bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of nitrogen-doped carbon and praseodymium oxide in electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Grabowska Patrycja , Szkoda Mariusz , Skorupska Malgorzata , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P. , Ilnicka Anna
Published: October 2023

Hybrid materials featuring perovskite-type metal oxide in conjunction with heteroatom-doped graphene hold immense promise as alternatives to costly noble metal catalysts for electrochemical water splitting, facilitating the generation of environmentally friendly hydrogen. In this study, perovskite-type oxide containing praseodymium, barium, strontium, cobalt, and iron atoms dispersed in a carbon matrix as a catalyst is synthesized via annealing of the carbon material with substrates for the preparation of perovskite oxide. The mass ratio of reagents regulates the porous structure and elemental composition. The result of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), suggests that the hybrid catalysts exhibit intermediate HER kinetics compared to the commercial Pt/C and the catalyst without carbon. The Tafel slope for HER is lower for materials containing carbon, because of the improved reaction kinetics, facilitated proton transfer, and enhanced electrochemical surface area. Therefore, the study provides an effective strategy for the preparation of catalyst and their use as the active catalyst of water splitting.
Investigating the response mechanisms of bread wheat mutants to salt stress
Authors: Karimzadeh Hedayat , Borzouei Azam , Naserian Behnam , Tabatabaee Seyyed Ali , Rahemi Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2023

Mutation breeding is among the most critical approaches to promoting genetic diversity when genetic diversity is narrowed for a long time using traditional breeding methods. In the current study, 15 wheat mutants created by gamma radiation and three salt-tolerant wheat cultivars were studied under no salinity stress (Karaj) and salinity stress (Yazd) during three consecutive growing seasons from 2017 to 2020 (M05 to M07 generations mutants). Results showed that salinity induced lipid peroxidation and enhanced ion leakage in all genotypes however, M6 and M15 showed the least ion leakage increment. It was also observed that the activity of antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT, POX, APX and GR increased with salinity; the maximum increase in antioxidant activity was belonged to M15, M09, M06 and M05. All genotypes had higher protein content in salinity stress conditions; M07 and M12 showed the lowest (1.8%) and the highest (17.3%) protein increase, respectively. Zeleny sedimentation volume increased under salinity stress conditions in all genotypes except M06, C2, C3, and M07. The result indicated that salinity stress increased wet gluten in all genotypes. M10 and M08 showed the highest (47.8%) and the lowest (4%) wet gluten increment, respectively. M06 and M11 mutants showed the lowest (6.1%) and the highest (60.7%) decrement of grain yield due to salinity stress, respectively. Finally, M04, M05, M07, M13, and M14 were known as genotypes with high grain yield in both no salinity and salinity stress conditions. In other word, these genotypes have higher yield stability. The results of the current study revealed that gamma irradiation could effectively be used to induce salinity tolerance in wheat.
Exposure to urban nanoparticles at low PM$$_1$$ concentrations as a source of oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Costabile Francesca , Gualtieri Maurizio , Rinaldi Matteo , Canepari Silvia , Vecchi Roberta , Massimi Lorenzo , Di Iulio Gianluca , Paglione Marco , Di Liberto Luca , Corsini Emanuela , Facchini Maria Cristina , Decesari Stefano
Published: October 2023

Exposures to fine particulate matter (PM$$_1$$

1

) have been associated with health impacts, but the understanding of the PM$$_1$$

1

concentration-response (PM$$_1$$

1

-CR) relationships, especially at low PM$$_1$$

1

, remains incomplete. Here, we present novel data using a methodology to mimic lung exposure to ambient air (2$$<PM_1<$$

<
P

M
1

<

60 $$\upmu$$
μ
g m$$^{-3}$$

-
3

), with minimized sampling artifacts for nanoparticles. A reference model (Air Liquid Interface cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B) was used for aerosol exposure. Non-linearities observed in PM$$_1$$

1

-CR curves are interpreted as a result of the interplay between the aerosol total oxidative potential (OP$$_t$$

t

) and its distribution across particle size (d$$_p$$

p

). A d$$_p$$

p

-dependent condensation sink (CS) is assessed together with the distribution with d$$_p$$

p

of reactive species . Urban ambient aerosol high in OP$$_t$$

t

, as indicated by the DTT assay, with (possibly copper-containing) nanoparticles, shows higher pro-inflammatory and oxidative responses, this occurring at lower PM$$_1$$

1

concentrations (< 5 $$\upmu$$
μ
g m$$^{-3}$$

-
3

). Among the implications of this work, there are recommendations for global efforts to go toward the refinement of actual air quality standards with metrics considering the distribution of OP$$_t$$

t

with d$$_p$$

p

also at relatively low PM$$_1$$

1

.
Transmission of drug-resistant bacteria in a hospital-community model stratified by patient risk
Authors: Brachaczek Paweł , Lonc Agata , Kretzschmar Mirjam E. , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Horn Johannes , Karch Andre , Sakowski Konrad , Piotrowska Monika J.
Published: October 2023

A susceptible-infectious-susceptible (SIS) model for simulating healthcare-acquired infection spread within a hospital and associated community is proposed. The model accounts for the stratification of in-patients into two susceptibility-based risk groups. The model is formulated as a system of first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with appropriate initial conditions. The mathematical analysis of this system is demonstrated. It is shown that the system has unique global solutions, which are bounded and non-negative. The basic reproduction number ($$\mathscr {R}_0$$

