bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low but significant evolutionary potential for growth, phenology and reproduction traits in European beech
Authors: Westergren Marjana , Archambeau Juliette , Bajc Marko , Damjanić Rok , Theraroz Adélaïde , Kraigher Hojka , Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie , González‐Martínez Santiago C.
Published: November 2023

Local survival of forest tree populations under climate change depends on existing genetic variation and their adaptability to changing environments. Responses to selection were studied in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) under field conditions. A total of 1087 adult trees, seeds, 1‐year‐old seedlings and established multiyear saplings were genotyped with 16 nuSSRs. Adult trees were assessed for phenotypic traits related to growth, phenology and reproduction. Parentage and paternity analyses were used to estimate effective female and male fecundity as a proxy of fitness and showed that few parents contributed to successful regeneration. Selection gradients were estimated from the relationship between traits and fecundity, while heritability and evolvability were estimated using mixed models and the breeder's equation. Larger trees bearing more fruit and early male flowering had higher total fecundity, while trees with longer growth season had lower total fecundity (directional selection). Stabilizing selection on spring phenology was found for female fecundity, highlighting the role of late frosts as a selection driver. Selection gradients for other traits varied between measurement years and the offspring cohort used to estimate parental fecundity. Compared to other studies in natural populations, we found low to moderate heritability and evolvability for most traits. Response to selection was higher for growth than for budburst, leaf senescence or reproduction traits, reflecting more consistent selection gradients across years and sex functions, and higher phenotypic variability in the population. Our study provides empirical evidence suggesting that populations of long‐lived organisms such as forest trees can adapt locally, even at short‐time scales.
Geoacoustic and geophysical data‐driven seafloor sediment classification through machine learning algorithms with property‐centered oversampling techniques
Authors: Park Junghee , Lee Jong‐Sub , Yoon Hyung‐Koo
Published: November 2023

This study aims to classify seafloor sediments using physics‐inspired and data‐driven soil models combined with machine learning algorithms and oversampling techniques. The field data used for the input variables include porosity, S‐ and P‐wave velocities and depth. The soil information reported in the original literature and the “six reference sediments” and effective stress‐versus‐depth models proposed by the previous study confirm the sediment type across all of the input variables. We use three machine learning algorithms and four oversampling methods to enhance the performance accuracy and overcome data imbalance in the minority class. The results show that the averaged accuracy of sediment classification with original data corresponds to 0.88 for porosity, 0.61 for S‐wave velocity, and 0.97 for P‐wave velocity. In particular, the enhanced accuracy with oversampled input variables becomes more pronounced when the depth data are considered in a dataset. The class‐oriented grouping method newly proposed in this study appears to be a robust approach to enhancing performance. Surprisingly, model‐based input variables lead to the best performance in all cases. The proposed analyses conducted using machine learning algorithms and oversampling techniques within the physics‐inspired models could be extended to obtain a first‐order assessment of marine sediment properties.
Sensory neuropathy complicated with de novo diabetes mellitus during levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel infusion in a patient with Parkinson's disease: A case report
Authors: Ueno Tatsuya , Baba Masayuki , Haga Rie , Arai Akira , Hattori Nobutaka , Tomiyama Masahiko
Published: November 2023

Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel therapy (LCIG), an effective treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease, can cause peripheral neuropathy. We present a 39‐year‐old man with LCIG‐related neuropathy with de novo diabetes mellitus (DM), decreased vitamin B6 and folate levels, and elevated homocysteine levels that developed over 2 years of LCIG treatment. Physicians should assess levels of levodopa metabolism‐associated vitamins and monitor risk factors of peripheral neuropathy, such as DM, before and after LCIG initiation.
Street food pantries as gendered sites of labour and home: Suburban geographies of food (in)securities in Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Johnston Lynda , Adams‐Hutcheson Gail
Published: November 2023

Open street food pantries are a community‐led response to food insecurity, food waste, poverty and climate action. They are at the centre of a dynamic interplay of material, cultural, spatial and embodied relations. This article explores the gendered and spatial politics of home, labour and food in suburban communities through examining street food pantries in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Aotearoa New Zealand. We use multisensory methods (participant sensing and interviews) with pantry owners and community centre leaders to show the gendered labour and emotional connections associated with street food pantries and suburban communities experiencing food insecurity.
Safety verification of a novel irrigation catheter with flexible tip of laser‐cut kerfs and contact force sensor
Authors: Yamaguchi Junji , Takigawa Masateru , Goya Masahiko , Yamamoto Tasuku , Ikenouchi Takashi , Iwakawa Hidehiro , Negishi Miho , Goto Kentaro , Shigeta Takatoshi , Nishimura Takuro , Takamiya Tomomasa , Tao Susumu , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

The safety evaluation of TactiFlex, a novel contact‐force sensing catheter with a flexible 4‐mm tip irrigated through laser‐cut kerfs, has been ongoing. This study aimed to verify the safety of this type of catheter.

Methods

Study 1: Radiofrequency (RF) applications at a range of powers (30–50 W), contact forces (10–20 g), and durations (10–60 s) using perpendicular/parallel catheter orientation with half‐normal (HNS) or normal saline irrigation were compared between TactiFlex (4‐mm tip) and TactiCath (3.5‐mm tip) with temperature‐controlled mode in excised porcine hearts. Study 2: The relation between RF applications using TactiFlex and the incidence of steam‐pops in the real clinical cases were examined.

