bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No association between isotretinoin and impulsivity in patients with moderate‐to‐severe acne vulgaris
Authors: Öğüt Çağrı , Öğüt Neslihan D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is one of the common dermatologic diseases that usually affects people during adolescence. Reports have shown that isotretinoin, the first‐line therapy option for moderate‐to‐severe AV, could lead to mood disturbances and suicidality. Impulsivity is the tendency to act prematurely without foresight and is a significant risk factor for suicidality. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that isotretinoin would lead to an increase in impulsivity.

Methods

Seventeen patients with AV were enrolled. The study was planned as a naturalistic 3‐month follow‐up study. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), Go/No‐go Task (GNG), and Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) were administered before and after the isotretinoin treatment.

Results

We found a significant improvement in the severity of anxiety (P = 0.015; t = 2.72) and depression symptoms (P = 0.08; t = 3.04) in AV patients at the end of 3 months. Self‐report impulsivity characteristics with BIS stayed unchanged (P = 0.434; t = 0.80). Besides, no statistically significant difference was found in behavioral task results associated with response inhibition with GNG (P = 0.52; t = 0.65) and impulsive decision‐making with BART (P = 0.842; t = −0.20). However, there was a significant decrease in omission errors, with GNG suggesting improvement in attention domain (P = 0.020; W = 90.0) after the follow‐up.

Conclusions

It has been demonstrated that isotretinoin treatment improves the severity of depression, anxiety symptoms, and attention performance in AV patients. However, there was no significant change in patients' impulsivity severity based on self‐reports and behavioral performances based on GNG and BART.
Associating the structure of Lepidoptera‐plant interaction networks across clades and life stages to environmental gradients
Authors: Ho Hsi‐Cheng , Altermatt Florian
Published: December 2023

Aim

The spatial‐structural patterns of plant‐insect interaction networks, particularly their associations with landscape‐scale environmental factors, remain poorly understood. We apply data‐driven network constructions that integrate biogeographic and trophic interaction knowledge to uncover how Lepidoptera‐plant networks vary across environmental gradients in a real‐world landscape.

Location

The 36,000 km2 German state Baden‐Württemberg, Central Europe.

Taxon

Lepidoptera insects and angiosperm plants.

Materials and Methods

We integrated extensive data of Lepidoptera‐plant occurrences and interactions to infer local interaction networks across Baden‐Württemberg, encompassing 3148 plant and 980 Lepidoptera species, covering butterflies, Noctuoid moths, Geometrid moths, and Bombycoid moths. We quantified clade‐ and life‐stage‐specific network structures and related them to GIS‐informed environmental conditions, thereby revealing the spatial (environmental) patterns and potential drivers of network variations.

Results

Spanning shared environmental gradients, Lepidoptera clades and life stages formed various interaction structures with plants and exhibit distinct spatial‐structural patterns. For all Lepidoptera groups, except Geometrid moths, potential diet across life stages broadened toward low‐elevation farmlands. The larval and adult networks of butterflies became less modular with farmland coverage; the same for adult Noctuoid moths, but the inverse for adult Geometrid moths. With increasing elevation, the larval and adult networks of Noctuoid moths became less and more modular, respectively, whereas Geometrid adult networks became more modular. While the adult dietary niche of butterflies overlapped more at low elevation, those of Noctuoid and Geometrid moths further associated with land cover and overlapped more toward low‐ and high‐elevation farmlands, respectively.

Main Conclusions

The spatial‐structural patterns of Lepidoptera‐plant networks vary along geo‐climate and land‐cover gradients in ways depending on the Lepidoptera's clade and life stage. The driving mechanisms likely include both evolutionary (e.g., resource‐consumer [co‐]evolution) and ecological (e.g., competitive exclusion) processes, and differentially affect Lepidoptera across clades and life stages. These findings pinpoint conservation implications at both species and community levels, with potential trade‐offs for managing different Lepidoptera‐plant communities under environmental changes.
Matrix type affects carabid beetle community and trait composition, and intraspecific variation in remnant forests
Authors: Kotze D. J. , Gabor M. , Kohout S. , Setälä H.
Published: December 2023

Aim

The Anthropocene is characterised by urban and agricultural landscapes. Within these landscapes, natural to semi‐natural habitats are fragmented, isolated and disturbed to varying degrees. Species associated with these natural habitats have to content with the surrounding landscape, both in terms of level of isolation, and matrix type and quality. We investigated the community structure, trait distribution and individual traits of carabid beetles in boreal forest fragments within three matrices: urban, agricultural and freshwater lake.

Location

City of Lahti and its surroundings, southern Finland.

Taxon

Coleoptera, Carabidae.

Methods

Using pitfall traps from June to October 2019, we collected carabid beetles from eight spruce‐dominated forest fragments in the urban matrix, 10 fragments in an agricultural matrix, seven fragments on lake islands and three large control forests at the outskirts of the city.

Results

Compared to natural forests, carabid beetles in forest fragments in these matrices showed distinct assemblages, and with beetle diversity the highest in fragments in the agricultural landscape. Fragments in the urban and lake island landscapes were characterised by small‐sized species, and those capable of flight. We also found strong intraspecific trait responses in terms of body size, with some generalist species being significantly smaller in urban, agricultural or lake island fragments compared to the controls.

