to its weak bond strength with Si, thus made distinctions in structural and electrical stability. We developed such a process which can adjust the C-group concentration and O, N content to tune the film k value. The SiOx, SiOCN, SiON, and SiN films had high breakdown strength of 9.04, 7.23, 9.41, and over 11 MV cm−1, and meanwhile low leakage current density of 2.42 × 10−9, 4.78 × 10−8, 1.29 × 10−9, and 9.26 × 10−10 A cm−2, respectively. The films exhibited remarkable thermal stability, enhanced breakdown strength, and suppressed leakage with annealing treatment, which could be attributed to the desorption of —CHX groups. Moreover, the low-k materials demonstrated excellent step coverage both in the inner-spacer cavity and on sidewalls, exploring the potential application as spacers in advanced CMOS structure.
Association Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupation Activity Level, National Health Interview Survey—United States, 2020
Authors: Nakayama Jasmine Y. , Van Dyke Miriam E. , Quinn Tyler D. , Whitfield Geoffrey P.
Published: February 2024

Background: Physical activity for any purpose counts toward meeting Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG). However, national surveillance systems traditionally focus on leisure-time physical activity. There is an incomplete understanding of the association between meeting PAG in leisure time and occupation activity level among US workers. Methods: We used cross-sectional 2020 National Health Interview Survey data to examine US adults aged 18–64 years who worked the week before the survey (n = 14,814). We estimated the proportion meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening PAG in leisure time by occupation activity level (low, intermediate, and high). Using logistic regression, we examined the association between meeting PAG in leisure time and occupation activity level, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and stratified by hours worked. We compared the sociodemographic characteristics of adults working ≥40 hours (the previous week) in high-activity occupations to those in low- or intermediate-activity occupations. Results: Adults working in high-activity occupations were less likely to meet PAG in leisure time (26.1% [24.3–28.1]) versus those in low-activity (30.6% [29.1–32.2], P < .01) or intermediate-activity (32.4% [30.8–34.2]) occupations. In stratified, adjusted models, adults working ≥40 hours in low- and intermediate-activity occupations were 13% and 20%, respectively, more likely to meet PAG in leisure time versus those in high-activity occupations. Among those working ≥40 hours, adults in high-activity occupations were more likely to be Hispanic or Latino, male, younger, and have a high school education or lower compared with those in less active occupations. Conclusion: Traditional surveillance may underestimate meeting PAG among people working in high-activity occupations, potentially disproportionately affecting certain groups.
Anthropogenic climate change has influenced global river flow seasonality
Authors: Wang Hong , Liu Junguo , Klaar Megan , Chen Aifang , Gudmundsson Lukas , Holden Joseph
Published: February 2024

Riverine ecosystems have adapted to natural discharge variations across seasons. However, evidence suggesting that climate change has already impacted magnitudes of river flow seasonality is limited to local studies, mainly focusing on changes of mean or extreme flows. This study introduces the use of apportionment entropy as a robust measure to assess flow-volume nonuniformity across seasons, enabling a global analysis. We found that ~21% of long-term river gauging stations exhibit significant alterations in seasonal flow distributions, but two-thirds of these are unrelated to trends in annual mean discharge. By combining a data-driven runoff reconstruction with state-of-the-art hydrological simulations, we identified a discernible weakening of river flow seasonality in northern high latitudes (above 50°N), a phenomenon directly linked to anthropogenic climate forcing.
In Science Journals
Authors: Vignieri Sacha , Maroso Mattia , Smith H. Jesse , Smith Keith T. , Yashinski Melisa , Szuromi Phil , Charneski Catherine , Ash Caroline , Walia Ankit , Funk Michael A. , Hurtley Stella M. , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Lavine Marc S. , Yeston Jake S. , VanHook Annalisa M. , Olingy Claire
Published: February 2024

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Authors: Simonti Corinne , Uzogara Ekeoma , Kelly Priscilla N. , Wible Brad , Grocholski Brent , Walia Ankit , Osborne Ian S.
Published: February 2024

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Proposal would combat warming by drying the stratosphere
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: February 2024

