bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the origin and evolution of microbial mercury methylation
Authors: Lin Heyu , Moody Edmund R. R. , Williams Tom A. , Moreau John W.
Published: November 2022

The origin of microbial mercury methylation has long been a mystery. Here we employed genome-resolved phylogenetic analyses to decipher the evolution of the mercury methylating gene,hgcAB, constrain the ancestral origin of thehgcoperon, and explain the distribution ofhgcin Bacteria and Archaea. We infer the extent to which vertical inheritance and horizontal gene transfer have influenced the evolution of mercury methylators and hypothesize that evolution of this trait bestowed the ability to produce an antimicrobial compound (MeHg+) on a potentially resource-limited early Earth. We speculate that, in response, the evolution of MeHg+-detoxifying alkylmercury lyase (encoded bymerB) reduced a selective advantage for mercury methylators and resulted in widespread loss ofhgcin Bacteria and Archaea.

Significance

Neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg+(aq)) is synthesized from HgII(aq)in the environment by microorganisms possessing the gene pairhgcAB. Our phylogenetic analyses elucidate the origin and evolution of thehgcoperon, and support a hypothesis that mercury methylation evolved as an antimicrobial production mechanism, possibly from competition for limited resources on the early Earth. We infer from our analyses thathgchas been primarily vertically inherited in Bacteria and Archaea, with extensive parallel loss, and note that few taxa possessinghgcalso possess the gene encoding for MeHg+demethylation,merB. Our findings support the interpretation thatmerBevolved as a defense mechanism against the evolution of microbial HgII(aq)methylation.
Boost the resilience of Protected Areas to shocks by reducing their dependency on tourism
Authors: Andrianambinina F. Ollier D. , Schuurman Derek , Rakotoarijaona Mamy A. , Razanajovy Chantal N. , Ramparany Honorath M. , Rafanoharana Serge C. , Rasamuel H. Andry , Faragher Kevin D. , Waeber Patrick O. , Wilmé Lucienne
Published: November 2022

Nature-based or ecotourism is widely considered a strong mechanism for the sustainable funding of protected areas (PAs). Implemented during the 1990s in Madagascar, nature-based tourism experienced positive growth over the last 30 years with increasing numbers of visits to the parks and reserve safeguarding the endemic biodiversity. Revenue earned from entrance fees to the network of PAs managed by Madagascar National Parks has never been sufficient to finance their management. Political crises and the COVID-19 pandemic in particular, have highlighted the risks for park managers of relying on such earnings when they covered just 1 % of the funding required in 2021. Alternative mechanisms of funding are analysed for all Madagascar’s PAs in order to facilitate sustainable conservation of the localities and protection of the island’s biodiversity.
Expanding large-scale mechanistic models with machine learned associations and big datasets
Authors: Erdem Cemal , Birtwistle Marc R.
Published: November 2022

Computational models that can explain and predict complex sub-cellular, cellular, and tissue level drug response mechanisms could speed drug discovery and prioritize patient-specific treatments (i.e., precision medicine). Some models are mechanistic: detailed equations describing known (or supposed) physicochemical processes, while some models are statistical/machine learning-based: descriptive correlations that explain datasets but have no mechanistic or causal guarantees. These two types of modeling are rarely combined, missing the opportunity to explore possibly causal but data-driven new knowledge while explaining what is already known. Here, we explore a combination of machine learning with mechanistic modeling methods to develop computational models that could more fully represent cell-line-specific drug responses. In this proposed framework, machine learning/statistical models built using omics datasets provide high confidence predictions for new interactions between genes and proteins where there is physicochemical uncertainty. These possibly new interactions are used as new connections (edges) in a large-scale mechanistic model (called SPARCED) to better recapitulate the recently released NIH LINCS Consortium large-scale MCF10A dataset. As a test case, we focused on incorporating novel IFNγ/PD-L1 related associations into the SPARCED model to enable description of the cellular response to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies. This work is a template for combining big data, machine-learning-inferred interactions with mechanistic models, which could be more broadly applicable towards building multi-scale precision medicine and whole cell models.
Spatial transcriptomics of T and B cell receptors uncovers lymphocyte clonal dynamics in human tissue
Authors: Engblom Camilla , Thrane Kim , Lin Qirong , Andersson Alma , Toosi Hosein , Chen Xinsong , Steiner Embla , Mantovani Giulia , Hagemann-Jensen Michael , Saarenpää Sami , Jangard Mattias , Michaëlsson Jakob , Hartman Johan , Lagergren Jens , Mold Jeff , Lundeberg Joakim , Frisén Jonas
Published: November 2022

The spatial distribution of lymphocyte clones within tissues is critical to their development, selection, and expansion. We have developed Spatial Transcriptomics of VDJ sequences (Spatial VDJ), which maps immunoglobulin and TR antigen receptors in human tissue sections. Spatial VDJ captures lymphocyte clones matching canonical T, B, and plasma cell distributions in tissues and amplifies clonal sequences confirmed by orthogonal methods. We confirm spatial congruency between paired receptor chains, develop a computational framework to predict receptor pairs, and link the expansion of distinct B cell clones to different tumor-associated gene expression programs. Spatial VDJ delineates B cell clonal diversity, class switch recombination, and lineage trajectories within their spatial context. Taken together, Spatial VDJ captures lymphocyte spatial clonal architecture across tissues, which could have important therapeutic implications.