Main Conclusions

The matrix has a clear effect on carabid beetle communities, both in terms of taxonomic and trait distribution, and filters for communities of smaller sized species and those capable of flight. Such overall community and intraspecific effects can have considerable effects on populations and community assemblages: As anthropogenic effects intensify in urban and agricultural landscapes, our findings may be the expression of further morphological and physiological responses, and eventually in the adaptation of those species that can cope with the Anthropocene.
Unveiling the pedagogical advantage of tutoring‐style videos in an authentic biology class
Authors: Ding Lu , Yoon Meehyun , Kim Dongho
Published: December 2023

Background

While the effectiveness of tutoring‐style videos has been reported in previous studies conducted in laboratories, how these types of videos facilitate students' learning experiences and achievement has not been much explored in prior studies, which prevents discussion on how to design such tutoring‐style videos.

Objectives

In this study, we addressed the limitations reported in studies conducted in authentic classes and attempted to explore students' learning patterns and experiences with tutoring‐style videos involving interactions between the instructor and agents. In addition, we attempted to reveal what instructional strategies can be used in tutoring‐style videos to enhance students' engagement and achievement.

Methods

The study took place in an undergraduate introductory biology class offered at a university located in the Midwest of the United States. The same instructor taught two sections of this course which lasted for 15 weeks during a Spring semester. The two sections were randomly assigned to an experimental group in which participants watched tutoring‐style videos and a control group with participants watching traditional videos. The experiment was administered in a module lasting two and a half weeks focused on microbiology. Surveys and tests were conducted to determine whether the tutoring‐style videos had a positive impact on student engagement and achievement. In addition, a video content analysis was carried out to elicit insights on how to design effective tutoring‐style videos.

Results

For students' emotional engagement and perceived usefulness, no significant difference was found between the two groups, even though the descriptive statistics indicated slightly higher scores from the experimental group than the control group on both subscales. In terms of achievement, the participants reported significantly more learned concepts from watching rich‐interactions in the tutoring‐style videos than the participants in the control group; and they also reported a significantly smaller number of learned concepts from watching one‐interactions in the videos than the control group participants. We also found that instruction in the tutoring‐style videos used effective strategies for facilitating students' participation and cognitive processing.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that tutoring‐style videos can be effective learning materials by allowing students to engage in interactions between instructors and agents in the videos. The more instructional strategies used to facilitate the interactions between the instructor and the agents, the higher engagement can be expected from viewers. Our study would inform the design and development of effective tutoring‐style videos.
Mechanism of ferroptosis in breast cancer and research progress of natural compounds regulating ferroptosis
Authors: Ge Anqi , He Qi , Zhao Da , Li Yuwei , Chen Junpeng , Deng Ying , Xiang Wang , Fan Hongqiao , Wu Shiting , Li Yan , Liu Lifang , Wang Yue
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide and its incidence increases with age, posing a significant threat to women's health globally. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of breast cancer, the majority of patients develop drug resistance and metastasis following treatment. Ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death dependent on iron, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides, elevated levels of iron ions and lipid peroxidation. The underlying mechanisms and signalling pathways associated with ferroptosis are intricate and interconnected, involving various proteins and enzymes such as the cystine/glutamate antiporter, glutathione peroxidase 4, ferroptosis inhibitor 1 and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. Consequently, emerging research suggests that ferroptosis may offer a novel target for breast cancer treatment; however, the mechanisms of ferroptosis in breast cancer urgently require resolution. Additionally, certain natural compounds have been reported to induce ferroptosis, thereby interfering with breast cancer. Therefore, this review not only discusses the molecular mechanisms of multiple signalling pathways that mediate ferroptosis in breast cancer (including metastasis, invasion and proliferation) but also elaborates on the mechanisms by which natural compounds induce ferroptosis in breast cancer. Furthermore, this review summarizes potential compound types that may serve as ferroptosis inducers in future tumour cells, providing lead compounds for the development of ferroptosis‐inducing agents. Last, this review proposes the potential synergy of combining natural compounds with traditional breast cancer drugs in the treatment of breast cancer, thereby suggesting future directions and offering new insights.
Microglial exosome miR‐124‐3p in hippocampus alleviates cognitive impairment induced by postoperative pain in elderly mice
Authors: Kong Erliang , Geng Xuqiang , Wu Feixiang , Yue Wei , Sun Yuming , Feng Xudong
Published: December 2023

