bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing broadband blue luminescence efficiency and stability in Bi3+-doped Cs2ZnCl4 nanocrystals from STEs and advancing energy applications
Authors: Zhao Xing-Yao , Zhang Xiao-Song , Gong Xiao-Kai , Yuan Xiu-Rong , Chen Min-Xing , Huang Shu-Wei , Zhou Bao-zeng , Xu Jian-Ping , Li Lan
Published: November 2023

Lead-halide perovskites exhibit excellent photovoltaic properties.
Extraction of cellulose from restaurant food waste
Authors: Garnett Matthew T. , Senthil Kumar Harrish Kumar , Beckingham Bryan S. , Alexander Symone L. M.
Published: November 2023

Mixed food waste from a local restaurant undergoes an acid/base extraction process to recover cellulose comparable to commercial alternatives.
An aqueous polysulfide redox flow battery with a semi-fluorinated cation exchange membrane
Authors: Sreenath Sooraj , P. S. Nayanthara , Pawar Chetan M. , Ash Anish , Bhatt Bhavana , Verma Vivek , Nagarale Rajaram K.
Published: November 2023

An economically viable thermally annealed cation exchange membrane for polysulfide-based redox flow batteries.
Segmentation of nucleus based on dynamic convolution and deep features of stain distribution
Authors: Zhou Haoyang , Feng Bao , Chen Hongbo
Published: November 2023

Analysis of the pathology image is important to diagnose cancer of lung, breast and stomach. Segmenting the nucleus is a key step for quantitative analysis, and has significance to the pathology researches and computer aided diagnosis systems. The inconsistency of colour, fuzzy boundary of nucleus and overlapping of cells are the universally acknowledged challenges. To solve these problems, the difference between the inside and outside of nucleus is enhanced by obtaining the distribution of the haematoxylin based on Lambert–Beer's law and the optical characteristics of stains. An inferior encoder, which is supervised by the inferior decoder, is proposed to extract the deep features of the distribution of stains. And these features are fed into the primary encoder to improve the accuracy of segmentation. To relieve the problem that some nuclei are segmented as background because the deep feature is inapparent, dynamic convolution is introduced into the encoders. The experiments show that the proposed model can segment the nucleus in the pathological images more precisely than the compared models. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and panoptic quality (PQ) are 0.810 and 0.512, respectively.
Nonlinearity, time delay, and Grand Maxima in supercritical Babcock-Leighton dynamos
Authors: Thibeault Christian , Miara Loïc , Charbonneau Paul
Published: November 2023

The physical origin of centennial and millennial-scale variations in solar activity remains ill-understood. Although stochastic fluctuations of the solar dynamo are unavoidable in view of the turbulent nature of the solar convection zone, the quasiperiodic long timescale modulations revealed by the cosmogenic radioisotope records are suggestive of a deterministic process. In this paper, we investigate the nonlinear behavior of two solar cycle models based on the Babcock-Leighton mechanism, with particular emphasis on deterministic amplitude modulation patterns materializing in the moderately to strongly supercritical dynamo regimes. Although formulated quite differently, both models show common long timescale modulation patterns arising from the interaction between the time-delay dynamics inherent to these flux transport dynamos, with the threshold non-linearity characterizing the Babcock-Leighton mechanism of poloidal field regeneration. In particular, we demonstrate the existence of multiple co-existing dynamo branches in the supercritical regime, each retaining a finite-sized basin of attraction over a substantial range in dynamo number. The transition from one branch to another is shown to be possible via the introduction of low-amplitude stochastic noise with short coherence time. On this basis, we propose a novel physical scenario potentially accounting for the occurrence of both Grand Minima and Maxima of solar activity.
Bulldog Scalp Syndrome
Authors: Mir Mohd Altaf , Jain Jaya , Kumar Prince , Maurya Rajesh , Rana Manjit Kaur , Goswami Aakansha Giri
Published: November 2023

Bulldog scalp syndrome or cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare cutaneous disorder with an incidence of just 0.026 to 1 per 100,000 population and cosmetic problems should not be ignored as they can affect the quality of life of patients in social and psychological aspects. In CVG the scalp thickens to form folds resembling sulci and gyri just as the skin fold of bulldog. It is a clinical diagnosis with various etiologies. It is classified as primary essential or nonessential and secondary CVG. It can manifest with symptoms ranging from mild to severe intensity. Cosmetic problems are the major concern that can affect patients' social and psychological health. If the folds are heavy, they can cause mass symptoms. Thus, surgery remains the definitive treatment option for improving the cosmetic appearance. Both our cases have different etiologies, however, were managed surgically with removal of skin folds (gyrae) and scoring of aponeuroses of the scalp followed by stretching of the scalp and closure to improve appearance. The surgical team as well as patients were satisfied with the appearance of the scalp after healing. CVG though a rare disease with various etiologies is a benign condition with good prognosis with no reports of malignant transformation so far.
Current Evidence and Future Directions of Omega-3 Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Dwiputra Bambang , Santoso Anwar , Purwowiyoto Budhi Setianto , Radi Basuni , Pandhita Bashar Adi Wahyu , Fatrin Serlie , Ambari Ade Meidian
Published: November 2023

