bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntaxin 5‐dependent phosphorylation of the small heat shock protein Hsp42 and its role in protein quality control
Authors: Ahmadpour Doryaneh , Kumar Navinder , Fischbach Arthur , Chawla Srishti , Widlund Per O. , Nyström Thomas
Published: June 2023

The small heat shock protein Hsp42 and the t‐SNARE protein Sed5 have central roles in the sequestration of misfolded proteins into insoluble protein deposits in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, whether these proteins/processes interact in protein quality control (PQC) is not known. Here, we show that Sed5 and anterograde trafficking modulate phosphorylation of Hsp42 partially via the MAPK kinase Hog1. Such phosphorylation, specifically at residue S215, abrogated the co‐localization of Hsp42 with the Hsp104 disaggregase, aggregate clearance, chaperone activity, and sequestration of aggregates to IPOD and mitochondria. Furthermore, we found that Hsp42 is hyperphosphorylated in old cells leading to a drastic failure in disaggregation. Old cells also displayed a retarded anterograde trafficking, which, together with slow aggregate clearance and hyperphosphorylation of Hsp42, could be counteracted by Sed5 overproduction. We hypothesize that the breakdown of proper PQC during yeast aging may, in part, be due to a retarded anterograde trafficking leading to hyperphosphorylation of Hsp42.
Thermo‐based fatigue life prediction: A review
Authors: Teng Zhenjie
Published: June 2023

The main objective of this review paper is twofold:

Recall the most captivating areas of research in predicting the fatigue life of metals with the application of thermal methodology, particularly for the stress‐controlled fatigue tests. The explicit lifetime models reviewed have been developed by scholars over the past two decades owing to the advancements in infrared thermal imaging technology.

Introduce, discuss, and conclude a broad range of alternative theoretical frameworks in thermodynamics. Some investigations are made with the previous methods, including the most recent evolutions of lifetime models for structural integrity across various fields. Some future perspectives are provided in final, which could pave the way for a new realistic or potential capability.
The geographic range size and vulnerability to extinction of angiosperm epiphytes in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: Leão Tarciso C. C. , Reich Peter B. , Nic Lughadha Eimear
Published: June 2023

Aim

Angiosperm epiphytes have long been reported to have larger geographic ranges than terrestrial species, despite evidence of their outstanding diversity and endemism. This apparent contradiction calls for further investigation of epiphytes' poorly understood range size patterns. Here, we address the question of whether epiphytes have larger geographic ranges and different vulnerability to extinction than terrestrial species.

Location

The Atlantic Forest of Brazil, a global centre of tropical epiphyte diversity with relatively well‐known flora, where we can estimate the geographic ranges of a large number of species with reasonable confidence.

Time period

Occurrence records from the 17th century to the year 2021.

Major taxa studied

Flowering plants (angiosperms).

Methods

We downloaded, processed and cleaned all occurrence records for the angiosperm species native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil available in the speciesLink network and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. We estimated the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of 12,679 native flowering plants, including 1251 epiphytic species. We compared the geographic ranges of epiphytes and other life forms at broad (e.g. Angiosperms, Monocots) and more restricted taxonomic scales (e.g. individual families), assuming species are independent entities and also when accounting for species phylogenetic dependence.

Results

We found that epiphytes have among the smallest geographic ranges of flowering plants. We found no consistent evidence that epiphytism leads to differences in geographic ranges between close relatives. However, both epiphytes and non‐epiphytes in epiphyte‐rich lineages have small ranges and likely a high vulnerability to extinction.

Main Conclusions

Our findings contrast with the long‐held hypothesis that epiphytes have larger geographic ranges than terrestrial species. Epiphytes and their close relatives share many diversification mechanisms and ecological adaptations (‘epiphyte‐like traits’), which probably explain why both sets of species have small range sizes and high vulnerability to extinction.
Geriatric nutritional risk index as an easy‐to‐use assessment tool for nutritional status in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Kumada Takashi , Tada Toshifumi , Hirooka Masashi , Kariyama Kazuya , Tani Joji , Atsukawa Masanori , Takaguchi Koichi , Itobayashi Ei , Fukunishi Shinya , Tsuji Kunihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Tajiri Kazuto , Ochi Hironori , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Ogawa Chikara , Nishimura Takashi , Hatanaka Takeshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Shimada Noritomo , Kawata Kazuhito , Naganuma Atsushi , Kosaka Hisashi , Matono Tomomitsu , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Yata Yutaka , Ohama Hideko , Tada Fujimasa , Nouso Kazuhiro , Morishita Asahiro , Tsutsui Akemi , Nagano Takuya , Itokawa Norio , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Imai Michitaka , Koizumi Yohei , Nakamura Shinichiro , Iijima Hiroko , Kaibori Masaki , Hiasa Yoichi ,   Real‐life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group and HCC 48 Group (hepatocellular carcinoma experts from 48 clinics in Japan)
Published: June 2023

Aim

The present study focused on Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), which is based on bodyweight and serum albumin, and known as an easy‐to‐use nutritional assessment tool in clinical settings, to elucidate the prognostic predictive ability of GNRI in patients treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 525 HCC patients treated with Atez/Bev, based on their classification of unsuitable status for curative treatments and/or transarterial catheter chemoembolization, were enrolled (Child–Pugh A:B:C = 484:40:1, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0:A:B:C:D = 7:25:192:283:18). Prognosis was evaluated retrospectively using GNRI.

