bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importation of chloroplast proteins under heat stress is facilitated by their SUMO conjugations
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Ting , Wang Caijuan , Lin Wenxiong , Lin Chufang , Han Danlu , Xie Qi , Lai Jianbin , Yang Chengwei
Published: March 2022

Chloroplasts are hypersensitive to heat stress (HS). SUMOylation, a critical post‐translational modification, is conservatively involved in HS responses. However, the functional connection between SUMOylation and chloroplasts under HS remains to be studied.

The bioinformatics, biochemistry, and cell biology analyses were used to detect the SUMOylation statuses of Arabidopsis nuclear‐encoded chloroplast proteins and the effect of SUMOylation on subcellular localization of these proteins under HS. PSBR, a subunit of photosystem II, was used as an example for a detailed investigation of functional mechanisms.

After a global SUMOylation site prediction of nuclear‐encoded chloroplast proteins, biochemical data showed that most of the selected candidates are modified by SUMO3 in the cytoplasm. The chloroplast localization of these SUMOylation targets under long‐term HS is partially maintained by the SUMO ligase AtSIZ1. The HS‐induced SUMOylation on PSBR contributes to the maintenance of its chloroplast localization, which is dependent on its chloroplast importation efficiency correlated to phosphorylation. The complementation analysis provided evidence that SUMOylation is essential for the physiological function of PSBR under HS.

Our study illustrated a general regulatory mechanism of SUMOylation in maintaining the chloroplast protein importation during HS and provided hints for further investigation on protein modifications associated with plant organelles under stress conditions.
A Guide to Autoregressive Distributed Lag Models for Impulse Response Estimations*
Authors: Baek ChaeWon , Lee Byoungchan
Published: March 2022

We provide a guide to using autoregressive distributed lag models for impulse response estimations with an identified structural shock or an external instrument for the shock. We illustrate how specifications widely used in practice can lead to inconsistent and inefficient estimators. We further review empirical results from previous papers and show that some results appear to be statistical artefacts. We propose a simple method to avoid such a false conclusion from biases or large standard errors and obtain consistent and precise estimates.
Mandibular condyle changes in rats with unilateral masticatory function
Authors: De Carli Enrico , Lagou Aikaterini , Kiliaridis Stavros , Denes Balazs J.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Certain malocclusions or unilateral tooth loss can lead to asymmetric functional load of the two mandibular sides during mastication and induce skeletal asymmetries to the condylar process of growing individuals. However, in adults, asymmetric function may have a different impact. The aim of the present study was to investigate three‐dimensionally the effects of unilateral masticatory function on the condylar process morphology in growing and adult rats and the adaptive processes to differential condylar loading.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐six growing and adult Wistar rats aged 4 and 26 weeks respectively were obtained. The maxillary right molars of the experimental animals were extracted and all animals were followed for 12 weeks. Three‐dimensional images were obtained by an in‐vivo microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) examination. The following measurements were studied: condylar process height, condylar base width, and condylar cross‐sectional surface.

Results

While no differences were found with regards to condylar process height and base width, the cross‐section of the condyle on the extraction side did not increase during growth in the young rats. No such differences were found in adults. Young rats had statistically significantly shorter condylar height, base width and cross‐sectional surface than the adult rats and showed significant growth of these structures during the experimental period.

Conclusion

Condylar height and base width growth are not hindered by reduced occlusal function, contrary to the average cross‐sectional surface, which implies that the condyle form of growing individuals becomes thinner while maintaining its length, in the absence of occlusal stimuli. The condyle of adult rats with extractions is less affected by occlusion changes.
Effect of telmisartan on an experimental model of periodontitis in mice
Authors: Jeon So Jung , Lee Yohan , Keum Bo Ram , Choi Eun‐Young , Choi In Soon , Kim Sung‐Jo
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study was performed to explore the impact of telmisartan on experimental periodontitis in mice, in terms of alveolar bone destruction, by using micro‐computed tomography analysis.

Materials and methods

Male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups of 7 to 9 mice each: control (C) group; experimental periodontitis (E) group; experimental periodontitis‐plus‐telmisartan 5 mg/kg (ET5) group; and experimental periodontitis‐plus‐telmisartan 10 mg/kg (ET10) group. The mice in Group C were not subjected to experimental periodontitis. The other mice from Groups E, ET5 and ET10 were exposed to periodontitis. Periodontitis was induced by inoculation with Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Results

Telmisartan significantly suppressed both the reduction in alveolar bone height and increase of root exposure caused by P. gingivalis infection. When mice were treated with telmisartan, the decrease in the bone volume fraction induced by the infection was notably recovered. In addition, telmisartan reversed P. gingivalis‐induced alterations in the microstructural parameters of trabecular bone, except trabecular thickness.No significant difference was evident between Groups ET5 and ET10 in both the extent of alveolar bone loss and microstructural parameters assessed, except bone volume fraction and trabecular number.