R
0

) for the considered model is derived. The existence and the stability of the stationary solutions are analysed. The disease-free stationary solution is always present and is globally asymptotically stable for $$\mathscr {R}_0<1$$

R
0

<
1

, while for $$\mathscr {R}_0>1$$

R
0

>
1

it is unstable. The presence of an endemic stationary solution depends on the model parameters and when it exists, it is globally asymptotically stable. The endemic state encompasses both risk groups. The endemic state within only one group only is not possible. In addition, for $$\mathscr {R}_0=1$$

R
0

=
1

a forward bifurcation takes place. Numerical simulations, based on the anonymised insurance data, are also presented to illustrate theoretical results.
Impact of employment on the elderly in a super-aging society during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Imaoka Masakazu , Tazaki Fumie , Hida Mitsumasa , Imai Ryota , Nakao Hidetoshi , Inoue Takao , Orui Jyunya , Nakamura Misa
Published: October 2023

Employment of the elderly is gaining importance in Japan’s super-aging society. However, investigating the role of employment on the health of the elderly population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, wherein they were susceptible, is necessary. We aimed to investigate whether the presence or absence of employment affected motor and cognitive functions in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved 144 individuals aged ≥ 65 years who participated in the medical examination project from August to September 2021. The participants were divided into employed and non-employed groups. The motor function was evaluated by determining the walking speed, skeletal muscle mass, 2-step test, and bone density. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination and Trail Making Test-A/B (TMT-A/B). For statistical examination, univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed using significantly differential variables. Out of the 144 participants, 33 (22.9%) and 111 (77.1%) were in the employed and non-employed groups, respectively. TMT-A had an odds ratio of 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.94–0.99) and was an independent factor in the employed group. In conclusion, the attention function was significantly higher in the employed group.
Tailoring FPOX enzymes for enhanced stability and expanded substrate recognition
Authors: Estiri Hajar , Bhattacharya Shapla , Buitrago Jhon Alexander Rodriguez , Castagna Rossella , Legzdiņa Linda , Casucci Giorgia , Ricci Andrea , Parisini Emilio , Gautieri Alfonso
Published: October 2023

Fructosyl peptide oxidases (FPOX) are deglycating enzymes that find application as key enzymatic components in diabetes monitoring devices. Indeed, their use with blood samples can provide a measurement of the concentration of glycated hemoglobin and glycated albumin, two well-known diabetes markers. However, the FPOX currently employed in enzymatic assays cannot directly detect whole glycated proteins, making it necessary to perform a preliminary proteolytic treatment of the target protein to generate small glycated peptides that can act as viable substrates for the enzyme. This is a costly and time consuming step. In this work, we used an in silico protein engineering approach to enhance the overall thermal stability of the enzyme and to improve its catalytic activity toward large substrates. The final design shows a marked improvement in thermal stability relative to the wild type enzyme, a distinct widening of its access tunnel and significant enzymatic activity towards a range of glycated substrates.
Diagnostic utility of N-terminal TMPP labels for unambiguous identification of clipped sites in therapeutic proteins
Authors: Gunawardena Harsha P. , Jayatilake Meth M. , Brelsford Jeffery D. , Nanda Hirsh
Published: October 2023

Protein therapeutics are susceptible to clipping via enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms that create neo-N-termini. Typically, neo-N-termini are identified by chemical derivatization of the N-terminal amine with (N-Succinimidyloxycarbonylmethyl)tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphonium bromide (TMPP) followed by proteolysis and mass spectrometric analysis. Detection of the TMPP-labeled peptide is achieved by mapping the peptide sequence to the product ion spectrum derived from collisional activation. The site-specific localization of the TMPP tag enables unambiguous determination of the true N-terminus or neo-N-termini. In addition to backbone product ions, TMPP reporter ions at m/z 573, formed via collision-induced dissociation, can be diagnostic for the presence of a processed N-termini. However, reporter ions generated by collision-induced dissociation may be uninformative because of their low abundance. We demonstrate a novel high-throughput LC–MS method for the facile generation of the TMPP reporter ion at m/z 533 and, in some instances m/z 590, upon electron transfer dissociation. We further demonstrate the diagnostic utility of TMPP labeled peptides derived from a total cell lysate shows high degree of specificity towards selective N-terminal labeling over labeling of lysine and tyrosine and highly-diagnostic Receiver Operating Characteristic’s (ROC) of TMPP reporter ions of m/z 533 and m/z 590. The abundant generation of these reporters enables subsequent MS/MS by intensity and m/z-dependent triggering of complementary ion activation modes such as collision-induced dissociation, high-energy collision dissociation, or ultraviolet photo dissociation for subsequent peptide sequencing.
Genomic analysis and assessment of pathogenic (toxicogenic) potential of Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Bacillus paranthracis consortia isolated from bovine mastitis in Russia
Authors: Sokolov Sergei , Brovko Fedor , Solonin Alexander , Nikanova Daria , Fursova Ksenia , Artyemieva Olga , Kolodina Evgenia , Sorokin Anatoly , Shchannikova Margarita , Dzhelyadin Timur , Ermakov Artem , Boziev Khanafy , Zinovieva Natalia
Published: October 2023

