bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chondromatous metaplasia within native cardiac valves: clinicopathologic characterization with particular focus upon aortic valves
Authors: Pichler Sekulic Simona , Sekulic Miroslav
Published: June 2023

Native cardiac valves in the setting of chronic injury may become thickened and disrupted by dystrophic calcification, which impede valve structure/function, and there may be evidence of chondromatous (i.e., cartilaginous, CM) metaplasia admixed with dystrophic calcification. In order to characterize the presence of CM in native cardiac valves – with particular focus upon aortic valves – a retrospective review of the histologic features of 46 native aortic valves (identified from 1094 sequentially reviewed native valves of all types) containing CM were focused upon, as well as correlation with other histopathologic features, and clinical and echocardiographic findings. The prevalence rate of CM was low, and greatest among aortic valves, less in mitral valves, and never identified in tricuspid or pulmonic valves. CM in aortic valves was less commonly identified in patients with a history of autoimmune disease. The rate of CM increased with degree of valve thickening and/or calcification. The proportion of aortic valves with CM increased with an increasing degree of stenosis and decreasing degree of regurgitation, and aortic valves with CM were more commonly associated with a smaller aortic valve area, and greater peak and mean gradients. The rate of osseous metaplasia, arterial vessels, capillary bed formation, and chronic inflammation were greater in aortic valves with CM compared to valves without. CM within aortic valves is an infrequent albeit identifiable histopathologic alteration associated with chronic valve disease alongside changes in valve thickening and calcification.
Screening the medicine for malaria venture's Pandemic Response Box to identify novel inhibitors of Candida albicans and Candida auris biofilm formation
Authors: Ajetunmobi Olabayo H. , Chaturvedi Ashok K. , Badali Hamid , Vaccaro Alessandra , Najvar Laura , Wormley Floyd L. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Patterson Thomas F. , Lopez‐Ribot Jose L.
Published: June 2023

Candida spp. are opportunistic yeasts capable of forming biofilms, which contribute to resistance, increasing the urgency for new effective antifungal therapies. Repurposing existing drugs could significantly accelerate the development of novel therapies against candidiasis. We screened the Pandemic Response Box containing 400 diverse drug‐like molecules active against bacteria, viruses or fungi, for inhibitors of Candida albicans and Candida auris biofilm formation. Initial hits were identified based on the demonstration of >70% inhibitory activity. Dose–response assays were used to confirm the antifungal activity of initial hits and establish their potency. The spectrum of antifungal activity of the leading compounds was determined against a panel of medically important fungi, and the in vivo activity of the leading repositionable agent was evaluated in murine models of C. albicans and C. auris systemic candidiasis. The primary screening identified 20 hit compounds, and their antifungal activity and potency against C. albicans and C. auris were validated using dose–response measurements. From these experiments, the rapalog everolimus, emerged as the leading repositionable candidate. Everolimus displayed potent antifungal activity against different Candida spp., but more moderate levels of activity against filamentous fungi. Treatment with everolimus increased survival of mice infected with C. albicans, but not those with C. auris. The screening of the Pandemic Response Box resulted in the identification of several drugs with novel antifungal activity, with everolimus emerging as the main repositionable candidate. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm its potential therapeutic use.
S1‐Leitlinie Onychomykose
Authors: Nenoff Pietro , Reinel Dieter , Mayser Peter , Abeck Dietrich , Bezold Guntram , Bosshard Philipp P. , Brasch Jochen , Daeschlein Georg , Effendy Isaak , Ginter‐Hanselmayer Gabriele , Gräser Yvonne , Hamm Gudrun , Hengge Ulrich , Hipler Uta‐Christina , Höger Peter , Kargl Alexandra , Kolb‐Mäurer Annette , Krüger Constanze , Malisiewicz Bartosz , Mayer Johannes , Ott Hagen , Paasch Uwe , Schaller Martin , Uhrlaß Silke , Zidane Miriam
Published: June 2023

Die Onychomykose ist eine Pilzinfektion des Nagelorgans und betrifft sowohl Finger‐ als auch Zehennägel. Sie wird in Europa vor allem durch Dermatophyten verursacht. Die Diagnostik erfolgt mittels direktmikroskopischer, kultureller und/oder molekularer Methoden aus Nagelmaterial (Nagelspäne). Eine Lokaltherapie mit antimykotischem Nagellack wird bei leichten oder mäßig ausgeprägten Nagelinfektionen empfohlen. Bei mittelschwerer und schwerer Onychomykose wird empfohlen – falls keine Kontraindikationen bestehen – stets oral (systemisch) zu behandeln. Eine antimykotische Kombinationstherapie – oral und topisch – sollte dabei angestrebt werden. Ziel dieser Aktualisierung der deutschen S1‐Leitlinie ist es, Auswahl und Durchführung von geeigneter Diagnostik und Therapie zu vereinfachen. Die Leitlinie wurde unter Berücksichtigung aktueller internationaler Leitlinien und den Ergebnissen einer Literaturrecherche durch die Experten der Leitlinienkommission erstellt. Die Leitlinienkommission besteht aus Mandatsträgern der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), des Berufsverbandes der Deutschen Dermatologen (BVDD), der Deutschsprachigen Mykologischen Gesellschaft (DMykG), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie (DGHM), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder‐ und Jugendmedizin e.V. (DGKJ), der Arbeitsgemeinschaft pädiatrische Dermatologie (APD) und der deutschen Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Infektiologie (DGPI). Methodisch wurde die Leitliniengruppe durch die Division of Evidence‐based Medicine (dEBM) begleitet. Die Leitlinie wurde nach einem umfangreichen internen und externen Review durch die beteiligten Fachgesellschaften freigegeben.
Trajectories of fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin in obese and non‐obese incident diabetes: Results from two large cohort studies
Authors: Yu Hong‐Jie , Ho Mandy , Chau Pui Hing , Fong Daniel Yee Tak
Published: June 2023

