bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into cells with spermatogonia-like morphology with chemical intervention-dependent increased gene expression of LIM homeobox 1 (Lhx1)
Authors: Moshfegh Cameron , Rambow Sebastian G. , Domenig Seraina A. , Pieńkowska-Schelling Aldona , Bleul Ulrich , Vogel Viola
Published: October 2021

During the development of the male germline, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) originate from gonocytes that differentiate from primordial germ cells (PGCs). In the developing and regenerating mouse testis, expression of the gene LIM homeobox 1 (Lhx1) marks the most undifferentiated SSCs. However, an enrichment of Lhx1 expression in spermatogonia-like cells generated in vitro has not been reported so far. Previously, it was shown that a chemical intervention in male mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells in serum culture, including a timed combination of the SIRT1 inhibitor Ex-527, the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor RG-108 and the electrophilic redox cycling compound tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), was associated with molecular markers of the PGC to gonocyte differentiation process. Here, we report the in vitro differentiation of male mouse ES cells, cultured under dual chemical inhibition of GSK3β and MEK (termed 2i) with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (termed 2iL) and serum, into cells with spermatogonia-like morphology (CSMs) and population-averaged expression of spermatogonia-specific genes. This was achieved by the removal of 2iL and a specific schedule of 2 partial medium replacements per day with alternating 8-hour and 16-hour intervals over a period of 32 days. Combination of this new cell culture protocol with the previously reported chemical intervention in ES cells changed the population-averaged expression of spermatogonia- and gonocyte-specific genes during the differentiation process and increased the population-averaged gene expression of Lhx1 in the resulting CSMs compared to CSMs without chemical intervention. Furthermore, we detected single CSMs with a strong nuclear LHX1/5 protein signal only in the chemical intervention group. Our results provide the first experimental evidence for the generation of CSMs with an enrichment of Lhx1 expression in vitro. We propose that further investigation of the CSMs generated with this in vitro system may provide new insights into male germline and stem cell development.
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces abnormal inflammatory blood clots neutralized by fibrin immunotherapy
Authors: Ryu Jae Kyu , Sozmen Elif G. , Dixit Karuna , Montano Mauricio , Matsui Yusuke , Liu Yixin , Helmy Ekram , Deerinck Thomas J. , Yan Zhaoqi , Schuck Renaud , Acevedo Rosa Meza , Spencer Collin M. , Thomas Reuben , Pico Alexander R. , Zamvil Scott S. , Lynch Kara L. , Ellisman Mark H. , Greene Warner C. , Akassoglou Katerina
Published: October 2021

Blood clots are a central feature of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and can culminate in pulmonary embolism, stroke, and sudden death. However, it is not known how abnormal blood clots form in COVID-19 or why they occur even in asymptomatic and convalescent patients. Here we report that the Spike protein from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to the blood coagulation factor fibrinogen and induces structurally abnormal blood clots with heightened proinflammatory activity. SARS-CoV-2 Spike virions enhanced fibrin-mediated microglia activation and induced fibrinogen-dependent lung pathology. COVID-19 patients had fibrin autoantibodies that persisted long after acute infection. Monoclonal antibody 5B8, targeting the cryptic inflammatory fibrin epitope, inhibited thromboinflammation. Our results reveal a procoagulant role for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike and propose fibrin-targeting interventions as a treatment for thromboinflammation in COVID-19.

One-Sentence Summary

SARS-CoV-2 spike induces structurally abnormal blood clots and thromboinflammation neutralized by a fibrin-targeting antibody.
DeepImageTranslator V2: analysis of multimodal medical images using semantic segmentation maps generated through deep learning
Authors: Ye En Zhou , Ye En Hui , Bouthillier Maxime , Ye Run Zhou
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Analysis of multimodal medical images often requires the selection of one or many anatomical regions of interest (ROIs) for extraction of useful statistics. This task can prove laborious when a manual approach is used. We have previously developed a user-friendly software tool for image-to-image translation using deep learning. Therefore, we present herein an update to the DeepImageTranslator software with the addition of a tool for multimodal medical image segmentation analysis (hereby referred to as the MMMISA).

Methods

The MMMISA was implemented using the Tkinter library; backend computations were implemented using the Pydicom, Numpy, and OpenCV libraries. We tested our software using 4188 slices from whole-body axial 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoroglucose-position emission tomography/computed tomography scans ([18F]-FDG-PET/CT) of 10 patients from the American College of Radiology Imaging Network-Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ACRIN-HNSCC) database. Using the deep learning software DeepImageTranslator, a model was trained with 36 randomly selected CT slices and manually labelled semantic segmentation maps. Utilizing the trained model, all the CT scans of the 10 HNSCC patients were segmented with high accuracy. Segmentation maps generated using the deep convolutional network were then used to measure organ specific [18F]-FDG uptake. We also compared measurements performed using the MMMISA and those made with manually selected ROIs.