Cognitive impairment induced by postoperative pain severely deteriorates the rehabilitation outcomes in elderly patients. The present study focused on the relationship between microglial exosome miR‐124‐3p in hippocampus and cognitive impairment induced by postoperative pain. Cognitive impairment model induced by postoperative pain was constructed by intramedullary nail fixation after tibial fracture. Morphine intraperitoneally was carried out for postoperative analgesia. Morris water maze tests were carried out to evaluate the cognitive impairment, while mRNA levels of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NG) and neurodegenerative biomarker (VILIP‐1) in hippocampus were tested by q‐PCR. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the axon degeneration in hippocampus. The levels of pro‐inflammatory factors (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6), the levels of anti‐inflammatory factors (Ym, Arg‐1, IL‐10) and microglia proliferation marker cyclin D1 in hippocampus were measured to evaluate microglia polarization. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify key exosomes while BV‐2 microglia overexpressing exosome miR‐124‐3p was constructed to observe microglia polarization in vitro experiments. Exogenous miR‐124‐3p‐loaded exosomes were injected into hippocampus in vivo. Postoperative pain induced by intramedullary fixation after tibial fracture was confirmed by decreased mechanical and thermal pain thresholds. Postoperative pain induced cognitive impairment, promoted axon demyelination, decreased BDNF, NG and increased VILIP‐1 expressions in hippocampus. Postoperative pain also increased pro‐inflammatory factors, cyclin D1 and decreased anti‐inflammatory factors in hippocampus. However, these changes were all reversed by morphine analgesia. Bioinformatics analysis identified the critical role of exosome miR‐124‐3p in cognitive impairment, which was confirmed to be down‐regulated in hippocampus of postoperative pain mice. BV‐2 microglia overexpressing exosome miR‐124‐3p showed decreased pro‐inflammatory factors, cyclin D1 and increased anti‐inflammatory factors. In vivo, stereotactic injection of exogenous miR‐124‐3p into hippocampus decreased pro‐inflammatory factors, cyclin D1 and increased anti‐inflammatory factors. The cognitive impairment, axon demyelination, decreased BDNF, NG and increased VILIP‐1 expressions in hippocampus were all alleviated by exogenous exosome miR‐124‐3p. Microglial exosome miR‐124‐3p in hippocampus alleviates cognitive impairment induced by postoperative pain through microglia polarization in elderly mice.
A genome‐wide association study meta‐analysis in a European sample of stage III/IV grade C periodontitis patients ≤35 years of age identifies new risk loci
Authors: De Almeida Silvia Diz , Richter Gesa M. , de Coo Alicia , Jepsen Søren , Kapferer‐Seebacher Ines , Dommisch Henrik , Berger Klaus , Laudes Matthias , Lieb Wolfgang , Loos Bruno G. , van der Velde Nathalie , van Schoor Natasja , de Groot Lisette ,   PerioGEN Cohort Group, Blanco Juan , Carracedo Angel , Cruz Raquel , Schaefer Arne S.
Published: December 2023

Aim

Few genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have been conducted for severe forms of periodontitis (stage III/IV grade C), and the number of known risk genes is scarce. To identify further genetic risk variants to improve the understanding of the disease aetiology, a GWAS meta‐analysis in cases with a diagnosis at ≤35 years of age was performed.

Materials and Methods

Genotypes from German, Dutch and Spanish GWAS studies of III/IV‐C periodontitis diagnosed at age ≤35 years were imputed using TopMed. After quality control, a meta‐analysis was conducted on 8,666,460 variants in 1306 cases and 7817 controls with METAL. Variants were prioritized using FUMA for gene‐based tests, functional annotation and a transcriptome‐wide association study integrating eQTL data.

Results

The study identified a novel genome‐wide significant association in the FCER1G gene (p = 1.0 × 10−9), which was previously suggestively associated with III/IV‐C periodontitis. Six additional genes showed suggestive association with p < 10−5, including the known risk gene SIGLEC5. HMCN2 showed the second strongest association in this study (p = 6.1 × 10−8).

Conclusions

This study expands the set of known genetic loci for severe periodontitis with an age of onset ≤35 years. The putative functions ascribed to the associated genes highlight the significance of oral barrier tissue stability, wound healing and tissue regeneration in the aetiology of these periodontitis forms and suggest the importance of tissue regeneration in maintaining oral health.
Cross‐sectional association between severe periodontitis and diabetes mellitus: A nation‐wide cohort study
Authors: Montero Eduardo , Bujaldón Rocío , Montanya Eduard , Calle‐Pascual Alfonso L. , Rojo‐Martínez Gemma , Castaño Luis , Franch‐Nadal Josep , Delgado Elías , Chaves Felipe , Alonso Bettina , Sanz Mariano , Herrera David
Published: December 2023

Aim

To evaluate the cross‐sectional association between severe periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM), in a representative sample of Spanish population.

Materials and Methods

The di@bet.es epidemiological study is a population‐based cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of DM in the adult population of Spain. The at‐risk sample at the final examination (2016–2017) included 1751 subjects who completed an oral health questionnaire. This questionnaire, together with demographic and risk factors, had been previously validated to build an algorithm to predict severe periodontitis in the Spanish population. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between severe periodontitis and DM with adjustment for confounding factors.

Results

In total, 144 subjects developed DM, which yielded 8.2% cumulative incidence. Severe periodontitis was detected in 59.0%, 54.7% or 68.8% of the subjects depending on three different selected criteria at the 2016–2017 exam. All criteria used to define severe periodontitis were associated with DM in unadjusted analysis, but the magnitude of the association decreased after adjusting for significant confounders. The criteria ‘≥50% of teeth with clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm’ presented an odds ratio of 4.9 (95% confidence interval: 2.2–10.7; p ≤ .001) for DM.

