bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of sex and role of coronary artery disease in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest presenting with refractory ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Caputo Maria Luce , Baldi Enrico , Krüll Joel Daniel , Pongan Damiano , Cresta Ruggero , Benvenuti Claudio , Cianella Roberto , Primi Roberto , Currao Alessia , Bendotti Sara , Compagnoni Sara , Gentile Francesca Romana , Anselmi Luciano , Savastano Simone , Klersy Catherine , Auricchio Angelo
Published: April 2023

Introduction

There are limited data on sex-related differences in out-of hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) with refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and, in particular, about their relationship with cardiovascular risk profile and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Purpose

Aim of this study was to characterize sex-related differences in clinical presentation, cardiovascular risk profile, CAD prevalence, and outcome in OHCA victims presenting with refractory VA.

Methods

All OHCAs with shockable rhythm that occurred between 2015 and 2019 in the province of Pavia (Italy) and in the Canton Ticino (Switzerland) were included.

Results

Out of 680 OHCAs with first shockable rhythm, 216 (33%) had a refractory VA. OHCA patients with refractory VA were younger and more often male. Males with refractory VA had more often a history of CAD (37% vs. 21%, p 0.03). In females, refractory VA were less frequent (M : F ratio 5 : 1) and no significant differences in cardiovascular risk factor prevalence or clinical presentation were observed. Male patients with refractory VA had a significantly lower survival at hospital admission and at 30 days as compared to males without refractory VA (45% vs. 64%, p < 0.001 and 24% vs. 49%, p < 0.001, respectively). Whereas in females, no significant survival difference was observed.

Conclusions

In OHCA patients presenting with refractory VA the prognosis was significantly poorer for male patients. The refractoriness of arrhythmic events in the male population was probably due to a more complex cardiovascular profile and in particular due to a pre-existing CAD. In females, OHCA with refractory VA were less frequent and no correlation with a specific cardiovascular risk profile was observed.
Surface impacts and associated mechanisms of a moisture intrusion into the Arctic observed in mid-April 2020 during MOSAiC
Authors: Kirbus Benjamin , Tiedeck Sofie , Camplani Andrea , Chylik Jan , Crewell Susanne , Dahlke Sandro , Ebell Kerstin , Gorodetskaya Irina , Griesche Hannes , Handorf Dörthe , Höschel Ines , Lauer Melanie , Neggers Roel , Rückert Janna , Shupe Matthew D. , Spreen Gunnar , Walbröl Andreas , Wendisch Manfred , Rinke Annette
Published: April 2023

Distinct events of warm and moist air intrusions (WAIs) from mid-latitudes have pronounced impacts on the Arctic climate system. We present a detailed analysis of a record-breaking WAI observed during the MOSAiC expedition in mid-April 2020. By combining Eulerian with Lagrangian frameworks and using simulations across different scales, we investigate aspects of air mass transformations via cloud processes and quantify related surface impacts. The WAI is characterized by two distinct pathways, Siberian and Atlantic. A moist static energy transport across the Arctic Circle above the climatological 90th percentile is found. Observations at research vessel Polarstern show a transition from radiatively clear to cloudy state with significant precipitation and a positive surface energy balance (SEB), i.e., surface warming. WAI air parcels reach Polarstern first near the tropopause, and only 1–2 days later at lower altitudes. In the 5 days prior to the event, latent heat release during cloud formation triggers maximum diabatic heating rates in excess of 20 K d-1. For some poleward drifting air parcels, this facilitates strong ascent by up to 9 km. Based on model experiments, we explore the role of two key cloud-determining factors. First, we test the role moisture availability by reducing lateral moisture inflow during the WAI by 30%. This does not significantly affect the liquid water path, and therefore the SEB, in the central Arctic. The cause are counteracting mechanisms of cloud formation and precipitation along the trajectory. Second, we test the impact of increasing Cloud Condensation Nuclei concentrations from 10 to 1,000 cm-3 (pristine Arctic to highly polluted), which enhances cloud water content. Resulting stronger longwave cooling at cloud top makes entrainment more efficient and deepens the atmospheric boundary layer. Finally, we show the strongly positive effect of the WAI on the SEB. This is mainly driven by turbulent heat fluxes over the ocean, but radiation over sea ice. The WAI also contributes a large fraction to precipitation in the Arctic, reaching 30% of total precipitation in a 9-day period at the MOSAiC site. However, measured precipitation varies substantially between different platforms. Therefore, estimates of total precipitation are subject to considerable observational uncertainty.
Stability analysis of rock slope under Sujiaba overpass in Chongqing City based on kinematic and numeric methods
Authors: Wu Renjie , Li Zheng , Zhang Wengang , Hu Tao , Xiao Shilong , Xiao Yangjun , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Dengsui , Ming Chengwu
Published: April 2023