Results

The MMMISA is a tool that allows user to select ROIs based on deep learning-generated segmentation maps and to compute accurate statistics for these ROIs based on coregistered multimodal images. We found that organ-specific [18F]-FDG uptake measured using multiple manually selected ROIs is concordant with whole-tissue measurements made with segmentation maps using the MMMISA tool.
A pseudorabies virus serine/threonine kinase, US3, promotes retrograde transport in axons via Akt/mToRC1
Authors: Esteves Andrew D. , Koyuncu Orkide O. , Enquist Lynn W.
Published: October 2021

Infection of peripheral axons by alpha herpesviruses (AHVs) is a critical stage in establishing a life-long infection in the host. Upon entering the cytoplasm of axons, AHV nucleocapsids and associated inner-tegument proteins must engage the cellular retrograde transport machinery to promote the long-distance movement of virion components to the nucleus. The current model outlining this process is incomplete and further investigation is required to discover all viral and cellular determinants involved as well as the temporality of the events. Using a modified tri-chamber system, we have discovered a novel role of the pseudorabies virus (PRV) serine/threonine kinase, US3, in promoting efficient retrograde transport of nucleocapsids. We discovered that transporting nucleocapsids move at similar velocities both in the presence and absence of a functional US3 kinase; however fewer nucleocapsids are moving when US3 is absent and move for shorter periods of time before stopping, suggesting US3 is required for efficient nucleocapsid engagement with the retrograde transport machinery. This led to fewer nucleocapsids reaching the cell bodies to produce a productive infection 12hr later. Furthermore, US3 was responsible for the induction of local translation in axons as early as 1hpi through the stimulation of a PI3K/Akt-mToRC1. These data describe a novel role for US3 in the induction of local translation in axons during AHV infection, a critical step in transport of nucleocapsids to the cell body.

Importance

Neurons are highly polarized cells with axons that can reach centimeters in length. Communication between axons at the periphery and the distant cell body is a relatively slow process involving the active transport of chemical messengers. There’s a need for axons to respond rapidly to extracellular stimuli. Translation of repressed mRNAs present within the axon occurs to enable rapid, localized responses independently of the cell body. AHVs have evolved a way to hijack local translation in the axons to promote their transport to the nucleus. We have determined the cellular mechanism and viral components involved in the induction of axonal translation. The US3 serine/threonine kinase of PRV activates Akt-mToRC1 signaling pathways early during infection to promote axonal translation. When US3 is not present, the number of moving nucleocapsids and their processivity are reduced, suggesting that US3 activity is required for efficient engagement of nucleocapsids with the retrograde transport machinery.
Replication Fork Uncoupling Causes Nascent Strand Degradation and Fork Reversal
Authors: Kavlashvili Tamar , Dewar James M
Published: October 2021

Genotoxins cause nascent strand degradation (NSD) and fork reversal during DNA replication. NSD and fork reversal are crucial for genome stability and exploited by chemotherapeutic approaches. However, it is unclear how NSD and fork reversal are triggered. Additionally, the fate of the replicative helicase during these processes is unknown. We developed a biochemical approach to study synchronous, localized NSD and fork reversal using Xenopus egg extracts. We show that replication fork uncoupling stimulates NSD of both nascent strands and progressive conversion of uncoupled forks to reversed forks. The replicative helicase remains bound during NSD and fork reversal, indicating that both processes take place behind the helicase. Unexpectedly, NSD occurs before and after fork reversal, indicating that multiple degradation steps take place. Overall, our data show that uncoupling causes NSD and fork reversal and identify key steps involved in these processes.
3D Structure Determination of Protein Complexes using Matrix-Landing Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Westphall Michael S. , Lee Kenneth W. , Salome Austin Z. , Lodge Jean , Grant Timothy , Coon Joshua J.
Published: October 2021

Native mass spectrometry (MS) is an emerging technology that can provide complementary data to electron microscopy (EM) for protein structure characterization. Beyond the ability to provide mass measurements of gas-phase biomolecular ions, MS instruments offer the ability to purify, select, and precisely control the spatial location of these ions. Here we present a modified Orbitrap MS system capable of depositing a native MS ion beam onto EM grids. We further describe use of a chemical landing matrix that both preserves and protects the structural integrity of the deposited particles. With this system we obtained the first 3D reconstructed structure of gas-phase, deposited biomolecular ions – the 800 KDa protein complex GroEL. These data provide direct evidence that non-covalent protein complexes can indeed retain their condensed-phase structures following ionization and vaporization. Finally, we describe how further developments of this technology could pave the way to an integrated MS-EM technology with promise to provide improved cryo-EM sample preparation over conventional plunge-freezing techniques.
The crystal structure of vaccinia virus protein E2 and perspectives on the prediction of novel viral protein folds
Authors: Gao William N.D. , Gao Chen , Deane Janet E. , Carpentier David C.J. , Smith Geoffrey L. , Graham Stephen C.
Published: October 2021