Results

Atez/Bev was used in 338 of the present cohort as first‐line systemic chemotherapy (64.4%). Median progression‐free survival based on GNRI indicating normal, mild decline, moderate decline, and severe decline was 8.3, 6.7, 5.3, and 2.4 months, respectively, whereas median overall survival was 21.4, 17.0, 11.5. and 7.3 months, respectively (both p < 0.001). The concordance index (c‐index) values of GNRI for predicting prognosis (progression‐free survival/overall survival) were superior to those of Child–Pugh class and albumin‐bilirubin grade (0.574/0.632 vs. 0.527/0.570 vs. 0.565/0.629). As a subanalysis, muscle volume loss was observed in 37.5% of 256 patients with computed tomography data available. Along with GNRI decline, frequency of muscle volume loss became progressively larger (normal vs. mild vs. moderate vs. severe = 17.6% vs. 29.2% vs. 41.2% vs. 57.9%, p < 0.001), and a GNRI value of 97.8 was predictive of its occurrence (AUC 0.715, 95% CI 0.649–0.781; specificity/sensitivity = 0.644/0.688).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that GNRI is an effective nutritional prognostic tool for predicting prognosis and muscle volume loss complication in HCC patients treated with Atez/Bev.
Mechanism and treatment for chronic antibody‐mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Sasaki Hajime , Tanabe Tatsu , Tsuji Takahiro , Hotta Kiyohiko
Published: June 2023

Chronic antibody‐mediated rejection of kidney transplantation is a major cause of late‐stage graft loss. Donor‐specific antibodies are the main cause of antibody‐mediated rejection; in particular, de novo donor‐specific antibodies are a risk factor for chronic active antibody‐mediated rejection. The level of de novo donor‐specific antibodies tends to increase with time throughout long‐term graft survival. Donor‐specific antibodies induce humoral rejection through complement activation, which results in tissue injury and coagulation. Additionally, complement activation promotes the migration of inflammatory cells through the innate immune response, causing endothelial injury. This inflammatory response may cause persistent glomerulitis and peritubular capillaritis, leading to fixed pathological lesions that impair graft function. No treatment has been established for chronic antibody‐mediated rejection, a condition in which antibody‐mediated rejection becomes irreversible. Thus, antibody‐mediated rejection must be detected and treated while it is still reversible. In this review, we discuss the development of de novo donor‐specific antibodies and the mechanisms leading to chronic antibody‐mediated rejection and summarize the current treatment options and the latest biomarkers for detecting chronic antibody‐mediated rejection at an earlier stage.
RETRACTED: Wound healing rates and wound problems of conventional circumcision compared with ring circumcision: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Daya , Li Zhijia , Chen Ximeng , Wang Haibo
Published: June 2023

A meta‐analysis investigation was executed to measure the wound healing rates (WHRs) and wound problems (WPs) of conventional circumcision (CC) compared with ring circumcision (RC). A comprehensive literature investigation till March 2023 was applied and 2347 interrelated investigations were reviewed. The 16 chosen investigations enclosed 25 838 individuals, with circumcision, were in the chosen investigations' starting point, 3252 of them were RC, and 2586 were CC. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compute the value of the WHRs and WPs of CC compared with RC by the dichotomous or continuous approaches and a fixed or random model. RC had a significantly lower wound infection rate (WIR) (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.91, P = .002) and wound bleeding rate (WBR) (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.12‐0.42, P < .001) compared with those with CC. However, RC and CC had no significant difference in WHR (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, −0.73 to 5.09, P = .14), wound edema rate (WER) (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.92‐1.33, P = .28), and wound dehiscence rate (WDR) (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.60‐1.58, P = .93). RC had significantly lower WIR, and WBR, however, no significant difference in WHR, WER, and WDR compared with those with CC. However, care must be exercised when dealing with its values because of the low sample size of some of the nominated investigations for the meta‐analysis.
‘Are they refugees or economic migrants?’ The effect of asylum seekers' motivation to migrate on intentions to help them
Authors: Bilgen Emine , Zagefka Hanna , Bjornsdottir R. Thora , Abayhan Yasemin
Published: June 2023

