bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Icariin Has a Synergistic Effect on the Osteoinductivity of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 at Ectopic Sites
Authors: Zhang Xin , Lin Xingnan , Wang Mingjie , Deng Liquan , Wei Lingfei , Liu Yuelian
Published: January 2023

Objective

Establishing biocompatible, biodegradable, osteoconductive, and osteoinductive bone materials remains a challenging subject in the research of bone healing and bone regeneration. Previously, we demonstrated the osteogenic and osteoconductive effects of biomimetic calcium phosphate (BioCaP) incorporating with Icariin and/or bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) at orthotopic sites.

Methods

By implanting the BioCaP granules incorporated Icariin and/or BMP‐2 into the dorsal subcutaneous pockets of adult male Sprague‐Dawley (S‐D) rats (6‐7 weeks old), we investigated the osteoinductive efficacy of the samples. Micro‐computed tomography(micro‐CT) observations and histological slices were used to verify the osteoinduction of this system on the 2nd and 5th week. Statistical significances was evaluated using Turkey's post hoc test of one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

The osteoinduction of the BioCaP incorporated with BMP‐2 or both agents was confirmed as expected. BioCaP with Icariin alone could not generate bone formation at an ectopic sites. Nevertheless, co‐administration of Icariin increased bone mineral density (BMD; p < 0.01) (628mg HA/cm3 vs 570mg HA/cm3) and completely changed the distribution of newly formed bone when compared with the granules with BMP‐2 alone, even though there was no significant difference in the volume of newly formed bone. In contrast, the BioCaP with both agents (37.86%) had significantly fewer remaining materials than the other groups by the end of the fifth week (53.22%, 53.62% and 48.22%) (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The co‐administration of Icariin and BMP‐2 increased BMD changed the distribution of newly formed bone, and reduced the amount of remaining materials. Therefore, Icariin can stimulate BMP‐2 when incorporated into BioCaP granules at ectopic sites, which makes it useful for bone tissue engineering.
Mode of delivery and offspring atopic dermatitis in a Swedish nationwide study
Authors: Mubanga Mwenya , Lundholm Cecilia , Rohlin Elin S. , Rejnö Gustaf , Brew Bronwyn K. , Almqvist Catarina
Published: January 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic childhood disease associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. There is a known association between caesarean section and asthma, but the relationship between caesarean section and offspring atopic dermatitis remains uncertain.

Methods

We conducted a register‐based nationwide cohort study including children born in Sweden between January 2006 and December 2018. Data on health and socioeconomic variables were extracted from the national registers for children aged ≤5 years. Time‐to‐event analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusting for confounders and familial factors.

Results

1,399,406 children were included (6,029,542 person‐years at risk). Atopic dermatitis was observed in 17.2% of the 1,150,896 children born by vaginal delivery and 18.3% of the 248,510 born by caesarean section. The mean age of onset of atopic dermatitis was 2.72 years (SD 1.8). Birth by caesarean section was associated with a higher risk of atopic dermatitis (adj‐HR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.10–1.14). A higher risk of atopic dermatitis was found in children born by instrumental vaginal delivery (adj‐HR 1.10, 1.07–1.13); emergency caesarean section (adj‐HR 1.12, 1.10–1.15), and elective caesarean section (adj‐HR 1.13, 1.10–1.16) than uncomplicated vaginal delivery in children <1 year of age. Similar hazards were observed in those ≥1 year of age. In sibling control analysis, greater risks remained in children aged <1 year but not in age ≥1 year.

Conclusions

In our study population, it was observed that children born by caesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery were at higher risk of early childhood atopic dermatitis. Although familial confounding attenuates the risk in children aged ≥1 year, this was not observed in the first year of life.
Photocontrolled Release of Carbendazim from Photocaged Molecule
Authors: Dai Xiaoyi , Li Zhong , Shao Xusheng
Published: January 2023

Carbendazim (MBC) is a high‐efficient and broad‐spectrum fungicide, but excessive residues caused by its improper use have caused health toxicity and environmental pollution. It is an irresistible trend to find green, safe, accurate and controllable release technology of MBC. To achieve the purpose of safe and efficient use of MBC, photolabile protecting group was used to realize the controllable release. This study aimed to covalently link MBC and 6‐nitropiperonyl alcohol (NP) to synthesize photocaged molecule NP‐MBC. The photodegradation test showed that NP‐MBC could effectively release MBC under ultraviolet light. The antifungal activity of NP‐MBC showed significant difference against Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium graminearum before and after irradiation, and the effects on mycelial morphology are different. The hyphae morphology of R. solani and F. graminearum changed significantly, and mycelia were severely damaged. The hyphae surface of former was swollen and broken, and the latter was collapsed and shriveled after NP‐MBC light treatment. NP‐MBC could realize the light‐controlled release of MBC, and the antifungal activity before and after irradiation was significantly different, which provides an effective way to release MBC.
Dry/wet cycling reduces spore germination and viability in six peatland bryophytes
Authors: Fan B.‐B. , Yusup S. , Sundberg S. , Chen Y.‐D. , Qiao H.‐X. , Liu S.‐S. , Bu Z.‐J.
Published: January 2023

Dry/wet cycling driven by water level fluctuation in wetlands may strongly influence the destiny of seeds. However, how dry/wet cycling affects spore survival and germinability in peatland bryophytes is poorly understood.