One-Sentence Summary

Spatial transcriptomics-based technology co-captures T and B cell receptors within their anatomical niche in human tissue.
Characterization of caffeine response regulatory variants in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Boye Carly , Kalita Cynthia , Findley Anthony , Alazizi Adnan , Wei Julong , Wen Xiaoquan , Pique-Regi Roger , Luca Francesca
Published: November 2022

Genetic variants in gene regulatory sequences can modify gene expression and mediate the molecular response to environmental stimuli. In addition, genotype-environment interactions (GxE) contribute to complex traits such as cardiovascular disease. Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant and is known to produce a vascular response. To investigate GxE for caffeine, we treated vascular endothelial cells with caffeine and used a massively parallel reporter assay to measure allelic effects on gene regulation for over 43,000 genetic variants. We identified 665 variants with allelic effects on gene regulation and 29 variants that regulate the gene expression response to caffeine (GxE, FDR<10%). When overlapping our GxE results with eQTLs colocalized with CAD and hypertension, we dissected their regulatory mechanisms and showed a modulatory role for caffeine. Our results demonstrate that massively parallel reporter assay is a powerful approach to identify and molecularly characterize GxE in the specific context of caffeine consumption.
Yeast nicotinate-nucleotide pyrophosphorylase in complex with its ligand: Crystallization and Preliminary structural approaches
Authors: Kim Tae Gyun , Kwon Taek Hun , Choi Hyo Jung , Park Min Kyung , Park Jungbae , Chae Inkyung , An Hyun-Jung
Published: November 2022

Pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid which is a biologically potent molecule implicated in neurodegenerative environment is catalyzed by nicotinate-nucleotide pyrophosphorylase (NMnPP) to produce a precursor molecule, nicotinate mononucleotide (NMn), ofde novobiosynthesis of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The protein preparation, crystallization, and preliminary structural features of full-length enzyme in complex with product reactant suggest that yeast NMnPP acts as stable hexamer formation.S. cerevisiaeNMnPP was obtained and diffracted to a resolution of 1.74 Å and 1.99 Å for apo and complex forms, belonged to the trigonal symmetry groupR32 in the unit-cell parameters of a=b=155.313, c=67.507 and a=b=155.091, c=69.204, respectively. Based on our comparison of eukaryotic NMnPP structures in the apo and complex forms, we propose functional and structural investigation for the product binding and hexamer stabilization.
Individual identity and environmental conditions explain different aspects of sleep behaviour in wild boar
Authors: Mortlock Euan , Silovský Václav , Güldenpfennig Justine , Faltusová Monika , Olejarz Astrid , Börger Luca , Ježek Miloš , Jennings Dómhnall J , Capellini Isabella
Published: November 2022

Sleep is a fundamental behaviour as it serves vital physiological functions, yet how the sleep of wild animals is constrained by environmental conditions is poorly understood. Using non-invasive multi-sensor high-resolution biologgers and a robust classification approach, we quantified multiple dimensions of sleep in wild boar (Sus scrofa), a nocturnally active mammal, monitored for up to a full annual cycle. In support of the hypothesis that environmental conditions determining thermoregulatory challenges regulate sleep, we show that on warmer, longer, and more humid days sleep quality and quantity are reduced, whilst greater snow cover and rainfall promote sleep quality. Importantly, our study reveals large inter-and intra-individual variation in sleep durations, suggestive of pace-of-life syndromes. Given the major role that sleep plays in health, our results suggest that global warming and the associated increase in extreme climatic events are likely to negatively impact sleep, and consequently health in wildlife, particularly in nocturnal animals.
Quantification of surface tension effects and nucleation-and-growth rates during self-assembly of biological condensates
Authors: Sárkány Zsuzsa , Rocha Fernando , Bratek-Skicki Anna , Tompa Peter , Macedo-Ribeiro Sandra , Martins Pedro M.
Published: November 2022