Rock slopes have the characteristics of complex geological conditions, weak structural surface development, steep slope, and great damage. In this study, the Sujiaba overpass slope in Chongqing was selected as the evaluation object, and the main stability evaluation methods of rock slope were analyzed. Combined with the special geological conditions and geographical location of the rock slope, through a geological survey, the slope was qualitatively analyzed based on the stereographic projection method, and the slope stability safety factor was calculated by using the finite element strength reduction method. FLAC3D was used to simulate the initial stress state of the unstable rock mass, the limit state stability of the unstable rock mass before bolt support, and the stability after bolt support. The simulation results show that the stability coefficients of selected unstable rock masses W1, W2, W6, and W7 under the limit state before bolt support are, respectively, 1.22, 1.80, 5.90, and 2.10. Unstable rock masses separate from the parent rock, causing a large displacement due to their instability and downward sliding. After bolt support, stability coefficients for those four unstable rock masses are 1.60, 2.40, 8.60, and 3.20, respectively. Under the same reduction coefficient, rock masses are stable and the displacement is small. The results show that the calculation results of the initial stress state of the rock slope are consistent with the theoretical understanding and field investigation. After the implementation of bolt support, the anti-sliding stability of unstable rock is obviously improved. The research results have important scientific guiding significance and practical value for revealing the failure mechanism of rock slope and analyzing the stability of unstable rock mass.
Efficacy and safety of bipolar androgen therapy in castration-resistant prostate cancer following abiraterone or enzalutamide resistance: A systematic review
Authors: You Xiangyun , Huang Shan , Wang Xin’an , Yi Cheng , Gong Niandong , Yu Junfeng , Xu Chengdang , Xiang Zhendong
Published: April 2023

Bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) is a new endocrinologic treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) that can restore some patients’ sensitivity to drugs such as abiraterone (Abi) and enzalutamide (Enz). We performed a meta-analysis using STATA16. Sensitivity analyses were performed by examining the effects of individual studies using different effect models and detecting any publication bias using the Harbord test. In a total of 108 unique records, ten studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Participants who underwent BAT achieved a PSA50 response rate of 27% (95%CI [0.22,0.31], I2=17.98%), ORR of 34% (95%CI [0.24,0.43], I2=0), and incidence of AEs (grade≥3) of 14% (95%CI [0.09,0.19], I2=0). Patients who completed BAT proceeded to AR-targeted therapy (Abi or Enz) and achieved a PSA50 response rate of 57% (95% CI [0.36,0.78], I2=0). Patients with prior Enz resistance had a stronger impact on the PSA50 of AR-target therapy rechallenge. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that BAT is a safe and effective treatment for patients who have progressed after Abi or Enz. BAT can trigger the resensitization of patients with CRPC to subsequent endocrine therapy and improve the overall survival of patients and their quality of life.
Correlation between pancreatic cancer and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Lei , Liu Jifeng , Liu Shuo , Tan Guang
Published: April 2023

Objective

Pancreatic cancer is a globally frequent cause of death, which can be caused by many factors. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between pancreatic cancer and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

Publications were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for studies published until November 2022. Case-control and cohort studies published in English that provided information on the odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), or hazard ratio (HR) of metabolic syndrome and pancreatic cancer were included in the meta-analysis. Two researchers separately retrieved the core data from the included Random effects meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the findings. Results were presented as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

MetS showed a strong association with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer (RR1.34, 95% CI1.23–1.46, P<0.001), and gender differences were also observed (men: RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03–1.54, P=0.022; women: RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.41–1.90, P< 0.001). Moreover, an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer was strongly linked to hypertension, poor high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hyperglycemia (hypertension: RR 1.10 CI 1.01–1.19, P=0.027; low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: RR 1.24 CI 1.11–1.38, P<0.001; hyperglycemia: RR 1.55, CI 1.42–1.70, P< 0.001). However, pancreatic cancer was independent of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia (obesity: RR 1.13 CI 0.96–1.32, P=0.151, hypertriglyceridemia: RR 0.96, CI 0.87–1.07, P=0.486).

Conclusions

Although further prospective studies are required for confirmation, this meta-analysis indicated a strong relationship between MetS and pancreatic cancer. Regardless of gender, a greater risk of pancreatic cancer existed in people with MetS. Patients with MetS were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, regardless of gender. Hypertension, hyperglycemia, and low HDL-c levels may largely account for this association. Further, the prevalence of pancreatic cancer was independent of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022368980.
Two-stage planning method of distributed generation for improvement of resilience in extreme weather based on load partition coordinated recovery
Authors: Gu Jiting , Wang Shuai , Ou Yangbo
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a two-stage planning method of distributed generation based on coordinated recovery of load partition to improve the resilience of the power grid in extreme weather. The method includes a scenario generation model and an optimization model. In the first stage, a scenario generation model is established, including the distributed generation output and line failure models, to obtain the power output and line status in different scenarios with different weather. Then, an optimal subnetwork screening robust optimization model is built to screen the optimal subnetworks for the deployment of distributed generation in each scenario. In the second stage, a node location optimization model is developed to obtain the optimal node locations for deploying distributed generation within the subnetwork, aiming at maximizing the recovery efficiency of critical loads. Case studies based on a modified IEEE 30-bus system are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The findings show that the recovered load and recovery efficiency of the power system can be significantly improved.
Accounting as a sustainable crafted technology for human exchange activities with nature: A defense of accounting continuity
Authors: Al-Adeem Khalid Rasheed
Published: April 2023