Conclusion

Telmisartan may have potential benefits as a host modulation agent for the therapy of periodontitis.
Effects of postnatal hydrocortisone on cytokine profile in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Tamura Kentaro , Nagaoka Mitsuhide , Inomata Satomi , Kawasaki Yukako , Makimoto Masami , Yoshida Taketoshi
Published: March 2022

Background

Systemic hydrocortisone administration has been widely used in preterm infants who are at risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, the effects of hydrocortisone on cytokine profiles have not been examined. We aimed to investigate the effects of postnatal hydrocortisone treatment on serum cytokine levels in extremely preterm infants.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 29 extremely preterm infants born at <28 weeks of gestational age. We obtained serum from blood samples collected during an early phase (5–20 days) and a late phase (28–60 days) after birth. We measured the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factors α and β, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6), T‐helper (Th) 1 cytokines (interferon‐γ, IL‐2, and IL‐12p70), Th2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐10), Th17 cytokine IL‐17A, and chemokine IL‐8. The cytokine levels between the early and late phases were compared between infants who received postnatal hydrocortisone and those who did not.

Results

Thirteen infants (45%) received systemic hydrocortisone treatment at a median age of 15 days (IQR: 10.0–21.5) after birth due to respiratory deterioration. The percentage of BPD was higher in the steroid group than in the non‐steroid group (P = 0.008). The ratio of IL‐6 for the late‐to‐early phase was significantly lower in the steroid group than in the non‐steroid group (P = 0.04). The concentration of the other cytokines remained unchanged between the phases.

Conclusions

Although the postnatal hydrocortisone treatment provided for respiratory deterioration did not prevent the BPD development, hydrocortisone treatment might suppress IL‐6 overproduction in extremely preterm infants.
Squaraine Dyes Derived from Indolenine and Benzo[e]indole as Potential Fluorescent Probes for HSA Detection and Antifungal Agents
Authors: Gomes Vanessa S. D. , Ferreira João C. C. , Boto Renato E. F. , Almeida Paulo , Fernandes Jose R. , Sousa Maria João , Gonçalves M. Sameiro T. , Reis Lucinda V.
Published: March 2022

Four squaraine dyes derived from 2,3,3‐trimethylindolenine and 1,1,2‐trimethyl‐1H‐benzo[e]indole with different combinations of barbituric groups attach to the central ring, having ester groups and alkyl chains in the nitrogen atoms of heterocyclic rings were synthesized. These dyes were fully characterized, and their photophysical behavior was studied in ethanol and phosphate‐buffered solution. Absorption and emission bands between 631 and 712 nm were detected, with the formation of aggregates in aqueous media, which is typical of this class of dyes. Tests carried out with 1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran allowed us to verify the ability of the dyes to produce singlet oxygen. The interaction of synthesized dyes with human serum albumin (HSA) was also evaluated, being demonstrated a linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and protein concentration. The antifungal potential of the dyes against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay. In order to test the photosensitizing capacity of the synthesized dyes, tests were carried out in the dark and with irradiation, using a custom‐built light‐emitting diode that emits close to the absorption wavelength of the studied dyes. The results showed that the interaction of dyes with HSA and the antifungal activity depends on the different structural modifications of the dyes.
Element mobility during formation of the Ruwai Zn‐Pb‐Ag skarn deposit, Central Borneo, Indonesia
Authors: Dana Cendi D. P. , Agangi Andrea , Takahashi Ryohei , Idrus Arifudin , Lai Chun‐Kit , Nainggolan Nico A.
Published: March 2022

The Ruwai deposit is Indonesia's largest Zn‐Pb‐Ag skarn deposit and is located in Lamandau district, Central Borneo, within the Central Borneo metallogenic belt. This skarn deposit consists of four main zones, namely Gojo, Karim, Ruwai, and Southwest Gossan Zones. The skarn orebodies are mostly hosted by limestone of the Jurassic Ketapang Complex where quartz diorite of the Cretaceous Sukadana Granitoid is the ore‐causative intrusion. Despite the several mineralogical studies carried out in this deposit, there is still a lack of knowledge of its geochemical characteristics. This study evaluates the element mobility during skarn formation on the basis of skarn and ore mineralogy combined with lithogeochemical data of the intrusions, sedimentary wall rocks, and skarn bodies. The skarn mineralogy of the Ruwai skarn complex can be divided into prograde, retrograde and supergene stages. The prograde stage is characterized by the formation of an anhydrous assemblage of garnet‐pyroxene, while the retrograde stage features the replacement of prograde minerals by predominant epidote‐chlorite‐actinolite. The mineralization was first introduced during the late prograde stage, while the formation of massive orebodies attributed to the retrograde stage. The skarn samples show a wide range of major element contents, but both the mineralized skarn and massive orebodies show similar trace and rare‐earth elements patterns in global Phanerozoic limestone‐ and upper crust sedimentary rocks‐normalized spider diagrams. The skarn and orebodies, as well as the metalimestone in this study area, are depleted in REE, although HREE are higher than LREE. Most metals (e.g., Zn, Pb, Ag, Cu, Fe) in skarn and associated orebodies, interpreted to be predominantly magmatic‐sourced, show co‐occurring enrichment or depletion relative to the metalimestone and intrusive rocks. The isocon analysis shows that there was significant mass loss as a consequence of significant volatile loss, such as CO2, during skarn formation. Major oxides and large ion lithophile elements mostly behaved as mobile elements during skarn formation, whereas rare‐earth and high field strength elements tended to be immobile. However, the occurrence of several HFSE‐ and REE‐bearing minerals in Ruwai deposit (i.e., zircon, thorite, cerite, cerianite, monazite, allanite), suggesting minor or local mobility of these elements. Such unexpected behavior can be justified by the occurrence of fluorine‐rich hydrothermal fluid, which could have been responsible for the increasing mobility of these elements.
Are 3D printed models acceptable in assessment?
Authors: Hammerton Charlotte , Yip Sharon Wing Lam , Manobharath Nivetha , Myers Gil , Sturrock Alison
Published: March 2022