Omega-3 supplementation has a controversial role in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Despite large clinical trials published over the years, the evidence of omega-3 in preventing cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease, is still inconclusive. However, recent clinical trials using higher dose of omega-3 or highly purified esters of omega-3 shows promising result, with reduction in cardiovascular death and incidence of cardiovascular disease. This review aims to summarize the possible mechanism of omega-3 in preventing cardiovascular disease and future directions of research regarding the benefit of omega-3 in cardiovascular disease.
Aikido Tourism Development in Tanabe, Wakayama, Japan
Authors: Ito Eiji
Published: November 2023

This case study illustrates the successful promotion and development of budo (martial arts) tourism by the Japan Sports Agency. It focuses primarily on aikido tourism and provides insights into strategies and initiatives that can be implemented to leverage the region’s unique cultural and sport-related heritage for tourism purposes. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of authenticity in sport tourism experiences, emphasising Tanabe’s role as the birthplace of aikido’s founder and the involvement of the sensei (instructor), and its possession of a rich historical background and competent guides/translators. These aspects ensure authentic and meaningful encounters with tourists. Additionally, this case study emphasises the significance of industry-government-academia collaboration in enhancing sustainable tourism development. Collaboration between the Japan Sports Agency, local tourism agencies, aikido practitioners, and the community demonstrates the value of leveraging resources and expertise to create meaningful tourism experiences.

Information

© The Author 2023
Transcriptome-based network analysis of cell cycle-related genes in response to blue and red light in maize
Authors: Liu Tiedong , Zhang Xiwen , Liu Shengqun
Published: November 2023

In maize, blue and red light are key environmental factors regulating cell-cycle progression. We used transcriptomics to investigate and compare differential gene expression under the four light conditions: red light, blue light, red converted to blue and blue converted to red. A total of 23 differentially expressed genes were identified. The gene–gene interaction analysis indicated a significant interaction between four unidentified genes, 100191551, pco143873, 100284747 and pco060490, and cell-cycle-related genes. Using multiple sequence alignment analysis and protein structure comparisons, we show here that these four unidentified genes were characterized as ALP1-like, ALP1, cyclin P1-1 and AEBP2, respectively. By constructing a protein–protein interaction network, we inferred that 100191551 and pco143873 are potentially regulated to avoid DNA damage by abiotic stress response factors in the cell cycle. The gene 100284747 regulates the cell cycle in response to phosphate starvation signalling. The gene pco060490 potentially negatively regulates the cell cycle through the mediation of Histone H3 and CYCD6 in response to red light. In conclusion, the cell-cycle-related genes are sensitive to blue and red light, and four novel functional genes may be involved in the cell cycle.
Effect of adjuvant chemotherapy after pancreatectomy in patients with node-negative pancreatic cancer: target trial emulation
Authors: Kirkegård Jakob , Ladekarl Morten , Johannsen Ida Ravnsbæk , Mortensen Frank
Published: November 2023

Background

The effect of adjuvant therapy in node-negative pancreatic cancer is uncertain. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival after surgery for pancreatic cancer in patients with node-negative (pN0) and node-positive (pN+) disease using target trial emulation.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study emulating a hypothetical RCT by the clone–censor–weight approach using population-based Danish healthcare registries. The study included Danish patients undergoing curative-intent surgery for pancreatic cancer during 2008–2021, who were discharged alive no more than 4 weeks after surgery. At the time of discharge after surgery, the data for each patient were duplicated; one copy was assigned to the adjuvant chemotherapy strategy and the other to the no adjuvant chemotherapy strategy of the hypothetical trial. Copies were censored when the assigned treatment was no longer compatible with the observed treatment. To account for informative censoring, uncensored patients were weighted according to measured confounders. The primary outcomes were absolute difference in 2-year survival and median overall survival, comparing adjuvant with no adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Some 424 patients with pN0 and 953 with pN+ disease were included. Of these, 62.0 and 74.6% respectively initiated adjuvant chemotherapy within the 8-week grace period. Among patients with pN0 tumours, the difference in 2-year survival between those with and without adjuvant therapy was −2.2 (95% c.i. −11.8 to 7.4)%. In those with pN+ disease, the difference in 2-year survival was 9.9 (1.6 to 18.1)%. Median overall survival was 24.9 (i.q.r. 12.8–49.4) and 15.0 (8.0–34.0) months for patients having adjuvant and no adjuvant therapy respectively.

Conclusion

In a target trial emulation using observational data, adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve survival after surgery for node-negative pancreatic cancer.
Changes in Bacteroides and the microbiota in patients with obstructed colorectal cancer: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cao Yinghao , Shang Fumei , Jin Min , Deng Shenghe , Gu Junnan , Mao Fuwei , Qin Le , Wang Ju , Xue Yifan , Jiang Zhenxing , Cheng Denglong , Liu Li , Nie Xiu , Liu Tao , Liu Hongli , Cai Kailin
Published: November 2023

Background

The relationship between intestinal obstruction due to colorectal cancer (CRC) and the gut microbiota remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between alterations in gut microbiota and CRC in the presence of intestinal obstruction.