Results

Study‐1: 576 RF lesions were examined. TactiFlex demonstrated a significantly lower risk of steam‐pops (5[1.7%] vs. 59[20.5%], p < .0001). Compared to 3.5‐mm‐tip catheter (TactiCath), 4‐mm‐tip catheter (TactiFlex) produced smaller lesion volume at perpendicular (193[98–554]mm3 vs. 263[139–436]mm3, p < .0001), but relatively similar lesion volume at parallel contact (243[105–443]mm3 vs. 278[180–440]mm3, p = .06). HNS‐irrigation tended to increase the lesion volume in both catheters and to increase the incidence of steam‐pops with TactiCath, but not with TactiFlex. The cut‐off value of %impedance‐drop ( = absolute impedance‐drop/initial impedance) of 20% predicted steam‐pops with a sensitivity = 100% and specificity = 89.6% in TactiFlex.

Study‐2: 5496 RF applications in 84 patients (51AFs/8ATs/3AVNRTs/4AVRTs/17PVCs/4VTs) using TactiFlex were analyzed. Four steam‐pops (0.07%) in three patients with pericardial effusion were observed (%impedance‐drop = 24%/26%/29%/35%, respectively). The cut‐off value of %impedance‐drop = 20%, derived from ex‐vivo study, showed sensitivity = 100% and specificity = 90.1% in detecting steam‐pops.

Conclusion

TactiFlex reduced the risk of steam‐pops than TactiCath. %impedance‐drop ≤ 20% may be reasonable for safely use with a sufficient safety margin. For 4‐mm‐tip catheter, parallel‐contact may be recommended for larger lesion creation.
Implementation of an electroencephalogram‐guided propofol anesthesia practice in a large academic pediatric hospital: A quality improvement project
Authors: Jones Oguh Sheri , Iyer Rajeev S. , Yuan Ian , Missett Richard , Daly Guris Rodrigo J. , Johnson Gregory , Babus Lenard W. , Massa Christopher B. , McClung‐Pasqualino Heather , Garcia‐Marcinkiewicz Annery G. , Sequera‐Ramos Luis , Kurth C. Dean
Published: November 2023

Background

Propofol‐based total intravenous anesthesia is gaining popularity in pediatric anesthesia. Electroencephalogram can be used to guide propofol dosing to the individual patient to mitigate against overdosing and adverse events. However, electroencephalogram interpretation and propofol pharmacokinetics are not sufficiently taught in training programs to confidently deploy electroencephalogram‐guided total intravenous anesthesia.

Aims

We conducted a quality improvement project with the smart aim of increasing the percentage of electroencephalogram‐guided total intravenous anesthesia cases in our main operating room from 0% to 80% over 18 months. Balancing measures were number of total intravenous anesthesia cases, emergence times, and perioperative emergency activations.

Methods

The project key drivers were education, equipment, and electronic health record modifications. Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles included: (1) providing journal articles, didactic lectures, intraoperative training, and teaching documents; (2) scheduling electroencephalogram‐guided total intravenous anesthesia teachers to train faculty, staff, and fellows for specific cases and to assess case‐based knowledge; (3) adding age‐based propofol dosing tables and electroencephalogram parameters to the electronic health record (EPIC co, Verona, WI); (4) procuring electroencephalogram monitors (Sedline, Masimo Inc). Electroencephalogram‐guided total intravenous anesthesia cases and balancing measures were identified from the electronic health record. The smart aim was evaluated by statistical process control chart.

Results

After the four Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles, electroencephalogram‐guided total intravenous anesthesia increased from 5% to 75% and was sustained at 72% 9 months after project completion. Total intravenous anesthesia cases/mo and number of perioperative emergency activations did not change significantly from start to end of the project, while emergence time for electroencephalogram‐guided total intravenous anesthesia was greater statistically but not clinically (total intravenous anesthesia without electroencephalogram [16 ± 10 min], total intravenous anesthesia with electroencephalogram [18 ± 9 min], sevoflurane [17 ± 9 min] p < .001).

Conclusion

Quality improvement methods may be deployed to adopt electroencephalogram‐guided total intravenous anesthesia in a large academic pediatric anesthesia practice. Keys to success include education, in operating room case training, scheduling teachers with learners, electronic health record modifications, and electroencephalogram devices and supplies.
Belowground insect herbivory induces systemic volatile emissions that strengthen neighbouring plant resistance aboveground
Authors: Thompson Morgan N. , Arriaga Jayda , Bradford B. Jack , Kurian Rachel , Strozier Gage , Helms Anjel M.
Published: November 2023

