bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The metagenome‐derived esterase PET40 is highly promiscuous and hydrolyses polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Authors: Zhang Hongli , Dierkes Robert F. , Perez‐Garcia Pablo , Costanzi Elisa , Dittrich Jonas , Cea Pablo A. , Gurschke Marno , Applegate Violetta , Partus Kristina , Schmeisser Christel , Pfleger Christopher , Gohlke Holger , Smits Sander H. J. , Chow Jennifer , Streit Wolfgang R.
Published: August 2023

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used synthetic polymer and known to contaminate marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Only few PET‐active microorganisms and enzymes (PETases) are currently known, and it is debated whether degradation activity for PET originates from promiscuous enzymes with broad substrate spectra that primarily act on natural polymers or other bulky substrates, or whether microorganisms evolved their genetic makeup to accepting PET as a carbon source. Here, we present a predicted diene lactone hydrolase designated PET40, which acts on a broad spectrum of substrates, including PET. It is the first esterase with activity on PET from a GC‐rich Gram‐positive Amycolatopsis species belonging to the Pseudonocardiaceae (Actinobacteria). It is highly conserved within the genera Amycolatopsis and Streptomyces. PET40 was identified by sequence‐based metagenome search using a PETase‐specific hidden Markov model. Besides acting on PET, PET40 has a versatile substrate spectrum, hydrolyzing δ‐lactones, β‐lactam antibiotics, the polyester‐polyurethane Impranil® DLN, and various para‐nitrophenyl ester substrates. Molecular docking suggests that the PET degradative activity is likely a result of the promiscuity of PET40, as potential binding modes were found for substrates encompassing mono(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, and a PET trimer. We also solved the crystal structure of the inactive PET40 variant S178A to 1.60 Å resolution. PET40 is active throughout a wide pH (pH 4–10) and temperature range (4–65 °C) and remarkably stable in the presence of 5% SDS, making it a promising enzyme as a starting point for further investigations and optimization approaches.
Psychological and cognitive factors involved in decision‐making process of haemophilia carriers in reproductive choices
Authors: Cutica Ilaria , Mortarino Mimosa , Garagiola Isabella , Pravettoni Gabriella , Peyvandi Flora
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Haemophilia carriers (HCs) face a multitude of psychological challenges, mainly linked to the possibility of having an affected child. Important reproductive decisions such as opting for pre‐implantation genetic testing, or choosing prenatal diagnosis and then whether to continue or interrupt pregnancy in case of affected male fetus, have to be taken into consideration. Notwithstanding, the role of psychological characteristics on such decision‐making process needs further investigation.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether HCs’ beliefs and emotions about haemophilia and cognitive factors such as decision‐making style, risk perception, coping strategies in response to stress, and need for cognitive closure might modulate HCs’ reproductive decisions.

Methods

Participants were interviewed about their beliefs and emotions on haemophilia and filled an on‐line standardized questionnaire on cognitive variables. Sixty HCs participated in this study.

Results

Results show that HCs with high distress for haemophilia given by negative childhood experiences for one or more family member illness and by high concern for their children's health, and with psychological traits characterized by logical (versus emotional) reasoning, active coping style and high need for certainty, tend to choose diagnostic prenatal tests over routine pregnancy analysis.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the influence of negative early‐life experience with haemophilia and of several cognitive factors in HCs choice of prenatal test.
High mortality of beetle migrants along the Eastern Mediterranean Flyway
Authors: Hawkes Will L. , Özden Özge , Forster Olivia , Walliker Teddy , Lacey Katharine , Gao Boya , Chapman Jason W. , Wotton Karl R.
Published: August 2023

Migration is costly in terms of increased energy expenditure and exposure to risks encountered en route. These factors can lead to a higher mortality among migrants compared with more sedentary life history stages.

Insect migrants are incredibly numerous, but as they are less conspicuous than vertebrate migrants and as migration often occurs at high altitude and over a broad front, it can be difficult to study migration‐related mortality. A major source of information on migration‐related mortality comes from cadavers found on the strandline following unsuccessful sea crossings.

Here, we analyse strandline mortality following a 100 km crossing of open ocean along the Eastern Mediterranean Flyway from the Middle East mainland to the island of Cyprus by tens of millions of insects.

All strandline recordings were of two species of beetles, the seven‐spot ladybird Coccinella septempunctata and the carabid beetle Calosoma olivieri, whereas only nine individuals of C. septempunctata were caught successfully arriving with the rest of the insect assemblage over the ocean.

Major strandings were associated with easterly winds, suggesting origins from the Middle East mainland, with the individuals documented as extremely weak and unable to fly or dead.

