bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of people with intellectual disability admitted to hospital with constipation: identifying possible specific high‐risk factors
Authors: Laugharne R. , Wilcock M. , Rees J. , Wainwright D. , Newton N. , Sterritt J. , Badger S. , Bishop R. , Bassett P. , Shankar R.
Published: November 2023

Background

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) die on an average 20 years earlier to the general population. They have higher rates of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Around 25% of people with ID report chronic constipation. The England Learning Disabilities Mortality Review found that nearly 25% of deaths identified constipation as a long‐term health problem. However, the likely risk factors for constipation related harm are poorly enumerated. We sought to identify possible specific high‐risk factors by examining the clinical characteristics of people with ID admitted to hospital with constipation.

Methods

Data of people with ID admitted with constipation in two general hospitals covering a population of 1.3 million from 2017 to 2022 were reported using the STROBE guideline for cohort studies. Collected data included age, gender, intellectual disability severity, recorded medication, presenting complaint and co‐morbidities. The medication anticholinergic burden was calculated using the anticholinergic burden scale. Continuous variables were summarised by mean and standard deviation if normally distributed, with categorical variables summarised by the number and percentage in each category.

Results

Of 46 admissions (males 52%), 57% had moderate to profound ID, 37% had epilepsy, 41% prescribed antiseizure medication (ASM) and 45% were on laxatives. Average age was 46 years. The anticholinergic burden score mean was 2.3 and median, one.

Conclusions

We can hypothesise that people with more severe ID, suffering from epilepsy and on ASM may be more at risk of developing severe constipation. Some admissions may be avoided with earlier use of laxatives in the community.
The effect of structured education and phone follow‐up on moderate stage Alzheimer's disease caregiving: Outcomes for patient and caregivers
Authors: Ozcan Munevver , Akyar Imatullah
Published: November 2023

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of a caregiver education (needs tailored) and telephone follow‐up intervention for caregivers of people with moderate stage Alzheimer's disease on caregiver burden, caregiving impact on life, and patients' neuropsychiatric symptoms, dependence on activities of daily living.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental study sampled caregivers of people with moderate stage Alzheimer's. Caregivers in the intervention group received education and telephone follow‐up over 12 weeks, while the control group received routine care. Caregivers were assessed for burden, changes in life, and patients for neuropsychiatric symptoms, and dependence on daily living activities.

Results

The caregiver burden, life changes, distress, and patients' neuropsychiatric symptom scores showed apparent trend toward betterment, but no statistically significant differences were found in study outcomes between the two groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

The caregiver need‐based, structured education and telephone follow‐up intervention was not empirically effective. With the promising effect from this study, managing behavioral symptoms with need‐based, structured, and skill‐oriented training has the potential to alleviate the burden on caregivers.
The impact of dentition status and barriers to dental care services on perceived oral health of medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Kim Kyeonghee , Rosenberg Marjorie A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To examine the association among barriers to dental care services, dentition groups, and self‐reported oral health status for Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

We used data from the 2017 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included participants aged ≥65 years who were enrolled in Medicare and had completed the oral health exam. We created a dentition group variable using the detailed dental examination data to account for the presence of natural, replaced, removable, or missing teeth. Through bivariate and logistic analyses, we explored the relationship between barriers to receiving dental care services, dentition groups, and reported oral and general health statuses, along with other control variables.

Results

For the total Medicare population as well as in the four subgroup analyses, we showed that those with barriers to dental care services were more likely to report fair or poor oral health status. Those who were edentulous, had complete dentures, or had less than a full mouth of teeth had greater barriers and worse oral and general health than did those with all‐natural teeth. Among those who reported fair or poor general health, those with less than a full mouth of teeth showed similar levels of barriers to dental care services and worse perceived oral health than did those without any teeth.

Conclusions

Helping the 65 years and older population retain their teeth in good condition will improve their overall health. Investment in oral hygiene and health for the current and future Medicare populations could improve their overall health.
Thyroid function tests during nonthyroidal illness syndrome and recovery in acutely ill dogs
Authors: Bolton Timothy A. , Panciera David L. , Voudren Caylie D. , Crawford‐Jennings Matthew I.
Published: November 2023

Background

Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) can result in thyroid function test alterations that mimic hypothyroidism. The duration of NTIS‐induced changes in dogs is not well‐described.

Objectives

Document alterations in thyroid function tests during NTIS and recovery, and the time necessary for their resolution.

Animals

From 103 dogs sampled, 25 euthyroid dogs with acute, resolvable illness having a low serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentration on admission were analyzed.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Serum TT4 concentration was measured in 103 dogs within 4 hours of admission. If below the reference interval (RI), subsequent serum samples were obtained every 24 hours from admission until discharge (acute phase) and at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after discharge (recovery phase). Serum samples were submitted for batch measurement of serum TT4, free thyroxine (fT4), total 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations.

