bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for weak azimuthal anisotropy beneath the Kumaon-Garhwal Himalaya
Authors: Devi Arti , Roy Sunil K , Kanaujia Jyotima , Kumar M Ravi
Published: April 2024

This study attempts to interrogate the upper mantle deformation pattern beneath the Kumaon-Garhwal region, located in the western Himalaya, using shear wave splitting (SWS) analysis of core-refracted (XK(K)S) phases recorded at 53 broad-band stations. The fast polarization azimuths (FPAs) revealed by 338 well constrained measurements are dominantly clustered around ENE–WSW, with a few along the NE and E–W directions. The delay times vary from 0.2 to 1.4 s, with an average of 0.6 s that is smaller than that for the Indian shield (∼0.8 s), central and eastern Himalayas. The northern part of the lesser Himalaya shows a slightly smaller delay time compared to the southern part, which is attributed to the weakening of azimuthal anisotropy caused by the dipping of the Indian lithosphere. In order to understand the crustal contribution, its anisotropy is measured by analysing the splitting of Ps conversions from the Moho (Pms), akin to that of the XK(K)S phases. However, reliable results for crustal anisotropy could be obtained only at 10 stations. The average delay time due to crustal anisotropy is 0.47 s, with a variation from 0.2 to 0.9 s. Although the dominant period of Pms is smaller than that of SK(K)S, crustal anisotropy contributing to splitting of the latter phases cannot be ruled out. The orientation of FPAs obtained from Pms phases is found to be parallel or sub-parallel to those from XK(K)S phases, suggesting a similar deformation mechanism in the mid- to lower-crust and upper mantle. On the basis of FPAs derived from XK(K)S measurements, the Kumaon-Garhwal Himalaya (KGH) region can be divided into four subregions. In the western and eastern parts, the FPAs are mostly aligned along NE and ENE–WSW, and NE, respectively. In the central and south-eastern parts, their orientation is along ENE–WSW and NW, respectively. The strong ENE–WSW orientation in the central part could result from a slightly variable anisotropy in the crust to the upper part of the lithosphere or basal topography causing deflection of mantle flow. Also, the NW orientation in the south-eastern part of KGH is associated with a shallow source within the lithosphere. Application of the spatial coherency technique to single-layered anisotropic parameters results in a depth of 220–240 km, implying that the dominant source of anisotropy could lie in the upper mantle.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List does not account for intraspecific diversity
Authors: Norderhaug Kjell Magnus , Knutsen Halvor , Filbee-Dexter Karen , Sodeland Marte , Jorde Per Erik , Wernberg Thomas , Oomen Rebekah , Moland Even
Published: April 2024

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List identifies threatened and endangered species and is a key instrument in global biodiversity conservation efforts. Our understanding of the structure and value of genetic biodiversity below the species level is rapidly increasing. Nonetheless, the IUCN assessment criteria overlook genetic variation within species. Here, we address this blind spot and discuss the principles of species conservation status classification relative to intraspecific biodiversity. We focus on coastal species, which thrive in heterogeneous environments known to drive genetic differentiation. The focal example species, Atlantic cod and sugar kelp, have contrasting life histories, are ecologically and economically important constituents of the coastal ecosystem, and are currently not classified as threatened in Norway and Canada. We expose important variation in population structure, the presence of ecotypes and genetic-environment covariation, as well as loss of ecotypes that threatens the conservation of these species. Because the genetic makeup of species directly influences their resilience, omitting this information from conservation status assessments can result in loss of adaptive capacity to future stressors, such as climate change. Consequently, recognizing and preserving intraspecific variation emerges as vital for species’ abilities to adapt to and survive in future ocean conditions.
Closed-incision negative pressure therapy as a strategy to reduce sternal wound infection in identified high-risk patients: a multicentre propensity matched study
Authors: Suelo-Calanao Rona Lee , D’Alessio Andrea , Hutton Sandra , Krasopoulos George , Muppiri Vijayakumar , Cartwright Carly , Parvez Ahmed , Nikolaidis Nicolas , Loubani Mahmoud
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES

The premise of this retrospective study was to evaluate the intraoperative use of closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) to help reduce the incidence of postoperative sternal wound infections in multimorbid patients with an elevated risk of developing a sternal wound infection post cardiac surgery versus a cohort that received standard-of-care dressings.

METHODS

Data for all adult patients were collected from each cardiothoracic surgery unit across 3 hospitals in the United Kingdom. High-risk patients had 2 or more recognized risk factors. Fisher’s exact test (two-tailed) and unpaired t-test were used to help analyse categorical and continuous data. Propensity matching was performed to compare the 2 groups.

RESULTS

A total of 5,288 patients who had cardiac surgery were included. Propensity matching led to 766 matched cases. There were significantly fewer sternal wound infections in the ciNPT group [43 (5.6%) vs 119 (15.5%) cases; P = 0.0001], as well as fewer deep sternal wound infections [14 (1.8%) vs 31 (4.0%) cases; P = 0.0149] and superficial sternal wound infections [29 (3.8%) vs 88 (11.4%) cases; P = 0.0001]. A higher mean length of stay in the ciNPT group was statistically significant (11.23 ± 13 vs 9.66 ± 10 days; P = 0.0083) as was a significantly higher mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) (11.143 ± 13 vs 8.094 ± 11; P = 0.0001). A statistically significant higher readmission to the intensive care unit due to sternal wound infection was noted for the controls [16 (2.08%) vs 3 (0.39%) readmissions; P = 0.0042].