Plants transmit ecologically relevant messages to neighbouring plants through chemical cues. For instance, insect herbivory triggers the production of herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), which can enhance neighbouring plant defences. HIPVs are emitted from directly damaged plant tissues and from systemic, nondamaged tissues. Although volatile‐mediated interplant interactions have been observed both above‐ and belowground, it remains unknown whether belowground herbivory induces systemic HIPVs aboveground that influence neighbouring plants. To explore how belowground herbivory affects interplant interactions aboveground, we characterised systemic HIPVs from squash induced by belowground striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum) larval herbivory. We exposed squash ‘receiver plants’ to systemic HIPVs or volatiles from nondamaged plants. We then measured herbivore resistance by challenging ‘receiver plants’ with aboveground‐feeding herbivores: adult beetles (A. vittatum) or squash bugs (Anasa tristis). We discovered belowground‐damaged plants emitted more (E)‐β‐ocimene, a key volatile from the systemic HIPV blend, than nondamaged controls, and that exposure to systemic HIPVs enhanced neighbouring plant resistance to aboveground squash bugs, but not adult beetles. Further investigations into the mechanism of interplant interaction revealed β‐ocimene alone can elicit plant resistance against squash bugs. Overall, our findings reveal a novel form of volatile‐mediated interactions between plants spanning across aboveground–belowground plant systems.
A butterfly egg‐killing hypersensitive response in Brassica nigra is controlled by a single locus, PEK, containing a cluster of TIR‐NBS‐LRR receptor genes
Authors: Bassetti Niccolò , Caarls Lotte , Bouwmeester Klaas , Verbaarschot Patrick , van Eijden Ewan , Zwaan Bas J. , Bonnema Guusje , Schranz M. Eric , Fatouros Nina E.
Published: November 2023

Knowledge of plant recognition of insects is largely limited to a few resistance (R) genes against sap‐sucking insects. Hypersensitive response (HR) characterizes monogenic plant traits relying on R genes in several pathosystems. HR‐like cell death can be triggered by eggs of cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.), pests of cabbage crops (Brassica spp.), reducing egg survival and representing an effective plant resistance trait before feeding damage occurs. Here, we performed genetic mapping of HR‐like cell death induced by Pieris brassicae eggs in the black mustard Brassica nigra (B. nigra). We show that HR‐like cell death segregates as a Mendelian trait and identified a single dominant locus on chromosome B3, named PEK (Pieris 
egg‐
killing). Eleven genes are located in an approximately 50 kb region, including a cluster of genes encoding intracellular TIR‐NBS‐LRR (TNL) receptor proteins. The PEK locus is highly polymorphic between the parental accessions of our mapping populations and among B. nigra reference genomes. Our study is the first one to identify a single locus potentially involved in HR‐like cell death induced by insect eggs in B. nigra. Further fine‐mapping, comparative genomics and validation of the PEK locus will shed light on the role of these TNL receptors in egg‐killing HR.
Reducing donor acceptance practice variation – Learnings from a discussion forum
Authors: Bansal Neha , Jeewa Aamir , Watanabe Kae , Richmond Marc E. , Alzubi Anaam , D'Souza Nikita , Bano Maria , Lorts Angela , Rosenthal David N. , Taylor Katie , O'Shea Catherine , Smyth Lauren , Koehl Devin , Zhao Hong , Hollander Seth A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Although waitlist mortality is unacceptably high, nearly half of donor heart offers are rejected by pediatric heart transplant centers. The Advanced Cardiac Therapy Improving Outcome Network (ACTION) and Pediatric Heart Transplant Society (PHTS) convened a multi‐institutional donor decision discussion forum (DDDF) aimed at assessing donor acceptance practices and reducing practice variation.

Methods

A 1‐h‐long virtual DDDF for providers across North America, the United Kingdom, and Brazil was held monthly. Each session typically included two case presentations posing a real‐world donor decision challenge. Attendees were polled before the presenting centerʼs decision was revealed. Group discussion followed, including a review of relevant literature and PHTS data. Metrics of participation, participant agreement with presenting center decisions, and impact on future decision‐making were collected and analyzed.

Results

Over 2 years, 41 cases were discussed. Approximately 50 clinicians attended each call. Risk factors influencing decision‐making included donor quality (10), size discrepancy (8), and COVID‐19 (8). Donor characteristics influenced 63% of decisions, recipient factors 35%. Participants agreed with the decision made by the presenting center only 49% of the time. Post‐presentation discussion resulted in 25% of participants changing their original decision. Survey conducted reported that 50% respondents changed their donor acceptance practices.

Conclusion

DDDF identified significant variation in pediatric donor decision‐making among centers. DDDF may be an effective format to reduce practice variation, provide education to decision‐makers, and ultimately increase donor utilization.
Treatment with a red‐laser‐based wound therapy device exerts positive effects in models of delayed keratinocyte and fibroblast wound healing
Authors: Wiegand Cornelia , Dirksen Annegret , Tittelbach Jörg
Published: November 2023

Background

Light therapy is widely used in medicine. Specifically, photobiomodulation has been shown to exert beneficial effects in wound healing disorders, which present a major challenge in health care. The study's aim was providing information on the effect of a novel, red‐laser‐based wound therapy device (WTD) on keratinocytes and fibroblasts during wound healing under optimal and non‐optimal conditions.

Methods

The scratch wound assay was employed as a wound healing model for mechanical damage with readjustment of specific cell milieus, explicitly chronic TH1 inflammation and TH2‐dominant conditions. Furthermore, gene expression analysis of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL1A, IL6, CXCL8), growth factors (TGFB1, PDGFC), transcription factors (NFKB1, TP53) and heat shock proteins (HSP90AA1, HSPA1A, HSPD1) as well as desmogleins (DSG1, DSG3) in keratinocytes and collagen (COL1A1, COL3A1) in fibroblasts was performed after WTD treatment.