Conclusions

Severe periodontitis is associated with DM in the Spanish population.
Epidermal barrier function in dry, flaky and sensitive skin: A narrative review
Authors: Fluhr Joachim W. , Moore David J. , Lane Majella E. , Lachmann Nadège , Rawlings Anthony V.
Published: December 2023

The stratum corneum (SC)—the outermost layer of the epidermis—is the principal permeability and protective barrier of the skin. Different components of the SC, including corneocytes, natural moisturizing factor, a variety of enzymes and their inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides and lipids, work interactively to maintain barrier function. The main barrier properties of the SC are the limitation of water loss and the prevention of infection and contact with potentially harmful exogenous factors. Although the SC functions consistently as a protective barrier throughout the body, variations in functions and morphology occur across body sites with age and skin type. Healthy SC function also depends on the interplay between the chemosensory barrier, the skin's microbiome and the innate immune system. Dysregulation of SC barrier function can lead to the development of skin disorders, such as dry, flaky or sensitive skin, but the complete underlying pathophysiology of these are not fully understood. This review provides insight into the current literature and emerging themes related to epidermal barrier changes that occur in the context of dry, flaky and sensitive skin. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the underlying aetiology of dry, flaky and sensitive skin and to provide tailored treatment.
Comment on the 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults
Authors: Dobesh Paul P. , Trujillo Toby C.
Published: December 2023

See the Reply by Semla et al. in this issue.
NFXL1 functions as a transcriptional activator required for thermotolerance at reproductive stage in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhu Qiao‐Yun , Zhang Lin‐Lin , Liu Jian‐Xiang
Published: December 2023

Plants are highly susceptible to abiotic stresses, particularly heat stress during the reproductive stage. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying this sensitivity remain largely unknown. In the current study, we demonstrate that the Nuclear Transcription Factor, X‐box Binding Protein 1‐Like 1 (NFXL1), directly regulates the expression of DEHYDRATION‐RESPONSIVE ELEMENT‐BINDING PROTEIN 2A (DREB2A), which is crucial for reproductive thermotolerance in Arabidopsis. NFXL1 is upregulated by heat stress, and its mutation leads to a reduction in silique length (seed number) under heat stress conditions. RNA‐Seq analysis reveals that NFXL1 has a global impact on the expression of heat stress responsive genes, including DREB2A, Heat Shock Factor A3 (HSFA3) and Heat Shock Protein 17.6 (HSP17.6) in flower buds. Interestingly, NFXL1 is enriched in the promoter region of DREB2A, but not of either HSFA3 or HSP17.6. Further experiments using electrophoretic mobility shift assay have confirmed that NFXL1 directly binds to the DNA fragment derived from the DREB2A promoter. Moreover, effector–reporter assays have shown that NFXL1 activates the DREB2A promoter. The DREB2A mutants are also heat stress sensitive at the reproductive stage, and DEREB2A is epistatic to NFXL1 in regulating thermotolerance in flower buds. It is known that HSFA3, a direct target of DREB2A, regulates the expression of heat shock proteins genes under heat stress conditions. Thus, our findings establish NFXL1 as a critical upstream regulator of DREB2A in the transcriptional cassette responsible for heat stress responses required for reproductive thermotolerance in Arabidopsis.
The guaranteed euros: Probabilistic discounting in behavioural‐variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Boutoleau‐Bretonnière Claire , Kapogiannis Dimitrios , El Haj Mohamad
Published: December 2023

Financial decision‐making requires trading off between guaranteed and probabilistic outcomes and between immediate and delayed ones. While research has demonstrated that patients with behavioural‐variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) prefer immediate rewards at the expense of future ones (i.e. temporal discounting), little is known about how patients choose between smaller, guaranteed and larger, but probabilistic, outcomes (i.e. probabilistic discounting). We thus investigated probabilistic discounting by inviting 18 patients with bvFTD and 20 control participants to choose between fixed smaller monetary amounts and a fixed larger monetary amount with a variated probability of occurrence (e.g. ‘Would you rather have 40€ for sure or a 20% chance of winning 100€?’). Results demonstrated lower scores, indicating higher risk tolerance, on the probabilistic discounting task in patients with bvFTD (while impulsively choosing more immediate rewards on the temporal discounting task) compared to control participants. Probabilistic discounting was significantly correlated with a decline in general cognitive performance in patients with bvFTD. When dealing between smaller, guaranteed, and larger, but probabilistic, rewards, patients with bvFTD tend to prefer guaranteed rewards and discount the uncertain ones.
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Hua , Guo Miao , Zhou Ziyan
Published: December 2023

Background

Oily skin is a common concern in the field of dermatology due to its association with excessive sebum production, acne, blackheads, and enlarged facial pores. Therefore, it is in great demand to develop effective cosmetics to manage oily skin.

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract for oily skin.

Methods

The efficacy of a novel emulsion was evaluated through a 56‐day clinical trial. The clinical efficacy of the product to ameliorate acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores was assessed on 30 subjects with oily skin by VISIA, PRIMOS, professional dermatologist evaluations, and subject self‐assessment.