Liquid-solid and liquid-liquid phase separation (PS) drives the formation of functional and disease-associated biological assemblies. Principles of phase equilibrium are here employed to derive a general kinetic solution that predicts the evolution of the mass and size of biological assemblies. Thermodynamically, protein PS is determined by two measurable concentration limits: the saturation concentration and the critical solubility. Due to surface tension effects, the critical solubility can be higher than the saturation concentration for small, curved nuclei. Kinetically, PS is characterized by the primary nucleation rate constant and a combined rate constant accounting for growth and secondary nucleation. It is demonstrated that the formation of a few number of large condensates is possible without active mechanisms of size control and in the absence of coalescence phenomena. Our exact analytical solution can be used to interrogate how the elementary steps of PS are affected by candidate drugs.
Predictive coordination of breathing during speaking and listening
Authors: Abbasi Omid , Kluger Daniel S. , Chalas Nikos , Steingräber Nadine , Meyer Lars , Gross Joachim
Published: November 2022

It has long been known that human breathing is altered during listening and speaking compared to rest. Theoretical models of human communication suggest two distinct phenomena during speaking and listening: During speaking, inhalation depth is adjusted to the air volume required for the upcoming utterance. During listening, inhalation is temporally aligned to inhalation of the speaker. While evidence for the former is relatively strong, it is virtually absent for the latter. We address both questions using recordings of speech envelope and respiration in 30 participants during 14 minutes of speaking and listening. We extend existing evidence for the first phenomenon by using the speech envelope to show that inhalation depth is positively correlated with the total power of the speech envelope in the following utterance. Pertaining to the second phenomenon, we provide first evidence that inhalation during listening to your own speech is significantly more likely at time points of inhalation during speaking. These findings are compatible with models that postulate alignment of internal forward models of interlocutors with the aim to facilitate communication.
The structural basis of the multi-step allosteric activation of Aurora B kinase
Authors: Segura-Peña Dario , Hovet Oda , Gogoi Hemanga , Dawicki-McKenna Jennine M. , Hansen Wøien Stine Malene , Carrer Manuel , Black Ben E. , Cascella Michele , Sekulić Nikolina
Published: November 2022

Aurora B, together with IN-box, the C-terminal part of INCENP, forms an enzymatic complex that ensures faithful cell division. The [Aurora B/IN-box] complex is activated by autophosphorylation in the Aurora B activation loop and in IN-box, but it is not clear how these phosphorylations activate the enzyme. We used a combination of experimental and computational studies to investigate the effects of phosphorylation on the molecular dynamics and structure of [Aurora B/IN-box]. In addition, we generated partially phosphorylated intermediates to analyze the contribution of each phosphorylation independently. We found that the dynamics of Aurora and IN-box are interconnected, and IN-box plays both positive and negative regulatory roles depending on the phosphorylation status of the enzyme complex. Phosphorylation in the activation loop of Aurora B occurs intramolecularly and prepares the enzyme complex for activation, but two phosphorylated sites are synergistically responsible for full enzyme activity.
Development of a new faecal DNA extraction method (HV-CTAB-PCI) for amplification of mitochondrial and nuclear markers used in genetic analyses of dugongs (Dugong dugon)
Authors: Ooi Vicky , McMichael Lee , Hunter Margaret E. , Kamla Aristide Takoukam , Lanyon Janet M.
Published: November 2022

Non-invasively collected faecal samples are an alternative source of DNA to tissues, that may be used in genetic studies of wildlife when direct sampling of animals is difficult. Although several faecal DNA extraction methods exist, their efficacy varies between species. Previous attempts to amplify mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers from faeces of wild dugongs have met with limited success and nuclear markers (microsatellites) have been unsuccessful. This study aimed to develop a new tool for sampling both mtDNA and nuclear DNA (nDNA) from dugong faeces by modifying approaches used in studies of other large herbivores. First, amplification success of genetic markers from dugong faeces was compared between an established QIAamp and a newly developed DNA extraction method. Faecal DNA extracted using a new ‘High Volume-CTAB-PCI’ (HV-CTAB-PCI) method was found to achieve comparable amplification results to extraction of dugong skin DNA. As most prevailing practices advocate sampling from the outer surface of a stool to maximise capture of sloughed intestinal cells, this study compared amplification success of mtDNA between the outer and inner layers of faeces, but no difference in amplification was found. Assessment of the impacts of faecal age or degradation on extraction, however, demonstrated that fresher faeces with shorter duration of environmental (seawater) exposure amplified mtDNA and nDNA better than eroded scats. Using the HV-CTAB-PCI method, nDNA was successfully amplified for the first time from dugong faeces. This novel DNA extraction protocol offers a new tool that will facilitate genetic studies of dugongs and other large and cryptic marine herbivores in remote locations.
The evolution and structure of snake venom phosphodiesterase (svPDE) highlight its importance in venom actions
Authors: Pan Cheng-Tsung , Lin Chien-Chu , Lin I-Jin , Chien Kun-Yi , Lin Yeong-Shin , Chang Hsiao-Han , Wu Wen-Guey
Published: November 2022

For decades, studies of snake venoms focused on the venom-ome-specific toxins (VSTs). VSTs are dominant soluble proteins believed to contribute to the main venomous effects and emerged into gene clusters for fast adaptation and diversification of snake venoms. However, the conserved minor venom components, such as snake venom phosphodiesterase (svPDE), remain largely unexplored. Here, we focus on svPDE by genomic and transcriptomic analysis across snake clades and demonstrate that soluble svPDE is co-opted from the ancestral membrane-attached ENPP3 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 3) gene by replacing the original 5’ exon with the exon encoding a signal peptide. Notably, the exons, promoters and transcription/translation starts have been replaced multiple times during snake evolution, suggesting the evolutionary necessity of svPDE. The structural and biochemical analyses also show that svPDE shares the similar functions with ENPP family, suggesting its perturbation to the purinergic signaling and insulin transduction in venomous effects.