The morphogenesis of vaccinia virus (VACV, family Poxviridae), the smallpox vaccine, is a complex process involving multiple distinct cellular membranes and resulting in multiple different forms of infectious virion. Efficient release of enveloped virions, which promote systemic spread of infection within hosts, requires the VACV protein E2 but the molecular basis of E2 function remains unclear and E2 lacks sequence homology to any well-characterised family of proteins. We solved the crystal structure of VACV E2 to 2.3 Å resolution, revealing that it comprises two domains with novel folds: an N-terminal annular (ring) domain and a C-terminal head domain. The C-terminal head domain displays weak structural homology with cellular (pseudo)kinases but lacks conserved surface residues or kinase features, suggesting that it is not enzymatically active, and possesses a large surface basic patch that might interact with phosphoinositide lipid headgroups. Recent deep learning methods have revolutionised our ability to predict the three-dimensional structures of proteins from primary sequence alone. VACV E2 is an exemplar ‘difficult’ viral protein target for structure prediction, being comprised of multiple novel domains and lacking sequence homologues outside Poxviridae. AlphaFold2 nonetheless succeeds in predicting the structures of the head and ring domains with high and moderate accuracy, respectively, allowing accurate inference of multiple structural properties. The advent of highly accurate virus structure prediction marks a step-change in structural virology and beckons a new era of structurally-informed molecular virology.
Hole geometry and surface integrity assessment in drilling of inconel 718 using laser texture filled solid lubricant tools
Authors: Mishra Pradeep Kumar , Kalidas Periyaswamy , T. Jagadesh
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Inconel 718 is used in gas turbine engines for aerospace applications due to high creep resistance but generating a hole with good surface integrity is challenging because the γ′′ interface is very strong so that slip is difficult in the grain boundary. So, the purpose of this work is to enhance the performance of drilling using a micro texture drill tool filled with solid lubricant.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different micro textures such as star shaped with 6-sharp apex, rectangular slots parallel and perpendicular to drill axis are created using laser on the drill tool. Deep cryogenic treatment is done on the textured tool to improve the strength and wear resistance before it is filled with solid lubricant. A detailed experimental investigation is performed to analyse the hole geometry and surface integrity of the drilled hole.

Findings

The accuracy of the drilled holes is enhanced in the star shaped texture drill tool over other textured and non-textured tools. A significant improvement in surface finish and hardness are observed and moreover cylindricity error, burr height of the hole is less for the above condition. It is also inferred that, at lower feed rate and higher speed produce hole with an accuracy of 96%.

Originality/value

Aerospace industry is focussing on improving the hole geometry and surface in Inconel 718. This work demonstrates the novel technique to improve drilling of Inconel 718 using laser textured tool filled by the solid lubricant.
Support vector machines for predicting the compressive response of defected 3D printed polymeric sandwich structures
Authors: Mustapha Khameel , Alhiyafi Jamal , Shafi Aamir , Olatunji Sunday Olusanya
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the prediction of the nonlinear response of three-dimensional-printed polymeric lattice structures with and without structural defects. Unlike metallic structures, the deformation behavior of polymeric components is difficult to quantify through the classical numerical analysis approach as a result of their nonlinear behavior under mechanical loads.

Design/methodology/approach

Geometric models of periodic lattice structures were designed via PTC Creo. Imperfections in the form of missing unit cells are introduced in the replica of the lattice structure. The perfect and imperfect lattice structures have the same dimensions – 10 mm × 14 mm × 30 mm (w × h × L). The fused deposition modelling technique is used to fabricate the parts. The fabricated parts were subjected to physical compression tests to provide a measure of their transverse compressibility resistance. The ensuing nonlinear response from the experimental tests is deployed to develop a support vector machine surrogate model.

Findings

Results from the surrogate model’s performance, in terms of correlation coefficient, rose to as high as 99.91% for the nonlinear compressive stress with a minimum achieved being 98.51% across the four datasets used. In the case of deflection response, the model accuracy rose to as high as 99.74% while the minimum achieved is 98.56% across the four datasets used.