Immigration has played a significant role in human history as people move to new places for economic opportunities, religious freedom, and political refuge. However, asylum seekers are often viewed negatively and falsely portrayed in media, leading to fear and distrust among locals. In the current research, participants read a fictitious news article about an asylum seeker's (Syrian, Ukrainian, or Yemeni) motivation for seeking asylum (seeking safety, seeking financial betterment from a position of relative financial hardship, or seeking financial betterment from a position of extreme financial hardship). Participants then reported their willingness to help that asylum seeker, and their prejudice and empathy toward both that asylum seeker and their group as a whole (e.g., Syrian refugees). Results showed that people were more willing to help asylum seekers whose motivation for seeking asylum was grounded in safety concerns rather than moderate financial concerns (studies 1, 2, and 3). Participants also reported more willingness to help the asylum seeker's group as a whole if the individual asylum seeker's motivation was described as seeking safety rather than financial betterment. Further, describing financial concerns as so severe that they endangered survival generated more willingness to help than moderate financial concerns, demonstrating that severe enough financial concerns may be perceived as safety concerns (study 3). We also found that people were more willing to help Ukrainian refugees than Syrian refugees. Altogether, these findings have both theoretical and practical implications.
Social identification dimensions, sources of discrimination, and sexuality support as correlates of well‐being among sexual minorities
Authors: Hambour Victoria K. , Duffy Amanda L. , Zimmer‐Gembeck Melanie J.
Published: June 2023

Sexual minorities experience poorer well‐being compared to their heterosexual peers, with discrimination explaining some of this disparity. However, according to the rejection identification model (RIM; Branscombe et al., 1999), this impact of discrimination can be mitigated by minority social identification. The aim of the current study was to test the associations of discrimination and social identification with well‐being (measured as psychological distress, loneliness, and life satisfaction) among sexual minorities, and to expand on past research by considering multiple dimensions of social identification and the unique roles of family discrimination and peer sexuality support in well‐being. A survey was completed by 184 young adult cisgender gay men and lesbian women aged 18–30 years (M = 22.78, SD = 3.49). Different than proposed in the RIM, there were no indirect associations of discrimination (either from family or from others) with well‐being via social identification. However, family discrimination was directly related to poorer well‐being, and peer sexuality support was indirectly related to less psychological distress and loneliness through one component of minority identification (ingroup affect).
Melatonin regulates cancer migration and stemness and enhances the anti‐tumour effect of cisplatin
Authors: Cheng Linglin , Li Shubo , He Kailun , Kang Ye , Li Tianye , Li Chunting , Zhang Yi , Zhang Wanlu , Huang Yongye
Published: June 2023

Melatonin, a lipophilic hormone released from the pineal gland, has oncostatic effects on various types of cancers. However, its cancer treatment potential needs to be improved by deciphering its corresponding mechanisms of action and optimising therapeutic strategy. In the present study, melatonin inhibited gastric cancer cell migration and soft agar colony formation. Magnetic‐activated cell sorting was applied to isolate CD133+ cancer stem cells. Gene expression analysis showed that melatonin lowered the upregulation of LC3‐II expression in CD133+ cells compared to CD133− cells. Several long non‐coding RNAs and many components in the canonical Wnt signalling pathway were altered in melatonin‐treated cells. In addition, knockdown of long non‐coding RNA H19 enhanced the expression of pro‐apoptotic genes, Bax and Bak, induced by melatonin treatment. Combinatorial treatment with melatonin and cisplatin was investigated to improve the applicability of melatonin as an anticancer therapy. Combinatorial treatment increased the apoptosis rate and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Melatonin can regulate migration and stemness in gastric cancer cells by modifying many signalling pathways. Combinatorial treatment with melatonin and cisplatin has the potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of both.
Comparative analysis of systemic oncological treatments and best supportive care for advanced gastresophageal cancer: A comprehensive scoping review and evidence map
Authors: Marilina Santero , Adriana Meade , Anna Selva , Roberto Acosta‐Dighero , Nicolás Meza , Jesús Quintana Maria , Javier Bracchiglione , Carolina Requeijo , Josefina Salazar , Gerardo Rodríguez Grijalva , Ivan Solà , Gerard Urrútia , Xavier Bonfill Cosp ,   Appropriateness of Systemic Oncological Treatments for Advanced Cancer (ASTAC) Research Group
Published: June 2023

Objective

To identify, describe, and organize the available evidence regarding systemic oncological treatments compared to best supportive care (BSC) for advanced gastresophageal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a thorough search across MEDLINE (PubMed), EMbase (Ovid), The Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, PROSPERO, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Our inclusion criteria encompassed systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, quasi‐experimental and observational studies involving patients with advanced esophageal or gastric cancer receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy or biological/targeted therapy compared to BSC. The outcomes included survival, quality of life, functional status, toxicity, and quality of end‐of‐life care.

Results

We included and mapped 72 studies, comprising SRs, experimental and observational designs, 12 on esophageal cancer, 51 on gastric cancer, and 10 both locations. Most compared schemes including chemotherapy (47 studies), but did not report therapeutic lines. Moreover, BSC as a control arm was poorly defined, including integral support and placebo. Data favor the use of systemic oncological treatments in survival outcomes and BSC in toxicity. Data for outcomes including quality of life, functional status, and quality of end‐of‐life care were limited. We found sundry evidence gaps specifically in assessing new treatments such as immunotherapy and important outcomes such as functional status, symptoms control, hospital admissions, and the quality of end‐life care for all the treatments.