Aims

Diabetes development mechanisms vary by weight status. We aimed to compare cardiometabolic risk and characterize fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) trajectories before diagnosing type 2 diabetes in individuals with/without obesity.

Methods

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were analysed. Participants without diabetes and with a body mass index of 18.5‐40 kg/m2 at baseline were included. Incident diabetes was ascertained by self‐reported physician diagnosis and/or antidiabetic drug use, FPG ≥126 mg/dl and/or HbA1c ≥6.5%. The difference in the FPG/HbA1c trajectory before the diabetes diagnosis in participants with/without obesity was examined using mixed‐effects models.

Results

Among 11 925 eligible participants, 1361 incident diabetes cases (mean age: 61.4 years; male: 46.2%) were identified within 15 years of follow‐up. Obese diabetes showed higher levels of diastolic blood pressure and C‐reactive protein at diagnosis than non‐obese diabetes. Mixed‐effects models indicated the difference in the FPG trajectory before diagnosis by weight status was non‐significant with a slope difference of 0.149 mg/dl (SE = 0.642, p = .816, CHARLS) and 0.013 mg/dl (SE = 0.013, p = .337, ELSA). However, obese diabetes showed a steep increase in HbA1c before diagnosis with a slope difference of 0.036% (SE = 0.016, p = .021) in the CHARLS and 0.032% (SE = 0.014, p = .027) in the ELSA, respectively. Sex‐stratified analyses showed that the difference in HbA1c trajectory before the diabetes diagnosis by weight status was only significant in males.

Conclusions

Obese and non‐obese diabetes developments may share a similar FPG but distinct HbA1c trajectory. Obese diabetes interventions require more attention to cardiometabolic risks. Moreover, studies addressing weight/sex‐related differences in diabetes aetiologies and treatments are warranted.
When the league table lies: Does outcome bias lead to informationally inefficient markets?
Authors: Flepp Raphael , Merz Oliver , Franck Egon
Published: June 2023

We study whether outcome bias persists in markets with actors who are financially incentivized to make optimal decisions. We test whether inherently noisy match outcomes from European football are correctly incorporated into prices from a betting exchange market. We find that market prices overestimate (underestimate) the winning probability of teams that previously overperformed (underperformed) in terms of match outcomes compared to their performance based on “expected goals.” This pattern is mirrored in negative (positive) betting returns on overperforming (underperforming) teams. These results suggest that even competitive market mechanisms fail to completely erase outcome bias.
Alteration in resting‐state effective connectivity within the Papez circuit in Presbycusis
Authors: Xing Chunhua , Chang Wei , Liu Yin , Tong Zhaopeng , Xu Xiaomin , Yin Xindao , Wu Yuanqing , Chen Yu‐Chen , Fang Xiangming
Published: June 2023

Previous studies have suggested that the Papez circuit may be involved in the cognitive impairment observed after hearing loss in presbycusis patients, yet relatively little is known about the pattern of changes in effective connectivity within the circuit. The aim of this study was to investigate abnormal alterations in resting‐state effective connectivity within the Papez circuit and their association with cognitive decline in presbycusis patients. The spectral dynamic causal modelling (spDCM) approach was used for resting‐state effective connectivity analysis in 61 presbycusis patients and 52 healthy controls (HCs) within the Papez circuit. The hippocampus (HPC), mamillary body (MB), anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), entorhinal cortex (ERC), subiculum (Sub) and parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) were selected as the regions of interest (ROIs). The fully connected model difference in effective connectivity between the two groups was assessed, and the correlation between effective connectivity alteration and cognitive scale was analysed. We found that presbycusis patients demonstrated decreased effective connectivity from MB, PCC, and Sub to ACC relative to HCs, whereas higher effective connectivity strength was shown from HPC to MB, from ATN to PHG and from PHG to Sub. The effective connectivity from PHG to Sub was significantly negatively correlated with the complex figure test (CFT)‐delay score (rho = −0.259, p = 0.044). The results support and reinforce the role of abnormal effective connectivity within the Papez circuit in the pathophysiology of presbycusis‐related cognitive impairment and reveal its potential as a novel imaging marker.
The peripheral endocannabinoid system and its association with biomarkers of inflammation in untreated patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gustavsen Stefan , Olsson Anna , Oturai Annette B. , Linnet Kristian , Thomsen Ragnar , Rasmussen Brian S. , Jørgensen Christian F. , Langkilde Annika R. , Sorensen Per S. , Sellebjerg Finn , Søndergaard Helle B.
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found altered in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, whether the ECS alteration is present in the early stage of MS remains unknown. First, we aimed to compare the ECS profile between newly diagnosed MS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Next, we explored the association of the ECS, biomarkers of inflammation, and clinical parameters in newly diagnosed MS patients.