Results

It was shown that WTD treatment is biocompatible and supports scratch wound closure under non‐optimal conditions. A distinct enhancement of desmoglein and collagen gene expression as well as induction of early growth factor gene expression was observed under chronic inflammatory conditions. Moreover, WTD increased HSPD1 transcript levels in keratinocytes and augmented collagen expression in fibroblasts during wound healing under TH2 conditions. WTD treatment also alleviated the inflammatory response in keratinocytes and induced early growth factor gene expression in fibroblasts under physiological conditions.

Conclusion

Positive effects described for wound treatment with WTD could be replicated in vitro and seem to be to be conferred by a direct influence on cellular processes taking place in keratinocytes and fibroblasts during wound healing.
Research progress on the resistance mechanism of host pine to pine wilt disease
Authors: Wang Yijing , Chen Hongna , Wang Jiaqing , Li Debin , Wang Hongling , Jiang Yingying , Fei Xudong , Sun Lu , Li Feifei
Published: November 2023

Pine wilt disease, caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a major quarantine forest disease that has resulted in massive economic losses as well as ecological disaster. Therefore, it is imperative to study the defence response mechanism of host pine trees to infection by B. xylophilus to understand further the internal causes of pine tree death and to find control strategies. For many years, systematic research has been carried out on the pathophysiological response of pine trees to pine wilt disease. However, due to the complexity of the occurrence and development of pine wilt disease, the specific response mechanisms of different tree species have remained unclear. This paper attempts to provide an overview of the resistance mechanism of host pine trees against B. xylophilus infection through the perspectives of histopathological characteristics, physiological and biochemical responses, and molecular response mechanisms, which provide a theoretical reference for further investigating the disease resistance mechanism of pine trees to pine wilt disease and lay the foundation for the prevention and quarantine of pine wilt disease.
A mean‐field approach for the asymptotic tracking problem of moving continuum target clouds
Authors: Ahn Hyunjin , Ha Seung‐Yeal
Published: November 2023

We propose a new coupled kinetic system arising from the asymptotic tracking of a continuum target cloud, and study its asymptotic tracking property. For the proposed kinetic system, we present an energy functional which is monotonic and distance between particle trajectories corresponding to kinetic equations for target, and tracking ensembles tend to zero asymptotically under a suitable sufficient framework. The framework is formulated in terms of system parameters and initial data.
How do explicit, implicit, and sociodemographic measures relate to concurrent suicidal ideation? A comparative machine learning approach
Authors: Freichel René , Kahveci Sercan , O’Shea Brian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Suicide is a leading cause of death, and decades of research have identified a range of risk factors, including demographics, past self‐injury and suicide attempts, and explicit suicide cognitions. More recently, implicit self‐harm and suicide cognitions have been proposed as risk factors for the prospective prediction of suicidal behavior. However, most studies have examined these implicit and explicit risk factors in isolation, and little is known about their combined effects and interactions in the prediction of concurrent suicidal ideation.

Methods

In an online community sample of 6855 participants, we used different machine learning techniques to evaluate the utility of measuring implicit self‐harm and suicide cognitions to predict concurrent desire to self‐harm or die.

Results

Desire to self‐harm was best predicted using gradient boosting, achieving 83% accuracy. However, the most important predictors were mood, explicit associations, and past suicidal thoughts and behaviors; implicit measures provided little to no gain in predictive accuracy.

Conclusion

Considering our focus on the concurrent prediction of explicit suicidal ideation, we discuss the need for future studies to assess the utility of implicit suicide cognitions in the prospective prediction of suicidal behavior using machine learning approaches.
A novel sophorolipids extraction method by yeast fermentation process for enhanced skin efficacy
Authors: Lee Yae‐rin , Cha Youn Jeong , Jeong Sugyeong , Yun Seok‐Kyun , Nho Younhwa , Kang Seunghyun , Kim Woonha , Son Juhyun , Kim Juyun , Kyung Seoyeon
Published: November 2023

Aims

Oriental herbs have been used as medicines in the folk remedy for their numerous phytochemicals and bioactivities. In this study, we have selected five Korean traditional medical herbs and applied bio conversion extraction technology, named it as Bioconversion Oji complex, to identify phytochemicals and evaluate skin related efficacies.

Material and methods

The process of two‐step bio conversion was sequentially conducted. The first step of fermentation was to produce biosurfactants using macadamia seed oil with Candida bombicola, and then five natural plants were added to carry out the main fermentation. To evaluate skin improvement efficacy of Bioconversion Oji complex, in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted. We studied HaCaT cells cultured to assess viability, skin anti‐inflammatory, moisturizing and barrier improvement‐related mRNA expression. For efficacy study, 21 participants were tested evaluating anti‐inflammatory, skin moisturizing and skin barrier improving effects of Bioconversion Oji complex compared to Water extraction of Oji (placebo) for the 4 weeks test period.

Results

The application of bioconversion technology highly increased the content of amino acids and lipids within Bioconversion Oji complex, and 23 flavonoids were also identified. Bioconversion Oji complex was found to be non‐toxic and showed significant effects in all parameters tested, including anti‐inflammation, skin moisture, and skin barrier in both in vitro and in clinical studies.

Conclusions

Bioconversion Oji complex has demonstrated skin‐friendly properties with significant beneficial effects on anti‐inflammatory, skin hydration and barrier function properties. This study provides evidence for the use of Bioconversion Oji complex as an active ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*07:852 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Giustiniani Paola , Andreani Marco , Bianculli Antonio Giuseppe , Guagnano Annalisa , Pinto Rita Maria
Published: November 2023

The new allele HLA‐C*07:852 differs from HLA‐C* 07:04:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 314 in exon 5.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐DRB1*09:01:15 allele in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: November 2023

One nucleotide substitution in codon 217 of HLA‐DRB1*09:01:02:01 results in a novel allele HLA‐DRB1*09:01:15.
Impact of predicted HLA class I immunopeptidome on viral reservoir in a cohort of people living with HIV in Italy
Authors: Rovatti Pier Edoardo , Muccini Camilla , Punta Marco , Galli Laura , Mainardi Ilaria , Ponta Giacomo , Vago Luca Aldo Edoardo , Castagna Antonella
Published: November 2023

The class I HLA genotype has been widely recognized as a factor influencing HIV disease progression in treatment‐naïve subjects. However, little is known regarding its role in HIV disease course and how it influences the size of the viral reservoir once anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) is started. Here, leveraging on cutting‐edge bioinformatic tools, we explored the relationship between HLA class I and the HIV reservoir in a cohort of 90 people living with HIV (PLWH) undergoing ART and who achieved viral suppression. Analysis of HLA allele distribution among patients with high and low HIV reservoir allowed us to document a predominant role of HLA‐B and ‐C genes in regulating the size of HIV reservoir. We then focused on the analysis of HIV antigen (Ag) repertoire, by investigating immunogenetic parameters such as the degree of homozygosity, HLA evolutionary distance and Ag load. In particular, we used two different bioinformatic algorithms, NetMHCpan and MixMHCpred, to predict HLA presentation of immunogenic HIV‐derived peptides and identified HLA‐B*57:01 and HLA‐B*58:01 among the highest ranking HLAs in terms of total load, suggesting that their previously reported protective role against HIV disease progression might be linked to a more effective viral recognition and presentation to Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Further, we speculated that some peptide‐HLA complexes, including those produced by the interaction between HLA‐B*27 and the HIV Gag protein, might be particularly relevant for the efficient regulation of HIV replication and containment of the HIV reservoir. Last, we provide evidence of a possible synergistic effect between the CCR5 ∆32 mutation and Ag load in controlling HIV reservoir.
Communities of practice: A theoretical framework for undergraduate longitudinal placements
Authors: Kirtchuk Liza , Markless Sharon
Published: November 2023

Background

There has been a global shift towards longitudinal placements in undergraduate medicine, which are believed to play an important role in supporting medical student learning and professional identity formation. A better understanding of how learning occurs on such placements is needed, and community of practice (CoP), a social learning theory, has been proposed to form their pedagogical foundations. However, empirical research exploring learning through CoPs on longitudinal placements is limited.

Methods

Case study methodology triangulating data from interviews, written reflections and routine evaluations was undertaken to explore how second‐year students on an undergraduate longitudinal General Practice placement participated within CoPs and the factors enabling this participation.

Findings

Routine evaluation data were available for 57% (n239) of students and in‐depth interviews were carried out with five students and three tutors across eight placements. Themes identified through inductive thematic analysis were (i) participation within CoPs, (ii) enablers of legitimate peripheral participation and (iii) socialising agents. Student legitimate peripheral participation was greatly facilitated by making contributions to patient care, a welcoming clinical environment, access to the informal spaces and repertoires of the practice and effective brokerage of educational activities by tutors.

Discussion

CoP is a theory that allows us to make tangible the somewhat abstract when deepening our understanding of how students learn on longitudinal placements. The extent to which students become legitimate peripheral participants varies, and this theoretical framework allows us to consider the factors that can enable such participation, with implications for how educators design curricula and placement infrastructure.
Development of a double‐layer electrospun patch as a potential prenatal treatment for myelomeningocele
Authors: Benabdderrahmane K. , Stirnemann J. , Ramtani S. , Falentin‐Daudré C.
Published: November 2023

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a congenital defect of the spine characterised by meningeal and spinal cord protrusion through the open vertebral arches. This defect causes progressive prenatal damage of the spinal cord, leading to lifelong handicap. Although mid‐trimester surgical repair may reduce part of the handicap, an earlier and less invasive approach would further improve the prognosis, possibly minimising maternal and foetal risks. Several studies have proposed an alternative approach to surgical repair by covering the defect with a patch and protecting the exposed neural tissue. Our study aims to elaborate on a waterproof and biodegradable bioactive patch for MMC prenatal foetal repair. We developed a double‐layer patch that can provide a waterproof coverage for the spinal cord, with a bioactive side, conducive to cell proliferation, and an antiadhesive side to avoid its attachment to the medulla.
Multiple scattering theory for modeling sonic booms in atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Lonzaga Joel B.
Published: November 2023

Sonic booms are often modeled using Burgers equations accounting for dominant propagation effects. Scattering effects of turbulence, however, have not been incorporated into such equations, although these effects are ubiquitous in measured sonic booms. This paper formulates the mean scattering effects, including backscattering, using multiple scattering theory and ensemble averaging. It obtains an acousto-turbulence interaction energy representing the interaction of an acoustic wavefield with a turbulence field. The interaction energy gives rise to a scattering wavenumber, a complex-valued correction to the free-space wavenumber. The scattering wavenumber leads to a dispersion and attenuation of the mean waveform due to backscattering, and can be obtained from a derived exact solution. An existing Burgers equation is extended to include the scattering effects of turbulence as an additional linear term. Numerical simulations of an N-wave and a low boom show that the mean scattering effects lead to shock thickening in the mean waveforms as well as reduce the peak amplitudes and total energy contents. The energy reduction is less severe in the low boom than in the N-wave and is dependent on the variance, correlation length, and thickness of the turbulence field.
Dynamic Lower Limb Alignment During Jumping in Preschool Children: Normative Profiles and Sex Differences
Authors: Harsted Steen , Hestbæk Lise , Holsgaard-Larsen Anders , Hein Lauridsen Henrik
Published: November 2023

The natural development of static lower limb varus/valgus alignments during early childhood is well understood. However, our understanding of dynamic lower limb frontal plane alignments is limited, and we lack normative descriptions of this phenomenon for both boys and girls. This study investigated dynamic lower limb alignment during jump-landings in preschool children, focusing on associations with sex, age, and motor performance. Dynamic lower limb alignment was measured as the Knee-to-Ankle Separation Ratio (KASR) in 605 children aged 3–6 years using markerless motion capture. Based on KASR measurements, we categorized the children into three kinematic groups: Valgus, Intermediate, and Varus. Median KASR scores were 0.86 (0.80–0.96) overall, 0.89 (0.81–0.98) for boys, and 0.85 (0.78–0.92) for girls. Over 75% of the children exhibited some level of dynamic knee valgus during jump-landings (KASR < 1). However, roughly two-thirds of the children in the Valgus group were girls. Age-adjusted differences in motor performance were small and only statistically significant for jump height and length in girls. These findings suggest that dynamic knee valgus during jump-landings is a common occurrence in preschool children, especially among girls. The potential relationship between dynamic lower limb alignment and age and motor performance warrants further investigation.
Vasodilators activate the anion channel TMEM16A in endothelial cells to reduce blood pressure
Authors: Mata-Daboin Alejandro , Garrud Tessa A. C. , Fernandez-Pena Carlos , Peixoto-Neves Dieniffer , Leo M. Dennis , Bernardelli Angelica K. , Singh Purnima , Malik Kafait U. , Jaggar Jonathan H.
Published: November 2023

Systemic blood pressure is acutely controlled by total peripheral resistance as determined by the diameter of small arteries and arterioles, the contractility of which is regulated by endothelial cells lining the lumen of blood vessels. We investigated the physiological functions of the chloride (Cl
−
) channel TMEM16A in endothelial cells. TMEM16A channels generated calcium (Ca
2+
)–activated Cl
−
currents in endothelial cells from control (

TMEM16A
fl/fl

) mice that were absent in those from mice with tamoxifen-inducible, endothelial cell–specific knockout of TMEM16A (
TMEM16A
ecKO). TMEM16A currents in endothelial cells were activated by the muscarinic receptor agonist acetylcholine and an agonist of the Ca
2+
channel TRPV4, which localized in nanoscale proximity with TMEM16A as assessed by single-molecule localization imaging of endothelial cells. Acetylcholine stimulated TMEM16A currents by activating Ca
2+
influx through surface TRPV4 channels without altering the nanoscale properties of TMEM16A and TRPV4 surface clusters or their colocalization. In pressurized arteries, activation of TMEM16A channels in endothelial cells induced by acetylcholine; TRPV4 channel stimulation; or intraluminal ATP, another vasodilator, produced hyperpolarization and dilation. Furthermore, deficiency of TMEM16A channels in endothelial cells resulted in increased systemic blood pressure in conscious mice. These data indicate that vasodilators stimulate TRPV4 channels, leading to Ca
2+
-dependent activation of nearby TMEM16A channels in endothelial cells to produce arterial hyperpolarization, vasodilation, and reduced blood pressure. Thus, TMEM16A is an anion channel in endothelial cells that regulates arterial contractility and blood pressure.
Interlaboratory comparison of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phage susceptibility testing
Authors: Parmar Krupa , Komarow Lauren , Ellison Damon W. , Filippov Andrey A. , Nikolich Mikeljon P. , Fackler Joseph R. , Lee Martin , Nair Anjna , Agrawal Priyesh , Tamma Pranita D. , Souli Maria , Evans Scott R. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Cunningham Scott A. , Patel Robin ,   for the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group
Published: November 2023

Standardized approaches to phage susceptibility testing (PST) are essential to inform selection of phages for study in patients with bacterial infections. There is no reference standard for assessing bacterial susceptibility to phage. We compared agreement between PST performed at three centers: two centers using a liquid assay standardized between the sites with the third, a plaque assay. Four
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages: PaWRA01ø11 (EPa11), PaWRA01ø39 (EPa39), PaWRA02ø83 (EPa83), PaWRA02ø87 (EPa87), and a cocktail of all four phages were tested against 145
P
.
aeruginosa
isolates. Comparisons were made within measurements at the two sites performing the liquid assay and between these two sites. Agreement was assessed based on coverage probability (CP
8
), total deviation index, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), measurement accuracy, and precision. For the liquid assay, there was satisfactory agreement among triplicate measurements made on different days at site 1, and high agreement based on accuracy and precision between duplicate measurements made on the same run at site 2. There was fair accuracy between measurements of the two sites performing the liquid assay, with CCCs below 0.6 for all phages tested. When compared to the plaque assay (performed once at site 3), there was less agreement between results of the liquid and plaque assays than between the two sites performing the liquid assay. Similar findings to the larger group were noted in the subset of 46
P
.
aeruginosa
isolates from cystic fibrosis. Results of this study suggest that reproducibility of PST methods needs further development.
B cell expression of E3 ubiquitin ligase Cul4b promotes chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
in vivo
Authors: Wang Yiping , Manzi Mikayla , Feswick April , Renshaw Lindsay , Oliver Paula M. , Tibbetts Scott A. , Moser Emily K.
Published: November 2023

The gammaherpesviruses, including human Epstein-Barr virus, human Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68, γHV68, MuHV-4), are ubiquitous pathogens that directly contribute to the genesis of a wide variety of malignancies, including B cell lymphomas.
In vivo
, these viruses infect naïve B cells and then usurp B cell signaling pathways to drive infected cells, independent of antigen stimulation, through germinal center (GC) reactions and thereby establish lifelong latency in the memory B cell compartment. However, the specific molecular determinants by which these viruses establish chronic latent infection in B cells
in vivo
remain largely unknown. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin 4b (Cul4b) is well recognized as a central player in regulating cell proliferation, DNA damage repair, and gene transcription by catalyzing the ubiquitination and degradation of numerous cellular proteins. Here, we determined whether B cell-intrinsic expression of Cul4b is required for chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
in vivo
. Through MHV68 infection of mice with B cell-specific Cul4b deficiency, we found that loss of Cul4b expression in B cells severely impeded the establishment of latency at peripheral sites. In particular, a lack of Cul4b expression in B cells significantly attenuated the expansion of virus-infected GC B cells, suggesting that gammaherpesviruses may manipulate a previously unknown function of Cul4b in GC B cell biology. Cumulatively, these findings demonstrate that Cul4b promotes chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE

The human gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus are etiologic agents of numerous B cell lymphomas. A hallmark of gammaherpesvirus infection is their ability to establish lifelong latency in B cells. However, the specific mechanisms that mediate chronic infection in B cells
in vivo
remain elusive. Cellular E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate numerous biological processes by catalyzing ubiquitylation and modifying protein location, function, or half-life. Many viruses hijack host ubiquitin ligases to evade antiviral host defense and promote viral fitness. Here, we used the murine gammaherpesvirus 68
in vivo
system to demonstrate that the E3 ligase Cul4b is essential for this virus to establish latency in germinal center B cells. These findings highlight an essential role for this E3 ligase in promoting chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
in vivo
and suggest that targeted inhibition of E3 ligases may provide a novel and effective intervention strategy against gammaherpesvirus-associated diseases.
Anticipatory decision-making for cholera in Malawi
Authors: Jutla Antarpreet , Usmani Moiz , Brumfield Kyle D. , Singh Komalpreet , McBean Fergus , Potter Amy , Gutierrez Angelica , Gama Samuel , Huq Anwar , Colwell Rita R.
Published: November 2023

Climate change raises an old disease to a new level of public health threat. The causative agent,
Vibrio cholerae
, native to aquatic ecosystems, is influenced by climate and weather processes. The risk of cholera is elevated in vulnerable populations lacking access to safe water and sanitation infrastructure. Predictive intelligence, employing mathematical algorithms that integrate earth observations and heuristics derived from microbiological, sociological, and weather data, can provide anticipatory decision-making capabilities to reduce the burden of cholera and save human lives. An example offered here is the recent outbreak of cholera in Malawi, predicted in advance by such algorithms.
Whole-genome sequence of
Pseudomonas yamanorum
OLsAu1 isolated from the edible wild ectomycorrhizal mushroom
Lactarius
sp. section
Deliciosi
Authors: Ramírez-Mendoza Rosario , Ángeles-Argáiz Rodolfo , Lozano Aguirre-Beltrán Luis Fernando , Almaraz-Suárez Juan José , Hernández-Oaxaca Diana , Ortiz-Lopez Ivette , Perez-Moreno Jesus
Published: November 2023

We announce the genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the OLsAu1 strain and its taxonomic assignment to
Pseudomonas yamanorum
. The isolate comes from a wild edible ectomycorrhizal
Lactarius
sp. mushroom in the
Abies
forest. There is information regarding the strain’s ability to promote plant growth, indicating its potential application in forestry.
Fitness and transcriptomic analysis of pathogenic
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
in seawater at different shellfish harvesting temperatures
Authors: Liu Zhuosheng , Liao Chao , Wang Luxin
Published: November 2023

To better characterize the population dynamics of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
(
Vp
) containing different virulence genes, two
Vp
strains were inoculated into seawater separately and incubated at temperatures (10°C and 30°C) mimicking winter and summer pre-harvest shellfish rearing seasons. The cellular responses of two
Vp
strains, one containing the thermostable direct hemolysin (
tdh
+) gene and the other one containing
tdh
-related hemolysin (
trh
+) gene, were studied at the transcriptomic level. Results showed that, at 30°C,
tdh
+ and
trh
+ strains reached 6.77 ± 0.20 and 6.14 ± 0.07 log CFU/mL, respectively, after 5 days. During this time, a higher growth rate was observed in the
tdh
+ strain than in the
trh
+ strain. When being kept at 10°C, both
Vp
strains persisted at ca. 3.0 log CFU/mL in seawater with no difference observed between them. Survival and growth models were then established based on the Baranyi equation. The goodness-of-fit scores ranged from 0.674 to 0.950. RNA sequencing results showed that downregulated central energy metabolism and weakened degradation of branched-chain amino acid were observed only in the
trh
+ strain not in the
tdh
+ strain at 30°C. This might be one reason for the lower growth rates of the
trh
+ strain at 30°C. Histidine metabolism and biofilm formation pathways were significantly downregulated in both strains at 10°C. No significant difference was observed for virulence-associated gene expression between 10°C and 30°C, regardless of the strains.

IMPORTANCE

Given the involvement of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
(
Vp
) in a wide range of seafood outbreaks, a systematical characterization of
Vp
fitness and transcriptomic changes at temperatures of critical importance for seafood production and storage is needed. In this study, one of each virulent
Vp
strain (
tdh
+ and
trh
+) was tested. While no difference in survival behavior of the two virulent strains was observed at 10°C, the
tdh
+ strain had a faster growth rate than the
trh
+ strain at 30°C. Transcriptomic analysis showed that a significantly higher number of genes were upregulated at 30°C than at 10°C. The majority of differentially expressed genes of
Vp
at 30°C were annotated to functional categories supporting cellular growth. At 10°C, the downregulation of the biofilm formation and histidine metabolism indicates that the current practice of storing seafood at low temperatures not only protects seafood quality but also ensures seafood safety.
Linearly Polarized Gluon Density in the Rescaling Model
Authors: Abdulov N. A. , Chen X. , Kotikov A. V. , Lipatov A. V.
Published: November 2023

The low-$$x$$behavior of the linearly polarized gluon density$${{h}_{g}}(x,k_{t}^{2},{{Q}^{2}})$$in nuclei is studied in the rescaling model at small transverse momentum$${{k}_{t}}$$.
Two pregnancies in a patient following pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Cain Mary Ashley , Lee James , Kuper Spencer , Sinkey Rachel
Published: November 2023

Pregnancies complicated by pulmonary hypertension are associated with a high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary endarterectomy is a curative treatment for pulmonary hypertension in select patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Limited data exist regarding the maternal and perinatal outcomes following pulmonary endarterectomy.

We present the case of a patient in her 20s with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy and subsequently carried two pregnancies. Her cardiopulmonary status remained stable throughout both pregnancies. Her first pregnancy was complicated by HELLP syndrome requiring induction of labour at 30 weeks, and her second child was born at term. In summary, this patient’s course provides cautious optimism that a curative pulmonary endarterectomy may allow a patient to avoid complications of pulmonary hypertension during pregnancy.
Maternal prenatal, with or without postpartum, vitamin D3 supplementation does not improve maternal iron status at delivery or infant iron status at 6 months of age: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: O'Callaghan Karen M , Qamar Huma , Gernand Alison D , Onoyovwi AK , Zlotkin Stanley , Mahmud Abdullah A , Ahmed Tahmeed , Keya Farhana K , Roth Daniel E
Published: November 2023

Background

Vitamin D may modify iron status through regulation of hepcidin and inflammatory pathways. This study aimed to investigate effects of maternal vitamin D supplementation on iron status in pregnancy and early infancy.

Methods

In a trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh, women (n=1300) were randomised to one of five vitamin D3regimens from 17 to 24 weeks’ gestation until 26 weeks postpartum (prenatal; postpartum doses): 0;0, 4200;0, 16 800;0, 28 000;0 or 28 000;28 000 IU/week. All participants received standard iron-folic acid supplementation. In this secondary analysis (n=998), we examined effects of prenatal;postpartum vitamin D on serum ferritin and other biomarkers of maternal iron status (transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, soluble transferrin receptor and hepcidin) at delivery, and infant ferritin and haemoglobin at 6 months of age. Using linear regression, we estimated per cent mean differences between each intervention group and placebo with 95% CIs, with and without adjustment for baseline ferritin or inflammatory biomarkers (C reactive protein and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)).

Results

At delivery, ferritin concentrations were similar between each intervention group and placebo in unadjusted (n=998) and baseline ferritin-adjusted analyses (n=992; p>0.05). Compared with placebo, AGP was lower in each intervention group (per cent difference (95% CI) = −11% (−21 to –1.0), −14% (−23 to –3.5) and −11% (−19 to –2.0) in the 4200 IU/week, 16 800 IU/week and 28 000 IU/week groups, respectively; n=779). In the subgroup of women with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 nmol/L, ferritin was lower in each intervention group versus placebo (−23% (−37 to –5.0), −20% (−35 to –1.9) and −20% (−33 to –4.1) in the 4200 IU/week, 16 800 IU/week and 28 000 IU/week groups, respectively; n=645); effects were slightly attenuated after adjustment for inflammation (n=510). There were no effects of vitamin D on other iron biomarkers among women at delivery or infants aged 6 months.

Conclusion

These findings do not support improvement of iron status by vitamin D. The effect of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on ferritin may reflect an anti-inflammatory mechanism.