CONCLUSIONS

The ciNPT appears to be an effective intervention to help reduce the incidence of sternal wound infection in high-risk individuals undergoing cardiac surgery.
Automated stratification of trauma injury severity across multiple body regions using multi-modal, multi-class machine learning models
Authors: Gao Jifan , Chen Guanhua , O’Rourke Ann P , Caskey John , Carey Kyle A , Oguss Madeline , Stey Anne , Dligach Dmitriy , Miller Timothy , Mayampurath Anoop , Churpek Matthew M , Afshar Majid
Published: April 2024

Objective

The timely stratification of trauma injury severity can enhance the quality of trauma care but it requires intense manual annotation from certified trauma coders. The objective of this study is to develop machine learning models for the stratification of trauma injury severity across various body regions using clinical text and structured electronic health records (EHRs) data.

Materials and Methods

Our study utilized clinical documents and structured EHR variables linked with the trauma registry data to create 2 machine learning models with different approaches to representing text. The first one fuses concept unique identifiers (CUIs) extracted from free text with structured EHR variables, while the second one integrates free text with structured EHR variables. Temporal validation was undertaken to ensure the models’ temporal generalizability. Additionally, analyses to assess the variable importance were conducted.

Results

Both models demonstrated impressive performance in categorizing leg injuries, achieving high accuracy with macro-F1 scores of over 0.8. Additionally, they showed considerable accuracy, with macro-F1 scores exceeding or near 0.7, in assessing injuries in the areas of the chest and head. We showed in our variable importance analysis that the most important features in the model have strong face validity in determining clinically relevant trauma injuries.

Discussion

The CUI-based model achieves comparable performance, if not higher, compared to the free-text-based model, with reduced complexity. Furthermore, integrating structured EHR data improves performance, particularly when the text modalities are insufficiently indicative.

Conclusions

Our multi-modal, multiclass models can provide accurate stratification of trauma injury severity and clinically relevant interpretations.
Effects of diets supplemented with bioactive peptides on nutrient digestibility, immune cell responsiveness, and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites of adult cats
Authors: Oba Patrícia M , De La Guardia Hidrogo Vanessa M , Kelly Janelle , Saunders-Blades Jennifer , Steelman Andrew J , Swanson Kelly S
Published: April 2024

Bioactive peptides (BP) are recognized for their ability to function as antioxidants and maintain lipid stability. They may have positive health effects, including antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, osteoprotective, gut health, and immunomodulatory properties, but are poorly tested in cats. Our primary objective was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of BP-containing kibble diets and assess how the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota were affected in adult cats. Our secondary objective was to test whether BP could impact blood oxidative stress markers and cytokine concentrations following transport stress. Twelve adult cats (4.83 ± 0.37 yr; 4.76 ± 0.14 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design to test four extruded kibble diets: Control (no BP), Chicken (4% chicken BP), Marine1 (2% marine BP), and Marine2 (4% marine BP). Each experimental period lasted 28 d, with a 20-d adaptation phase, 5 d for fecal collection, 2 d for blood collection, and 1 d for transport stress testing (driven in vehicle in individual carriers for 45 min). Salivary cortisol and blood oxidative stress markers and cytokines were measured after transport. Fecal microbiota data were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and QIIME2. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P < 0.05 being considered significant and P < 0.10 considered trends. No differences were observed in animal health outcomes, with all cats remaining healthy and serum metabolites remaining within reference ranges. Cats fed the Marine2 diet had higher (P < 0.05) ATTD of dry matter (84.5% vs. 80.9%) and organic matter (88.3% vs. 85.8%) than those fed the control diet. The ATTD of protein and energy tended to be higher (P < 0.10) for cats fed the Marine2 diet. Fecal characteristics, metabolites, and bacterial alpha and beta diversity measures were not affected by treatment. However, the relative abundances of six bacterial genera were different (P < 0.05) and two bacterial genera tended to be different (P < 0.10) across treatments. Treatment did not alter salivary cortisol, blood oxidative stress markers, or blood cytokines after transport stress. Our data suggest that BP inclusion may increase nutrient digestibility and modify fecal microbiota and immune measures. More testing is required, however, to determine whether BP may provide additional benefits to cats.
Sequential and Concurrent Mixed-Mode Designs: A Tailored Approach
Authors: Asimov Alexandra , Blohm Michael
Published: April 2024