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) printed models are increasingly used in undergraduate anatomy teaching. However, their role and value in anatomy assessment remains under consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate student and educator perspectives on acceptability of using novel 3D printed heart models for assessment.

Methods

We used printed 3D models of the heart for first‐year medical students, in small group teaching, formative assessment and revision at home. We adopted a mixed methods approach involving questionnaires, then focus groups to collect student and educator views. We used QSR Nvivo to manage thematic analysis of responses, carried out by student and educators, respectively.

Findings

Overall, students 89% (n = 75/84) and educators 91% (n = 10/11) found the assessment acceptable. Thematic analysis of focus groups (n = 4 students, n = 5 educators) identified five key perceptions shared across student and educator groups: 3D models are the future, realism is valued, models appear feasible, consistent and provide a potential for a range of applications in assessment.

Discussion

There was agreement between educators and students that the use of 3D heart models was acceptable. Key recognised benefits include accessibility and consistency across settings, made more relevant in the current COVID‐19 pandemic. We recommend integration of 3D models into teaching and assessment for educational alignment and careful selection of anatomy to model. Further research is required to explore the use of models in summative assessments.
Do image resolution and classifier choice impact island biogeographical parameters of terrestrial islands?
Authors: Oldeland Jens , Eibes Pia Maria , Irl Severin David Howard , Schmiedel Ute
Published: March 2022

Island biogeography provides concepts for conservation management as fragmented habitats are comparable to ocean islands. Remote sensing can help to extract terrestrial habitat islands on the landscape scale. However, little is known about the effects of image resolution and classification algorithms on resulting island size and related parameters. We study the combined effect of three image resolutions (2, 10, and 30 m) and three classification algorithms (Artificial Neural Network, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine) by extracting quartz islands from WorldView‐2 imagery using image segmentation. We compared four island parameters (i.e., area, distance, shape index, and perimeter–area ratio between resolutions and classifiers). We found that in all cases, image resolution and classification algorithms had a strong effect. However, image resolution was more important for area and shape. Artificial Neural Network always provided the best performance as a classifier (OA: 0.880, kappa: 0.801, F1: 0.912). Hence, conservation strategies could lead to different results when different pattern extraction strategies are applied. Future studies which aim at extracting terrestrial habitat islands from image datasets should aim for the highest possible resolution and compare the outcomes of different classifiers to ensure the best possible results.
Dose‐escalated simultaneously integrated boost radiation protocol fails to result in a survival advantage for sinonasal tumors in dogs
Authors: Meier Valeria , Staudinger Chris , Körner Maximilian , Soukup Alena , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: March 2022

The prognosis for canine sinonasal tumors remains rather poor despite definitive‐intent radiotherapy (RT). Theoretical calculations predicted improved outcomes with simultaneously integrated boost (SIB) protocols. With the hypothesis of clinically detectable differences in outcome between groups, our retrospective study evaluated prognostic variables and outcome in dogs treated with regular versus SIB RT. Dogs with sinonasal tumors treated with either a regular (10 × 4.2 Gy) or new SIB protocol (10 × 4.83 Gy to macroscopic tumor) were included. Information regarding signalment, tumor stage, type, clinical signs, radiation toxicity, response, and outcome was collected. Forty‐nine dogs were included: 27 treated regularly and 22 treated with SIB RT. A total of 69.4% showed epistaxis, 6.1% showed epileptic seizures, 46.9% showed stage IV tumors, and 6.1% showed lymph node metastases. Early toxicity was mostly mild. Late grade 1 skin toxicity (alopecia/leucotrichia) was seen in 72.1% of dogs, and a possible grade 3 ocular toxicity (blindness) was seen in one dog. Complete/partial resolution of clinical signs was seen in 95.9% of patients as best clinical response and partial remission was seen as best imaging response in 34.7%. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 274 days (95% CI: 117–383) for regular and 300 days (95% CI: 143–451) for SIB RT, which was not significantly different (P = 0.42). Similarly, the median overall survival (OS) was 348 days (95% CI: 121–500) for regular and 381 days (95% CI: 295–634) for the SIB RT (P = 0.18). Stratified by protocol, the hazard ratio of stage IV versus stage I–III tumors was 2.29 (95% CI: 1.156‐4.551,P = 0.02) for OS but not PFS. All dogs showed acceptable toxicity. In contrast to theoretical predictions, however, we could not show a statistically significant better outcome with the new protocol.
Mechanical Response of Mouse Cervices Lacking Decorin and Biglycan During Pregnancy
Authors: Lee Nicole , Shi Lei , Colon Caraballo Mariano , Nallasamy Shanmugasundaram , Mahendroo Mala , Iozzo Renato V. , Myers Kristin
Published: March 2022

Cervical remodeling is critical for a healthy pregnancy. The proper regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover leads to remodeling throughout gestation, transforming the tissue from a stiff material to a compliant, extensible, viscoelastic tissue prepared for delivery. Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) regulate structural fiber assembly in the cervical ECM and overall tissue material properties. To quantify the SLRPs' mechanical role in the cervix, whole cervix specimens from nonpregnant and late pregnant knockout mice of SLRPs, decorin and biglycan, were subjected to cyclic load-unload, ramp-hold, and load-to-failure mechanical tests. Further, a fiber composite material model, accounting for collagen fiber bundle waviness, was developed to describe the cervix's three-dimensional large deformation equilibrium behavior. In nonpregnant tissue, SLRP knockout cervices have the same equilibrium material properties as wild-type tissue. In contrast, the load-to-failure and ramp-hold tests reveal SLRPs impact rupture and time-dependent relaxation behavior. Loss of decorin in nonpregnant (NP) cervices results in inferior rupture properties. After extensive remodeling, cervical strength is similar between all genotypes, but the SLRP-deficient tissue has a diminished ability to dissipate stress during a ramp-hold. In mice with a combined loss of decorin and biglycan, the pregnant cervix loses its extensibility, compliance, and viscoelasticity. These results suggest that decorin and biglycan are necessary for crucial extensibility and viscoelastic material properties of a healthy, remodeled pregnant cervix.
Additive Manufacturing In Situ and Ex Situ Geometric Data Registration
Authors: Feng Shaw C. , Lu Yan , Jones Albert T. , Yang Zhuo
Published: March 2022

Recently, the number and types of measurement devices that collect data that are used to monitor laser-based powder bed fusion of metals processes and inspect additive manufacturing metal parts have increased rapidly. Each measurement device generates data in a unique coordinate system and in a unique format. Data alignment is the process of spatially aligning different datasets to a single coordinate system. It is part of a broader process called “data registration.” This paper provides a data registration procedure and includes an example of aligning data to a single, reference, coordinate system. Such a reference coordinate system is needed for downstream applications, including data analytic, artificial intelligence, and part qualification.
Lead Foot Progression Angle in Baseball Pitchers: Implications to Ball Velocity and Upper-Extremity Joint Moments
Authors: Solomito Matthew J. , Cohen Andrew D. , Garibay Erin J. , Nissen Carl W.
Published: March 2022

The instant of foot contact is an important transition point during the pitch cycle between the linear portion of the pitch, as a pitcher strides down the mound and the rotational portion of the pitch. Understanding the implications of lead foot angle at foot contact is an essential information needed to assist pitching coaches in their work with individual pitchers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the association between lead foot progression angle at foot contact and ball velocity, elbow varus moment, and pelvic rotation. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 99 collegiate pitchers and analyzed using a random intercept, mixed-effects regression model. Significant associations were found between lead foot progression angle at foot contact and elbow varus moment (P = .004), as well as pelvic rotation throughout the pitching motion (P < .001). The data indicate that increased lead foot internal rotation at foot contact is associated with increases in the elbow varus moment but is not associated with ball velocity. This study provides scientific evidence that the rotational positioning of the lead foot can affect both pelvic motion and upper-extremity joint moments.
Addressing Gender Inequity in Sport Through Women’s Invisible Labor
Authors: Sveinson Katherine , Taylor Elizabeth , Keaton Ajhanai C.I. , Burton Laura , Pegoraro Ann , Toffoletti Kim
Published: March 2022

While the progress of women in the sport industry has become more visible, there is still significant gender inequity. Extending the sport organizational literature, we argue that the unpaid, invisible, and emotional labor of women, especially those holding diverse social identities, is significantly contributing to gender inequity at the organizational level. In broader sport research, the micro, everyday experiences of women stakeholders and the connection to macro societal structures and ideologies have provided foundational insight to build upon. However, there is a need for research to focus on the meso-level organizational practices, policies, designs, structures, and culture to create real change. Therefore, we present a conceptual paper, focused on a meso-level analysis and the invisible labors that women stakeholders engage in, to extend existing work and provide a pathway for further investigation into gender inequity in sport.
Remapping the Sport Brandscape: A Structured Review and Future Direction for Sport Brand Research
Authors: Baker Bradley J. , Kunkel Thilo , Doyle Jason P. , Su Yiran , Bredikhina Nataliya , Biscaia Rui
Published: March 2022

Despite consistent interest in sport brands and the multitude of brands in the sport ecosystem, extant knowledge remains fragmented and unstructured. The purpose of this study is to integrate and synthesize extant sport brand research, appraise the current state of knowledge, and suggest future research directions. Following structured literature review guidelines, we coded 179 peer-reviewed articles published in four leading sport management journals between 2000 and 2020. Results reveal increased publications in sport brand research within the four examined journals, as well as opportunities to increase theoretical and methodological rigor. Based on the mapping and critical review of extant literature, we introduce the Sport Brand Ecosystem and Environment and discuss two distinct and complementary areas related to theory and research designs and topical domains to address existent concerns and guide future research directions.
Cognitive and Physical Effects of Warm-Up on Young Soccer Players
Authors: González-Fernández Francisco Tomás , Sarmento Hugo , González-Víllora Sixto , Pastor-Vicedo Juan Carlos , Martínez-Aranda Luis Manuel , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: March 2022

This study analyzed the effects of with (WC) or without conducting a warm up on youth soccer players immediately before performing physical and cognitive tests. Fourteen youth soccer player (age 11.64 ± 0.50) participated in a counterbalanced cross-sectional study in which three conditions were tested: (a) basal lineal condition; (b) WC (immediately before the physical and cognitive tests); and (c) without WC (passive resting for 15 min between the warm-up and physical and cognitive tests). A 30-m sprint test, countermovement jump, and psychomotor vigilance task were also applied. The WC revealed significant improvements in countermovement jump (p < .05), 30-m sprint test performance (p < .05), and reaction time in psychomotor vigilance task (p < .05) in comparison to basal lineal condition and without WC. A 15-min rest after a warm-up has a meaningfully decremental effect on the physical and cognitive readiness of youth soccer players, in comparison with when they warm-up immediately before the demands are imposed.
Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Body Composition and Physical Performance of Elite Female Football Players
Authors: Villaseca-Vicuña Rodrigo , Pérez-Contreras Jorge , Merino-Muñoz Pablo , Aedo-Muñoz Esteban , González Jurado José A. , Zabaloy Santiago
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unusual situation in sports. Players were forced to stay at home for an undefined period of time and not allowed to use any training facilities or even exercise outdoors. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on physical performance and body composition in elite female football players. During the confinement period, 19 players (n = 19, M = 27 years; SD = 4.19) volunteered to participate in the present study. Participants were confined during 5 months and performed six remotely guided sessions a week, designed and structured by a certified fitness coach. Pre- and postconfinement period, players were tested for body composition, strength in the squat exercise, vertical jump, 30-m sprint, kicking velocity, and intermittent endurance capacity (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1). Fat mass and muscle mass remained unaffected after the confinement period, while only body mass showed a significant increase between periods (1.19%; p = .014). In addition, physical performance measures postconfinement showed positive changes in kicking (p < .001; effect size = 1.02), in contrast to a reduction in mean propulsive velocity against 40-kg load and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 total distance covered (p: .041 and .010, respectively). Present findings indicate that the implementation of home-based training programs during confinement periods could be sufficient stimulus to maintain body composition and physical performance (i.e., strength, vertical jump, and sprint), although they might not be sufficient to maintain intermittent endurance capacity in elite female football players.
Adenosine signaling activates ATP-sensitive K
+
channels in endothelial cells and pericytes in CNS capillaries
Authors: Sancho Maria , Klug Nicholas R. , Mughal Amreen , Koide Masayo , Huerta de la Cruz Saul , Heppner Thomas J. , Bonev Adrian D. , Hill-Eubanks David , Nelson Mark T.
Published: March 2022

The dense network of capillaries composed of capillary endothelial cells (cECs) and pericytes lies in close proximity to all neurons, ideally positioning it to sense neuron- and glial-derived compounds that enhance regional and global cerebral perfusion. The membrane potential (
V
M
) of vascular cells serves as the physiological bridge that translates brain activity into vascular function. In other beds, the ATP-sensitive K
+
(K
ATP
) channel regulates
V
M
in vascular smooth muscle, which is absent in the capillary network. Here, with transgenic mice that expressed a dominant-negative mutant of the pore-forming Kir6.1 subunit specifically in brain cECs or pericytes, we demonstrated that K
ATP
channels were present in both cell types and robustly controlled
V
M
. We further showed that the signaling nucleotide adenosine acted through A
2A
receptors and the Gα
s
/cAMP/PKA pathway to activate capillary K
ATP
channels. Moreover, K
ATP
channel stimulation in vivo increased cerebral blood flow (CBF), an effect that was blunted by expression of the dominant-negative Kir6.1 mutant in either capillary cell type. These findings establish an important role for K
ATP
channels in cECs and pericytes in the regulation of CBF.
Capturing an Early Gene Induction Event during Wood Decay by the Brown Rot Fungus
Rhodonia placenta
Authors: Anderson Claire E. , Zhang Jiwei , Markillie Lye Meng , Mitchell Hugh D. , Chrisler William B. , Gaffrey Matthew J. , Orr Galya , Schilling Jonathan S.
Published: March 2022

Earth’s aboveground terrestrial biomass is primarily wood, and fungi dominate wood decomposition. Here, we studied these fungal pathways in a common “brown rot”-type fungus,
Rhodonia placenta
, that selectively extracts sugars from carbohydrates embedded within wood lignin.
A Deterministic Model for Understanding Nonlinear Viral Dynamics in Oysters
Authors: Qin Qubin , Shen Jian , Reece Kimberly S.
Published: March 2022

The fate of viruses in contaminated oysters has received a significant amount of attention in the fields of oyster aquaculture, food quality control, and public health. However, intensive studies through laboratory experiments and
in situ
observations are often conducted under a narrow range of experimental conditions and for a specific purpose in their respective fields.
A Neutralizing Antibody Targeting gH Provides Potent Protection against EBV Challenge
In Vivo
Authors: Hong Junping , Zhong Ling , Zheng Qingbing , Wu Qian , Zha Zhenghui , Wei Dongmei , Chen Haiwen , Zhang Wanlin , Zhang Shanshan , Huang Yang , Chen Kaiyun , Chen Junyu , Li Shaowei , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Zeng Yi-xin , Xia Ningshao , Zhang Xiao , Xu Miao , Chen Yixin
Published: March 2022

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus that establishes lifelong persistence and is related to multiple diseases, including cancers. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) have proven to be highly effective in preventing EBV infection and subsequent diseases.
Reliability of Genetic Alterations in Predicting Ceftriaxone Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Globally
Authors: Lin Eric Yu , Adamson Paul C. , Ha Sung-min , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: March 2022

Antimicrobial resistance in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(
N. gonorrhoeae
), the causative agent of gonorrhea, is rising globally. Ceftriaxone is the last remaining antibiotic for empirical treatment of gonorrhea.
Structure, metamorphism, and geodynamic significance of the Catalina Schist terrane
Authors: Platt* John P. , Grove* Marty , Kimbrough* David L. , Jacobson* Carl E.
Published: March 2022

This guide begins with an overview of the internal structure and petrology of the Catalina Schist terrane as exposed on Santa Catalina Island, California, followed by a discussion of the tectonic setting and exhumational history of the terrane, and the Cenozoic tectonic and geological evolution of the Inner Borderland, within which it lies. The guide then presents an itinerary for a three-day field trip from 9–11 May 2020. Next, we present a tectonic model for the formation of the Catalina Schist, followed by a discussion of its relationship to the Pelona, Orocopia, Rand, and related schists in southern California.

This field trip generally follows the GSA guide published in GSA Field Guide 59 (available at https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa):

Platt, J.P., Grove, M., Kimbrough, D.L., and Jacobson, C.E., 2020, Structure, metamorphism, and geodynamic significance of the Catalina Schist terrane, in Heermance, R.V., and Schwartz, J.J., eds., From the Islands to the Mountains: A 2020 View of Geologic Excursions in Southern California: Geological Society of America Field Guide 59, p. 165–195, https://doi.org/10.1130/2020.0059(05).
Parental and physician disagreement on help-seeking in paediatric case scenarios
Authors: Visscher Sarah , van Stralen Karlijn , Toelen Jaan , de Winter Peter
Published: March 2022

Objective

Whenever a child falls ill, parents need to decide whether there is a need to contact medical professionals. Parental and physician perspectives on the severity of a child’s illness differ. We aimed to determine triggers for help-seeking among parents.

Design and setting

We conducted a survey study among 200 parents. In four hypothetical case scenarios, an acutely ill child was described with a baseline symptom (abdominal pain, rhinitis, headache, limping), with deterioration over time. Parents had to answer when they would contact the general practitioner. Fifty-four physicians received the same case scenarios.

Main outcome measures

Parents and physicians did not differ significantly in help-seeking in the abdominal pain case. In the non-urgent rhinitis case, parents sought help earlier than physicians wished them to, while in the urgent illness cases of headache and limping parents tend to seek help later than physicians wished. Rising body temperature was more alarming to parents than physicians, while loss of appetite did not concern either group. Parents did not recognise several red flags, for example, drowsiness and refusal to stand. Low educated parents and parents with a history of more frequent healthcare use were inclined to seek help earlier.

Implication of results

In urgent cases, parents do not seem to recognise red flags, while some non-urgent symptoms trigger them to seek help. This reveals a need for mutual education. Physician awareness of a perception gap could help them adjust their communication and empower parents.
Pathological haemodynamics of a middle cerebral artery stenosis validated by computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Tanaka Katsuhiro , Ishida Fujimaro , Tanioka Satoru , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: March 2022

Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) is one of the important causes of ischaemic stroke. However, the treatment for ICAS is not optimised, including medical therapies, because the mechanisms are diverse. The authors report a case of severe middle cerebral arterial stenosis accompanied by a floating thrombus, which caused artery-to-artery cerebral emboli. The patient was successfully treated with multiple antithrombotics including an anticoagulant, and the thrombus disappeared. Local haemodynamics around the middle cerebral arterial stenosis was analysed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using the patient-specific model. CFD analysis demonstrated that thrombus formation occurred at the poststenotic area with severe stagnant flow, which was judged by both wall shear stress and shear rate less than the specific thresholds. These findings suggest that CFD may be useful to diagnose the risk of stagnant flow-induced thrombosis and to predict the effectiveness of anticoagulant agents to prevent distal embolisms in ICAS.
Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance and atypical Behçet’s: the importance of zinc
Authors: Leonard Patricia , Louw Alison , Prentice David , Cirillo Melita
Published: March 2022

Atypical Behçet’s is recognised in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases and is associated with trisomy 8. Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) is recognised as a precursor to MDS. Our case describes the presentation of atypical Behçet’s, in association with CCUS, post a Streptococcal infection. A mutation of a zinc finger RNA spliceosome, ZRSR2, is also described. Our patient initially presented with macrocytic anaemia, together with neutropenia and lymphocytopenia on routine monitoring. Later gastrointestinal symptoms together with oral and anal ulcerations developed. He was treated with oral zinc therapy and had resolution of recurrent oral ulcerations and significant reduction in severity of anal ulcerations. The functional impact of ZRSR2 mutation on spliceosome assembly is yet to be defined, but has been previously reported in CCUS with a clinical phenotype of macrocytic anaemia.
Rare cause of deranged liver profile in pregnancy
Authors: Farrugia Paul , Portelli Christopher , Buhagiar Malcolm
Published: March 2022

We present the case of a 33-year-old pregnant woman with an abnormal liver profile secondary to liver metastases from colon cancer. The patient presented in her third trimester with non-specific symptoms. Blood tests revealed a cholestatic liver picture, initially attributed to prurigo gravidarum. However, following a normal vaginal delivery, her symptoms persisted and the liver profile failed to return to baseline. This led to further investigations including a CT scan of the abdomen—revealing a transverse colonic tumour with extensive liver involvement. Biopsy of the liver confirmed an adenocarcinoma of colonic origin, and subsequently the patient underwent a right hemicolectomy followed by systemic chemotherapy.
Serial ERG monitoring of response to therapy in vitamin A deficiency related night blindness
Authors: Poornachandra B , Jayadev Chaitra , Sharief Shama , Shetty Rohit
Published: March 2022

Two male patients with known systemic disorders who presented with complaints of nyctalopia underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including electrophysiological evaluation and serum vitamin A (retinol) levels. A significant vitamin A deficiency was detected, supplementation started and repeat electroretinogram (ERG) testing was carried out to monitor the timeline of recovery. Restoration of rod and generalised cone function was rapid within the first week of receiving treatment and near normal recovery was seen after 1 month of supplementation. Serial monitoring of ERG changes in vitamin A deficiency (VAD) associated night blindness plays an important role to demonstrate functional recovery post-treatment. The different effects of VAD on rod and cone function, and their rate of recovery, may reflect differences in the visual cycle between the two photoreceptors. We report the serial ERG changes in VAD related night blindness secondary to intestinal lipofuscinosis and liver cirrhosis in two patients.
Isolated right ventricular myocardial infarction caused by occlusion of an anomalous non-dominant right coronary artery: successful management with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Sidhu Navdeep Singh , Kaur Sumandeep , Mahla Himanshu
Published: March 2022

Isolated right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) is a rare clinical presentation of acute coronary syndrome. A high index of suspicion is needed for its timely diagnosis and management to prevent serious complications like heart failure, cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrythmias or sudden cardiac death. Coronary anomalies are rare entities with a varied clinical presentation. We report an interesting case of a middle-aged female who presented with isolated RVMI, with a borderline blood pressure and sinus node dysfunction resulting from occlusion of an anomalous right coronary artery. The successful management of this patient with percutaneous coronary intervention using coronary stenting is also discussed.
Long-term outcome after thoracoscopic cardiac sympathectomy for refractory ventricular tachyarrhythmia storm
Authors: Rai Sanjeet Kumar , Kazi Mufaddal Khuzema , Naik Nitish , Seenu Vuthaluru
Published: March 2022

A man in his 40s presented with an acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI) 6 hours after symptom onset to a non-percutaneous intervention enabled hospital and underwent thrombolysis with tenecteplase. His chest pain resolved post-thrombolysis although ST segment resolution was less than 50%. He had an episode of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) 48 hours after MI which was successfully cardioverted with 150 J biphasic shock. A month later he presented with a ventricular tachycardia storm that was refractory to pharmacological management. He underwent radiofrequency ablation of the VT using three-dimensional mapping. Although the patient remained free of VT/ventricular fibrillation (VF) for 48 hours, he had an episode of VF subsequently. A decision for bilateral surgical video assisted thoracoscopic cardiac sympathetic denervation was taken and the patient remained free of ventricular tachyarrhythmias after the procedure until.
Rare case of post mastectomy surgical site haematoma due to axillary artery branch pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Galande Sneha , Mishra Gaurav , Sethna Kayomarz Sohrab , Popat Bhavesh Arun
Published: March 2022

We present a case of surgical site haematoma developed in a female patient with breast cancer who had undergone modified radical mastectomy. On investigation, the underlying aetiology was detected to be axillary artery branch pseudoaneurysm. The patient was managed with the minimally invasive technique of angioembolisation with coils. A multidisciplinary approach resulted in an excellent outcome. The patient made good recovery without any residual impairment.
Death from cancer: frequent unscheduled care
Authors: Mills Sarah E E , Buchanan Deans , Donnan Peter T , Smith Blair H
Published: March 2022

Objective

To examine the demographic, clinical, and temporal factors associated with cancer decedents being a frequent or very frequent unscheduled care (GP-general practice Out-Of-Hours (GPOOH) and Accident & Emergency (A&E)) attender, in their last year of life.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study, of all 2443 cancer decedents in Tayside, Scotland, over 30- months period up to 06/2015, comparing frequent attenders (5–9 attendances/year) and very frequent attenders (≥10 attendances/year) to infrequent attenders (1–4 attendances/year) and non-attenders. Clinical and demographic datasets were linked to routinely-collected clinical data using the Community Health Index number. Anonymised linked data were analysed in SafeHaven, using binary/multinomial logistic regression, and Generalised Estimating Equations analysis.

