bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the ecological impacts of alien aquatic macrophytes: A global meta‐analysis of effects on fish, macroinvertebrate and macrophyte assemblages
Authors: Tasker Samuel J. L. , Foggo Andrew , Bilton David T.
Published: August 2022

Biological invasions constitute a pervasive and growing threat to the biodiversity and functioning of freshwater ecosystems. Macrophytes are key primary producers and ecosystem engineers in freshwaters, meaning that alien macrophyte invasions have the capacity to alter the structure and function of recipient aquatic ecosystems profoundly. Although prevailing wisdom holds that alien macrophyte invasions tend to compromise freshwater ecosystem structure and function, the ecological impacts of alien macrophyte invasion have not been quantitatively reviewed to date.

Here we present a global meta‐analysis of 202 cases from 53 research articles, exploring the impacts of alien macrophyte invasion on the abundance and diversity of three ubiquitous and ecologically important focal groups, which together comprise the bulk of non‐microbial freshwater biodiversity: resident macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and fish. Our synthesis includes data from all continents except Antarctica and Asia, covering 25 alien macrophyte species, but reveals considerable taxonomic and geographical biases in knowledge.

Meta‐analysis results reveal that invasion by alien macrophytes has an overall negative impact on taxonomic diversity of the three focal groups, but no consistent effect on abundance. At a finer resolution, we detect a strong negative effect of alien macrophyte invasion on resident macrophyte abundance and diversity, and a significant but smaller positive effect of submerged alien macrophyte invasion on macroinvertebrates. Effects on fish appear inconsistent.

Our findings emphasise the importance of context‐ and taxon‐specific ecological research in informing appropriate and proportionate management of alien macrophyte invasions, since alien macrophyte impacts are not consistently negative. We also identify significant geographical and taxonomic limitations in existing studies, quantitative data being lacking for many alien taxa.
Species, taxonomic, and functional group diversities of terrestrial mammals at risk under climate change and land‐use/cover change scenarios in Mexico
Authors: Ureta Carolina , Ramírez‐Barrón Mercedes , Sánchez‐García Edgar Andrés , Cuervo‐Robayo Angela P. , Munguía‐Carrara Mariana , Mendoza‐Ponce Alma , Gay Carlos , Sánchez‐Cordero Víctor
Published: August 2022

There is a need to revise the framework used to project species risks under climate change (CC) and land‐use/cover change (LUCC) scenarios. We built a CC risk index using the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change framework, where risk is a function of vulnerability (sensitivity and adaptive capacity), exposure, and hazard. We incorporated future LUCC scenarios as part of the exposure component. We combined a trait‐based approach based on biological characteristics of species with a correlative approach based on ecological niche modeling, assigning risk scores to species, taxonomic (orders), and functional (trophic, body size, and locomotion) groups of terrestrial mammals occurring in Mexico. We identified 15 species projected to lose their climatic suitability. Of the 11 taxonomic orders, Eulipotyphla, Didelphimorphia, Artiodactyla, and Lagomorpha had the highest risk scores. Of the 19 trophic groups, piscivores, insectivores under canopy, frugivores–granivores, herbivores browser, and myrmecophagous had the highest risk scores. Of the five body‐sized groups, large‐sized species (>15 kg) had highest risk scores. Of the seven locomotion groups, arboreal and semi‐aquatics had highest risk scores. CC and LUCC scenarios reduced suitable areas of species potential distributions by 37.5% (with CC), and 51% (with CC and LUCC) under a limited full‐dispersal assumption. Reductions in suitable areas of species potential distributions increased to 50.2% (with CC), and 52.4% (with CC and LUCC) under a non‐dispersal assumption. Species‐rich areas (>75% species) projected 36% (with CC) and 57% (with CC and LUCC) reductions in suitability for 2070. Shifts in climatic suitability projections of species‐rich areas increased in number of species in northeast and southeast Mexico and decreased in northwest and southern Mexico, suggesting important species turnover. High‐risk projections under future CC and LUCC scenarios for species, taxonomic, and functional group diversities, and species‐rich areas of terrestrial mammals highlight trends in different impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Energy geographies in/of the Anthropocene: Where now?
Authors: Kumar Ankit
Published: August 2022

The Anthropocene has thrown at us a challenge of balancing urgency and justice. Urgency brought about by myriad environmental crises, most prominently being climate change, and justice that any adequate response to these crises needs to be rooted in. This is a dilemma because we need pathways for urgent action on climate mitigation and energy transitions while centring the slow and considered work that historical and contemporary justice questions demand. This is because while the Anthropocene calls humans to unite, its impacts have been, are, and will be, felt differently. The Anthropocene narrative's framing of a universal humanity connects to a long and dangerous history of what is human and what qualifies as humanity, a history of colonising, racializing, and dehumanising black, brown, and indigenous bodies around the world. We need narratives of the Anthropocene that confirm the importance of decolonising political, economic, and scientific institutions, not to deny urgency, but to foster a more political Anthropocene that creates space for new narratives of justice. The question then, that this paper initiates, is: How to progress anti–and de‐colonial thought for energy geographies within a somewhat colonising discourse of urgency in/of the Anthropocene? To think of energy geographies of/in the Anthropocene, one that explicitly embeds within itself justice, this paper outlines three areas of work. First, the paper proposes a need to engage with and learn from energy histories other than those from the Euro‐American contexts. Second, it urges more focus on the question of difference. Third, the paper proposes a deeper engagement with critical race theory and postcolonial/decolonial theories to investigate questions of justice. These proposals are provocations to open energy geographies to a wider range of questions, approaches, and concerns.
Comparison of three frailty screening instruments for prediction of adverse outcomes among older adults in the emergency department
Authors: Shang Na , Liu Huizhen , Wang Na , Guo Shubin , Ma Lina
Published: August 2022