Originality/value

The developed model facilitates the prediction of the quasi-static response of the structures in the absence and presence of defects without the need for repeated physical experiments. The structure investigated is designed for target applications in hierarchical polymer packaging, and the methodology presents a cost-saving method for data-driven constitutive modelling of polymeric parts.
Factors determining retirement decisions of construction workers in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Ghansah Frank Ato Ato , Kuoribo Ewald , Edwards David John
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Efficient decision-making must be reinvigorated to make a good decision towards retirement by construction workers. In developing countries such as Ghana, researchers conducted investigations into the effects of investing in retirement decision-making and planning, but none has considered to examine and identify the factors/determinants influencing efficient decision-making by construction workers towards retirement. This study aims to examine and identify the determinants/factors that affect the retirement decision-making of construction workers in developing countries such as Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used primary data collected from workers of four construction companies in Ghana. The sampling technique adopted for the study was a purposive sample approach, with a survey questionnaire as a collection instrument. Means score was adopted to reveal the major determinant/factor prioritized by the respondents while binary logistic regression was used to examine and identify the effect of the retirement determinants on the retirement decision of construction workers.

Findings

The findings established the main significant determinants impacting retirement decision, namely, “financial condition,” “homeownership,” “age” and “family issues.” Among the determinants, “financial condition” was revealed as the major determinant of retirement decision-making in the construction industry of developing countries, which is an economic condition by which the workers can easily secure credit.

Practical implications

Practically, the outcome of this study serves as a base for policymakers and practitioners in making decisions concerning the retirement of workers, especially construction workers. This study also serves to provide lesson for other classifications of workers aside from the construction workers in Ghana and other developing countries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge by filling in the lacuna in research by examining and identifying the determinants/factors that impact the efficient decision-making by construction workers in developing countries towards retirement.
Rebuilding public trust through the lens of corporate culture: an inevitable necessity to sustain business success in Australia
Authors: Begum Afroza
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to promote corporate culture (CC) of compliance to ensure responsible business by motivating self-felt and self-imposed strategies by corporations in Australia. It argues that the way “legal compliance” is pursued in Australia may develop undesirable features within corporate internal affairs ranging from adverse reactions to resentment rationalising or concealing of misconduct. This study showcases that the integration of corporation and ethical values in the compliance governance is inevitable to sustain productive CC and public trust in businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on existing primary and secondary legal resources and different reports, including the Royal Commission’s Report 2019 and public submissions. It attempts to establish a claim that a self-felt and self-motivated approach to legal compliance contemplated by commitment and devotion to the company, and its consumers instead of external control can achieve consistent and positive outcomes that benefit both the company and its stakeholders.

Findings

While the sanction-deterrence based legal directives provide a strong and sophisticated foundation for detecting and punishing inappropriate culture and have traditionally been effective in fostering compliance, the inclusion of ethical values in the regulatory approach and self-led corporate strategies are required to stimulate sustained compliance, accountability and public trust.

Practical implications

There has been a dearth of intellectual inquiries (to the best of the author’s knowledge) about the role of CC and self-imposed corporate strategies in ensuring legal compliance. This paper will contribute to filling this gap in the legal literature and the wider academic deliberation on the standard and effectiveness of CC.

Originality/value

This research is the author’s original work and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.
Behavioral operations management and supply chain coordination mechanisms: a systematic review and classification of the literature
Authors: Goudarzi Fatemeh Sahar , Bergey Paul , Olaru Doina
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The recent surge in behavioral studies on the coordination mechanisms in supply chains (SCs) and advanced methods highlights the role of SC coordination (SCC) and behavioral issues associated with improving the performance of the operations. This study aims to critically review the behavioral aspect of channel coordination mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a systematic literature review methodology, the authors adopt a combination of bibliometric (to reflect the current state of the field), content (using Leximancer data mining software to develop thematic maps) and theory-oriented qualitative analyzes that provide a holistic conceptual framework to unify the literature’s critical concepts.

Findings

The analysis confirms the plethora of risk-oriented publications, demonstrating that the second largest category of studies is concerned with social preferences theory. Most studies were based on experiments, followed by analytical modeling, revealing the impact of heuristics and individual preferences in SC decisions and suggesting promising managerial and theoretical avenues for future research.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on behavioral decision theories applied to SC coordination by categorizing the literature based on the adopted theories. The methodological contributions include using automated content analysis and validating the outcome by interviewing leading scholars conducting active research on “behavioral operations management and SC contracts.” The authors also propose several directions for future research based on the research gaps.
Multiple brain abscesses due to Listeria monocytogenes infection in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Na , Sun Wenwen , Zhou Lei , Chen Ming , Dong Xiaoying , Wei Wei
Published: October 2021

Aim

To review the clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by central nervous system (CNS) infection due to Listeria monocytogenes.

Method

A patient with SLE receiving high‐dose glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide who developed multiple brain abscesses due to Listeria infection is described. The case is compared with known cases in a literature review.