Significance Statement

We provided a case of the evolutionary co-option strategy in which the secretory svPDE, one of the minor venom components, is generated from the ancestral membrane-anchored ENPP3 gene by using an alternative 5’ exon. The first exon of the svPDE transcript encodes a signal peptide instead of the transmembrane domain of the ENPP3. Multiple replacement events of genomic elements during snake evolution maintain the expression of the svPDE transcripts, suggesting the crucial function of svPDE. Also, the structures and biochemical analyses indicate that svPDE reuse the original functions of ENPP3 in the bitten tissues and may interfere with normal cell signaling. Together, our study reveals the evolution of svPDE and suggests the importance of minor venom components.
Shear and hydrostatic stress regulate fetal heart valve remodeling through YAP-mediated mechanotransduction
Authors: Wang Mingkun , Lin Belle Yanyu , Sun Shuofei , Dai Charles , Long FeiFei , Butcher Jonathan T.
Published: November 2022

Clinically serious congenital heart valve defects arise from improper growth and remodeling of endocardial cushions into leaflets. Genetic mutations have been extensively studied but explain less than 20% of cases. Mechanical forces generated by beating hearts drive valve development, but how these forces collectively determine valve growth and remodeling remains incompletely understood. Here we decouple the influence of those forces on valve size and shape, and study the role of YAP pathway in determining the size and shape. The low oscillatory shear stress promotes YAP nuclear translocation in valvular endothelial cells (VEC), while the high unidirectional shear stress restricts YAP in cytoplasm. The hydrostatic compressive stress activated YAP in valvular interstitial cells (VIC), whereas the tensile stress deactivated YAP. YAP activation by small molecules promoted VIC proliferation and increased valve size. YAP inhibition suppressed the VIC proliferation and reduced valve size, but enhanced cell-cell adhesions between VEC thus maintaining an elongated shape. Finally, left atrial ligation was performed in chick embryonic hearts to manipulate the shear and hydrostatic stress in-vivo. The restricted flow in the left ventricle induced a globular and hypoplastic left atrioventricular (AV) valves with an inhibited YAP expression. By contrast, the right AV valves with sustained YAP expression grew and elongated normally. This study establishes a simple yet elegant mechanobiological system by which transduction of local stresses regulates valve growth and remodeling. This system guides leaflets to grow into proper sizes and shapes with the ventricular development, without the need of a genetically prescribed timing mechanism.

Abstract Figure
Copy number footprints of platinum-based anticancer therapies
Authors: Gonzalez Santiago , Lopez-Bigas Nuria , Gonzalez-Perez Abel
Published: November 2022

Recently, distinct mutational footprints observed in metastatic tumors, secondary malignancies and normal human tissues have been demonstrated to be caused by the exposure to several chemotherapeutic drugs. These characteristic mutations originate from specific lesions caused by these chemicals to the DNA of exposed cells. However, it is unknown whether the exposure to these chemotherapies leads to a specific footprint of larger chromosomal aberrations. Here, we address this question exploiting whole genome sequencing data of metastatic tumors obtained from patients exposed to different chemotherapeutic drugs. As a result, we discovered a specific copy number footprint across tumors from patients previously exposed to platinum-based therapies. This footprint is characterized by a significant increase in the number of chromosomal fragments of copy number 1-4 and size smaller than 10 Mb in exposed tumors with respect to their unexposed counterparts (median 14-387% greater across tumor types). The number of chromosomal fragments characteristic of the platinum-associated CN footprint increases significantly with the activity of the well known platinum-related footprint of single nucleotide variants across exposed tumors.
The increase of counterproductive work behaviour from organizational and individual level due to workplace conflict: a sequential moderated mediation model
Authors: Deng Jianwei , Hao Xueting , Yang Tianan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Based on affective events theory (AET), this study aims to construct a moderated sequential mediation model to explore the pathways of organizational climate on workplace conflict and subsequent counterproductive work behaviour (CWB).

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 1,035 respondents in a large state-owned enterprise located in Beijing, China. And this study used Mplus 8.3 to test the model fit, then tested the eight hypotheses using Mplus 8.3 to verify the mediating effects of workplace conflict and psychological well-being and the moderating effect of emotional stability.