Results

In the cohort of dogs analyzed, serum TT4, TT3, and fT4 concentrations were below the RI in 100%, 80%, and 16% at admission; 20%, 80%, and 0% at discharge; 4%, 8%, and 0% at 2 weeks; and 0%, 0%, and 0% at 4 weeks, respectively. Serum TSH concentration was within the RI in 100% at admission and discharge, and above the RI in 4% and 12% at 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Naturally occurring NTIS in dogs induces alterations in thyroid function tests during acute illness and recovery. Measurement of serum TT4 concentration 2 to 4 weeks after discharge or serum fT4 concentration by ED during illness is recommended for accurate assessment of thyroid function in acutely ill dogs.
Metronidazole pharmacokinetics in geese (Anser anser domesticus) after intravenous and oral administrations
Authors: Fadel Charbel , Łebkowska‐Wieruszewska Beata , Bourdo Krzysztof , Poapolathep Amnart , Hassoun Georges , Giorgi Mario
Published: November 2023

Metronidazole (MTZ) is a 5‐nitroimidazole anti‐bacterial and anti‐protozoal drug. In human and companion animal medicine, MTZ remains widely used due to its effectiveness against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. In farm animals, however, MTZ is currently prohibited in several countries due to insufficient data on nitroimidazoles. The purpose of this study was to assess its pharmacokinetics (PK) in geese after single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administrations. Fifteen‐month old healthy male geese (n = 8) were used. Geese were subjected to a two‐phase, single‐dose (10 mg/kg IV, 50 mg/kg PO), open, longitudinal study design with a two‐week washout period between the IV and PO phases. Blood was drawn from the left wing vein to heparinized tubes at 0, 0.085 (for IV only), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, and 48 h. Plasma MTZ concentrations were measured using HPLC coupled to an UV detector, and the data were pharmacokinetically analyzed using PKanalix™ software with a non‐compartmental approach. MTZ was still quantifiable and well above the LLOQ at 24 h after both routes of administration. Following IV administration, terminal elimination half‐life, volume of distribution, and total clearance were 5.47 h, 767 mL/kg, and 96 mL/h/kg, respectively. For the PO route, the bioavailability was high (85%), and the mean peak plasma concentration was 60.27 μg/mL at 1 h. When parameters were normalized for the dose, there were no statistically significant differences for any of the PK parameters between the two routes of administration. The study shows that oral administration of MTZ seems to be promising in geese, although comprehensive research on its pharmacodynamics and multiple‐dose studies are necessary before its adoption in geese can be further considered.
Beneficial effects of the probiotics and synbiotics supplementation on anthropometric indices and body composition in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saadati Saeede , Naseri Kaveh , Asbaghi Omid , Yousefi Mohsen , Golalipour Elnaz , de Courten Barbora
Published: November 2023

Studies have suggested that probiotics and synbiotics can improve body weight and composition. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated mixed results. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics and synbiotics on body weight and composition in adults. We searched PubMed/Medline, Ovid/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane library up to April 2023 using related keywords. We included all RCTs investigating the effectiveness of probiotics and/or synbiotics supplementation on anthropometric indices and body composition among adults. Random‐effects models were applied for performing meta‐analyses. In addition, we conducted subgroup analyses and meta‐regression to explore the non‐linear and linear relationship between the length of follow‐up and the changes in each outcome. We included a total of 200 trials with 12,603 participants in the present meta‐analysis. Probiotics or synbiotics intake led to a significant decrease in body weight (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −0.91 kg; 95% CI: −1.08, −0.75; p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: −0.28 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.36, −0.21; p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (WMD: −1.14 cm; 95% CI: −1.42, −0.87; p < 0.001), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (WMD: −0.01; 95% CI: −0.01, −0.00; p < 0.001), fat mass (FM) (WMD: −0.92 kg; 95% CI: −1.05, −0.79; p < 0.001), and percentage of body fat (%BF) (WMD: −0.68%; 95% CI: −0.94, −0.42; p < 0.001) compared to controls. There was no difference in fat‐free mass (FFM) and lean body mass (LBM). Subgroup analyses indicated that probiotics or synbiotics administered as food or supplement resulted in significant changes in anthropometric indices and body composition. However, compared to controls, FM and %BF values were only reduced after probiotic consumption. Our results showed that probiotics or synbiotics have beneficial effects on body weight, central obesity, and body composition in adults and could be useful as an add on to weight loss products and medications.
MicroRNAs constitute an additional layer in plant response to simultaneous bio‐ and abiotic stresses as exemplified by UV‐B radiation and flg22‐treatment on Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Schenke Dirk , Shen Enhui , Fan Longjiang , Cai Daguang
Published: November 2023