Conclusions

There are important evidence gaps regarding new for patients with advanced gastresophageal cancer and the effect of systemic oncological treatments on important patient‐centered outcomes beyond survival. Future research should clearly describe the population included, specifying previous treatments and considering therapeutic, and consider all patient‐centered outcomes. Otherwise, it will be complex to apply research results into practice.
Heart failure with comorbid dementia: Association with clinical characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Jensen Michael S. , Cenzer Irena , Kelley Amy S. , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Heart failure (HF) and dementia both have profound effects on function and mortality in older persons. However, we have limited knowledge about the impact of co‐occurring HF and dementia. Our goal was to understand how often persons with HF have dementia and the impact of their co‐occurrence.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of participants (age > 65) in the 2015 wave of the nationally representative Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) with linkage to Medicare claims. 912 participants with HF (45% older than 80, 51% women) using Medicare claims. We used the validated NHATS dementia algorithm to identify those with probable dementia. Outcomes of interest included the need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) at baseline, functional decline, hospitalization over 1 year, and mortality over 2‐years. Baseline functional status, functional decline, and hospitalization were compared using adjusted logistic regression, mortality was analyzed using adjusted Cox regression models adjusted for demographics, socio‐economic status, baseline health, and baseline functional status.

Results

200 (21%) of the participants with HF also had dementia. For each I/ADL, patients with both HF and dementia were more likely to need help than those with HF without dementia. 71.8% of participants with HF and dementia needed help with medications versus 16.6% with HF without dementia (p < 0.001). Having HF and dementia was associated with an increased risk of requiring help with additional ADLs after one year (aOR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.53, 4.73). Participants with HF and dementia had an increased risk of being hospitalized within one year (aOR = 2.02 95% CI 1.16, 3.54), or dying within two years (aHR = 1.52 95% CI 1.03, 2.26).

Conclusions

One‐fifth of persons over age 65 with HF also have comorbid dementia. Co‐occurring HF and dementia markedly increase functional impairment and subsequent ADL decline, hospitalization, and death. These results highlight the need for physician awareness for signs of dementia, and appropriate adjustments in the management of HF.
Molecular phylogeny and morphological studies reveal a 30‐year‐old rain tree (Samanea saman) maintains populations of Meloidogyne enterolobii, a new host plant in Thailand
Authors: Jindapunnapat Kansiree , Chinnasri Buncha , Beesa Natthidech , Chomphuphuang Narin
Published: June 2023

Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr., commonly known as rain tree, is a crucial shade tree with traditional medicinal properties. In our study, 50 soil samples were collected around the rhizosphere of rain tree in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Uttaradit, Khon Kaen and Ubon Ratchathani Provinces in Thailand. Meloidogyne populations were only found in soil samples from Mueang district, Khon Kaen Province and a 30‐year‐old rain tree exhibited root gall symptoms caused by root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne) on its adventitious roots. The species of the nematodes were identified based on its morphological and molecular characteristics. The results demonstrated that the perineal patterns and morphometrics of the nematodes were highly similar to the original description of M. enterolobii, except for a squarish dorsal arch and two faint lateral lines. During the molecular analysis, nematode DNA was extracted and amplified using three primer sets, C2F3/1108, D2A/D3B and MK7F/MK7R SCAR primer, to generate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of 700, 750 and 520 bp, respectively. The polygenetic tree of the two markers displayed similarity among the COII and the 16S rRNA gene in mitochondria and the D2/D3 region in 28S rRNA. Therefore, the nematodes were identified as M. enterolobii Yang and Eisenback, 1983. This study reports a new host record of M. enterolobii on rain tree.
Forced sympatry? Spatiotemporal interactions of ursids, the Himalayan brown bear and the Asiatic black bear, along a gradient of anthropic disturbances in Western Himalaya
Authors: Thakur S. , Pal R. , Kahera N. S. , Sathyakumar S.
Published: June 2023

The coexistence of species with similar ecological niches implies that species must segregate along one or more niche axes in order to avoid competition. Partitioning of time, space, or resources is an essential niche dimension along which competitor species tend to coexist. The intensity of interspecific competition may vary under varying anthropogenic pressures, but such knowledge is scarce. We investigated the co‐occurrence patterns of two bear species, Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus and Himalayan Brown Bear Ursus arctos isabellinus, at two sites in the Western Himalayan region of India with similar ecological conditions and varying anthropogenic pressures. Camera trap datasets from the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh and the Bhagirathi basin in Uttarakhand were used to assess the species interactions. We used two species interaction models and kernel density estimates to understand the co‐occurrence pattern of the bear species and their interactions with humans. Our results provide insights into the spatiotemporal behavior of the two bear species and reveal their sympatric and allopatric relationships in two different anthropogenic environments. We found (1) a prominent association between the two bear species (98%) indicating spatial overlap in GHNP, but found spatial separation among the two species (93%) in Bhagirathi basin (2). In GHNP, the spatially co‐occurring bear species were found to be temporarily segregated, whereas in Bhagirathi, they showed spatial avoidance and similar activity patterns (3). In GHNP, human activities in the alpine habitat had a significant negative impact on brown bear presence. The comparative study revealed that the brown bear uses the forested habitats of GHNP due to high anthropogenic disturbances in the alpine areas, whereas no spatial association was observed in the Bhagirathi basin with comparatively low anthropogenic disturbances. The results highlight that, in addition to biological factors, anthropogenic pressures can also influence interspecific competition.
Enacting anti‐racist writing workshop pedagogies in an online, drop‐in writing club for youth
Authors: Silva Bethany , Raymond Aleigha , Brikiatis Mia , Magnifico Alecia
Published: June 2023