Methods

Whole blood gene expression of ECS components and levels of endocannabinoids in plasma were measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively, in 66 untreated MS patients and 46 HCs.

Results

No differences were found in the gene expression or plasma levels of the selected ECS components between newly diagnosed MS patients and HCs. Interferon‐γ, encoded by the gene IFNG, correlated positively (ρ = 0.60) with the expression of G protein‐coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), and interleukin1β (IL1B) correlated negatively (ρ = −0.50) with cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) in HCs.

Conclusions

We found no alteration in the peripheral ECS between untreated patients with MS and HC. Furthermore, our results indicate that the ECS has a minor overall involvement in the early stage of MS on inflammatory markers and clinical parameters when compared with HCs.
Warming, drought, and disturbances lead to shifts in functional composition: A millennial‐scale analysis for Amazonian and Andean sites
Authors: van der Sande Masha T. , Bush Mark B. , Åkesson Christine M. , Berrio Juan Carlos , Correia Metrio Alex , Flantua Suzette G. A. , Hooghiemstra Henry , Maezumi S. Yoshi , McMichael Crystal N. H. , Montoya Encarni , Mosblech Nicole A. S. , de Novaes Nascimento Majoi , Peña‐Claros Marielos , Poorter Lourens , Raczka Marco F. , Gosling William D.
Published: June 2023

Tropical forests are changing in composition and productivity, probably in response to changes in climate and disturbances. The responses to these multiple environmental drivers, and the mechanisms underlying the changes, remain largely unknown. Here, we use a functional trait approach on timescales of 10,000 years to assess how climate and disturbances influence the community‐mean adult height, leaf area, seed mass, and wood density for eight lowland and highland forest landscapes. To do so, we combine data of eight fossil pollen records with functional traits and proxies for climate (temperature, precipitation, and El Niño frequency) and disturbances (fire and general disturbances). We found that temperature and disturbances were the most important drivers of changes in functional composition. Increased water availability (high precipitation and low El Niño frequency) generally led to more acquisitive trait composition (large leaves and soft wood). In lowland forests, warmer climates decreased community‐mean height probably because of increased water stress, whereas in highland forests warmer climates increased height probably because of upslope migration of taller species. Disturbance increased the abundance of acquisitive, disturbance‐adapted taxa with small seeds for quick colonization of disturbed sites, large leaves for light capture, and soft wood to attain fast height growth. Fire had weak effects on lowland forests but led to more stress‐adapted taxa that are tall with fast life cycles and small seeds that can quickly colonize burned sites. Site‐specific analyses were largely in line with cross‐site analyses, except for varying site‐level effects of El Niño frequency and fire activity, possibly because regional patterns in El Niño are not a good predictor of local changes, and charcoal abundances do not reflect fire intensity or severity. With future global changes, tropical Amazonian and Andean forests may transition toward shorter, drought‐ and disturbance‐adapted forests in the lowlands but taller forests in the highlands.
In support of interoperability: A laboratory perspective
Authors: Rychert Jenna
Published: June 2023

Healthcare in the United States has become increasingly digital since the passage of the HITECH Act in 2009. As a result, there is a growing need to optimize healthcare IT to allow for the interoperable exchange of data. As a result, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has implemented their Final Rule for the 21st Century Cures Act. This requires certified health IT systems to use modernized messaging standards for the safe and secure exchange of data within health information networks and also requires the use of terminology standards including LOINC, SNOMED CT, and UCUM for coding clinical and laboratory data. Given the critical importance of laboratory results in the delivery of healthcare, laboratorians must become familiar with these principles of interoperability. Their clinical laboratory expertise is needed to appropriately structure and code test results to safeguard against improper aggregation or misinterpretation by downstream users and systems.
Polymorphonuclear myeloid‐derived suppressor cells play a proinflammatory role via TNF‐α+ B cells through BAFF/BTK/NF‐κB signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of collagen‐induced arthritis mice
Authors: Li Mei , Tang Zhicheng , Shu Ruilu , Wu Haolin , Wang Yue , Chen Ziyan , Cheng Zixue , Yan Xinyi , Zhao Nan , Tang Xiaojun , Zhang Huayong , Sun Lingyun
Published: June 2023