Due to rising costs and declining response rates, surveys are increasingly moving from face-to-face interviewing to a self-administered mixed-mode design. Mixed-mode surveys can be conducted using a concurrent or a sequential design. A sequential design in which the web mode is offered first is a common strategy for mixed-mode surveys as it reduces survey costs. However, when deciding which mode choice sequence to use, sample balance should also be considered. One approach to achieving a balanced sample might be to tailor the sequence of the choice of modes, or the mode choice sequence. For this purpose, we use an indicator that assigns the sampled persons to the different mode choice sequences to minimize the variability of response probabilities. In this study, we compare the sample composition achieved with a concurrent and a sequential design. Additionally, we investigate whether indicator-based tailoring of the two mode choice sequences can improve sample composition. We implemented a randomized experiment in the 2021 German General Social Survey (ALLBUS), which surveyed the general population aged 18 and older in private households (N = 5,342) using a mixed-mode design (web and mail). In a first step, respondents were randomly assigned to a concurrent or a sequential design. We find that the two mode choice sequences lead to a similar sample composition. Next, we identify age as the best available single indicator of the variables known before the survey to tailor the mode choice sequence. Our analyses show that a tailored approach based on age improves the sample composition slightly.
Influence of growth parameters on bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) production by lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Foudjing Gildas Gaëlle Domguia , Sarmast Elham , Allahdad Zahra , Salmieri Stéphane , Lacroix Monique
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the possible production of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) and optimize it by Lactobacillus sakei and combined Lactobacillus curvatus/Pediococcus acidilactici, lactic acid bacteria used for the meat fermentation. The effect of growth parameters on BLIS production was evaluated by measuring the antibacterial activity of the cell-free supernatant of these bacteria. The stability of the cell-free supernatant of combined L.curvatus/P.acidilactici bacteria was also examined after heat treatment and pH variations. Results showed highest BLIS production by L.curvatus/P.acidilactici was at growth temperatures of 28°C and pH 5, while the optimum condition for production of BLIS by L.sakei was 24°C and pH 6.5. The BLIS production by L. curvatus/P. acidilactici bacteria was greatly influenced by carbon and nitrogen sources. The antimicrobial activity of BLIS in supplemented De Man, Rosa, and Sharpe broth (MRS) was 2044.44 AU/mL, 4.84-fold greater than unsupplemented MRS. None of the carbon sources used in this study affected the BLIS production by the L.sakei, while pea peptone enhanced the antimicrobial activity and showed a value of 188.89 AU/mL, 1.47-fold greater than unsupplemented MRS. The characterization of the cell-free supernatant of L. curvatus/P. acidilactici bacteria showed the heat stability and activity of BLIS at pH 2–10.
Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis strains linked to multiple outbreaks in Brazil
Authors: Cao Guojie , Balkey Maria , Jin Qing , Brown Eric , Allard Marc , de Melo Adma Nadja Ferreira , Pedrosa Geany Targino de Souza , de Oliveira Tereza Cristina Rocha Moreira , Magnani Marciane , Macarisin Dumitru
Published: April 2024

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) has become the prevalent serovar isolated from gastroenteritis cases in Brazil since the 1990s. To better understand the genomic diversity and phylogenetic relationship amongst SE epidemic isolates from Brazil, 30 SE isolates from a variety of implicated foods and case patients of outbreaks between 1999 and 2006 were selected for genome comparison analyses. SE genomes were also compared against publicly available Brazilian SE isolates from pre- and postepidemic period. MLST analysis revealed that all isolates belong to sequence type (ST) 11. A total of seven Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) (SPI-1, SPI-3–5, SPI-13, SPI14, and C63PI) were identified in the evaluated genomes and all studied SE genomes carried similar prophage profiling. Resistome analysis revealed the presence of resistance genes to aminoglycosides [aac(6’)laa, aph(3”)-lb, aph(6)-ld], as well as point mutations in gyrA. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that certain isolates have circulated in Brazil for years and been involved in distinct outbreaks.
Production of polyclonal antibodies against leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV) coat protein expressed in Escherichia coli and its application in serological diagnostics
Authors: Gupta Nitika , Rai Richa , Islam Sabina , Meena R P , Baranwal V K
Published: April 2024

Leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV) is one of the most important potyviruses, associated with garlic throughout the world, including India. LYSV causes stunting and yellow streaks in garlic and leek leaves and with other coinfecting viruses leading to severe symptom expression and yield reduction. In this study, we have made the first reported attempt to produce specific polyclonal antibodies to LYSV using expressed recombinant coat protein (CP), which would be useful for screening and routine indexing of the garlic germplasm. The CP gene was cloned, sequenced, and further subcloned in pET-28a(+) expression vector, which yielded ∼35 kDa fusion protein. The fusion protein was obtained in insoluble fraction after purification and its identity was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The purified protein was used as immunogen for production of polyclonal antisera in New Zealand white rabbit. Antisera raised, was able to recognize the corresponding recombinant proteins in western blotting, immunosorbent electron microscopy and dot immunobinding assay (DIBA). Developed antisera to LYSV (titer 1:2000) was used for screening of 21 garlic accessions in antigen coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA) and 16 accessions were found positive for LYSV, indicating its widespread presence within the collection tested. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a polyclonal antiserum against the in-vitro expressed CP of LYSV and its successful application in diagnosis of LYSV in garlic accessions in India.
Development of the differential detection reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for Barley yellow mosaic virus or Japanese soil-borne wheat mosaic virus from barley
Authors: Fukuta Shiro , Kato Shuhei , Suzuki Ryoji , Arakawa Mizuho , Goto Koji , Maejima Hidekazu , Nagamine Takashi , Aoki Emiko
Published: April 2024