Aim

To compare the predictive abilities of the FRAIL scale (FS), frailty screening questionnaire (FSQ) and clinical frailty scale (CFS) for adverse outcomes in older adults in the emergency department.

Methods

In total, 317 older adults aged ≥65 years attending emergency department was screened for frailty using the FS, FSQ and CFS. Outcome measures included all‐cause 28‐day mortality and intensive care unit readmission. Cox proportional hazards model was used for survival comparison. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for readmissions. In addition, we calculated the C‐statistic, net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement to evaluate the predictive value of three scales.

Results

The prevalence of frailty was 55.2% (FS), 47.0% (FSQ) and 69.4% (CFS). Cox regression and logistic regression analysis revealed that frailty screening by FS, FSQ and CFS was an independent risk factor for all‐cause 28‐day mortality and 30‐ and 90‐day readmission after adjustment. Incorporation of FS, FSQ and CFS into a basic model with other risk factors significantly improved C‐statistic. For all‐cause 28‐day mortality, the model including FS had the highest C‐statistic from 0.786 (95% confidence interval: 0.706–0.865) to 0.854 (95% confidence interval: 0.802–0.907) and the improvements in risk prediction were also confirmed by category‐free net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement, suggesting FS was significantly better than CFS and FSQ. The three tools had a low predictive ability for readmission (all C‐statistics <0.7).

Conclusions

All three frailty scales showed a predictive ability for 28‐day mortality and readmission but FS may be the most valid tool in the emergency department. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••–•• Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 851–856.
Retrospective cohort study of hypersomnias of central origin from two Australian tertiary sleep disorders services
Authors: Stranks Lachlan , Ellender Claire M. , Wong Keith , Naqvi Haider , Grunstein Ron , Yee Brendon J. , Sivam Sheila
Published: August 2022

Background

Hypersomnias of central origin (HOCO) are diverse in origin and symptomatology and remain poorly described in an Australian population. We hypothesised that the rate of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQB1*0602 positivity in the Australian cohort would be comparable to international registries.

Aims

The current study aims to evaluate epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Australian patients with HOCO, including prevalence of HLA DQB1*0602 positivity, the most specific HLA marker associated with narcolepsy.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. Patients ≥ 16 years of age presenting with symptoms of hypersomnolence who attended one of two Australian sleep centres (New South Wales and Queensland) in the preceding 24 months and had undergone both HLA serology and multiple sleep latency tests (MSLTs) were included. Main outcome measures included demographics, HLA DQB1*0602 positivity, MSLT, and clinical parameters (presence of auxiliary narcolepsy symptoms, laboratory tests, relevant prescribed medications).

Results

Eighty‐eight patients were included. HLA DQB1*0602 positivity was highest in those with type 1 narcolepsy (NT1) (95.7%) and lowest in those without a classifiable disorder (9.1%). Mean sleep latency was lowest and number of sleep‐onset rapid eye movement periods (SOREMPs) highest in the NT1 group. Comorbid disorders, particularly depression and overweight/obesity, were prevalent in all cohorts. Across all diagnostic groups, dexamphetamine was the most commonly prescribed agent for excessive daytime sleepiness.

Conclusions

Patients with HOCO assessed in two specialised Australian clinics demonstrate comparable clinical characteristics to other published cohorts internationally; however, available pharmacological agents in Australia do not reflect international standards of care.
Non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: recognising the genetic links
Authors: Paul Caitlin , Peters Stacey , Perrin Mark , Fatkin Diane , Amerena John
Published: August 2022

The landscape of genetically related cardiac disease continues to evolve. Heritable genetic variants can be a primary cause of familial or sporadic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). There is also increasing recognition that genetic variation is an important determinant of susceptibility to acquired causes of DCM. Genetic forms of DCM can show a wide variety of phenotypic manifestations. Identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from genetic testing is paramount. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of recognising genetic DCM, key genotype–phenotype correlations and the value of genetic testing in clinical management for both the individual and their family. This is likely to become more relevant as management strategies continue to be refined with genotype‐specific recommendations and disease‐modifying therapies.
A Problem for Generic Generalisations in Scientific Communication
Authors: Bowker Mark
Published: August 2022

Generic generalisations like ‘Opioids are highly addictive’ are very useful in scientific communication, but they can often be interpreted in many different ways. Although this is not a problem when all interpretations provide the same answer to the question under discussion, a problem arises when a generic generalisation is used to answer a question other than that originally intended. In such cases, some interpretations of the generalisation might answer the question in a way that the original speaker would not endorse. Rather than excising generic generalisations from scientific communication, I recommend that scientific communicators carefully consider the kinds of questions their words might be taken to answer and try to avoid phrasing that might be taken to provide unintended answers.
Cognitive–Linguistic Skills Explain Chinese Reading Comprehension Within and Beyond the Simple View of Reading in Hong Kong Kindergarteners
Authors: Pan Dora Jue , Lin Dan
Published: August 2022

In this study, we investigated the direct and indirect associations of different cognitive–linguistic skills and Chinese reading comprehension in Hong Kong kindergarteners. We assessed 179 children's nonverbal IQ, cognitive–linguistic skills, word reading, listening comprehension, and reading comprehension. Results showed significant correlations between all variables and reading comprehension. Further path analysis results indicated that rapid automatized naming, orthographic knowledge, and morphological awareness contributed to reading comprehension via word reading. Nonverbal IQ and vocabulary knowledge were associated with reading comprehension through listening comprehension. Beyond that, nonverbal IQ and morphological awareness still contributed directly to reading comprehension. Overall, our findings elucidated the importance of nonverbal IQ and cognitive–linguistic skills within the framework of the simple view of reading in Chinese and highlighted the unique roles of nonverbal IQ and meaning‐related skills in Chinese reading comprehension, which contributed to understanding the simple view of reading in Chinese.
Impact of a nurse education programme on oral feeding in a neonatal unit
Authors: Beissel Anne , Denis Angélique , Laborie Sophie , Pillet Fabienne , Gauthier‐Moulinier Hélène , Hommey Sophie , Tume Lyvonne N. , Butin Marine , Touzet Sandrine
Published: August 2022

Background

Premature neonates often experience feeding difficulties during their hospital stay, and evidence‐based interventions have been shown to improve feeding outcomes.

Aim

This study investigated whether an infant‐cue based nurse educational feeding bundle accelerates the achievement of independent oral feeding in neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Study Design

A quality improvement study with a pre, during and post intervention test design. All premature neonates admitted to the unit were eligible. The feeding programme included a four‐month nurse training module and nurse coaching.

Results

A hundred and twenty‐five nurses or nurse assistants attended the programme and 706 neonates were included. The median time to independent oral feeding (IOF) was 40, 36 and 37 days, respectively, for pre, during and post intervention. The reduction in time to IOF observed during the post‐intervention period compared with the baseline period was significant (HR = 1.32, CI 95%: 1.01–1.74). No difference was noted in the length of hospital stay between the three study periods.

Conclusions

An infant‐cue based nurse educational feeding bundle can promote earlier achievement of IOF in preterm neonates.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This quality improvement study demonstrates the impact that a nurse‐driven intervention in neonatal care can have on improving practice. Feeding interventions involve the early introduction of oral feeding, non‐nutritive sucking (NNS), and oral motor stimulation, and should be individualized for each neonate. These individualized feeding interventions applied by all nurses and assistant nurses, can facilitate the achievement of earlier independent oral feeding in preterm infants and should be included in neonatal critical care nurse education programs.
Nursing for the Chthulucene: Abolition, affirmation, antifascism
Authors: Hopkins‐Walsh Jane , Dillard‐Wright Jessica , Brown Brandon B.
Published: August 2022

Critical posthumanism as a philosophical, antifascist nonhierarchical imagination for nursing offers a liberatory passageway forward amidst environmental collapse, an epic pandemic, global authoritarianism, extreme health and wealth disparities, over‐reliance on technology and empirics, and unjust societal systems based in whiteness. Drawing upon philosophical and theoretical works from Black and Indigenous scholars, Haraway's idea of the Chthulucene, Deleuze and Guattari's rhizomatic thought, and Kaba's abolitionist organizing among others, we as activist nurse scholars continue the speculative discussion outlined in prior papers. Here we further imagine how we can engage a radical philosophical mission of care for all beings human and non, walking and working alongside the people and communities nurses accompany, connected as we are on this dystopian celestial orb. Discussion is centred on critical analyses of traditional justice framing in nursing, and on the praxis possibilities found within rhizomatic thought, making kin, and just episteme while knitting filaments of nursing theory and history, humming song lyrics from collective memory, and critically dismantling received wisdoms to stumble toward a more emancipatory present future.
Calcium status assessment at the population level: Candidate approaches and challenges
Authors: Rana Ziaul H. , Bourassa Megan W. , Gomes Filomena , Khadilkar Anuradha , Mandlik Rubina , Owino Victor , Pettifor John M. , Roth Daniel E. , Shlisky Julie , Thankachan Prashanth , Weaver Connie M.
Published: August 2022

Inadequate dietary calcium intake is a global public health problem that disproportionately affects low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, the calcium status of a population is challenging to measure, and there are no standard methods to identify high‐risk communities even in settings with an elevated prevalence of a disease caused or exacerbated by low calcium intake (e.g., rickets). The calcium status of a population depends on numerous factors, including intake of calcium‐rich foods; the bioavailability of the types of calcium consumed in foods and supplements; and population characteristics, including age, sex, vitamin D status, and genetic attributes that influence calcium retention and absorption. The aim of this narrative review was to assess candidate indicators of population‐level calcium status based on a range of biomarkers and measurement methods, including dietary assessment, calcium balance studies, hormonal factors related to calcium, and health outcomes associated with low calcium status. Several promising approaches were identified, but there was insufficient evidence of the suitability of any single indicator to assess population calcium status. Further research is required to develop and validate specific indicators of calcium status that could be derived from the analysis of data or samples that are feasibly collected in population‐based surveys.
Activation of lesion projection zone in primary visual cortex is dependent on bilateral central vision loss in patients with end‐stage glaucoma
Authors: Zhu Wenqing , Liu Tingting , Li Mengwei , Sun Xinghuai , He Sheng
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To investigate activation of the lesion projection zone (LPZ) in the primary visual cortex during end‐stage glaucoma using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), as well as the relationship between fMRI responses and clinical data.

Methods

Twelve subjects with bilateral end‐stage glaucoma (group A), 12 with unilateral end‐stage glaucoma (group B) and 12 healthy controls (group C) were enrolled. fMRI was performed under two testing stimuli conditions: passive viewing of a full‐field flickering checkerboard and active viewing of a one‐back task with scene images. In fMRI analysis, the primary visual cortex was divided into six regions of interest (ROIs). The beta values of the six ROIs were compared across the three groups using one‐way analysis of variance under two viewing conditions. Associations between the fMRI beta value and clinical data including multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), microperimeter‐1 and optical coherence tomography were analysed by Spearman correlation.

Results

The beta values for ROIs 1–3 representing the LPZ were significantly different between the three groups under active viewing conditions, whereas no significant changes were detected under passive viewing. In group A, there were significant differences between all six ROIs for the two viewing conditions, while no significant differences were found in groups B and C. In group A, the P‐wave amplitudes of the mfERG was significantly correlated with the beta values of ROIs 1 and 2 under active viewing. In addition, the P‐wave latencies of the mfERG were significantly correlated with the beta values for ROIs 2–5. No associations were found between fMRI beta values and clinical data in groups B and C.

Conclusions

Activation of the LPZ in the primary visual cortex was observed in patients with bilateral end‐stage glaucoma under active viewing conditions. These changes were correlated with residual retinal function.
The emotional impact of self‐criticism on self‐reflection and rumination
Authors: Dunn Nicole A. , Luchner Andrew F.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The goals of this study were to determine whether self‐reflection is a beneficial exercise for highly self‐critical individuals and to examine the effects of self‐focused thought including reflection and rumination on mood. This was investigated by measuring the levels of self‐criticism, as well as mood before and after exposure to a reflective prompt or a ruminative prompt.

Design

Experimental design with random assignment to reflection, rumination or control groups.

Methods

243 participants from a sample recruited on prolific provided demographic information and completed measures of current mood and self‐criticism. All participants were then asked to remember a time they made a mistake that had a significant impact on them and describe the mistake briefly. Participants were then randomly assigned to a self‐focus condition (reflection, rumination or control). After being assigned and completing the prompt, their mood was measured again.

Results

Hierarchical multiple regressions were used to measure the potential combined effects of self‐criticism and self‐focused thought on change in emotion. The results showed that participants with high levels of maladaptive self‐criticism (hated self‐subscale) experienced a significant decrease in negative emotions, indicating improved mood.

Conclusions

This suggests that reflection may be a beneficial exercise for highly self‐critical individuals. Participants in the rumination group experienced no significant change in emotion, indicating how rumination can perpetuate negative affect and is therefore an important issue to be addressed in psychotherapy.
Trading gains: terms‐of‐trade and real‐exchange‐rate effects
Authors: Kohli Ulrich
Published: August 2022

This paper considers alternative measures of a country's trading gains, i.e., the extra income that it earns (or loses) as the result of changes in the relative prices relevant for international trade, and which makes up the difference between real gross domestic product (GDP) and real gross domestic income (GDI). Looking at both the Laspeyres and the Törnqvist aggregation, we show that the trading gains really consist of two components, a terms‐of‐trade effect and a real‐exchange‐rate effect. Nearly all national statistical agencies, receiving no firm guidance from international organizations in this matter, merely consider the first effect, which suggests that the so‐called trading‐gain estimates they publish are incomplete and misnamed. Even more seriously, it implies that the corresponding measures of real GDI they derive are conceptually flawed. A straightforward way to circumvent these difficulties is to use the gross domestic final expenditure price index as deflator when computing real GDI and the trading gains. Some numerical estimates for Australia are provided as an illustration. The paper also identifies the underlying linear and Translog real GDI functions for which the Laspeyres and Törnqvist terms‐of‐trade and real‐exchange‐rate effects are exact.
Regeneration at a distance from the state: From radical imaginaries to alternative practices in Dutch farming
Authors: Leitheiser Stephen , Horlings Ina , Franklin Alex , Trell Elen‐Maarja
Published: August 2022

This article combines a ‘zoomed‐out’ political economic analysis of Dutch agriculture with a more ‘zoomed‐in’ empirical exploration of small new entrant farmers who are carving out space for alternative food networks and practices in the Netherlands. Developing a concept of proto‐regenerative imaginaries, we define proto‐regenerative farmers as those farmers whose work is driven by a desire to contribute to social and ecological well‐being. The use of the term ‘regenerative’ does not imply just the use of practices associated with ‘regenerative agriculture’, but to regeneration as a holistic framework rooted in a paradigm of care in which productive activities (e.g., agroecology) go hand in hand with the reproduction of social and ecological well‐being. Data comes from an in‐depth ethnographic study on a peri‐urban farm that expanded to other farms and initiatives (n = 5) within the network. Strategies used by farmers to carve out these spaces of regeneration include de‐commodification of their produce through ‘solidarity payment’ schemes, the forging of reciprocal relationships and networks with other farmers, and the use of cooperative resource pooling and municipal resources to access land. All of these strategies help proto‐regenerative farmers to implement radical alternatives to the current mainstream in agricultural production. Such examples, which are not necessarily new, show that the building blocks for building a new paradigm in agriculture (and beyond) exist all around in the form of civic activity, and is too often at a distance from the state. A major challenge for academics is to narrate these proto‐regenerative imaginaries as not just anecdotes, but as the raw materials of a systemic alternative which can inspire a new intellectual project, supported by a state framework for agroecology, rural development, and beyond.
Evaluation of an Adapted Version of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders for Secondary School Students
Authors: Martinelli Victor , Gatt Cristina
Published: August 2022

Anxiety is one of adolescents' most frequently experienced mental health issues, but this issue often remains undetected or misdiagnosed. One of the reasons for this is the lack of reliable instruments for screening anxiety disorders among adolescents. For this study, the SCARED scale was translated and adapted to a population of 11 to 15-year-old secondary school students attending church schools in Malta. Based on responses from 120 students, our study found that female students were significantly more prone to developing anxiety than their male counterparts. The study also found that anxiety increases with age. Like several other evaluation studies, our analysis provided a slightly different structure of the scale than the original study suggesting a four rather than a five-factor scale structure. However, the study results were mainly consistent with the findings from most previous studies about the anxiety levels experienced by secondary school students. In addition, the metric characteristics of the scale in our study were satisfactory. Overall, our study found that the SCARED scale could be used routinely to screen and monitor anxiety among secondary school students.
Landforms Spatial Interference with Seismic Waves in the Area of Influence of the Cocos Plate, Mexico
Authors: Martínez-García Fidel
Published: August 2022

Within the framework of the “site effect” study and the spatial impact of local geographic features on seismic waves, the maximum accelerations of 45 interplate and intraslab seismic events with magnitudes (Mw) in the range of 5.6 to 8.2 that occurred from 1985 to 2018 were spatially analyzed and processed. Averages and maximum acceleration values of 172 accelerographs distributed among the territories boundaries located in the most seismic region of Mexico, are replaced the data of the scale of seismic moment magnitude (Mw) in each of the epicenters of the 45 events studied. The differential seismic impact of the topography that four Significant Epicentral Zones (SEZ) identified exert in two important cities, two tourist poles and two commercial seaports is identified. Correspondingly, the predominant orientation, direction, spatial tendency at the lithosphere level, which follow seismic waves as a result of interaction with topography within each SEZ were identified.
Clinical and ultrasound findings of hepatic sarcomatoid carcinoma
Authors: Xing Yong Jun , Wang Jun
Published: August 2022

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Posterior wall puncture of internal jugular vein and inadvertent carotid artery cannulation
Authors: Arora Vivek , Lee Alex
Published: August 2022

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A case report of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of a hiatal hernia in a fetus in the third trimester
Authors: Wu Jiangfeng , Xu Qiaoyang , Sun Xingbo
Published: August 2022

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Ultrasound examination avoids tunnel vision: diagnosing a simple/painful (epi)dermal cyst
Authors: Pirri Carmelo , Stecco Carla , Pirri Nina , De Caro Raffaele , Özçakar Levent
Published: August 2022

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Risk and safety in the evaluation of the critically ill patient. Can POCUS become a support tool?
Authors: Golea Adela
Published: August 2022

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Crossing nerve transfer drives sensory input–dependent plasticity for motor recovery after brain injury
Authors: Gao Zhengrun , Pang Zhen , Lei Gaowei , Chen Yiming , Cai Zeyu , Zhu Shuai , Lin Weishan , Qiu Zilong , Wang Yizheng , Shen Yundong , Xu Wendong
Published: August 2022

Restoring limb movements after central nervous system injury remains a substantial challenge. Recent studies proved that crossing nerve transfer surgery could rebuild physiological connectivity between the contralesional cortex and the paralyzed arm to compensate for the lost function after brain injury. However, the neural mechanism by which this surgery mediates motor recovery remains still unclear. Here, using a clinical mouse model, we showed that this surgery can restore skilled forelimb function in adult mice with unilateral cortical lesion by inducing cortical remapping and promoting corticospinal tract sprouting. After reestablishing the ipsilateral descending pathway, resecting of the artificially rebuilt peripheral nerve did not affect motor improvements. Furthermore, retaining the sensory afferent, but not the motor efferent, of the transferred nerve was sufficient for inducing brain remapping and facilitating motor restoration. Thus, our results demonstrate that surgically rebuilt sensory input triggers neural plasticity for accelerating motor recovery, which provides an approach for treating central nervous system injuries.
Membrane tension propagation couples axon growth and collateral branching
Authors: Shi Zheng , Innes-Gold Sarah , Cohen Adam E.
Published: August 2022

Neuronal axons must navigate a mechanically heterogeneous environment to reach their targets, but the biophysical mechanisms coupling mechanosensation, growth, and branching are not fully understood. Here, we show that local changes in membrane tension propagate along axons at approximately 20 μm/s, more than 1000-fold faster than in most other nonmotile cells where this property has been measured. Local perturbations to tension decay along the axon with a length constant of approximately 41 μm. This rapid and long-range mechanical signaling mediates bidirectional competition between axonal branch initiation and growth cone extension. Our data suggest a mechanism by which mechanical cues at one part of a growing axon can affect growth dynamics remotely.
Uncooled self-powered hemispherical biomimetic pit organ for mid- to long-infrared imaging
Authors: Ding Yucheng , Liu Gongze , Long Zhenghao , Zhou Yu , Qiu Xiao , Ren Beitao , Zhang Qianpeng , Chi Cheng , Wan Zhu’an , Huang Baoling , Fan Zhiyong
Published: August 2022

Infrared vision is highly desirable for applications in multifarious fields. Of the few species with this visual capability, snakes have exceptional infrared perception with the assistance of pit organs. Inspired by the pit organ design we present here a hemispherical biomimetic infrared imaging device. The devices use high-density ionic thermoelectric polymer nanowire arrays that serve as the sensing nerve cells. The individual nanowires exhibit notable voltage response to temperature variation in test objects. An infrared sensor array with 625 pixels on the hemispherical substrate is successfully demonstrated with an ultrawide field of view up to 135°. The device can image body temperature objects without a cooling system and external power supply. This work opens up opportunities for the design and fabrication of bioinspired infrared imaging devices based on emerging ionic thermoelectric materials.
Cardioprotective factors against myocardial infarction selected in vivo from an AAV secretome library
Authors: Ruozi Giulia , Bortolotti Francesca , Mura Antonio , Tomczyk Mateusz , Falcione Antonella , Martinelli Valentina , Vodret Simone , Braga Luca , Dal Ferro Matteo , Cannatà Antonio , Zentilin Lorena , Sinagra Gianfranco , Zacchigna Serena , Giacca Mauro
Published: August 2022

Therapies for patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure are urgently needed, in light of the breadth of these conditions and lack of curative treatments. To systematically identify previously unidentified cardioactive biologicals in an unbiased manner in vivo, we developed cardiac FunSel, a method for the systematic, functional selection of effective factors using a library of 1198 barcoded adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding for the mouse secretome. By pooled vector injection into the heart, this library was screened to functionally select for factors that confer cardioprotection against myocardial infarction. After two rounds of iterative selection in mice, cardiac FunSel identified three proteins [chordin-like 1 (Chrdl1), family with sequence similarity 3 member C (Fam3c), and Fam3b] that preserve cardiomyocyte viability, sustain cardiac function, and prevent pathological remodeling. In particular, Chrdl1 exerted its protective activity by binding and inhibiting extracellular bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), which resulted in protection against cardiomyocyte death and induction of autophagy in cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction. Chrdl1 also inhibited fibrosis and maladaptive cardiac remodeling by binding transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) and preventing cardiac fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. Production of secreted and circulating Chrdl1, Fam3c, and Fam3b from the liver also protected the heart from myocardial infarction, thus supporting the use of the three proteins as recombinant factors. Together, these findings disclose a powerful method for the in vivo, unbiased selection of tissue-protective factors and describe potential cardiac therapeutics.
Genome Sequence of a Microvirus Recovered from Wastewater in Arizona, USA, in October 2020, Encodes a Previously Undescribed DNA-Binding Protein
Authors: Smith Abriana , Kaiser Nicole , Yanez Allan , Perleberg Tyler , Elyaderani Amir , Skidmore Peter , Adhikari Sangeet , Driver Erin M. , Halden Rolf U. , Varsani Arvind , Scotch Matthew , Faleye Temitope O. C.
Published: August 2022

We describe the genome of Microvirus-AZ-2020, which was identified from wastewater in Arizona, USA, in October 2020. Microvirus-AZ-2020 belongs to subfamily
Gokushovirinae
and contains six (five known and one hypothetical) open reading frames (ORFs), each with >40 codons. HHPred analysis and Colabfold structure prediction suggest that the hypothetical ORF encodes a previously undescribed putative DNA-binding protein.
Near-Complete Whole-Genome Sequencing of Two Burkholderia pseudomallei Strains Harbouring Novel Molecular Class D Beta-Lactamase Genes, Isolated from Malaysia
Authors: Zainulabid Ummu Afeera , Mohamad Zain Norirwanisyam , Arumugam Janaki , Kamarudin Norhidayah , Zainal Abidin Muhammad ‘Adil , Abd Mokti Abdullah Shamshir , Nordin Noorlina , Faizal Rakawi Ahmad , Abdul Majid Aman Shah , Ashok Gnanasekaran , Francis Alex Lourdes , Tay Darren Dean , Vijayalakshami Natesan , Hin How Soon , Ahmad Hajar Fauzan
Published: August 2022

Here, we present two 7.1- and 7.3-bp near-complete genome sequences of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
strains of HTAA077 and HRPB058, isolated from a pus culture from a confirmed melioidosis patient at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Malaysia, and from blood culture from a patient at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Malaysia, using a Nanopore MinION instrument.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Virgibacillus
sp. Strain AGTR, Isolated from Hypersaline Lake Acıgöl in Turkey
Authors: Menekse Kılıc Meryem , Balci Nurgul , Gul Karaguler Nevin
Published: August 2022

Virgibacillus
sp. strain AGTR, which is a haloalkaliphilic microorganism, was isolated from a sediment sample collected in hypersaline Lake Acıgöl in Turkey. It has the potential to produce biotechnologically essential proteases. Here, the whole-genome sequence and its annotations are reported.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain VHProbi F22, Isolated from Cheese
Authors: Cui Hongchang , Guo Chaoqun , Duan Zhi
Published: August 2022

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
strain VHProbi F22 is a proprietary probiotic strain that can be found in the Chinese market. Here, we investigate the whole-genome sequence of this bacterium. The whole genome contains a chromosome and a plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequence of Paenalcaligenes niemegkensis NGK35
T
, Isolated from Plastic-Polluted Soil of an Abandoned Landfill
Authors: Bartholomäus Alexander , Mitzscherling Julia , Lipus Daniel , MacLean Joana , Wagner Dirk
Published: August 2022

The Gram-negative bacterium
Paenalcaligenes niemegkensis
NGK35
T
was isolated from plastic debris in an abandoned landfill. It has the ability to grow on polyethylene and hexadecane as the sole carbon sources. Here, we report the corresponding draft genome, which contains 3.66 Mbp and is characterized by a G+C content of 52.1%.
Highly Sensitive and Specific Detection of Mobilized Colistin Resistance Gene
mcr-1
by CRISPR-Based Platform
Authors: Gong Lin , Jin Zhengjiang , Liu Ernan , Tang Fei , Yuan Fengyun , Liang Jiansheng , Wang Yimei , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Yi
Published: August 2022

This study promises a rapid and accurate assay (RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a) for the surveillance of
mcr-1
gene, which causes the efficacy loss of colistin in clinical treatments. In addition, the established method is fit for “on-site” surveillance especially.
Polyarteritis nodosa presenting with posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Heartshorne Rosie , Nwe May , Barakat Athar , Alusi Sundus
Published: August 2022

A man in his 20s presented following a generalised tonic–clonic seizure on a background of a recent diagnosis of hepatitis B (HBV). During admission, he was severely hypertensive and imaging findings confirmed a diagnosis of posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The patient subsequently developed multiorgan involvement with an axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, vascular cutaneous lesions and multiple bilateral renal and splenic infarcts. Based on the 2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Criteria, a diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) with secondary PRES was made. The patient was given intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by a prolonged course of oral prednisolone, and tenofovir antiviral therapy to target HBV seroconversion. He made a good neurological recovery with resolution of imaging changes. This case highlights the importance of a low threshold for systemic screening for young patients presenting with PRES secondary to uncontrolled hypertension and the importance of viral screening, particularly for HBV.
Combining community observations and remote sensing to examine the effects of roads on wildfires in the East Siberian boreal forest
Authors: Kuklina Vera , Sizov Oleg , Bogdanov Victor , Krasnoshtanova Natalia , Morozova Arina , Petrov Andrey N.
Published: August 2022

The paper is aimed at assessing the associations between the road networks geography and dynamics of wildfire events in the East Siberian boreal forest. We examined the relationship between the function of roads, their use, and management and the wildfire ignition, propagation, and termination during the catastrophic fire season of 2016 in the Irkutsk Region of Russia. Document analysis and interviews were utilized to identify main forest users and road infrastructure functional types and examine wildfire management practices. We combined community observations and satellite remotely sensed data to assess relationships between the location, extent, and timing of wildfires and different types of roads as fire sources, barriers, and suppression access points. Our study confirms a strong spatial relationship between the wildfire ignition points and roads differentiated by their types with the highest probability of fire ignition near forestry roads and the lowest near subsistence roads. Roads also play an important role in wildfire suppression, working as both physical barriers and access points for firefighters. Our research illustrates the importance of local and Indigenous observations along the roads for monitoring and understanding wildfires, including “zombie fires”. It also has practical implications for fire management collectively developed by authorities and local communities.
Predicting negative community responses to upstream oil and gas activities using Alberta's abandoned well sites as an example
Authors: Thiessen Ron J. , Achari Gopal
Published: August 2022

Predicting conflict potential between agricultural landowners and oil and gas companies may improve the degree of coexistence between these groups. We examined this conflict potential concerning abandoned oil and gas well sites in Alberta, Canada. We hypothesized that an oil and gas company's financial solvency and rural residential density are predictors of complaint potential, denoted as negative community responses. A case study and publicly available data formed the basis of the mixed-method study. The case study was a public meeting between landowners and government agencies, and the quantitative data set comprising 490 records on landowner claims, community complaints, and regulatory enforcement. Applying correlation analyses, we concluded that an oil and gas company's solvency, expressed as a ratio of assets over liabilities, was a negatively correlated predictor of negative community responses. The article extends related conflict-potential research performed on data from other oil and gas producing regions in North America.
Deformation history and tectonic significance of the Sanagak Lake shear zone, Boothia Peninsula, Nunavut
Authors: Drayson Derek , Camacho Alfredo , Sanborn-Barrie Mary , Regis Daniele , Larson Kyle , Osinchuk Alix , DuFrane S. Andrew
Published: August 2022

The recently recognized Sanagak Lake shear zone (SLsz) is a 165 km long, southwest striking corridor of high-strain rocks that transects the southern portion of Boothia Peninsula, Nunavut. This zone records pervasive deformation (DSL1) at conditions of ∼0.52 GPa and ∼700 °C, and localized deformation (DSL2) at ≥0.5 GPa and 300–500 °C that preserve left lateral and right lateral senses of movement, respectively. Neocrystallized DSL1 titanite in a hornblende-bearing granodiorite yields an age of 1804 ± 6 Ma, interpreted to be the timing of DSL1. The timing of DSL2 is loosely bracketed by 40Ar/39Ar hornblende (1814 ± 3 Ma) and biotite (1743 ± 1 Ma) cooling ages since the deformation temperature falls between the estimated closure temperature of these minerals. Similar rock types and metamorphic conditions on either side of the shear zone rule out the SLsz as a terrane boundary. Rather, strain localization may have been triggered by thermal softening related to the emplacement of a northeast-trending belt of high-temperature granites south of the shear zone between 1840 and 1820 Ma. Deformation and metamorphism at ca. 1.81 Ga south of Boothia Peninsula and in the central Rae (Committee Bay belt) have been attributed to the Superior Province colliding with the southeastern margin of the Rae craton, such that the SLsz may too have formed in response to far-field stresses derived from this collision. The absence of ca. 1.81 Ga tectonic fabrics north of the shear zone indicates that the SLsz marks the northwestern extent of mid-crustal, Trans-Hudson related tectonometamorphism.
Translocating seed sources to new geoclimatic environments has limited effect on lumber quality of eastern Canadian white spruce
Authors: Duchesne Isabelle , Lenz Patrick R.N. , Girardin Martin P. , Isabel Nathalie
Published: August 2022

Assisted gene flow according to expected climate gradients is considered as a forest management strategy to mitigate impacts of environmental change on forest growth. However, the effects of seed translocation on wood properties and lumber quality remain unknown. This study evaluated the effect of provenance origin on lumber production and quality at rotation age in two white spruce provenance trials established in contrasting environments in eastern Canada. Based on 108 sample trees, which resulted in 943 pieces of lumber, average volume production per tree at the southernmost site was twice that of the production at the northern site. Provenance had a significant influence on growth and lumber strength in the first sawlog but had no effect on lumber stiffness and wood density. Although visual grade yields of No. 2 and better were high in both trials (over 86%), the machine stress rated (MSR) grade potential and percentage of lumber that met the bending stiffness design values of the visual grades were generally low (12%–26%). Hence, plantation-grown lumber should preferably be machine stress rated to ensure its fitness for structural applications in buildings. Management strategies aiming to efficiently sequester carbon should primarily maximize volume productivity in northern sites, as moving seed sources north still reduces provenance productivity, while breeding programs should aim to prevent decrease in lumber stiffness due to augmented productivity and shortened rotation cycles.
Localizing non-linear $${{\mathcal {N}}}=(2,2)$$ sigma model on $$S^2$$
Authors: Alekseev Victor , Festuccia Guido , Mishnyakov Victor , Terziev Nicolai , Zabzine Maxim
Published: August 2022

We present a systematic study of $${{\mathcal {N}}}=(2,2)$$

N
=
(
2
,
2
)

supersymmetric non-linear sigma models on $$S^2$$

S
2

with the target being a Kähler manifold. We discuss their reformulation in terms of cohomological field theory. In the cohomological formulation we use a novel version of 2D self-duality which involves a U(1) action on $$S^2$$

S
2

. In addition to the generic model we discuss the theory with target space equivariance corresponding to a supersymmetric sigma model coupled to a non-dynamical supersymmetric background gauge multiplet. We discuss the localization locus and perform a one-loop calculation around the constant maps. We argue that the theory can be reduced to some exotic model over the moduli space of holomorphic disks.