bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macronutrient application rescues performance of tolerant sorghum genotypes when infected by the parasitic plant striga
Authors: Mwangangi Immaculate M , Büchi Lucie , Haefele Stephan M , Rodenburg Jonne
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Infection by the hemi-parasitic plant Striga hermonthica causes severe host plant damage and seed production losses. Increased availability of essential plant nutrients reduces infection. Whether, how and to what extent it also reduces striga-induced host plant damage has not been well studied.

Methods

The effects of improved macro- and micronutrient supply on host plant performance under striga-free and infected conditions were investigated in glasshouse pot assays. One striga-sensitive and two striga-tolerant genotypes were compared. Plants growing in impoverished soils were supplied with (1) 25 % of optimal macro- and micronutrient quantities, (2) 25 % macro- and 100 % micronutrients, (3) 100 % macro- and 25 % micronutrients, or (4) 100 % macro- and micronutrients.

Key Results

Photosynthesis rates of striga-infected plants of the sensitive genotype increased with improved nutrition (from 12.2 to 22.1 μmol m−2 s−1) but remained below striga-free levels (34.9–38.8 μmol m−2 s−1). For the tolerant genotypes, increased macronutrient supply offset striga-induced photosynthesis losses. Striga-induced relative grain losses of 100 % for the sensitive genotype were reduced to 74 % by increased macronutrients. Grain losses of 80 % in the tolerant Ochuti genotype, incurred at low nutrient supply, were reduced to 5 % by improved nutrient supply.

Conclusions

Increasing macronutrient supply reduces the impact of striga on host plants but can only restore losses when applied to genotypes with a tolerant background.
Unfurling the functional association between long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) and HPV16-related cervical cancer pathogenesis through weighted gene co-expression network analysis of differentially expressed lincRNAs and coding genes
Authors: Sinha Abarna , Ghosh Sahana , Ghosh Abhisikta , Ghosh Arnab , Mathai Sonia , Bhaumik Jaydip , Mukhopadhyay Asima , Maitra Arindam , Biswas Nidhan K , Sengupta Sharmila
Published: March 2024

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) do not overlap annotated coding genes and are located in intergenic regions, as opposed to antisense and sense-intronic lncRNAs, located in genic regions. LincRNAs influence gene expression profiles and are thereby key to disease pathogenesis. In this study, we assessed the association between lincRNAs and HPV16-positive cervical cancer (CaCx) pathogenesis using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) with coding genes, comparing differentially expressed lincRNA and coding genes (DElincGs and DEcGs, respectively) in HPV16-positive patients with CaCx (n = 44) with those in HPV-negative healthy individuals (n = 34). Our analysis revealed five DElincG modules, co-expressing and correlating with DEcGs. We validated a substantial number of such module-specific correlations in the HPV16-positive cancer TCGA-CESC dataset. Four such modules, displayed significant correlations with patient traits, such as HPV16 physical status, lymph node involvement and overall survival (OS), highlighting a collaborative effect of all genes within specific modules on traits. Using the DAVID bioinformatics knowledgebase, we identified the underlying biological processes associated with these modules as cancer development and progression-associated pathways. Next, we identified the top 10 DElincGs with the highest connectivity within each functional module. Focusing on the prognostic module hub genes, downregulated CTD-2619J13.13 expression was associated with poor patient OS. This lincRNA gene interacted with 25 coding genes of its module and was associated with such biological processes as keratinization loss and keratinocyte differentiation, reflecting severe disease phenotypes. This study has translational relevance in fighting various cancers with high mortality rates in underdeveloped countries.
Keratosis pilaris treatment paradigms: assessing effectiveness across modalities
Authors: Wong Pooi C , Wang Madeline A , Ng Tangqi J , Akbarialiabad Hossein , Murrell Dédée F
Published: March 2024

This review aims to present a comprehensive synthesis of the existing treatment modalities for keratosis pilaris (KP) and evaluate their therapeutic efficacy. KP is a prevalent chronic dermatological condition typified by its unique ‘chicken skin appearance’, with the cheeks being the most commonly involved sites. Numerous therapeutic interventions have emerged, given its substantial prevalence and impact on skin aesthetics and psychological wellbeing. Nonetheless, a consistent therapeutic response has been challenging to achieve. This review endeavours to collate and critically appraise the current treatment landscape for KP. An exhaustive literature search was performed using databases such as Ovid, PubMed and Scopus. From an initial count of 459 articles identified after deduplication, 52 were selected for inclusion after a thorough full-text examination for articles with concrete outcome data highlighting the efficacies of different therapeutic modalities; articles that lacked data or were tangential to the core focus on KP treatment were excluded. The included articles were then catalogued based on the nature of treatment strategies and their respective outcomes. Among the various therapeutic interventions, laser and light modalities appear to be supported by the most substantial evidence base. Notably, the Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium–aluminium–garnet) laser, attributed to its longer wavelength, emerged as a preferred option. While other therapeutic avenues have also exhibited notable improvements in skin texture and discolouration relative to baseline, the inconsistency in outcome measures underscores the need for a standardized, KP-specific scoring system to foster a more coherent comparison across treatments. Based on the current evidence, Nd:YAG laser therapy demonstrates promising effectiveness with a relatively favourable side-effect profile. However, the landscape of KP treatment is multifaceted, and further studies are essential to solidify recommendations.
Prevalence and association of psoriasis with seborrhoeic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Christy H , Hanna Emmanuelle , Polaskey Meredith Tyree , Nunes Denise , Kim Jaewoo , Chovatiya Raj
Published: March 2024

Clinical reports describing seborrhoeic dermatitis presenting with comorbid psoriasis (i.e. ‘sebopsoriasis’) are common; however, the prevalence and association of psoriasis with seborrhoeic dermatitis has not been well characterized. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of coexistent psoriasis in patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis. We found the overall rate of psoriasis in patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis is detectable but low and without clear association. This is in contrast to common dermatology teaching and patient education, suggesting a need for further investigation into the clinical burden of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Electrochemical ammonia oxidation catalyzed by ruthenium complexes: investigation of substituent effect of axial pyridine ligands
Authors: Toda Hiroki , Kanega Ryoichi , Yano Tasuku , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Kuriyama Shogo , Himeda Yuichiro , Sakata Ken , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: March 2024

We have examined catalytic ammonia oxidation using ruthenium complexes bearing 2,2′-bipyridine-6,6′-dicarboxylate ligand and axial 3- and 4-substituted pyridine ligands under electrochemical conditions to study the substituent effect of the axial pyridine ligands. Ruthenium complex bearing 3,4-dibromopyridine ligands shows the highest catalytic activity to produce up to 145 equivalents of dinitrogen based on the catalyst.
Applying Machine Learning to Blood Count Data Predicts Sepsis with ICU Admission
Authors: Steinbach Daniel , Ahrens Paul C , Schmidt Maria , Federbusch Martin , Heuft Lara , Lübbert Christoph , Nauck Matthias , Gründling Matthias , Isermann Berend , Gibb Sebastian , Kaiser Thorsten
Published: March 2024

Background

Timely diagnosis is crucial for sepsis treatment. Current machine learning (ML) models suffer from high complexity and limited applicability. We therefore created an ML model using only complete blood count (CBC) diagnostics.

Methods

We collected non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) data from a German tertiary care centre (January 2014 to December 2021). Using patient age, sex, and CBC parameters (haemoglobin, platelets, mean corpuscular volume, white and red blood cells), we trained a boosted random forest, which predicts sepsis with ICU admission. Two external validations were conducted using data from another German tertiary care centre and the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (MIMIC-IV). Using the subset of laboratory orders also including procalcitonin (PCT), an analogous model was trained with PCT as an additional feature.

Results

After exclusion, 1 381 358 laboratory requests (2016 from sepsis cases) were available. The CBC model shows an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.872 (95% CI, 0.857–0.887). External validations show AUROCs of 0.805 (95% CI, 0.787–0.824) for University Medicine Greifswald and 0.845 (95% CI, 0.837–0.852) for MIMIC-IV. The model including PCT revealed a significantly higher AUROC (0.857; 95% CI, 0.836–0.877) than PCT alone (0.790; 95% CI, 0.759–0.821; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that routine CBC results could significantly improve diagnosis of sepsis when combined with ML. The CBC model can facilitate early sepsis prediction in non-ICU patients with high robustness in external validations. Its implementation in clinical decision support systems has strong potential to provide an essential time advantage and increase patient safety.
Endovascular aortic repair in patients with Marfan and Loeys–Dietz syndrome is safe and durable when employed by a multi-disciplinary aortic team
Authors: Nucera Maria , Kreibich Maximilian , Yildiz Murat , Berger Tim , Kolb Rosa Klara , Kondov Stoyan , Kunzmann Sophie , Rylski Bartosz , Makaloski Vladimir , Siepe Matthias , Czerny Martin , Schoenhoff Florian S
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to report on mid-term outcomes after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in patients with Marfan (MFS) or Loeys–Dietz (LDS) syndrome.

METHODS

We analysed data from 2 European centres of patients with MFS and LDS undergoing EVAR. Patients were analysed based on (i) timing of the procedure (planned versus emergency procedure) and (ii) the nature of the landing zone (safe versus non-safe). The primary end-point was freedom from reintervention. Secondary end-points were freedom from stroke, bleeding and death.

RESULTS

A population of 419 patients with MFS (n = 352) or LDS (n = 67) was analysed for the purpose of this study. Thirty-nine patients (9%) underwent EVAR. Indications for thoracic endovascular aortic repair or EVAR were aortic dissection in 13 (33%) patients, aortic aneurysm in 22 (57%) patients and others (intercostal patch aneurysm, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, pseudoaneurysm, kinking of frozen elephant trunk (FET)) in 4 (10%) patients. Thoracic endovascular repair was performed in 34 patients, and abdominal endovascular aortic repair was performed in 5 patients. Mean age at 1st thoracic endovascular aortic repair/EVAR was 48.5 ± 15.4 years. Mean follow-up after 1st thoracic endovascular aortic repair/EVAR was 5.9 ± 4.4 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of reinterventions between patients with non-safe landing zone and the patients with safe proximal landing zone (P = 0.609). Furthermore, there was no increased probability for reintervention after planned endovascular intervention compared to emergency procedures (P = 0.916). Mean time to reintervention, either open surgical or endovascular, after planned endovascular intervention was in median 3.9 years (95% confidence interval 2.0–5.9 years) and 2.0 years (95% confidence interval –1.1 to 5.1 years) (P = 0.23) after emergency procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

EVAR in patients with MFS and LDS and a safe landing zone is feasible and safe. Endovascular treatment is a viable option when employed by a multi-disciplinary aortic team even if the landing zone is in native tissue.
Impact of exenatide on weight loss and eating behavior in adults with craniopharyngioma-related obesity: the CRANIOEXE randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gatta-Cherifi Blandine , Mohammedi Kamel , Cariou Tanguy , Poitou Christine , Touraine Philippe , Raverot Gerald , Brue Thierry , Chanson Philippe , Illouz Frédéric , Grunenwald Solange , Chabre Olivier , Sonnet Emmanuel , Cuny Thomas , Bertherat Jerôme , Czernichow Sébastien , Frison Eric , Tabarin Antoine
Published: March 2024

Importance

A major issue in the management of craniopharyngioma-related obesity (CRO) is the ineffectiveness of the current therapeutic approaches.

Objective

To study the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs compared with placebo in adults with obesity CRO.

Design

A double-blind multicenter superiority randomized clinical in trial in two parallel arms.

Setting

Eleven French University Hospital Centers.

Participants

Adults with CRO (body mass index > 30 kg/m²) without the sign of recurrence of craniopharyngioma in the past year.

Interventions

Exenatide or placebo injected subcutaneously twice a day during 26 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the mean change in body weight at week 26 in the intention-to-treat population. Secondary outcomes were eating behavior, calories intake, energy expenditure, cardiovascular, metabolic risk factor, quality of life, and the tolerance profile.

Results

At week 26, weight decreased from baseline by a mean of −3.8 (SD 4.3) kg for exenatide and −1.6 (3.8) kg for placebo. The adjusted mean treatment difference was −3.1 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] −7.0 to 0.7, P = 0.11). Results were compatible with a higher reduction of hunger score with exenatide compared with placebo (estimated treatment difference in change from baseline to week 26: −2.3, 95% CI −4.5 to −0.2), while all other outcomes did not significantly differ between groups. Adverse events were more common with exenatide versus placebo, and occurred in, respectively, 19 (95%) participants (108 events) and 14 (70%) participants (54 events).

Conclusions and Relevance

Combined with intensive lifestyle interventions, a 26-week treatment with exenatide was not demonstrated superior to placebo to treat craniopharyngioma-related obesity.
Implantable loop recorders in patients with Brugada syndrome: the BruLoop study
Authors: Bergonti Marco , Sacher Frederic , Arbelo Elena , Crotti Lia , Sabbag Avi , Casella Michela , Saenen Johan , Rossi Andrea , Monaco Cinzia , Pannone Luigi , Compagnucci Paolo , Russo Vincenzo , Heller Eyal , Santoro Amato , Berne Paola , Bisignani Antonio , Baldi Enrico , Van Leuven Olivier , Migliore Federico , Marcon Lorenzo , Dagradi Federica , Sfondrini Irene , Landra Federico , Comune Angelo , Cespón-Fernández María , Nesti Martina , Santoro Francesco , Magnocavallo Michele , Vicentini Alessandro , Conti Sergio , Ribatti Valentina , Brugada Pedro , de Asmundis Carlo , Brugada Josep , Tondo Claudio , Schwartz Peter J , Haissaguerre Michel , Auricchio Angelo , Conte Giulio
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Available data on continuous rhythm monitoring by implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) are scarce. The aim of this multi-centre study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and clinical implication of a continuous rhythm monitoring strategy by ILRs in a large cohort of BrS patients and to assess the precise arrhythmic cause of syncopal episodes.

Methods

A total of 370 patients with BrS and ILRs (mean age 43.5 ± 15.9, 33.8% female, 74.1% symptomatic) from 18 international centers were included. Patients were followed with continuous rhythm monitoring for a median follow-up of 3 years.

Results

During follow-up, an arrhythmic event was recorded in 30.7% of symptomatic patients [18.6% atrial arrhythmias (AAs), 10.2% bradyarrhythmias (BAs), and 7.3% ventricular arrhythmias (VAs)]. In patients with recurrent syncope, the aetiology was arrhythmic in 22.4% (59.3% BAs, 25.0% VAs, and 15.6% AAs). The ILR led to drug therapy initiation in 11.4%, ablation procedure in 10.9%, implantation of a pacemaker in 2.5%, and a cardioverter-defibrillator in 8%. At multivariate analysis, the presence of symptoms [hazard ratio (HR) 2.5, P = .001] and age >50 years (HR 1.7, P = .016) were independent predictors of arrhythmic events, while inducibility of ventricular fibrillation at the electrophysiological study (HR 9.0, P < .001) was a predictor of VAs.

Conclusions

ILR detects arrhythmic events in nearly 30% of symptomatic BrS patients, leading to appropriate therapy in 70% of them. The most commonly detected arrhythmias are AAs and BAs, while VAs are detected only in 7% of cases. Symptom status can be used to guide ILR implantation.
Chewing Disability Is Associated With Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Nascimento Gustavo G , Li Huihua , Malhotra Rahul , Leite Fábio R M , Peres Karen G , Chan Angelique , Peres Marco A
Published: March 2024

Background

Chewing disability is associated with impaired quality of life, potentially leading to depression, and cognitive impairment. Although the chewing-ability-cognition relationship has been explored, examining whether depression mediates this relationship remains unclear. We investigated the association between chewing disability and cognitive impairment development and a potential mediation via depression among older persons.

Methods

Older persons without cognitive impairment at baseline (n = 973) from the 3 waves of the Panel on Health and Ageing of Singaporean Elderly were investigated. The outcome was incident cognitive impairment by the end of the study, while the exposure was chewing disability over the study period. Time-varying depression was the mediator. Time-fixed confounders included sex, ethnicity, education, marital status, living arrangement, and housing type, and time-varying confounders included age, smoking, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, number of teeth, and denture wearing. We used marginal structural modeling to evaluate the effect of chewing disability on cognitive impairment development.

Results

After 6 years, 11% developed cognitive impairment, and chewing disability was reported by 33%. Chewing disability was associated with higher odds of developing cognitive impairment (OR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.87), of which 85.3% was explained by the controlled direct effect of chewing disability, whereas the remaining 14.7% could be eliminated if there was no depression.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate an association between chewing disability and cognitive impairment, while the role of depression could not be fully elucidated. Oral health should be incorporated as part of older persons’ care for its potential to assess the risk for other systemic conditions.
Crustal structure of Borneo, Makassar Strait and Sulawesi from ambient noise tomography
Authors: Heryandoko N , Nugraha A D , Zulfakriza Z , Rosalia S , Yudistira T , Rohadi S , Daryono D , Supendi P , Nurpujiono N , Yusuf F , Fauzi F , Lesmana A , Husni Y M , Prayitno B S , Triyono R , Adi S P , Karnawati D , Greenfield T , Rawlinson N , Widiyantoro S
Published: March 2024

Borneo and Sulawesi are two large islands separated by the Makassar Strait that lie within the complex tectonic setting of central Indonesia. The seismic structure beneath this region is poorly understood due to the limited data availability. In this study, we present Rayleigh wave tomography results that illuminate the underlying crustal structure. Group velocity is retrieved from dispersion analysis of Rayleigh waves extracted from the ambient noise field by cross-correlating long-term recordings from 108 seismic stations over a period of 8 months. We then produce a 3-D shear wave velocity model via a two-stage process in which group velocity maps are computed across a range of periods and then sampled over a dense grid of points to produce pseudo-dispersion curves; these dispersion curves are then separately inverted for 1-D shear wave velocity (Vs), with the resultant models combined and interpolated to form a 3-D model. In this model, we observed up to ± 1.2 km s−1 lateral Vs heterogeneities as a function of depth. Our models illuminate a strong low shear wave velocity (Vs) anomaly at shallow depth (≤ 14 km) and a strong high Vs anomaly at depths of 20–30 km beneath the North Makassar Strait. We inferred the sediment basement and Moho depth from our 3-D Vs model based on iso-velocity constrained by the positive vertical gradient of the Vs models. The broad and deep sedimentary basement at ∼14 ± 2 km depth beneath the North Makassar Strait is floored by a shallow Moho at ∼22 ± 2 km depth, which is the thinnest crust in the study area. To the east of this region, our model reveals a Moho depth of ∼45 ± 2 km beneath Central Sulawesi, the thickest crust in our study area, which suggests crustal thickening since the late Oligocene. Moreover, the presence of high near-surface Vs anomalies with only slight changes of velocity with increasing depth in southwest Borneo close to Schwaner Mountain confirm the existence of a crustal root beneath this region.
KoNA: Korean Nucleotide Archive as A New Data Repository for Nucleotide Sequence Data
Authors: Ko Gunhwan , Lee Jae Ho , Sim Young Mi , Song Wangho , Yoon Byung-Ha , Byeon Iksu , Lee Bang Hyuck , Kim Sang-Ok , Choi Jinhyuk , Jang Insoo , Kim Hyerin , Yang Jin Ok , Jang Kiwon , Kim Sora , Kim Jong-Hwan , Jeon Jongbum , Jung Jaeeun , Hwang Seungwoo , Park Ji-Hwan , Kim Pan-Gyu , Kim Seon-Young , Lee Byungwook
Published: March 2024

During the last decade, the generation and accumulation of petabase-scale high-throughput sequencing data have resulted in great challenges, including access to human data, as well as transfer, storage, and sharing of enormous amounts of data. To promote data-driven biological research, the Korean government announced that all biological data generated from government-funded research projects should be deposited at the Korea BioData Station (K-BDS), which consists of multiple databases for individual data types. Here, we introduce the Korean Nucleotide Archive (KoNA), a repository of nucleotide sequence data. As of July 2022, the Korean Read Archive in KoNA has collected over 477 TB of raw next-generation sequencing data from national genome projects. To ensure data quality and prepare for international alignment, a standard operating procedure was adopted, which is similar to that of the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration. The standard operating procedure includes quality control processes for submitted data and metadata using an automated pipeline, followed by manual examination. To ensure fast and stable data transfer, a high-speed transmission system called GBox is used in KoNA. Furthermore, the data uploaded to or downloaded from KoNA through GBox can be readily processed using a cloud computing service called Bio-Express. This seamless coupling of KoNA, GBox, and Bio-Express enhances the data experience, including submission, access, and analysis of raw nucleotide sequences. KoNA not only satisfies the unmet needs for a national sequence repository in Korea but also provides datasets to researchers globally and contributes to advances in genomics. The KoNA is available at https://www.kobic.re.kr/kona/.
Compliance with COVID-19 preventative health measures in the United Kingdom: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Colville Shannon , Lockey Steven , Gillespie Nicole , Jane Kelly Sarah
Published: March 2024

Governments have adopted unprecedented measures to assist in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but compliance varies among individuals. This UK study uses latent profile analysis to identify four classes of individuals on factors believed to influence compliance. Those who sought health information from authoritative sources and actively sought information from multiple sources were most compliant. Profile differences in compliance and vaccination status were also primarily driven by trust in healthcare institutions over trust in government. These findings contribute to understanding compliance profiles and emphasise the importance of authoritative information and trust in healthcare systems.
How can asset-based approaches reduce inequalities? Exploring processes of change in England and Spain
Authors: Cassetti Viola , Powell Katie , Barnes Amy , Sanders Tom
Published: March 2024

Initiatives to promote health and reduce inequalities in place-based communities have increasingly adopted asset-based approaches (ABAs). However, the processes through which such initiatives might reduce inequalities are not well understood, and evidence of their impact on health is still limited. This study aimed to understand how ABAs can impact practices, relationships and the redistribution of resources to reduce health inequalities in and between less advantaged neighbourhoods. Qualitative research was conducted in two settings (England and Spain) where similar asset-based initiatives, aimed at training community members to become health promoters, were being implemented. Data were collected using theory of change workshops, 120 hours of observations and semi-structured interviews with 44 stakeholders (trained community members, voluntary and community sector organizations’ workers and health professionals). A thematic analysis informed by systems thinking was carried out. Three main processes of change were identified: first, ‘enabling asset-based thinking’ defined as supporting people to adopt a view that values their own resources and people’s skills and expertise. Second, ‘developing asset-based capacities’, described as developing personal skills, knowledge, self-confidence and relationships underpinned by asset-based thinking. Finally, ‘changing decision-making and wider health determinants through ABAs’ referred to achieving changes in neighbourhoods through mobilizing the asset-based capacities developed. These processes were associated with changes at an individual level, with potential to contribute to reducing inequalities through supporting individual empowerment and social capital. However, contextual factors were found key to enable or hinder changes in the neighbourhoods and acted as barriers to processes of collective empowerment, thus limiting ABAs’ impact on health inequalities.
Chromosome-scale genome, together with transcriptome and metabolome, provides insights into the evolution and anthocyanin biosynthesis of Rubus rosaefolius Sm. (Rosaceae)
Authors: Wang Yunsheng , Guan Jiyuan , Zhang Qunying
Published: March 2024

Rubus rosaefolius is a kind of red raspberry possessing high nutritional and pharmaceutical value. Here we present a chromosome-level draft genome of R. rosaefolius. Of the total 131 assembled scaffolds, 70 with a total size of 219.02 Mb, accounting for 99.33% of the estimated genome size, were anchored to seven pseudochromosomes. We traced a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event shared among members of the Rosaceae family, from which were derived 5090 currently detectable duplicated gene pairs (dgps). Of the WGD-dgps 75.09% underwent purifying selection, and approximately three-quarters of informative WGD-dgps expressed their two paralogs with significant differences. We detected a wide variety of anthocyanins in the berries of R. rosaefolius, and their total concentration remained relatively stable during berry development but increased rapidly during the ripening stage, mainly because of the contributions of pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)glucoside. We identified many structural genes that encode enzymes, such as RrDFR, RrF3H, RrANS, and RrBZ1, and play key roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis. The expression of some of these genes significantly increased or decreased with the accumulation of pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)glucoside. We also identified some transcription factors and specific methylase-encoding genes that may play a role in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis by targeting structural genes. In conclusion, our findings provide deeper insights into the genomic evolution and molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in berries of R. rosaefolius. This knowledge may significantly contribute to the targeted domestication and breeding of Rubus species.
Evaluating the real-world performance of vertically installed bifacial photovoltaic panels in residential settings: empirical findings and implications
Authors: AL-Zoubi Omar H , Al-Tahaineh Hamza , Damseh Rebhi A , AL-Zubi A H , Odat Alhaj-Saleh A , Shboul Bashar
Published: March 2024

This research examines the extended performance of vertically positioned bifacial photovoltaic (BiPV) panels in actual environmental settings, considering various factors such as solar irradiance and the random surrounding structures. Two bifacial photovoltaic panel systems connected to the grid are set up on the roof of a residential structure. The first system consisted of seven panels installed at a tilt angle of 27o, facing south. The second system comprises seven vertically installed panels facing west. A data acquisition system was employed to continuously monitor and record the electrical parameters of both systems. To quantify the performance of the systems, specific metric parameters, like the yearly energy output and the specific yield of the systems, are computed. The findings reveal that the vertically installed BiPV panels can achieve an energy yield as high as 100% compared with the tilted installation in certain months. Furthermore, the vertical installation demonstrated inherent anti-soiling properties akin to self-cleaning. Additionally, the vertical installation exhibited a multiple peak phenomenon, which could potentially alleviate the peak load issues on the electrical grid. The vertical installation also exhibited an exceptional ground coverage ratio, making it an attractive solution for space-constrained applications. The vertical installation exhibited a ~ 1678 kWh/kWp performance ratio, retaining ~82% of the tilted installation energy yield. The results underscore the feasibility and advantages of employing vertically installed bifacial photovoltaic panels in residential settings, particularly in limited areas. Moreover, the study provides insights into the viability and potential of this technology for small-scale residential applications.
Signals From Inflamed Perivascular Adipose Tissue Contribute to Small-Vessel Dysfunction in Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Wilcox Christopher S , Herbert Carly , Wang Cheng , Ma Yuchi , Sun Philena , Li Tian , Verbesey Jennifer , Kumar Princy , Kassaye Seble , Welch William J , Choi Michael J , Pourafshar Negiin , Wang Dan
Published: March 2024

Background

People with the human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) have microvascular disease. Because perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) regulates microvascular function and adipose tissue is inflamed in PWH, we tested the hypothesis that PWH have inflamed PVAT that impairs the function of their small vessels.

Methods

Subcutaneous small arteries were dissected with or without PVAT from a gluteal skin biopsy from 11 women with treated HIV (WWH) aged < 50 years and 10 matched women without HIV, and studied on isometric myographs. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by fluorescence microscopy. Adipokines and markers of inflammation and ROS were assayed in PVAT.

Results

PVAT surrounding the small arteries in control women significantly (P < .05) enhanced acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation and NO, and reduced contractions to thromboxane and endothelin-1. However, these effects of PVAT were reduced significantly (P < .05) in WWH whose PVAT released less adiponectin but more markers of ROS and inflammation. Moderation of contractions by PVAT were correlated positively with adipose adiponectin.

Conclusions

PVAT from WWH has oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced release of adiponectin, which may contribute to enhanced contractions and therefore could promote small-artery dysfunction.
Candida albicans N-Linked Mannans Potentiate the Induction of Trained Immunity via Dectin-2
Authors: Rosati Diletta , Pradhan Arnab , van Heck Julia I P , Helder Leonie , Jaeger Martin , Gow Neil A R , Joosten Leo A B , Williams David L , Brown Alistair J P , Bruno Mariolina , Netea Mihai G
Published: March 2024

The interaction between the Candida albicans cell wall and pattern recognition receptors is crucial for the initiation of host immune responses, which, ultimately, contribute to the clearance of this pathogenic fungus. In the present study, we investigate the ability of C. albicans mannans to modulate immune response and induce innate immune memory (also termed trained immunity). Using mutants of C. albicans that are defective in or lack mannosyl residues, we show that alterations in the mannosylation of the C. albicans cell wall affect the innate cytokine response and strongly reduce the secretion of T-cell–derived cytokines. Subsequently, we demonstrate that the branching of N-linked mannan, but not O-linked mannan, is essential to potentiate the induction of trained immunity, a process mediated by dectin 2. In conclusion, N-linked mannan is needed, in addition to β-glucans, for an effective induction of trained immunity by C. albicans.
Hemagglutination Inhibition Antibody Titers as Mediators of Influenza Vaccine Efficacy Against Symptomatic Influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria Virus Infections
Authors: Lim Wey Wen , Feng Shuo , Wong Sook-San , Sullivan Sheena G , Cowling Benjamin J
Published: March 2024

Background

The hemagglutination inhibition antibody (HAI) titer contributes only a part of vaccine-induced protection against influenza virus infections. Using causal mediation analysis, we quantified the proportion of vaccine efficacy mediated by postvaccination HAI titers.

Methods

We conducted causal mediation analyses using data from a randomized, active-comparator controlled, phase III, trial of an inactivated, split-virion seasonal quadrivalent influenza vaccine in children conducted from October 2010 to December 2011 in 8 countries. Vaccine efficacy was estimated using a weighted Cox proportional hazards model. Estimates were decomposed into the direct and indirect effects mediated by postvaccination HAI titers.

Results

The proportions of vaccine efficacy mediated by postvaccination HAI titers were estimated to be 22% (95% confidence interval, 18%­–47%) for influenza A(H1N1), 20% (16%–39%) for influenza A(H3N2), and 37% (26%–85%) for influenza B/Victoria.

Conclusions

HAI titers partially mediate influenza vaccine efficacy against influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria. Our estimates were lower than in previous studies, possibly reflecting expected heterogeneity in antigenic similarity between vaccine and circulating viruses across seasons.
39 Effectiveness of an educational program covering on-farm finishing of beef cattle for direct-to-consumer in Kentucky
Authors: VanValin Katie , Hayes Morgan , Anderson Leslie H , Bullock Darrh , Laurent Kevin
Published: March 2024

An educational program was developed to educate beef producers interested in marketing beef directly to the consumer. The program consisted of online webinars and two in-person sessions that were held in 6 locations throughout the state. Online webinar topics included marketing, working with the processor, food safety, forage management, confinement facilities, and environmental stewardship. In-person topics included growth and development and nutrition. The program participants were asked to complete a post-program survey at the end of the in-person session. Twenty-five survey responses were collected from the 95 in-person participants. Of the respondents, 44% indicated they were currently finishing cattle on-farm for direct markets, and the remaining participants included commercial cow-calf producers (44%), backgrounder-stocker producers (8%), and seedstock producers (4%). Participants were asked to indicate the overall level of information gained from the in-person sessions using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not very informative; 5 = very informative), with an average response of 4.0. When asked to rate whether participating in the in-person sessions was an effective use of time using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not very effective; 5 = very effective), the average response was 4.45. Participants were asked to rate their knowledge of various topics before and after each session using a 5-point Likert scale. Differences in pre- and post-knowledge levels were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test (SAS; Version 9.4; Cary, NC, USA). Participants reported increased knowledge of the length of time required to finish cattle in various production systems (P < 0.001). Participants reported an increased understanding of bunk scoring systems (P = 0.004). Participants also reported an increased knowledge related to mineral nutrition of finishing cattle (P = 0.01). When asked if participants planned to implement management changes due to this educational program 83% of respondents stated that they would implement management changes on their operations. The results from this survey suggest that participants increased their knowledge related to finishing cattle nutrition and management and that this increase in knowledge should result in on-farm changes improving the efficiency of finishing cattle for direct marketing.
32 Amazing Grazing webinar and workshop series improves producers understanding of pasture ecology
Authors: Rogers Johnny R , Poore Matt H , Shaeffer April D , Weaver Andrew R , Siciliano Paul , Harmon Deidre D
Published: March 2024

Grassland stewards are seeking a better understanding of the complex interactions occurring in their pastures. Information is readily available to assist producers but each farm provides its own unique challenges and opportunities. A diverse scope of knowledge and skills are required to build resilient grazing systems. To address this need Amazing Grazing conducted a webinar series (April 2023) followed by on-farm workshops in July/August 2023. Webinars were held on consecutive Wednesday evenings with 237 average number of registered attendees and 78 average number of actual participants. Topics covered during the first webinar were pasture ecology basics, plant growth principles, livestock forage demand and grazing management principles. The following week covered pasture layout and design, pasture renovation techniques and pasture soil health concepts. The final evening featured topics on electric fence basics, grazing systems for horses and small ruminants and a synopsis. NC Extension Livestock Agents assisted in the sight selection and execution of workshops (n = 8) that were held on working farms. These events provide the opportunity for hands-on instruction to demonstrate the concepts covered in the webinar series. Total workshop registration was 196, with 148 evaluations completed. Participants were 72% farmers, 1% extension agents, 10% Soil and Water Conservation District Employee, 7% NRCS employee and 10% other. The total number of pasture hectares grazed by participants was 3,217 with 1,257 ha as hay. Livestock inventories for attendees were 4,323 beef cattle, 1,366 sheep, 455 goats and 51 horses. Attendees were asked about their pre- and post- workshop knowledge (1 = Very Low; 5 = Very High) of topics presented. Participants indicated a knowledge gain (average pre = 2.78 and post = 3.91) in Concepts of Pastureland Ecology, Adaptive Management, Managing Nutrient Distribution, Pasture Renovation, Temporary Electric Fence, Troubleshooting Electric Fence and Pasture Plant Identification. Workshop impact was determined by asking attendees their post workshop intentions regarding management practices (1 = No, 2 = Maybe, 3 = Yes, 4 = Already Doing). Attendees plan to spending more time walking pasture to determine plant condition, learn more about soil, plant, animal and human interactions, increase use of temporary electric fence and adopt an adaptive management style (average score = 3.91). Continued workshop participation indicates the demand for hands-on education in these areas and that the on-farm format is an effective teaching environment.
38 Assessment of retained ownership extension programming in southeastern beef cattle herds
Authors: Justice S Maggie , Mullenix M Kim , Gadberry Shane
Published: March 2024

Retained ownership is a marketing strategy that involves maintaining ownership of cattle through the feedyard stage. This strategy deviates from the traditional marketing time for many Southeast U.S. cow-calf producers, which is usually centered around weaning. Selected benefits of retained ownership for the producer includes capturing information on improved genetics and being able to take full advantage of health and management programs. Producers are often unaware of how calves perform further down the production line, leaving valuable information on the table as far as management styles and genetic selection goes. Extension programs such as Alabama’s Pasture to Rail and Arkansas’ Grass to Grid were developed to help producers retain ownership on beef calves and learn how their cattle perform in the feedyard phase. These programs provide opportunities for producers to receive feedback about the profitability of the cattle they are producing, learn more about the cattle industry beyond their sector, and investigate the use of other marketing strategies. Once cattle are marketed, producers receive data on their cattle such as average daily gain, estimated feed conversion, detailed carcass data, and health performance metrics. Extension educators can help producers analyze and understand how management and genetic selection affected these outcomes and changes that could be made to their operation. These programs have also been utilized in integrated Extension research. Between the years 2018 and 2023, the Alabama Pasture to Rail Program supported data collection on 667 calves through two different studies. Data collected in these studies are currently being used to update Extension recommendations on management strategies and potential of Alabama feeder calves. Feedback from facilitators and participants in these programs is often favorable for producer implementation but limitations are still faced by Extension personnel. A survey of county agents in Arkansas was recently conducted on programs such as Grass to Grid. Of the 45 agents that responded with active beef cattle programming in their county only 8% indicated that they had active participation in the Grass to Grid Program. An additional 13% of agents did indicate that they thought their county programming and producers would benefit from programming such as Grass to Grid. Limitations to the program were listed as market viability, producer buy in and turn-around results from the feedyard currently being used. Extension programming such as retained ownership programs have a place in helping producers build more sustainable programs. However, it is important to acknowledge the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that must be addressed for producers and Extension personnel if they are to remain a function and useful tool.
81 Effect of thymol on intake and digestion in beef cattle
Authors: Fukuda Emma , Drewery Merritt L , Jessup Russell
Published: March 2024

Reducing enteric methanogenesis has been an area of focus and significance as methane emissions from cattle contribute to climate change and represent a loss of dietary-derived energy. Methane mitigation strategies have been widely researched, but most are limited in practical value due to associated diminishments in animal performance. One strategy, dietary supplementation of essential oils, has demonstrated variable reductions in enteric methane production in ruminants. The efficacy of using essential oils to reduce enteric methanogenesis likely varies due to inconsistent concentrations of bioactive components. Therefore, it is justified to investigate the effects of these individual bioactive components on methanogenesis and animal performance. Thymol, a terpene and main bioactive component in many essential oils, has effectively reduced methane production in vitro but in vivo data are limited. The objective of this study was to assess thymol fed at levels that correspond with effective in vitro doses on intake and digestion in beef steers consuming forage. This study was approved by the Texas State University IACUC (#8693). The project was a 4×4 Latin Square where four steers were provided one of four levels of thymol (0, 120, 240, and 480 mg thymol/kg forage intake) soaked on alfalfa cubes fed at 20% of the intake from the previous day, and ad libitum hay and water daily. Periods were 28-d with 8-d to adapt steers to treatments, 5-d to measure intake and digestion, 2-d to collect additional samples (i.e., ruminal microbiome and fat tissues), and a 14-d washout period for thymol depletion from the animal system. Diet, refusal, and fecal samples were analyzed for dry matter, organic matter, and fiber. Acid detergent insoluble ash was used to calculate total fecal production for digestibility estimates. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. There was no effect of thymol dose on forage OMI (4.61 kg/d ± 0.31; P ≥ 0.48), total OMI (5.65 kg/d ± 0.38; P ≥ 0.44), or total digestible OMI (3.18 kg/d ± 0.18; P ≥ 0.26). Further, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were not affected by treatment (56.70% ± 2.81, and 63.04% ± 2.49 respectively; P ≥ 0.14). These data indicate that thymol supplementation at doses that suppress in vitro methane production do not negatively impact intake and digestion in beef cattle. Future project activities include whole genome sequencing of rumen microbial communities to evaluate the impact of thymol on populations, with an emphasis on the methanogen archaea. These data have value for establishing a novel methane-mitigating feed additive to lower the carbon footprint of cattle production without sacrificing performance.