Results

A review of the literature showed that CNS infections are rare bacterial complications of SLE, but they can be a significant cause of mortality, especially those due to L. monocytogenes. The most significant risk factor for listerial meningitis is a prior history of receiving immunosuppressive therapy. At‐risk patients should avoid unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses along with deli‐style, ready‐to‐eat prepared meats, particularly poultry products. The case we report is the fifth SLE patient with multiple brain abscesses due to L. monocytogenes, and the first to be discharged with no sequelae. Timely and accurate identification and treatment of CNS infections and neuropsychiatric lupus are very important for favorable disease prognosis.

Conclusion

Repeated blood culture is helpful for early diagnosis, and empirical anti‐infective treatment that covers L. monocytogenes is recommended for SLE patients with risk factors when CNS infection occurs. A comprehensive assessment might be helpful to distinguish CNS infections from neuropsychiatric SLE. For severe infection, the dosage of steroids does not need to be reduced immediately but can be gradually adjusted based on the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the disease.
Matthew or compensatory effects? Factors that influence the math literacy of primary‐school children in Germany
Authors: Herrmann Sonja , Meissner Christian , Nussbaumer Madita , Ditton Hartmut
Published: October 2021

Background and aims

This study focuses on individual differences in the math competencies of primary‐school children in Germany. It considers whether or not there are Matthew or compensatory effects in math literacy and which factors and background characteristics of primary‐school children can affect competence development. Despite the abundant research on this topic, the findings are often ambiguous, and studies in the German context are sparse.

Sample and methods

We used the Starting Cohort 2 of the German National Educational Panel Study and a weighted multilevel mixed‐effects panel regression for our analyses (N = 4,982).

Results

Our results revealed compensatory effects for low‐achieving students in math literacy. There were also small gender differences, but lower achieving girls can close the gap with boys during primary school. With respect to the educational background of the parents, almost no longitudinal effects were observed.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the joint primary‐school period has a compensatory effect on lower performing students. However, higher achieving students retained their lead, implying that social inequalities persist to some extent.
Opportunities and challenges related to sperm cryopreservation in Atlantic salmon gene banks
Authors: Bøe Kristin , Bjøru Bjørn , Tangvold Bårdsen Marthe , Nordtug Wist Anveig , Wolla Steffen , Sivertsen Arne
Published: October 2021

Atlantic salmon are facing population declines and loss of productivity within populations due to anthropogenic impact factors and reduced survival at sea. Biobanking is an increasingly used tool to conserve the genetic integrity and diversity of populations threatened by extirpation. The aim of the current article is to discuss the opportunities and challenges that increased use of cryopreservation brings to biobanking activities, using the Norwegian Gene Bank (NGB) for Atlantic salmon as a model system. The NGB was established in 1985 and involves a traditional living gene bank, as well as “frozen gene bank” where paternal germplasm is stored as cryopreserved sperm. Cryopreservation is a method where cells or tissues are frozen in liquid nitrogen to temperatures where all biological processes are paused, thus allowing the cells to remain viable after later warming/thawing to temperatures above 0°C. Cryopreservation is therefore used in long‐term preservation of genetic diversity and characteristics of wild populations. Until recently, implementation of large scale use of cryopreserved sperm in the live gene bank has been limited by a lack of protocols/capacity to preserve larger portions of sperms. More recent developments in cryopreservation methodologies, now enables preservation of samples sufficient for mass fertilization. Mass fertilization by cryopreserved sperm opens new opportunities to gene bank operations, including increased capacity to restore lost populations, mitigation of genetic changes in broodstock fish, as well as increased capacity at live gene bank facilities through the replacement of older males with frozen sperm. Knowledge demands regarding potential genetic damage to cryopreserved milt and potential epigenetic effects caused by the cryopreservation procedure should, however, be addressed.
Temporal and region‐specific variations in genome‐wide inbreeding effects on female size and reproduction traits of rainbow trout
Authors: Paul Katy , D'Ambrosio Jonathan , Phocas Florence
Published: October 2021