Six peatland bryophytes, three hummock‐ and three hollow‐dwelling Sphagnum species, were chosen as study species. We tested the effects of dry (60% air RH)/wet (waterlogging) cycle frequency (once per 12, 8 or 4 days for low, medium or high, respectively) and ratio (3:1, 1:1 or 1:3 dry:wet time per cycle) on spore germinability, viability, dormancy percentage and protonema development.

Dry/wet cycling significantly reduced spore germination percentage and viability and slowed protonema development in all Sphagnum species, being more pronounced with higher dry/wet cycling frequencies. The hummock species S. capillifolium and S. fuscum had higher spore germination percentage after the continuous dry treatment, while the hollow species S. angustifolium, S. squarrosum and S. subsecundum showed the opposite response, compared to the continuously wet treatment. Except for S. squarrosum, spore viability was higher after the dry than after the wet treatment. Spore viability and dormancy percentage were higher after a dry/wet ratio of 1:3 than after ratios of 3:1 and 1:1.

Our study shows that both germinability and viability of bryophyte spores are reduced by dry/wet cycling (especially when frequent) in peatlands. This emphasizes the need to ensure constant water levels and low frequencies of water level fluctuation, which are relevant in connection with wetland restoration, to promote Sphagnum spore survival and establishment in peatlands after disturbances.
Heterogeneous effects of Aid‐for‐Trade on donor exports: Why is Japan different?
Authors: Nishitateno Shuhei , Umetani Hayato
Published: January 2023

This study estimates the Aid‐for‐Trade (AfT)‐export elasticity from the donor perspective, focusing on the top‐five donor countries: Japan, Germany, France, US, and UK. We find the elasticity for Japan is large, suggesting that the Japanese AfT generates a net export expansion, in contrast with the other top donors. We examine the potential mechanism behind the export creation effect of Japanese AfT using unique contract data on infrastructure‐related projects worldwide. The results suggest that Japanese AfT, highly concentrated in economic infrastructure, works as an informal tying arrangement, closely linking aid to donor exports associated with capital goods for infrastructure construction.
Application of seaweed and pruning residue as organic fertilizer to increase soil fertility and vine productivity
Authors: de Sosa Laura L. , Navarro‐Fernández Carmen M. , Panettieri Marco , Madejón Paula , Pérez‐de‐Mora Alfredo , Madejón Engracia
Published: January 2023

Algae have an indisputable role in coastal ecosystems, but their accumulation and uncontrolled proliferation cause severe damage for the local municipalities. Fertilization with seaweed has been shown to increase soil fertility and crop production reducing ultimately the need for inorganic fertilizers. However, contradictory results of the compost effect have been reported. In the present work, we aimed at testing the suitability of three composted algae materials obtained in a previous study as soil amendments for vines. The composted materials consisted of pruning waste (P) and seaweed (S) mixed (henceforth, P2S1, P1S1 and P1S2, referring the number to the ratio of P to S). Overall, we observed an increase in soil organic matter, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the soil treated in comparison with soils with inorganic fertilization. A moderate N soil enrichment (ca. 20%) was also detected. The leaf analysis reflected generally the greatest concentrations of NPK for the organic treatments, but this was remarkable only during the first year after seaweed application. A noticeable improvement in grape production was detected especially with the P1S1 compost without compromising grape quality although a decrease in sucrose content was noted with the compost with higher productivity (e.g. P2S1 and P1S1). This slight sucrose drop could be attributable to a greater water availability mediated by the compost or to a dilution factor of the sucrose content caused by a greater number of berries in those vines. These findings suggest that although monitoring of the long‐term effects is needed, the use of seaweed amendments for agriculture could offer a cost‐effective method for coastal municipalities to reduce excessive algae debris while also minimizing the impacts of inorganic fertilization.
Detection of the HLA‐B*40:02:03 allele, a variant of HLA‐B*40:02:01:01, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: January 2023

One nucleotide substitution in codon 67 of HLA‐B*40:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐B*40:02:03.
Hyper‐parameter optimization of gradient boosters for flood susceptibility analysis
Authors: Lai Tuan Anh , Nguyen Ngoc‐Thach , Bui Quang‐Thanh
Published: January 2023