Methods

Patients with CRC with or without obstruction were recruited and compared using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Total DNA from tumours and adjacent normal tissues of 84 patients and 36 frozen tumour tissues was extracted and amplified. 16S RNA sequencing was used to uncover differences in microbiota composition between the two groups.

Results

A total of 313 patients with CRC were recruited. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients in the obstruction group had shorter overall survival time and disease-free survival (DFS) time than those in the non-obstruction group. Microbial richness and diversity in tumour tissues of patients with obstruction were significantly higher than those of patients with no obstruction. The alpha diversity indices and beta diversity exhibited were different between the two groups (P < 0.05). At the phylum and genus levels, Bacteroidetes were significantly enriched in the tumour tissues of patients with obstruction. Alpha diversity in tumour tissues was closely related to specific microbiota. These findings were replicated in the 16S rRNA analyses from frozen samples. There were more Bacteroidetes in CRC patients with obstruction.

Conclusions

Patients with obstructed CRC have worse prognosis and have differences in their microbiota. Higher levels of Bacteroides were observed in patients with obstructed CRC.
Tumour, narrow pelvis and surgery specific factors for total mesorectal excision quality and morbidity following rectal cancer resection
Authors: Tschann Peter , Brock Thomas , Weigl Markus P , Clemens Patrick , Brunner Walter , Attenberger Christian , Königsrainer Ingmar , Emmanuel Klaus , Konschake Marko , Jäger Tarkan
Published: November 2023

Background

Pelvic anatomy is critical in challenging rectal resections. This study investigated how pelvic anatomy relates to total mesorectal excision (TME) quality, anastomotic leakage rate, and long-term oncological outcomes.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective rectal cancer resection from 2008 to 2017 in an Austrian institution were retrospectively reviewed regardless of the surgical approach. CT scans were analysed for pelvic measurements and volumes. The primary outcomes of interest were the correlation between pelvic dimensions and the TME quality and anastomotic leakage. Subanalysis was done by surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, transanal TME). Secondary outcomes were overall and disease-free survivals.

Results

Among 154 eligible patients, 112 were included. The angle between pubic symphysis and promontory significantly correlated with worse TME grades (TME grade 1: mean(s.d.) 102.7(5.7)°; TME grade 2: 92.0(4.4)°; TME grade 3: 91.4(3.6)°; P < 0.001). A significantly lower distance between tumour and circumferential resection margin (CRM) was observed in grade 3 resections, whereas no difference appeared in grade 1 and grade 2 resection (TME grade 1: mean(s.d.) 11.92(9.4) mm; TME grade 2: 10.8(8.1) mm; TME grade 3: 3.1(4.1) mm; P = 0.003). The anastomotic leakage rate was significantly higher in case of a lower CRM (patients with anastomotic leakage: mean(s.d.) 6.8(5.8) mm versus others: 12.6(9.8) mm, P = 0.027), but not associated with pelvimetry measurements. The transanal TME (TaTME) subgroup displayed a wider angle between the pubic symphysis and promontory, younger age and improved TME quality compared to others (respectively, mean TME grades in TaTME versus open versus laparoscopic: 1.0 ± 0.0, 1.5 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.5, P = 0.013). Finally, oncological survival was not impacted by pelvic measurements or worse TME quality.

Conclusion

The angle between the pubic symphysis and promontory and the distance between tumour and CRM were associated with worse TME grades. The anastomotic leakage was associated with a lower CRM but not with pelvimetric measures.
Wound healing, scarring and management
Authors: Sangha Mahaveer S , Deroide Florence , Meys Rhonda
Published: November 2023

Understanding wound healing is imperative for the dermatological physician to optimize surgical outcomes. Poor healing may result in negative functional, cosmetic and psychological sequelae. This review briefly outlines the physiology of wound healing, with a view to improving the management of wounds and scars, and minimizing the long-term scarring complications.
Histological Image-based Ensemble Model to Identify Myenteric Plexitis and Predict Endoscopic Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease: A Multicentre, Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Yuexin , He Qi , Yao Danhua , Huang Yuhua , Xia Wenwen , Chen Weilin , Cui Zhe , Li Yousheng
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Myenteric plexitis is correlated with postoperative recurrence of Crohn’s disease when relying on traditional statistical methods. However, comprehensive assessment of myenteric plexus remains challenging. This study aimed to develop and validate a deep learning system to predict postoperative recurrence through automatic screening and identification of features of the muscular layer and myenteric plexus.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 205 patients who underwent bowel resection surgery from two hospitals. Patients were divided into a training cohort [n = 108], an internal validation cohort [n = 47], and an external validation cohort [n = 50]. A total of 190 960 patches from 278 whole-slide images of surgical specimens were analysed using the ResNet50 encoder, and 6144 features were extracted after transfer learning. We used five robust algorithms to construct classification models. The performances of the models were evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] in three cohorts.