This article documents the authors' modification and implementation of anti‐racist writing workshop (ARWW) practices in the context of an online, drop‐in writing club, Pens Out. We sought to understand how teens perceive writing practices that are not white‐normed — specifically, centring relationships instead of prizing individuality, embedding choice instead of replicating one authorial view and observing writerly craft instead of errors. As white‐identifying educators and researchers, we engaged in practitioner inquiry to understand how programme participants who live in a predominately white region experience these practices. We asked: How do attendees understand and describe experiences with writing workshop pedagogies that seek to de‐centre whiteness? This question has become increasingly important as politicians in the United States restrict anti‐racist educational practices and content. We used conventional content analysis to observe themes across five participants' semi‐structured interviews. Findings indicated that participants' relationships with each other produced inspiration and reciprocity, writing expectations from inside and outside the club affected choice and risk taking, and observing craft multimodally encouraged sharing and reciprocity. What we discovered can help teachers and leaders of K12 writing workshops implement ARWW practices and increase allyship while discussing and questioning hegemonic ideals in K12 schooling.
Historical land use patterns provide insight into contemporary insect diversity loss
Authors: Atmore Lane M. , Buss Danielle L.
Published: June 2023

Healthy insect populations are vital for maintaining natural ecosystems and essential to global food security. The ongoing dramatic loss of insect species and biomass is thus a global cause for concern, with much focus on this topic in the media. Yet, determining the mechanism behind these declines remains difficult, particularly when attempting to differentiate between anthropogenic drivers of biodiversity loss and long‐term natural fluctuations. In a From the Cover manuscript in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Crossley et al. (2022) examined the long‐term impact of land use change on freshwater insects by estimating levels of genetic diversity with publicly available data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) mitochondrial locus from >700 aquatic insect species across the United States. Contemporary genetic diversity measures reflect both current and past demography and therefore are related to both past and present habitat change. Crossley et al. found that environments with greater cropland extent over the last 200 years were associated with lower genetic diversity in contemporary aquatic insect populations. This indicates that historical land use is an important factor in contemporary population dynamics. Most critically, in regions of historical cropland cover that have been converted towards other uses (such as urban environments) more recently, aquatic insect populations exhibited higher levels of genetic diversity, indicating a possible rebound in insect populations after cessation of agricultural activity. This study highlights the power of using publicly available data to answer crucial questions regarding the current biospheric emergency.
Assessing animal welfare during a stranding of pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata)
Authors: Boys Rebecca M. , Beausoleil Ngaio J. , Hunter Stuart , Betty Emma L. , Hinton Bethany , Stockin Karen A.
Published: June 2023

Empirical assessment of cetacean welfare to inform stranding interventions is lacking. Here, potential welfare indicators are described for two stranded pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata), along with euthanasia procedures and pathology of potential relevance. The animals were filmed for 3.5 and 1.5 hr, respectively, allowing assessment of 19 indicators, including animal behaviors and human interventions. Eight interventions and 19 animal behaviors were identified; 17 and 11 behaviors were displayed by animal 1 and 2, respectively. Examination of ballistics euthanasia revealed atypical projectile placement and characterized animal behavioral responses, but welfare implications could not be assessed as insensibility was not verified in‐field. Pulmonary edema and renal degeneration were documented in both animals; differential etiologies include ischemia–reperfusion, shock, and/or myopathy. Potential relationships among histopathology and welfare indicators are explored to infer affective experiences. For example, simultaneous head‐lifting with respiration increased over time which, alongside pulmonary edema, suggests these animals experienced breathlessness. Other likely affective states include fatigue and discomfort; there are insufficient data to estimate the intensity or duration of these experiences or to provide an overall welfare grade/score. Further data are required to validate the proposed welfare indicators and to progress development of holistic approaches to welfare assessment at cetacean strandings.
TaRBP1 stabilizes TaGLTP and negatively regulates stripe rust resistance in wheat
Authors: Li Yue , Zhang Rongrong , Wu Yu , Wu Qin , Jiang Qiantao , Ma Jian , Zhang Yazhou , Qi Pengfei , Chen Guoyue , Jiang Yunfeng , Zheng Youliang , Wei Yuming , Xu Qiang
Published: June 2023