A differential detection reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (DD-RT-LAMP) method was developed to detect either Barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) or Japanese soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (JSBWMV) simultaneously. Both primer sets, which recognized either BaYMV or JSBWMV genomic RNA, amplified DNA more efficiently at 65°C using an isothermal DNA amplification and fluorescence detection device. Furthermore, these primer sets showed unique annealing curves. The peak annealing temperatures of BaYMV and JSBWMV amplification products using specific primer sets were 86.9°C–87.7°C and 84.5°C–85.0°C, respectively, and were clearly distinguishable during an annealing step following the isothermal amplification, monitored using a fluorescence detection device. In the field samples of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) tested, BaYMV or JSBWMV were detected by DD-RT-LAMP, and the detection results of DD-RT-LAMP were correspondent with the results of reverse transcription-PCR.
Occurrence of ESBL-producing avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolates in spiced chicken meat in Goias, Brazil
Authors: da Silva Flávio Barbosa , Ferreira Marcos Roberto Alves , Sobrinho Iderval da Silva Júnior , Dias Márcia , Rodrigues Rafael Rodrigues , Moreira Cecília Nunes
Published: April 2024

Some extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates (ExPEC), obtained from humans and chickens avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), share similar virulence genes. Thus, products of avian origin can be a source of human infection. Moreover, these APEC isolates are resistant to antimicrobials and can spread in the environment through the chicken feces. Although the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms in poultry is on the rise, healthcare entities have raised concerns since MDRs can horizontally transfer resistance genes to other microorganisms and complicate the management of human infections by MDR APEC. The results of our study showed that of 80 investigated spiced chicken meat samples, 55% were contaminated with E. coli, of which 34% (15/44) contaminate with APEC. No diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) pathotypes were found. Twenty-six isolates were MDR E. coli. Among the APEC isolates, 87% (13/15) produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). The emergence of MDR/ESBL-producing APEC with zoonotic potential for humans is extremely worrying. Therefore, further studies are required to identify the prevalence of MDR/ESBL-producing APEC in the entire chicken production chain from creation, slaughter, processing, and butchery.
Evaluation of Telemedicine Support for Medics from the Perspective of Course Instructors
Authors: Çetin Mehmet , Yıldırım Mehmet , Türkmen Volkan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Health services in the theater/district areas often contain difficulties. Although telemedicine has a huge potential to support medics in the area, there are challenges as well. Our aim is to evaluate the telemedicine support that can be provided to the medics from the perspective of course instructors.

Materials and Methods

Our study was carried out in The University of Health Sciences, Türkiye. All of the instructors of a medic course were asked to fill a 13-question questionnaire and Likert-type scale, sent via e-mail. Among 79 instructors, 71 of them (55 physicians, 16 nonphysicians) responded and were included in the study. The distributions of the categorical variables in the groups were analyzed with the Pearson Chi-square.

Results

Of the 71 participants, 37 (52.11%) stated that there is a need for legal and ethical regulations for telemedicine (medical liability, malpractice, obtaining consent from the casualties, civilians, cross border missions, and rank-related problems) and patients’ rights, additionally, to clarify the responsibilities of the doctors giving telemedicine support and the medics in the area. It was observed that physicians’ and nonphysician group’s opinions about the telepsychotherapy were statistically significantly different (χ2 = 8.675, P = .013).

Conclusions

Most of the instructors believed that telemedicine could carry the knowledge and skills of specialist physicians to the field of operation. Access to high-quality health services in a short time through telemedicine support can increase the courage and commitment of the personnel. It is thought that with telemedicine, medics will not feel alone in the field, their worries about making wrong decisions will decrease, and their knowledge and skills will increase. Participants were particularly concerned about who will be held responsible for problems arising from interventions carried out using telemedicine, and strict legal and medical regulations are needed.
Flickering pulsations in bright X-ray pulsars: the evidence of gravitationally lensed and eclipsed accretion column
Authors: Mushtukov Alexander A , Weng Albert , Tsygankov Sergey S , Mereminskiy Ilya A
Published: April 2024

