bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in southern Quebec during summer and fall in two distinct habitats
Authors: Séguin Karelle , Durand‐Guévin Ariane , Lavallée Catherine , Ouimet Frédérique , Maisonhaute Julie‐Éléonore , Watson Christopher J. , Forbes Shari L.
Published: November 2021

Decomposition of human remains is a complex process impacted by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A less‐studied extrinsic factor in forensic taphonomy are the scavengers that consume soft and hard tissue. Scavengers physically degrade and remove soft tissue, disperse, and destroy skeletal elements, which can make locating remains challenging. While invertebrate activity has been largely investigated, there is limited quantitative data available on vertebrate activity, particularly in Canada. This study aimed to determine which species (vertebrate and invertebrate) belong to the scavenger guilds in southern Quebec, and their potential taphonomic impact on the decomposition process. Two independent trials were conducted in 2020 using pig carcasses: one during summer in a forest habitat and one during fall in a grassland habitat. Each carcass was placed a minimum 100 m apart in semi‐rural land. Vertebrate scavenger activity was recorded by continuous surveillance using trail cameras. Carcasses were also regularly visited to monitor the decomposition process and the activity of invertebrate scavengers. Overall, the vertebrate scavenger guilds included a narrow range of corvids, turkey vultures, coyotes, and skunks. The intensity of vertebrate scavengers was greater in the grassland habitat (fall), while the intensity of invertebrate scavengers was greater in the forest habitat (summer). With the exception of invertebrate scavengers, very few species visited during the fresh stage of decomposition, and the probability of body displacement increased as decomposition progressed. These results identify which scavengers have the greatest taphonomic impact and highlight the importance of incorporating scavenger impact when searching for human remains.
Touch DNA recovery from vehicle surfaces using different swabs
Authors: Giovanelli Alexandre , Grazinoli Garrido Rodrigo , Rocha Alípio , Hessab Tatiana
Published: November 2021

Several methods of DNA collection are used in places or objects related to crimes, the most common being the use of swabs. However, it is known that the efficacy of touch DNA recovery can be affected by collection devices and surfaces. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of three different types of swab in recovering touch DNA collected from different parts of a vehicle. The following swabs were tested: PurFlock® swab (Puritan, USA), 4N6FLOQSwabs™ (Copan S.p.A., Italy), and cotton swab (Labor Import). The experiments were carried out in the same vehicle, using the gearshift knob, the parking brake lever, and the steering wheel as support for the collection of touch DNA. Swabs showed significant differences in the amount of DNA recovered (Hc = 53.52; p < 0.05) and in the rate of allele amplification (Hc = 24.3; p < 0.05). The results indicated a greater DNA recovery efficiency by PurFlock® swab, followed by cotton, and then 4N6FLOQSwabs™. However, there was no significant difference among the surfaces analyzed. PurFlock® swab was more efficient for recovering donor alleles than the others (cotton and 4N6FLOQSwabs™), especially for small DNA amounts. This swab was, therefore, suitable for collections in vehicles involved in crime. Furthermore, this study highlights the need to assess different materials and methods of collection of biological samples, considering collection, extraction, and amplification.
An Open‐Source Python Library for Varying Model Parameters and Automating Concurrent Simulations of the National Water Model
Authors: Raney Austin , Maghami Iman , Feng Yenchia , Mandli Kyle , Cohen Sagy , Goodall Jonathan
Published: November 2021

The National Water Model (NWM), a configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting Hydrological model, operates as the United States’ hydrological model. The NWM predicts streamflow at more than 2.7 million river reaches; and is a subject of growing attention in the hydrological modeling community. Large‐scale computationally distributed models such as the NWM, often require technical knowledge of, and access to, cluster‐based computing environments for model compilation and simulation. User‐friendly tools capable of setting up and running such models to adjust and explore their parameter space generally do not exist. Here we present the Dockerized Job Scheduler (DJS) a Python library that takes a service approach to modeling. The library is capable of (1) generating varied parameter sets and (2) orchestrating concurrent NWM simulations via Docker. DJS is designed to automate the deployment of varied parameter simulations and lower the model usage entrance barrier. In this paper, we use a case study to demonstrate its installation and usage.
Non‐genomic rewiring of vitamin D receptor to p53 as a key to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lai Rai‐Hua , Hsu Yueh‐Ying , Shie Feng‐Shiun , Huang Che‐Ching , Chen Mei‐Hsin , Juang Jyh‐Lyh
Published: November 2021