Our results suggest that beetles are weaker migrants than other members of the migratory insect assemblage, with the sea crossing too far for the great majority to fly, leading to high mortality. The impact of this high mortality on the marine ecosystems is discussed.
Follow the policy: An actor network theory study of widening participation to medicine in two countries
Authors: Coyle Maeve , Bullen Jonathan , Poobalan Amudha , Sandover Sally , Cleland Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The slow pace of change in respect of increasing the diversity of medical students suggests powerful actors are reproducing practices to support the status quo. Opening up medicine to embrace diversity thus requires the deconstruction of entrenched processes and practices. The first step in doing so is to understand how the actor‐network of widening participation and access to medicine (WP/WA) is constructed. Thus, here we examine how the connections among actors in WP/WA in two different networks are assembled.

Methods

A comparative case study using documents (n = 7) and interviews with staff and students (n = 45) from two medical schools, one United Kingdom and one Australian, was used. We used Callon's moments of translation (problematisation, interessement/operationalisation, enrolment, mobilisation) to map the network of actors as they are assembled in relation to one another. Our main actant was institutional WP to medicine policy (actor‐as‐policy).

Results

Our actor‐as‐policy introduced five other actors: the medical school, medical profession, high schools, applicants and medical school staff. In terms of problematisation, academic excellence holds firm as the obligatory passage point and focal challenge for all actors in both countries. The networks are operationalised via activities such as outreach and admissions policy (e.g., affirmative action is apparent in Australia but not the UK). High schools play (at best) a passive role, but directed by the policy, the medical schools and applicants work hard to achieve WP/WA to medicine. In both contexts, staff are key mobilisers of WP/WA, but with little guidance in how to enact policy. In Australia, policy drivers plus associated entry structures mean the medical profession exerts significant influence.

Conclusions

Keeping academic excellence as the obligatory passage point to medical school shapes the whole network of WP/WA and perpetuates inequality. Only by addressing this can the network reconfigure.
The Problem of Early Islamic Diversity in Anatolia: Rethinking Dervish Piety Through Pantheistic Ideas
Authors: Ay Resul
Published: August 2023

The Islamic diversity that developed parallel to the Islamization of Anatolia from roughly the 12th century onwards and was called dervish religiosity, is often defined by its inattentive and indifferent attitude toward Shari‘a, although some of its other features are mentioned more or less. However, in this dervish‐based religiosity, it draws attention that both the perception of Shari‘a and some other religiosity practices are more related to the tawhid beliefs in pantheistic sense. This paper aims to analyze how both dervish religiosity and folk religiosity, which developed largely under its influence, are shaped through some mystical thoughts and spiritual experiences such as ‘identification with God’, ‘immanence of God in man’ and ‘the human divinity’. The folk piety, which appears to be shaped within the framework of faith in saints, including high respect and various types of veneration that neglect the norms of Islamic worship, will be seen in relation to the pantheistic thoughts, as reflected in the understanding of seeing man as the qibla.
Genetic research of inherited peripheral neuropathies
Authors: Higuchi Yujiro
Published: August 2023

Background

Our department has been conducting genetic research on hereditary neuropathies, with a focus on the Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease and other inherited peripheral neuropathies for the past 20 years. The CMT disease is an untreatable disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, and sensory impairment, primarily affecting the peripheral nerves.

Materials and Methods

In our institution, we collected blood samples from patients with the CMT disease, nationwide, and performed comprehensive genetic testing to elucidate its underlying causes.

Result

Using next‐generation sequencing (NGS), we successfully discovered two novel causative genes of the CMT disease, membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME), and cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 7, via whole exome analysis of previously unidentified cases. These findings, combined with the comprehensive analysis enabled by NGS, have significantly improved the diagnostic rate of this disease.

Conclusion

Notably, the MME gene has been reported as the most frequent causative gene for autosomal recessive CMT disease, attracting global attention and subsequent research efforts. Accurate genetic diagnosis for each patient serves as a crucial first step toward understanding hereditary diseases. The identification of new causes of the CMT disease can assist in elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved completely, further contributing to the development of effective treatment approaches, including gene therapies.
Taiwan renal data report system: Framework, function, and development
Authors: Lin Ming‐Yen , Liao Chia‐Te , Lin Ming‐Huang , Wu Hsiao‐Ting , Wu Mai‐Szu , Hsu Yung‐Ho , Hsu Chih‐Cheng
Published: August 2023