Although various studies have been performed on the function of polymorphonuclear myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (PMN‐MDSCs) in RA, the results were conflicting. Here we were trying to clarify the role of PMN‐MDSCs in the pathogenesis of RA and its specific mechanisms. We detected the frequencies and counts of PMN‐MDSCs, TNF‐α+ B cells and Ki67+ B cells in spleen and inflamed joints of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mice using flow cytometry. The pathological role of PMN‐MDSCs was examined by anti‐Ly6G neutralizing antibodies against PMN‐MDSCs or adoptive transfer of PMN‐MDSCs. And the modulation of PMN‐MDSCs on B cells was conducted by coculture assays, RNA‐Seq, RT‐qPCR, and so on. The mechanism of BAFF regulating B cells was verified through western blot and flow cytometry. PMN‐MDSCs accumulated in the spleen and joints of CIA mice. PMN‐MDSCs depletion could alleviate the arthritis severity, which was accompanied by decreased TNF‐α secretion and proliferation of B cells. And its adoptive transfer also facilitated disease progress. Furthermore, PMN‐MDSCs from CIA mice had higher expression level of BAFF, which regulated TNF‐α expression, proliferation and apoptosis of B cells in vitro. What's more, BAFF promoted phosphorylation of BTK/NF‐κB signalling pathway. And Ibrutinib (BTK inhibitor) could reverse the effect of BAFF on TNF‐α expression of B cells. Our study suggested that PMN‐MDSCs enhanced disease severity of CIA and manipulated TNF‐α expression, proliferation and apoptosis of B cells via BAFF, furthermore, BAFF promoted TNF‐α expression through BTK/NF‐κB signalling pathway, which demonstrated a novel pathogenesis of PMN‐MDSCs in CIA.
Respiratory syncytial virus and other respiratory virus infections in residents of homeless shelters – King County, Washington, 2019–2021
Authors: McCulloch Denise J. , Rogers Julia H. , Wang Yongzhe , Chow Eric J. , Link Amy C. , Wolf Caitlin R. , Uyeki Timothy M. , Rolfes Melissa A. , Mosites Emily , Sereewit Jaydee , Duchin Jeffrey S. , Sugg Nancy K. , Greninger Alexander L. , Boeckh Michael J. , Englund Janet A. , Shendure Jay , Hughes James P. , Starita Lea M. , Roychoudhury Pavitra , Chu Helen Y.
Published: June 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes disproportionate morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations. We tested residents of homeless shelters in Seattle, Washington for RSV in a repeated cross‐sectional study as part of community surveillance for respiratory viruses. Of 15 364 specimens tested, 35 had RSV detected, compared to 77 with influenza. The most common symptoms for both RSV and influenza were cough and rhinorrhea. Many individuals with RSV (39%) and influenza (58%) reported that their illness significantly impacted their ability to perform their regular activities. RSV and influenza demonstrated similar clinical presentations and burden of illness in vulnerable populations living in congregate settings.
Dislocation‐tuned electrical conductivity in solid electrolytes (9YSZ): A micro‐mechanical approach
Authors: Muhammad Qaisar Khushi , Valderrama Marcela , Yue Mengkun , Opitz Alexander Karl , Taibl Stefanie , Siebenhofer Matthäus , Bruder Enrico , Fleig Jürgen , Fang Xufei , Frömling Till
Published: June 2023

Tailoring the electrical conductivity of functional ceramics by introducing dislocations is a comparatively recent research focus, and its merits were demonstrated through mechanical means. Especially bulk deformation at high temperatures is suggested to be a promising method to introduce a high dislocation density. So far, however, controlling dislocation generation and their annihilation remains difficult. Although deforming ceramics generate dislocations on multiple length scales, dislocation annihilation at the same time appears to be the bottleneck to use the full potential of dislocations‐tailoring the electrical conductivity. Here, we demonstrate the control over these aspects using a micromechanical approach on yttria‐stabilized zirconia ‐ YSZ. Targeted indentation well below the dislocation annihilation temperature resulted in extremely dense dislocation networks, visualized by chemical etching and electron channeling contrast imaging. Microcontact‐impedance measurements helped evaluate the electrical response of operating individual slip systems. A significant conductivity enhancement is revealed in dislocation‐rich regions compared to pristine ones in fully stabilized YSZ. This enhancement is mainly attributed to oxygen ionic conductivity. Thus, the possibility of increasing the conductivity is illustrated and provides a prospect to transfer the merits of dislocation‐tuned electrical conductivity to solid oxygen electrolytes.
Couple relationship experiences of siblings and siblings‐in‐law of persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Karni‐Vizer Nirit , Shamai Kaplan Michal , Snir Sharon
Published: June 2023

Background

This study examined how siblings and siblings‐in‐law of persons with intellectual disabilities experience the establishment of and processes within the couple relationship.

Method

In‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 12 siblings and 12 siblings‐in‐law of persons with intellectual disabilities were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The participants did not perceive their special siblinghood as detrimental to their couple relationships. Siblings‐in‐law's prior acquaintance with persons with disabilities and professional support provided to the family of origin emerged as contributing factors. The effect of the siblinghood on the couple relationship was both positive and negative.

Conclusions

The findings support the importance of the acceptance of others who are different, including in couple relationships when a sibling or sibling‐in‐law has intellectual disabilities, and underscore the role of professional therapists.
Efficacy of autologous platelet‐rich plasma combined with a non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid compound in the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia: A retrospective, case‐series study
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Li Dongmei , Zou Muyan , Wu Jiaxu , Wang Xuehan , Yang Yu , Li Xin , Yang Wei
Published: June 2023

Background

Female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) is a condition that affects women and involves the gradual loss of terminal hair in specific areas of the scalp. The limited treatment options for FAGA necessitate the development of new strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefit of using a combination therapy composed of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and a non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (HA) compound in the treatment of FAGA.