Plants are confronted with various environmental stresses and develop sophisticated adaptive mechanisms. Our previous work demonstrated that the crosstalk of flg22 and ultraviolet (UV)‐B‐induced signalling cascades reprograms the expression of flavonol pathway genes (FPGs), benefiting plant defence responses. Although several transcription factors have been identified to be involved in this crosstalk, the underlying mechanism is largely unclear. Here, we analyzed microRNAs (miRNAs) and identified 126, 129 and 113 miRNAs with altered abundances compared to untreated control in flg22‐, UV‐B‐ and flg22/UV‐B‐treated seedlings, respectively. Two distinct modules were identified: The first consists of 10 miRNAs repressed by UV‐B but up‐regulated by flg22, and the second with five miRNAs repressed by flg22 but up‐regulated by UV‐B. In Arabidopsis, the knockdown of miR858a, a representative of module I, increased the abundance of CHS (a marker gene for FPGs), whereas its overexpression reduced CHS. Conversely, knockout of miR164b from module II decreased CHS and its overexpression increased CHS transcript levels. These data suggest a decisive role of miRNAs in the crosstalk. In the next, we described the interaction between miR858a and its target MYB111 (a positive regulator of FPGs) from module I in detail. We showed that MYB111 was profoundly post‐transcriptionally regulated by miR858a during the crosstalk, whose expression was specifically but antagonistically controlled by UVR8‐ and FLS2‐mediated signallings. Moreover, transcriptional monitoring using the GUS reporter gene demonstrates that miRNA‐mediated posttranscriptional regulation is the main driving force in reprogramming the expression of FPGs and regulates plant adaptation to multiple concurrent environmental stresses.
What causes threats directed at the president?
Authors: Lothamer Lucas J. , Rottinghaus Brandon
Published: November 2023

What puts the president in the crosshairs of threats? By examining a new data set of threats made against the president in the incoming White House mail from 1961 to 1965, this study argues that domestic and international events, especially politically controversial issues, serve as a provocation for political threats. We find that outside civil rights events more than approval or economic conditions drive threats to the White House. Although limited in time span, the implications of this study suggest that specific events, some of which the White House has little control over, spur increased threats made against the president.
DisCrit noticing: Theorizing at the intersections of race and ability in mathematics education
Authors: Yeh Cathery
Published: November 2023

While there is increased attention to power, privilege, and access in mathematics education, conversations around race and disability are often left out of the conversation. Disability in mathematics continues to be studied with a lens that focuses on behavior, rather than attending to the situated and sociopolitical context in which teaching and learning takes place. This paper specifically calls on the importance of an intersectional analysis of ability and the need for explicit conversation on the interwoven nature of race and disability to uncover exclusionary practices of hyper‐labeling, hyper‐surveilling, and hyper‐punishing for those outside notions of normalcy. Drawing on sociopolitical perspectives informed by Disability Critical Race Theory (DisCrit) and DisCrit Classroom Ecology, I share a framework of DisCrit noticing to consider the interwoven nature of racism and ableism in mathematics classrooms, provide a context to develop preservice teacher DisCrit noticing during mathematics methods, and a case example to highlight implications and transformative possibilities for (re)organizing classrooms through the DisCrit noticing framework.
The novel HLA‐C*01:255 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhang Jian , Lin An , Ding Pei‐pei , Li Ye‐mo , Gao Qian
Published: November 2023

HLA‐C*01:255 differs from HLA‐C*01:02:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 2.
Utility of rotational thromboelastometry in the management of massive haemorrhage at a regional Australian hospital
Authors: Liu Yu‐Hsuan , Sia Jessica , Munas Azhar , Tacon Catherine , Salaveria Kris , Lutshaba Harrison Langa , Hanson Josh
Published: November 2023

Background

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) allows targeted and individualised blood product replacement.

Objectives

The study aimed to determine the impact of ROTEM‐guided transfusion on the clinical course of patients with acute massive haemorrhage in a regional Australian hospital.

Methods/Materials

A retrospective review of all patients with acute massive haemorrhage that compared the characteristics, blood product use, and clinical outcomes of patients with massive haemorrhage before and after the introduction of ROTEM‐guided transfusion.

Results

In per‐protocol analysis, the 31/97 (32%) with ROTEM‐guided transfusion used less packed red blood cells (median [interquartile range]: 6 [6–8] vs. 8 [6–12] units, p = 0.03) than patients whose transfusion was not ROTEM‐guided. They were also less likely to receive fresh frozen plasma (2/31 [6%] vs. 45/66 [68%], p < 0.0001) or platelets (2/31 [6%] vs. 31/66 [47%], p < 0.0001); they were, however, more likely to receive fibrinogen products (26/31 [84%] vs. 38/66 [58%], p = 0.01). Patients receiving ROTEM‐guided transfusion had lower in‐hospital mortality (6/31 [19%] vs. 20/66 [30%], odds ratio 0.55 [95% confidence interval]: 0.20–1.55, p = 0.26) although this did not achieve statistical significance in this small cohort.

Conclusion

ROTEM‐guided massive transfusion of patients with acute haemorrhage in this regional Australian hospital led to a reduction in packed red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma, and platelet utilisation and may also have reduced mortality.
Towards critical geoeconomics?
Authors: Moisio Sami
Published: November 2023

This intervention paper discusses the recent paper on the history of geoeconomics by Mallin and Sidaway. Some notes are made on the conceptual potential of critical geoeconomics vis‐à‐vis contemporary geopolitical scholarship. A particular focus is on the relationship between the concepts of geoeconomics and geopolitics. Conceptualising geopolitical and geoeconomic discourses as if they were distinct or even complementary geostrategic discourses – typical especially in mainstream strategic analysis and International Relations – risks reproducing the discursivism and noncritical outlook of state‐centric geostrategic arguments.
A case for popular geoeconomics: Angelina Jolie, China, and the semiotic limits of the archive
Authors: Mostafanezhad Mary , Szadziewski Henryk
Published: November 2023