Results

In the clinical trial, the participants showed high satisfaction with the emulsion's efficacy, reporting significant improvement in skin sebum secretion, acne, facial pores, and blackheads. The efficacy of the novel emulsion was further validated through VISIA and PRIMOS measurements, along with professional dermatologist evaluations.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the novel emulsion containing three active ingredients could effectively improve acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores.
Sulfur speciation in Sphagnum peat moss modified by mutualistic interactions with cyanobacteria
Authors: Herndon Elizabeth , Richardson Jocelyn , Carrell Alyssa A. , Pierce Eric , Weston David
Published: December 2023

Peat moss (Sphagnum spp.) develops mutualistic interactions with cyanobacteria by providing carbohydrates and S compounds in exchange for N‐rich compounds, potentially facilitating N inputs into peatlands. Here, we evaluate how colonization of Sphagnum angustifolium hyaline cells by Nostoc muscorum modifies S abundance and speciation at the scales of individual cells and across whole leaves.

For the first time, S K‐edge X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy was used to identify bulk and micron‐scale S speciation across isolated cyanobacteria colonies, and in colonized and uncolonized leaves.

Uncolonized leaves contained primarily reduced organic S and oxidized sulfonate‐ and sulfate‐containing compounds. Increasing Nostoc colonization resulted in an enrichment of S and changes in speciation, with increases in sulfate relative to reduced S and sulfonate. At the scale of individual hyaline cells, colonized cells exhibited localized enrichment of reduced S surrounded by diffuse sulfonate, similar to observations of cyanobacteria colonies cultured in the absence of leaves.

We infer that colonization stimulates plant S uptake and the production of sulfate‐containing metabolites that are concentrated in stem tissues. Sulfate compounds that are produced in response to colonization become depleted in colonized cells where they may be converted into reduced S metabolites by cyanobacteria.
A novel miR160a–GmARF16–GmMYC2 module determines soybean salt tolerance and adaptation
Authors: Wang Chaofan , Li Xiaoming , Zhuang Yongbin , Sun Wancai , Cao Hongxiang , Xu Ran , Kong Fanjiang , Zhang Dajian
Published: December 2023

Salt stress is a major challenge that has a negative impact on soybean growth and productivity. Therefore, it is important to understand the regulatory mechanism of salt response to ensure soybean yield under such conditions.

In this study, we identified and characterized a miR160a–GmARF16–GmMYC2 module and its regulation during the salt–stress response in soybean.

miR160a promotes salt tolerance by cleaving GmARF16 transcripts, members of the Auxin Response Factor (ARF) family, which negatively regulates salt tolerance. In turn, GmARF16 activates GmMYC2, encoding a bHLH transcription factor that reduces salinity tolerance by down‐regulating proline biosynthesis. Genomic analysis among wild and cultivated soybean accessions identified four distinct GmARF16 haplotypes. Among them, the GmARF16H3 haplotype is preferentially enriched in localities with relatively saline soils, suggesting GmARF16H3 was artificially selected to improve salt tolerance.

Our findings therefore provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying salt response in soybean and provide valuable genetic targets for the molecular breeding of salt tolerance.
A unique mutation in PIN‐FORMED1 and a genetic pathway for reduced sensitivity of Arabidopsis roots to N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid
Authors: Huang Minhua , Chen Jie , Yang Xinxing , Zheng Yanyan , Ma Yuan , Sun Kai , Han Ning , Bian Hongwu , Qiu Ting , Wang Junhui
Published: December 2023

The small chemical N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) has long been used as a polar auxin transport inhibitor. Recent biochemical and structural investigations have revealed that this molecule competes with the auxin IAA (indole‐3‐acetic acid) inside the PIN‐FORMED auxin efflux carriers. However, the existence of any mutations in PIN family proteins capable of uncoupling the docking of IAA from NPA remains unclear. We report that Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings overexpressing SMALL AUXIN UP RNA 41 were hypersensitive to NPA‐induced root elongation inhibition. We mutagenized this line to improve the genetic screening efficiency for NPA hyposensitivity mutants. Using bulked segregation analysis and mapping‐by‐sequencing assessment of these mutants, we identified a core genetic pathway for NPA‐induced root elongation inhibition, including genes required for auxin biosynthesis, transportation, and signaling. To evaluate specific changes of auxin signaling activity in mutant roots before and after NPA treatment, the DR5::GFP/DR5::YFP markers were introduced and observed. Most importantly, we discovered a unique mutation in the PIN1 protein, substituting a proline residue with leucine at position 584, leading to a loss of NPA sensitivity while keeping the auxin efflux capacity. Transforming the null mutant pin1‐201 with the PIN1::PIN1P584L‐GFP fusion construct rescued the PIN1 function and provided NPA hyposensitivity. The proline residue is predicted to be adjacent to a hinge in the middle region of the ninth transmembrane helix of PIN1 and is conserved from moss to higher plants. Our work may bring new insights into the engineering of NPA‐resistant PINs for auxin biology studies.
The selection and preparation of red cell components for intrauterine transfusion: A national survey
Authors: Bodnar Melanie , Lieberman Lani , Arsenault Valerie , Berardi Philip , Duncan Jennifer , Lane Debra , Lavoie Marianne , McCarthy Joanna , Morrison Douglas , Robitaille Nancy , Shehata Nadine , Wilson Ann , Clarke Gwen ,   the Canadian Obstetrical and Pediatric Transfusion Network (COPTN)
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

The practice regarding the selection and preparation of red blood cells (RBCs) for intrauterine transfusion (IUT) is variable reflecting historical practice and expert opinion rather than evidence‐based recommendations. The aim of this survey was to assess Canadian hospital blood bank practice with respect to red cell IUT.