Recent studies have shown that current levels of inbreeding, estimated by runs of homozygosity (ROH), are moderate to high in farmed rainbow trout lines. Based on ROH metrics, the aims of our study were to (i) quantify inbreeding effects on female size (postspawning body weight, fork length) and reproduction traits (spawning date, coelomic fluid weight, spawn weight, egg number, average egg weight) in rainbow trout, and (ii) identify both the genomic regions and inbreeding events affecting performance. We analysed the performance of 1346 females under linear animal models including random additive and dominance genetics effects, with fixed covariates accounting for inbreeding effects at different temporal and genomic scales. A significant effect of genome‐wide inbreeding (F) was only observed for spawning date and egg weight, with performance variations of +12.3% and −3.8%, respectively, for 0.1 unit increase in F level. At different local genomic scales, we observed highly variable inbreeding effects on the seven traits under study, ranging from increasing to decreasing trait values. As widely reported in the literature, the main scenario observed during this study was a negative impact of recent inbreeding. However, other scenarios such as positive effects of recent inbreeding or negative impacts of old inbreeding were also observed. Although partial dominance appeared to be the main hypothesis explaining inbreeding depression for all the traits studied, the overdominance hypothesis might also play a significant role in inbreeding depression affecting fecundity (egg number and mass) traits in rainbow trout. These findings suggest that region‐specific inbreeding can strongly impact performance without necessarily observing genome‐wide inbreeding effects. They shed light on the genetic architecture of inbreeding depression and its evolution along the genome over time. The use of region‐specific metrics may enable breeders to more accurately manage the trade‐off between genetic merit and the undesirable side effects associated with inbreeding.
The use of intralesional corticosteroid combined with narrowband ultraviolet B in vitiligo treatment: clinical, histopathologic, and histometric evaluation
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Anbar Tag S. , Yehia Maysa , Abdel‐Aziz Rasha T. A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Treatment of vitiligo with intralesional steroid (ILS) injections has shown to be successful in quite a few studies. It is a simple and safe treatment when used with caution with a better response in localized lesions.

Objectives

The aim of the present study is to explore the efficacy and safety of using different concentrations of intralesional corticosteroid combined with NB‐UVB phototherapy in the treatment of non‐segmental vitiligo (NSV) patients.

Methodology

Twenty patients with non‐segmental vitiligo were subjected to different concentrations of ILS injections (triamcinolone acetonide); that was carried out monthly for six sessions. All patients were also subjected to twice‐weekly sessions of NB‐UVB for 6 months. Punch biopsy was taken from each patch before and at the end of treatment sessions. Each biopsy was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Orcein, and Masson's trichrome stains.

Results

There was a significant difference between all groups in their repigmentation response (P = 0.017). After treatment, the epidermal thickness (histometry) was decreased (epidermal atrophy), especially with concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection with decreased and disorganized collagen fibers.

Conclusion

Intralesional corticosteroid injections combined with NB‐UVB showed a good and well‐tolerated therapeutic option for vitiligo. The concentrations of 0.625 and 1.25 mg/ml of triamcinolone acetonide were the safest with fewer side effects and complications. However, higher concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml were more effective but with more side effects.
Protein digestibility and bioavailability in an F2 mouse cross between the selected fat mouse line and an M2 congenic line carrying the anti‐obesity and anti‐diabetic Tst allele
Authors: Pirman Tatjana , Mrak Vesna , Fonseca Rita , Horvat Simon
Published: October 2021

The study was performed to investigate protein digestibility and utilization in an F2 cross (M2‐F2 cross) between the selected Fat (F) line and an M2 congenic line. The congenic M2 line carried the Fob3b2 quantitative trait locus (QTL) from the selected Lean (L) line previously shown to contain the Tst gene with leanness, anti‐diabetic and resistance to diet‐induced obesity effects. The main objective of the study was to test if some of the effects on leanness and obesity resistance of the L‐line Fob3b2 could also be due to the effect of this QTL on nutrient digestibility and bioavailability. The F2 littermates carrying either the Fat line segment within the Fob3b2 region or the L‐line were compared when fed the high‐fat diet. Eleven mice per genotype were individually housed in metabolic cages. In 5‐day experimental period, body mass and diet intake were measured. The part of study was done on the F and L line and tested the difference in apparent protein digestibility on low‐fat (LFD) and high‐fat (HFD) diet. The nitrogen content was determined in the diet, faeces, and urine based on which, the apparent protein digestibility, apparent protein biological value and apparent net protein utilization were calculated There were no significant differences in any of these parameters on congenic line, confirming that the phenotypic effect on adiposity between the genotypes in the M2‐F2 population was not due to the differential effect of the Fob3b2 locus carrying the Tst gene on protein utilization. We conclude that the observed phenotypic effects of this gene region are due to direct metabolic actions rather than the effects on nutrient absorption and nitrogen utilization since there were no differences in apparent protein digestibility between L and F lines, irrespective to HFD or LFD. The age of animals had significant effect on the level of digestibility.
What breed are British Dogs of the Lord?
Authors: Radcliffe Timothy
Published: October 2021

In the nineteen sixties, when the author became a Dominican, the province went through a profound crisis. This article asks how it was able to survive this crisis and find new life and vigour. It did so because the brethren were usually able to engage in constructive dialogue. This was due to three characteristics of the province. As British, it embraced diversity in its core; the intellectual tradition of the province, an open Thomism, pushed it beyond any simplistic opposition between the tradition and progress. There is a tradition of brotherhood often overflowing into friendship which held the brethren together in times of crisis.
On Being a Thomist: Cornelius Ernst's Meta-Theology
Authors: Keenan Oliver James
Published: October 2021