It is expected that the extreme mass accretion rate onto strongly magnetized neutron stars results in the appearance of accretion columns above the stellar surface. For a distant observer, rotation of a star results in periodic variations of X-ray flux. Because the mass accretion rate fluctuates around the average value, the pulse profiles are not stable and demonstrate fluctuations as well. In the case of bright X-ray pulsars, however, pulse fluctuations are not solely attributed to variations in the mass accretion rate. They are also influenced by the variable height of the columns, which is dependent on the mass accretion rate. This study delves into the process of pulse profile formation in bright X-ray pulsars, taking into account stochastic fluctuations in the mass accretion rate, the corresponding variations in accretion column geometry, and gravitational bending. Our analysis reveals that potential eclipses of accretion columns by a neutron star during their spin period should manifest specific features in pulse profile variability. Applying a novel pulse profile analysis technique, we successfully detect these features in the bright X-ray transient V 0332+53 at luminosities $\gtrsim 2\times 10^{38}\, {\rm erg\ \rm s^{-1}}$. This detection serves as compelling evidence for the eclipse of an accretion column by a neutron star. Detection of the eclipse places constraints on the relation between neutron star mass, radius, and accretion column height. Specifically, we can establish an upper limit on the accretion column height, which is crucial for refining theoretical models of extreme accretion.
Viral Receptor-Binding Protein Evolves New Function through Mutations That Cause Trimer Instability and Functional Heterogeneity
Authors: Strobel Hannah M , Labador Sweetzel D , Basu Dwaipayan , Sane Mrudula , Corbett Kevin D , Meyer Justin R
Published: April 2024

When proteins evolve new activity, a concomitant decrease in stability is often observed because the mutations that confer new activity can destabilize the native fold. In the conventional model of protein evolution, reduced stability is considered a purely deleterious cost of molecular innovation because unstable proteins are prone to aggregation and are sensitive to environmental stressors. However, recent work has revealed that nonnative, often unstable protein conformations play an important role in mediating evolutionary transitions, raising the question of whether instability can itself potentiate the evolution of new activity. We explored this question in a bacteriophage receptor-binding protein during host-range evolution. We studied the properties of the receptor-binding protein of bacteriophage λ before and after host-range evolution and demonstrated that the evolved protein is relatively unstable and may exist in multiple conformations with unique receptor preferences. Through a combination of structural modeling and in vitro oligomeric state analysis, we found that the instability arises from mutations that interfere with trimer formation. This study raises the intriguing possibility that protein instability might play a previously unrecognized role in mediating host-range expansions in viruses.
Discovery of a polymorphic gene fusion via bottom-up chimeric RNA prediction
Authors: Elfman Justin , Goins Lynette , Heller Tessa , Singh Sandeep , Wang Yuh-Hwa , Li Hui
Published: April 2024

Gene fusions and their chimeric products are commonly linked with cancer. However, recent studies have found chimeric transcripts in non-cancer tissues and cell lines. Large-scale efforts to annotate structural variations have identified gene fusions capable of generating chimeric transcripts even in normal tissues. In this study, we present a bottom-up approach targeting population-specific chimeric RNAs, identifying 58 such instances in the GTEx cohort, including notable cases such as SUZ12P1–CRLF3, TFG–ADGRG7 and TRPM4–PPFIA3, which possess distinct patterns across different ancestry groups. We provide direct evidence for an additional 29 polymorphic chimeric RNAs with associated structural variants, revealing 13 novel rare structural variants. Additionally, we utilize the All of Us dataset and a large cohort of clinical samples to characterize the association of the SUZ12P1–CRLF3-causing variant with patient phenotypes. Our study showcases SUZ12P1–CRLF3 as a representative example, illustrating the identification of elusive structural variants by focusing on those producing population-specific fusion transcripts.
FEVER: an interactive web-based resource for evolutionary transcriptomics across fishes
Authors: Montfort Jérôme , Hervas-Sotomayor Francisca , Le Cam Aurélie , Murat Florent
Published: April 2024

Teleost fish represent one of the largest and most diverse clades of vertebrates, which makes them great models in various research areas such as ecology and evolution. Recent sequencing endeavors provided high-quality genomes for species covering the main fish evolutionary lineages, opening up large-scale comparative genomics studies. However, transcriptomic data across fish species and organs are heterogenous and have not been integrated with newly sequenced genomes making gene expression quantification and comparative analyses particularly challenging. Thus, resources integrating genomic and transcriptomic data across fish species and organs are still lacking. Here, we present FEVER, a web-based resource allowing evolutionary transcriptomics across species and tissues. First, based on query genes FEVER reconstructs gene trees providing orthologous and paralogous relationships as well as their evolutionary dynamics across 13 species covering the major fish lineages, and 4 model species as evolutionary outgroups. Second, it provides unbiased gene expression across 11 tissues using up-to-date fish genomes. Finally, genomic and transcriptomic data are combined together allowing the exploration of gene expression evolution following speciation and duplication events. FEVER is freely accessible at https://fever.sk8.inrae.fr/.
Nα-acetyltransferase NAA50 mediates plant immunity independent of the Nα-acetyltransferase A complex
Authors: Armbruster Laura , Pożoga Marlena , Wu Zhongshou , Eirich Jürgen , Thulasi Devendrakumar Karen , De La Torre Carolina , Miklánková Pavlina , Huber Monika , Bradic Fabian , Poschet Gernot , Weidenhausen Jonas , Merker Sabine , Ruppert Thomas , Sticht Carsten , Sinning Irmgard , Finkemeier Iris , Li Xin , Hell Rüdiger , Wirtz Markus
Published: April 2024

In humans and plants, 40% of the proteome is cotranslationally acetylated at the N-terminus by a single Nα-acetyltransferase (Nat) termed NatA. The core NatA complex is comprised of the catalytic subunit Nα-acetyltransferase 10 (NAA10) and the ribosome-anchoring subunit NAA15. The regulatory subunit Huntingtin Yeast Partner K (HYPK) and the acetyltransferase NAA50 join this complex in humans. Even though both are conserved in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), only AtHYPK is known to interact with AtNatA. Here we uncover the AtNAA50 interactome and provide evidence for the association of AtNAA50 with NatA at ribosomes. In agreement with the latter, a split-luciferase approach demonstrated close proximity of AtNAA50 and AtNatA in planta. Despite their interaction, AtNatA/HYPK and AtNAA50 exerted different functions in vivo. Unlike NatA/HYPK, AtNAA50 did not modulate drought tolerance or promote protein stability. Instead, transcriptome and proteome analyses of a novel AtNAA50-depleted mutant (amiNAA50) implied that AtNAA50 negatively regulates plant immunity. Indeed, amiNAA50 plants exhibited enhanced resistance to oomycetes and bacterial pathogens. In contrast to what was observed in NatA-depleted mutants, this resistance was independent of an accumulation of salicylic acid prior to pathogen exposure. Our study dissects the in vivo function of the NatA interactors HYPK and NAA50 and uncovers NatA-independent roles for NAA50 in plants.
Should obstetric mortality be an inalienable right?
Authors: Badejoko Olusegun Olalekan , Awowole Ibraheem Olayemi , Ubom Akaninyene Eseme , Olayemi Olaniyi Joseph
Published: April 2024

Background

Obstetricians often times find themselves in a conflict of right and duty with their patients, when these patients refuse recommended treatment. On the one hand, the obstetrician, aiming to fulfil the duty of care, recommends a treatment in the best interest of the woman. The woman, on the other hand, exercising her right of self-determination and autonomy, declines the recommended treatment.

Materials and Methods

A search was conducted for literature, articles and case reports on the subject on PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar using the keywords: medical ethics, medical law, obstetric mortality, maternal medicine, foetal medicine, patient autonomy, informed consent, right to life and right to liberty.

Results

Opinions have historically differed on whether maternal or foetal rights should be deferred to in situations where pregnant women refuse obstetric interventions. So also have legal decisions on the issue. The general consensus is, however, to respect a woman's refusal of recommended medical treatment, in deference to her right of self-determination and autonomy. The obstetric outcomes in such instances are however, often times, unfavourable.

Conclusion

The ethics of patient care in the face of conflicting rights deserves renewed examination and discourse.
Exact Solution for Rotating Black Holes in Parity-Violating Gravity
Authors: Tahara Hiroaki W H , Takahashi Kazufumi , Minamitsuji Masato , Motohashi Hayato
Published: April 2024

It has recently been pointed out that one can construct invertible conformal transformations with a parity-violating conformal factor, which can be employed to generate a novel class of parity-violating ghost-free metric theories from general relativity. We obtain exact solutions for rotating black holes in such theories by performing the conformal transformation on the Kerr solution in general relativity, which we dub conformal Kerr solutions. We explore the geodesic motion of a test particle in the conformal Kerr spacetime. While null geodesics remain the same as those in the Kerr spacetime, timelike geodesics exhibit interesting differences due to an effective external force caused by the parity-violating conformal factor.
Pauli–Villars Regularization of Kaluza–Klein Casimir Energy with Lorentz Symmetry
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Sakamura Yutaka
Published: April 2024

The Pauli–Villars regularization is appropriate to discuss the UV sensitivity of low-energy observables because it mimics how the contributions of new particles at high energies cancel large quantum corrections from the light particles in the effective field theory. We discuss the UV sensitivity of the Casimir energy density and pressure in an extra-dimensional model in this regularization scheme, and clarify the condition on the regulator fields to preserve the Lorentz symmetry of the vacuum state. Some of the conditions are automatically satisfied in spontaneously broken supersymmetric models, but supersymmetry is not enough to ensure the Lorentz symmetry. We show that the necessary regulators can be introduced as bulk fields. We also evaluate the Casimir energy density with such regulators, and its deviation from the result obtained in the analytic regularization.
Long-term night shift work, genetic predisposition and risk of incident asthma: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hu B , Xie Y , Yin H , Yang S , You X , Ma J , Yang L
Published: April 2024

Background

Evidence about a potential link between current and lifetime night shift work and risk of incident asthma is insufficient.

Aim

To investigate the association of current and lifetime night shift work with risk of incident asthma, and the modified effect of genetic susceptibility on this association.

Design and methods

We included 253 773 individuals with complete night shift work information in the UK biobank. We calculated the standard polygenetic risk score (PRS) for asthma. The Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to estimate hazard ratios and 95% CIs.