Three stable microbial consortia, each composed of Bacillusparanthracis and Staphylococcushaemolyticus strains, were isolated from milk of cows diagnosed with mastitis in three geographically remote regions of Russia. The composition of these consortia remained stable following multiple passages on culture media. Apparently, this stability is due to the structure of the microbial biofilms formed by the communities. The virulence of the consortia depended on the B. paranthracis strains. It seems plausible that the ability of the consortia to cause mastitis in cattle was affected by mutations of the cytK gene of B. paranthracis.
Habitat selection of Gould’s wild turkeys in southeastern Arizona
Authors: Ulrey Erin E. , Wightman Patrick H. , Bakner Nicholas W. , Buckley Byron R. , Fyffe Nathan , Oleson Brittany , Smallwood Alex , Heffelfinger James R. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Collier Bret A.
Published: October 2023

In semi-arid environments, resources necessary for survival may be unevenly distributed across the landscape. Gould’s wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) are spatially restricted to mountainous semi-arid areas of southwestern United States and Mexico, and information on their distribution and habitat use is limited. We described how landcover type and topographical features influenced space use and habitat selection by Gould’s wild turkeys in southeastern Arizona. We used GPS data from 51 Gould’s wild turkeys to describe resource selection during 2016–2017 in southeastern Arizona, USA. We estimated home ranges and calculated resource selection functions using distance from landcover types, slope, aspect, and elevation at used locations and random locations within individual home ranges. Gould’s wild turkeys selected areas closer to pine forest and water. Likewise, Gould’s wild turkeys selected locations with moderate elevations of 1641 ± 235 m (range = 1223–2971 m), and on north and west facing slopes with a 10° ± 8.5 (range = 0.0–67.4°) incline. Our findings suggest that conserving portions of the landscape with appropriate topography and landcover types as described above will promote habitat availability for Gould’s wild turkeys.
A dose-response characterization of transcranial magnetic stimulation intensity and evoked potential amplitude in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Krile Louisa , Ensafi Elnaz , Cole Jaeden , Noor Mah , Protzner Andrea B. , McGirr Alexander
Published: October 2023

By combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography, human cortical circuits can be directly interrogated. The resulting electrical trace contains TMS-evoked potential (TEP) components, and it is not known whether the amplitudes of these components are stimulus intensity dependent. We examined this in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in nineteen healthy adult participants and extracted TEP amplitudes for the N40, P60, N120, and P200 components at 110%, 120%, and 130% of resting motor threshold (RMT). To probe plasticity of putative stimulus intensity dose-response relationships, this was repeated after participants received intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS; 600 pulses, 80% RMT). The amplitude of the N120 and P200 components exhibited a stimulus intensity dose-response relationship, however the N40 and P60 components did not. After iTBS, the N40 and P60 components continued to exhibit a lack of stimulus intensity dose-dependency, and the P200 dose-response was unchanged. In the N120 component, however, we saw evidence of change within the stimulus intensity dose-dependent relationship characterized by a decrease in absolute peak amplitudes at lower stimulus intensities. These data suggest that TEP components have heterogeneous dose-response relationships, with implications for standardizing and harmonizing methods across experiments. Moreover, the selective modification of the N120 dose-response relationship may provide a novel marker for iTBS plasticity in health and disease.
Performance comparison of instrument automation pipelines using different programming languages
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Goswami Mayank
Published: October 2023

The article presents a performance analysis of fully automated, in-house developed 2D ultrasound computerized tomography systems using different programming languages. The system is fully automated in four programming languages: LabVIEW, MATLAB, C and Python. It includes codes for sensors, instruments interfacing, real-time control, synchronized data acquisition, simultaneous raw data processing and analysis. Launch performance, eight performance indices and runtime performance are used for the analysis. It is found that C utilizes the least processing power and executes fewer I/O processes to perform the same task. In runtime analysis (data acquisition and real-time control), LabVIEW (365.69 s) performed best in comparison to MATLAB (623.83 s), Python (1505.54 s), and C (1252.03 s) to complete the experiment without data processing. However, in the experiment with data processing, MATLAB (640.33 s) performed best in comparison to LabVIEW (731.91 s), Python (1520.01 s) and C (1930.15 s). Python performed better in establishing faster interfacing and RAM usage. The study provides a methodology to select optimal programming languages for instrument automation-related aspects to optimize the available resources.
Transforming carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into value-added products: boracarboxylation and boracarbonylation
Authors: Basappa Suma , Karupnaswamy Ramesh , Bose Shubhankar Kumar
Published: October 2023

This review surveys the current state-of-the-art of catalytic difunctionalization of unsaturated substrates with easily accessible feedstocks CO2/CO and heteroelement boron for the synthesis of fine chemicals and medicinally important molecules.
Thermoresponsive property of poly(N,N-bis(2-ethoxyethyl)acrylamide) and its multiblock copolymers with poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) prepared by hydrosilylation-promoted group transfer polymerization
Authors: Fu Xiangming , Wang Yanqiu , Xu Liang , Narumi Atsushi , Sato Shin-ichiro , Yang Xiaoran , Shen Xiande , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: October 2023