Observational epidemiological studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether vitamin D deficiency would result in some impacts on the vitamin D binding receptor (VDR) remains to be characterized in AD. Vitamin D helps maintain adult brain health genomically through binding with and activating a VDR/retinoid X receptor (RXR) transcriptional complex. Thus, we investigated the role of VDR in AD using postmortem human brains, APP/PS1 mice, and cell cultures. Intriguingly, although vitamin D was decreased in AD patients and mice, hippocampal VDR levels were inversely increased. The abnormally increased levels of VDR were found to be colocalized with Aβ plaques, gliosis and autophagosomes, implicating a non‐genomic activation of VDR in AD pathogenesis. Mechanistic investigation revealed that Aβ upregulated VDR without its canonical ligand vitamin D and switched its heterodimer binding‐partner from RXR to p53. The VDR/p53 complex localized mostly in the cytosol, increased neuronal autophagy and apoptosis. Chemically inhibiting p53 switched VDR back to RXR, reversing amyloidosis and cognitive impairment in AD mice. These results suggest a non‐genomic rewiring of VDR to p53 is key for the progression of AD, and thus VDR/p53 pathway might be targeted to treat people with AD.
Reduced presentations with fractures or orthopaedic infections to a major children's hospital during a national COVID‐19 elimination strategy
Authors: Mason Blair , Stott Susan , Beamish Rebecca
Published: November 2021

Background

From 26 March 2020, New Zealand implemented a COVID‐19 elimination strategy which initially involved substantive limitations on public movement and assembly, and closure of non‐essential businesses. We asked what effect this had on acute paediatric orthopaedic presentations to a tertiary children's hospital.

Method

The numbers, age and gender of patients with orthopaedic presentations, seen by either the Children's Emergency Department (CED) or the orthopaedic service during the study period, were compared with the equivalent 2019 period.

Results

During the first 64 days of lockdown, 708 patients were seen in CED with orthopaedic presentations compared with 1124 patients in the same period in 2019 (37% reduction). We found a 55% reduction in musculoskeletal infections (from 135 to 61), a 40% reduction in total fractures (from 446 to 268) and a 27% reduction in soft tissue injuries (from 520 to 380). In 2020, similar proportions of patients were admitted for operating room procedures (15%) or had fractures reduced under sedation in CED (17%), however, increased numbers of soft tissue injuries were managed through CED under procedural sedation.

Conclusion

A national COVID‐19 elimination strategy, closing all but essential businesses, limiting public movement, physical distancing and focusing on hand hygiene, led to reduced presentations not only with fractures and soft tissue injuries but also musculoskeletal infections. Increased numbers of patients had procedural sedation for soft tissue injuries, but there was no significant change in the proportion of patients admitted for surgery.
Assessment of population biology, size‐weight relationship, condition factor, and spatial distribution of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus (Crustacea: Ocypodidae) in southern Brazil
Authors: Pescinelli Régis A. , Freitas Felipe , Costa Rogerio C. , Hilesheim Juliano C. , Dieh Fernando L. , Branco Joaquim O.
Published: November 2021

Brachyuran crabs are considered one of the most representative groups in mangroves, being recognised as mangrove engineers. However, species that present commercial interest may have their population structure and spatial distribution affected by human activities, such as crab capture. Therefore, monitoring populations over time is essential. We investigated the population biology, size‐weight relationship, condition factor and spatial distribution of Ucides cordatus in a mangrove ecosystem from southern Brazil, providing information for population status assessment. Males and females differed in abundance and frequency, body size, size‐weight relationship and condition factor. Nonetheless, they presented the same spatial distribution pattern. Abundance, sex ratio and body size also revealed a possible influence of anthropised areas in the configuration and distribution of the species. Our results indicate a possible increase in the exploitation of the species, mainly due to the decrease of the largest male size classes’ frequency. Interspecific competition seems to be a possible biotic factor influencing its condition factor. The spatial species distribution highlighted the importance of sites with less anthropogenic influence for the maintenance of the species that can be considered as key areas for the conservation of the U. cordatus in Babitonga Bay.
Red blood cell transfusion‐induced non‐transferrin‐bound iron promotes Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in human sera and mortality in catheterized mice
Authors: La Carpia Francesca , Slate Andrea , Bandyopadhyay Sheila , Wojczyk Boguslaw S. , Godbey Elizabeth A. , Francis Kevin P. , Prestia Kevin , Hod Eldad A.
Published: November 2021

Transfusion of storage‐damaged red blood cells (RBCs) increases non‐transferrin‐bound iron (NTBI) levels in humans. This can potentially enhance virulence of microorganisms. In this study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa replication and biofilm production in vitro correlated with NTBI levels of transfused subjects (R2 = 0·80; P < 0·0001). Transfusion of stored RBCs into catheterized mice enhanced P. aeruginosa virulence and mortality in vivo, while pre‐administration of apotransferrin reduced NTBI levels improving survival (69% vs 27% mortality; P < 0·05). These results suggest that longer RBC storage, by modulating the bioavailability of iron, may increase the risk of P. aeruginosa biofilm‐related infections in transfused patients.
Authenticity, power and the case record: A textual analysis of the participation of children and young people in their child protection conference
Authors: Ogle Justine , Vincent Sharon , Hawkes Martine
Published: November 2021