The dynamic balance and distribution of sphingolipid metabolites modulate the level of programmed cell death and plant defence. However, current knowledge is still limited regarding the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between sphingolipid metabolism and plant defence. In this study, we identified a wheat RNA‐binding protein 1 (TaRBP1) and TaRBP1 mRNA accumulation significantly decreased in wheat after infection by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Knockdown of TaRBP1 via virus‐induced gene silencing conferred strong resistance to Pst by enhancing host plant reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cell death, indicating that TaRBP1 may act as a negative regulator in response to Pst. TaRBP1 formed a homopolymer and interacted with TaRBP1 C‐terminus in plants. Additionally, TaRBP1 physically interacted with TaGLTP, a sphingosine transfer protein. Knockdown of TaGLTP enhanced wheat resistance to the virulent Pst CYR31. Sphingolipid metabolites showed a significant accumulation in TaGLTP‐silenced wheat and TaRBP1‐silenced wheat, respectively. In the presence of the TaRBP1 protein, TaGLTP failed to be degraded in a 26S proteasome‐dependent manner in plants. Our results reveal a novel susceptible mechanism by which a plant fine‐tunes its defence responses by stabilizing TaGLTP accumulation to suppress ROS and sphingolipid accumulation during Pst infection.
Combining multiplex gene editing and doubled haploid technology in maize
Authors: Impens Lennert , Lorenzo Christian D. , Vandeputte Wout , Wytynck Pieter , Debray Kevin , Haeghebaert Jari , Herwegh Denia , Jacobs Thomas B. , Ruttink Tom , Nelissen Hilde , Inzé Dirk , Pauwels Laurens
Published: June 2023

A major advantage of using CRISPR/Cas9 for gene editing is multiplexing, that is, the simultaneous targeting of many genes. However, primary transformants typically contain hetero‐allelic mutations or are genetic mosaic, while genetically stable lines that are homozygous are desired for functional analysis. Currently, a dedicated and labor‐intensive effort is required to obtain such higher‐order mutants through several generations of genetic crosses and genotyping.

We describe the design and validation of a rapid and efficient strategy to produce lines of genetically identical plants carrying various combinations of homozygous edits, suitable for replicated analysis of phenotypical differences. This approach was achieved by combining highly multiplex gene editing in Zea mays (maize) with in vivo haploid induction and efficient in vitro generation of doubled haploid plants using embryo rescue doubling.

By combining three CRISPR/Cas9 constructs that target in total 36 genes potentially involved in leaf growth, we generated an array of homozygous lines with various combinations of edits within three generations. Several genotypes show a reproducible 10% increase in leaf size, including a septuple mutant combination.

We anticipate that our strategy will facilitate the study of gene families via multiplex CRISPR mutagenesis and the identification of allele combinations to improve quantitative crop traits.
Cell wall thickness has phylogenetically consistent effects on the photosynthetic nitrogen‐use efficiency of terrestrial plants
Authors: Xue Wei , Liu Dan‐dan , Tosens Tiina , Xiong Dong‐liang , Carriquí Marc , Xiong You‐cai , Ko Jonghan
Published: June 2023

Leaf photosynthetic nitrogen‐use efficiency (PNUE) diversified significantly among C3 species. To date, the morpho‐physiological mechanisms and interrelationships shaping PNUE on an evolutionary time scale remain unclear. In this study, we assembled a comprehensive matrix of leaf morpho‐anatomical and physiological traits for 679 C3 species, ranging from bryophytes to angiosperms, to comprehend the complexity of interrelationships underpinning PNUE variations. We discovered that leaf mass per area (LMA), mesophyll cell wall thickness (Tcwm), Rubisco N allocation fraction (PR), and mesophyll conductance (gm) together explained 83% of PNUE variations, with PR and gm accounting for 65% of those variations. However, the PR effects were species‐dependent on gm, meaning the contribution of PR on PNUE was substantially significant in high‐gm species compared to low‐gm species. Standard major axis (SMA) and path analyses revealed a weak correlation between PNUE and LMA (r2 = 0.1), while the SMA correlation for PNUE–Tcwm was robust (r2 = 0.61). PR was inversely related to Tcwm, paralleling the relationship between gm and Tcwm, resulting in the internal CO2 drawdown being only weakly proportional to Tcwm. The coordination of PR and gm in relation to Tcwm constrains PNUE during the course of evolution.
Absolute intensity thresholds for tri‐axial wrist and waist accelerometer‐measured movement behaviors in adults
Authors: Mielke Gregore Iven , de Almeida Mendes Márcio , Ekelund Ulf , Rowlands Alex V. , Reichert Felipe Fossati , Crochemore‐Silva Inacio
Published: June 2023

Aim

This study was aimed to: (1) compare raw triaxial acceleration data from GENEActiv (GA) and ActiGraph GT3X+ (AG) placed on the non‐dominant wrist; (2) compare AG placed on the non‐dominant and dominant wrist, and waist; (3) derive brand‐ and placement‐specific absolute intensity thresholds for inactive and sedentary time, and physical activity intensity in adults.

Methods

Eighty‐six adults (44 men; 34.6 ± 10.8 years) performed nine activities while simultaneously wearing GA and AG on wrist and waist. Acceleration (in gravitational equivalent units; mg) was compared with oxygen uptake (measured with indirect calorimetry).