Poly(N,N-bis(2-ethoxyethyl)acrylamide) (PEOEAm), a new thermoresponsive polyacrylamide, has been studied from the perspectives of synthesis and thermal phase transition.
Recent progress in the genotyping of bovine tuberculosis and its rapid diagnosis via nanoparticle-based electrochemical biosensors
Authors: Zahran Moustafa , El-Shabasy Rehan M. , Elrashedy Alyaa , Mousa Walid , Nayel Mohamed , Salama Akram , Zaghawa Ahmed , Elsify Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is considered a worldwide infectious zoonotic disease. Mycobacterium bovis causes bTB disease.
A density functional theory study on the adsorption of different organic sulfides on boron nitride nanosheet
Authors: Hou Zhengjian , Lin Xufeng , Wu Ke , Chi Hua , Zhang Wumin , Ma Lishuang , Xi Yanyan
Published: October 2023

The adsorption of methanethiol, thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene on hexagonal boron nitride has been investigated by the framework of the density functional theory calculations in this work.
Boosting efficiency above 28% using effective charge transport layer with Sr3SbI3 based novel inorganic perovskite
Authors: Reza Md. Shamim , Rahman Md. Ferdous , Kuddus Abdul , Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Al-Mousoi Ali K. , Islam Md. Rasidul , Ghosh Avijit , Bhattarai Sagar , Pandey Rahul , Madan Jaya , Hossain M. Khalid
Published: October 2023

Strontium antimony iodide (Sr3SbI3) is one of the emerging absorbers materials owing to its intriguing structural, electronic, and optical properties for efficient and cost-effective solar cell applications.
Precision Measurement of the W Mass
Authors: Chiarelli Giorgio
Published: October 2023

Using proton-antiproton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.8 fb-1 collected in Tevatron Run 2, CDF performed a high precision measurement of the W mass. This result, 80433.5±6.4±6.9 MeV, is the most precise so far, and shows a discrepancy of 76 with Standard Model expectations.
Une arène bas coût pour l’enseignement de la robotique
Authors: Godon Alain , Guyonneau Rémy , Mercier Franck
Published: October 2023

Ce papier présente une architecture appelée BotArena permettant la réalisation d’une plateforme expérimentale pour la robotique en essaim. Cette plateforme répond à trois contraintes : le coût, elle doit être abordable pour les structures d’enseignement ; la modularité, elle doit être déplaçable et doit pouvoir facilement s’adapter à la place disponible ; et la versatilité, elle doit permettre de traiter une multitude de problèmes en robotique mobile. L’objectif de cette architecture open-source et open-hardware est de servir d’outil pédagogique et de vulgarisation.
Smartphonique et enseignement ou comment utiliser un smartphone comme aide à l’apprentissage
Authors: Despaux Gilles , Delaunay Thomas , Le Clézio Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

Les Smartphones sont omniprésents dans notre vie quotidienne. Lors de cours magistraux voire des travaux pratiques, les étudiants ont tendance à les sortir de leur poche, engendrant ainsi des phases de déconcentration et même de déconnexion. Ce papier expose un retour d’expériences où l’usage des Smartphones peut jouer un vrai rôle de facilitateur dans la démarche pédagogique lorsqu’il est utilisé pour réaliser des démonstrations de cours. Pour transformer des enseignements souvent classés comme rébarbatifs, tout en apportant de vraies valeurs pédagogiques, nous avons introduit l’utilisation des Smartphones dans un certain nombre d’enseignements au sein de plusieurs formations de la Faculté des Sciences de l’Université de Montpellier en licence professionnelle et master. Nous exposerons la démarche utilisée, quelques exemples d’applications puis nous analyserons les retours d’expériences issus des étudiants mais aussi des enseignants.
Green facades - Their use in the sponge city
Authors: Kocurkova Maria , Knut Pavol , Vranayova Zuzana
Published: October 2023

Greenery in the urban environment is slowly disappearing and is being replaced by new construction. This trend has several consequences. One of them is the overheating of the urban climate and the associated increased need for energy for cooling. We are trying to eliminate this negative impact by creating green structures on buildings. As such, greenery brings a number of benefits. It helps to cool buildings, but also the urban climate, through the shading effect of leaves and the evaporation of trapped water. There are a number of studies around the world that investigate green roofs, or green facades. The effect of green leaf area index on cooling by shading and the effect of the distance of the façade from the envelope are investigated. Another influence is the orientation to the cardinal directions and the careful selection of plants. One of the main factors influencing the functionality of green facades is the choice of plants in relation to the climatic conditions in the country. In this article I discuss the adaptation of green facades to the climatic conditions in Slovakia. In Slovakia this issue is minimally studied and green facades occur only sporadically or only seasonally.
Condition of the extensive green roof of the Brno-Komín Kindergarten in winter 2 years after implementation
Authors: Jilek Jan , Porwisz Ondrej , Mohapl Martin
Published: October 2023

The article describes the state of the vegetation layer of the extensive green roof on the kindergarten building in Brno-Komín. Due to the low temperatures, some plants are in a vegetative rest. On the contrary, some resistant plants are in good vegetative state even during adverse climatic conditions. The green roof was implemented in 2021 and as vegetation a pre-grown vegetation carpet was used, which was grown and transported on a coconut mat.
Size effect of bonded area for bonded joints between ETICS with an acrylic thin-film plaster and sheet metal component
Authors: Prucha Ales , Necasova Barbora , Slanhof Jiri
Published: October 2023