Methods

This was a retrospective, case‐series study, which enrolled nine female patients with FAGA between September 2021 and December 2022. The non‐cross‐linked HA compound (Hearty®, Imeik Technology Development Co., Ltd.) and PRP were implanted into the areas of hair loss over four treatment sessions separated by 4‐week intervals. Patients were monitored for overall improvement in their hair loss, hair count, treatment satisfaction, and adverse events at 1, 3, and 6 months follow‐up.

Results

The improvement rates, subjectively evaluated by the study physician, were 88.89% at the 1‐month and 100% at the 3‐month follow‐up, relative to baseline. Moreover, the quantitative evaluation results showed that the FAGA patients' hair density increased by 54.51% at the 1‐month and by 77.25% at the 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The combination of PRP and non‐cross‐linked HA compound appeared to be a certain positive effective procedure for FAGA without serious adverse event. We envisage that this work will contribute to the development of new treatment options for women suffering from this condition.
Investors’ Reactions to Alliance‐Engendered Acquisition Ambiguity: Evidence from U.S. Technology Deals
Authors: Desyllas Panos , Goossen Martin C. , Phelps Corey C.
Published: June 2023

We study how, when target firms are engaged in strategic alliances, the ambiguity surrounding an acquisition's anticipated synergies influences investors’ reactions to announcements of acquisitions. Drawing on behavioural finance research and the resource redeployment literature, we predict that investors’ limited access to the information encoded in the target firms’ alliances and the uncertainty around the re‐deployability of their embedded resources generate a negative relationship between the number of target alliances and investors’ reactions. We also hypothesize that this negative effect is exacerbated when the alliances involve foreign alliance partners but is attenuated when acquirers are experienced in acquiring targets with alliances. Analysis of a large sample of US technology acquisitions supports all our hypotheses. We contribute to management research by offering a viable explanation of investors’ reactions to the announcement of major corporate events, such as acquisitions, whose structural characteristics deny investors material information about these events’ potential to create value.
Phenotypic and genomic dissection of colour pattern variation in a reef fish radiation
Authors: Coulmance Floriane , Akkaynak Derya , Le Poul Yann , Höppner Marc P. , McMillan W. Owen , Puebla Oscar
Published: June 2023

Coral reefs rank among the most diverse species assemblages on Earth. A particularly striking aspect of coral reef communities is the variety of colour patterns displayed by reef fishes. Colour pattern is known to play a central role in the ecology and evolution of reef fishes through, for example, signalling or camouflage. Nevertheless, colour pattern is a complex trait in reef fishes—actually a collection of traits—that is difficult to analyse in a quantitative and standardized way. This is the challenge that we address in this study using the hamlets (Hypoplectrus spp., Serranidae) as a model system. Our approach involves a custom underwater camera system to take orientation‐ and size‐standardized photographs in situ, colour correction, alignment of the fish images with a combination of landmarks and Bézier curves, and principal component analysis on the colour value of each pixel of each aligned fish. This approach identifies the major colour pattern elements that contribute to phenotypic variation in the group. Furthermore, we complement the image analysis with whole‐genome sequencing to run a multivariate genome‐wide association study for colour pattern variation. This second layer of analysis reveals sharp association peaks along the hamlet genome for each colour pattern element and allows to characterize the phenotypic effect of the single nucleotide polymorphisms that are most strongly associated with colour pattern variation at each association peak. Our results suggest that the diversity of colour patterns displayed by the hamlets is generated by a modular genomic and phenotypic architecture.
Evaluation of the mandibular condylar bone microarchitecture in people living with HIV
Authors: Wadhwa Sunil , Levit Michael , Matsumura Satoko , Hsieh Shin Jung , Kister Karolina , Silva Cleber , Shah Jayesh , Cantos Anyelina , Bohn Bruno , Demmer Ryan T. , Yin Michael T.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

People living with HIV (PLWH) have been shown to have lower bone density at the spine, hip, and radius. However, whether a similar bone phenotype is seen in craniofacial bones is not known. The goal of this study was to evaluate the bone microarchitecture of the mandibular condyle in PLWH.

Methods

We recruited 212 participants, which included 88 HIV‐negative participants and 124 PLWH on combination antiretroviral therapy with virological suppression from a single academic center. Each participant filled out a validated temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain screening questionnaire and had cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of their mandibular condyles. Qualitative radiographic evidence of temporomandibular joint disorders‐osteoarthritis (TMJD‐OA) assessment and quantitative microarchitecture analysis of their mandibular condylar bones were conducted.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in either self‐reported TMD or in radiographic evidence of TMJD‐OA in PLWH compared with HIV‐negative controls. Linear regression analysis revealed that positive HIV status remained significantly associated with increased trabecular thickness, decreased cortical porosity, and increased cortical bone volume fraction after adjusting for race, diabetes, sex, and age.