Thomism is a contested category that exhibits considerable plasticity in its application. An examination of the role played by such invocations of proper names in contemporary theological discourse indicates the importance of textual accessibility and engagement. The role played by texts is examined in terms of an often-elided distinction between ‘intelligibility’ and ‘readability’, with the former aligned with propositional contents and the latter a more expansive attentiveness to the text's performative operations. The historical remoteness of Aquinas coupled with the importation into theology of secularised reading strategies is seen to have alienated the full readability of Aquinas's texts. Acting against Cartesian modes of reading, Cornelius Ernst's re-performance of Thomistic pedagogy as ‘engaged contemplation’ is concerned to enact a horizon of meaning within which Aquinas's texts retain enduring readability. This article develops Ernst's Thomistic meta-theology into an account of Thomism as ‘meta-reading’. On this account, authentic Thomism involves the intentional cultivation of a total human culture, within which the inherently theological discipline of textual engagement exercises a quasi-liturgical function.
The Gilby Summa
Authors: Kerr Fergus
Published: October 2021

The Blackfriars Summa Theologiae, 60 volumes between 1964 and 1976, the greatest collective scholarly achievement of the English Dominican Province, was conceived and orchestrated by Fr Thomas Gilby. To what school of 20th century Thomism did he and his collaborators owe allegiance, if any? This paper considers that question while documenting some of the significant influences on Gilby and his collaborators on his translation of Aquinas's Summa.
Through American Eyes: A View of the English Dominican Province
Authors: Woods Richard
Published: October 2021

Reviewing a half-century of personal experience of the English Dominican Province by an American friar provides a rich gallery of unforgettable people, places, and events. But the following account is more a story than a history, which is better left to historians.
Making Peace at Spode
Authors: Wicker Brian
Published: October 2021

This essay is a personal reflection, rather than a history, of the role of Spode House in the twentieth-century Catholic Peace Movement. In particular, it draws attention to the lasting influence of Conrad Pepler on Spode and on the movement.
Phyllanthus palakondensis sp. nov. (Phyllanthaceae) from Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Raja Kullayiswamy K. , Sarojini Devi N. , Karanth K. Praveen
Published: October 2021

The new species of Phyllanthus palakondensis found under shrub in Palakonda hills of Andhra Pradesh state, India, is described here. The new species resembles Phyllanthus rotundifolius and P. leshenaultii but differs in habitat (under‐shrub), stem nature (terete and corky) shape of leaf (orbicular, elliptic‐obovate), solitary phyllanthoid branch, pedicel length of female flower (1.5 mm) and shape and size of tepals. A detailed description, a key to the species of Phyllanthus sect. Phyllanthus distributed in Peninsular India and illustrations are provided for easy identification.
Assessment of glomerular filtration rate measurement in dogs using dynamic contrast CT compared to serum iohexol clearance
Authors: Kaenkangploo Duangdaun , Kampa Naruepon , Jitpean Supranee , Seesupa Suvaluk , Yongvanit Karn
Published: October 2021

Dynamic contrast CT with Patlak plot analysis can be used to determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, several studies have shown different GFR values and they are most likely less than the values by the standard techniques. The purpose of this prospective, experimental, and method comparison study was to evaluate the GFR using a CT technique (CT‐GFR) in 12 healthy dogs compared to serum iohexol clearance (SIC‐GFR). All dogs were anesthetized and placed in the right lateral recumbency position and the caudal part was lifted inside the CT gantry. A single‐slice dynamic CT of the aorta and both kidneys was scanned sequentially every 2 s for 2 min after a bolus injection (3 mL/s) of iohexol (300 mg/kg). Time attenuation curves (TAC) were constructed and the GFR per volume of kidney was calculated using the Patlak plot analysis method based on 30‐120 s time intervals, and results were compared to global GFR from SIC that was determined with eight blood samples for up to 240 min. The CT‐GFR value (1.85 ± 0.48 mL/min/kg) was significantly less than the SIC‐GFR value (3.40 ± 0.80 mL/min/kg; P < .05). The CT‐GFR was correlated with SIC‐GFR by the coefficient of correlation (r) at 0.61 (P = .046). In conclusion, the CT‐GFR underestimated SIC‐GFR and should be used carefully. We suggest that the GFR should be calculated using the equation derived from linear regression between CT‐GFR and the standard GFR method. With its own particular parameters, each institute should have its own prediction equation.
Measurement of the ultrasound attenuation and dispersion in 3D-printed photopolymer materials from 1 to 3.5 MHz
Authors: Bakaric Marina , Miloro Piero , Javaherian Ashkan , Cox Ben T. , Treeby Bradley E. , Brown Michael D.
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade, the range of applications in biomedical ultrasound exploiting 3D printing has rapidly expanded. For wavefront shaping specifically, 3D printing has enabled a diverse range of new, low-cost approaches for controlling acoustic fields. These methods rely on accurate knowledge of the bulk acoustic properties of the materials; however, to date, robust knowledge of these parameters is lacking for many materials that are commonly used. In this work, the acoustic properties of eight 3D-printed photopolymer materials were characterised over a frequency range from 1 to 3.5 MHz. The properties measured were the frequency-dependent phase velocity and attenuation, group velocity, signal velocity, and mass density. The materials were fabricated using two separate techniques [PolyJet and stereolithograph (SLA)], and included Agilus30, FLXA9960, FLXA9995, Formlabs Clear, RGDA8625, RGDA8630, VeroClear, and VeroWhite. The range of measured density values across all eight materials was 1120–1180 kg · m−3, while the sound speed values were between 2020 to 2630 m · s−1, and attenuation values typically in the range 3–9 dB · MHz−1· cm−1.
Mutant power resolves protein shapes
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: October 2021