The world healthcare system is actively seeking possible solutions for the rapid growth of kidney disease threats. The Taiwan Renal Data System (TWRDS) was central in assisting kidney health and care policymaking to reduce end‐stage kidney disease incidence and mortality. This article summarizes the TWRDS framework, recent applications, and developments to provide new insights for some international researchers to promote planetary kidney health. The TWRDS originated in 1987 for the accreditation and quality monitoring of dialysis units and was connected with enriched health claim databases after the implementation of universal national health insurance in Taiwan in 1995. As a healthcare information centre, TWRDS has published annual reports forming indispensable instructions for renal care improvement since 2014. The TWRDS possesses three main functions: (1) kidney disease surveillance; (2) offering rich materials for research purposes; (3) achieving precision prevention and care through complex algorithms. In the new era, TWRDS can help build a more resilient society against communicable disease threats by integrating remote sensor techniques for developing future remote healthcare structures, as well as identifying kidney health inequity populations and promoting healthcare resources distributed equity. The global healthcare system is facing escalating burdens of non‐communicable disease care due to the rapidly growing elderly population. Therefore, a considerable‐scale data system is an essential decision‐supportive tool in promoting an evidence‐based, resilient, sustainable, equity care environment. Undoubtedly, TWRDS experience is a practical example of leveraging healthcare providers' decisions, care outcomes, and renovation.
Intronic microRNA‐directed regulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species enhances plant stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Wei‐Bo , Zhao Lei , Liu Peng , Guo Qian‐Huan , Wu Chang‐Ai , Yang Guo‐Dong , Huang Jin‐Guang , Zhang Shu‐Xin , Guo Xing‐Qi , Zhang Shi‐Zhong , Zheng Cheng‐Chao , Yan Kang
Published: August 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating plant development and stress responses. However, the functions and mechanism of intronic miRNAs in plants are poorly understood.

This study reports a stress‐responsive RNA splicing mechanism for intronic miR400 production, whereby miR400 modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and improves plant tolerance by downregulating its target expression.

To monitor the intron splicing events, we used an intronic miR400 splicing‐dependent luciferase transgenic line. Luciferase activity was observed to decrease after high cadmium concentration treatment due to the retention of the miR400‐containing intron, which inhibited the production of mature miR400. Furthermore, we demonstrated that under Cd treatments, Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein 1 (PPR1), the target of miR400, acts as a positive regulator by inducing ROS accumulation. Ppr1 mutation affected the Complex III activity in the electron transport chain and RNA editing of the mitochondrial gene ccmB.

This study illustrates intron splicing as a key step in intronic miR400 production and highlights the function of intronic miRNAs as a ‘signal transducer’ in enhancing plant stress tolerance.
Validation of a Wearable System for Lower Extremity Assessment
Authors: Zhang Haohua , Song Yang , Li Cheng , Dou Yong , Wang Dacheng , Wu Yinyue , Chen Xiaoyi , Liu Di
Published: August 2023

Objective

Remote assessment and diagnosis of functional impairment caused by osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee can achieve early intervention of patients’ functional impairment, prevent the deterioration of OA of the knee, and provide functional remote screening for patients with knee OA. This study introduced an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor‐based system to assess lower extremity function and perform gait analysis. Then, we compared its accuracy to gold‐standard motion capture and gait measurement systems.

Methods

Nine adults were selected to participate in a comparative study of gait assessment outcomes using an IMU sensor‐based wearable system, a gold‐standard motion capture system, and a pressure‐based gait analysis system. The subject walked on a path that incorporated all three systems. Data analysis was performed on spatiotemporal gait parameters, including velocity, cycle time, cadence, and stride length. This was followed by gait phases, including stance, swing, double stance, and single limb support phases. Data were processed using the data processing software of each system. An independent sample t‐test was conducted for inter‐group comparison to analyze the data.

Results

The spatiotemporal gait parameters of the systems demonstrated excellent consistency, and the gait phases showed high consistency. Compared to the gold‐standard pressure‐based gait analysis system (the GATERite system), the mean gait cycle time results were 1.124 s vs. 1.127 s (p = 0.404); cadence was 93.333 steps/min vs. 94.189 steps/min (p = 0.482); stance phase was 60.89% vs. 63.26% (p < 0.001); swing phase was 39.11% vs. 36.74% (p < 0.001); stride length was 1.404 m vs. 1.420 m (p = 0.743); speed was 1.093 m/s vs. 1.110 m/s (p = 0.725). Compared to the gold‐standard video‐based motion capture system, the root mean square error was 2.7° for the hip angle and 2.6° for the knee angle.

Conclusions

This IMU‐based wearable system delivered precise measuring results to evaluate patients with knee OA. This technology can also be used to guide rehabilitation exercises for patients with knee OA.
The role of individual‐ and interactive‐level relationship maintenance on married couples' commitment
Authors: Hu Yifan , Ogolsky Brian G. , Stafford Laura
Published: August 2023

The interaction of maintenance processes between partners constitutes a complex context, which can be categorized into individual‐ and interactive‐level relationship maintenance processes. Individual‐level maintenance processes refer to both partners' relationship maintenance enactment and perception of partners' relationship maintenance. Interactive‐level relationship maintenance processes include similarity, accuracy, and projection. This study investigated the actor and partner effects of individual and interactive relationship maintenance processes on commitment as moderated by relationship satisfaction. We recruited 193 mixed‐gender married couples from the midwestern US and adopted the two‐intercept actor‐partner interdependence model to analyze the data. The results demonstrated a positive association between husbands' relationship maintenance enactment and their commitment, a negative association between similarity of relationship maintenance enactment and wives' commitment, a positive association between husbands' accuracy and wives' commitment, and a negative association between husbands' projection and their commitment. Satisfaction was strongly associated with participants' commitment and moderated the association between relationship maintenance enactment and commitment for both partners, the association between husbands' maintenance enactment and wives' commitment, and the association between husbands' partner perception and their commitment. Satisfaction also moderated the association between wives' accuracy and husbands' commitment and the association between husbands' projection and both partners' commitment.
RALF‐like peptide improves the colonization of endophytic Colletotrichum tofieldiae through interacting with plant receptor‐like kinase
Authors: Liao Ye , Wen Xiangyu , Zheng Jingyuan , Li Xin , Deng Xuelei , Tan Xinqiu , Liang Xiuhui , Yi Xi , Liao Hongdong
Published: August 2023