Results

Increases in acceleration mirrored increases in intensity of activities, regardless of device brand and placement. Differences in acceleration between GA and AG worn at the non‐dominant wrist were small but tended to be high at lower intensity activities. Thresholds for differentiating inactivity (<1.5 MET) from activity (≥1.5 MET) ranged from 25 mg (AG non‐dominant wrist; sensitivity 93%, specificity 95%) to 40 mg (AG waist; sensitivity 78%, specificity 100%). For moderate intensity (≥3 METs), thresholds ranged from 65 mg (AG waist; sensitivity 96%, specificity 94%) to 92 mg (GA non‐dominant; sensitivity 93%, specificity 98%); vigorous intensity (≥6 METs) thresholds ranged from 190 mg (AG waist; sensitivity 82%, specificity 92%) to 283 mg (GA non‐dominant; sensitivity 93%, specificity 98%).

Conclusion

Raw triaxial acceleration outputs from two widely used accelerometer brands may have limited comparability in low intensity activities. Thresholds derived in this study can be utilized in adults to reasonably classify movement behaviors into categories of intensity.
The new global tectonic map—Analyses and implications
Authors: van Dijk Janpieter
Published: June 2023

A full new tectonic model of the Earth is presented based a complete new tectonic interpretation carried out during a 10‐year project. It covers a huge amount of available geophysical and geological datasets, where ca. 11 000 tectonic elements such as faults and thrusts, transform faults, rift zones, passive margins and oceanic extension ridges and numerous other features have been mapped, and classified following the geological literature. The complete surface of the Earth has been subdivided into 1.180 larger and smaller tectonic terranes, in the domains of continental blocks, oceanic plates and mobile zones. Numerical multiscale statistical fabric analyses on orientation, length and area are presented on the digitised tectonic elements and the classified terranes using the first Digital Twin of the Earth. Graphical representation through maps with different projections and viewpoints, and planetary views, are presented to illustrate the new subdivision. Some important implications for plate tectonic reconstructions are being discussed.
Essentiality of Capacity Building in the Cottage Industry of Pakistan: A Synopsis of Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Sakandar Hayat Rana , Meena Ummul
Published: June 2023

Capacity building is critical to the success and sustainability of cottage industries. It helps to improve the skills and knowledge of workers, increase productivity and efficiency, strengthens business practices, develop an entrepreneurial mind-set, and create a supportive business environment. Therefore, the aim of current study is to explore the relationship between capital access and cottage industry growth, to analyse the relation and importance of education and awareness with cottage industry growth and to explore the relation between technology and growth of cottage industry in Pakistan. The sample size of this quantitative study is 280 including Pakistani small entrepreneurs in Punjab. This study applied Anova test for data analysis by using SPSS.  The framework shows that three factor can improve or reduce the growth of cottage industry such as education, technology, and capital access. The results of this study are in accordance with other similar studies which show that the model is feasible and the relationship exists positively and strongly between the variables selected. The government must also focus on opening more educational and training institution to improve the skills of people regarding opening cottage industries. This way, the small businesses industry will be able to absorb the problems and the lack of capital shocks. Cottage industry entrepreneurs should be given access to international markets and provisions should be made to link them with distributers and sellers.
Transient Heat Transfer from an Infinitely Long and Thin Heat Source used to Measure Thermal Conductivity of Soils and Soft Rocks in an Infinite Cylindrical Medium
Authors: Atesmen M. Kemal
Published: June 2023

Thermal conductivity of soils and soft rocks is an important thermophysical property used in models for climate change and for crop production. In this chapter, we will investigate transient heat transfer from an infinitely long and thin heat source, called the thermal needle probe, to an infinite cylindrical medium to determine the temperature rise in the medium with increasing time. We will show that the temperature-rise versus natural logarithm of time, Ln(θ), for the medium can be linearly correlated at large times. The transient heat transfer equation that applies to this case is given in radial coordinates with its initial and boundary conditions in Equations 23-1.
EXPEDITING ESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY THROUGH CREATION OF A SLEEVE FOR A NASOGASTRIC TUBE
Authors: Mansfield Hunter , Shenoi Jason , Sridhar Sindhura
Published: June 2023

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is an acute inflammatory condition that causes impaired oxygenation and is almost always treated with mechanical ventilation. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) is an extrinsic pressure applied in ventilation to maintain alveolar opening. Esophageal manometry is a useful tool in titrating PEEP to ensure adequate ventilation is being provided in cases of increased chest wall pressure. However, few pulmonologists or critical care specialists utilize esophageal manometry routinely because of the required additional procedure, sparse training opportunities, and esoteric calculations required to perform the procedure and evaluate the results. We have designed, prototyped, and tested a device to simplify and reduce the time necessary to perform esophageal balloon catheterization. This device contains a balloon sleeve to be placed over a standard nasogastric tube which is capable of measuring the esophageal pressure while ventilation is being provided. Based on the esophageal pressures, a web based app created in tandem with the device calculates the desired PEEP for the ventilator settings to ensure adequate oxygenation of the patient. Statistical analysis demonstrated adequate similarities in trends compared to existing devices along with significance in pressure variability.
COUGH AUDIO SENTIMENT ANALYTICS FOR SOFTWARE AS A MEDICAL DEVICE APPLICATIONS
Authors: Damani Shivam , Sethi Arshia K. , Baraskar Bhavana , Gopalakrishnan Keerthy , Agarwal Joshika , Albitar Hasan A. , Ahluwalia Vaibhav , Donlinger Sue Ann P. , Iyer Vivek , Arunachalam Shivaram P.
Published: June 2023