Clever calculations on mutated proteins reveal spatial arrangement of amino acids.
Complete Genome Sequences of Six Salmonella enterica Strains (S. enterica subsp.
arizonae
, S. enterica subsp.
diarizonae
, and S. enterica subsp.
salamae
) Isolated from Poultry Houses
Authors: Lamas Alexandre , Regal Patricia , Cepeda Alberto , Franco Carlos Manuel
Published: October 2021

Non-
enterica
subspecies of
Salmonella enterica
are associated with cold-blood animals. We report the complete genomes of six
S. enterica
strains (one
S. enterica
subsp.
arizonae
strain, four
S. enterica
subsp.
salamae
strains, and one
S. enterica
subsp.
diarizonae
strain) isolated from Spanish poultry houses. This will increase our knowledge of these non-
enterica
subspecies.
Supplemental Material: The ubiquitous creeping segments on oceanic transform faults
Authors: Shi Pengcheng , al. et
Published: October 2021

Additional information regarding the methods and data, and complete creeping segment fraction results on each oceanic transform fault.
Who is watching over me? - Was the public’s perception of the anaesthetist changed by National Anaesthesia Day?
Authors: Tanser S J , Birt D J
Published: October 2021

The aim of National Anaesthesia Day on 25 May 2000 was to inform the public about the role and training of anaesthetists. We carried out two surveys of patients attending Derriford Hospital, Plymouth to assess the local impact of National Anaesthesia Day and to assess the public’s expectation of the preoperative visit. The first survey was held one month prior to National Anaesthesia Day and was completed by 93 patients. The second survey was held immediately following National Anaesthesia Day and was completed by 70 patients. Thirty five percent of the patients surveyed were unaware that anaesthetists were medically qualified. This result was not altered by National Anaesthesia Day despite a local information campaign. Moreover, knowledge about our role and training was only marginally improved from 1978. The majority of patients expected to see their anaesthetist preoperatively for less than 10 minutes and would not be concerned if they had not been seen one hour before surgery. Style of clothing was unimportant; few preferred a white coat but name badges were desirable. We conclude that the level of ignorance about our profession has not changed since 1978 and the impact of National Anaesthesia Day was not significant. This may be as a result of the anaesthetist’s portrayal on television, which is known to be an important source of public information on other areas of medicine. If these statistics are to change in the next 22 years new methods of public education need to be found.
Psychomotor Function and Learning Clinical Skills: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Dashfield A. K.
Published: October 2021

The practice of clinical medicine involves performing a large number of practical procedures so that psychomotor function is of considerable importance, particularly to trainees mastering new skills. Performance of motor skills by trainees is usually assessed by faculty in a random, unorganised, subjective manner without clearly stated criteria of satisfactory performance. This review discusses objective assessment of motor skills utilising psychometric principles in anaesthesia and surgery. In addition, the role of simulators will be discussed within the context of learning new motor skills.
Operative Shortening of the Elongated Defunctioned Tendoachillies Following Previous Rupture
Authors: Cannon L B , Hackney R G
Published: October 2021

Healing of the tendoachilles (TA) following rupture may result in lengthening over a long segment rather than discrete scar interposition. We describe our experience and results of a direct TA shortening technique of dysfunctionally long TAs.

Five patients presented with impairment of their sporting level. Four patients had TA injuries that were managed by physiotherapy alone and 1 had been cast immobilised for 6 weeks. At open operation the TAs were found to be confluent but with evidence of scarring over a long segment. A ‘Z’ shortening was performed. The patients were reviewed up to a mean of 30 months post op.

The overall scores were excellent in 1, good in 3 and fair in 1. All returned to their chosen level of sporting activity.

The technique described is relatively straightforward and gives predictable improvement in function. It is therefore a useful technique in this often-unrecognised condition