This paper adds to the limited evidence base around documentary representation of the wishes, feelings and views of children and young people involved in the child protection system. It presents the findings of a critical discourse analysis of 114 documents relating to 28 children and young people in the North of England who were the subject of a child protection conference (CPC) due to having experienced significant harm or the high likelihood of significant harm occurring. Three dominant and interlayering discourses were identified: a discourse of childhood, a discourse of participation and a discourse of professional social work practice. While some children and young people came to life in the reports and were afforded a unique identity, others were invisible and their views were marginalized. The findings support a dominant discourse of the unseen and unheard child, with participation normally mediated by power relationships between adults and children, and which marginalizes the experiences of children through a structurally constructed lens of risk and vulnerability. The findings signify the need to establish assessment practices and case reporting systems in which children are heard themselves as well as reported on by others.
Parental meanings attributed to children's participation in street protests
Authors: Kowzan Piotr , Świdlińska Iwona
Published: November 2021

Our research into meanings attributed by parents to children's participation in street protests reveal various reasons why children are deliberately taken to protests, even the children who can barely speak. We also looked at parental educational efforts related to the participation in the protests, as described by the parents themselves. The interviews were inspired by the phenomenographic approach. The analysis resulted in a conceptual graph of themes and logical bridges between them. Participation in protests becomes a form of citizenship education, which supplements Diane Rodgers’ concept of ‘participation by default.’
Deciphering mouse uterine receptivity for embryo implantation at single‐cell resolution
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhu Qiu‐Yang , Liu Ji‐Long
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Mice are widely used as an animal model for studying human uterine receptivity for embryo implantation. Although transcriptional changes related to mouse uterine receptivity have been determined by using bulk RNA‐seq, the data are of limited value because the uterus is a complex organ consisting of many cell types. Here, we aimed to decipher mouse uterine receptivity for embryo implantation at single‐cell resolution.

Materials and methods

Single‐cell RNA sequencing was performed for the pre‐receptive and the receptive mouse uterus. Gene expression profiles in luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium were validated by comparing against a published laser capture microdissection (LCM)‐coupled microarray dataset.

Results

We revealed 19 distinct cell clusters, including 3 stromal cell clusters, 2 epithelial cell clusters, 1 smooth muscle cell cluster, 4 endothelial cell clusters and 8 immune cell clusters. We identified global gene expression changes associated with uterine receptivity in each cell type. Additionally, we predicted signalling interactions for distinct cell types to understand the crosstalk between the blastocyst and the receptive uterus.

Conclusion

Our data provide a valuable resource for deciphering the molecular mechanism underlying uterine receptivity in mice.
LRRC8A is essential for volume‐regulated anion channel in smooth muscle cells contributing to cerebrovascular remodeling during hypertension
Authors: Li Xiang‐Yu , Lv Xiao‐Fei , Huang Cheng‐Cui , Sun Lu , Ma Ming‐Ming , Liu Canzhao , Guan Yong‐Yuan
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Recent studies revealed LRRC8A to be an essential component of volume‐regulated anion channel (VRAC), which regulates cellular volume homeostasis. However, evidence for the contribution of LRRC8A‐dependent VRAC activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is still lacking, and the relevant functional role of LRRC8A in VSMCs remains unknown. The primary goal of this study was to elucidate the role of LRRC8A in VRAC activity in VSMCs and the functional role of LRRC8A in cerebrovascular remodeling during hypertension.

Materials and Methods

siRNA‐mediated knockdown and adenovirus‐mediated overexpression of LRRC8A were used to elucidate the electrophysiological properties of LRRC8A in basilar smooth muscle cells (BASMCs). A smooth muscle–specific overexpressing transgenic mouse model was used to investigate the functional role of LRRC8A in cerebrovascular remodeling.

Results

LRRC8A is essential for volume‐regulated chloride current (ICl, Vol) in BASMCs. Overexpression of LRRC8A induced a voltage‐dependent Cl− current independently of hypotonic stimulation. LRRC8A regulated BASMCs proliferation through activation of WNK1/PI3K‐p85/AKT axis. Smooth muscle‐specific upregulation of LRRC8A aggravated Angiotensin II‐induced cerebrovascular remodeling in mice.

Conclusions

LRRC8A is an essential component of VRAC and is required for cell volume homeostasis during osmotic challenge in BASMCs. Smooth muscle specific overexpression of LRRC8A increases BASMCs proliferation and substantially aggravates basilar artery remodeling, revealing a potential therapeutic target for vascular remodeling in hypertension.
mHealth apps for gestational diabetes mellitus that provide clinical decision support or artificial intelligence: A scoping review
Authors: Daley Bridget J. , Ni’Man Michael , Neves Mariana R. , Bobby Huda Mohammed S. , Marsh William , Fenton Norman E. , Hitman Graham A. , McLachlan Scott
Published: November 2021

Aims

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, requiring complex management and empowerment of those affected. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are proposed for streamlining healthcare service delivery, extending care relationships into the community, and empowering those affected by prolonged medical disorders to be equal collaborators in their healthcare. This review investigates mHealth apps intended for use with GDM; specifically those powered by artificial intelligence (AI) or providing decision support.

Methods

A scoping review using the novel Survey Tool approach for collaborative literature Reviews (STaR) process was performed.

Results

From 18 papers, 11 discrete GDM‐based mHealth apps were identified, but only 3 were reasonably mature with only one currently in use in a clinical setting. Two‐thirds of the apps provided condition‐relevant contextual user feedback that could aid in patient self care. However, although each app targeted one or more components of the GDM clinical pathway, no app addressed the entirety from diagnosis to postpartum.