Picking up where Mallin and Sidaway (2023) left off, this commentary makes a case for popular geoeconomics—as well as geoeconomics beyond the Beltway. We address the dialectical tension between geoeconomics and geopolitics as it is demonstrated through popular and geo‐dispersed renderings of the concept. Geoeconomic visionaries drive geopolitical relations not only by revaluing land, labour and resources across space but through their everyday enactments and popular expressions. We comment on how geoeconomics is enrolled into popular culture and plays out through the Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie, as well as its articulation beyond the Anglosphere in Mandarin language scholarship. The geoeconomics debate in Mandarin, as well as its mediation by celebrities, formidably contribute to the refashioning of the global geoeconomic landscape. In doing so, we expand the critical genealogy of geoeconomics as a concept, field of inquiry and everyday experience, and account for the semiotic limits of the archive.
A Comparison between Skew-logistic and Skew-normal Distributions
Authors: Kazemi Ramin , Noorizadeh Monireh
Published: November 2023

Skew distributions are reasonable models for describing claims in property-liability insurance. We consider two well-known datasets from actuarial science and fit skew-normal and skew-logistic distributions to these dataset. We find that the skew-logistic distribution is reasonably competitive compared to skew-normal in the literature when describing insurance data. The value at risk and tail value at risk are estimated for the dataset under consideration. Also, we compare the skew distributions via Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test, log-likelihood criteria and AIC.
Second Hankel Determinant for a Subclass of Tilted Starlike Functions with Respect to Conjugate Points
Authors: Abdul Wahid Nur Hazwani Aqilah
Published: November 2023

Let S*(alpha,delta,A,B) be the class of functions which are analytic and univalent in an open unit disc, E={z:|z|<1} of the form f(z)=z+a2z2+a3z3+---  and normalized with f(0)=0 and f'(0)-1=0 and satisfy [{exp(img.alpha).(zf'(z)/g(z))-img(sin(alpha))]/(cos(alpha)-delta) subordiate to {1+Az/1+Bz}   where cos(alpha)-delta>0, 0<=delta<1, |alpha|<pi/2 ad -1<=B<A<=1. In this paper, we determine the sharp upper bound of the functional |a2a4-a3^2|  for this class of functions. The results generalize some known existing results in the literature.
Radio Number for Special Family of Graphs with Diameter 2,3 and 4
Authors: Muthali Murugan
Published: November 2023

A radio labeling of a graph G is an injective function f : V(G) ®NÈ {0} such that for every u, v ÎV(G), ³ diam (G) – d(u, v)+1. The span of f is the difference of the largest and the smallest channels used, that is,max {f(u) - f(v)} where u,v are any two vertices of G.The radio number of G is defined as the minimum span of a radio labeling of G and denoted as rn(G).  In this paper, we present algorithms to get the radio labeling of special family of graphs like double cones, books and nC4 with a common vertex whose diameters are 2,3 and 4 respectively.
Time Series Modelling of Monthly Temperature Data of Jerusalem/Palestine.
Authors: Iqelan Bisher Mamoun
Published: November 2023

The objective of the research is to estimate the month-ahead temperature records in Jerusalem, Palestine. In this study, the modeling mechanism of analytic for forecasting is considered. This paper explores implementation of ARIMA and GARCH modeling techniques to fit a historical data set and estimate the coefficients of the suitable models for fitting the average monthly temperature data of Jerusalem in Palestine for the period from January 1964 to December 2013. The analysis of this study are carried out with the assist of R software. Eventually, using different statistical measures,comparison efficiency between ARIMA$\ (2,0,1)(2,1,1)_{12}$ and AR(1)-GARCH(1,1) models are produced. AR(1)-GARCH(1,1) is detected to be a better than ARIMA$\ (2,0,1)(2,1,1)_{12}$ model.
New Fourth Order Quartic Spline Method for Solving Second Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Ala'yed Osama Hasan , Yuan Ying Teh , Saaban Azizan
Published: November 2023

In this article, a fourth order quartic spline method has been developed to obtain the numerical solution of second order boundary value problem with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The development of the quartic spline method and convergence analysis have been presented. Three test problems have been used for numerical experimentations purposes. Numerical experimentations showed that the quartic spline method generates more accurate numerical results compared with an existing cubic spline method in solving second order boundary value problems.
Super Ostrowski Homotopy Continuation Method for Solving Polynomial System of Equations
Authors: Mohamad Nor Hafizudin , Rahman Amirah , Md. Ismail Ahmad Izani , Abd. Majid Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Homotopy continuation methods (HCMs) can be used to find the solutions of polynomial equations. The advantages of HCMs over classical methods such as the Newton and bisection methods are that HCMs are able to resolve divergence and starting value problems. In this paper, we develop Super Ostrowski-HCM as a technique to overcome the starting value problem.  We compare the performance of this proposed method with Ostrowski-HCM. The results provide evidence of the superiority of Super Ostrowski-HCM.
Fuzzy Closure Matroids
Authors: Al-Hawary Talal
Published: November 2023