Results

The stacking model achieved satisfactory accuracy in predicting postoperative recurrence of CD in the training cohort (AUC: 0.980; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.960–0.999), internal validation cohort [AUC: 0.908; 95% CI 0.823–0.992], and external validation cohort [AUC: 0.868; 95% CI 0.761–0.975]. The accuracy for identifying the severity of myenteric plexitis was 0.833, 0.745, and 0.694 in the training, internal validation and external validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

Our work initially established an interpretable stacking model based on features of the muscular layer and myenteric plexus extracted from histological images to identify the severity of myenteric plexitis and predict postoperative recurrence of CD.
A new test for unit roots with a partial quadratic trend
Authors: Li Yanglin , Wang Shaoping , Jin Sainan , Xiao Zhijie
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a new test for unit root processes with a partial quadratic trend on an unknown break date, denoted as the URQ process herein. Such a process is extremely similar to the explosive bubble process, and both can capture the sharp rise in prices. We develop the asymptotic distributions under the local-to-unity hypothesis, which covers the URQ null and explosive root alternatives. Simulations show that the test has good finite sample performances and can differentiate explosive bubble processes from URQ processes. An application to the Kweichow Moutai and Apple stocks, which exhibit striking price rises during their respective sample periods, shows that both prices follow URQ processes. We further provide a fundamental analysis. The significant increases in earnings, returns, dividends, and fundamental score after the partial quadratic trend occurs provide evidence that a fundamental improvement rather than a bubble mainly drives such drastic price rises.
Spatial patterns of hyperparasitism along a latitudinal gradient of forest genus diversity: insights from the spruce budworm-parasitoids community
Authors: Legault Simon , James Patrick M A
Published: November 2023

High-order mobile predators are generally thought to increase ecosystem stability and resilience to natural perturbations. In many insect food-webs, higher trophic positions are occupied by parasitoids, which are themselves hosts for hyperparasitoids that can reduce primary parasitoids’ efficiency in controlling insect pests. Hyperparasitoids can thus provide ecosystem disservices by facilitating pest outbreaks, or ecosystem services by stabilizing food web fluctuations over longer time periods. To better understand how hyperparasitism affects multitrophic forest systems, we examined for the first time spatial variations in hyperparasitism associated with the spruce budworm. We examined 2 common primary parasitoids of the spruce budworm during outbreaks (Apanteles fumiferanae and Glypta fumiferanae), and estimated their true and pseudohyperparasitism rates in 2014–2015 from 28 locations across a latitudinal gradient (over 450 km) of forest genus diversity. Hyperparasitoid cryptic diversity was also quantified using DNA-barcoding. We found that A. fumiferanae and G. fumiferanae share at least 2 of 5 common hyperparasitoid species, confirming the connected nature of the spruce budworm-parasitoid food web. Moreover, hyperparasitism is modulated by spatial context as we observed a positive correlation between forest genus diversity and hyperparasitism for A. fumiferanae, but not for G. fumiferanae. Further monitoring hyperparasitism holds significant potential to provide new insights into how forest composition affects multitrophic interactions and spatio-temporal outbreak dynamics.
Short-term spatial dispersion patterns between the larger grain borer and the maize weevil in grain columns
Authors: Quellhorst Hannah E , Kim Tania N , Zhu Kun Yan , Morrison William R
Published: November 2023

The invasive larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus) and the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) co-occur in many regions of the world. While competition between these 2 species has been studied extensively, there is little information on spatial dispersion patterns in bulk storage of grain. To evaluate potential overlap in realized niche, we evaluated the short-term spatial dispersion behavior of P. truncatus and S. zeamais in monolayers of maize alone or together for 1 day compared to 7 days. We evaluated competition under three different densities, namely 10–20, 75–150, and 150–300 insects/kg for P. truncatus and S. zeamais. The monolayers were equally divided into 24 zones to track location the abundance of insects and damage to maize. We found that both species generally aggregated together and were correlated to the same location as heterospecifics. After 1 day, most of the insects for both species were near the top of the monolayer, but by 7 days, most individuals were at the bottom of the monolayers. In monolayers, when alone, P. truncatus created a clear path of destruction to the bottom of the monolayer, but when S. zeamais was present, damage was lessened and shifted upwards in the grain column. In an olfactometer assay, P. truncatus preferred maize odors, while S. zeamais exhibited no preference among maize, conspecifics, and heterospecifics. In evaluating relative emissions, each of these treatments emitted unique odors but with significant overlap. These data may improve targeting of chemical control tactics by identifying the position of these insects in the grain mass.
Association between tomato consumption and blood pressure in an older population at high cardiovascular risk: observational analysis of PREDIMED trial
Authors: Murcia-Lesmes David , Domínguez-López Inés , Laveriano-Santos Emily P , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , Castro-Barquero Sara , Estruch Ramón , Vazquez-Ruiz Zenaida , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Razquin Cristina , Corella Dolores , Sorli Jose V , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Pérez-Vega Karla-Alejandra , Gómez-Gracia Enrique , Lapetra José , Arós Fernando , Fiol Miquel , Serra-Majem Luis , Pinto Xavier , Ros Emilio , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M
Published: November 2023