Conclusions

There are limited mHealth apps for GDM that incorporate AI or AI‐based decision support. Many exist only to record patient information like blood glucose readings or diet, provide generic patient education or advice, or to reduce adverse events by providing medication or appointment alerts. Significant barriers remain that continue to limit the adoption of mHealth apps in clinical care settings. Further research and development are needed to deliver intelligent holistic mHealth apps using AI that can truly reduce healthcare resource use and improve outcomes by enabling patient self care in the community.
The loss of enzymatic activity of the PHARC‐associated lipase ABHD12 results in increased phagocytosis that causes neuroinflammation
Authors: Singh Shubham , Kamat Siddhesh S.
Published: November 2021

Phagocytosis is an important evolutionary conserved process, essential for clearing pathogens and cellular debris in higher organisms, including humans. This well‐orchestrated innate immunological response is intricately regulated by numerous cellular factors, important amongst which are the immunomodulatory lysophosphatidylserines (lyso‐PSs) and the pro‐apoptotic oxidized phosphatidylserines (PSs) signalling lipids. Interestingly, in mammals, both these signalling lipids are physiologically regulated by the lipase ABHD12, mutations of which cause the human neurological disorder PHARC. Despite the biomedical significance of this lipase, detailed mechanistic studies and the specific contribution of ABHD12 to innate processes like phagocytosis remain poorly understood. Here, by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence approaches, using the murine model of PHARC, we show, that upon an inflammatory stimulus, activated microglial cells in the cerebellum of mice deficient in ABHD12 have an amoeboid morphology, increased soma size and display heightened phagocytosis activity. We also report that upon an inflammatory stimulus, cerebellar levels of ABHD12 increase to possibly metabolize the heightened oxidized PS levels, temper phagocytosis and, in turn, control neuroinflammation during oxidative stress. Next, to complement these findings, with the use of biochemical approaches in cultured microglial cells, we show that the pharmacological inhibition and/or genetic deletion of ABHD12 results in increased phagocytic uptake in a fluorescent bead uptake assay. Together, our studies provide compelling evidence that ABHD12 plays an important role in regulating phagocytosis in cerebellar microglial cells and provides a possible explanation, as to why human PHARC subjects display neuroinflammation and atrophy in the cerebellum.
A novel mechanistic anion exclusion model to investigate partially water‐saturated transport in soils and shales: A case study of nitrate solution flow
Authors: Hamidian Shoormasti Nima , Tabatabaei‐Nezhad Seyyed Alireza
Published: November 2021

Anion exclusion is an important phenomenon in agricultural, environmental and engineering fields which still needs suitable quantitative models. In this work, a novel model is proposed which considers the porous media as parallel capillaries with negatively charged walls that cause total anion exclusion at a distance from the walls. By defining the ‘anion velocity coefficient’, , as the ratio of anion velocity to pore fluid velocity, equations to estimate the value of at the injection inlet have been derived by three different methods, namely from the profiles' data, , from the concentration ratio at the inlet, , and from the electrical double layer thickness model, . Finally, a simple sensitivity analysis for the third method has been presented. The estimates of presented in this paper were examined versus 22 data points for nitrate solution flow in initially dry soil columns for various soil and salt types and solution concentrations. The coefficient of determination between and for the whole dataset was 0.7755. Also, the estimate could predict the value estimated from the breakthrough anion concentration curve for available data of an advective injection test in a clayey rock. As a result, when anion exclusion dominates, the anion flux decreases but the anion velocity increases. In the case of using nitrate fertilisers, this point may be used to regulate the amount of optimal irrigation and also to explain the extent of contamination of a distant groundwater body.

Highlights

Modelling the anion exclusion phenomena in soils and shales.

A mechanistic capillary model is developed to extract the anion velocity coefficient from data.

Anion exclusion explains the anion concentration peaks in the unsaturated soil column test results.

The derived estimates for anion velocity coefficient are shown to be reliable and promising.
Global variation in soil carbon sequestration potential through improved cropland management
Authors: Lessmann Malte , Ros Gerard H. , Young Madaline D. , de Vries Wim
Published: November 2021