In 1988, Geotschel and Voxman [1] introduced and explored the concept of fuzzy matroids via the notion of fuzzy independent sets. In 2013, Al-Hawary [2] introduced fuzzy matroids via the notion of fuzzy flats. In this paper, we introduce the notion of fuzzy closure matroids, a new class of fuzzy matroids. We study properties of this class and classify it. In addition, the class of fuzzy modular matroids is defined and characterized.
Atom-bond connectivity index of graph with two edges added
Authors: Husin Mohamad Nazri , Hasni Roslan
Published: November 2023

The atom-bond connectivity index of a graph G, denoted as ABC(G), is defined as the sum of the weight sqrt((du+dv-2)/dudv)of all edges uv of G, where du (or dv) denotes the degree of vertex u (or v) in G. The ABC index provides a good model for the stability of linear and branches alkanes as well as the strain energy of cycloalkanes. In this note, we prove that ABC index of a graph increases when two new edges are added.
Do products of compact complex manifolds admit LCK metrics?
Authors: Ornea Liviu , Verbitsky Misha , Vuletescu Victor
Published: November 2023

An locally conformally Kähler (LCK) manifold is a Hermitian manifold which admits a Kähler cover with deck group acting by holomorphic homotheties with respect to the Kähler metric. The product of two LCK manifolds does not have a natural product LCK structure. It is conjectured that a product of two compact complex manifolds is never LCK. We classify all known examples of compact LCK manifolds onto three not exclusive classes: LCK with potential, a class of manifolds we call of Inoue type, and those containing a rational curve. In the present paper, we prove that a product of an LCK manifold and an LCK manifold belonging to one of these three classes does not admit an LCK structure.
Therapeutic targeting of hypoxia inducible factor in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Tran Thu T. , Eltzschig Holger K. , Yuan Xiaoyi
Published: November 2023

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by bilateral chest infiltration and acute hypoxic respiratory failure. ARDS carries significant morbidity and mortality despite advancements in medical management, calling for the development of novel therapeutic targets. Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) is a heterodimeric protein involved in various essential pathways, including metabolic reprogramming, immune modulation, angiogenesis and cell cycle regulation. HIF is routinely degraded in homeostasis conditions via the prolyl hydroxylase domain/von Hippel–Lindau protein pathway. However, HIF is stabilized in ARDS via various mechanisms (oxygen‐dependent and independent) as an endogenous protective pathway and plays multifaceted roles in different cell populations. This review focuses on the functional role of HIF and its target genes during ARDS, as well as how HIF has evolved as a therapeutic target in current medical management.

image
Prediction of Heat Transfer for Compact Tube Heat Exchanger Based on Porous Models
Authors: Chen Xuheng , Li Na , Zhou Xin , Duan Zhenyu
Published: November 2023

A prediction method for temperature distributions in compact heat exchangers was developed by modeling the microchannel as porous medium. The study is focused on the mathematical formulas and solution methods for convective heat transfer of heat core. The governing parameters include Reynolds number, longitudinal pitch, transverse pitch, Nusselt number, inertial resistance factor, and effective heat transfer coefficient. First, the correlation mechanisms and laws between the key parameters’ effects and heat transfer were revealed and explained. The results show that the temperature/pressure/velocity contours obtained from the porous-media model are consistent with those of the tube-matrix. When the longitudinal pitch has little effect on flow characteristics and Reynolds number, porous-media model and Zukauskas-correlation are consistent. Transverse pitch has significant effects on the flow characteristics and the Reynolds number. The heat transfer performance and Nusselt numbers obtained from tube-matrix, porous-media model, and Zukauskas-correlation decrease as the transverse pitch increases. Under different pitch conditions, the Nusselt number obtained by Zukauskas-correlation is larger than that of the porous-media model, which is larger than that of the tube-matrix. Second, the simplified model and fast calculation method were developed. Tube bundles of the heat exchanger core were modeled as micro-channels and theoretically as fluid-saturated porous structures. Results show the heat transfer performance predicted by the micro-channels, tube-matrix, and porous-media model is consistent under the same boundary conditions. These results are consistent with the experiment. In addition, the computing cost and time required for the porous-media and micro-channels model is relatively reduced. Especially for the micro-channels model, the calculating time is less than one-tenth of the original. Compared with the time-consuming numerical method, the new analytical solution has the advantages of cost and speed.
Description of the life stages of Amblyseius taiguensis Liu, Ma & Fan, sp. nov. (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from China
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Juan , Xu Xuenong , Liang Gemei , Fan Qing-Hai , Ma Min
Published: November 2023