Findings

Results indicated that: organizational climate is more likely to produce individual-oriented CWB (CWB-I) under the mediating effect of workplace conflict and the chain mediation of workplace conflict and psychological well-being, and emotional stability moderates the relationship between workplace conflict and psychological well-being, workplace conflict and CWB-I, but it has no moderating effect on the relationship between workplace conflict and organizational-oriented CWB (CWB-O).

Originality/value

This study puts forward a relatively complete theoretical framework, expands the application scope of AET and sheds new light on the intervening process that explains how organizational climate influences CWB-I and CWB-O, which enriches the literature in the two fields.
Customized production based on trusted 3D printing services in the cloud context
Authors: Algunaid Khalil Mustafa Abdulkarem , Liu Jichang
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop a system framework to organise, manage and evaluate 3D printing (3DP) services in the cloud and help users select the best service according to application requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Users can personalise their 3DP services based on their application requirements. The user is supplied with the performance capabilities and trust of all possible services. If the user is unable to select a service directly from the list of possible 3DP services, he/she can assign preference values for the application requirements to make a trade-off between the performance capabilities of services provided in terms of response time, manufacturing capabilities, lead time, cost and data integrity. After obtaining the finished product, the performance trust of the selected service are modified based on consumer feedback regarding their satisfaction. The accumulated input of a service's users is used to dynamically update its performance trust and is offered to new customers as a guide.

Findings

An industry case study is applied to verify the proposed methodology. The systematic order of the system framework demonstrated its efficiency in customising production based on trusted 3DP service providers.

Originality/value

The system upgraded the conventional 3DP service evaluation and selection approach. It considers the evaluation criteria of 3DP resources and the trust of service performance in the cloud context. The system favours 3DP cloud service providers. A registry tool is proposed to allow 3DP service providers to comprehensively define their services. By implementing a trust evaluation approach, 3DP service providers' trust are regularly updated based on their historical performances. In addition, a punishment mechanism is designed to motivate service providers to publish their true performance capabilities, therefore promoting a competitive environment and resulting in more reliable services.
Bird extinctions threaten to cause disproportionate reductions of functional diversity and uniqueness
Authors: Ali Jarome R. , Blonder Benjamin W. , Pigot Alex L. , Tobias Joseph A.
Published: November 2022

Human activities are driving rapid defaunation of Earth's ecosystems through increasing rates of extinction. However, the ecological consequences of species loss remain unclear, in part due to the limited availability of high‐resolution functional trait data.

To address this, we assess how predicted extinctions will reshape avian functional diversity quantified using a multidimensional trait space, or morphospace, reflecting variation in eight key morphological traits closely linked to ecological function across 9943 (>99%) extant bird species.

We show that large regions of this morphospace are represented by very few species and, thus, vulnerable to species loss. We also find evidence that species at highest risk of extinction are both larger and functionally unique in terms of ecological trait dimensions unrelated to size, such as beak shape and wing shape.

Although raw patterns suggest a positive relationship between extinction risk and functional uniqueness, this is removed when accounting for phylogeny and body mass, indicating a dominant role for clade‐specific factors, including the combination of larger average body size and higher extinction risk in the non‐passerine clade.

Regardless of how a threat is related to uniqueness, we show using simulations that the loss of currently threatened bird species would result in a greater loss of morphological diversity than expected under random extinctions.

Our results suggest that ongoing declines of threatened bird species may drive a disproportionately large loss of morphological diversity, with potentially major consequences for ecosystem functioning.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Neuroprotective effects of a lead compound from coral via modulation of the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1
Authors: Su Jian‐Wei , Yang Pei , Xing Mei‐Mei , Chen Bao , Xie Xia‐Hong , Ding Jian‐Hua , Lu Ming , Liu Yang , Guo Yue‐Wei , Hu Gang
Published: November 2022

Aims

To screen coral‐derived compounds with neuroprotective activity and clarify the potential mechanism of lead compounds.

Methods

The lead compounds with neuroprotective effects were screened by H2O2 and 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPP+)‐induced cell damage models in SH‐SY5Y cells. CCK8 and LDH assays were used to detect cell viability. The anti‐apoptosis of lead compounds was evaluated by flow cytometry. JC‐1 and MitoSox assays were performed to examine the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ROS level. Survival of primary cortical and dopaminergic midbrain neurons was measured by MAP2 and TH immunoreactivities. The Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model was established to determine the effect of lead compounds on dopaminergic neurons and behavior changes.