Widespread adoption of improved cropland management measures is advocated to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) levels, thereby improving soil fertility and mitigating climate change. However, spatially explicit insight on management impacts is limited, which is crucial for region‐specific and climate‐smart practices. To overcome these limitations, we combined global meta‐analytical results on improved management practices on SOC sequestration with spatially explicit data on current management practices and potential areas for the adoption of these measures. We included (a) fertilization practices, i.e., use of organic fertilizer compared to inorganic fertilizer or no fertilizer, (b) soil tillage practices, i.e., no‐tillage relative to high or intermediate intensity tillage, and (c) crop management practices, i.e., use of cover crops and enhanced crop residue incorporation. We show that the estimated global C sequestration potential varies between 0.44 and 0.68 Gt C yr−1, assuming maximum complementarity among all measures taken. A more realistic estimate, not assuming maximum complementarity, is from 0.28 to 0.43 Gt C yr−1, being on the lower end of the current range of 0.1–2 Gt C yr−1 found in the literature. One reason for the lower estimate is the limited availability of manure that has not yet been recycled. Another reason is the limited area for the adoption of improved measures, considering their current application and application limitations. We found large regional differences in carbon sequestration potential due to differences in yield gaps, SOC levels, and current practices applied. The highest potential is found in regions with low crop production, low initial SOC levels, and in regions where livestock manure and crop residues are only partially recycled. Supporting previous findings, we highlight that to encourage both soil fertility and SOC sequestration, it is best to focus on agricultural soils with large yield gaps and/or where SOC values are below levels that may limit crop production.
The influence of spatial interfaces on rural economic restructuring in rapidly industrializing areas: A case study of Gongyi city in central China
Authors: Han Dong , Qiao Jiajun , Ma Yuling , Zhu Qiankun
Published: November 2021

The study of the mechanism of rural economic restructuring is the basis for promoting the optimal restructuring of the rural economy and society as well as for reviving the countryside. We conducted a case study of Gongyi, a typical region experiencing rapid industrialization in inland China and systematically reviewed its economic restructuring process over the past 40 years after China's reform and opening‐up. On the basis of identifying spatial interfaces in Gongyi, we analyzed the influence of these spatial interfaces on the rural economic restructuring in Gongyi using geodetectors. The study showed that the influence of different types of interfaces has had a temporal evolutionary effect, the influence of a single human interface was higher than that of a natural interface. With the different stages of economic development, the influence of the interface is also differentiated. The influence of multiple interfaces increased after superposition, and the superposition of different types of interfaces constituted different patterns of rural economic restructuring in Gongyi. Overall, the influence of physical spatial interfaces on rural economic restructuring has decreased. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to the influence of abstract spatial interfaces in the future.
Assessing risk factors for hypertension in young adults with perinatally acquired HIV infection: A case–control study
Authors: O’Neil Patrick J. , Stafford Kristen A. , Ryscavage Patrick A.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Although the risk of AIDS‐associated diseases has declined dramatically with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the incidence rates of chronic non‐AIDS‐associated diseases in perinatally HIV‐infected adults have risen and have not been well characterized. Both traditional and HIV‐associated risk factors have been found to contribute to hypertension in non‐perinatally HIV‐infected adults; whether these same factors contribute to hypertension in perinatally infected adults is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the socio‐demographic, clinical, virological and immunological factors associated with systemic hypertension among a cohort of perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents and young adults.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study among a population of adults aged 18–35 years with perinatally acquired HIV infection receiving care at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Covariates assessed included traditional risk factors such as age, family history of hypertension, and smoking, as well as numerous HIV‐ and antiretroviral‐associated covariates, including CD4 nadir.

Results

Approximately 31% of the cohort met criteria for hypertension. There were no significant differences in the odds of most traditional or HIV‐associated risk factors among perinatally HIV‐infected adults with hypertension compared with those with no diagnosis of hypertension. Exposure to lopinavir/ritonavir was associated with greater odds of not having hypertension, while a concurrent diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was associated with greater odds of having hypertension.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that most traditional and HIV‐related risk factors do not appear to increase the odds of having hypertension in this cohort of individuals. The aetiology of hypertension in this population remains to be elucidated.
Humoral immune response following prime and boost BNT162b2 vaccination in people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Jedicke Nils , Stankov Metodi V. , Cossmann Anne , Dopfer‐Jablonka Alexandra , Knuth Christine , Ahrenstorf Gerrit , Ramos Gema Morillas , Behrens Georg M. N.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

People living with HIV (PLWH) with low CD4 T‐cell counts may be at a higher risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outcomes and in need of efficient vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends prioritizing PLHIV for COVID‐19 vaccination. Data on immune responses after messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination in PLHIV in relation to CD4 counts are scarce. We aimed at assessing the humoral immune response in PLHIV after mRNA vaccination against COVID‐19.

Methods

We examined a cohort of PLHIV after prime (n = 88) and boost (n = 52) vaccination with BNT162b2. We assessed levels of anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike (S) protein‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG)/IgA and circulating neutralizing antibodies in plasma and correlated results to the cellular immune status. BNT162b2‐vaccinated health care workers served as controls.

Results

All PLWH had a viral load of ≤ 200 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL and 96.5% had a viral load of < 50 copies/mL. Anti‐S IgG and neutralizing antibody responses after BNT162b2 priming were significantly lower in PLHIV having a CD4:CD8 T‐cell ratio of < 0.5. However, we observed robust humoral immunity in the majority of PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) irrespective of CD4 T‐cell nadir, current CD4 count or CD4:CD8 ratio after full BNT162b2 vaccination. Nevertheless, HIV‐negative controls produced significantly higher mean anti‐S IgG concentrations with less variability.