Properly choosing hyper‐parameters improves machine learning models' performance and reduces training time and resource requirements. In this study, we investigated the uses of the Bayesian optimization algorithm for hyper‐parameter searches of two classifiers, namely LightGBM and XGBoost. The models were verified with a dataset from Vietnam, including historical flood locations from satellite images and survey data, and 11 features from three groups, namely physical, hydrological, and human‐related factors. The models' performance was evaluated using Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curves (AUC‐ROC). Several strategies were applied to avoid over‐fitting, and the results show that two tuned Gradient boosters reached considerably high AUC values (approximately 0.98) compared with the previous study with a similar dataset. The model interpretation was also implemented using the Shapley (SHAP) values to understand better how models work and the interactions between features. The search for optimal hyper‐parameters is worth investigating in the future, particularly when there is growing work for novel optimization algorithms. The verification of such an approach is scientifically sound, and the models can be used as an alternative solution for natural hazard analysis in countries prone to hazards.
The Return of Repression? Evidence From Cognitive Psychology
Authors: McNally Richard J.
Published: January 2023

The controversy over alleged repressed and recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) was among the most contentious ever to embroil psychology and psychiatry. Adapting paradigms from cognitive psychology, my research group tested hypotheses pertinent to repressed memory and false memory interpretations of recovered memories. We tested adults who: (1) report recovering memories of CSA after not having thought about their abuse for years; (2) report never having forgotten their CSA; (3) believe they harbor “repressed” memories of CSA; and (4) deny having been sexually abused. We tested hypotheses about mechanisms that might figure in the inability to recall memories of one's abuse and those that might render one susceptible to developing false memories of abuse. The purpose of this article is to summarize this work. Finally, I draw on the work of Lionel Penrose to speculate about why the popularity of the concept of repressed memories of trauma—or its synonym, dissociative amnesia for trauma—may be rising today.
Burnout symptoms and workplace satisfaction among veterinary emergency care providers
Authors: Holowaychuk Marie K. , Lamb Kenneth E.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To measure symptoms of burnout among veterinary emergency care providers (VECPs), determine how burnout symptoms among VECPs compare to human emergency care providers, and identify what demographic and workplace variables are associated with these symptoms.

Design

Cross‐sectional study using an online survey and convenience sampling.

Subjects

A total of 1204 VECPs including mostly veterinarians and technicians.

Interventions

An online questionnaire using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Areas of Worklife Survey was distributed between May and July 2018 via an email list and social media. VECPs working less than part‐time (<20 h/week) and incomplete survey responses were excluded.

Measurements and Main Results

VECPs had higher total emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores and lower total personal accomplishment scores compared to emergency department human healthcare professionals (P < 0.001). Subsets of VECPs with the highest burnout symptom scores included females, residents, those working in private or corporate referral hospitals, and those with off‐shift duties. Workplace variables positively associated with burnout symptom scores among these groups typically included perceptions of an unmanageable workload, lack of control over work, little reward (recognition) for work, or an unfair allocation of resources at work. Conversely, VECPs working >20 years and those married or with children at home had lower burnout symptom scores. Workplace variables negatively associated with burnout symptom scores among respondents included perceptions of having a manageable workload, control over work, reward for work, or a fair allocation of resources at work. Multivariable analysis revealed that the variable most positively associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization was workload, whereas reward was most positively associated with personal accomplishment (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Burnout symptom scores are higher among VECPs compared to human emergency department teams. Targeting workplace variables such as workload and reward is warranted in future studies to determine strategies for reducing burnout among VECPs.
Building Collaborative Governance in Times of Uncertainty
Authors: Bouckaert Geert
Published: January 2023

Democratic societies are being challenged to look for new ways of doing politics that involve different stakeholders, particularly citizens. This book looks at public authorities' attempts to put society at the core of public policies in the form of collaborative governance. It provides a full account of a major case from the provincial council of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain): 150 projects, more than 900 organisations, and 50.000 participants and beneficiaries. ‘Pracademic’ lessons learned derive from the interaction among 50 practitioners engaged in the day-to-day practice of the case and scholars from different countries. Topics included relate to major challenges that collaborative governance reforms are facing across the world: structures, institutionalisation, relationships, leadership, accountability, innovation, experimentation, communication, intangible resources, trust, and assessment of outcomes (particularly in terms of Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. Ultimately, issues of democracy arise from a case covering a comprehensive list of policies: health, employment, elderly care, energy, cybersecurity, electromobility, artificial intelligence, immigration, education, social equity, and culture. This book is intended for students, professionals and scholars interested in fostering the study and practice of democracy.
Behavior of Gas–Solid Two-Phase Flow in a Backward Facing Step - Effect of Interparticle Collisions
Authors: Senapati Santosh Kumar
Published: January 2023

