bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing risk of lymph node invasion in complete responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Flammia Rocco Simone , Tuderti Gabriele , Bologna Eugenio , Minore Antonio , Proietti Flavia , Licari Leslie Claire , Mastroianni Riccardo , Anceschi Umberto , Brassetti Aldo , Bove Alfredo , Misuraca Leonardo , D'Annunzio Simone , Ferriero Maria Consiglia , Guaglianone Salvatore , Chiacchio Giuseppe , De Nunzio Cosimo , Leonardo Costantino , Simone Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the lymph node invasion (LNI) rate in patients exhibiting complete pathological response (CR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to test the association of CR status with lower LNI and better survival outcomes.

Materials and Methods

We included patients with bladder cancer (BCa; cT2‐4a; cN0; cM0) treated with NAC and radical cystectomy (RC) + pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) at our institution between 2012 and 2022 (N = 157). CR (ypT0) and LNI (ypN+) were defined at final pathology. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to test the association between CR and LNI after adjusting for number of lymph nodes removed (NLR). Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to assess overall survival (OS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and disease free‐survival (DFS) according to CR status.

Results

Overall CR and LNI rates were 40.1% and 19%, respectively. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) NLR was 26 (19–36). The LNI rate was lower in patients with CR vs those without CR (2 [3.2%] vs 61 [29.8%]; P < 0.001). After adjusting for NLR, CR reduced the LNI risk by 93% (odds ratio 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01–0.25; P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier plots depicted better 5‐year OS (69.7 vs 52.2%), MFS (68.3 vs 45.5%) and DFS (66.6 vs 43.5%) in patients with CR vs those without CR. After multivariable adjustments, CR independently reduced the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.44, 95% CI 0.24–0.81; P = 0.008), metastatic progression (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23–0.71; P = 0.002) and disease progression (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24–0.70; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Based on these findings, we postulate that PLND could potentially be omitted in patients exhibiting CR after NAC, due to negligible risk of LNI. Prospective Phase II trials are needed to explore this challenging hypothesis.
Identification and characterization of a novel intronic splicing mutation in CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Han Yilai , Han Jinming , Li Zhen , Chen Siqi , Liu Ju , Zhou Ruxing , Zhao Shufang , Li Dawei , Liu Zheng , Zhao Yinan , Hao Junwei , Chai Guoliang
Published: June 2024

Aims

Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)‐related leukoencephalopathy is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease caused by CSF1R gene mutations. This study aimed to identify and investigate the effect of a novel intronic mutation (c.1754‐3C>G) of CSF1R on splicing.

Methods

A novel intronic mutation was identified using whole‐exome sequencing. To investigate the impact of this mutation, we employed various bioinformatics tools to analyze the transcription of the CSF1R gene and the three‐dimensional structure of its encoded protein. Furthermore, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to validate the findings.

Results

A novel mutation (c.1754‐3C>G) in CSF1R was identified, which results in exon 13 skipping due to the disruption of the 3′ splice site consensus sequence NYAG/G. This exon skipping event was further validated in the peripheral blood of the mutation carrier through RT‐PCR and Sanger sequencing. Protein structure prediction indicated a disruption in the tyrosine kinase domain, with the truncated protein showing significant structural alterations.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the importance of intronic mis‐splicing mutations in the diagnosis and management of CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy.
Realistic About Reference Production: Testing the Effects of Domain Size and Saturation
Authors: Koolen Ruud , Krahmer Emiel
Published: June 2024

Experiments on visually grounded, definite reference production often manipulate simple visual scenes in the form of grids filled with objects, for example, to test how speakers are affected by the number of objects that are visible. Regarding the latter, it was found that speech onset times increase along with domain size, at least when speakers refer to nonsalient target objects that do not pop out of the visual domain. This finding suggests that even in the case of many distractors, speakers perform object‐by‐object scans of the visual scene. The current study investigates whether this systematic processing strategy can be explained by the simplified nature of the scenes that were used, and if different strategies can be identified for photo‐realistic visual scenes. In doing so, we conducted a preregistered experiment that manipulated domain size and saturation; replicated the measures of speech onset times; and recorded eye movements to measure speakers’ viewing strategies more directly. Using controlled photo‐realistic scenes, we find (1) that speech onset times increase linearly as more distractors are present; (2) that larger domains elicit relatively fewer fixation switches back and forth between the target and its distractors, mainly before speech onset; and (3) that speakers fixate the target relatively less often in larger domains, mainly after speech onset. We conclude that careful object‐by‐object scans remain the dominant strategy in our photo‐realistic scenes, to a limited extent combined with low‐level saliency mechanisms. A relevant direction for future research would be to employ less controlled photo‐realistic stimuli that do allow for interpretation based on context.
A multicountry analysis of local government financial vulnerability during the 2020 pandemic considering systemic factors
Authors: Padovani Emanuele , Iacuzzi Silvia , Poljasevic Jelena , de Souza Simone Valle
Published: June 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic cut across geographical, sectorial, and policy boundaries and imposed difficult health, economic, and social challenges. Among many learnings, after the 2007–2008 global financial crisis and the austerity period that followed it, the economic and health crises forged by the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020 offer an important experience to make local governments (LGs) more financially resilient and ready to deal with similar shocks.