Conclusion

PLWH have increased mandibular condylar trabecular bone thickness and cortical bone volume fraction compared with HIV‐negative controls.
The Expanding Search for Work: The Gender Gap in Livelihood Choices among the Rural Chinese, from 1989 to 2015☆
Authors: Tong Yuying , Gan Yiqing
Published: June 2023

Similar to the rest of developing countries around the world, rural China has experienced rapid growth in the diversification and space expansion of their livelihood choices. However, little is known about the gender gap in the process of expanding. In this study, using the China Health and Nutrition Survey data from 1989 to 2015 and multilevel age, period, and cohort models, we examine the gender gap in livelihood choices of farming, local nonfarm, and distant nonfarming among rural residents over the period. Our study showed that women are constantly behind in taking nonfarming jobs compared with men, and there is no evidence of a convergence trend over time. Further analysis suggests that the family status of being married is the main obstacle for women to close the gap with men, while the gap between unmarried women and men has closed. When comparing the local vs. nonlocal nonfarming work, we found that the gender gap was resistant to close and has even slightly enlarged between married men and women over time. Our study has revealed a concerning trend for rural married women to close the gender gap in pursuing nonfarming occupations and expanding their space in livelihood choice in China.
Sediment dynamics and geomorphology of a submarine carbonate platform canyon system situated in an arid climate setting
Authors: Petrovic Alexander , Reijmer John J. G. , Alsaihati Sayed Hassan Majed , Nommensen Dominik , Vahrenkamp Volker
Published: June 2023

Changes in neritic carbonate production and sediment transport off platforms are related to climate variations, sea‐level fluctuations and tectonic processes. Canyon systems marking the platform slopes represent critical source‐to‐sink pathways transporting shallow‐water sediments basinward. However, these export systems and related processes are primarily studied on platform slopes in humid to tropical climate settings. A newly discovered canyon system on the leeward margin of the Al Wajh platform (north‐east Red Sea) represents the ideal laboratory to investigate source‐to‐sink pathway dynamics in an arid climate that prevailed since the Late Pleistocene. A high‐resolution bathymetry map was established to characterize the slope morphology. The system displays a U‐shaped, 10 km long main channel dominantly sourced by the north‐west/south‐east running outer channel and two smaller 2 to 3 km long canyons. The latter are positioned perpendicular to the main canyon. A 4 km wide head scarp at the reef edge and dozens of amphitheatre‐shaped scarps along the mid to lower slope suggest significant slope failures over time. The analysis of four sediment cores collected on a profile down the canyon revealed sedimentation rates of 26 cm/ka at the mid‐slope to 9.4 cm/ka in the basin. Three main sediment‐export processes were identified: (i) sandy and neritic component‐poor turbidites; (ii) winnowing of strontium‐rich carbonate fines through surface currents; and (iii) remobilized carbonate fines on the upper slope. As of the Last Glacial, turbidites are predominantly deposited during times of significant sea‐level instability, both rises and falls, whereas their flat‐topped‐tropical counterparts show a higher turbidite frequency during highstands. Strontium‐rich carbonate fines are exported similarly through time in both climate settings. Overall, sediment export is controlled by: (i) the platform morphology (flat‐topped versus rimmed lagoon); (ii) variations in sediment production; (iii) sea‐level variations (exposure or flooding of sediment production areas); and (iv) the interaction between the sedimentary system and atmospheric changes (sediment production and delivery).
Identification of Elastic Response of Asphalt Pavements Layers Using Deflectometric Tests With Different Load Levels
Authors: Bueno Lucas Dotto , Pereira Deividi Da Silva , Specht Luciano Pivoto , Faccin Cleber , Back Ana Helena , Júnior Elemar Taff , Boeira Fernando Dekeper , Dos Santos Maurício Silveira
Published: June 2023

It is a unusual practice in national new pavement designs and rehabilitations to consider the nonlinear elastic behavior of the materials that constitute or will constitute the pavement layers. However, the linear elastic response is a simplification of the actual pavement layers behavior, since the materials used in the structure have stiffness dependent on the stress state (granular layers and subgrade) or on the temperature and time of load application (asphalt concrete). In view of this, this paper aims to study the elastic behavior of the pavement structures of two monitored sites in the city of Santa Maria/RS, through tests with FWD equipment, applying four different levels of loading on the full extension of these two sites. In these structures, the pavements showed a tendency to stiffening with increasing load acting at initial measuring distances (near the FWD load application point), which represent the elastic compression of all layers that make up the pavement. The measuring distances farther from the load application point, referring to the elastic compression of the subgrade, indicated, in most cases, a tendency to linear behavior of the load-deflection relationship in both sites. The backcalculated resilience modulus confirmed the impressions drawn from the load-deflection relationships, indicating the nonlinear elastic behavior of the granular layers (base and sub-base) of the analyzed sites, with resilience modulus directly proportional to the increase of the confining stress. The subgrade of the experimental sites exhibited varied behavior, and could be simplified by linear elasticity, without considerable loss. The same fact happened for the asphalt concrete material used in the pavement of site 1. For site 2, the backcalculated modulus indicated asphalt concrete stiffness dependent on the vertical surface stress increment at the center of the load plate.
Overview of Section XI Stipulations
Authors: Park Gary , Scarth Douglas
Published: June 2023

This chapter provides a chronological overview of the development of Section XI, “The Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components,” from its 1968 inception to the 2019 edition. It traces the development, edition-by-edition, of important Code elements including the philosophy behind many of the revisions. Emphasis is placed on the 2003 Addenda through 2008 Addenda because they apply to a majority of nuclear plants in the United States and in other countries. Through an extensive tabulation of Code Interpretations, this chapter also attempts to give the Code user some insights into clarification of many Section XI requirements. Further insight into the philosophy and technical basis behind Section XI may be gained from review of papers cited in the Bibliography of this chapter.