Seeding clouds above the western Pacific would keep water vapor, a greenhouse gas, out of the atmosphere’s rooftop
World’s cholera vaccine stash is empty—but relief is on its way
Authors: Pawar Pratik
Published: February 2024

A dramatic shortage of the oral vaccine may ease in the years ahead as more companies enter the market
Cooperation between two modes for DNA replication initiation in the archaeon
Thermococcus barophilus
Authors: Mc Teer Logan , Moalic Yann , Cueff-Gauchard Valérie , Catchpole Ryan , Hogrel Gaëlle , Lu Yang , Laurent Sébastien , Hemon Marie , Aubé Johanne , Leroy Elodie , Roussel Erwan , Oberto Jacques , Flament Didier , Dulermo Rémi
Published: February 2024

The mechanisms underpinning the replication of genomic DNA have recently been challenged in
Archaea
. Indeed, the lack of origin of replication has no deleterious effect on growth, suggesting that replication initiation relies on homologous recombination. Recombination-dependent replication (RDR) appears to be based on the recombinase RadA, which is of absolute requirement when no initiation origins are detected. The origin of this flexibility in the initiation of replication and the extent to which it is used in nature are yet to be understood. Here, we followed the process of DNA replication throughout the growth stages of
Thermococcus barophilus
. We combined deep sequencing and genetics to elucidate the dynamics of
oriC
utilization according to growth phases. We discovered that in
T. barophilus
, the use of
oriC
diminishes from the lag to the middle of the log phase, and subsequently increases gradually upon entering the stationary phase. Although
oriC
demonstrates no indispensability, RadA does exhibit essentiality. Notably, a knockdown mutant strain provides confirmation of the pivotal role of RadA in RDR for the first time. Thus, we demonstrate the existence of a tight combination between
oriC
utilization and homologous recombination to initiate DNA replication along the growth phases. Overall, this study demonstrates how diverse physiological states can influence the initiation of DNA replication, offering insights into how environmental sensing might impact this fundamental mechanism of life.

IMPORTANCE

Replication of DNA is highly important in all organisms. It initiates at a specific locus called
ori
, which serves as the binding site for scaffold proteins—either Cdc6 or DnaA—depending on the domain of life. However, recent studies have shown that the
Archaea
,
Haloferax volcanii
and
Thermococcus kodakarensis
could subsist without
ori
. Recombination-dependent replication (RDR), via the recombinase RadA, is the mechanism that uses homologous recombination to initiate DNA replication. The extent to which
ori
’s use is necessary in natural growth remains to be characterized. In this study, using
Thermococcus barophilus
, we demonstrated that DNA replication initiation relies on both
oriC
and RDR throughout its physiological growth, each to varying degrees depending on the phase. Notably, a knockdown RadA mutant confirmed the prominent use of RDR during the log phase. Moreover, the study of ploidy in
oriC
and
radA
mutant strains showed that the number of chromosomes per cell is a critical proxy for ensuring proper growth and cell survival.
Seasonality and longer-term development generate temporal dynamics in the
Populus
microbiome
Authors: Argiroff William A. , Carrell Alyssa A. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Dove Nicholas C. , Muchero Wellington , Veach Allison M. , Wahl Toni , Lebreux Steven J. , Webb Amber B. , Peyton Kellie , Schadt Christopher W. , Cregger Melissa A.
Published: February 2024

Temporal variation in community composition is central to our understanding of the assembly and functioning of microbial communities, yet the controls over temporal dynamics for microbiomes of long-lived plants, such as trees, remain unclear. Temporal variation in tree microbiomes could arise primarily from seasonal (i.e., intra-annual) fluctuations in community composition or from longer-term changes across years as host plants age. To test these alternatives, we experimentally isolated temporal variation in plant microbiome composition using a common garden and clonally propagated plants, and we used amplicon sequencing to characterize bacterial/archaeal and fungal communities in the leaf endosphere, root endosphere, and rhizosphere of two
Populus
spp. over four seasons across two consecutive years. Microbial community composition differed among seasons and years (which accounted for up to 21% of the variation in microbial community composition) and was correlated with seasonal dissimilarity in climatic conditions. However, microbial community dissimilarity was also positively correlated with time, reflecting longer-term compositional shifts as host trees aged. Together, our findings demonstrate that temporal patterns in tree microbiomes arise from both seasonal fluctuations and longer-term changes, which interact to generate unique seasonal patterns each year. In addition to shedding light on two important controls over the assembly of plant microbiomes, our results also suggest future studies of tree microbiomes should account for background temporal dynamics when testing the drivers of spatial patterns in microbial community composition and temporal responses of plant microbiomes to environmental change.