This paper builds on a recent framework to investigate the impact of the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic on LG financial vulnerability looking at both contingent and systemic aspects. It addresses the need for a multicountry perspective on the effects of the pandemic and responds to calls to test existing models. Seven countries were chosen to represent different administrative contexts and traditions to understand what factors impact the local level in a time of crisis. Results demonstrate that not only contingent aspects but also systemic factors and the initial level of financial vulnerability influenced the responses to the pandemic, confirming findings about the importance of initial conditions and “path dependency” by previous studies.
Dislocation density‐based constitutive model for cyclic deformation and softening of Ni‐based superalloys
Authors: Kumar Shivam , Patra Anirban , Sahu J. K.
Published: June 2024

A physically‐based constitutive modeling framework is proposed for the cyclic deformation and softening of Ni‐based superalloys. The constitutive model accounts for underlying mechanisms of grain size strengthening, dislocation strengthening, solid solution strengthening, and precipitate strengthening, commonly observed in these alloys. A constitutive model is proposed for the shearing of precipitates on their interaction with glide dislocations during cyclic deformation. This is the primary contributor to the experimentally observed cyclic softening behavior in Ni‐based superalloys. Model predictions of the cyclic stress–strain response and the cyclic softening (quantified in terms of the peak stress) are compared with the experimental counterparts for a range of strain amplitudes under fully‐reversed cyclic loading of Inconel 718 (IN 718). Further, model predictions of precipitate size are also compared with the experimentally measured transmission electron micrographs of precipitate sizes at the end of deformation. Concurrence in the cyclic stress–strain response, peak stress, and precipitate size provides validation for our constitutive modeling framework.
‘Home’ as a Theological Problem for Politics: Weil, Arendt, and the Common Desire for the Common
Authors: Capps Franklin Tanner , James Tom , True David
Published: June 2024

This article engages the global displacement crisis by rendering the concept of ‘home’ as a theological problem for politics, linking contemporary geopolitical conflict to broader issues of forced migration. For help, we engage Simone Weil's theopolitical critique of domination‐based political organising, Hannah Arendt's insights into the texture of political space and belonging, and Jodi Dean's concept of a ‘collective desire for collectivity’ to propose a lateral, connective politics of home that secures local communities while also fostering global connection. Our constructive theological proposal is that the power of love for home entails the embrace of neighbour (near and far) that moves beyond the usual options of liberal cosmopolitanism, communitarian localism, and the Realpolitik of geopolitical alliances. By reconsidering and intensifying the Christian concept of neighbour‐love and linking it to the common reality of displacement and the common longing for home, we take the first steps towards illuming and unveiling a political theology of home that is neither preferential nor naively inclusive.
Nurse‐led sequential multiple assignment randomized trial of nudging intervention for early antiretroviral therapy initiation among patients with HIV/AIDS: Implementation study protocol
Authors: Zhou Yaqin , Meng Jingjing , Zhang Xiangjun , Ma Jun , Fan Sisi , Zuo Hong , Shi Jingzheng , Wang Wenru , Wang Honghong
Published: June 2024

Aims

In China, more than 30% of patients have not initiated treatment within 30 days of HIV diagnosis. Delayed initiation has a detrimental influence on disease outcomes and increases HIV transmission. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation nudging intervention for people newly diagnosed with HIV in China to find the optimal intervention implementation strategy.

Methods

A Hybrid Type II sequential multiple assignment randomized trial will be conducted at four Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Hunan, China. This study will recruit 447 people newly diagnosed with HIV aged ≥18 years and randomly assign them into two intervention groups and one control group. On top of the regular counselling services and referrals, intervention groups will receive a 4‐week, 2‐phase intervention based on the dual‐system theory and the nudge theory. The control group will follow the currently recommended referral procedures. The primary outcomes are whether treatment is initiated, as well as the length of time it takes. The study outcomes will be measured at the baseline, day 15, day 30, week 12, week 24 and week 48. Generalized estimating equations and survival analysis will be used to compare effectiveness and explore factors associated with antiretroviral therapy initiation. Both qualitative and quantitative information will be collected to assess implementation outcomes.

Discussion

Existing strategies mostly target institutional‐level factors, with little consideration given to patients' decision‐making. To close this gap, we aim to develop an effective theory‐driven nudging strategy to improve early ART initiation.

Impact

This nurse‐led study will help to prevent delayed initiation by employing implementation science strategies for people newly diagnosed with HIV. This study contributes to the United Nations' objective of ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300070140. The trial was prospectively registered before the first participant was recruited.

Patient and public involvement

The nudging intervention was finalized through the Nominal Group Technique where we invited five experts in the related field and five people living with HIV to participate.
Acoustic phenology of tropical resident birds differs between native forest species and parkland colonizer species
Authors: Berman Laura , Xuan Tan Wei , Grafe Ulmar , Rheindt Frank
Published: June 2024

Most birds are characterized by a seasonal phenology closely adapted to local climatic conditions, even in tropical habitats where climatic seasonality is slight. In order to better understand the phenologies of resident tropical birds, and how phenology may differ among species at the same site, we used ~70 000 hours of audio recordings collected continuously for two years at four recording stations in Singapore and nine custom‐made machine learning classifiers to determine the vocal phenology of a panel of nine resident bird species. We detected distinct seasonality in vocal activity in some species but not others. Native forest species sang seasonally. In contrast, species which have had breeding populations in Singapore only for the last few decades exhibited seemingly aseasonal or unpredictable song activity throughout the year. Urbanization and habitat modification over the last 100 years have altered the composition of species in Singapore, which appears to have influenced phenological dynamics in the avian community. It is unclear what is driving the differences in phenology between these two groups of species, but it may be due to either differences in seasonal availability of preferred foods, or because newly established populations may require decades to adjust to local environmental conditions. Our results highlight the ways that anthropogenic habitat modification may disrupt phenological cycles in tropical regions in addition to altering the species community.
A novel scale for assessing the risk of low birthweight: Birthweight questionnaire
Authors: Atsa'am Donald D. , Agjei Richard O. , Akingbade Toluwalase J. , Balogun Oluwafemi S. , Adusei‐Mensah Frank
Published: June 2024

Background

The birthweight of a newborn is critical to their health, development, and well‐being. Previous studies that used maternal characteristics to predict birthweight did not employ a harmonised scale to assess the risk of low birthweight (LBW).

Objective

The goal of this study was to develop a new instrument that uses items on a uniform scale to assess the risk of an LBW in a pregnant woman.

Methods

Item response theory was employed to evaluate a similar existing scale, and some weaknesses were identified.

Results

Based on the observed weaknesses of the existing scale, a new uniform scale was developed, which is a 3‐point Likert scale consisting of seven items.

Conclusion

The scale, termed birthweight questionnaire, is a valuable tool for collecting data that could assist in assessing the risk of an LBW at every stage of pregnancy.
Gastrointestinal helminths of captive proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Surabaya zoo, Indonesia
Authors: Ramadhani Masyithah , Nurhidayah Nanis , Kurniawati Dyah Ayu , Purmadi Muttaqin , Rafiq Fatih Aunur , Kusumaningtyas Eni , Endrawati Dwi , Hidayatik Nanik , Prastiya Ragil Angga , Mariya Sela Septima , Mufasirin  , Hastutiek Poedji
Published: June 2024

Background

One of the constrain in proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) conservation is gastrointestinal helminth (GH) infection. Here, we conducted a study to determine the prevalence of GHs in captive proboscis monkeys in Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia.

Methods

Twenty fecal samples were collected from three groups (i.e., nursery cage [NC] [n = 1], communal show cage [SC] [n = 8], and free‐ranging colonies [FC] [n = 11]). The fecal samples have been examined through McMaster and sugar floatation techniques.

Results

The total prevalence of GH infection was 85.00% (17/20). We confirmed infection of Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., Strongyloides sp., and Hymenolepis nana with Trichuris eggs was dominant. Although the prevalence of infection was high, the number of eggs per gram (epg) was low.

Conclusion

GH infection in captive proboscis monkeys in Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia, is highly prevalent. These results were useful for future research, control, and prevention of zoonotic potency purposes.
Insights into the identity and infectivity of the fungi causing Cercospora leaf spots on two ornamental aroids in Brazil
Authors: Pereira Caio Mattos , Furtado Eduardo Côrtes de Araujo , Barreto Robert Weingart
Published: June 2024

Two members of the Araceae broadly cultivated as ornamentals, namely Epipremnum aureum (common name golden pothos or, in Brazil, jiboia) and Zantedeschia aethiopica (common name arum lily or, in Brazil, copo‐de‐leite), were observed bearing Cercospora leaf spots. The former is a very common garden plant, whereas the latter is an important crop for the flower industry. An examination of the fungus associated with the disease on each plant revealed a very similar morphology which suggested that those might be conspecific. A polyphasic taxonomic study, including phylogenetic analyses based on act, cal and his3 sequences, was conducted. Both isolates from the two aroids were found to belong to the Cercospora apii complex, but were genetically distinct. Cercospora sp. Q was identified as the etiological agent of the leaf spots on E. aureum, whereas the fungus on Z. aethiopica was found to belong to Cercospora sp. G. Inoculations confirmed the pathogenicity of both isolates to their original hosts, and cross‐pathogenicity assessments revealed that both isolates were capable of infecting both E. aureum and Z. aethiopica. The limited morphological and pathological distinction between the fungi on these two hosts reflects the continued difficulty in the taxonomic treatment and species delimitation for Cercospora sp. G, Cercospora sp. Q, as well as other provisional code‐based Cercospora spp., and other components of the broad C. apii s. lat. complex. The name Cercospora richardiicola (as C. richardiaecola) was mistakenly used for the fungus on Z. aethiopica in earlier publications and this has been corrected herein.
The genomics of mimicry: Gene expression throughout development provides insights into convergent and divergent phenotypes in a Müllerian mimicry system
Authors: Stuckert Adam M. M. , Chouteau Mathieu , McClure Melanie , LaPolice Troy M. , Linderoth Tyler , Nielsen Rasmus , Summers Kyle , MacManes Matthew D.
Published: June 2024

A common goal in evolutionary biology is to discern the mechanisms that produce the astounding diversity of morphologies seen across the tree of life. Aposematic species, those with a conspicuous phenotype coupled with some form of defence, are excellent models to understand the link between vivid colour pattern variations, the natural selection shaping it, and the underlying genetic mechanisms underpinning this variation. Mimicry systems in which species share a conspicuous phenotype can provide an even better model for understanding the mechanisms of colour production in aposematic species, especially if comimics have divergent evolutionary histories. Here we investigate the genetic mechanisms by which mimicry is produced in poison frogs. We assembled a 6.02‐Gbp genome with a contig N50 of 310 Kbp, a scaffold N50 of 390 Kbp and 85% of expected tetrapod genes. We leveraged this genome to conduct gene expression analyses throughout development of four colour morphs of Ranitomeya imitator and two colour morphs from both R. fantastica and R. variabilis which R. imitator mimics. We identified a large number of pigmentation and patterning genes differentially expressed throughout development, many of them related to melanophores/melanin, iridophore development and guanine synthesis. We also identify the pteridine synthesis pathway (including genes such as qdpr and xdh) as a key driver of the variation in colour between morphs of these species, and identify several plausible candidates for colouration in vertebrates (e.g. cd36, ep‐cadherin and perlwapin). Finally, we hypothesise that keratin genes (e.g. krt8) are important for producing different structural colours within these frogs.
Too hot to handle: temperature‐induced plasticity influences pollinator behaviour and plant fitness
Authors: Traine Juan , Rusman Quint , Schiestl Florian P.
Published: June 2024

Increased temperature can induce plastic changes in many plant traits. However, little is known about how these changes affect plant interactions with insect pollinators and herbivores, and what the consequences for plant fitness and selection are.

We grew fast‐cycling Brassica rapa plants at two temperatures (ambient and increased temperature) and phenotyped them (floral traits, scent, colour and glucosinolates). We then exposed plants to both pollinators (Bombus terrestris) and pollinating herbivores (Pieris rapae). We measured flower visitation, oviposition of P. rapae, herbivore development and seed output.

Plants in the hot environment produced more but smaller flowers, with lower UV reflectance and emitted a different volatile blend with overall lower volatile emission. Moreover, these plants received fewer first‐choice visits by bumblebees and butterflies, and fewer flower visits by butterflies. Seed production was lower in hot environment plants, both because of a reduction in flower fertility due to temperature and because of the reduced visitation of pollinators. The selection on plant traits changed in strength and direction between temperatures.

Our study highlights an important mechanism by which global warming can change plant–pollinator interactions and negatively impact plant fitness, as well as potentially alter plant evolution through changes in phenotypic selection.
Sequential breakdown of the Cf‐9 leaf mould resistance locus in tomato by Fulvia fulva
Authors: de la Rosa Silvia , Schol Christiaan R. , Ramos Peregrina Ángeles , Winter David J. , Hilgers Anne M. , Maeda Kazuya , Iida Yuichiro , Tarallo Mariana , Jia Ruifang , Beenen Henriek G. , Rocafort Mercedes , de Wit Pierre J. G. M. , Bowen Joanna K. , Bradshaw Rosie E. , Joosten Matthieu H. A. J. , Bai Yuling , Mesarich Carl H.
Published: June 2024

Leaf mould, caused by Fulvia fulva, is a devastating disease of tomato plants. In many commercial tomato cultivars, resistance to this disease is governed by the Cf‐9 locus, which encodes five paralogous receptor‐like proteins. Two of these proteins confer resistance: Cf‐9C recognises the previously identified F. fulva effector Avr9 and provides resistance during all plant growth stages, while Cf‐9B recognises the yet‐unidentified F. fulva effector Avr9B and provides mature plant resistance only. In recent years, F. fulva strains have emerged that can overcome the Cf‐9 locus, with Cf‐9C circumvented through Avr9 deletion. To understand how Cf‐9B is circumvented, we set out to identify Avr9B.

Comparative genomics, transient expression assays and gene complementation experiments were used to identify Avr9B, while gene sequencing was used to assess Avr9B allelic variation across a world‐wide strain collection.

A strict correlation between Avr9 deletion and resistance‐breaking mutations in Avr9B was observed in strains recently collected from Cf‐9 cultivars, whereas Avr9 deletion but no mutations in Avr9B were observed in older strains.

This research showcases how F. fulva has evolved to sequentially break down the Cf‐9 locus and stresses the urgent need for commercial tomato cultivars that carry novel, stacked resistance genes active against this pathogen.
How a liverwort reacts to wounding: tracing the evolution of defence responses in the nonvascular plant Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Beraldo Claudia , Alboresi Alessandro
Published: June 2024

This article is a Commentary on Sanmartín et al. (2024), 244: 870–882.
Trans‐complementation of the viral movement protein mediates efficient expression of large target genes via a tobacco mosaic virus vector
Authors: Huang Weikuo , Zhang Yuman , Xiao Na , Zhao Wenhui , Shi Ying , Fang Rongxiang
Published: June 2024

The development of plant virus‐based expression systems has expanded rapidly owing to their potential applications in gene functional and disease resistance research, and industrial production of pharmaceutical proteins. However, the low yield of certain proteins, especially high‐molecular‐mass proteins, restricts the production scale. In this study, we observed that the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)‐mediated expression of a foreign protein was correlated with the amount of the movement protein (MP) and developed a TMV‐derived pAT‐transMP vector system incorporating trans‐complementation expression of MP. The system is capable of efficient expression of exogenous proteins, in particular those with a high molecular mass, and enables simultaneous expression of two target molecules. Furthermore, viral expression of competent CRISPR‐Cas9 protein and construction of CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated gene‐editing system in a single pAT‐transMP construct was achieved. The results demonstrated a novel role for TMV‐MP in enhancing the accumulation of a foreign protein produced from the viral vector or a binary expression system. Further investigation of the mechanism underlying this role will be beneficial for optimization of plant viral vectors with broad applications.
Comments on Emotion and Virtue by Gopal Sreenivasan
Authors: Driver Julia
Published: June 2024

This essay provides a critical discussion of Gopal Sreenivasan's integral account of virtue in his book Emotion and Virtue. This discussion focuses on his account of the paradigm virtue of compassion, arguing that the view does not have most of the advantages Sreenivasan suggests it has when compared to competing models of virtue.
Photochemistry of N‐aryl and N‐alkyl dibenzothiophene sulfoximines
Authors: Throgmorton John C. , Iverson Alexis J. , McCulla Ryan D.
Published: June 2024

N‐phenyl dibenzothiophene sulfoximine has been demonstrated to produce phenyl nitrene and dibenzothiophene S‐oxide upon irradiation with UV‐A light, and dibenzothiophene S‐oxide upon further irradiation releases triplet atomic oxygen. Thus, N‐phenyl dibenzothiophene sulfoximine exhibits a rare dual‐release capability in its photochemistry. In this work, N‐substituted dibenzothiophene sulfoximine derivatives are irradiated with UV‐A light to compare their photochemistry and quantum yield of dibenzothiophene S‐oxide production with that of N‐phenyl dibenzothiophene sulfoximine. Both N‐aryl and N‐alkyl derivatives of dibenzothiophene sulfoximine are examined to observe their effects on the quantum yield of the photolysis reaction. Adding electron withdrawing N‐aryl substituents is shown to increase the quantum yield of dibenzothiophene S‐oxide production, while adding electron donating N‐aryl substituents is shown to decrease the quantum yield. The quantum yield was slightly lowered or not increased by most N‐alkyl substituents. Furthermore, the quantum yield was not augmented by branching and steric hindrance effects associated with the N‐alkyl substituents. These results suggest that electronic modulation of the sulfoximine bonds affects the observed photolysis reaction.
Photobiomodulation of Na,K‐ATPase in native membrane fraction and reconstituted in DPPC:DPPE‐liposome
Authors: Scanavachi Gustavo , Yoneda Juliana S. , Sebinelli Heitor G. , Barbosa Leandro R. S. , Ciancaglini Pietro , Itri Rosangela
Published: June 2024

Studies focusing on how photobiomodulation (PBM) can affect the structure and function of proteins are scarce in the literature. Few previous studies have shown that the enzymatic activity of Na,K‐ATPAse (NKA) can be photo‐modulated. However, the variability of sample preparation and light irradiation wavelengths have not allowed for an unequivocal conclusion about the PBM of NKA. Here, we investigate minimal membrane models containing NKA, namely, native membrane fraction and DPPC:DPPE proteoliposome upon laser irradiation at wavelengths 532, 650, and 780 nm. Interestingly, we show that the PBM on the NKA enzymatic activity has a bell‐shaped profile with a stimulation peak (~15% increase) at around 20 J.cm−2 and 6 J.cm−2 for the membrane‐bound and the proteoliposome samples, respectively, and are practically wavelength independent. Further, by normalizing the enzymatic activity by the NKA enzyme concentration, we show that the PBM response is related to the protein amount with small influence due to protein's environment. The stimulation decays over time reaching the basal level around 6 h after the irradiation for the three lasers and both NKA samples. Our results demonstrate the potential of using low‐level laser therapy to modulate NKA activity, which may have therapeutic implications and benefits.
Laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic removal of gastrointestinal foreign bodies: Evaluation of this technique and postoperative recovery in dogs and cats
Authors: Cola Veronica , Ferrari Chiara , Del Magno Sara , Foglia Armando , Zanardi Stefano , Ciammaichella Luca , Capitani Ombretta , Pietra Marco , Pisoni Luciano
Published: June 2024

Objective

To compare the outcome of the laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic removal (LAER) of gastrointestinal foreign bodies (FBs) with traditional enterotomy, and to determine which factors affected the ability to remove FBs.

Study design

Retrospective observational study.

Sample population

Dogs and cats (n = 81) with gastrointestinal FBs.

Methods

Dogs and cats were divided into Group 1 (LAER, n = 40) and Group 2 (Enterotomy, n = 41). The localization and characteristics of the FBs (sharp or blunt; discrete or linear; single or multiple) were evaluated statistically to identify the factors that affected the ability of LAER to remove, partially or completely, the FBs (χ2 test). The length of the postoperative stay, postoperative analgesia, and resumption of spontaneous feeding were compared between groups (Mann–Whitney U‐test). Short‐term follow up (14 days) was recorded.

Results

Laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic removal allowed complete or partial removal of FBs in 35/40 dogs and cats, regardless of the characteristics or the localization of the FBs. The presence of intestinal wall damage (p = .043) was associated with the conversion to an enterotomy. Group 1 required a shorter postoperative hospital stay (p = .006), less need for analgesia (p < .001), and experienced a faster resumption of spontaneous feeding (p = .012), and similar complication rate to Group 2.

Conclusion

Laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic removal resulted in a faster postoperative recovery when compared with an enterotomy. The FBs’ characteristics or localization did not affect the efficacy of the technique to remove FBs.

Clinical significance

Laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic removal allows the removal of a variety of FBs, avoiding intestinal incision and resulting in a fast postoperative recovery.
Characteristic foliations — A survey
Authors: Anella Fabrizio , Huybrechts Daniel
Published: June 2024

This is a survey article, with essentially complete proofs, of a series of recent results concerning the geometry of the characteristic foliation on smooth divisors in compact hyperkähler manifolds, starting with work by Hwang–Viehweg, but also covering articles by Amerik–Campana and Abugaliev. The restriction of the holomorphic symplectic form on a hyperkähler manifold to a smooth hypersurface leads to a regular foliation of rank 1, the characteristic foliation. The picture is complete in dimension 4 and shows that the behaviour of the leaves of on is determined by the Beauville–Bogomolov square of . In higher dimensions, some of the results depend on the abundance conjecture for .
Architecture Singularity Distance Computations for Linear Pentapods
Authors: Kapilavai Aditya , Nawratil Georg
Published: June 2024

The kinematic/robotic community is not only interested in measuring the closeness of a given robot configuration to its next singular one but also interested in a geometric meaningful index evaluating how far the robot design is away from being architecturally singular. Such an architecture singularity distance, which can be used by engineers as a criterion within the design process, is presented for a certain class of parallel manipulators called linear pentapods. Geometrically the architecture singular designs are well-understood and can be sub-classified into several cases, which allows for solving the optimization problem of computing the closest architecture singular design to a given linear pentapod with algorithms from numerical algebraic geometry.
Metatranscriptomic analysis of common mosquito vector species in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Baril Cole , Cassone Bryan J.
Published: June 2024

The microbiome plays vital roles in the life history of mosquitoes, including their development, immunity, longevity, and vector competence. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have allowed for detailed exploration into the diverse microorganisms harbored by these medically important insects. Although these meta-studies have cataloged the microbiomes of mosquitoes in several continents, much of the information currently available for North America is limited to the state of California. In this study, we collected >35,000 mosquitoes throughout Manitoba, Canada, over a 3-year period and then harnessed RNA sequencing and targeted reverse transcriptase-PCR to characterize the microbiomes of the eight most pervasive and important vector and pest species. The consensus microbiome of each species was overwhelmingly composed of viruses but also included fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic invertebrates. The microbial assemblages were heterogeneous between species, even within the same genus. We detected notable pathogens, including the causal agents of Cache Valley Fever, avian malaria, and canine heartworm. The remaining microbiome consisted largely of putatively insect-specific viruses that are not well characterized, including 17 newly discovered viruses from 10 different families. Future research should focus on evaluating the potential application of these viruses in biocontrol, as biomarkers, and/or in disrupting mosquito vectorial capacity. Interestingly, we also detected viruses that naturally infect honeybees and thrips, which were presumably acquired indirectly through nectar foraging behaviors. Overall, we provide the first comprehensive catalog of the microorganisms harbored by the most common and important mosquito vectors and pests in the Canadian Prairies.

IMPORTANCE

Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on the planet, responsible for over 800,000 deaths per year globally. This is because they carry and transmit a plethora of human disease-causing microorganisms, such as West Nile virus and the malaria parasite. Recent innovations in nucleic acid sequencing technologies have enabled researchers unparalleled opportunities to characterize the suite of microorganisms harbored by different mosquito species, including the causal agents of disease. In our study, we carried out 3 years of intensive mosquito surveillance in Canada. We collected and characterized the microorganisms harbored by >35,000 mosquitoes, including the identification of the agents of Cache Valley fever, avian malaria, and canine heartworm. We also detected insect-specific viruses and discovered 17 new viruses that have never been reported. This study, which is the first of its kind in Canada and one of only a handful globally, will greatly aid in future infectious disease research.
Comparison of microbial diversity and metabolic activities in organic and conventional rice farms in Thailand
Authors: Charaslertrangsi Tumnoon , Arunrat Noppol , Sereenonchai Sukanya , Wongkamhang Patsarin R.
Published: June 2024

Studies of the soil microbial community have revealed that several factors, both biotic and abiotic, can influence the community structure, diversity, and function. Human agricultural practice has been one of the key factors that affect microbial structure in soil. In this study, we examined the effect of two rice farming practices (i.e., conventional and organic) on soil microbial diversity and their metabolic activities. We proposed that the use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers in the conventional rice farming may decrease the soil microbial diversity and that it may lead to a decline in soil quality. However, our results show that there is no significant difference in the soil chemical properties, microbial diversity, and microbial metabolic activities between the two agricultural management systems. The wetland water cycling regime of rice agriculture in Thailand perhaps prevents the accumulation of chemicals in the soil, thus subdue the effect of these chemicals on soil microbes. Furthermore, our results showed that the key determinant of soil chemical properties as well as microbial community structure and diversity is the soil physical property, while the farming activity influences the microbial metabolic functions. These findings indicate the complex nature of the soil, microbes, and human farming interactions.

IMPORTANCE

Rice is a major export commodity in Thailand. As such, an understanding of the effect of conventional or organic farming approaches on soil microbial community could enable a suitable farming management. In this study, microbial communities were surveyed and compared between the two rice farming practices for their diversity and metabolic activities. Results showed no significant differences in microbial community structure and diversity between the two rice farming practices, but significant differences were observed due to the soil type, namely, clay, silty clay, silty clay loam, loam, and silty loam. Interestingly, significant differences in metabolic functions were also observed in different soil farming activities, such as land rest, period of growth, and post-burning, but not due to conventional or organic practices. These findings showed that the soil physical type and the farming activity impact the microbial community more than whether it is conventional or organically farmed.
Alternaria solani
effectors AsCEP19 and AsCEP20 reveal novel functions in pathogenicity and conidiogenesis
Authors: Xiao Siyu , Wang Jinhui , Bai Zihan , Pan Yang , Li Qian , Zhao Dongmei , Zhang Dai , Yang Zhihui , Zhu Jiehua
Published: June 2024

Previous work identified a pair of specific effectors AsCEP19 and AsCEP20 in
Alternaria solani
as contributors to the virulence of
A. solani
. Here, we constructed
AsCEP19
and
AsCEP20
deletion mutants in
A. solani
strain HWC168 to further reveal the effects of these genes on the biology and pathogenicity of
A. solani
. Deletion of
AsCEP19
and
AsCEP20
did not affect vegetative growth but did affect conidial maturation, with an increase in the percentage of abnormal conidia produced. Furthermore, we determined the expression patterns of genes involved in the conidiogenesis pathway and found that the regulatory gene
abaA
was significantly upregulated and
chsA
, a positive regulator for conidiation, was significantly downregulated in the mutant strains compared to the wild-type strain. These results suggest that AsCEP19 and AsCEP20 indirectly affect the conidial development and maturation of
A. solani
. Pathogenicity assays revealed significantly impaired virulence of Δ
AsCEP19
, Δ
AsCEP20,
and Δ
AsCEP19 + AsCEP20
mutants on potato and tomato plants. Moreover, we performed localization assays with green fluorescent protein-tagged proteins in chili pepper leaves. We found that AsCEP19 can specifically localize to the chloroplasts of chili pepper epidermal cells, while AsCEP20 can localize to both chloroplasts and the plasma membrane. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed enrichment of genes of this module in the photosynthesis pathway, with many hub genes associated with chloroplast structure and photosynthesis. These results suggest that chloroplasts are the targets for AsCEP19 and AsCEP20.

IMPORTANCE

Alternaria solani
is an important necrotrophic pathogen causing potato early blight. Previous studies have provide preliminary evidence that specific effectors AsCEP19 and AsCEP20 contribute to virulence, but their respective functions, localization, and pathogenic mechanisms during the infection process of
A. solani
remain unclear. Here, we have systematically studied the specific effectors AsCEP19 and AsCEP20 for the first time, which are essential for conidial maturation. The deletion of AsCEP19 and AsCEP20 can significantly impair fungal pathogenicity. Additionally, we preliminarily revealed that AsCEP19 and AsCEP20 target the chloroplasts of host cells. Our findings further enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the virulence of necrotrophic pathogens.
Thermal Transformations of Ferrocene Fe(C5H5)2 at a Pressure of 10 GPa and Temperatures up to 2200 K
Authors: Starchikov S. S. , Zayakhanov V. A. , Troyan I. A. , Bykov A. A. , Bulatov K. M. , Vasiliev A. L. , Perekalin D. S. , Snegirev N. I. , Kulikova E. S. , Davydov V. A. , Lyubutin I. S.
Published: June 2024

Specific features of thermal transformations of ferrocene Fe(C5H5)2 at a pressure of 10 GPa upon laser heating to 2200 K have been investigated in diamond anvil cells. Maps of the temperature distribution on the sample during the heating have been obtained. The structure and properties of the transformation products have been studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. It is established that a characteristic feature of ferrocene transformations upon laser heating is the simultaneous formation of nanoparticles of iron (α-Fe) and iron carbide (Fe7C3) crystalline phases. The presence of α-Fe in the products of thermal transformations of ferrocene at high pressures has been observed for the first time. Possible mechanisms of the simultaneous formation of these nanoparticles during ferrocene transformations are discussed.
Preclinical in vitro and in vivo results of the new silk vista flow diverter with P8RI coating
Authors: Cortese Jonathan , Forestier Géraud , Bardet Sylvia M , Perrin Marie-Laure , Baudouin Maxime , Belgacem Alexis , Chauvet Romain , Ratsimbazafy Voahirana , Sasselina Gregory , Chandellier Daphnée , Mounier Jérémy , Couquet Claude , Bosselut Florence , Spelle Laurent , Mounayer Charbel , Terro Faraj , Rouchaud Aymeric
Published: June 2024

Background

Flow diverting stents (FDS) have transformed the treatment of intracranial aneurysms; however, their metallic structure associated with their intra-luminal positioning hamper angiographic and clinical outcomes. Therefore, there is a need to develop FDS with optimized surfaces that reduce thrombogenicity while promoting the healing process and endothelialization.

Methods

P8RI, a peptide mimicking the CD31 protein, was previously developed and grafted onto Silk Vista (SV) FDS. P8RI-SV and bare-SV were used in vitro in a blood loop model to test their hemocompatibility using human whole blood and in vivo using the rabbit elastase model for optical coherence tomography (OCT) comparisons of neointimal formation at day 5 and day 28.

Results

After blood loop incubation, P8RI-SV showed significant reduction in fibrin binding (p=0.004) and platelet adhesion (p=0.041) compared with bare-SV. Similarly, derivative markers measured in blood, thromboxane B2 (platelet activation) and Thrombin-Antithrombin III complexes (coagulation activation), were also significantly reduced in the P8RI-SV group (both p=0.002). In vivo, complete or near-complete occlusion was reached in all aneurysms (n=6) at day 28. Excellent rate of stent-coverage ratio was obtained at day 5 (89.3% (79.1%–98.7%)) comparable to the observation at day 28 (91.8% (79.1%–100%); p=0.44). These rates were significantly higher compared with bare-SV at day 5 (77.8% (58.3%–86.8%); p<0.001) and at day 28 (67.7% (52.6%–88.9%); p<0.0001).

Conclusion

In vitro results confirm enhanced hemocompatibility with a significant anti-thrombotic effect of the P8RI-SV. In vivo results provide evidence of rapid neo-intimal growth reaching near-complete tissue healing as early as day 5 in a rabbit model.
Directional succession and species-specific patterns observed in repeat study of vascular plants at three glacier foreland chronosequences in the Canadian High Arctic
Authors: O'Kane Katriina , Henry Greg H.R.
Published: June 2024

The expanding area of glacier forelands provides new terrain for ecosystem development. Plant succession facilitates this development, but this process remains poorly documented in marginal environments such as the High Arctic. This paper presents the results of the first repeat study of glacier foreland chronosequences conducted in the Canadian High Arctic. The forelands of Twin Glacier, Beitstad Glacier, and Teardrop Glacier near Alexandra Fiord, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut were first surveyed in 1995, and these surveys were repeated 21 years later using the same methods. The objectives of this study were to document the patterns of vascular plant species composition and abundance across these three forelands to (1) determine the accuracy of the hypothesis from the original study that succession on these forelands was directional, and (2) investigate the use of the chronosequence method in High Arctic succession studies. Forelands were surveyed using % cover estimates or presence/absence counts. Indicator species analysis and rates of change were used to quantify shifts in vascular plant species over time. Total plant cover increased by 2.4% in the first 100 m of the Twin Glacier foreland study area, and species richness also increased on younger terrain. Rates of peak cover and first appearance advance varied greatly between species and forelands, but were generally faster for graminoid and forb species than shrub species, and slower on species-poor Beitstad Glacier foreland. At all three forelands there was a general pattern of directional succession as all species advanced towards the retreating glacier margin. This supports the original hypothesis that directional succession is a common pattern for glacier forelands in the High Arctic. However, we also found that species-specific patterns and rates of change acted to create assemblages that differed between 1995 and 2016. Different abundances of species and successional trajectories were observed between the three forelands, pointing to the importance of local species pools and dispersal limitation. Finally, we observed that the first occurrence of most species was further from the glacier margin in 2016 compared to 1995, perhaps due to accelerating rates of glacier retreat. These species-specific patterns, differences between forelands, and the delayed response of vegetation to glacier retreat demonstrate the importance of using repeat studies over time and replication over space to confirm the results observed in High Arctic glacier foreland chronosequence studies.