Aims

Clinical studies have produced conflicting evidence on the effects of the consumption of tomatoes on blood pressure, and there are limited data from epidemiologic studies. This study assesses whether tomato consumption (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the risk of hypertension in a prospective 3-year longitudinal study in older adults at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods and results

The present study was carried out within the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial involving 7056 (82.5% hypertensive) participants. The consumption of tomato (g/day) was measured using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire and categorized into four groups: lowest (<44 g), intermediate (44–82 g), upper-intermediate (82–110 g), and highest (>110 g). Multilevel linear mixed models examined blood pressure and tomato consumption association. Cox proportional-hazards models analysed hypertension risk in 1097 non-hypertensive participants, studying risk reductions vs. the lowest tomato consumers. An inverse association between tomato consumption and diastolic blood pressure was observed between the intermediate group β = −0.65 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): −1.20, −0.10] and the lowest consumption group. A significant inverse association was observed for blood pressure in grade 1 hypertension participants in the intermediate tomato consumption group. The risk of hypertension decreased with consumption of >110 g/day tomato (highest vs. lowest consumption; hazard ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.51–0.89]).

Conclusion

Tomato consumption, including tomato-based products, is beneficial in preventing and managing hypertension. Higher tomato intake reduces hypertension risk by 36%, and moderate consumption lowers blood pressure, especially in grade 1 hypertension.
The role of social support as a moderator between resilience and levels of burden of multimorbidity management among general practitioners: a cross-sectional study in Portugal
Authors: Prazeres Filipe , Castro Luísa , Teixeira Andreia
Published: November 2023

Background

Multimorbidity management poses significant challenges for general practitioners (GPs). The aim of this study is to analyse the role of resilience and social support on the burden experienced by GPs in managing patients with multiple health conditions in Portugal.

Methods

Cross-sectional quantitative study conducted among GPs in Portugal using an online questionnaire that included validated measurement tools: Questionnaire of Evaluation of Burden of Management of Multimorbidity in General and Family Medicine (SoGeMM-MGF), European Portuguese Version of the Resilience Scale (ER14), and the Oslo Social Support Scale-3 (OSSS-3) in Portuguese. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors influencing the burden of managing multimorbidity.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-nine GPs were included, with 76.6% being female and a median age of 35 years. Most participants were specialists (66.9%) and had less than a decade of experience managing multimorbidity. Over 70% had not received specific training in multimorbidity. Female GPs and those with a higher proportion of multimorbid patients in the registries experienced higher burden levels. A multivariate regression model with moderation revealed that the effect of resilience on burden varied depending on the level of social support. Higher resilience was associated with higher burden in the “Poor Social Support” category, while it was associated with lower burden in the “Moderate Social Support” and “Strong Social Support” categories, although not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The study highlights the importance of GPs’ social support and resilience in managing the burden of multimorbidity, with poor social support potentially worsening the effects of high resilience.
Integrating Lidar Canopy Height Models with Satellite-Assisted Inventory Methods: A Comparison of Inventory Estimates
Authors: Hemingway Halli , Opalach Daniel
Published: November 2023

Forest management inventories are essential tools for planning, sustainability assessment, and carbon accounting. The operational difficulties and cost to obtain field measurements for large landscapes is often prohibitive. Remote sensing offers an alternative to field-based sampling but has often been used in an area-based approach. The most recent remote sensing techniques can produce a census-level tree list, but these data are monetarily and computationally expensive. This research examines two remote sensing approaches compared with field-based methods to build forest management inventories for the same forest land base in north central Idaho, USA. Estimates of volume, density, and height were compared by stand and at the total ownership level. Incorporating lidar data reduced overall error and bias when compared with using satellite data alone. The low-pulse density of the lidar data used in this analysis resulted in underprediction of density for high-density stands. Species predictions proved challenging, with accuracies of 66% at the stand level and 54% at the individual tree level. Further research to refine species predictions in complex environments is encouraged.

Study Implications: Forest management inventory estimates derived from satellite and lidar data are compared with estimates derived from field-based sampling. When satellite and lidar data are combined, the error is reduced and total forest volume estimates are comparable with those obtained from a field-based sample. Further research on improving species predictions for areas with multiple tree species and complex topography is needed. These methods are best suited for forest managers who desire to continue using their existing inventory software, need a complete inventory in 1–2 years, and want to avoid the large cost for a more intensive, census-level lidar inventory.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of navel orange cv. Gannanzao (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Gannanzao)
Authors: Xiong Zhiwei , Yin Hui , Wang Nian , Han Guanzhu , Gao Yuxia
Published: November 2023