IMPORTANCE

Microbiomes are integral to the health of host plants, but we have a limited understanding of the factors that control how the composition of plant microbiomes changes over time. Especially little is known about the microbiome of long-lived trees, relative to annual and non-woody plants. We tested how tree microbiomes changed between seasons and years in poplar (genus
Populus
), which are widespread and ecologically important tree species that also serve as important biofuel feedstocks. We found the composition of bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities differed among seasons, but these seasonal differences depended on year. This dependence was driven by longer-term changes in microbial composition as host trees developed across consecutive years. Our findings suggest that temporal variation in tree microbiomes is driven by both seasonal fluctuations and longer-term (i.e., multiyear) development.
Supplemental Material: Rates of bedrock canyon incision by megafloods, Channeled Scabland, eastern Washington, USA
Authors: Lehnigk Karin E. , et al.
Published: February 2024

Details about sensitivity testing and validation of the topographic reconstruction methods described in the main text, additional details about modeling methods, and figures & tables with additional details about the study area and models presented in the main text.
Global developmental delay and a de novo deletion of the 16p13.13 region
Authors: Krakowski Aneta , Hoang Ny , Trost Brett , Summers Jane , Ambrozewicz Patricia , Vorstman Jacob
Published: February 2024

Many rare genetic variants are associated with the risk of atypical neurodevelopmental trajectories. In this study, we report a patient with developmental delay, autistic traits and multiple congenital anomalies, including congenital heart anomalies and orofacial cleft, with a 0.832 Mb de novo deletion of the 16p13.13 region classified as a variant of uncertain significance. Comparison of similar sized deletions and duplications overlapping the same genes in the DECIPHER database, revealed seven reports of copy number variants (CNVs), four duplications and three deletions. A neurodevelopmental phenotype including learning disability and intellectual disability was noted in some of the DECIPHER entries where phenotype was provided. Although the association between a deletion in this region and an atypical neurodevelopmental trajectory remains to be elucidated, the overlapping CNVs with neurodevelopmental phenotypes suggests possible candidate genes within the 16p13.13 region.
Cortical malformation adjacent to a large pial arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Charan Bheru Dan , Shah Shariq Ahmad , Jain Savyasachi , Sebastian Leve Joseph Devarajan
Published: February 2024

The coexistence of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and neuronal migration abnormalities is a rare phenomenon. The underlying pathophysiology responsible for these anomalies remains elusive. Neuronal architectural irregularities arise from complex neuronal formation, migration and organisation dysfunctions. Isolated cases of these associations are rarely described in the literature. Here, we present an unusual case involving the coexistence of a pial AVF and a pachygyria–polymicrogyria complex in an early childhood boy. We have provided a detailed description of the neuroimaging characteristics and the therapeutic embolisation in this case, along with follow-up. Additionally, we conduct a comprehensive review of potential hypotheses about the association, referencing prior case reports. The presence of an aberrant blood supply or deviant venous drainage from the developing cortex may contribute to a variety of neuronal migration anomalies.
Primary total talus arthroplasty for Hawkins type IV talar neck fracture dislocation
Authors: Eskew Joshua , Reynolds Zachary , Jenkins Joshua , Sridhar Michael
Published: February 2024

A woman in her 40s was involved in a motor vehicle collision and sustained a closed Hawkins type IV talar neck fracture dislocation. The injury was treated with reduction, percutaneous pinning and spanning external fixation, followed by definitive treatment with total talus arthroplasty (TTA) 2 months following injury. This is a unique example of definitive management for a severe talar neck fracture dislocation with arthroplasty in the subacute setting. TTA is perhaps a primary option for these injuries at high risk for avascular necrosis, non-union, malunion and post-traumatic arthritis.