The issue of anchoring sheet metal components has been part of construction practice for a very long time. Sheet metal components can be found on most contemporary buildings and due to the increasing thickness of insulation the possibility of anchoring to the supporting substrate is a problem. This paper discusses the issue of the bonded joint size dependence on the load capacity for fastening sheet metal elements to ETICS facades. A thixotropic silane modified polymer adhesive was used for this research. It was concluded that the size has a significant effect on the load capacity of the joint and their dependence was described.
Histoire raisonnée de la chirurgie orthognathique
Authors: Goudot Patrick , Schouman Thomas , Kerbrat Jean-Baptiste , Florczak Marion
Published: October 2023

L’ histoire de la chirurgie orthognathique commence dès le milieu du xixe siècle. Son évolution s’appuie sur les bases de la chirurgie traumatologique et le développement des connaissances anatomiques. H. Obwegeser et W. Bell, l’un pour la chirurgie mandibulaire, l’autre pour la chirurgie maxillaire, ont été les deux personnages majeurs de cette chirurgie. L’ école française de chirurgie maxillo-faciale s’est essentiellement distinguée dans le domaine de l’ostéosynthèse, de la distraction ostéogénique et de la planification numérique. Cette histoire raconte surtout la place essentielle de la collaboration entre chirurgien et orthodontiste mise en œuvre dès la fin du xixe siècle par V. Blair et E. Angle.
Study on the influence of discharge voltage on the performance of Hall propulsion system
Authors: Zheng Yusong , Zhang Wanting , Li Mengdie , Li Zhixin , Wang Youmei
Published: October 2023

The discharge characteristics of the Hall thruster are numerically studied at different discharge voltages when the magnetic field does not change based on the particle in cell plus Monte Carlo collision methods. The distributions of electrons and Ar+ ions densities at different discharge voltages show that the change of the discharge voltage significantly influences the distribution of electrons and Ar+ ions. The electron density is relatively large when the discharge voltage is 100 V, up to 6.01 × 1018 m−3. At a discharge voltage of 400 V, the high-density region formed by electrons is significantly smaller than in other cases. The ion density rises less when reaching a steady state with increasing discharge voltage. The Ar+ ions density decreases after the discharge voltage reaches 400 V, up to 4.42 × 1018 m−3. After calculation, it was found that under a specific mass flow, the discharge voltage significantly impacts the thrust of the Hall thruster. The results have reference values for the performance testing and application of Hall thrusters.
A community of practice to address system-based issues and promote clinical leadership among trainee medical officers in a large public health service: an evaluation of a trainee-led forum
Authors: Koopowitz Samuel M. , Arnold Matthew , Inglis Joshua M. , Hon Kay , Vanlint Andrew , Koopowitz Leslie F. , O’Callaghan Gerry
Published: October 2023

Clinical leadership is necessary to improve the performance of large public hospitals. Trainee medical officers (TMOs) are important stakeholders in organisation-wide initiatives that affect the medical workforce and support clinician engagement. This case study describes the development of a representative body known as the ‘TMO Forum’ within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network as a mechanism to promote engagement between medical trainees and the hospital executive to facilitate escalation and discussion of system-based issues. Over the past 8 years, this group has evolved into a community of practice with steady and sustained growth since inception. Trainees have fostered relationships with the executive, and have engaged in leadership and quality improvement initiatives. Here we explore the evolution, value and barriers to success of the TMO Forum. Our discussion is supplemented with findings from anonymous online evaluation surveys of both the TMO and executive stakeholder groups. We propose that initiatives such as the described may offer reciprocal benefits to both constituent groups regarding communication, and that the development of a dedicated community of practice will enhance engagement of TMOs in health service improvement initiatives and advocacy. However, there are obstacles to overcome in order to attract a greater number of trainees and maximise the benefits from this initiative.
Age at weaning of lambs raised in an intensive production system
Authors: de Souza Terezinha T. , Vicente Ana C. S. , Ferraz Junior Marcos V. C. , de Assis Rhaíssa G. , Sturion Thamires U. , Carlis Matheus S. P. , Cunha Ancelmo R. , da Silva Taylon A. S. , Polizel Daniel M. , Comelli Jamile H. , Biava Janaina S. , Pires Alexandre V. , Ferreira Evandro M.
Published: October 2023

Context Early weaning is an alternative that may shorten the production time, and improve growth, and carcass quality. Aims The effects of different weaning ages on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Dorper × Santa Inês lambs were evaluated. Methods Initially, 33 crossbred lactating ewes Dorper × Santa Inês with initial bodyweight (BW) of 53.16 ± 9.17 kg (mean ± s.d.) were penned individually with their lambs (nine females and 36 males; 6.59 ± 0.30 kg of initial BW and 10 ± 2.22 days of age) 10 days after birth and used in a randomised complete block design (three treatments and 11 blocks). Each pen was individually equipped with a creep feed system for the lambs. The lambs received the initial diet, and the ewes were confined and received a diet with 400 g/kg of roughage and 600 g/kg of concentrate. Lambs were weaned at ages of either 45 days (W45), 60 days (W60) or 75 days (W75). At weaning, the ewes were removed from the pens and the lambs remained in the same pen for 15 days, receiving the initial diet. After 15 days of weaning, only the males continued received the finishing diet until 165 days of life. After the finishing period, the lambs were slaughtered to measure the carcass characteristics. Key results There was no influence of weaning age on BW, body condition score, dry-matter intake, and milk production and composition of ewes. Additionally, there was no effect of treatments on the lambs‘ performance. Conclusion In an intensive production system, weaning at 45, 60, and 75 days provided similar growth performance and carcass characteristics. Implications Therefore, weaning at 45 days may be an option for farmers.
A brief history of the International Deer Biology Congress
Authors: Sugár László I. , Smith-Flueck Jo Anne M. , Dryden Gordon McL.
Published: October 2023