Chronic cough is not only one of the leading causes of seeking healthcare all over the world but also a huge emotional drain on the affected patient population. In this study, we used 24-hour cough recordings to analyze the intervening conversations for sentiment analyses to better diagnose, guide, and manage treatment in such patients. We surveyed a cough clinic and selected four subjects with active cough complaints using relevant ICD-10 codes. Subjects were given and instructed to wear a device to record cough for 24 hours and the recordings were collected at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the treatment. The collected data was preprocessed to eliminate sections with no data (sleep, silence) and the number of coughs was counted. Google search API calls were used to transcribe the audio files and NLTK’s VADER analyzer was used to classify sentiments on a scale of 0 to 1. Finally, average scores were calculated and plotted over a graph to interpret any trends. 12 weeks of cough treatment had varied results on the four subjects. We categorized the exhibited sentiments into negative, neutral, positive, and compound and noted that they also showed no general trends. Among these, the compound sentiment displayed the most erratic patterns, and the obtained results could not generate a steady trend. Further studies are required with a large cohort to collect data over a longer duration to accurately analyze the sentiments associated with chronic cough.
BAILOUT POST-TAVR PCI TECHNIQUES IN REANIMATED SWINE AND HUMAN HEARTS: PROCEDURAL IMAGING AND POST-PROCEDURAL MODELING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Bielecki Michael A. , DeVos Amanda N. , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: June 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a popular treatment option for severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients who present a high risk for mortality should they receive a surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Coronary artery occlusion (CAO) following the implantation of the device is a potential complication with a high mortality rate, as CAO causes a deterioration of coronary perfusion, followed by cardiogenic shock and electrical instability. Due to this dangerous potential complication, bailout percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques, like the snorkel and chimney techniques, have been developed as an effective strategy for ensuring coronary perfusion is maintained following a TAVR procedure. Both snorkel and chimney techniques have been implemented in a reanimated swine and human heart respectively utilizing Visible Heart® methodologies. The procedures have been recorded utilizing endoscopic cameras, echocardiography, optical coherence tomography, and fluoroscopy. Post-procedural micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was conducted to provide post-implantation imaging with approximately 60-micron resolution. The reconstructions are then segmented and used to create 3D renderings of these complex procedures. These methodologies are repeatable and can be used in a variety of conditions to be used in subsequent educational uses.
ANALYSES OF THE DEVICE-TISSUE INTERFACES OF PREVIOUSLY IMPLANTED STENTS WITHIN PERFUSION-FIXED HUMAN HEARTS UTIILIZING MICRO COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: DeVos Amanda N. , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: June 2023

Coronary artery disease can be caused by partial or total occlusions of the coronaries, leading to cardiac ischemia. Today, the percutaneous implantation of stents is the most common treatment to open such blockages and thus restore oxygen delivery to the myocardium. Subsequent stent calcification or restenosis may hinder the effectiveness of these stents over time. The Visible Heart® Laboratories have a collection of 30 perfusion-fixed human hearts that had a total of 35 such intervention prior to organ donation. Micro computed tomography (micro CT) can be used to study the device-tissue interfaces of stents implanted up to decades prior to recovery. These procedures were scanned with approximately 40-micron resolution. Computational models were generated such that calcification and restenosis could be visualized and quantified. Within this unique data-set, there was a wide variety of stent length, location, and volume of calcification present. Although 90% of the cases had varying degree of calcification present outside the stent only 11% showed any degree of restenosis. This is a unique research opportunity to micro CT scan 35 cases of therapeutically implanted stents in perfusion-fixed specimens. Extensive visualizations and analyses can be performed on generated computational 3D models, so to provide for better understanding of the variations within the device-tissue interfaces of therapeutically implanted stents.
“EXTENSOR” SOFT ROBOT FOR CLENCHED FIST REHABILITATION AFTER STROKE
Authors: Baysa Matthew , Turoski Noah , Cabrera Manilyn , Han Yen-Lin
Published: June 2023

Stroke is a leading cause of mobility impairments. As more people suffer from stroke, there is a growing need for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation robots have been proven effective in assisting patients in their rehabilitation process. However, many existing rehabilitation robots are costly, so the accessibility to patients in need is limited. Soft robot technology has great potential to make rehabilitation more accessible. This paper presents a proof-of-concept soft robot design that could be used for finger rehabilitation, especially for those who suffer from clenched fists after a stroke. Using silicone elastomer and pneumatic actuation, we successfully fabricated a soft robot that curled in its resting state to fit under the patient’s clenched fist and straightened when actuated by compressed air to push the patient’s fingers open. With a unique approach to bonding the two-layer silicone elastomer structure, our soft robot can change shape to straight from its original curling state with a small air pressure (2 to 3 psi). Preliminary testing results demonstrate our soft robot’s functionality and provide valuable insights for us to optimize our design further to reach our eventual goal as a rehabilitation device that assists finger rehabilitation.