Endophytes can colonize a host plant without inducing obvious disease symptoms. Elicitors from endophytes may play important roles in balancing endophyte colonization. We identified a novel endophytic elicitor from Colletotrichum tofieldiae, CtRALF, that has structural and functional characteristics similar to those of rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) peptides in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that CtRALF can directly interact with the host plant receptor‐like kinase FERONIA (FER). The colonization of FER mutant plants by hyphae of C. tofieldiae was obviously reduced compared with that on wild‐type plants. Furthermore, the interaction of CtRALF with FER regulated symbiotic signals by triggering calcium waves, inhibiting reactive oxygen species bursts, increasing mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation and reducing the stabilization of MYC2. Collectively, these results suggested that the RALF homologue of endophytes may improve their symbiosis by interacting with host plant‐encoded FER.
Short‐term preservation of canine sperm‐binding ability and other metrics using the INRA‐96 in comparison to Tris‐egg yolk extender
Authors: Cavalcanti Thales Pinheiro , Pereira Ana Glória , Bezerra Luana Grasiele Pereira , Moreira Samara Sandy Jerônimo , da Silva Andreia Maria , Matos Yuri Gonçalves , Jorge‐Neto Pedro Nacib , Silva Alexandre Rodrigues
Published: August 2023

The use of assisted reproductive techniques, such as chilled semen, contributes to the maintenance and genetic improvement of canine breeding. The INRA‐96 extender is a commercially available, chemically defined medium that was initially developed for the preservation of equine semen and exhibits preservation potential in the canine species. This research aims to evaluate the INRA‐96 extender as an alternative for the short‐term preservation of canine semen in terms of sperm quality parameters such as motility and kinetic parameters, integrity and functionality of the plasma membrane in fresh and chilled–rewarmed samples, as well as the sperm‐binding ability using the perivitelline membrane of the chicken egg as an indicator of the fertilizing capacity of the preserved semen. A total of 18 ejaculates from 9 French bulldogs (two ejaculates per dog) were collected and divided into two aliquots that were diluted in Tris‐egg yolk 20% (control) or INRA‐96 to a final concentration of 100 × 106 sperm/mL. Samples were refrigerated in a biological incubator at 5°C and evaluated at 0, 24 and 48 h time points. Comparing the two treatments after 48 h of refrigeration, both extenders showed similar values (p < .5) for the majority of kinetic parameters, with the INRA‐96 group promoting a total motility of 88.1 ± 2.9%. In addition, the morphology, integrity and functionality of the plasma membrane were preserved above 70% in this group. Dilution with INRA‐96 also provided a significantly higher amount of sperm bound (256.2 ± 21.1) to the perivitelline membrane of the egg yolk compared to the sperm‐binding rates (p < .05) achieved at the use of Tris‐egg yolk (215.2 ± 21 bound spermatozoa) at 48 h. Our study proved similar functional properties of dog sperm cells treated with INRA‐96 in comparison to commonly used home‐made Tris‐based extender during short‐time storage.
Diversity and community structure of Drosophila (Hexapoda, Diptera) in post‐mining sites under different forest restoration techniques in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Oliveira Brito Rodrigo , Barbosa Viana‐Junior Arleu , de Lurdes Bezerra Praxedes Catarina , Bonifácio Martins Marlúcia
Published: August 2023

To mitigate the impacts of deforestation, Brazilian legislation requires the implementation of a Degraded Area Recovery Plan (PRAD). One way to assess the recovery of these areas is using bioindicators. This research tested the use of the drosophilid community structure as an indicator to evaluate post‐mining area restoration. We compared two regeneration techniques within the same chronological sequence and as reference used the forest remnants within the exploration area. The study was conducted in the municipality of Paragominas—Pará, in areas managed by Hydro mining company. Five sites of forest remnants were selected, five in natural regeneration and five in the nucleation technique, the latter two making up the PRADs. A total of 5,919 male drosophilids were collected belonging to 10 genera, and 32 species. Rarefaction showed the curves of the PRADs to be more asymptotic, than forested areas. Forest areas are potentially richer and, on average, have lower abundances and lower diversity. Beta diversity components in the forest present greater turnover and less nestedness processes when compared to PRADs areas. The PRADs showed no differences between them for any of the analyzed patterns. D. nasuta and D. sturtevanti behaved as generalists in relation to habitats, D. paulistorum and D. willistoni as forest specialists. D. malerkotliana, D. simulans, Scaptodrosophila latifasciaeformis, and Zaprionus indianus behaved as specialists in PRADs areas. The structure of the drosophilid community varied according to the environment, proving to be a good indicator for forest and regenerating environments, but it did not detect differences between the PRADs environments in early regeneration (6 years).
On the perimeter estimation of pixelated excursion sets of two‐dimensional anisotropic random fields
Authors: Cotsakis Ryan , Di Bernardino Elena , Opitz Thomas
Published: August 2023