Subsequent chapters of this book address the major areas of Section XI, including inservice inspection (ISI) examination and test programs, repairs and replacements, acceptance and evaluation criteria, containment programs, and fatigue crack growth. Reference to specific chapters is included as changes to their topics are introduced. Their specific discussions may be easier to follow and will be more complete than the brief chronological development in this chapter. Nondestructive examination is addressed in this chapter as its requirements evolve.

The 2017 and 2019 Editions of the Code provides the basis for changes and additions to this Chapter.

History

The current online edition was updated by Gary Park and Douglas Scarth
“Sorry If I Offended”: The Art of Nonapology, Racism, and White Supremacy in Sport
Authors: Chin Jessica W. , Hodler Matthew R.
Published: June 2023

Despite perceived postracial ideologies of American sport, players, coaches, fans, and media have been complicit in reaffirming racial hierarchies through racist microaggressions and remarks. Such racist violations are commonly exposed in the current moment of widespread social media engagement and social justice activism. Subsequently, many violators issue apologies—often employing the conjunction “if”—which hinges the apology on the condition of the targeted group taking offense. We call these conditional apologies nonapology apologies and argue that they fall within a racializing apologia framework, devaluing and questioning the place of those offended in American society and sport, and reinforcing White supremacy. In this paper, we examine apology statements by sports figures and explore the implications of nonapology apologies.
cAMPing up cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Baek Amy E.
Published: June 2023

Adrenergic receptor stimulation improves cancer immunotherapy in a range of immune-competent tumor models.
Pharmacokinetics of SPR206 in Plasma, Pulmonary Epithelial Lining Fluid, and Alveolar Macrophages following Intravenous Administration to Healthy Adult Subjects
Authors: Rodvold Keith A. , Bader Justin , Bruss Jon B. , Hamed Kamal
Published: June 2023

SPR206 is a next-generation polymyxin being developed for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections. This Phase 1 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) study was conducted to evaluate SPR206’s safety and pharmacokinetics in plasma, pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (ELF), and alveolar macrophages (AM) in healthy volunteers.
Seasonal Succession of Fungal Communities in Native Truffle (
Tuber indicum
) Ecosystems
Authors: Ye Lei , Yang Xuezhen , Zhang Bo , Zhou Jie , Tian Hong , Zhang Xiaoping , Li Xiaolin
Published: June 2023

The spatial and temporal dynamics of soil physicochemical properties and fungal communities associated with four
Tuber indicum
-producing plots and one non truffle producing plot in four different growing seasons are described. Soil physicochemical properties and fungal communities exhibited considerable seasonal variation.
A
Yersinia
T6SS Effector YezP Engages the Hemin Uptake Receptor HmuR and ZnuABC for Zn
2+
Acquisition
Authors: Liu Hai , Wei Zhiyan , Li Jiali , Liu Xingyu , Zhu Lingfang , Wang Yao , Wang Tietao , Li Changfu , Shen Xihui
Published: June 2023

Identifying the transporters involved in import of metal ions under normal physiological growth conditions in bacterial pathogens will clarify its pathogenic mechanism.
Y. pseudotuberculosis
YPIII, a common foodborne pathogen that infects animals and humans, uptake zinc via the T6SS4 effector YezP. However, the outer and inner transports involved in Zn
2+
acquisition remain unknown.
Design, Screening, and Characterization of Engineered Phage Endolysins with Extracellular Antibacterial Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Sui Bingrui , Wang Xinrui , Zhao Tianyi , Zhen Jianyu , Ren Huiying , Liu Wenhua , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Zhang Can
Published: June 2023

The presence of the envelope in Gram-negative bacteria limits the use of phage endolysins, and engineering endolysins is an efficient way to optimize their penetrative and antibacterial properties. We built a platform for endolysin engineering and screening.
Intravenous BCG Vaccination of Diversity Outbred Mice Results in Moderately Enhanced Protection against Challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis Compared to Intradermal Vaccination
Authors: Kurtz Sherry L. , Mittereder Lara R. , Lehman Chelsea C. , Khan Hamda , Gould Victoria A. , Elkins Karen L.
Published: June 2023

Tuberculosis is still the leading cause of death globally from any infectious disease, despite the widespread use of the live attenuated vaccine Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG). While BCG has some efficacy against disseminated TB disease in children, protection wanes into adulthood resulting in over 1.8 million TB deaths per year.
A Family of Spore Lipoproteins Stabilizes the Germination Apparatus by Altering Inner Spore Membrane Fluidity in Bacillus subtilis Spores
Authors: Flores Matthew J. , Duricy Kate , Choudhary Shreya , Laue Michael , Popham David L.
Published: June 2023