The literature in the field of accounting establishes that accounting actively changes due to its adaptability to new roles and its fulfilling of functions that members of diverse societies have needed. While accounting is a means that has assisted humans in monitoring resources and holding delegated individuals who administer such resources accountable, it is, however, also being tested to account for human activities with nature. In practice, users of corporate reports need to be informed about the sustainability of the firms in which they invest. Inquiring about sustainability is understudied and experiences low voluntary disclosure. Since reporting on sustainability embraces financial and non-financial disclosure, this study brings to attention the enterprise concept that best fits the conceptualization of accounting at this current time, enabling the accounting profession to meet the urgent ecological, environmental, and social needs of society from reporting entities, primarily those entities whose beneficiaries are part of society. Accounting is the only tool that a business possesses to monitor its internal affairs, administer its external relations, and assess its performance. Adopting the enterprise theory enables accounting to maintain its superiority as a device that meets the emerging needs of business and society. In this regard, accounting is a sustainable profession, because it maintains its existence by assisting corporations in meeting the obligations that they owe toward members of their society and reporting the impact of their actions on members of society at large.
Research on COD measurement method based on UV-Vis absorption spectra of transmissive and reflective detection systems
Authors: Xu Xin , Wang Jihui , Li Jianan , Fan Axin , Zhang Yuhan , Xu Chang , Qin Haolin , Mu Feng , Xu Tingfa
Published: April 2023

The world’s rapid industrialisation and population expansion have led to water pollution, causing significant disruption to the activities of humans, animals, and plants. Organic contamination content in water is commonly evaluated by measuring the chemical oxygen demand (COD). However, traditional COD detection methods often require additional reagents, resulting in secondary contamination and extended detection time. In this study, we propose and implement a reflective detection system that measures the UV-Vis absorption spectra of COD in water without contact measurement. We compared the modeling results of the transmissive and reflective detection systems using three regression analysis algorithms. We also assessed the modeling results using various spectral preprocessing and different feature selection bands. The results of the standard samples confirmed the viability of the reflective detection system for detecting COD, with the impressive coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98892, the root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.86776, and the detection time of only 47.6 s. For the transmissive detection system, the R2 was 0.99976, the RMSE was 0.41979, and the detection time was 162.4 s. Overall, this study proposes two referenceable detection methods for measuring COD concentrations, which can be adapted to suit various job demands.
A novel prognostic related lncRNA signature associated with amino acid metabolism in glioma
Authors: Lei Qiang , Yuan Bo , Liu Kun , Peng Li , Xia Zhiwei
Published: April 2023

Background

Glioma is one of the deadliest malignant brain tumors in adults, which is highly invasive and has a poor prognosis, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have key roles in the progression of glioma. Amino acid metabolism reprogramming is an emerging hallmark in cancer. However, the diverse amino acid metabolism programs and prognostic value remain unclear during glioma progression. Thus, we aim to find potential amino-related prognostic glioma hub genes, elaborate and verify their functions, and explore further their impact on glioma.

Methods

Glioblastoma (GBM) and low-grade glioma (LGG) patients’ data were downloaded from TCGA and CCGA datasets. LncRNAs associated with amino acid metabolism were discriminated against via correlation analysis. LASSO analysis and Cox regression analysis were conducted to identify lncRNAs related to prognosis. GSVA and GSEA were performed to predict the potential biological functions of lncRNA. Somatic mutation data and CNV data were further built to demonstrate genomic alterations and the correlation between risk scores. Human glioma cell lines U251 and U87-MG were used for further validation in vitro experiments.

Results

There were eight amino-related lncRNAs in total with a high prognostic value that were identified via Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses. The high risk-score group presented a significantly poorer prognosis compared with the low risk-score group, with more clinicopathological features and characteristic genomic aberrations. Our results provided new insights into biological functions in the above signature lncRNAs, which participate in the amino acid metabolism of glioma. LINC01561 is one of the eight identified lncRNAs, which was adopted for further verification. In in vitro experiments, siRNA-mediated LINC01561 silencing suppresses glioma cells’ viability, migration, and proliferation.

Conclusion

Novel amino-related lncRNAs associated with the survival of glioma patients were identified, and a lncRNA signature can predict glioma prognosis and therapy response, which possibly has vital roles in glioma. Meanwhile, it emphasized the importance of amino acid metabolism in glioma, particularly in providing deeper research at the molecular level.
Intestinal colonization with Candida auris and mucosal immune response in mice treated with cefoperazone oral antibiotic
Authors: Das Diprasom , HogenEsch Harm , Thangamani Shankar
Published: April 2023

Candida auris, an emerging multi-drug resistant fungal pathogen, causes invasive infections in humans. The factors regulating the colonization of C. auris in host niches are not well understood. In this study, we examined the effect of antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis on C. auris intestinal colonization, dissemination, microbiome composition and the mucosal immune response. Our results indicate that mice treated with cefoperazone alone had a significant increase in C. auris intestinal colonization compared to untreated control groups. A significant increase in the dissemination of C. auris from the intestine to internal organs was observed in antibiotic-treated immunosuppressed mice. Intestinal colonization of C. auris alters the microbiome composition of antibiotic-treated mice. Relative abundance of firmicutes members mainly Clostridiales and Paenibacillus were considerably increased in the cefoperazone-treated mice infected with C. auris compared to cefoperazone-treated uninfected mice. Next, we examined the mucosal immune response of C. auris infected mice and compared the results with Candida albicans infection. The number of CD11b+ CX3CR1+ macrophages was significantly decreased in the intestine of C. auris infected mice when compared to C. albicans infection. On the other hand, both C. auris and C. albicans infected mice had a comparable increase of the number of Th17 and Th22 cells in the intestine. A significant increase in Candida-specific IgA was observed in the serum of C. auris but not in the C. albicans infected mice. Taken together, treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotic increased the colonization and dissemination of C. auris from the intestine. Furthermore, findings from this study for the first time revealed the microbiome composition, innate and adaptive cellular immune response to intestinal infection with C. auris.
Adaptive immune receptor genotyping using the corecount program
Authors: Narang Sanjana , Kaduk Mateusz , Chernyshev Mark , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B. , Corcoran Martin M.
Published: April 2023

We present a new Rep-Seq analysis tool called corecount, for analyzing genotypic variation in immunoglobulin (IG) and T cell receptor (TCR) genes. corecount is highly efficient at identifying V alleles, including those that are infrequently used in expressed repertoires and those that contain 3’ end variation that are otherwise refractory to reliable identification during germline inference from expressed libraries. Furthermore, corecount facilitates accurate D and J gene genotyping. The output is highly reproducible and facilitates the comparison of genotypes from multiple individuals, such as those from clinical cohorts. Here, we applied corecount to the genotypic analysis of IgM libraries from 16 individuals. To demonstrate the accuracy of corecount, we Sanger sequenced all the heavy chain IG alleles (65 IGHV, 27 IGHD and 7 IGHJ) from one individual from whom we also produced two independent IgM Rep-seq datasets. Genomic analysis revealed that 5 known IGHV and 2 IGHJ sequences are truncated in current reference databases. This dataset of genomically validated alleles and IgM libraries from the same individual provides a useful resource for benchmarking other bioinformatic programs that involve V, D and J assignments and germline inference, and may facilitate the development of AIRR-Seq analysis tools that can take benefit from the availability of more comprehensive reference databases.
Effects of dietary tryptophan on the antioxidant capacity and immune response associated with TOR and TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways in northern snakehead, Channa argus (Cantor, 1842)
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Anran , Chang Enhui , Han Bei , Xu Jie , Fu Yu , Dong Xiaojing , Miao Shuyan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Dietary tryptophan (Trp) has been shown to influence fish feed intake, growth, immunity and inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of Trp on immune system of juvenile northern snakehead (Channa argus Cantor, 1842).

Methods

A total of 540 fish (10.21 ± 0.11 g) were fed six experimental diets containing graded levels of Trp at 1.9, 3.0, 3.9, 4.8, 5.9 and 6.8 g/kg diet for 70 days, respectively.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that supplementation of 1.9-4.8 g/kg Trp in diets had no effect on the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and renal index (RI), while dietary 3.9 and 4.8 g/kg Trp significantly increased spleen index (SI) of fish. Dietary 3.9, 4.8, 5.9 and 6.8 g/kg Trp enhanced the total hemocyte count (THC), the activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Malondinaldehyde (MDA) levels in the blood were significantly decreased by consuming 3.9 and 4.8 g/kg Trp. Fish fed with 3.0 and 3.9 g/kg Trp diets up-regulated interleukin 6 (il-6) and interleukin 8 (il-8) mRNA levels. The expression of tumor necrosis factor α (tnf-α) was highest in fish fed with 3.0 g/kg Trp diet, and the expression of interleukin 1β (il-1β) was highest in fish fed with 3.9 g/kg Trp diet. Dietary 4.8, 5.9 and 6.8 g/kg Trp significantly decreased il-6 and tnf-α mRNA levels in the intestine. Moreover, Trp supplementation was also beneficial to the mRNA expression of interleukin 22 (il-22). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of target of rapamycin (tor), toll-like receptor-2 (tlr2), toll-like receptor-4 (tlr4), toll-like receptor-5 (tlr5) and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (myd88) of intestine were significantly up-regulated in fish fed 1.9, 3.0 and 3.9 g/kg Trp diets, and down-regulated in fish fed 4.8, 5.9 and 6.8 g/kg Trp diets. Dietary 4.8 and 5.9 g/kg Trp significantly increased the expression of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase beta subunit (ikkβ) and decreased the expression of inhibitor of kappa B (iκbα), but inhibited nuclear transcription factor kappa B (nf-κb) mRNA level. Collectively, these results indicated that dietary 4.8 g/kg Trp could improve antioxidant capacity and alleviate intestinal inflammation associated with TOR and TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways.
DNA immunization with in silico predicted T-cell epitopes protects against lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection in K18-hACE2 mice
Authors: Persson Gry , Restori Katherine H. , Emdrup Julie Hincheli , Schussek Sophie , Klausen Michael Schantz , Nicol McKayla J. , Katkere Bhuvana , Rønø Birgitte , Kirimanjeswara Girish , Sørensen Anders Bundgaard
Published: April 2023