We are interested in creating statistical methods to provide informative summaries of random fields through the geometry of their excursion sets. To this end, we introduce an estimator for the length of the perimeter of excursion sets of random fields on observed over regular square tilings. The proposed estimator acts on the empirically accessible binary digital images of the excursion regions and computes the length of a piecewise linear approximation of the excursion boundary. The estimator is shown to be consistent as the pixel size decreases, without the need of any normalization constant, and with neither assumption of Gaussianity nor isotropy imposed on the underlying random field. In this general framework, even when the domain grows to cover , the estimation error is shown to be of smaller order than the side length of the domain. For affine, strongly mixing random fields, this translates to a multivariate Central Limit Theorem for our estimator when multiple levels are considered simultaneously. Finally, we conduct several numerical studies to investigate statistical properties of the proposed estimator in the finite‐sample data setting.
Changes in college students' socioeconomic status aspirations during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rogers Jennica , Shane Jacob , von Keyserlingk Luise , Heckhausen Jutta
Published: August 2023

Although university students tend to be optimistic about their future socioeconomic status (SES), little is known how their SES aspirations changed during the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using latent growth curve modeling techniques, we examined changes in subjective SES aspirations for students who began college before the pandemic (cohort 1; Fall 2019) and students who began college during the pandemic (cohort 2; Fall 2020). Moreover, we assessed how SES indicators (i.e., subjective family SES; first‐generation status; low‐income status) and a contextual financial indicator (i.e., pandemic‐related financial impacts) predicted changes in SES aspirations for both groups of students. Although SES aspirations were similar at the beginning of college for both groups of students, students who began college before the pandemic experienced a greater rate of downward change between the baseline assessment and the assessment shortly after the pandemic began. In both cohorts, students from higher‐SES families had higher SES aspirations at the beginning of college and steeper rates of downward change. Furthermore, despite having similar SES aspirations at the beginning of college, first‐generation students whose first year was interrupted by the pandemic experienced steeper downward changes in their SES aspirations. However, pandemic‐related financial impacts did not predict this downward change for either cohort. Our findings suggest that uncertainty in the early stages of the pandemic may have led to cautiousness in students' aspirations for their future SES attainment, particularly for first‐generation students.
Phosphorus availability and fractions responses to chemodiversity of exogenous dissolved organic matter in lime concretion black soil
Authors: Cai Cheng , Qi Yongbo , Zhang Min , Wang Xiangqi , Tao Luchen , Wang Qingyun , Zhang Ligan
Published: August 2023

The chemodiversity of exogenous dissolved organic matter (DOM) is significantly increased during the composting process, yet its influence on soil phosphorus (P) transformation is uncertain. A 60‐day incubation experiment was conducted to assess the availability and fractions of P in lime concretion black soil in response to exogenous DOM input, with three treatments: control (CK), soil with DOM from 30 days decomposed straw (DOM1) and soil with DOM from 90 days decomposed straw (DOM2). The results demonstrated that the addition of DOM caused an increase in the content of available P in the soil, particularly the addition of DOM1 with more protein‐like substances and a lower degree of humification. Compared to the control, DOM1 and DOM2 treatments showed an increase in available P content of 17.3%–54.3% and 0.6%–18.2%, respectively. However, the response of the soil's physicochemical and biological properties varied considerably. DOM1 treatment caused a marked decrease in soil pH compared to DOM2 treatment, which then led to the release of Ca2+ and Mg2+ and improved the solubility of inactive P. Moreover, DOM1 treatment was found to significantly raise the content of microbial biomass P (MBP), particularly at 60 days. The Mantel test and random forest analysis revealed that the strongest correlation was between MBP and available P. Furthermore, DOM1 treatment had a stimulating effect on the growth of phosphate‐solubilizing microorganisms, including Arthrobacter, Penicillium and Mortierella. This investigation could provide insights into how the chemodiversity of exogenous DOM affects the activation of legacy‐P in soil, thus enhancing the soil P supply capacity in agricultural systems.
Cellulose assembles into helical bundles of uniform handedness in cell walls with abnormal pectin composition
Authors: Saffer Adam M. , Baskin Tobias I. , Verma Amitabh , Stanislas Thomas , Oldenbourg Rudolf , Irish Vivian F.
Published: August 2023

Plant cells and organs grow into a remarkable diversity of shapes, as directed by cell walls composed primarily of polysaccharides such as cellulose and multiple structurally distinct pectins. The properties of the cell wall that allow for precise control of morphogenesis are distinct from those of the individual polysaccharide components. For example, cellulose, the primary determinant of cell morphology, is a chiral macromolecule that can self‐assemble in vitro into larger‐scale structures of consistent chirality, and yet most plant cells do not display consistent chirality in their growth. One interesting exception is the Arabidopsis thaliana rhm1 mutant, which has decreased levels of the pectin rhamnogalacturonan‐I and causes conical petal epidermal cells to grow with a left‐handed helical twist. Here, we show that in rhm1 the cellulose is bundled into large macrofibrils, unlike the evenly distributed microfibrils of the wild type. This cellulose bundling becomes increasingly severe over time, consistent with cellulose being synthesized normally and then self‐associating into macrofibrils. We also show that in the wild type, cellulose is oriented transversely, whereas in rhm1 mutants, the cellulose forms right‐handed helices that can account for the helical morphology of the petal cells. Our results indicate that when the composition of pectin is altered, cellulose can form cellular‐scale chiral structures in vivo, analogous to the helicoids formed in vitro by cellulose nano‐crystals. We propose that an important emergent property of the interplay between rhamnogalacturonan‐I and cellulose is to permit the assembly of nonbundled cellulose structures, providing plants flexibility to orient cellulose and direct morphogenesis.
A murine groin site cardiac transplantation model—applicable tool for studying roles of peripheral lymph nodes in transplantation
Authors: Li Yaguang , Yuan Wenjia , Zhong Mingda , Qi Julia , Zheng Xinguo , Xie Xubiao , Li Tengfang , Zhang Hedong , Jiang Xin , Peng Longkai , Dai Helong
Published: August 2023

The murine heterotopic cardiac transplantation model has been widely used to study antigen‐specific immune responses or new immunosuppressive agents, which have a strong correlation with peripheral lymph nodes. Thus, a new organ transplantation model that is applicable to related studies is needed. Here, we describe a groin‐site murine heart transplantation model using a cuff technique, in which the donor aorta and pulmonary artery are anastomosed to the truncated femoral vessels of the recipient. The mean survival time (MST) of the grafts in BALB/c‐to‐C57BL/6 allo‐transplant group was 7.2 ± 0.3 days, and 1.9 ± 0.2 days in BALB/c‐to‐Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat xeno‐transplant group. H&E results show that donor hearts from both groups demonstrate typical pathological features at the endpoint. Evans Blue tracing revealed that the popliteal lymph nodes of the grafted side hindlimb are larger than those of the contralateral side. Moreover, IHC staining for CD3, CD20 shows that the germinal center and cortex region of the grafted side of popliteal lymph nodes is apparently increased than that of the contralateral side. To sum up, this model may serve as an ideal model to study the role of peripheral lymph nodes in organ transplant rejection. In addition, extra‐peritoneal grafting makes a step forward in animal welfare under the 3Rs’ principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
The severity of acute hypoxaemia determines distinct changes in intracortical and spinal neural circuits
Authors: McKeown Daniel J. , Stewart Glenn M. , Kavanagh Justin J.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine how two common methods of continuous hypoxaemia impact the activity of intracortical circuits responsible for inhibition and facilitation of motor output, and spinal excitability. Ten participants were exposed to 2 h of hypoxaemia at 0.13 fraction of inspired oxygen ( clamping protocol) and 80% of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation ( clamping protocol) using a simulating altitude device on two visits separated by a week. Using transcranial magnetic and peripheral nerve stimulation, unconditioned motor evoked potential (MEP) area, short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF), and F‐wave persistence and area were assessed in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle before titration, after 1 and 2 h of hypoxic exposure, and at reoxygenation. The clamping protocols resulted in differing reductions in by 2 h ( clamping protocol: 81.9 ± 1.3%, clamping protocol: 90.6 ± 2.5%). Although unconditioned MEP peak to peak amplitude and area did not differ between the protocols, SICI during clamping was significantly lower at 2 h compared to clamping (P = 0.011) and baseline (P < 0.001), whereas ICF was higher throughout the clamping compared to clamping (P = 0.005). Furthermore, a negative correlation between SICI and (rrm = −0.56, P = 0.002) and a positive correlation between ICF and (rrm = 0.69, P = 0.001) were determined, where greater reductions in correlated with less inhibition and less facilitation of MEP responses. Although F‐wave area progressively increased similarly throughout the protocols (P = 0.037), persistence of responses was reduced at 2 h and reoxygenation (P < 0.01) during the clamping protocol compared to the clamping protocol. After 2 h of hypoxic exposure, there is a reduction in the activity of intracortical circuits responsible for inhibiting motor output, as well as excitability of spinal motoneurones. However, these effects can be influenced by other physiological responses to hypoxia (i.e., hyperventilation and hypocapnia).
Quality of Life in Individuals With Disabilities Through a Student-Led Service-Learning Program: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis to Examine the Reciprocal Benefits of Service Learning
Authors: Narasaki-Jara Mai , Brolsma Donald , Abdolrazagh Katira , Sun Kai , Yamada Masahiro , Mitani Aya A. , Jung Taeyou
Published: August 2023