The quadrennial International Deer Biology Congresses reflect the world-wide interest in the ecology, biology, and conservation biology of deer and use of cervine products. The origins and development of the International Deer Biology Congress are described in this article.
Neuronal implementation of the temporal difference learning algorithm in the midbrain dopaminergic system
Authors: Stetsenko Anya , Koos Tibor
Published: October 2023

The temporal difference learning (TDL) algorithm has been essential to conceptualizing the role of dopamine in reinforcement learning (RL). Despite its theoretical importance, it remains unknown whether a neuronal implementation of this algorithm exists in the brain. Here, we provide an interpretation of the recently described signaling properties of ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABAergic neurons and show that a circuitry of these neurons implements the TDL algorithm. Specifically, we identified the neuronal mechanism of three key components of the TDL model: a sustained state value signal encoded by an afferent input to the VTA, a temporal differentiation circuit formed by two types of VTA GABAergic neurons the combined output of which computes momentary reward prediction (RP) as the derivative of the state value, and the computation of reward prediction errors (RPEs) in dopamine neurons utilizing the output of the differentiation circuit. Using computational methods, we also show that this mechanism is optimally adapted to the biophysics of RPE signaling in dopamine neurons, mechanistically links the emergence of conditioned reinforcement to RP, and can naturally account for the temporal discounting of reinforcement. Elucidating the implementation of the TDL algorithm may further the investigation of RL in biological and artificial systems.
Language shift and maintenance of the Korean community in Australia
Authors: Jung Sin Ji
Published: October 2023

This study is a follow-up study of Shin and Jung’s (2016, 2018) research that has examined language shift and maintenance of the Korean community in Australia reflected in the previous Australian Censuses from 2006 to 2016. The present study analysed the 2021 Census and updated the Korean community’s language shift and maintenance with the latest census data. It examined the community’s language shift by various sociodemographic factors such as generation, age, gender, education, and religion and compared the results of the analyses with the previous studies’ findings. The results of this study revealed that in the 2021 Census, the shift to English in the first generation increased from the 2016 Census, possibly due to the restricted migration of Koreans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results confirmed that the inter-generational language shift (i.e., the increase in language shift by generation) is taking place in the Korean community in Australia, and that it is progressing further. The results showed similar patterns and trends in the extent of language shift by different sociodemographic factors and variable that had been observed in the previous censuses. Language shift was higher in females than in males in the first generation, but the pattern was reverse in age groups younger than 35 years old. Those with certain educational qualifications (e.g., a graduate diploma or certificate) had a higher shift rate. On the other hand, lower shift was observed among those affiliated with the religions/denominations with a strong presence of Korean immigrants in the community. These findings provide valuable insights to the community’s language shift to English and its maintenance of the Korean language regarding its unique temporal and locational circumstances such as the temporary stop of the influx of South Koreans in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic and its language practice.
The cell-end protein Tea4 spatially regulates hyphal branch initiation and appressorium remodeling in the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Rogers Audra Mae , Taylor Rachel , Egan Martin John
Published: October 2023

The differentiation of specialized infection cells, called appressoria, from polarized germ tubes of the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, requires remarkable remodeling of cell polarity and architecture, yet our understanding of this process remains incomplete. Here we investigate the behavior and role of cell-end marker proteins in appressorium remodeling and hyphal branch emergence. We show that the SH3 domain-containing protein Tea4 is required for the normal formation of an F-actin ring at Tea1-GFP-labeled polarity nodes, which contributes to the remodeling of septin structures and repolarization of the appressorium. Further, we show that Tea1 localizes to a cortical structure during hyphal septation which, unlike contractile septin rings, persists after septum formation, and, in combination with other polarity determinants, likely spatially regulates branch emergence. Genetic loss of Tea4 leads to mislocalization of Tea1 at the hyphal apex and with it, impaired growth directionality. In contrast, Tea1 is largely depleted from septation events in Δ tea4 mutants and branching and septation are significantly reduced. Together, our data provide new insight into polarity remodeling during infection-related and vegetative growth by the blast fungus.
Perturbations in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition precede cardiac dysfunction in a mouse model of thalassemia
Authors: Liu Ying , Fillebeen Carine , Forest Anik , Botta Amy , Varin Thibault V. , Marette André , Burelle Yan , Des Rosiers Christine , Pantopoulos Kostas , Sweeney Gary
Published: October 2023