A new species of mite, Amblyseius taiguensis Liu, Ma & Fan, sp. nov. (Acari: Phytoseiidae), has been recently discovered from Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae) in Taigu County, Shanxi Province, China. The morphology of this new species is described in detail for all life stages, including larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult female and male. A comparison of the morphology of A. taiguensis sp. nov. with other related species in the genus Amblyseius Berlese has been conducted. This new finding contributes to the diversity of phytoseiid mites in China and the studies of morphological changes could have implications for the understanding of the developmental and evolutionary biology of Amblyseius.
Visualizing the DNA repair process by a photolyase at atomic resolution
Authors: Maestre-Reyna Manuel , Wang Po-Hsun , Nango Eriko , Hosokawa Yuhei , Saft Martin , Furrer Antonia , Yang Cheng-Han , Gusti Ngurah Putu Eka Putra , Wu Wen-Jin , Emmerich Hans-Joachim , Caramello Nicolas , Franz-Badur Sophie , Yang Chao , Engilberge Sylvain , Wranik Maximilian , Glover Hannah Louise , Weinert Tobias , Wu Hsiang-Yi , Lee Cheng-Chung , Huang Wei-Cheng , Huang Kai-Fa , Chang Yao-Kai , Liao Jiahn-Haur , Weng Jui-Hung , Gad Wael , Chang Chiung-Wen , Pang Allan H. , Yang Kai-Chun , Lin Wei-Ting , Chang Yu-Chen , Gashi Dardan , Beale Emma , Ozerov Dmitry , Nass Karol , Knopp Gregor , Johnson Philip J. M. , Cirelli Claudio , Milne Chris , Bacellar Camila , Sugahara Michihiro , Owada Shigeki , Joti Yasumasa , Yamashita Ayumi , Tanaka Rie , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Luo Fangjia , Tono Kensuke , Zarzycka Wiktoria , Müller Pavel , Alahmad Maisa Alkheder , Bezold Filipp , Fuchs Valerie , Gnau Petra , Kiontke Stephan , Korf Lukas , Reithofer Viktoria , Rosner Christian Joshua , Seiler Elisa Marie , Watad Mohamed , Werel Laura , Spadaccini Roberta , Yamamoto Junpei , Iwata So , Zhong Dongping , Standfuss Jörg , Royant Antoine , Bessho Yoshitaka , Essen Lars-Oliver , Tsai Ming-Daw
Published: November 2023

Photolyases, a ubiquitous class of flavoproteins, use blue light to repair DNA photolesions. In this work, we determined the structural mechanism of the photolyase-catalyzed repair of a cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) lesion using time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX). We obtained 18 snapshots that show time-dependent changes in four reaction loci. We used these results to create a movie that depicts the repair of CPD lesions in the picosecond-to-nanosecond range, followed by the recovery of the enzymatic moieties involved in catalysis, completing the formation of the fully reduced enzyme-product complex at 500 nanoseconds. Finally, back-flip intermediates of the thymine bases to reanneal the DNA were captured at 25 to 200 microseconds. Our data cover the complete molecular mechanism of a photolyase and, importantly, its chemistry and enzymatic catalysis at work across a wide timescale and at atomic resolution.
Oldest forts challenge views of hunter-gatherers
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: November 2023

8000 years ago—long before farming arrived—people in Siberia built defensive structures
Oxic methane production from methylphosphonate in a large oligotrophic lake: limitation by substrate and organic carbon supply
Authors: Peoples Logan M. , Dore John E. , Bilbrey Evan M. , Vick-Majors Trista J. , Ranieri John R. , Evans Kate A. , Ross Abigail M. , Devlin Shawn P. , Church Matthew J.
Published: November 2023

While methane is typically produced under anoxic conditions, methane supersaturation in the presence of oxygen has been observed in both marine and fresh waters. The biological cleavage of methylphosphonate (MPn), which releases both phosphate and methane, is one pathway that may contribute to this paradox. Here, we explore the genomic and functional potential for oxic methane production (OMP) via MPn in Flathead Lake, a large oligotrophic freshwater lake in northwest Montana. Time series and depth profile measurements show that epilimnetic methane was persistently supersaturated despite high oxygen levels, suggesting a possible
in situ
oxic source. Metagenomic sequencing indicated that 10% of microorganisms in the lake, many of which are related to the Burkholderiales (Betaproteobacteria) and Actinomycetota, have the genomic capacity to cleave MPn. We experimentally demonstrated that these organisms produce methane stoichiometrically with MPn consumption across multiple years. However, methane was only produced at appreciable rates in the presence of MPn when a labile organic carbon source was added, suggesting that this process may be limited by both MPn and labile carbon supply. Members of the genera
Acidovorax
,
Rhodoferax
, and
Allorhizobium
, organisms which make up less than 1% of Flathead Lake communities, consistently responded to MPn addition. We demonstrate that the genomic and physiological potential for MPn use exists among diverse, resident members of Flathead Lake and could contribute to OMP in freshwater lakes when substrates are available.

IMPORTANCE

Methane is an important greenhouse gas that is typically produced under anoxic conditions. We show that methane is supersaturated in a large oligotrophic lake despite the presence of oxygen. Metagenomic sequencing indicates that diverse, widespread microorganisms may contribute to the oxic production of methane through the cleavage of methylphosphonate. We experimentally demonstrate that these organisms, especially members of the genus
Acidovorax
, can produce methane through this process. However, appreciable rates of methane production only occurred when both methylphosphonate and labile sources of carbon were added, indicating that this process may be limited to specific niches and may not be completely responsible for methane concentrations in Flathead Lake. This work adds to our understanding of methane dynamics by describing the organisms and the rates at which they can produce methane through an oxic pathway in a representative oligotrophic lake.
All “wrapped” up in reflection: supporting metacognitive awareness to promote students’ self-regulated learning
Authors: Ratnayake Ayuni , Bansal Aditi , Wong Natalie , Saseetharan Theluckshan , Prompiengchai Sapolnach , Jenne Amy , Thiagavel Jeneni , Ashok Aarthi
Published: November 2023