Navel orange cv. Gannanzao is a variant of the navel orange cv. Newhall (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) that exhibits an earlier maturation, making it commercially valuable. However, the mechanisms underlying its early maturation remain obscure. To address this question, we conducted genome sequencing and de novo assembly of navel orange cv. Gannanzao. The assembled genome sequence is 334.57 Mb in length with a GC content of 31.48%. It comprises 318 contigs (N50 = 3.23 Mb) and 187 scaffolds (N50 = 31.86 Mb). The Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs test demonstrates 94.6% completeness. The annotation revealed 23,037 gene models, 164.95 Mb of repetitive sequences, and 2,554 noncoding RNAs. A comparative analysis identified 323 fruit ripening–related genes in navel orange cv. Gannanzao genome, while navel orange cv. Newhall genome contained 345 such genes. These genes were organized into 320 orthologous gene families, with 30.3% of them exhibiting differences in gene copy numbers between the 2 genomes. Additionally, we identified 15 fruit ripening–related genes that have undergone adaptive evolution, suggesting their potential role in advancing fruit maturation in navel orange cv. Gannanzao. Whole-genome sequencing and annotation of navel orange cv. Gannanzao provides a valuable resource to unravel the early maturation mechanism of citrus and enriches the genomic resources for citrus research.
Finishing the egg
Authors: Berg Celeste , Sieber Matthew , Sun Jianjun
Published: November 2023

Gamete development is a fundamental process that is highly conserved from early eukaryotes to mammals. As germ cells develop, they must coordinate a dynamic series of cellular processes that support growth, cell specification, patterning, the loading of maternal factors (RNAs, proteins, and nutrients), differentiation of structures to enable fertilization and ensure embryonic survival, and other processes that make a functional oocyte. To achieve these goals, germ cells integrate a complex milieu of environmental and developmental signals to produce fertilizable eggs. Over the past 50 years, Drosophila oogenesis has risen to the forefront as a system to interrogate the sophisticated mechanisms that drive oocyte development. Studies in Drosophila have defined mechanisms in germ cells that control meiosis, protect genome integrity, facilitate mRNA trafficking, and support the maternal loading of nutrients. Work in this system has provided key insights into the mechanisms that establish egg chamber polarity and patterning as well as the mechanisms that drive ovulation and egg activation. Using the power of Drosophila genetics, the field has begun to define the molecular mechanisms that coordinate environmental stresses and nutrient availability with oocyte development. Importantly, the majority of these reproductive mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, and many play critical roles in the development of somatic tissues as well. In this chapter, we summarize the recent progress in several key areas that impact egg chamber development and ovulation. First, we discuss the mechanisms that drive nutrient storage and trafficking during oocyte maturation and vitellogenesis. Second, we examine the processes that regulate follicle cell patterning and how that patterning impacts the construction of the egg shell and the establishment of embryonic polarity. Finally, we examine regulatory factors that control ovulation, egg activation, and successful fertilization.
rvTWAS: identifying gene–trait association using sequences by utilizing transcriptome-directed feature selection
Authors: He Jingni , Li Qing , Zhang Qingrun
Published: November 2023

Toward the identification of genetic basis of complex traits, transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) is successful in integrating transcriptome data. However, TWAS is only applicable for common variants, excluding rare variants in exome or whole-genome sequences. This is partly because of the inherent limitation of TWAS protocols that rely on predicting gene expressions. Our previous research has revealed the insight into TWAS: the 2 steps in TWAS, building and applying the expression prediction models, are essentially genetic feature selection and aggregations that do not have to involve predictions. Based on this insight disentangling TWAS, rare variants’ inability of predicting expression traits is no longer an obstacle. Herein, we developed “rare variant TWAS,” or rvTWAS, that first uses a Bayesian model to conduct expression-directed feature selection and then uses a kernel machine to carry out feature aggregation, forming a model leveraging expressions for association mapping including rare variants. We demonstrated the performance of rvTWAS by thorough simulations and real data analysis in 3 psychiatric disorders, namely schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. We confirmed that rvTWAS outperforms existing TWAS protocols and revealed additional genes underlying psychiatric disorders. Particularly, we formed a hypothetical mechanism in which zinc finger genes impact all 3 disorders through transcriptional regulations. rvTWAS will open a door for sequence-based association mappings integrating gene expressions.
M1 and M2 Macrophages Differentially Regulate Colonic Crypt Renewal
Authors: Raveenthiraraj Sathuwarman , Awanis Griselda , Chieppa Marcello , O’Connell Amy E , Sobolewski Anastasia
Published: November 2023

Background

The colonic epithelium is the most rapidly renewing tissue in the body and is organized into a single cell layer of invaginations called crypts. Crypt renewal occurs through Lgr5 + gut stem cells situated at the crypt base, which divide, produce daughter cells that proliferate, migrate, differentiate into all the cells required for normal gut function, and are finally shed into the crypt lumen. In health, this rapid renewal helps maintain barrier function next to the hostile gut microbial luminal environment. Inflammation results in an influx of immune cells including inflammatory M1 macrophages into the gut mucosa next to the crypt epithelium, but the direct effect of macrophages on crypt regeneration and renewal are poorly understood.

Methods

Using an in vitro macrophage-crypt coculture model, we show that homeostatic M2 macrophages and inflammatory M1 macrophages confer different effects on the crypt epithelium.

Results

Both M1 and M2 increase crypt cell proliferation, with M2 macrophages requiring physical contact with the crypt epithelium, whereas M1 macrophages exert their effect through a secreted factor. Only M1 macrophages reduce goblet and Tuft cell numbers and increase Lgr5 + crypt stem cell numbers, all dependent on physical contact with the crypt epithelium. Further studies showed that M1 macrophages increase the Wnt signaling pathways cyclin D1 and LEF1 through physical contact rather than a secreted factor.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of understanding distinct cellular interactions and direct dialogue between cells and increase our understanding of the contribution of different immune cell subtypes on crypt cell biology during inflammation.
Fuentes normativas y desarrollo jurisprudencial del derecho humano al agua en América LatinaNormative sources and jurisprudential development of the human right to water in Latin America
Authors: Castillo Jofré Rodrigo , Álvez-Marín Amaya , Lima Moraes Gabriela G B
Published: November 2023

This paper reviews international and domestic normative and jurisprudential sources of the last twenty years on the Human Right to Water (HRW), focusing the study on Latin American countries that do not have this right expressly enshrined in their constitutional texts, especially Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. It analyzes the arguments used in its recognition, the elements of its structure, and the ways of addressing the problem of entitlement and enforceable duties. The conclusion shows a stage of jurisprudential progress in the first two countries (Colombia and Argentina), with a recognition of various contents of the DHA in accordance with international standards, while in the case of Brazil and Chile there is evidence, with nuances, of a limited recognition. In this regard, the internal normative structures differ in terms of the role of the State and individuals in water management, and the judicial tools for the protection of fundamental rights as a way of processing conflicts over access to water.
Practice pharmacists and their influence on prescribing in UK general practice: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Carter Mary , Chapman Sarah , Rogers Philip , Watson Margaret
Published: November 2023

Objectives

At the time of the survey, just over 2000 pharmacists were employed in UK general practice. Little is known about their influence on prescribing, and more specifically, the extent of their use of Audit and Feedback (A&F), an evidence-based method for behaviour change. This study aimed to explore pharmacists’ current influence on prescribing in UK general practice.

Methods

A cross-sectional, online survey was open to general practice pharmacists in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales between 9 September 2021 and 31 October 2021. The survey comprised 36 items, informed by the literature, including multiple choice and free-text questions about pharmacist responsibilities, involvement in prescribing audits (including use of A&F), use of prescribing guidelines, beliefs about influence on prescribing, and access to training and support. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were generated, and parametric analyses were conducted.

Key findings

In total, 155 responses were received from pharmacists in diverse practice locations, with a wide range of practice pharmacist experience. The majority (80%, n = 121) conducted prescribing audits, but only 21% (n = 32) reported undertaking A&F. Most respondents (90%, n = 140) used guidelines to inform their work, and 75% (n = 116) would welcome training on influencing prescribing. Pharmacists using A&F were more likely to believe in their ability to influence prescribing and to acknowledge this activity as part of their role.

Conclusion

Despite substantial evidence of its effectiveness, A&F is under-used by practice pharmacists. An increased awareness and enablement of practice pharmacists in effective techniques might promote greater evidence-based prescribing in general practice.
Alcaligenes lipid A functions as a superior mucosal adjuvant to monophosphoryl lipid A via the recruitment and activation of CD11b+ dendritic cells in nasal tissue
Authors: Sun Xiao , Hosomi Koji , Shimoyama Atsushi , Yoshii Ken , Saika Azusa , Yamaura Haruki , Nagatake Takahiro , Kiyono Hiroshi , Fukase Koichi , Kunisawa Jun
Published: November 2023

We previously demonstrated that Alcaligenes-derived lipid A (ALA), which is produced from an intestinal lymphoid tissue-resident commensal bacterium, is an effective adjuvant for inducing antigen-specific immune responses. To understand the immunologic characteristics of ALA as a vaccine adjuvant, we here compared the adjuvant activity of ALA with that of a licensed adjuvant (monophosphoryl lipid A, MPLA) in mice. Although the adjuvant activity of ALA was only slightly greater than that of MPLA for subcutaneous immunization, ALA induced significantly greater IgA antibody production than did MPLA during nasal immunization. Regarding the underlying mechanism, ALA increased and activated CD11b+ CD103− CD11c+ dendritic cells in the nasal tissue by stimulating chemokine responses. These findings revealed the superiority of ALA as a mucosal adjuvant due to the unique immunologic functions of ALA in nasal tissue.
Addressing antimicrobial resistance through community engagement: a framework for developing contextually relevant and impactful behaviour change interventions
Authors: Mitchell Jessica , Hawkings Helen , Latham Sophia , Fieroze Fariza , Arjyal Abriti , Barrington Dani Jennifer , Baral Sushil , Saify Md Badruddin , Cooke Paul , Hamade Prudence , Huque Rumana , Parajuli Ayuska , Siddiki Amam Zonaed , King Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Background

Community engagement (CE) interventions often explore and promote behaviour change around a specific challenge. Suggestions for behaviour change should be co-produced in partnership with the community. To facilitate this, it is essential that the intervention includes key content that unpacks the challenge of interest via multiple sources of knowledge. However, where community lived experience and academic evidence appear misaligned, tensions can appear within the co-production dynamic of CE. This is specifically so within the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) where ideal behaviours are often superseded by what is practical or possible in a particular community context.