Cardiomyopathy is a major complication of thalassemia, yet the precise underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We examined whether altered lipid metabolism is an early driving factor in the development of cardiomyopathy using the Th3/+ mouse model of thalassemia. At age 20 weeks, male and female Th3/+ mice manifested anemia and iron overload; however, only males displayed metabolic defects and altered cardiac function. Untargeted lipidomics indicated that the circulating levels of 35 lipid species were significantly altered in Th3/+ mice compared to wild‐type controls: triglycerides (TGs) with saturated fatty acids (FAs; TG42:0 and TG44:0) were elevated, while TGs with unsaturated FAs (TG(18:2_20:5_18:2 and TG54:8)) were reduced. Similarly, phosphatidylcholines (PCs) with long chain FAs (palmitic (16:0) or oleic (18:1)) were increased, while PCs with polyunsaturated FAs decreased. Circulating PC(16:0_14:0), GlcCer(d18:1/24:0) correlated significantly with iron overload and cardiac hypertrophy. 16S rRNA gene profiling revealed alterations in the intestinal microbiota of Th3/+ mice. Differentially abundant bacterial genera correlated with PC(39:6), PC(18:1_22:6), GlcCer(d18:1/24:1) and CE(14:0). These results provide new knowledge on perturbations in lipid metabolism and the gut microbiota of Th3/+ mice and identify specific factors which may represent early biomarkers or therapeutic targets to prevent development of cardiomyopathy in β‐thalassemia.
A life-threatening encounter: an uncommon case of ruptured hydatid cyst presenting as anaphylactic shock and respiratory distress in a 12-year-old boy
Authors: Vantankhah Abulfazl , Taqanaki Pegah Bahrami , Rahmanian Mohsen , Ameri Leila , Atqiaee Khashayar , Mashhadi Mahdi Parvizi
Published: October 2023

Introduction and importance:

Although rare, the spontaneous rupture of a lung hydatid cyst or its perforation into the pleural cavity can give rise to an abrupt onset of symptoms, including cough, fever, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and hypersensitivity reactions, and can ultimately lead to respiratory failure.

Case presentation:

A 12-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room with a loss of consciousness. Symptoms included tachypnea, fever, low blood pressure, and overall respiratory distress. After resuscitation, a chest X-ray revealed a distinct, well-defined round opacity located in the lower region of the right lung, leading to mediastinal displacement. After confirmation of the disease, the child was hospitalized in the ICU care and consequently underwent surgery. Treatment was successful and there was no recurrence on the follow-up.

Clinical discussion:

Studies have demonstrated that the right lower lobe of the lung is the most frequently affected area of the lung by hydatid cysts. Symptomatic and complicated hydatid cysts are a rare concept in children, and only a small percentage, are diagnosed in patients younger than 16 years. Surgery remains the preferred treatment for the majority of patients with pulmonary hydatid disease. It is important to note that combined surgery and chemotherapy represents the current gold standard in managing pulmonary hydatid cyst.

Conclusion:

Although anaphylactic shock caused by a ruptured lung hydatid cyst is rare, it should be taken into consideration by physicians as a differential diagnosis in patients who also have respiratory symptoms, particularly in endemic areas.
Management of Acute Appendicitis in Children in a University Hospital
Authors: Mekitarian Filho Eduardo , Horita Sérgio Massaru , dos Santos Clara Oliveira Gomes , Pelosi Carla Scarabel , Laurentino Larissa Pedreira , Galotti Bruno Luís
Published: October 2023

Objective

Little is known about the positive predictive value of diagnostic tools for severe acute appendicitis (AA). Our objective was to study a retrospective cohort of patients with AA, emphasizing its laboratory and radiologic features, to establish risk factors for more severe cases of AA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study with patients with AA confirmed by biopsy was performed. In each case, examinations were reviewed, data were compared, and laboratory and radiologic findings were established to identify risk factors for severe AA.

Results

During the studied period, 405 children, with a mean age of 120 months, were evaluated. Most of the patients were boys (63.2%). C-reactive protein was the best parameter for the diagnosis of perforated AA, with a sensitivity of 88% for values above 173 mg/dL. A total of 64.4% of the patients underwent abdominal ultrasound, and 26% had normal results.

Conclusions

Acute appendicitis is a disease with a wide spectrum of complications; thus, it is important to recognize the markers associated with severe cases of AA. High levels of C-reactive protein were the best markers associated with perforated appendicitis, and ultrasound was requested in most of the cases but was not helpful in most of them.
Periosteal Turnover Flap for Coverage and Salvage of Exposed Deep Brain Stimulation Device
Authors: Baghaki Semih , Yalcin Can E. , Mazlum Leo C.
Published: October 2023

Implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices are crucial in the treatment of movement disorders. Hardware extrusion is among the most frequent complications of the implantation process and requires reconstruction with well-vascularized tissues. The authors present a case of periosteal turnover flap for coverage of an exposed DBS device. An 11-year-old female patient with spastic cerebral palsy presented with an exposed DBS device located in the right parietal area. The exposed device was covered by a proximally based periosteal flap. Postoperative evaluations at months 1, 2, 3, and 8 revealed no signs of infection or dehiscence. This brief clinical study shows that reconstruction with periosteal turnover flaps is both an easy and excellent choice for secondary closure of exposed DBS devices.
Sodium Hydrosulfide Treatment During Porcine Kidney Ex Vivo Perfusion and Transplantation
Authors: Agius Thomas , Songeon Julien , Lyon Arnaud , Longchamp Justine , Ruttimann Raphael , Allagnat Florent , Déglise Sébastien , Corpataux Jean-Marc , Golshayan Déla , Buhler Léo , Meier Raphael , Yeh Heidi , Markmann James F. , Uygun Korkut , Toso Christian , Klauser Antoine , Lazeyras Francois , Longchamp Alban
Published: October 2023

Background.

In rodents, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury and improves renal graft function after transplantation. Here, we hypothesized that the benefits of H2S are conserved in pigs, a more clinically relevant model.

Methods.