This article presents a computational investigation of the dilute gas–solid flow's loss coefficient and reattachment length in a horizontally placed backward-facing step. The article's primary objective is to study the effect of the interparticle collision and three significant parameters, namely, inlet solid-phase volume fraction (αs=0.002, 0.005), particle size (dp = 70 μm and 200 μm), and solid-particle density (ρs = 1500 kg/m3 and 3000 kg/m3). The numerical procedure uses the Eulerian–Eulerian approach in conjunction with the Kinetic theory of Granular flow and the four-way coupling approach. The outcomes show that the loss coefficient and the reattachment length increase as the interparticle collision intensifies with the system. Moreover, these parameters show higher values with small particle sizes and higher solid-phase volume fractions. The reattachment length is higher with less dense solid particles and higher with heavier solid particles.
Attention-Enhanced Multimodal Learning for Conceptual Design Evaluations
Authors: Song Binyang , Miller Scarlett , Ahmed Faez
Published: January 2023

Conceptual design evaluation is an indispensable component of innovation in the early stage of engineering design. Properly assessing the effectiveness of conceptual design requires a rigorous evaluation of the outputs. Traditional methods to evaluate conceptual designs are slow, expensive, and difficult to scale because they rely on human expert input. An alternative approach is to use computational methods to evaluate design concepts. However, most existing methods have limited utility because they are constrained to unimodal design representations (e.g., texts or sketches). To overcome these limitations, we propose an attention-enhanced multimodal learning (AEMML)-based machine learning (ML) model to predict five design metrics: drawing quality, uniqueness, elegance, usefulness, and creativity. The proposed model utilizes knowledge from large external datasets through transfer learning (TL), simultaneously processes text and sketch data from early-phase concepts, and effectively fuses the multimodal information through a mutual cross-attention mechanism. To study the efficacy of multimodal learning (MML) and attention-based information fusion, we compare (1) a baseline MML model and the unimodal models and (2) the attention-enhanced models with baseline models in terms of their explanatory power for the variability of the design metrics. The results show that MML improves the model explanatory power by 0.05–0.12 and the mutual cross-attention mechanism further increases the explanatory power of the approach by 0.05–0.09, leading to the highest explanatory power of 0.44 for drawing quality, 0.60 for uniqueness, 0.45 for elegance, 0.43 for usefulness, and 0.32 for creativity. Our findings highlight the benefit of using multimodal representations for design metric assessment.
Thermoeconomic Analysis of Novel Vapor Compression-Absorption Multi-Target-Temperature Cascade Refrigeration System
Authors: Mishra Shubham Kumar , Sharma Ajay , Verma Ashutosh Kumar , Yadav Laxmikant
Published: January 2023

To fulfill the requirement of multi-refrigeration temperature, multi-target-temperature techniques are increasing research interests for industrial and commercial applications. Taking forward the previous research keeping in mind the electric power saving, a novel vapor compression-absorption multi-target-temperature cascade (VCAMTTS) system is proposed, in which NH3-H2O pair is used as vapor absorption section in the high-temperature circuit whereas two out of three refrigerant R717, R410A, and R134a are used in two lower circuits results in three possible configurations as NH3-H2O/R717 + R410A, NH3-H2O/R410A + R134a, and NH3-H2O/R134a + R717. This detailed analysis is based on the selection of the best configuration, investigating these on every aspect of energy, exergy, and economy (EEE). The whole investigation revolves around the parameters such as coefficient of performance (COP), exergy efficiency, and their sensitivity due to change of evaporator temperature and refrigerating capacity distribution ratio, exergy-economic factor, and product cost rate. Based on its best thermodynamic and thermal-economic performance, NH3-H2O/R410A + R134a (NHRARa) system can be a better option for multi-target-temperature refrigeration applications. Further, from the thermoeconomic analysis the optimum COP, exergy efficiency, and minimum cost obtained are about 0.3378, 8.29%, and 24.19 $/h, respectively.
Influence of Volume and Bouts of Sedentary Time and Physical Activity on School-Aged Youth’s Physical Fitness: The UP & DOWN Longitudinal Study
Authors: Grao-Cruces Alberto , Pérez-Bey Alejandro , Jiménez-Iglesias José , Cruz-León Carolina , Cabanas-Sánchez Verónica , Veiga Oscar L. , Castro-Piñero José
Published: January 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to examine associations of total volume and bouts of sedentary time (ST) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with physical fitness (PF) in youth. Methods: This was a 2-year follow-up study with 1418 children and adolescents (51.7% boys). Accelerometers were used to assess ST and MVPA. Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness values were objectively measured and combined in a global PF variable. Weight status was objectively obtained. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the cross-sectional (using scores at baseline) and longitudinal associations (using the change in the variables) of total volume and bouts of ST and MVPA with PF. Results: Total ST was negatively associated with global PF (β = −0.488, P < .001 in cross-sectional analysis; β = −0.234, P = .003 in longitudinal analysis). However, this association was not independent of MVPA. Total volume of MVPA showed a positive association with global PF independently of ST and weight status (β = 0.285, P < .001 in cross-sectional analysis; β = 0.119, P = .001 in longitudinal analysis). Longitudinal associations found between ST and MVPA accumulated in bouts of various lengths and global PF became nonsignificant when their respective total volumes are included in the model. Conclusions: These results underline the need to accumulate minutes of MVPA, regardless of the bout duration, to increase PF levels in youth.
Identifying Risk Profiles for Nonadherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth 6 Months Into the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Guerrero Michelle D. , Moore Sarah , Faulkner Guy , Roberts Karen C. , Mitra Raktim , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Rhodes Ryan E. , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The purposes of the current study were to identify risk profiles for nonadherence among children and youth (5–17 y) at the 6-month mark of the COVID-19 pandemic and to discuss similarities and differences between risk profiles identified in the current study and those identified at the 1-month mark of the pandemic. Methods: Data were part of a nationally representative sample of 1143 parents (Mage = 43.07 y, SD = 8.16) of children and youth (5–17 y) living in Canada. Survey data were collected in October 2020. Results: Results showed that 3.8% met all movement behavior recommendations, 16.2% met the physical activity recommendation, 27% met the screen time recommendation, and 63.8% met the sleep recommendation. Characteristics associated with nonadherence to all movement behaviors included low parental perceived capability to restrict screen time and decreased overall time spent outdoors. Characteristics associated with nonadherence to the physical activity and screen time recommendations included youth (12–17 y), low parental perceived capability to restrict screen time, decreased time spent outdoors, and increased screen time. Conclusion: Results emphasized the importance of parental perceived capability to restrict screen time and children’s and youth’s outdoor time and showed that pandemic-related factors have impacted children and youth differently.
Counter Stories on the Meaning of Sport in the Lives of Black Youth Who Are Incarcerated
Authors: Jacobs Jennifer M. , Bennett Gabrielle , Wahl-Alexander Zach
Published: January 2023

Although a significant focal point of research has been dedicated to the role of sport in the lives of youth, few articles have explored sporting experiences among incarcerated youth. Often overlooked, this population is highly disenfranchised and overrepresented by youth of color. Nonetheless, emerging research has proposed sport as an important developmental tool in the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. Informed by critical race theory, the current study included semistructured interviews with nine incarcerated Black males, exploring the meaning of sport in their lives. Results included themes around family induction into sport, sport versus street life, sport teaching life skills, and sport as a distraction. Findings offer insight into how youth of color in the juvenile justice system conceptualize the role of sport and consequently, how sport may be harnessed for positive youth outcomes in correctional settings.
A dual organelle-targeting mechanosensitive probe
Authors: Ho Po-Yu , Chou Tsu Yu , Kam Chuen , Huang Wenbin , He Zikai , Ngan Alfonso H. W. , Chen Sijie
Published: January 2023

Cells are responsive to the mechanical environment, but the methods to detect simultaneously how different organelles react in mechanobiological processes remain largely unexplored. We herein report a dual organelle-targeting fluorescent probe, (
E
)-1-[3-(diethoxyphosphoryl)propyl]-4-[4-(diethylamino)styryl]pyridin-1-ium bromide (ASP-PE), for mechanical mapping in live cells. ASP-PE is aggregation-induced emission active and is sensitive to the local mechanical environment. It targets the plasma membrane (PM) and intracellular mitochondria in cells by its phosphonate moiety and pyridinium. In this work, through ASP-PE staining, changes of membrane tension in the PM and mitochondria in response to varied osmotic pressure and substrate stiffness are visualized using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. The mechanobiological importance of actin filaments and microtubules in the PM and mitochondria is also investigated using this probe. Computational simulations are applied to study the sensing mechanism of the probe. This study introduces a unique tool for mapping the membrane tension in the PM and mitochondria together, providing us great opportunities to study organelle’s interactions in mechanobiology.
Machine learning enables prediction of metabolic system evolution in bacteria
Authors: Konno Naoki , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: January 2023

Evolution prediction is a long-standing goal in evolutionary biology, with potential impacts on strategic pathogen control, genome engineering, and synthetic biology. While laboratory evolution studies have shown the predictability of short-term and sequence-level evolution, that of long-term and system-level evolution has not been systematically examined. Here, we show that the gene content evolution of metabolic systems is generally predictable by applying ancestral gene content reconstruction and machine learning techniques to ~3000 bacterial genomes. Our framework, Evodictor, successfully predicted gene gain and loss evolution at the branches of the reference phylogenetic tree, suggesting that evolutionary pressures and constraints on metabolic systems are universally shared. Investigation of pathway architectures and meta-analysis of metagenomic datasets confirmed that these evolutionary patterns have physiological and ecological bases as functional dependencies among metabolic reactions and bacterial habitat changes. Last, pan-genomic analysis of intraspecies gene content variations proved that even “ongoing” evolution in extant bacterial species is predictable in our framework.
Convergent genomics of longevity in rockfishes highlights the genetics of human life span variation
Authors: Treaster Stephen , Deelen Joris , Daane Jacob M. , Murabito Joanne , Karasik David , Harris Matthew P.
Published: January 2023