Purpose: The efficacy of service learning in physical activity (PA) intervention is generally not centered around perceptions of the service recipients, posing questions when the efficacy of an intervention is crucial, such as PA in people with disabilities. The present study examined perceptions of the recipients in a student-led service-learning program through a quality of life survey and interviews. Method: Undergraduate students led a 13-week PA intervention. Before and after the intervention, people with disabilities (N = 56) completed quality of life surveys (i.e., the National Institute of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System). A face-to-face interview was conducted with N = 6. Results: All quality of life items, except for Mental Health–Anxiety, improved (p < .01). The interviews suggested that environmental factors (i.e., encouragement from students, the open space that allowed interactions) positively impacted the program. Discussion: The environment may be a key factor in the program’s success in PA intervention from the recipients’ perspective.
Complete genome sequences of five
Escherichia coli
strains with probiotic attributes
Authors: Fedrová Pavla , Hrala Matěj , Tom Nikola , Micenková Lenka , Nascimento Andréa M. A. , Bosák Juraj , Šmajs David
Published: August 2023

The complete genome sequences of five
Escherichia coli
strains with probiotic attributes were determined, including strain A0 34/86, a component of the probiotic product Colinfant New Born, and strains H22, 582, B771, and B1172 with published probiotic potential. The size of sequenced genomes ranged from 5,092 to 5,408 kb.
Supplemental Material: Constraining flow and sediment transport intermittency in the geological past
Authors: Lyster Sinéad J. , et al.
Published: August 2023

Extended methodology and field locality information.
FAMIly Physical Activity, Sedentary behaviour and Sleep (FAMIPASS) study: protocol for a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sigmundová Dagmar , Dygrýn Jan , Vorlíček Michal , Banátová Kamila , Voráčová Jaroslava , Sigmund Erik
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The development of children’s healthy and active lifestyles, including habit formation for optimal 24-hour movement behaviour, is associated with their family environment. A whole-family study collecting comprehensive data that can evaluate family lifestyle behaviours in different settings in depth has the potential to provide the evidence-based information needed for national guidelines, for designing interventions and for supporting policy-makers’ decisions.

Methods and analysis

The FAMIly Physical Activity, Sedentary behaviour and Sleep (FAMIPASS) study is a nationally representative cross-sectional study that will recruit 500 families (with at least 1 child aged between 3 and 8 years) from the urban and rural parts of all three regions of the Czech Republic. To examine the relationship between family environment and children’s healthy development (eg, healthy weight) and children’s active lifestyle behaviour, anthropometric measures, parents’ health-related behaviour (including dietary habits, alcohol and tobacco use, screen time and bedtime rules and 24-hour movement behaviour), socioeconomic data and data about the characteristics of the home and neighbourhood will be collected from parents and children. The 24-hour movement behaviour (eg, sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity) will be monitored using wGT3X-BT and GT9X Link ActiGraph accelerometers placed on the non-dominant wrist of the children and their parents for 7 consecutive days. The accelerometers will be set up for each family separately, using the group proximity mode, allowing proximity tagging between devices and establishing the time spent together and parent–child coactivities.

Ethics and dissemination

The overarching methodological protocol of the FAMIPASS project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic (reference number: 25/2021). The results and findings will be reported to: (1) the participating families and (2) school representatives and will be (3) presented at national and international conferences and (4) disseminated via peer-reviewed publications.
Exploring the relationship between self-management behaviour, family function and health information adoption behaviour in Chinese diabetic foot patients: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Wang Xueqing , Tang Panpan , Li Lin , Jiang Yueying , Zhao Yuan , Tang Leiwen , Shao Jing , Chen Dan Dan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Diabetic foot is a major burden and threat to individuals, families and society, making it imperative to promote good self-management behaviour. However, although nurses have provided these patients with excellent health knowledge, their self-management remains unsatisfactory. Although researches have shown that self-management requires family involvement, no research has been conducted in China on family function, specifically in the diabetic foot. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between self-management, family functioning, and health information adoption behaviour and explain the formation’s reason.

Method and analysis

We will conduct a mixed-methods study using an exploratory sequential study design in Zhejiang, China. In the first phase, cross-section research will be conducted using a convenient sampling strategy on 225 diabetic foot patients. SPSS V.26 was used for correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses. Structural equation modelling will be performed by using AMOS V.24. The researchers will conduct a semistructured interview to collect qualitative data and use NVivo to analyse. Ultimately, we will ‘triangulate’ to integrate quantitative and qualitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received ethical clearance from the Ethics Review Committee, the affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Medicine School, Zhejiang University (approval no: 2023-0145). All data collection processes will abide by health and safety measures required by the national government. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The study will produce one paper that will be disseminated, to local stakeholders and participants, via local and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with Ebstein’s anomaly: data from the Registry of Pregnancy And Cardiac disease (ROPAC)
Authors: van der Zande Johanna A , Tutarel Oktay , Ramlakhan Karishma P , van der Bosch Annemien E , Bordese Roberto , Zengin Elvin , Wagner William E , de Sousa Lidia , Clifford Piers , Johnson Mark R , Hall Roger , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W
Published: August 2023

Objective

Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac condition and data regarding pregnancy outcomes in this patient group are scarce. We evaluated the maternal and perinatal risks of pregnancy in 81 women with Ebstein’s anomaly.