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is the process of utilizing effective strategies to acquire knowledge or skills and is influenced by motivation, metacognitive processing, and study-related behaviors. We hypothesized that by using survey tools that allow reflection on and refinement of students’ study strategies, we could nurture metacognitive skill development, encourage positive motivation and study-related behaviors, and hence promote academic success. Undergraduate students in a semester-long, second-year biology course were provided with resources to promote SRL and three survey instruments that encouraged them to create study plans and reflect on the effectiveness of their study strategies. Using a student-partnered approach, we sought to investigate the role of metacognition, motivation, and study-related behaviors on academic performance by (i) identifying the self-regulated learning strategies most utilized by students, (ii) investigating the role of reflection in enhancing metacognitive processing and academic performance, and (iii) understanding whether students created and/or modified their study strategies as an outcome of self-regulation. Survey responses allowed us to understand the repertoire of study strategies used by students. Our analyses suggest that students demonstrated metacognitive skill development through the use of the resources and reflection instruments, as they accurately reported on the effectiveness of their study strategies and indicated future plans to shift study-related behaviors from passive to active reviewing techniques. Students across the grade spectrum perceived the reflection instruments as beneficial in identifying areas of improvement and developing long-term study habits, suggesting that these instruments were effective in promoting metacognitive skill development for a variety of student learners. We conclude that supporting students with resources that promote SRL and providing opportunities for timely reflection can promote metacognitive skill development, a key feature of academic success.
Pervasive gene deregulation underlies adaptation and maladaptation in trimethoprim-resistant
E. coli
Authors: Vinchhi Rhea , Yelpure Chetna , Balachandran Manasvi , Matange Nishad
Published: November 2023

The archetypal PhoQP two-component system from Enterobacteria regulates pathways like magnesium homeostasis in
Escherichia coli
and virulence factor expression in
Salmonella enterica
. We had previously reported that
E. coli
rapidly accumulated mutations in the
mgrB
gene, a negative feedback regulator of PhoQP, when evolved in the antibiotic trimethoprim. Here, we first show that trimethoprim-selected mutations in
mgrB
either lower its expression or alter the C-terminus of the MgrB protein and prevent interaction with PhoQ. Both mechanisms compromise MgrB activity, leading to PhoQP hyperactivation and overexpression of dihydrofolate reductase (
folA
), which is the target of trimethoprim. We then investigate the consequences of deregulating PhoQP for the fitness of
E. coli
and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Using laboratory evolution, we demonstrate that
mgrB
mutations facilitate rapid fixation of resistant bacteria in populations evolving in trimethoprim, even though their independent effect on drug IC50 is nominal. This effect is explained by a pervasive transcriptional response to deregulated PhoQP, specifically on the downstream RstA-regulon, in addition to activating
folA
transcription. Pervasive gene deregulation also explained the fitness costs of
mgrB
mutations, although involving different molecular players. PhoQP hyperactivation perturbed the balance of RpoS- and RpoD-regulated transcriptional programs and mutations that reset this balance-restored bacterial fitness in antibiotic-free conditions. Our study shows that the deregulation of a single signaling pathway permeates the wider gene expression network and leads to adaptation or maladaptation depending on the environmental context. The implications of our findings for the evolution of feedback mechanisms in two-component signaling are discussed.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria employ a number of mechanisms to adapt to antibiotics. Mutations in transcriptional regulators alter the expression levels of genes that can change the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. Two-component signaling proteins are a major class of signaling molecule used by bacteria to regulate transcription. In previous work, we found that mutations in MgrB, a feedback regulator of the PhoQP two-component system, conferred trimethoprim tolerance to
Escherichia coli
. Here, we elucidate how mutations in MgrB have a domino-like effect on the gene regulatory network of
E. coli
. As a result, pervasive perturbation of gene regulation ensues. Depending on the environmental context, this pervasive deregulation is either adaptive or maladaptive. Our study sheds light on how deregulation of gene expression can be beneficial for bacteria when challenged with antibiotics, and why regulators like MgrB may have evolved in the first place.
Three-dimensional finite-element modeling of Coulomb stress changes on normal and thrust faults caused by pore fluid pressure changes and postseismic viscoelastic relaxation
Authors: Peikert Jill , Hampel Andrea , Bagge Meike
Published: November 2023