Longevity is a defining, heritable trait that varies dramatically between species. To resolve the genetic regulation of this trait, we have mined genomic variation in rockfishes, which range in longevity from 11 to over 205 years. Multiple shifts in rockfish longevity have occurred independently and in a short evolutionary time frame, thus empowering convergence analyses. Our analyses reveal a common network of genes under convergent evolution, encompassing established aging regulators such as insulin signaling, yet also identify flavonoid (aryl-hydrocarbon) metabolism as a pathway modulating longevity. The selective pressures on these pathways indicate the ancestral state of rockfishes was long lived and that the changes in short-lived lineages are adaptive. These pathways were also used to explore genome-wide association studies of human longevity, identifying the aryl-hydrocarbon metabolism pathway to be significantly associated with human survival to the 99th percentile. This evolutionary intersection defines and cross-validates a previously unappreciated genetic architecture that associates with the evolution of longevity across vertebrates.
Peptide-guided lipid nanoparticles deliver mRNA to the neural retina of rodents and nonhuman primates
Authors: Herrera-Barrera Marco , Ryals Renee C. , Gautam Milan , Jozic Antony , Landry Madeleine , Korzun Tetiana , Gupta Mohit , Acosta Chris , Stoddard Jonathan , Reynaga Rene , Tschetter Wayne , Jacomino Nick , Taratula Oleh , Sun Conroy , Lauer Andreas K. , Neuringer Martha , Sahay Gaurav
Published: January 2023

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)–based mRNA delivery holds promise for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations. Currently, LNP-mediated mRNA delivery is restricted to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia. LNPs must overcome ocular barriers to transfect neuronal cells critical for visual phototransduction, the photoreceptors (PRs). We used a combinatorial M13 bacteriophage–based heptameric peptide phage display library for the mining of peptide ligands that target PRs. We identified the most promising peptide candidates resulting from in vivo biopanning. Dye-conjugated peptides showed rapid localization to the PRs. LNPs decorated with the top-performing peptide ligands delivered mRNA to the PRs, RPE, and Müller glia in mice. This distribution translated to the nonhuman primate eye, wherein robust protein expression was observed in the PRs, Müller glia, and RPE. Overall, we have developed peptide-conjugated LNPs that can enable mRNA delivery to the neural retina, expanding the utility of LNP-mRNA therapies for inherited blindness.
Complex carbonaceous matter in Tissint martian meteorites give insights into the diversity of organic geochemistry on Mars
Authors: Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Matzka Marco , Ruf Alexander , Menez Benedicte , Chennaoui Aoudjehane Hasnaa , Harir Mourad , Lucio Marianna , Hertzog Jasmine , Hertkorn Norbert , Gougeon Régis D. , Hoffmann Victor , Hinman Nancy W. , Ferrière Ludovic , Greshake Ansgar , Gabelica Zelimir , Trif László , Steele Andrew
Published: January 2023

We report a huge organic diversity in the Tissint Mars meteorite and the sampling of several mineralogical lithologies, which revealed that the organic molecules were nonuniformly distributed in functionality and abundance. The range of organics in Tissint meteorite were abundant C
3-7
aliphatic branched carboxylic acids and aldehydes, olefins, and polyaromatics with and without heteroatoms in a homologous oxidation structural continuum. Organomagnesium compounds were extremely abundant in olivine macrocrystals and in the melt veins, reflecting specific organo-synsthesis processes in close interaction with the magnesium silicates and temperature stresses, as previously observed. The diverse chemistry and abundance in complex molecules reveal heterogeneity in organic speciation within the minerals grown in the martian mantle and crust that may have evolved over geological time.
Role of ventral subiculum neuronal ensembles in incubation of oxycodone craving after electric barrier–induced voluntary abstinence
Authors: Fredriksson Ida , Tsai Pei-Jung , Shekara Aniruddha , Duan Ying , Applebey Sarah V. , Minier-Toribio Angelica , Batista Ashley , Chow Jonathan J. , Altidor Lindsay , Barbier Estelle , Cifani Carlo , Li Xuan , Reiner David J. , Rubio F. Javier , Hope Bruce T. , Yang Yihong , Bossert Jennifer M. , Shaham Yavin
Published: January 2023

High relapse rate is a key feature of opioid addiction. In humans, abstinence is often voluntary due to negative consequences of opioid seeking. To mimic this human condition, we recently introduced a rat model of incubation of oxycodone craving after electric barrier–induced voluntary abstinence. Incubation of drug craving refers to time-dependent increases in drug seeking after cessation of drug self-administration. Here, we used the activity marker Fos, muscimol-baclofen (GABAa + GABAb receptor agonists) global inactivation, Daun02-selective inactivation of putative relapse-associated neuronal ensembles, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting of Fos-positive cells and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to demonstrate a key role of vSub neuronal ensembles in incubation of oxycodone craving after voluntary abstinence, but not homecage forced abstinence. We also used a longitudinal functional magnetic resonance imaging method and showed that functional connectivity changes in vSub-related circuits predict opioid relapse after abstinence induced by adverse consequences of opioid seeking.
Depleting Cationic Lipids Involved in Antimicrobial Resistance Drives Adaptive Lipid Remodeling in Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Rashid Rafi , Nair Zeus Jaren , Chia Dominic Ming Hao , Chong Kelvin Kian Long , Cazenave Gassiot Amaury , Morley Stewart A. , Allen Doug K. , Chen Swaine L. , Chng Shu Sin , Wenk Markus R. , Kline Kimberly A.
Published: January 2023

The cell membrane plays a pivotal role in protecting bacteria against external threats, such as antibiotics. Cationic phospholipids such as lysyl-phosphatidyglycerol (L-PG) resist the action of cationic antimicrobial peptides through electrostatic repulsion.
Porphyry copper mineralization triggered by sulfate reduction and alkali metasomatism: Constraints from an experimental investigation
Authors: Li Jianping , Liu Weihua , Su Long , Li Dengfeng , Zhang Shitao , Chen Huayong
Published: January 2023

The potassium silicate (K-silicate) alteration zone is the main ore contributor in porphyry copper deposits worldwide. Knowledge of element behaviors in the alteration and mineralization processes is essential for an improved understanding of porphyry copper mineralization, but they are still not well understood. In this study, we reacted synthetic Cl-rich fluids, containing K, Na, Cu, Mo, Zn, etc., with andesite in a complex experimental system to simulate the shallow porphyry copper mineralization process. We aimed to bridge the gap between simple experimental studies and complex natural systems and to evaluate the contribution of sulfate reduction to porphyry ore formation and its relationship with early alkali metasomatism. The results show that increasing temperature (from 300 to 500 °C) enhances the K-silicate alteration by promoting ion-exchange reactions, and the K-feldspar is mainly formed by the transformation of plagioclase via a dissolution-reprecipitation processes. The low-salinity vapor phase has a stronger capacity for K-silicate alteration than the liquid phase at similar temperatures. In addition, increasing temperature from 300 to 500 °C favors sulfate reduction to further enhance metal sulfide precipitation. The limited availability of reduced sulfur in the fluid causes preferential precipitation of Cu-(Mo) sulfides, while most of the Zn is soluble in the fluid, and Cu precipitation as sulfides in the vapor is much more efficient than in the coexisting liquid. The overlap between the K-silicate alteration zone and the mineralization triggered by sulfate reduction in porphyry copper deposits is controlled by several concomitant factors, e.g., relatively high temperature (e.g., at 400−500 °C), vapor formation, and decompression. Moreover, K-silicate alteration would further promote mineralization by changing fluid compositions, e.g., removing K from the fluid.
Retrocecal hernia with small bowel obstruction: a review of literature
Authors: Pentakota Naveen , Abuji Kishore , Vaddavalli Venkata Vineeth , Sakaray Yashwant
Published: January 2023

Retrocecal hernia, a type of internal hernia, is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. It can come as a surprise to the operating surgeon if not diagnosed preoperatively. We hereby report a case of retrocecal hernia presenting with small bowel obstruction. A man in his early 60s presented to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of vomiting associated with abdominal pain for 3 days and the inability to pass flatus for 1 day. Preoperative imaging revealed multiple air-fluid levels with a transition point in the terminal ileum suggestive of small bowel obstruction. After adequate resuscitation, emergency laparotomy was performed, and intraoperatively, herniated ileal loop through a retrocecal defect was identified as a cause of obstruction. Herniated ileal loop was reduced, followed by the closure of the defect and cecopexy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged in a stable condition. He was asymptomatic on follow-up.
Exploring the effectiveness of a cascading mentorship model in developing CanMEDS competencies in postgraduate medical education: a qualitative interview study among resident mentors at a medical school in Canada
Authors: Guo Tina , Chowdhury Mushfika , Rasouli Rahna , Patel Mitesh
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The CanMEDS framework, an educational framework for physicians used in Canada, defined competencies that physicians require to meet patients’ needs, all of which can be cultivated through mentorship activities. The Advocacy Mentorship Initiative (AMI) at the University of Toronto used a cascading mentorship model (CMM), whereby resident mentors (RMs) mentored undergraduate medical student mentors (MSMs), who in turn mentored youth raised in at-risk environments. Both RMs and MSMs were mentored by the AMI programme lead, a staff psychiatrist, with expertise in child and adolescent psychiatry. The research question of this study was as follows: What were the merits of using a CMM in enhancing the knowledge, competencies and residency experiences of RMs in AMI?

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Setting and participants

RMs involved in AMI from January 2017 to December 2020 were invited to participate in the study. A total of 11 RMs agreed to participate.

Methods

Interviews were conducted to canvas participants about how AMI impacted them, and these were recorded, transcribed and anonymised. Braun and Clarke’s approach to thematic analysis was used to identify ‘subthemes’ and ‘themes’.

Results

Eleven RMs participated in the study. A major theme identified was how AMI enhanced the medical learner experience by augmenting the educational experience of MSMs, strengthening RMs’ values and attitudes, and strengthening RMs’ knowledge and competencies. The second theme captured was the effective facets of a mentorship programme in AMI, including the CMM, and collaborative and inclusive relationships between mentors and mentees.

Conclusions

RMs identified that the CMM of AMI cultivated CanMEDS competencies in medical learners; deepened medical learners’ understanding of social determinants of health; and offered a bidirectional approach to teaching and learning between MSMs and RMs. MSMs and RMs also learnt from the staff psychiatrist.
Effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily injections on glycaemic control among older adults with type 2 diabetes: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Bei , Han Lin , Wang Yin , Cheng Kangyao
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Insulin therapy plays an irreplaceable role in glycaemic control among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and can be administered by either multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin or by a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump. Many clinical trials have compared the effects of CSII pumps and MDI in various diabetic populations, but there has been no systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on older adults with T2DM. This study aims to determine whether the CSII pump is associated with better glycaemic control relative to the MDI in older adults with T2DM.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science core collection, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) will be searched from inception to December 2021. Only randomised controlled trials will be included, and the language of the selected studies will be restricted to English and Chinese. Two researchers will independently screen the studies, extract data, assess the risk of bias and evaluate the quality of evidence. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus or by a third researcher. Data analysis and synthesis will be conducted using RevMan V.5.3. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment will be performed, as necessary.

Ethics and dissemination

As this study will not contain personal information, ethical approval will not be required. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or at relevant conference.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021283729.
Mental health of pregnant and postpartum women during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a European cross-sectional study
Authors: Tauqeer Fatima , Ceulemans Michael , Gerbier Eva , Passier Anneke , Oliver Alison , Foulon Veerle , Panchaud Alice , Lupattelli Angela , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: January 2023

Objective

To describe the mental health of perinatal women in five European countries during the third pandemic wave and identify risk factors related to depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Design

A cross-sectional, online survey-based study.

Setting

Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK, 10 June 2021–22 August 2021.

Participants

Pregnant and up to 3 months postpartum women, older than 18 years of age.

Primary outcome measure

The Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) were used to assess mental health status. Univariate and multivariate generalised linear models were performed to identify factors associated with poor mental health.

Results

5210 women participated (including 3411 pregnant and 1799 postpartum women). The prevalence of major depressive symptoms (EDS ≥13) was 16.1% in the pregnancy group and 17.0% in the postpartum . Moderate to severe generalised anxiety symptoms (GAD ≥10) were found among 17.3% of the pregnant and 17.7% of the postpartum women. Risk factors associated with poor mental health included having a pre-existing mental illness, a chronic somatic illness, having had COVID-19 or its symptoms, smoking, unplanned pregnancy and country of residence. Among COVID-19 restrictive measures specific to perinatal care, pregnant and postpartum women were most anxious about not having their partner present at the time of delivery, that their partner had to leave the hospital early and to be separated from their newborn after the delivery.

Conclusion

Approximately one in six pregnant or postpartum women reported major depression or anxiety symptoms during the third wave of the pandemic. These findings suggest a continued need to monitor depression and anxiety in pregnancy and postpartum populations throughout and in the wake of the pandemic. Tailored support and counselling are essential to reduce the burden of the pandemic on perinatal and infant mental health.
Effectiveness of cerebellar vermis intermittent theta-burst stimulation in improving trunk control and balance function for patients with subacute stroke: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Chen Yi , Su Wei , Gui Chen-Fan , Guo Qi-Fan , Tan Hui-Xin , He Lin , Jiang Han-Hong , Wei Qing-Chuan , Gao Qiang
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Balance impairments frequently occur after stroke. Achieving effective core trunk stability is the key to improving balance ability. However, there is still a lack of advanced well-defined rehabilitation protocols for balance improvement in patients with stroke. Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) is a non-invasive brain activity modulation strategy that can produce long-term potentiation. The cerebellar vermis is a fundamental structure involved in balance and motor control. However, no study has demonstrated the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of cerebellar vermis iTBS on balance after stroke.

Methods and analysis

This study will be a prospective single-centre double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial with a 3-week intervention and 3-week follow-up. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to the experimental group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. After routine conventional physical therapy, patients in the experimental group will receive cerebellar vermis iTBS, whereas patients in the control group will receive sham stimulation. The overall intervention period will be 5 days a week for 3 consecutive weeks. The outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), 3 weeks postintervention (T1) and at the 3-week follow-up (T2). The primary outcomes are Berg Balance Scale and Trunk Impairment Scale scores. The secondary outcomes are balance test scores via the Balance Master system, muscle activation of the trunk and lower limbs via the surface electromyography recordings, cerebral cortex oxygen concentrations measured via the resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity and Barthel index scores.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the West China Hospital Clinical Trials and Biomedical Ethics Committee of Sichuan University. All participants will sign the informed consent form voluntarily. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at academic conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200065369.