Results

Three compounds (No. 63, 68, and 74), derived from marine corals, could markedly alleviate the cell damage and notably reverse the loss of worm dopaminergic neurons. Further investigation indicated that compound 63 could promote the expression of Nurr1 and inhibit neuronal apoptosis signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Lead compounds from marine corals exerted significant neuroprotective effects， which indicated that coral might be a new and potential resource for screening and isolating novel natural compounds with neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, this study also provided a new strategy for the clinical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
Variability of phosphorus sorption properties in hydromorphic soils: Consequences for P losses in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Couic Ewan , Gruau Gérard , Gu Sen , Casquin Antoine
Published: November 2022

Increasing concerns over water eutrophication due to agricultural phosphorus (P) loss have led to the development of indicators to assess the risk of P release from agricultural soils. Recently, a logarithmic equation linking the degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS) to the simple water‐soluble P (WSP) content of soils has been proposed as a universal method to assess this risk based, however, mainly on the analysis of well‐drained soils. Here, we studied the P sorption properties and DPS values of 69 hydromorphic soils from cultivated and uncultivated wetland zones located in Brittany, Western France, to test whether the method could also apply to poorly‐drained soils. The bulk soil analysis showed that P contents of the studied hydromorphic soils were 30% to 80% higher than P contents normally found in Brittany soils, evidencing a possible P enrichment process. Adsorption isotherms revealed a surprisingly high variability in the P sorption properties as a function of the location of the soil (maximum P adsorption capacity ranging from 500 to 1850 mg kg−1), which is caused by variations in the phases controlling P sorption in soil (from clay to organic matter and/or iron and aluminium oxides, depending on the soil location). Distinct relationships between DPS and WSP values were also obtained depending on the location of the soils. The obtained DPS versus WSP relationships showed that the P saturation threshold above which the risk of dissolved P release increases markedly is 30% lower on average for hydromorphic soils than for well‐drained soils. Hydromorphic soils appear to be more at risk of releasing dissolved P at the same DPS values than well‐drained soils. The present study indicates an underestimation of the P release risk from hydromorphic soils by the existing method developed for well‐drained soils and calls for the development of specific risk assessment tools for hydromorphic soils, especially given on the strong spatial heterogeneity of their P sorption properties.

Highlights

Wetlands soils in western France show high variability in their phosphorus properties.

There is a high‐risk of dissolved P losses from wetland soils to watercourses.

The risk can remain high even in soils that are currently not cultivated

Degree of phosphorus saturation method to assess dissolved P release risk could underestimate it.
“It's wicked hard to fight covert racism”: The case of microaggressions in science research organizations
Authors: Salmon Udeni
Published: November 2022

The intersection of race and gender discrimination has resulted in the pervasive under‐representation of women of color (WOC) in science careers, with research identifying that microaggressions are a key contributory factor to the imbalance. This study aims to compare individual experiences of microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations with institutional responses, thereby outlining the disconnects between the perspectives of minoritized scientists and those in positions of power. This paper draws on a constructivist paradigm to compare the experiences of women of color scientists with organizational representatives through 31 interviews conducted in science research organizations in the United Kingdom. The results find that organizational understandings of microaggressions differ substantially from those of WOC scientists. Furthermore, organizational responses favor policy‐based solutions that fail to address the slippery and deniable nature of microaggressions. The paper concludes that, contrary to the more prevalent popular diversity initiatives, a greater belief in the testimony of WOC scientists amplified by institutional responses that empower their identity as scientists would be more effective strategies to reduce the sense of shame and isolation caused by subtle forms of discrimination.
Application of Orem's theory‐based caring programs among chronically ill adults: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis
Authors: Nasiri Morteza , Jafari Zohre , Rakhshan Mahnaz , Yarahmadi Fatemeh , Zonoori Sahar , Akbari Fakhridokht , Sadeghi Moghimi Elham , Amirmohseni Leila , Abbasi Mohammad , Keyvanloo Sharstanaki Sahar , Rezaei Masoud
Published: November 2022

Aim

This study aimed to clarify the value of caring programs developed according to Orem's Self‐Care Deficit Nursing Theory regarding quality of life and self‐care as the primary outcomes and self‐efficacy, anxiety, depression, and stress as the secondary outcomes among individuals aged 18–70 years with chronic diseases.

Background

Chronically ill patients need to receive appropriate self‐care training, counseling, and support. In this regard, the use of caring programs developed based on theories is highly suggested. Orem's Nursing Theory is the most well‐known theory that provides a structure to involve patients in their self‐care activities.

Introduction

Orem's Nursing Theory has been increasingly applied to guide practice for patients with chronic health conditions. However, recent trials have reported conflicting findings on the value of its application.

Methods

Eight information sources (e.g., Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, and Scopus) and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched up to 30 March 2022.

Results

A total of 46 studies and 11 study register entries were eligible. Orem's theory‐based interventions significantly improved the quality of life, self‐care, and self‐efficacy as well as significantly reduced anxiety and depression. However, the value of the interventions on stress was uncertain, as performing the meta‐analysis was not possible.

Discussion

Orem's Nursing Theory can help nurses in different fields to dynamically and carefully evaluate patients’ self‐care ability and implement appropriate nursing measures tailored to their needs, interests, and problems. Considering the inconsistent evidence to support the empirical adequacy of this theory, high‐quality reviews are essential.

Conclusion

Orem's theory‐based programs had a favorable effect on taking care of adults with chronic diseases.

Implications

This study augments the previous reviews related to the applicability of Orem's Nursing Theory. Considering the undesirable evidence quality and the high between‐study heterogeneity, further well‐designed trials are required to draw an evidence‐based conclusion.
Annual Research Review: The impact of Covid‐19 on psychopathology in children and young people worldwide: systematic review of studies with pre‐ and within‐pandemic data
Authors: Newlove‐Delgado Tamsin , Russell Abigail Emma , Mathews Frances , Cross Lauren , Bryant Eleanor , Gudka Rebecca , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Ford Tamsin J.
Published: November 2022

Background

The high volume and pace of research has posed challenges to researchers, policymakers and practitioners wanting to understand the overall impact of the pandemic on children and young people's mental health. We aimed to search for and review the evidence from epidemiological studies to answer the question: how has mental health changed in the general population of children and young people?

Methods

Four databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsychINFO) were searched in October 2021, with searches updated in February 2022. We aimed to identify studies of children or adolescents with a mean age of 18 years or younger at baseline, that reported change on a validated mental health measure from prepandemic to during the pandemic. Abstracts and full texts were double‐screened against inclusion criteria and quality assessed using a risk of bias tool. Studies were narratively synthesised, and meta‐analyses were performed where studies were sufficiently similar.

Results

6917 records were identified, and 51 studies included in the review. Only four studies had a rating of high quality. Studies were highly diverse in terms of design, setting, timing in relation to the pandemic, population, length of follow‐up and choice of measure. Methodological heterogeneity limited the potential to conduct meta‐analyses across studies. Whilst the evidence suggested a slight deterioration on some measures, overall, the findings were mixed, with no clear pattern emerging.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the need for a more harmonised approach to research in this field. Despite the sometimes‐inconsistent results of our included studies, the evidence supports existing concerns about the impact of Covid‐19 on children's mental health and on services for this group, given that even small changes can have a significant impact on provision at population level. Children and young people must be prioritised in pandemic recovery, and explicitly considered in planning for any future pandemic response.
Postoperative delirium after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Xiaoteng , Chu Huijun , Han Kangning , Shao Qiaoyu , Yu Yi , Jia Shuo , Wang Dunliang , Wang Zhijian , Zhou Yujie
Published: November 2022

Aims

To perform an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of postoperative delirium (POD) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from the time of the first human TAVR procedure in 2002 until December 24, 2021, which was supplemented by manual searches of bibliographies. Data were collected on incidence rates, risk factors, and/or associated mortality of POD after TAVR. Pooled analyses were conducted using random effects models to yield mean differences, odds ratios, hazard ratios, and risk ratios, with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 70 articles (69 studies) comprising 413,389 patients were included. The study heterogeneity was substantial. The pooled mean incidence of POD after TAVR in all included studies was 9.8% (95% CI: 8.7%–11.0%), whereas that in studies using validated tools to assess for delirium at least once a day for at least 2 consecutive days after TAVR was 20.7% (95% CI: 17.8%–23.7%). According to the level of evidence and results of meta‐analysis, independent preoperative risk factors with a high level of evidence included increased age, male sex, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, atrial fibrillation/flutter, weight loss, electrolyte abnormality, and impaired Instrumental Activities of Daily Living; intraoperative risk factors included non‐transfemoral access and general anesthesia; and acute kidney injury was a postoperative risk factor. POD after TAVR was associated with significantly increased mortality (pooled unadjusted RR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.79–2.71; pooled adjusted RR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.25–2.10), particularly long‐term mortality (pooled unadjusted HR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.91–4.23; pooled adjusted HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.30–2.73).

Conclusions

POD after TAVR is common and is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Accurate identification of risk factors for POD after TAVR and implementation of preventive measures are critical to improve prognosis.
Comparison of bone density patterns of the subaxial spine between chimpanzees and gorillas – A case study
Authors: Korpinen Niina
Published: November 2022

Case study on the bone density pattern of subaxial vertebral column in African apes.

Introduction

African apes have been noted to experience fewer back ailments than humans and to have higher vertebral bone density. Yet, research on the subject is quite limited and has usually included only one or few vertebrae. However, to understand vertebral column as whole and how posture and locomotion might have affected it, we need to know how bone density varies between adjacent vertebrae.

Materials and Methods

Bone density in the vertebral body was measured for all subaxial vertebrae of five specimens including two Pan troglodytes (1 male and 1 female) and three Gorilla gorilla (2 males and 1 female) using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).