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic caused significant social and economic disruption worldwide, despite highly effective vaccines being developed at an unprecedented speed. Because the first licensed vaccines target only single B-cell antigens, antigenic drift could lead to loss of efficacy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Improving B-cell vaccines by including multiple T-cell epitopes could solve this problem. Here, we show that in silico predicted MHC class I/II ligands induce robust T-cell responses and protect against severe disease in genetically modified K18-hACE2/BL6 mice susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Development of a bioenergetics and population dynamics coupled model: A case study of chub mackerel
Authors: Wang Ziqin , Ito Shin-ichi , Yabe Itsuka , Guo Chenying
Published: April 2023

A bioenergetics and population dynamics coupled model that includes a full life cycle and size/growth-dependent mortality function was developed to better understand stock fluctuations. As an example, the model was applied to chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) as it shows large stock fluctuations in the western North Pacific. The mortality dependency parameters for growth/size were adjusted to achieve realistic stock fluctuations in the model from 1998 to 2018. Two types of mortality functions were used in the model: one based on both size and growth, and the other based solely on size. An increasing trend of stock fluctuation of chub mackerel in the 2010s was reproduced in the simulation by contributions of several strong monthly cohorts that formed strong year classes using both types of mortality functions. The reproducibility of the stock fluctuation was not markedly different between the models with the two types of mortality functions, which indicates the importance of size-dependent mortality on the stock fluctuations of chub mackerel. The influence of sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a was evaluated separately by using the climatological values for one of the forcings, and the model results revealed that the stock fluctuations of chub mackerel during 1998–2018 were mainly controlled by chlorophyll-a, whereas the increasing stock during 2010–2014 was strongly influenced by chlorophyll-a, and that after 2014 was influenced by SST. When integrated with different fishing pressures, the model showed that high fishing pressure hinders the recovery of chub mackerel stocks, highlighting the importance of effective fishery management.
Minke whales change their swimming behavior with respect to their calling behavior, nearby conspecifics, and the environment in the central North Pacific
Authors: Helble Tyler A. , Guazzo Regina A. , Durbach Ian N. , Martin Cameron R. , Alongi Gabriela C. , Martin Stephen W. , Henderson E. Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

Behavioral responses to sonar have been observed in a number of baleen whales, including minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Previous studies used acoustic minke whale boing detections to localize and track individual whales on the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Kaua ‘i, Hawai‘i before, during, and after Navy training activities. These analyses showed significant changes in central North Pacific minke whale distribution and swimming behavior during Navy sonar events. For the purposes of contextualizing changes in animal movement relative to Navy sonar, we expanded on this research to examine the natural variation in minke whale movement when Navy sonar was not present. This study included 2,245 acoustically derived minke whale tracks spanning the years 2012–2017 over all months that minke whales were detected (October–May). Minke whale movement was examined relative to calling season, day of the year, hour of day, wind speed, calling state (nominal or rapid), and distance to the nearest calling conspecific. Hidden Markov models were used to identify two kinematic states (slower, less directional movement and faster, more directional movement). The findings indicate that minke whales were more likely to travel in a faster and more directional state when they were calling rapidly, when other vocalizing minke whales were nearby, during certain times of the day and calling seasons, and in windier conditions, but these changes in movement were less intense than the changes observed during exposure to Navy sonar, when swim speeds were the fastest. These results start to put behavioral responses to Navy sonar into an environmental context to understand the severity of responses relative to natural changes in behavior.
Developing an ocean best practice: A case study of marine sampling practices from Australia
Authors: Przeslawski Rachel , Barrett Neville , Carroll Andrew , Foster Scott , Gibbons Brooke , Jordan Alan , Monk Jacquomo , Langlois Tim , Lara-Lopez Ana , Pearlman Jay , Picard Kim , Pini-Fitzsimmons Joni , van Ruth Paul , Williams Joel
Published: April 2023

Since 2012, there has been a surge in the numbers of marine science publications that use the term ‘best practice’, yet the term is not often defined, nor is the process behind the best practice development described. Importantly a ‘best practice’ is more than a documented practice that an individual or institution uses and considers good. This article describes a rigorous process to develop an ocean best practice using examples from a case study from Australia in which a suite of nine standard operating procedures were released in 2018 and have since become national best practices. The process to develop a best practice includes three phases 1) scope and recruit, 2) develop and release, 3) revise and ratify. Each phase includes 2-3 steps and associated actions that are supported by the Ocean Best Practices System (www.oceanbestpractices.org). The Australian case study differs from many other practices, which only use the second phase (develop and release). In this article, we emphasize the value of the other phases to ensure a practice is truly a ‘best practice’. These phases also have other benefits, including higher uptake of a practice stemming from a sense of shared ownership (from scope and recruit phase) and currency and accuracy (from revise and ratify phase). Although the process described in this paper may be challenging and time-consuming, it optimizes the chance to develop a true best practice that is a) fit-for-purpose with clearly defined scope; b) representative and inclusive of potential users; c) accurate and effective, reflecting emerging technologies and programs; and d) supported and adopted by users.
Culturing the desert microbiota
Authors: Selmani Zakia , Attard Eleonore , Lauga Béatrice , Barakat Mohamed , Ortet Philippe , Tulumello Joris , Achouak Wafa , Kaci Yahia , Heulin Thierry
Published: April 2023

Over the last 30 years, the description of microbial diversity has been mainly based on culture-independent approaches (metabarcoding and metagenomics) allowing an in-depth analysis of microbial diversity that no other approach allows. Bearing in mind that culture-dependent approaches cannot replace culture-independent approaches, we have improved an original method for isolating strains consisting of “culturing” grains of sand directly on Petri dishes (grain-by-grain method). This method allowed to cultivate up to 10% of the bacteria counted on the surface of grains of the three sites studied in the Great Western Erg in Algeria (Timoudi, Béni Abbès, and Taghit), knowing that on average about 10 bacterial cells colonize each grain. The diversity of culturable bacteria (collection of 290 strains) predicted by 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Arthrobacter subterraneus, Arthrobacter tecti, Pseudarthrobacter phenanthrenivorans, Pseudarthrobacter psychrotolerans, and Massilia agri are the dominant species. The comparison of the culture-dependent and -independent (16S rRNA gene metabarcoding) approaches at the Timoudi site revealed 18 bacterial genera common to both approaches with a relative overestimation of the genera Arthrobacter/Pseudarthrobacter and Kocuria, and a relative underestimation of the genera Blastococcus and Domibacillus by the bacterial culturing approach. The bacterial isolates will allow further study on the mechanisms of tolerance to desiccation, especially in Pseudomonadota (Proteobacteria).
Detection of antimicrobial producing Staphylococcus from migratory birds: Potential role in nasotracheal microbiota modulation
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Rosa , Abdullahi Idris Nasir , González-Azcona Carmen , Ulloa Adriana , Martínez Agustí , García-Vela Sara , Höfle Ursula , Zarazaga Myriam , Lozano Carmen , Torres Carmen
Published: April 2023

A collection of 259 staphylococci of 13 different species [212 coagulase-negative (CoNS) and 47 coagulase-positive (CoPS)] recovered from nasotracheal samples of 87 healthy nestling white storks was tested by the spot-on-lawn method for antimicrobial-activity (AA) against 14 indicator bacteria. Moreover, extracts of AP isolates were obtained [cell-free-supernatants (CFS) both crude and concentrated and butanol extracts] and tested against the 14 indicator bacteria. The microbiota modulation capacity of AP isolates was tested considering: (a) intra-sample AA, against all Gram-positive bacteria recovered in the same stork nasotracheal sample; (b) inter-sample AA against a selection of representative Gram-positive bacteria of the nasotracheal microbiota of all the storks (30 isolates of 29 different species and nine genera). In addition, enzymatic susceptibility test was carried out in selected AP isolates and bacteriocin encoding genes was studied by PCR/sequencing. In this respect, nine isolates (3.5%; seven CoNS and two CoPS) showed AA against at least one indicator bacteria and were considered antimicrobial-producing (AP) isolates. The AP isolates showed AA only for Gram-positive bacteria. Three of these AP isolates (S. hominis X3764, S. sciuri X4000, and S. chromogenes X4620) revealed AA on all extract conditions; other four AP isolates only showed activity in extracts after concentration; the remaining two AP isolates did not show AA in any of extract conditions. As for the microbiota modulation evaluation, three of the nine AP-isolates revealed intra-sample AA. It is to highlight the potent inter-sample AA of the X3764 isolate inhibiting 73% of the 29 representative Gram-positive species of the nasotracheal stork microbiota population. On the other hand, enzymatic analysis carried out in the two highest AP isolates (X3764 and X4000) verified the proteinaceous nature of the antimicrobial compound and PCR analysis revealed the presence of lantibiotic-like encoding genes in the nine AP isolates. In conclusion, these results show that nasotracheal staphylococci of healthy storks, and especially CoNS, produce antimicrobial substances that could be important in the modulations of their nasal microbiota.
Systematic characterization of Ustilago maydis sirtuins shows Sir2 as a modulator of pathogenic gene expression
Authors: Navarrete Blanca , Ibeas José I. , Barrales Ramón R.
Published: April 2023

Phytopathogenic fungi must adapt to the different environmental conditions found during infection and avoid the immune response of the plant. For these adaptations, fungi must tightly control gene expression, allowing sequential changes in transcriptional programs. In addition to transcription factors, chromatin modification is used by eukaryotic cells as a different layer of transcriptional control. Specifically, the acetylation of histones is one of the chromatin modifications with a strong impact on gene expression. Hyperacetylated regions usually correlate with high transcription and hypoacetylated areas with low transcription. Thus, histone deacetylases (HDACs) commonly act as repressors of transcription. One member of the family of HDACs is represented by sirtuins, which are deacetylases dependent on NAD+, and, thus, their activity is considered to be related to the physiological stage of the cells. This property makes sirtuins good regulators during environmental changes. However, only a few examples exist, and with differences in the extent of the implication of the role of sirtuins during fungal phytopathogenesis. In this work, we have performed a systematic study of sirtuins in the maize pathogen Ustilago maydis, finding Sir2 to be involved in the dimorphic switch from yeast cell to filament and pathogenic development. Specifically, the deletion of sir2 promotes filamentation, whereas its overexpression highly reduces tumor formation in the plant. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that Sir2 represses genes that are expressed during biotrophism development. Interestingly, our results suggest that this repressive effect is not through histone deacetylation, indicating a different target of Sir2 in this fungus.
A cross-sectional study of retinal vessel changes based on optical coherence tomography angiography in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Xie Zengmai , Wang Huan , Tian Zhongping , Bi Yanlong , Li Yunxia , Zhang Li
Published: April 2023

Background

The involvement of retina and its vasculature has been recently described in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is noninvasively used to assess the retinal blood flow.

Objective

This study was to compare vessel density (VD) and blood perfusion density (PD) of the macular in AD patients, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and healthy controls by OCTA, which may provide new ideas for diagnosis of AD or MCI.

Methods

AD patients, MCI patients and healthy controls underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic and neurological evaluations, including cognitive function assessments as well as visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp examinations, and OCTA. General demographic data, cognitive function, retinal VD and PD were compared among three groups. The correlations among retinal VD, PD and cognitive function, amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) protein were further evaluated. The correlations between retinal superficial capillary plexus and cognitive function, Aβ protein and p-Tau protein were also explored.

Results

A total of 139 participants were recruited into this study, including 43 AD patients, 62 MCI patients, and 34 healthy controls. After adjusting for sex, age, history of smoking, history of alcohol intake, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, best corrected visual acuity, and IOP, VD and PD in the nasal and inferior regions of the inner ring, superior and inferior regions of outer ring in the AD group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). PD in nasal region of outer ring also significantly decreased in the AD group. VD and PD in superior and inferior regions of inner ring, superior and temporal regions of outer ring in the MCI group were markedly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). After adjusting for sex and age, VD and PD were correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic score, Mini-mental State Examination score, visuospatial function and executive function (p < 0.05), while Aβ protein and p-Tau protein had no relationship with VD and PD.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that superficial retinal VD and PD in macula may be potential non-invasive biomarkers for AD and MCI, and these vascular parameters correlate with cognitive function.
Association of candidate genetic variants and circulating levels of ApoE/ApoJ with common neuroimaging features of cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Bonaterra-Pastra Anna , Benítez Sònia , Pancorbo Olalla , Rodríguez-Luna David , Vert Carla , Rovira Alex , Freijo M. Mar , Tur Silvia , Martínez-Zabaleta Maite , Cardona Portela Pere , Vera Rocío , Lebrato-Hernández Lucia , Arenillas Juan F. , Pérez-Sánchez Soledad , Domínguez-Mayoral Ana , Fàbregas Joan Martí , Mauri Gerard , Montaner Joan , Sánchez-Quesada Jose Luis , Hernández-Guillamon Mar
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in brain vessels and is a main cause of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the elderly. CAA is associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of small vessel disease (SVD). Since Aβ is also accumulated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the brain parenchyma, we aimed to study if several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with AD were also associated with CAA pathology. Furthermore, we also studied the influence of APOE and CLU genetic variants in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and clusterin/apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) circulating levels and their distribution among lipoproteins.

Methods

The study was carried out in a multicentric cohort of 126 patients with lobar ICH and clinical suspicion of CAA.

Results

We observed several SNPs associated with CAA neuroimaging MRI markers [cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), enlarged perivascular spaces in the centrum semiovale (CSO-EPVS), lobar cerebral microbleeds (CMB), white matter hyperintensities (WMH), corticosubcortical atrophy and CAA-SVD burden score]. Concretely, ABCA7 (rs3764650), CLU (rs9331896 and rs933188), EPHA1 (rs11767557), and TREML2 (rs3747742) were significantly associated with a CAA-SVD burden score. Regarding circulating levels of apolipoproteins, protective AD SNPs of CLU [rs11136000 (T) and rs9331896 (C)] were significantly associated with higher HDL ApoJ content in the lobar ICH cohort. APOEε2 carriers presented higher plasma and LDL-associated ApoE levels whereas APOEε4 carriers presented lower plasma ApoE levels. Additionally, we observed that lower circulating ApoJ and ApoE levels were significantly associated with CAA-related MRI markers. More specifically, lower LDL-associated ApoJ and plasma and HDL-associated ApoE levels were significantly associated with CSO-EPVS, lower ApoJ content in HDL with brain atrophy and lower ApoE content in LDL with the extent of cSS.

Discussion

This study reinforces the relevance of lipid metabolism in CAA and cerebrovascular functionality. We propose that ApoJ and ApoE distribution among lipoproteins may be associated with pathological features related to CAA with higher ApoE and ApoJ levels in HDL possibly enhancing atheroprotective, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory responses in cerebral β-amyloidosis.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of the development of mouse olfactory system from prenatal to postnatal period
Authors: Kim Bo-Ra , Rha Min-Seok , Cho Hyung-Ju , Yoon Joo-Heon , Kim Chang-Hoon
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB) are the major components of the olfactory system and play critical roles in olfactory perception. However, the embryonic development of OE and OB by using the olfactory specific genes has not been comprehensively investigated yet. Most previous studies were limited to a specific embryonic stage, and very little is known, till date, about the development of OE.

Methods

The current study aimed to explore the development of mouse olfactory system by spatiotemporal analysis of the histological features by using the olfactory specific genes of olfactory system from the prenatal to postnatal period.

Results

We found that OE is divided into endo-turbinate, ecto-turbinate, and vomeronasal organs, and that putative OB with putative main and accessory OB is formed in the early developmental stage. The OE and OB became multilayered in the later developmental stages, accompanied by the differentiation of olfactory neurons. Remarkably, we found the development of layers of olfactory cilia and differentiation of OE to progress dramatically after birth, suggesting that the exposure to air may facilitate the final development of OE.

Discussion

Overall, the present study laid the groundwork for a better understanding of the spatial and temporal developmental events of the olfactory system.
Epilepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: An overview of etiology, prevalence, and treatment
Authors: Uliel-Sibony Shimrit , Chernuha Veronika , Tokatly Latzer Itay , Leitner Yael
Published: April 2023

Epilepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are closely connected and commonly seen in both children and adults. Each of the disorders has major psychosocial and quality of life (QOL) effects, and their co-occurrence makes coping even more challenging for both the patients and their families. Moreover, an adverse effect of some anti-seizure medications can potentially induce or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD on the one hand, while some ADHD medications may increase seizure risk on the other. The combination of proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment may improve or even prevent many of the complications associated with these conditions. The objectives of this review are to present the complex relationship between epilepsy and ADHD, looking into the pathophysiological, anatomical, and functional perspectives along with the psychosocial and QOL influences and the recommended treatment approaches in accordance with the latest literature.
Pausing before verb production is associated with mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Andrade Eduardo Inacio Nascimento , Manxhari Christina , Smith Kara M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Cognitive dysfunction and communication impairment are common and disabling symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Action verb deficits occur in PD, but it remains unclear if these impairments are related to motor system dysfunction and/or cognitive decline. The objective of our study was to evaluate relative contributions of cognitive and motor dysfunction to action verb production in naturalistic speech of patients with PD. We proposed that pausing before action-related language is associated with cognitive dysfunction and may serve as a marker of mild cognitive impairment in PD.

Method

Participants with PD (n = 92) were asked to describe the Cookie Theft picture. Speech files were transcribed, segmented into utterances, and verbs classified as action or non-action (auxiliary). We measured silent pauses before verbs and before utterances containing verbs of different classes. Cognitive assessment included Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and neuropsychological tests to categorize PD participants as normal cognition (PD-NC) or mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) based on Movement Disorders Society (MDS) Task Force Tier II criteria. Motor symptoms were assessed using MDS-UPDRS. We performed Wilcoxon rank sum tests to identify differences in pausing between PD-NC and PD-MCI. Logistic regression models using PD-MCI as dependent variables were used to evaluate the association between pause variables and cognitive status.

Results

Participants with PD-MCI demonstrated more pausing before and within utterances compared to PD-NC, and the duration of these pauses were correlated with MoCA but not motor severity (MDS-UPDRS). Logistic regression models demonstrated that pauses before action utterances were associated with PD-MCI status, whereas pauses before non-action utterances were not significantly associated with cognitive diagnosis.

Conclusion

We characterized pausing patterns in spontaneous speech in PD-MCI, including analysis of pause location with respect to verb class. We identified associations between cognitive status and pausing before utterances containing action verbs. Evaluation of verb-related pauses may be developed into a potentially powerful speech marker tool to detect early cognitive decline in PD and better understand linguistic dysfunction in PD.