Methods

Here we describe a framework for the equitable development of contextually appropriate, clearly evidenced behavioural objectives for CE interventions. This framework explores different sources of knowledge on AMR, including the potentially competing views of different stakeholders.

Findings

The framework allows key content on AMR to be selected based upon academic evidence, contextual appropriateness and fit to the chosen CE approach. A case study of the framework in action exemplifies how the framework is applicable to a range of contexts, CE approaches and One Health topics beyond just AMR.

Conclusions

Within CE interventions, academic evidence is crucial to develop well-informed key content. However, this formative work should also involve community members, ensuring that their contextual knowledge is valued. The type of CE approach also needs careful consideration because methodological constraints may limit the breadth and depth of information that can be delivered within an intervention, and thus the scope of key content.
Seminal plasma metabolomics analysis of differences in liquid preservation ability of boar sperm
Authors: Song Chenglei , Chang Lebin , Wang Bingjie , Zhang Zhe , Wei Yilin , Dou Yaqing , Qi Kunlong , Yang Feng , Li Xiuling , Li Xinjian , Wang Kejun , Qiao Ruimin , Han Xuelei
Published: November 2023

The preservation of semen is pivotal in animal reproduction to ensure successful fertilization and genetic improvement of livestock and poultry. However, investigating the underlying causes of differences in sperm liquid preservation ability and identifying relevant biomarkers remains a challenge. This study utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze the metabolite composition of seminal plasma (SP) from two groups with extreme differences in sperm liquid preservation ability. The two groups namely the good liquid preservation ability (GPA) and the poor preservation ability (PPA). The aim was to explore the relationship between metabolite composition in SP and sperm liquid preservation ability, and to identify candidate biomarkers associated with this ability of sperm. The results revealed the identification of 756 metabolites and 70 differentially expressed metabolites (DEM) in the SP from two groups of boar semen with differing liquid preservation abilities at 17 °C. The majority of identified metabolites in the SP belonged to organic acids and derivatives as well as lipids and lipid-like molecules. The DEM in the SP primarily consisted of amino acids, peptides, and analogs. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis also demonstrated that the DEM are mainly concentrated in amino acid synthesis and metabolism-related pathways (P < 0.05). Furthermore, eleven key metabolites were identified and six target amino acids were verified, and the results were consistent with the non-targeted metabolic analysis. These findings indicated that amino acids and their associated pathways play a potential role in determining boar sperm quality and liquid preservation ability. D-proline, arginine, L-citrulline, phenylalanine, leucine, DL-proline, DL-serine, and indole may serve as potential biomarkers for early assessment of boar sperm liquid preservation ability. The findings of this study are helpful in understanding the causes and mechanisms of differences in the liquid preservation ability of boar sperm, and provide valuable insights for improving semen quality assessment methods and developing novel extenders or protocols.
Growth performance, bile acid profile, fecal microbiome and serum metabolomics of growing-finishing pigs fed diets with bile acids supplementation
Authors: Zhou Pan , Yan Honglin , Zhang Yong , Qi Renli , Zhang Hongfu , Liu Jingbo
Published: November 2023

The present experiment was conducted to determine the effect of bile acids (BAs) supplementation on growth performance, BAs profile, fecal microbiome, and serum metabolomics in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 60 pigs [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] with an average body weight of 27.0 ± 1.5 kg were selected and allotted into one of 2 groups (castrated male to female ratio = 1:1), with 10 replicates per treatment and 3 pigs per replicate. The 2 treatments were the control group (control) and a porcine bile extract-supplemented group dosed at 0.5 g/kg feed (BA). After a 16-wk treatment, growth performance, BAs profiles in serum and feces, and fecal microbial composition were determined. An untargeted metabolomics approach using gas chromatography with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer was conducted to identify the metabolic pathways and associated metabolites in the serum of pigs. We found that BAs supplementation had no effect on the growth performance of the growing-finishing pig. However, it tended to increase the gain-to-feed ratio for the whole period (P = 0.07). BAs supplementation resulted in elevated serum concentrations of secondary bile acids, including hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), glycoursodeoxycholic acid, and tauro-hyodeoxycholic acid, as well as fecal concentration of HDCA (P < 0.05). Fecal microbiota analysis revealed no differences in alpha and beta diversity indices or the relative abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at both phylum and genus levels between groups. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the differential metabolites between control and BA groups are mainly involved in purine metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, as well as primary bile acid biosynthesis. Our findings indicate that BAs supplementation tended to improve the feed efficiency, and significantly altered the BA profile in the serum and feces of growing-finished pigs, regardless of any changes in the gut microbial composition. The altered metabolic pathways could potentially play a vital role in improving the feed efficiency of growing-finished pigs with BAs supplementation.