Results

The results tentatively indicated differences between species, especially in the trabecular density of the cervical segment and support the need for further studies on this subject.
Oxytocin receptors mediate oxytocin potentiation of methylphenidate‐induced stimulation of accumbens dopamine in rats
Authors: Hersey Melinda , Bacon Amanda K. , Bailey Lydia G. , Lee Mary R. , Chen Andy Y. , Leggio Lorenzo , Tanda Gianluigi
Published: November 2022

While the illicit use and misuse of stimulants like cocaine and methylphenidate (MP) has increased, there remains no FDA‐approved treatments for psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD). Oxytocin (OT) has shown promise as a potential pharmacotherapy for PSUD. Dopamine (DA) neurotransmission plays a significant role in PSUD. We have recently shown that OT blunts the reinforcing effects of MP but, surprisingly, enhanced MP‐induced stimulation of DA levels. Such effects have been suggested as a result of activation of OT receptors or, alternatively, could be mediated by direct actions of OT on MP blockade of the DA transporter. Here, we employed fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to investigate the effects of systemic OT on MP‐induced changes in the dynamics of DA, phasic release and uptake, in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) of Sprague–Dawley rats. We also tested the systemic effects of an antagonist of OT receptors, atosiban, to counteract the OT enhancement of dopaminergic effects of MP under microdialysis procedures in the NAS in rats. Administration of OT alone (2 mg/kg; i.p.) did not significantly modify evoked NAS DA dynamics measured by FSCV, and when administered 10 min before MP (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg; i.v.), OT did not potentiate MP‐induced increases in phasic DA release and did not alter DA clearance rate, suggesting no direct interactions of OT with the MP‐induced blockade of DA uptake. Also, OT alone did not elicit significant changes in tonic, extracellular NAS DA levels measured by microdialysis. However, consistent with previous studies, we observed that OT pretreatments (2 mg/kg; i.p.) potentiated MP‐induced (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg; i.v.) efflux of extracellular NAS DA levels. This effect was abolished when rats were pretreated with atosiban (2 mg/kg; i.p.), suggesting that OT receptors mediate this OT action. Overall, our results suggest that OT receptors mediated OT potentiation of MP‐induced stimulation of extracellular NAS DA levels, likely driven by modulation of DA receptor signaling pathways, without affecting MP blockade of DAT.

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Comparing the Efficacy of Anatomical Locked Plate Fixation with Coracoclavicular Ligament Augmentation to Hook Plate Fixation in Treating Distal Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Wang Xin , Fang Xue , Qi Baiwen , Xiao Weidong , Pan Zhenyu , Xie Zhe
Published: November 2022

Objective

Hook plate fixation is the traditional method for treating distal clavicle fractures. However, in recent years, locked plate applications have emerged as a promising treatment method. This study aimed to compare the short‐ and mid‐term clinical efficacy of anatomical locked plate fixation with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using anchor nails to that of hook plate fixation in treating distal clavicle fractures.

Methods

This was a retrospective single‐center cohort study investigating patients with distal clavicle fractures treated between January 2016 and February 2019 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. Fifty‐nine eligible patients who underwent either anatomical locked plate fixation with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using anchor nails (LPF&CLA group; 20 patients) or clavicle hook plate fixation (CHPF group; 39 patients) were included. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Constant–Murley shoulder scores were used to assess shoulder function. In addition, the coracoclavicular distance between the affected and unaffected shoulders (ΔCC distance) was measured to assess the reduction. Patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The comparisons between the two groups were made using Student's t‐test, chi‐square test, or Fisher's exact test, if appropriate.

Results

Preoperative VAS scores were similar in both groups. At 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up, the VAS score was significantly higher in the CHPF group than in the LPF&CLA group. In contrast, the Constant–Murley shoulder score was significantly lower in the CHPF group than in the LPF&CLA group. When the hook plates were removed, there was no statistical difference in both VAS (0.2 ± 0.4 in LPF&CLA group vs. 0.5 ± 0.5 in CHPF group, p = 0.05) and Constant–Murley shoulder (96.1 ± 3.1 in LPF&CLA group vs. 93.8 ± 5.2 in CHPF group, p = 0.08) scores at the last follow‐up. Postoperatively, the ΔCC distance was 2.37 ± 1.93 mm in the LPF&CLA group and −1.56 ± 1.34 mm in the CHPF group. One year after surgery, ΔCC distance increased to 3.96 ± 1.17 mm in the LPF&CLA group and to −0.89 ± 1.39 mm in the CHPF group.

Conclusion

For distal clavicle fractures in which the coracoclavicular ligament is disrupted, anatomical locked plate fixation with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation achieved better functional recovery and less pain than hook plate fixation at the 6‐month follow‐up. However, the hook plate provided better reduction throughout the follow‐up period and shoulder pain could be relieved using removal surgery. Therefore, locked plates with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation favors post‐surgery pain relief while harvesting similar functional outcomes to hook plate fixation