Materials and Methods

A survey was sent to nine hospital laboratories known to perform red cell IUT. Questions regarding component selection, processing, foetal pre‐transfusion testing, transfusion administration, documentation and traceability were assessed.

Results

The median annual number of IUTs performed in Canada was 109 (interquartile range, 103–118). RBC selection criteria included allogeneic, Cytomegalovirus seronegative, irradiated, fresh units with most sites preferentially providing HbS negative, group O, RhD negative, Kell negative and units lacking the corresponding maternal antibody without extended matching to the maternal phenotype. Red cell processing varied with respect to target haematocrit, use of saline reconstitution (n = 4), use of an automated procedure for red cell concentration (n = 1) and incorporation of a wash step (n = 2). Foetal pre‐transfusion testing uniformly included haemoglobin measurement, but additional serologic testing varied. A variety of strategies were used to link the IUT event to the neonate post‐delivery, including the creation of a unique foetal blood bank identifier at three sites.

Conclusion

This survey reviews current practice and highlights the need for standardized national guidelines regarding the selection and preparation of RBCs for IUT. This study has prompted a re‐examination of priorities for RBC selection for IUT and highlighted strategies for transfusion traceability in this unique setting.
Ex vivo biomechanical evaluation of an adhered fiberglass and polymethyl methacrylate sole‐hoof wall cast on stabilization of type III distal phalanx fractures under simulated physiologic midstance loads
Authors: Westman Shane , Cullen Thomas E. , Bergstrom Thomas C. , Edwards Lisa A. , Garcia Tanya C. , Stover Susan M.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the application of a novel fiberglass‐glue cast (FGC) on the fracture gap width in experimentally created type III distal phalanx fractures in cadaveric specimens under simulated physiologic loads.

Study design

Ex vivo biomechanical laboratory study.

Animals

Nine unilateral adult equine cadaver forelimbs.

Methods

Type III distal phalanx fractures were created in forelimb specimens, which maintained distal components of the passive stay apparatus. The fracture gap was measured at 5%, 20%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 95% of fracture length (palmar articular border to solar margin) using D65Pr‐PaDiO radiographs. The limb was axially loaded (700, 3600, 4600, and 6700 N) before, during, and after removal of a woven fiberglass cloth and polymethyl methacrylate cast that encompassed the sole and distal portion of the hoof wall (FGC). Fracture gap widths were compared among loads and treatments using a mixed model ANOVA.

Results

On average, under simulated physiological midstance loads, the fracture gap width was 0.2 mm smaller after FGC application, with the greatest decrease (0.5 mm) near the articular surface. On average, it was 0.3 mm smaller than after FGC removal. Fracture gap width was 0.1 mm greater when midstance loads transitioned from standing load to walking, trotting, and gallop loads. The fracture gap width increased by 1.3 mm with increasing distance from the articular surface.

Conclusion

The FGC reduced the fracture gap width and prevented the fracture gap widening that occurred after FGC removal.

Clinical significance

The findings support consideration of FGC use in the treatment of horses with type III distal phalangeal fractures.
Use of real‐time near‐infrared fluorescence to assess gastric viability in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus: A case‐control study
Authors: Mullen Kaitlyn M. , Regier Penny J. , Perez‐Rodriguez Veronica , Fox‐Alvarez W. Alexander , Bertran Judith , Colee James
Published: December 2023

Objective

To describe near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) for assessment of gastric viability and describe NIRF's influence on the surgeon's operative strategy in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV).

Study design

Prospective clinical trial.

Animals

Twenty dogs with GDV and 20 systemically healthy dogs.

Methods

Following gastric derotation, the surgeon's subjective assessment of gastric viability was recorded prior to near‐infrared imaging. Changes in the surgeon's initial assessment of viability based on the visual pattern of gastric fluorescence was recorded. If nonviable (lack of defined vessels), a partial gastrectomy was performed and submitted for histopathology. The stapled gastrectomy line was imaged. Viable (defined vessels) and nonviable fluorescence intensities were compared with healthy dogs undergoing surgery for nongastrointestinal disease.

Results

Subjective assessment diagnosed 17 viable and three nonviable GDVs (2 fundi; 1 cardia). Near‐infrared imaging demonstrated nonviable gastric fluorescence in 4 dogs (3 fundi/cardia; 1 fundus). The surgeon's margins for resection were altered in 3/20 dogs. Fluorescence intensity (cardia, fundus, body, pylorus) was lower in GDV viable (30.59%, p = .04; 38.17%, p < .01; 51.18%, p < .01; 44.12%, p= .01) and nonviable (11.00%, p < .01; 4.33%, p < .01; 57.67%, p = .22; 54.33%, p = .72) dogs compared to healthy controls (44.7%, 70.05%, 84.00%, 63.95%). Fundic fluorescence was less in nonviable gastric tissue in comparison with viable gastric tissue (p = .03). Fluorescence of the gastrectomy staple line approximated that of viable tissue.