Conclusions

The majority of PLWH mounted robust responses after complete BNT162b2 vaccination but overall amounts of antibodies directed against the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain were variable. The impact on clinical efficacy remains unclear.
Mistletoe infection changes arthropod community on its cactus host through indirect effects
Authors: Guerra Patricia C. , Escobedo Víctor M. , Gutiérrez Gerardo O. , Gianoli Ernesto
Published: November 2021

Parasitic plants and herbivores show similarities in their interactions with host plants. Herbivore‐induced resistance/susceptibility in plants can scale up to the arthropod community. Similar evidence regarding parasitic plants is scarce. We evaluated the indirect effects initiated by the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus on the arthropod community of the cactus Echinopsis chiloensis in the Chilean coastal desert. Field observations suggested that a stem‐borer beetle bores more brood chambers in mistletoe‐parasitised cacti than in non‐parasitised cacti, and that arthropods colonise these chambers.

We compared tissue toughness, chamber density and morphology in mistletoe‐parasitised and non‐parasitised cacti. We also compared richness, total abundance, abundance per taxa, diversity and composition of the colonising arthropod community.

Parasitised cacti showed a 14% reduction in tissue toughness. Chamber density in parasitised cacti was four times greater and chambers were larger: 35% more volume, an entrance‐opening area 30% greater, and twice the area of the maximum‐width section. Arthropod species richness and diversity were higher in chambers of parasitised cacti. Arthropod community composition was different in chambers of parasitised and non‐parasitised cacti. Thus, spiders and moths were more abundant in parasitised cacti, and pseudoscorpions, scolopendras, ants and flies were exclusively present there, while non‐parasitised cacti had no exclusive taxa.

Mistletoe infection results in a richer, more diverse and distinct arthropod community on its cactus host, which occurs through induced susceptibility to stem‐borers whose brood chambers are colonised by arthropods. Tristerix aphyllus could be a key‐stone species in these arid ecosystems, where arthropod diversity is relatively low.
Soy diet induces intestinal inflammation in adult Zebrafish: Role of OTX and P53 family
Authors: Micheloni Giovanni , Carnovali Marta , Millefanti Giorgia , Rizzetto Manuel , Moretti Vittoria , Montalbano Giuseppe , Acquati Francesco , Giaroni Cristina , Valli Roberto , Costantino Lucy , Ferrara Fulvio , Banfi Giuseppe , Mariotti Massimo , Porta Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Since Danio rerio is a promising animal model to study gut function, we developed a soy‐dependent model of intestinal inflammation in adult zebrafish. The soya bean meal diet was given for 4 weeks and induced an inflammatory process, as demonstrated by morphological changes together with an increased percentage of neutrophils infiltrating the intestinal wall, which developed between the second and fourth week of treatment. Pro‐inflammatory genes such as interleukin‐1beta, interleukin‐8 and tumour necrosis factor alpha were upregulated in the second week and anti‐inflammatory genes such as transforming growth factor beta and interleukin‐10. Interestingly, an additional expression peak was found for interleukin‐8 at the fourth week. Neuronal genes, OTX1 and OTX2, were significantly upregulated in the first two  weeks, compatible with the development of the changes in the gut wall. As for the genes of the p53 family such as p53, DNp63 and p73, a statistically significant increase was observed after two weeks of treatment compared with controls. Interestingly, DNp63 and p73 were shown an additional peak after four weeks. Our data demonstrate that soya bean meal diet negatively influences intestinal morphology and immunological function in adult zebrafish showing the features of acute inflammation. Data observed at the fourth week of treatment may suggest initiation of chronic inflammation. Adult zebrafish may represent a promising model to better understand the mechanisms of food‐dependent intestinal inflammation.
Water use efficiency of sugar beet genotypes: A relationship between growth rates and water consumption
Authors: Ebmeyer Henning , Hoffmann Christa M.
Published: November 2021

Drought stress restricts sugar beet growth and yield formation. For the development of adapted varieties, reasons for high water demand in certain growth periods and for genotypic differences in water use efficiency (WUE) were investigated. In 2019 and 2020, different drought stress periods were simulated in pot trials in the greenhouse with four sugar beet genotypes by reducing the water supply to 50% of the water holding capacity. With unlimited water supply, water consumption developed in parallel to the growth rate. This indicates that water demand is driven by growth rate. Therefore, early drought stress in the period with highest growth rate caused strongest yield reductions, which could not be compensated later in the season. Unlike sugar yield, water consumption differed among genotypes, resulting in genotypic differences in WUE. However, no relevant genotype by water supply interaction occurred, giving no indication for drought tolerance of the genotypes with high WUE. WUE is rather determined by the sugar yield potential of a genotype than by water supply. Therefore, sugar beet genotypes should be selected for their sugar yield potential when breeding for environments with varying water supply.
Txikispora philomaios n. sp., n. g., a micro‐eukaryotic pathogen of amphipods, reveals parasitism and hidden diversity in Class Filasterea
Authors: Urrutia Ander , Mitsi Konstantina , Foster Rachel , Ross Stuart , Carr Martin , Ward Georgia M. , van Aerle Ronny , Marigomez Ionan , Leger Michelle M. , Ruiz‐Trillo Iñaki , Feist Stephen W. , Bass David
Published: November 2021

This study provides a morphological, ultrastructural, and phylogenetic characterization of a novel micro‐eukaryotic parasite (2.3–2.6 µm) infecting amphipod genera Echinogammarus and Orchestia. Longitudinal studies across two years revealed that infection prevalence peaked in late April and May, reaching 64% in Echinogammarus sp. and 15% in Orchestia sp., but was seldom detected during the rest of the year. The parasite infected predominantly hemolymph, connective tissue, tegument, and gonad, although hepatopancreas and nervous tissue were affected in heavier infections, eliciting melanization and granuloma formation. Cell division occurred inside walled parasitic cysts, often within host hemocytes, resulting in hemolymph congestion. Small subunit (18S) rRNA gene phylogenies including related environmental sequences placed the novel parasite as a highly divergent lineage within Class Filasterea, which together with Choanoflagellatea represent the closest protistan relatives of Metazoa. We describe the new parasite as Txikispora philomaios n. sp. n. g., the first confirmed parasitic filasterean lineage, which otherwise comprises four free‐living flagellates and a rarely observed endosymbiont of snails. Lineage‐specific PCR probing of other hosts and surrounding environments only detected T. philomaios in the platyhelminth Procerodes sp. We expand the known diversity of Filasterea by targeted searches of metagenomic datasets, resulting in 13 previously unknown lineages from environmental samples.
Synoptic reporting of echocardiography in carcinoid heart disease (ENETS Carcinoid Heart Disease Task Force)
Authors: Hofland Johannes , Lamarca Angela , Steeds Richard , Toumpanakis Christos , Srirajaskanthan Rajaventhan , Riechelmann Rachel , Panzuto Francesco , Frilling Andrea , Denecke Timm , Christ Emanuel , Grozinsky‐Glasberg Simona , Davar Joseph ,   the ENETS Carcinoid Heart Disease Task Force
Published: November 2021

Background

This European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) Expert Consensus document aims to provide practical guidance and standardization for echocardiography in the screening and follow‐up of carcinoid heart disease (CHD) in patients with a neuroendocrine tumour (NET) and carcinoid syndrome.

Methods

NET experts within the ENETS Carcinoid Heart Disease Task Force reviewed both general reporting guidelines and specialized scoring systems for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in CHD. Based on this review, a dedicated template report was designed by the multidisciplinary working group of cardiologists, oncologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons and radiologists.

Results

We propose a Synoptic Reporting of Echocardiography in Carcinoid Heart Disease which represents an agreed peer reviewed proforma to capture information at the time of referral and enable a detailed outcome of CHD assessment. This includes a systematic and detailed list of structures to evaluate data to capture at the time of reporting of TTE.

Conclusions

Adherence to these reporting guidelines aims to promote homogeneous and detailed evaluation of CHD to secure accurate assessment and allow comparison of studies performed intra‐ and inter‐individually. These guidelines could also facilitate CHD assessment as part of prospective clinical trials to enable standardization of the findings seen in response to therapy.
Anatomical, functional and biomechanical review of the glenoid labrum
Authors: Almajed Yousef A. , Hall Andrew C. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Alashkham Abduelmenem
Published: November 2021

The glenohumeral joint is the most mobile joint in the human skeleton, supported by both active and passive stabilisers. As one of the passive stabilisers, the glenoid labrum has increasingly been recognised to play an important role in stability of the glenohumeral joint, acting to maintain intraarticular pressure, centralise the humeral head and contribute to concavity‐compression stability. Several studies have investigated the macro‐ and micro‐anatomical features of the labrum as well as its biomechanical function. However, in order to better understand the role of the labrum and its mechanics, a comprehensive anatomical, functional and biomechanical review of these studies is needed. Therefore, this article reviews the current literature detailing anatomical descriptions of the glenoid labrum, with an emphasis on its function(s) and biomechanics, as well as its interaction with neighbouring structures. The intimate relationship between the labrum and the surrounding structures was found to be important in glenohumeral stability, which owes further investigation into the microanatomy of labrum to better understand this relationship.
Melatonin supplementation in the culture medium rescues impaired glucose metabolism in IVF mice offspring
Authors: Jia Yanping , Liu Wenqiang , Bai Dandan , Zhang Yalin , Li Yanhe , Liu Yingdong , Yin Jiqing , Chen Qiaoyu , Ye Mingming , Zhao Yanhong , Kou Xiaochen , Wang Hong , Gao Shaorong , Li Kunming , Chen Miaoxin
Published: November 2021

Increasing evidence suggests that in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be associated with an increased risk of developing obesity and metabolic diseases later in life in the offspring. Notably, the addition of melatonin to culture medium may improve embryo development and prevent cardiovascular dysfunction in IVF adult mice. This study aimed to determine if melatonin supplementation in the culture medium can reverse impaired glucose metabolism in IVF mice offspring and the underlying mechanisms. Blastocysts used for transfer were generated by natural mating (control group) or IVF with or without melatonin (10−6 M) supplementation (mIVF and IVF group, respectively) in clinical‐grade culture media. Here, we first report that IVF decreased hepatic expression of Fbxl7, which was associated with impaired glucose metabolism in mice offspring. Melatonin addition reversed the phenotype by up‐regulating the expression of hepatic Fbxl7. In vitro experiments showed that Fbxl7 enhanced the insulin signaling pathway by degrading RhoA through ubiquitination and was up‐regulated by transcription factor Foxa2. Specific knockout of Fbxl7 in the liver of adult mice, through tail intravenous injection of recombinant adeno‐associated virus, impaired glucose tolerance, while overexpression of hepatic Fbxl7 significantly improved glucose tolerance in adult IVF mice. Thus, the data suggest that Fbxl7 plays an important role in maintaining glucose metabolism of mice, and melatonin supplementation in the culture medium may rescue the long‐term risk of metabolic diseases in IVF offspring.
Nanofiber could deliver lactic acid bacteria to the intestine of ruminant in vitro experiment
Authors: Chang Xiaofeng , Liu Dasen , Lambo Modinat Tolani
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the use of nanofiber microcapsules produced by electrostatic spinning as a carrier for the delivery of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to the intestine of ruminants. We hypothesized that the LAB encapsulated into nanofiber microcapsules can be delivered to a ruminant's intestinal tract with little effect on the rumen fermentation and related bacteria. The in vitro experiment included three treatments: control group; 0.01g Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (L. acidophilus NCFM) encapsulated in nanofiber microcapsules by electrostatic spinning group (ELAN, 2.0 × 1011 CFU/g); and 0.01g L. acidophilus NCFM powder group (LANP, 2.0 × 1011 CFU/g), each incubated with 30 ml of buffer rumen fluid for 48h to determine the effect on rumen fermentation, then the abundance of L. acidophilus NCFM in the intestine was estimated using the modified in vitro three‐step procedure. Treatment responses were statistically analysed using one‐way ANOVA. The results showed that compared to the control, the ELAN group had a significant increase in pH (p < 0.05), while the LANP group had a non‐significant decrease in pH (p > 0.05). LANP and ELAN groups had no significant influence on total volatile fatty acid and individual volatile fatty acids (p > 0.05), apart from isobutyric acid of both groups, which reduced (p < 0.05). ELAN group had a decreasing trend of gas production and dry matter digestion, while the LANP group increased them significantly (p < 0.05). During the 16h and 48h rumen incubation, compared with control, there was no significant change in all bacteria in the ELAN group (p > 0.05), while the LANP group increased the relative abundance levels of S. bovis, S. ruminantium, M. elsdenii, F. succinogenes, B. fibrisolvens, Lactobacillus, L. acidophilus NCFM (p < 0.05). In the intestinal part, compared with control, the relative abundance of L. acidophilus NCFM in the ELAN group increased significantly (p < 0.05), while the result was not observed in the LANP group. We concluded based on our findings that L. acidophilus NCFM could be protected by nanofiber microcapsules and delivered to the intestinal site with little influence on the rumen fermentation and bacterial community, suggesting nanofiber microcapsules prepared by electrospinning technology could be used as a carrier for rumen‐protected study.
Design of the submerged horizontal plate breakwater using a fully coupled hydroelastic approach
Authors: Huang Luofeng , Li Yuzhu
Published: November 2021

This work provides a novel approach that combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with computational solid mechanics (CSM) to dynamically simulate the fully coupled hydroelastic interaction between nonlinear ocean waves and a submerged horizontal plate breakwater (SHPB). Based on a systematic series of simulations, it is shown that the wave damping performance of an SHPB can be evidently improved by an appropriate extent of deformation, which can be achieved through the design of its bending stiffness by varying elasticity and/or aspect ratio. The wave attenuation effect is found to be maximized when an SHPB has a deformation amplitude close to the incident wave amplitude. By accounting for the hydroelastic effect through the fully coupled CFD+CSM approach, this work presents a new computational technique that supports the design of deformable offshore and coastal structures.
Contribution of classical complement activation and IgM to the control of Rickettsia infection
Authors: Dahmani Mustapha , Cook Jack H. , Zhu Jinyi C. , Riley Sean P.
Published: November 2021

Pathogenic Rickettsia are obligate intracellular bacteria and the etiologic agents of many life‐threatening infectious diseases. Due to the serious nature of these infections, it is imperative to both identify the responsive immune sensory pathways and understand the associated immune mechanisms that restrict Rickettsia proliferation. Previous studies have demonstrated that the mammalian complement system is both activated during Rickettsia infection and contributes to the immune response to infection. To further define this component of the mammalian anti‐Rickettsia immune response, we sought to identify the mechanism(s) of complement activation during Rickettsia infection. We have employed a series of in vitro and in vivo models of infection to investigate the role of the classical complement activation pathway during Rickettsia infection. Depletion or elimination of complement activity demonstrates that both C1q and pre‐existing IgM contribute to complement activation; thus implicating the classical complement system in Rickettsia‐mediated complement activation. Elimination of the classical complement pathway from mice increases susceptibility to R. australis infection with both increased bacterial loads in multiple tissues and decreased immune activation markers. This study highlights the role of the classical complement pathway in immunity against Rickettsia and implicates resident Rickettsia‐responsive IgM in the response to infection.