Results

Frequent attenders were more likely to be older, and have upper gastrointestinal (GI), haematological, breast and ovarian malignancies, and less likely to live in accessible areas or have a late cancer diagnosis. They were more likely to use GPOOH than A&E, less likely to have face-to-face unscheduled care attendances, and less likely to be admitted to hospital following unscheduled care attendance.

Conclusions

Age, cancer type, accessibility and timing of diagnosis relative to death were associated with increased likelihood of being a frequent or very frequent attender at unscheduled care.
Emergency department presentations in palliative care patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Taylor Paul , Stone Tony , Simpson Rebecca , Kyeremateng Sam , Mason Suzanne
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To map the patient journey for individuals known to palliative care presenting to the emergency department (ED).

Methods

A linked dataset from the CUREd database and palliative care services in a region in the North of England was used. The study describes day and time of presentations, events occurring in the ED, mode of leaving the department and length of hospital admissions for presentations occurring within 90 days of a contact with palliative care. Findings were compared with the wider population in the CUREd database.

Results

A significant proportion of individuals known to palliative care (29.4%) presented to the ED. Presentations typically occurred in working hours. Most presented by ambulance (84.4%) and were admitted to hospital (75.1%); these observations persisted across age groups. Most presentations involved investigations (88.5%) and/or treatment (84.1%).

Conclusions

Palliative patients exhibit significant use of the ED; some have the potential to benefit from attendances, but there is a minority for whom ED is unlikely to have improved their care. Advance care planning and communication between services are important for empowering those who stand to benefit from ED, while ensuring appropriate care is planned for those who prefer to avoid presenting.
Consequences of scalping and scalping/replacement procedures on strength properties of coarse-grained gap-graded soils
Authors: Hassan Nadine Ali , Nguyen Ngoc Son , Marot Didier , Bendahmane Fateh
Published: March 2022

Evaluation of shear strength characteristics of coarse-grained soils by performing laboratory tests resorts often to a scalping or scalping/replacement procedure due to the presence of oversized particles in comparison with the device size. This work aimed to study consequences of these two procedures on the resulting shear strength characteristics. Experimental tests were performed on soils having gap-graded particle size distributions by using triaxial apparatuses with small and medium diameters Φ = 50 and 100 mm. Original soils were mixtures of fine particles (sand and glass beads) and coarse particles (two types of gravel). The original soils were scalped and (or) scalped/replaced by two different procedures. Different factors that influenced the mechanical properties of the scalped and scalped/replaced soils in comparison with those of the original soils were analyzed: ( i) the compactness parameter controlled for scalped and scalped/replaced soils, ( ii) the fine content of the original soils, and ( iii) the procedure used for the scalping/replacement.
Classification of teleparallel Horndeski cosmology via Noether symmetries
Authors: Dialektopoulos Konstantinos F. , Said Jackson Levi , Oikonomopoulou Zinovia
Published: March 2022

Teleparallel Horndeski theory offers an avenue through which to circumvent the speed constraint of gravitational waves in an efficient manner. However, this provides an even larger plethora of models due to the increase in action terms. In this work we explore these models in the context of cosmological systems. Using Noether point symmetries, we classify the dynamical systems that emerge from teleparallel Horndeski cosmologies. This approach is very effective at selecting specific models in the general class of second-order teleparallel scalar–tensor theories, as well as for deriving exact solutions within a cosmological context. By iterating through the Lagrangians selected through the Noether symmetries, we solve for a number of cosmological systems which provides new cosmological systems to be studied.
Primitive lattice varieties
Authors: Jipsen Peter , Nation J. B.
Published: March 2022

A variety is primitive if every subquasivariety is equational, i.e. a subvariety. In this paper, we explore the connection between primitive lattice varieties and Whitman’s condition (W). For example, if every finite subdirectly irreducible lattice in a locally finite variety [Formula: see text] satisfies Whitman’s condition (W), then [Formula: see text] is primitive. This allows us to construct infinitely many sequences of primitive lattice varieties, and to show that there are [Formula: see text] such varieties. Some lattices that fail (W) also generate primitive varieties. But if I is a (W)-failure interval in a finite subdirectly irreducible lattice [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] denotes the lattice with I doubled, then [Formula: see text] is never primitive.
On multiplying curves in the Kauffman bracket skein algebra of the thickened four-holed sphere
Authors: Bakshi Rhea Palak , Mukherjee Sujoy , Przytycki Józef H. , Silvero Marithania , Wang Xiao
Published: March 2022

Based on the presentation of the Kauffman bracket skein algebra of the thickened torus given by the third author in previous work [4], Frohman and Gelca established a complete description of the multiplicative operation leading to a famous product-to-sum formula. In this paper, we study the multiplicative structure of the Kauffman bracket skein algebra of the thickened four-holed sphere. We present an algorithm to compute the product of any two elements of the algebra, and give an explicit formula for some families of curves. We surmise that the algorithm has quasi-polynomial growth with respect to the number of crossings of a pair of curves. Further, we conjecture the existence of a positive basis for the algebra.