Conclusion

Near‐infrared fluorescence can identify histologically confirmed nonviable gastric tissue.

Clinical significance

These results provide enough evidence to support the implementation of NIRF as an adjunct to gross examination of the gastric wall in dogs with GDV.
Assessing Learning of Computer Programing Skills in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Wilson Sara Ellen , Nishimoto Matthew
Published: December 2023

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Claude have recently become a concern in the delivery of engineering education. For courses focused on computer coding, such tools are capable for creating working computer code across a range of computer languages and computing platforms. In a course for mechanical engineers focused on C++ coding for the Arduino microcontroller and coding engineering problems in Matlab, a new approach to assessment of programing homework assignments was developed. This assessment moved the focus of assigned points from the correctness of the code to the effort and understanding of the code demonstrated by the student during in-person grading. Students who participated fully in in-person grading did significantly better on a midterm exam. Relative to a previous semester, where grading was focused on correct code, students had a slightly higher average midterm exam score. This approach appears to be effective in supporting computational learning in the face of evolving tools that could be used to circumvent learning. Future work should examine how to also encourage responsible use of generative AI in computational learning.
Spin Chaos of Exciton Polaritons in a Magnetic Field
Authors: Gavrilov S. S. , Ipatov N. N. , Kulakovskii V. D.
Published: December 2023

The spin properties of exciton polaritons in a micropillar cavity placed in a static magnetic field and excited by a resonant light wave are studied theoretically. Owing to the Zeeman effect, a nonlinear polariton system has two branches of optical response that are characterized by opposite circular polarizations. An indirect mechanism of polarization reversal is predicted, according to which the current state of the system undergoes a transition to dynamical chaos, and then the alternative spin state is established spontaneously. Such spin switches, mediated by a chaotic stage, proceed in both directions near the same critical excitation amplitude, so that the sign of the circular polarization of the cavity radiation is directly determined by the intensity of the optical pump.
Erratum to: Effects of Single Noninvasive Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with Post-Stroke Motor Disorders
Authors: Skvortsov D. V. , Bogacheva I. N. , Shcherbakova N. A. , Grishin A. A. , Kaurkin S. N. , Moshonkina T. R. , Gerasimenko Yu. P.
Published: December 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0362119723970029
Acute appendicitis within an incisional hernia: a type of Amyand’s hernia
Authors: Pires Ines Oliveira , Tam Carolina , Moniz Luísa Cabral , Nascimento Carlos , Abrantes Marques Luis
Published: December 2023

A man in his 60s presented to the emergency department with generalised abdominal pain and distention associated with the inability to pass stool or gas. The patient had undergone a laparoscopic partial right nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma a year ago. The workup diagnosis suggested an incarcerated incisional hernia. Surgical treatment was proposed. Intraoperatively, we found an ileocecal appendix with a macroscopically gangrenous appearance inside the hernia sac. An appendectomy was performed, and the hernia defect was closed using a tension repair. Amyand’s hernia, a rare condition, is classically described as an inguinal hernia containing the appendix, but it can also refer to an incisional hernia containing the appendix. Amyand’s hernia classification depends on the localisation of the hernia sac and its contents, including the presence or absence of appendix inflammation.

This case report described a patient with Amyand’s hernia, which was diagnosed intraoperatively. The treatment was also discussed including open appendectomy and primary repair of the defect using a tension repair approach.
Graph Time-series Modeling in Deep Learning: A Survey
Authors: Chen Hongjie , Eldardiry Hoda
Published: December 2023

Time-series
and
graphs
have been extensively studied for their ubiquitous existence in numerous domains. Both topics have been separately explored in the field of deep learning. For time-series modeling, recurrent neural networks or convolutional neural networks model the relations between values across timesteps, while for graph modeling, graph neural networks model the inter-relations between nodes. Recent research in deep learning requires simultaneous modeling for time-series and graphs when both representations are present. For example, both types of modeling are necessary for time-series classification, regression, and anomaly detection in graphs. This article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of these models, which we call
graph time-series
models. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey article that provides a picture of related models from the perspective of deep graph time-series modeling to address a range of time-series tasks, including regression, classification, and anomaly detection. Graph time-series models are split into two categories: (a) graph recurrent/convolutional neural networks and (b) graph attention neural networks. Under each category, we further categorize models based on their properties. Additionally, we compare representative models and discuss how distinctive model characteristics are utilized with respect to various model components and data challenges. Pointers to commonly used datasets and code are included to facilitate access for further research. In the end, we discuss potential directions for future research.
Knowledge-integrated Multi-modal Movie Turning Point Identification
Authors: Wang Depei , Xu Ruifeng , Cheng Lianglun , Wang Zhuowei
Published: December 2023

The rapid development of artificial intelligence provides rich technologies and tools for the automated understanding of literary works. As a comprehensive carrier of storylines, movies are natural multimodal data sources that provide sufficient data foundations, and how to fully leverage the benefits of data remains a sustainable research hotspot. In addition, the efficient representation of multi-source data also poses new challenges for information fusion technology. Therefore, we propose a knowledge-enhanced turning points identification (KTPi) method for multimodal scene recognition. First, the BiLSTM method is used to encode scene text and integrate contextual information into scene representations to complete text sequence modeling. Then, the graph structure is used to model all scenes, which strengthens long-range semantic dependencies between scenes and enhances scene representations using graph convolution network. After, the self-supervised method is used to obtain the optimal number of neighboring nodes in sparse graph. Next, actor and verb knowledge involved in the scene text are added to the multimodal data to enhance the diversity of scene feature expressions. Finally, the teacher-student network strategy is used to train the KTPi model. Experimental results show that KTPi outperforms baseline methods in scene role recognition tasks, and ablation experiments show that incorporating knowledge into multimodal model can improve its performance.
Wheat Bran Protein Improves Lipid Metabolism by Downregulating the Amount of HMG-CoA Reductase in the Liver of High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats
Authors: Sun Yi , Liu Cong , Bao Xiaolan , Wang Changshou , Yang Lei , Bian Ruiqin , Zhang Yu , Wang Jilite
Published: December 2023

Background. The hypolipidemic effects of wheat bran have been widely documented; however, limited research has concurrently revealed the hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties of wheat bran protein (WBP). Objective. This study investigates the impact of WBP (5% daily dietary intake) on antioxidant activity, cholesterol metabolism, and serum/hepatic lipids in high-fat diet-fed rats. Methodology. In our animal experiment, we used 12 male Wistar rats that were 4 weeks old. Biochemical indicators of fecal, serum, intestinal, and liver were tested by kits or chemical techniques. The experiment on cholesterol micellar solubility was also carried out in vitro. Results. After 28 days of feeding, the results revealed that WBP significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol (P<0.05) in serum and liver, the levels of triglycerides (P<0.05), the levels of MDA (P<0.05), and the levels of very low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (P<0.05), and significantly increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein (P<0.05), the levels of glutathione peroxidase, and the level of total antioxidant capability. By downregulating the level of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (P<0.05), WBP also reduced the content of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (P<0.05). Conclusion. In vivo, WBP demonstrated a substantial hypolipidemic and antioxidant impact (P<0.05), while in vitro, it significantly decreased the micellar solubility of cholesterol (P<0.001).
Applied Electric Fields Polarize Initiation and Growth of Endothelial Sprouts
Authors: Sarkar Anyesha , Messerli Shanta M. , Talukder Md Moin Uddin , Messerli Mark A.
Published: December 2023

Therapeutic electric fields (EFs) are applied to the epidermis to accelerate the healing of chronic epidermal wounds and promote skin transplantation. While research has emphasized understanding the role of EFs in polarizing the migration of superficial epidermal cells, there are no reports describing the effect of EFs on polarization of the underlying vasculature. We explored the effects of EFs on the growth of endothelial sprouts, precursors to functional blood vessels. We discovered that DC EFs of the same magnitude near wounded epidermis polarize initiation, growth, and turning of endothelial sprouts toward the anode. While EFs polarize sprouts, they do not change the frequency of primary sprout or branch formation. Unidirectional electrical pulses also polarize sprouts based on their time-averaged EF magnitude. Sprout polarization occurs antiparallel to the direction of electrically driven water flow (electro-osmosis) and is consistent with the direction of sprout polarization induced by pressure-driven flow. These results support the role of EFs in controlling the direction of neovascularization during the healing of soft tissues and tissue engineering.
The Burden of Bacteriologically Negative TB Diagnosis: A Four-Year Review of Tuberculosis Cases at a Tertiary Facility
Authors: Afriyie-Mensah Jane S. , Aryee Robert , Zigah Francisca , Amaning-Kwarteng Ernest , Séraphin Marie Nancy
Published: December 2023

Aim. We aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical factors associated with TB mortality in patients managed at a tertiary TB referral center. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 1,933 TB patients seen between January 2017 and December 2020 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) Chest Department in Accra, Ghana. TB mortality was defined as any TB patient who died for any reason during the course of treatment. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with TB mortality. Results. A total of 1,933 patients with TB were registered at the chest clinic over the study period. Males accounted for 1,227 (63.5%), and majority of participants were between 24 and 64 years old. Pulmonary TB (PTB) and extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) cases accounted for 51% and 48.4% of the total TB cases, respectively. A significant proportion (69%) of the patients managed for TB had no bacteriological confirmation of the disease. About 34% of tested TB patients were HIV positive. Mortality among patients was 33.6%. In a multivariable regression model, patients with HIV positive status had over 3-fold increased risk of mortality, compared to those with HIV negative status. TB patients diagnosed empirically had an increased risk of death compared to those with a confirmed diagnosis. Conclusion. The proportion of clinically diagnosed TB was high among the patients seen at the chest clinic. Mortality was high among the patients with HIV/TB coinfection as well as in patients with empirical TB diagnosis.