Adult porcine kidneys retrieved immediately or after 60 min of warm ischemia (WI) were exposed to 100 µM sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (1) during the hypothermic ex vivo perfusion only, (2) during WI only, and (3) during both WI and ex vivo perfusion. Kidney perfusion was evaluated with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. MRI spectroscopy was further employed to assess energy metabolites including ATP. Renal biopsies were collected at various time points for histopathological analysis.

Results.

Perfusion for 4 h pig kidneys with Belzer MPS UW + NaHS resulted in similar renal perfusion and ATP levels than perfusion with UW alone. Similarly, no difference was observed when NaHS was administered in the renal artery before ischemia. After autotransplantation, no improvement in histologic lesions or cortical/medullary kidney perfusion was observed upon H2S administration. In addition, AMP and ATP levels were identical in both groups.

Conclusions.

In conclusion, treatment of porcine kidney grafts using NaHS did not result in a significant reduction of ischemia-reperfusion injury or improvement of kidney metabolism. Future studies will need to define the benefits of H2S in human, possibly using other molecules as H2S donors.
The defined TLR3 agonist, Nexavant, exhibits anti-cancer efficacy and potentiates anti-PD-1 antibody therapy by enhancing immune cell infiltration
Authors: Lee Seung-Hwan , Choi Young-Ho , Kang Soon-Myung , Lee Min-Gyu , Debin Arnaud , Perouzel Eric , Hong Seung-Beom , Kim Dong-Ho
Published: October 2023

Nexavant has been reported as an alternative to the TLR3 agonist of Poly(I:C) and its derivatives. The physicochemical properties, signaling pathways, anti-cancer effects, and mechanisms of Nexavant were investigated. Nexavant’s distinct nature, compared to Poly(I:C), was evident through precise quantification, thermostability, and resistance to RNase A. Unlike Poly (I: C) which activates TLR3, RIG-I and MDA5, Nexavant stimulates the signaling through TLR3 and RIG-I but not MDA5. Intratumoral Nexavant treatment led to a unique immune response compared to Poly(I:C), immune cell infiltration, and suppression of tumor growth in various animal cancer models. Nexavant therapy outperformed anti-PD-1 antibody treatment in all tested models and showed a synergistic effect in combinational therapy, especially in well-defined cold tumor models. The effect was similar to Nivolumab in a humanized mouse model. Intranasal instillation of Nexavant recruited immune cells (NK, CD4+ T, CD8+ T) to the lungs, suppressing lung metastasis and improving animal survival. Our study highlighted Nexavant’s defined nature for clinical use, unique signaling pathways, and its potential as a standalone anti-cancer agent or in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody.

Simple Summary

Nexavant, a newly reported TLR3 agonist, has advantages over Poly(I:C) in quality control and pre-clinical efficacy. Here, we further investigated Nexavant’s physicochemical properties, downstream signaling pathways, anti-cancer efficacy, and mechanism of action. Nexavant was homogenous in solution, less sensitive to RNase A, and showed thermostability compared with Poly(I:C). Unlike Poly(I:C), the TLR3, RIGI, and MDA5 activator, Nexavant only activated TLR3 and RIG-I but not MDA5. Administration of Nexavant either by intratumoral or intranasal route suppressed tumor growth in various cancer models. Combination therapy with anti-PD-1 antibody exhibited synergistic tumor growth inhibition than the respective monotherapies. This study demonstrated that Nexavant could be more suitable for clinical use over Poly(I:C) and applied as an anti-cancer agent in the presence or absence of an anti-PD-1 antibody.
Coarctation duration and severity predict risk of hypertension precursors in a preclinical model and hypertensive status among patients
Authors: Ghorbannia Arash , Jurkiewicz Hilda , Nasif Lith , Ahmed Abdillahi , Co-Vu Jennifer , Maadooliat Mehdi , Woods Ronald K. , LaDisa John F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) often leads to hypertension (HTN) post-treatment. Evidence is lacking for the current >20 mmHg peak-to-peak blood pressure gradient (BPGpp) guideline, which can cause aortic thickening, stiffening and dysfunction. This study sought to find the BPGpp severity and duration that avoid persistent dysfunction in a preclinical model, and test if predictors translate to HTN status in CoA patients.

Methods

Rabbits (N=75; 5-12/group) were exposed to mild, intermediate or severe CoA (≤12, 13-19, ≥20 mmHg BPGpp) for ∼1, 3 or 22 weeks using dissolvable and permanent sutures with thickening, stiffening, contraction and endothelial function evaluated via multivariate regression. Relevance to CoA patients (N=239; age=0.01-46 years; median 3.7 months) was tested by retrospective review of predictors (pre-operative BPGpp, surgical age, etc.) vs follow-up HTN status.

Results

CoA duration and severity were predictive of aortic remodeling and active dysfunction in rabbits, and HTN in CoA patients. Interaction between patient age and BPGpp at surgery contributed significantly to HTN, similar to rabbits, suggesting preclinical findings translate to patients. Machine learning decision tree analysis uncovered that pre-operative BPGpp and surgical age predict risk of HTN along with residual post-operative BPGpp.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the current BPGpp threshold determined decades ago is likely too high to prevent adverse coarctation-induced aortic remodeling. The results and decision tree analysis provide a foundation for revising CoA treatment guidelines considering the interaction between CoA severity and duration to limit the risk of HTN.