The analysis of Coulomb stress changes has become an important tool for seismic hazard evaluation because such stress changes may trigger or delay subsequent earthquakes. Processes that can cause significant Coulomb stress changes include coseismic slip and transient postseismic processes such as poroelastic effects and viscoelastic relaxation. However, the combined influence of poroelastic effects and viscoelastic relaxation on co- and postseismic Coulomb stress changes has not been systematically studied so far. Here, we use three-dimensional finite-element models with arrays of normal and thrust faults to investigate how pore fluid pressure changes and viscoelastic relaxation overlap during the postseismic phase. In different experiments, we vary the permeability of the upper crust and the viscosity of the lower crust or lithospheric mantle while keeping the other parameters constant. In addition, we perform experiments in which we combine a high (low) permeability of the upper crust with a low (high) viscosity of the lower crust. Our results show that the coseismic (i.e., static) Coulomb stress changes are altered by the signal from poroelastic effects and viscoelastic relaxation during the first month after the earthquake. For sufficiently low viscosities, the Coulomb stress change patterns show a combined signal from poroelastic and viscoelastic effects already during the first postseismic year. For sufficiently low permeabilities, Coulomb stress changes induced by poroelastic effects overlap with the signals from viscoelastic relaxation and interseismic stress accumulation for decades. Our results imply that poroelastic and viscoelastic effects have a strong impact on postseismic Coulomb stress changes and should therefore be considered together when analyzing Coulomb stress transfer between faults.
Retrotransposons and Telomeres
Authors: Kalmykova Alla I. , Sokolova Olesya A.
Published: November 2023

Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a significant part of eukaryotic genomes being a major source of genome instability and mutagenesis. Cellular defense systems suppress the TE expansion at all stages of their life cycle. Piwi proteins and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are key elements of the anti-transposon defense system, which control TE activity in metazoan gonads preventing inheritable transpositions and developmental defects. In this review, we discuss various regulatory mechanisms by which small RNAs combat TE activity. However, active transposons persist, suggesting these powerful anti-transposon defense mechanisms have a limited capacity. A growing body of evidence suggests that increased TE activity coincides with genome reprogramming and telomere lengthening in different species. In the Drosophila fruit fly, whose telomeres consist only of retrotransposons, a piRNA-mediated mechanism is required for telomere maintenance and their length control. Therefore, the efficacy of protective mechanisms must be finely balanced in order not only to suppress the activity of transposons, but also to maintain the proper length and stability of telomeres. Structural and functional relationship between the telomere homeostasis and LINE1 retrotransposon in human cells indicates a close link between selfish TEs and the vital structure of the genome, telomere. This relationship, which permits the retention of active TEs in the genome, is reportedly a legacy of the retrotransposon origin of telomeres. The maintenance of telomeres and the execution of other crucial roles that TEs acquired during the process of their domestication in the genome serve as a type of payment for such a “service”.
To Be Mobile or Not: The Variety of Reverse Transcriptases and Their Recruitment by Host Genomes
Authors: Arkhipova Irina R. , Yushenova Irina A.
Published: November 2023

Reverse transcriptases (RT), or RNA-dependent DNA polymerases, are unorthodox enzymes that originally added a new angle to the conventional view of the unidirectional flow of genetic information in the cell from DNA to RNA to protein. First discovered in vertebrate retroviruses, RTs were since re-discovered in most eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea, spanning essentially all domains of life. For retroviruses, RTs provide the ability to copy the RNA genome into DNA for subsequent incorporation into the host genome, which is essential for their replication and survival. In cellular organisms, most RT sequences originate from retrotransposons, the type of self-replicating genetic elements that rely on reverse transcription to copy and paste their sequences into new genomic locations. Some retroelements, however, can undergo domestication, eventually becoming a valuable addition to the overall repertoire of cellular enzymes. They can be beneficial yet accessory, like the diversity-generating elements, or even essential, like the telomerase reverse transcriptases. Nowadays, ever-increasing numbers of domesticated RT-carrying genetic elements are being discovered. It may be argued that domesticated RTs and reverse transcription in general is more widespread in cellular organisms than previously thought, and that many important cellular functions, such as chromosome end maintenance, may evolve from an originally selfish process of converting RNA into DNA.
Vulval superficial myofibroblastoma with lymphocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate
Authors: Tan Qi Ting , Morgan Tania , Scurry James Patrick
Published: November 2023

We present the case of a vulval superficial myofibroblastoma with a lymphocytic and eosinophilic rim in a woman in her late 20s. The tumour presented in pregnancy as a cystic lesion with pain and increasing size. While the histopathology of superficial myofibroblastomas has been well defined in the literature, to our knowledge, there has been no documentation of the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes and eosinophils surrounding and within the tumour. This may potentially act as a diagnostic or prognostic reference.
Surgical management of large bowel obstruction and significant hepatic displacement caused by Chilaiditi syndrome
Authors: Kao Chien-Tse , Dunkley Margaret , Hodgson Russell
Published: November 2023

Chilaiditi’s sign is the presence of pseudopneumoperitoneum caused by colonic distension and interposition with the liver on radiographic films. Most patients with Chilaiditi’s sign are asymptomatic. Chilaiditi’s syndrome is defined as the development of abdominal pain or symptoms of bowel obstruction along with the presence of Chilaiditi’s sign. It is a rare entity and it poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its similar radiographic appearance to pneumoperitoneum. Most patients with Chilaiditi syndrome can be managed conservatively. However, surgery is indicated for those who do not respond to conservative management or for suspicion of severe complications such as bowel ischaemia or perforation. In this case report, we described the surgical management of a patient who presented with bowel obstruction and significant hepatic displacement from Chilaiditi syndrome.