Results

After multivariable adjustments, we found that current night shift work was associated with an increased risk of incident asthma in a dose–response fashion (P for trend < 0.001). Compared with day workers, those working usual/permanent night shifts had a 17% (95% CI: 1.04–1.33) higher risk of asthma incidence. In addition, we observed significant dose-dependent relationships of longer lifetime duration or frequency of night shift work with elevated risk of asthma incidence (all P for trend < 0.05). Compared with never night shift workers, those with a duration (≥5 years) or frequency (≥8 nights/month) of night shift work exhibited a 20% (95% CI: 1.03–1.39) or 22% (95% CI: 1.03–1.44) higher risk of incident asthma, respectively. Moreover, the elevated risk of incident asthma related to current and lifetime night shift work exposure was strengthened by high PRS, although no significant shift work–PRS interactions were detected.

Conclusion

Both current and lifetime night shift work may increase the risk of incident asthma, regardless of genetic predisposition to asthma.
Sustained delivery of NT-3 and curcumin augments microenvironment modulation effects of decellularized spinal cord matrix hydrogel for spinal cord injury repair
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Cheng Xing , Yu Zhengran , Deng Rongli , Cui Rui , Zhou Jing , Long Houqing , Hu Yong , Quan Daping , Bai Ying
Published: April 2024

Decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogel, especially that derived from spinal cord (DSCM hydrogel), has been actively considered as a functional biomaterial for remodeling the extracellular matrix of the native tissue, due to its unique characteristics in constructing pro-regenerative microenvironment for neural stem cells (NSCs). Furthermore, DSCM hydrogel can provide multiple binding domains to growth factors and drugs. Therefore, both exogenous neurotrophic factors and anti-inflammatory drugs are highly desired to be incorporated into DSCM hydrogel, which may synergistically modulate the complex microenvironment at the lesion site after spinal cord injury (SCI). Herein, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and curcumin (Cur) were integrated into DSCM hydrogel for SCI therapy. Due to different affinities to the DSCM hydrogel, NT-3 underwent a controlled release manner, while curcumin released explosively within the first 24 h, followed by rather sustained but slower release. The integration of both NT-3 and curcumin significantly enhanced NSCs proliferation and their neuronal differentiation. Meanwhile, the release of curcumin promoted macrophages polarization into anti-inflammatory subtypes, which further facilitated NSCs differentiation into neurons. The in situ injected DSCM + NT3 + Cur hydrogel exerted superior capability in alleviating the inflammatory responses in rat contused spinal cord. Compared to DSCM hydrogel alone, DSCM + NT3 + Cur hydrogel more significantly promoted the recruitment of NSCs and their neuronal differentiation at the lesion site. These outcomes favored functional recovery, as evidenced by the improved hind limb movement. Overall, the bioactive DSCM hydrogel can serve as a multifunctional carrier for cooperatively release of growth factors and drugs, which significantly benefits microenvironment regulation and nerve regeneration after SCI.
Policy Targeting under Network Interference
Authors: Viviano Davide
Published: April 2024

This article studies the problem of optimally allocating treatments in the presence of spillover effects, using information from a (quasi-)experiment. I introduce a method that maximizes the sample analogue of average social welfare when spillovers occur. I construct semi-parametric welfare estimators with known and unknown propensity scores and cast the optimization problem into a mixed-integer linear program, which can be solved using off-the-shelf algorithms. I derive a strong set of guarantees on regret, i.e. the difference between the maximum attainable welfare and the welfare evaluated at the estimated policy. The proposed method presents attractive features for applications: (i) it does not require network information of the target population; (ii) it exploits heterogeneity in treatment effects for targeting individuals; (iii) it does not rely on the correct specification of a particular structural model; and (iv) it accommodates constraints on the policy function. An application for targeting information on social networks illustrates the advantages of the method.
COVID-19 mortality in 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy survivors: implications for chemically exposed populations
Authors: Dhingra Rachna , Sarangi Satinath , Chatterjee Pranab , Gun Arkaprabha , Sarkar Swarup
Published: April 2024

Leakage of methyl isocyanate from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, killed thousands and left deleterious trans-generational effects. Gas-exposed populations experience higher rates of lung and metabolic diseases, and immune dysregulation, all associated with adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We used publicly available, official data from government sources to estimate COVID-19–associated crude mortality in populations with and without a history of gas exposure. Overall, there were 1240 deaths among patients hospitalized with known COVID-19 in Bhopal, of which 453 (36.53%) were in gas-exposed individuals, 726 (58.55%) were in gas-unexposed individuals and the exposure status of 61 (4.92%) individuals could not be determined. There were 351 and 375 deaths in gas-unexposed people in the first (April 2020–February 2021) and second (March 2021–July 2021) waves, respectively; in the gas-exposed population, there were 300 and 153 deaths in the two respective waves. The overall annualized crude mortality of COVID-19 was 3.84 (95% CI 3.41 to 4.33) times higher in the gas-exposed population at 83.6 (95% CI 76.1 to 91.7) per 100 000 compared with the gas-unexposed population, at 21.8 (95% CI 20.2 to 23.4) per 100,000. When stratified by age, compared with unexposed people, the gas-exposed individuals experienced 1.88 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.21) and 1.24 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.50) times the mortality rates in the age groups of 35–65 and >65 y, respectively. These findings indicate that gas-exposed individuals are likely to have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and death and need to be specifically targeted and recognized for preventive and promotive efforts.
A Combination of Resistance Genes Confers High and Durable Resistance Against Stripe Rust in Wheat Cultivar Lantian 26
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Wang Yamei , Liu Jindong , Zhang Huaizhi , He Rui , Yang Fangping , Guo Ying , Bai Bin
Published: April 2024

‘Lantian 26’, a leading elite winter wheat cultivar in Gansu Province since its release in 2010, exhibits high resistance or immunization to stripe rust in the adult-plant stage under a high disease pressure in Longnan (southeastern Gansu). Identifying the resistance genes in ‘Lantian 26’ could provide a basis for enhanced durability and high levels of resistance in wheat cultivars. Here, a segregating population was developed from a cross between a highly susceptible wheat cultivar Mingxian 169 and the highly stripe rust-resistant ‘Lantian 26’. The F2 and F2:3 progenies of the cross were inoculated with multiple prevalent virulent races of stripe rust for adult-plant-stage-resistance evaluation in two different environments. Exon sequence alignment analysis revealed that a stripe rust resistance gene on the 718.4- to 721.2-Mb region of chromosome 7BL, tentatively named as YrLT26, and a cosegregation sequence-tagged site (STS) marker GY17 was developed and validated using the F2:3 population and 103 wheat cultivars. The other two resistance genes, Yr9 and Yr30, were also identified in ‘Lantian 26’ using molecular markers. Therefore, the key to high and durable resistance to stripe rust at the adult stage is the combination of Yr9, Yr30, and YrLT26 genes in ‘Lantian 26’. This could be a considerable strategy for improving the wheat cultivars with effective and durable resistance in the high-pressure region for stripe rust.
Exercise and osteoimmunology in bone remodeling
Authors: Zhao Zhonghan , Du Yuxiang , Yan Kai , Zhang Lingli , Guo Qiang
Published: April 2024

Bones can form the scaffolding of the body, support the organism, coordinate somatic movements, and control mineral homeostasis and hematopoiesis. The immune system plays immune supervisory, defensive, and regulatory roles in the organism, which mainly consists of immune organs (spleen, bone marrow, tonsils, lymph nodes, etc.), immune cells (granulocytes, platelets, lymphocytes, etc.), and immune molecules (immune factors, interferons, interleukins, tumor necrosis factors, etc.). Bone and the immune system have long been considered two distinct fields of study, and the bone marrow, as a shared microenvironment between the bone and the immune system, closely links the two. Osteoimmunology organically combines bone and the immune system, elucidates the role of the immune system in bone, and creatively emphasizes its interdisciplinary characteristics and the function of immune cells and factors in maintaining bone homeostasis, providing new perspectives for skeletal‐related field research. In recent years, bone immunology has gradually become a hot spot in the study of bone‐related diseases. As a new branch of immunology, bone immunology emphasizes that the immune system can directly or indirectly affect bones through the RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway, IL family, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and IFN‐γ. These effects are of great significance for understanding inflammatory bone loss caused by various autoimmune or infectious diseases. In addition, as an external environment that plays an important role in immunity and bone, this study pays attention to the role of exercise‐mediated bone immunity in bone reconstruction.
An Approach to Diversifying the Selection of a Guideline Panel—The Process Utilized for the Updated Adult Critical Care Ultrasound Guidelines
Authors: Nikravan Sara , Lanspa Michael J. , Ablordeppey Enyo , Gerlach Anthony T. , Shutter Lori , Patel Hariyali , Reuter-Rice Karin , Lewis Kim , Sharif Sameer , Díaz-Gómez José L.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Clinical practice guidelines are essential for promoting evidence-based healthcare. While diversification of panel members can reduce disparities in care, processes for panel selection lack transparency. We aim to share our approach in forming a diverse expert panel for the updated Adult Critical Care Ultrasound Guidelines.

DESIGN:

This process evaluation aims to understand whether the implementation of a transparent and intentional approach to guideline panel selection would result in the creation of a diverse expert guideline panel.

SETTING:

This study was conducted in the setting of creating a guideline panel for the updated Adult Critical Care Ultrasound Guidelines.

PATIENTS:

Understanding that family/patient advocacy in guideline creations can promote the impact of a clinical practice guideline, patient representation on the expert panel was prioritized.

INTERVENTIONS:

Interventions included creation of a clear definition of expertise, an open invitation to the Society of Critical Care Medicine membership to apply for the panel, additional panel nomination by guideline leadership, voluntary disclosure of pre-identified diversity criteria by potential candidates, and independent review of applications including diversity criteria. This resulted in an overall score per candidate per reviewer and an open forum for discussion and final consensus.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The variables of diversity were collected and analyzed after panel selection. These were compared with historical data on panel composition. The final guideline panel comprised of 33 panelists from six countries: 45% women and 79% historically excluded people and groups. The panel has representation from nonphysician professionals and patients advocates. Of the healthcare professionals, there is representation from early, mid, and late career stages.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our intentional and transparent approach resulted in a panel with improved gender parity and robust diversity along ethnic, racial, and professional lines. We hope it can serve as a starting point as we strive to become a more inclusive and diverse discipline that creates globally representative guidelines.