Methods

The Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease is a prospective global registry of pregnancies in women with structural cardiac disease. Pregnancy outcomes in women with Ebstein’s anomaly were examined. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) defined as maternal mortality, heart failure, arrhythmia, thromboembolic event or endocarditis. Secondary endpoints were obstetric and perinatal outcomes and the influence of pregnancy on tricuspid valve regurgitation as well as right atrial and ventricular dimensions.

Results

In the 81 women with Ebstein’s anomaly (mean age 29.7±6.1 years, 46.9% nulliparous), MACE occurred in 8 (9.9%) pregnancies, mostly heart failure (n=6). There were no maternal deaths. Prepregnancy signs of heart failure were predictive for MACE. Almost half of the women were delivered by caesarean section (45.7%) and preterm delivery occurred in 24.7%. Neonatal mortality was 2.5% and 4.9% of the infants had congenital heart disease. In the subgroup in which prepregnancy and postpregnancy data were available, there was no difference in tricuspid valve regurgitation grade or right atrial and ventricular dimensions before and after pregnancy.

Conclusions

Most women with Ebstein’s anomaly tolerate pregnancy well, but women with prepregnancy signs of heart failure are at higher risk for MACE during pregnancy and should be counselled accordingly.
Significance of Darcy–Forchheimer law and magnetic field on the comparison of Williamson–Casson fluid subject to an exponential stretching sheet
Authors: Saleem Musharafa , Hussain Majid , Inc Mustafa
Published: August 2023

Non-Newtonian fluid mechanics is becoming more and more relevant as time marches on due to the increasing number of fluids encountered in everyday life that exhibit non-Newtonian behavior. It is our intention to cover the multitude of aspects of non-Newtonian fluid mechanics: The effects of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) laminar boundary layer flow with heat and concentration transfers are considered in the case of Darcy–Forchheimer Williamson–Casson fluids installed over an exponentially extending sheet. There has been an examination and comparison of the effects of momentum fields, thermal radiation, Joule heating, suction/ injection, and compound responses. By using a suitable closeness change, the boundary conditions (BCs) and partial differential equations (PDEs) are reduced to dimensionless structures. The following set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and associated BCs are to be clarified using the bvp4c technique. The investigation’s findings indicate that boundary layer thicknesses for velocity, temperature, and concentration normally decline as we get farther from the sheet’s edge, and it is discovered that the Williamson–Casson parameter interferes with velocity profiles. Graphs are developed for Darcy–Forchheimer [Formula: see text], magnetic parameter M, Lewis number Le, radiation parameter [Formula: see text], porosity parameter [Formula: see text], and Eckert number [Formula: see text]. The numeric values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are validated with available data and found to be in excellent agreement.
Memory Maps with Elliptical Trajectories
Authors: Szylowiec Ted , Góra Paweł
Published: August 2023

A family of maps with memory, parameterized by [Formula: see text], is shown to have either periodic trajectories or dense trajectories on ellipses which support absolutely continuous invariant measures. Furthermore, for [Formula: see text], i.e. [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], all points except [Formula: see text] either go into a polygonal region centered at [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is rational, or are attracted to an elliptical region having the same center, if [Formula: see text] is irrational. In the polygonal case, we examine a mechanism for the appearance of islands supporting absolutely continuous invariant measures.
Switching Signals Design for Generating Chaos from Two Linear Systems
Authors: Sun Changchun
Published: August 2023

A problem on how to generate chaos from two 3D linear systems via switching control is investigated. Each linear system has the simplest algebraic structure with three parameters. Two basic conditions of all parameters are given. One of two linear systems is stable. The other is unstable. Switching signals of different quadratic surfaces are designed respectively to generate chaotic dynamical behaviors. The constructed quadratic surfaces can be bounded or unbounded. Numerical examples and corresponding simulations verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the designed switching signals of quadratic surfaces for generating chaos.
Hopf Bifurcation Analysis of a Housefly Model with Time Delay
Authors: Chang Xiaoyuan , Gao Xu , Zhang Jimin
Published: August 2023

The oscillatory dynamics of a delayed housefly model is analyzed in this paper. The local and global stabilities at the non-negative equilibria are obtained via analyzing the distribution of eigenvalues and Lyapunov–LaSalle invariance principle, and the model undergoes the supercritical Hopf bifurcation and the transient oscillation. Based on Wu’s global Hopf bifurcation theory, the existence of the global bifurcation is established under certain conditions.