Bacterial spores exhibit extreme longevity and resistance to many killing agents, and are thus problematic agents of several diseases and of food spoilage. However, to cause disease or spoilage, germination of the spore and return to the vegetative state is necessary.
Specifications Grading Is an Effective Approach to Teaching Biochemistry
Authors: Donato Justin J. , Marsh Thomas C.
Published: June 2023

Specifications grading is a relatively recent approach to assessing student learning. In this approach, students make progress toward completion of a course by demonstrating mastery of specific skills or material.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Does Not Induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Talukdar Sattya N. , McGregor Brett , Osan Jaspreet K. , Hur Junguk , Mehedi Masfique
Published: June 2023

We have previously shown that RSV infects ciliated cells on the apical side of the lung airway. RSV-induced cytoskeletal inflammation contributes to an uneven increase in the height of the airway epithelium, resembling noncanonical bronchial wall thickening.
2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Treatment Induces Modest Immune Activation in Healthy Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Ortiz Alexandra M. , Castello Casta Fabiola , Rahmberg Andrew , Markowitz Tovah E. , Brooks Kelsie , Simpson Jennifer , Brenchley Jason M.
Published: June 2023

SIV infection of nonhuman primates is the principal model system for assessing HIV disease progression and therapeutic development. HPβCD has recently been incorporated as a solubilizing agent in coformulations of ARVs in SIV-infected nonhuman primates.
Inferring microbial co-occurrence networks from amplicon data: a systematic evaluation
Authors: Kishore Dileep , Birzu Gabriel , Hu Zhenjun , DeLisi Charles , Korolev Kirill S. , Segrè Daniel
Published: June 2023

Microbes commonly organize into communities consisting of hundreds of species involved in complex interactions with each other. 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) amplicon profiling provides snapshots that reveal the phylogenies and abundance profiles of these microbial communities. These snapshots, when collected from multiple samples, can reveal the co-occurrence of microbes, providing a glimpse into the network of associations in these communities. However, the inference of networks from 16S data involves numerous steps, each requiring specific tools and parameter choices. Moreover, the extent to which these steps affect the final network is still unclear. In this study, we perform a meticulous analysis of each step of a pipeline that can convert 16S sequencing data into a network of microbial associations. Through this process, we map how different choices of algorithms and parameters affect the co-occurrence network and identify the steps that contribute substantially to the variance. We further determine the tools and parameters that generate robust co-occurrence networks and develop consensus network algorithms based on benchmarks with mock and synthetic data sets. The Microbial Co-occurrence Network Explorer, or MiCoNE (available at
https://github.com/segrelab/MiCoNE
) follows these default tools and parameters and can help explore the outcome of these combinations of choices on the inferred networks. We envisage that this pipeline could be used for integrating multiple data sets and generating comparative analyses and consensus networks that can guide our understanding of microbial community assembly in different biomes.

IMPORTANCE

Mapping the interrelationships between different species in a microbial community is important for understanding and controlling their structure and function. The surge in the high-throughput sequencing of microbial communities has led to the creation of thousands of data sets containing information about microbial abundances. These abundances can be transformed into co-occurrence networks, providing a glimpse into the associations within microbiomes. However, processing these data sets to obtain co-occurrence information relies on several complex steps, each of which involves numerous choices of tools and corresponding parameters. These multiple options pose questions about the robustness and uniqueness of the inferred networks. In this study, we address this workflow and provide a systematic analysis of how these choices of tools affect the final network and guidelines on appropriate tool selection for a particular data set. We also develop a consensus network algorithm that helps generate more robust co-occurrence networks based on benchmark synthetic data sets.
Glucose Induces Resistance to Polymyxins in High-Alcohol-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae via Increasing Capsular Polysaccharide and Maintaining Intracellular ATP
Authors: Fan Zheng , Fu Tongtong , Liu Hongbo , Li Zhoufei , Du Bing , Cui Xiaohu , Zhang Rui , Feng Yanling , Zhao Hanqing , Xue Guanhua , Cui Jinghua , Yan Chao , Gan Lin , Feng Junxia , Xu Ziying , Yu Zihui , Tian Ziyan , Ding Zanbo , Chen Jinfeng , Chen Yujie , Yuan Jing
Published: June 2023

HiAlc
Kpn
can use glucose to produce excess endogenous alcohol for promoting the development of NAFLD. Polymyxins are the last line of antibiotics and are commonly used to treat infections caused by carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
.
Analysis of the Trends of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Gauteng Public Hospitals from 2009 to 2018
Authors: Segal Bradley , Langham Alice , Klevansky Rachel , Patel Namita , Mokoena Thabang , Nassiep Muhammad , Ramatlo Obakeng , Ahmad Aijaz , Duse Adriano G.
Published: June 2023

S. aureus
is the leading cause of a variety of devastating clinical conditions, including infective endocarditis, bacteremia, and pleuropulmonary infections. It is an important pathogen responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality.