bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Hypokinesia Applied During Different Periods of Pregnancy in Female Rats on the Dynamics of the Number and Survival of the Progeny
Authors: Mahmudova N.
Published: June 2023

The influence of chronic hypokinesia in certain periods of pregnancy of female rats on the number of progenies was studied and their survival in the early stages of individual development up to a three-month period was traced. It has been shown that hypokinesia of pregnant female rats contributes to a significant decrease in their fertility. At the same time, the most vulnerable are the embryonic and prefoetal periods of pregnancy, where the number of born rat pups is reduced by 40–50% compared with the control. It was revealed that the most stable in terms of the number of progenies born is the third decade of pregnancy in female rats. The fecundity of animals subject to hypokinesia in this period of pregnancy was close to the control and was about 70%. Hypokinesia, which affects the prefoetal period of pregnancy (E8-E15), increases the risk of death of about 30% of individuals from the total number of progenies obtained. It was found that the restriction of the motor activity of female rats during pregnancy contributes to a decrease in the number of offspring and increases the risk of their premature death. It should be borne in mind that in our experiments, hypokinesia conditions were applied after fertilization (mating) and the reason for the decrease in the fertility of female rats and the viability of their progeny is profound changes in the relationship in the “mother-foetus” system. It is more likely that the limitation of the motor performance of rats during certain periods of their pregnancy, in addition to discomfort, which contributes to various stressful conditions, directly affects the state of the blood supply of the litters and the resulting hypoxic state disrupts the dynamics of the energy supply of the developing organism, as a result of which the survival of the progeny is significantly reduced.
Single-cell sequencing: a powerful technique to understand the pathophysiology of auditory disorders
Authors: Tuset Maria-Pia , Wiefels Matthew D. , McKenna Keelin , Mittal Jeenu , Gowda Chirag , Mittal Rahul , Eshraghi Adrien A.
Published: June 2023

Deciphering the inner ear transcriptome has allowed major breakthroughs in therapeutic development for auditory disorders. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) technologies, through the analysis of cellular heterogeneity and the identification of novel gene markers, can significantly enhance our understanding about auditory disorders. The application of SCS has allowed the identification of gene targets specific to the inner ear cellular subtypes such as supporting cells, hair cells, stria vascularis cells, and spiral ganglion neuron cells. SCS has provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of auditory disorders such as noise-trauma induced hearing loss, ototoxicity, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), vestibular schwannomas and acute otitis media, leading to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. The objective of this perspective article is to discuss recent advancements regarding the utilization of SCS for inner ear research. With global initiatives striving to overcome the increasing burden of hearing loss, the SCS technique holds a great potential in revolutionizing the management of auditory disorders, paving the way to develop effective treatment modalities.
A tissue engineered 3D printed calcium alkali phosphate bioceramic bone graft enables vascularization and regeneration of critical-size discontinuity bony defects in vivo
Authors: Knabe Christine , Stiller Michael , Kampschulte Marian , Wilbig Janka , Peleska Barbara , Günster Jens , Gildenhaar Renate , Berger Georg , Rack Alexander , Linow Ulf , Heiland Max , Rendenbach Carsten , Koerdt Steffen , Steffen Claudius , Houshmand Alireza , Xiang-Tischhauser Li , Adel-Khattab Doaa
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Recently, efforts towards the development of patient-specific 3D printed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering from bioactive ceramics have continuously intensified. For reconstruction of segmental defects after subtotal mandibulectomy a suitable tissue engineered bioceramic bone graft needs to be endowed with homogenously distributed osteoblasts in order to mimic the advantageous features of vascularized autologous fibula grafts, which represent the standard of care, contain osteogenic cells and are transplanted with the respective blood vessel. Consequently, inducing vascularization early on is pivotal for bone tissue engineering. The current study explored an advanced bone tissue engineering approach combining an advanced 3D printing technique for bioactive resorbable ceramic scaffolds with a perfusion cell culture technique for pre-colonization with mesenchymal stem cells, and with an intrinsic angiogenesis technique for regenerating critical size, segmental discontinuity defects in vivo applying a rat model. To this end, the effect of differing Si-CAOP (silica containing calcium alkali orthophosphate) scaffold microarchitecture arising from 3D powder bed printing (RP) or the Schwarzwalder Somers (SSM) replica fabrication technique on vascularization and bone regeneration was analyzed in vivo. In 80 rats 6-mm segmental discontinuity defects were created in the left femur.

Methods: Embryonic mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on RP and SSM scaffolds for 7d under perfusion to create Si-CAOP grafts with terminally differentiated osteoblasts and mineralizing bone matrix. These scaffolds were implanted into the segmental defects in combination with an arteriovenous bundle (AVB). Native scaffolds without cells or AVB served as controls. After 3 and 6 months, femurs were processed for angio-µCT or hard tissue histology, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis of angiogenic and osteogenic marker expression.

Results: At 3 and 6 months, defects reconstructed with RP scaffolds, cells and AVB displayed a statistically significant higher bone area fraction, blood vessel volume%, blood vessel surface/volume, blood vessel thickness, density and linear density than defects treated with the other scaffold configurations.

Discussion: Taken together, this study demonstrated that the AVB technique is well suited for inducing adequate vascularization of the tissue engineered scaffold graft in segmental defects after 3 and 6 months, and that our tissue engineering approach employing 3D powder bed printed scaffolds facilitated segmental defect repair.
The aerotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum is independent of mitochondria, nitric oxide and oxidative stress
Authors: Hirose Satomi , Hesnard Julie , Ghazi Nasser , Roussel Damien , Voituron Yann , Cochet-Escartin Oliver , Rieu Jean-Paul , Anjard Christophe , Funamoto Kenichi
Published: June 2023

Spatial and temporal variations of oxygen environments affect the behaviors of various cells and are involved in physiological and pathological events. Our previous studies with Dictyostelium discoideum as a model of cell motility have demonstrated that aerotaxis toward an oxygen-rich region occurs below 2% O2. However, while the aerotaxis of Dictyostelium seems to be an effective strategy to search for what is essential for survival, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is still largely unclear. One hypothesis is that an oxygen concentration gradient generates a secondary oxidative stress gradient that would direct cell migration towards higher oxygen concentration. Such mechanism was inferred but not fully demonstrated to explain the aerotaxis of human tumor cells. Here, we investigated the role on aerotaxis of flavohemoglobins, proteins that can both act as potential oxygen sensors and modulators of nitric oxide and oxidative stress. The migratory behaviors of Dictyostelium cells were observed under both self-generated and imposed oxygen gradients. Furthermore, their changes by chemicals generating or preventing oxidative stress were tested. The trajectories of the cells were then analyzed through time-lapse phase-contrast microscopic images. The results indicate that both oxidative and nitrosative stresses are not involved in the aerotaxis of Dictyostelium but cause cytotoxic effects that are enhanced upon hypoxia.
Ether lipids and a peroxisomal riddle in sperm
Authors: Horta Remedios Mayrene , Liang Weisheng , González Lucas N. , Li Victoria , Da Ros Vanina G. , Cohen Débora J. , Zaremberg Vanina
Published: June 2023

Sperm are terminally differentiated cells that lack most of the membranous organelles, resulting in a high abundance of ether glycerolipids found across different species. Ether lipids include plasmalogens, platelet activating factor, GPI-anchors and seminolipid. These lipids play important roles in sperm function and performance, and thus are of special interest as potential fertility markers and therapeutic targets. In the present article, we first review the existing knowledge on the relevance of the different types of ether lipids for sperm production, maturation and function. To further understand ether-lipid metabolism in sperm, we then query available proteomic data from highly purified sperm, and produce a map of metabolic steps retained in these cells. Our analysis pinpoints the presence of a truncated ether lipid biosynthetic pathway that would be competent for the production of precursors through the initial peroxisomal core steps, but devoid of subsequent microsomal enzymes responsible for the final synthesis of all complex ether-lipids. Despite the widely accepted notion that sperm lack peroxisomes, the thorough analysis of published data conducted herein identifies nearly 70% of all known peroxisomal resident proteins as part of the sperm proteome. In view of this, we highlight open questions related to lipid metabolism and possible peroxisomal functions in sperm. We propose a repurposed role for the truncated peroxisomal ether-lipid pathway in detoxification of products from oxidative stress, which is known to critically influence sperm function. The likely presence of a peroxisomal-derived remnant compartment that could act as a sink for toxic fatty alcohols and fatty aldehydes generated by mitochondrial activity is discussed. With this perspective, our review provides a comprehensive metabolic map associated with ether-lipids and peroxisomal-related functions in sperm and offers new insights into potentially relevant antioxidant mechanisms that warrant further research.
YAP at the progression of inflammation
Authors: Chen Libin , Jin Xintong , Ma Jian , Xiang Bo , Li Xiayu
Published: June 2023

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional regulator that affects cell proliferation, organ size and tissue development and regeneration, and has therefore, been an important object of study. In recent years, there has been an increasing research focus on YAP in inflammation and immunology, and the role of YAP in the development of inflammation and in immune escape by tumors has been progressively elucidated. Because YAP signaling involves a variety of different signal transduction cascades, the full range of functions in diverse cells and microenvironments remains incompletely understood. In this article, we discuss the complex involvement of YAP in inflammation, the molecular mechanisms through which it exercises pro- and anti-inflammatory effects under different conditions, and the progress achieved in elucidating the functions of YAP in inflammatory diseases. A thorough understanding of YAP signaling in inflammation will provide a foundation for its use as a therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases.
Synthetic strategies to access silacycles
Authors: Chen Fengjuan , Liu Luo , Zeng Wei
Published: June 2023

In comparison with all-carbon parent compounds, the incorporation of Si-element into carboskeletons generally endows the corresponding sila-analogues with unique biological activity and physical-chemical properties. Silacycles have recently shown promising application potential in biological chemistry, pharmaceuticals industry, and material chemistry. Therefore, the development of efficient methodology to assemble versatile silacycles has aroused increasing concerns in the past decades. In this review, recent advances in the synthesis of silacycle-system are briefly summarized, including transition metal-catalytic and photocatalytic strategies by employing arylsilanes, alkylsilane, vinylsilane, hydrosilanes, and alkynylsilanes, etc. as starting materials. Moreover, a clear presentation and understanding of the mechanistic aspects and features of these developed reaction methodologies have been high-lighted.
Left ventricular assist devices promote changes in the expression levels of platelet microRNAs
Authors: Lombardi Maria , Bonora Marta , Baldetti Luca , Pieri Marina , Scandroglio Anna Mara , Landoni Giovanni , Zangrillo Alberto , Foglieni Chiara , Consolo Filippo
Published: June 2023

Introduction

MicroRNAs (miRs) emerged as promising diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. The potential clinical utility of platelet miRs in the setting of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support is unexplored.

Methods

We prospectively measured the expression levels of 12 platelet miRs involved in platelet activation, coagulation, and cardiovascular diseases in LVAD patients by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were longitudinally measured before LVAD implant and after 1, 6, and 12 months of LVAD support, and compared with those measured in healthy volunteers (controls). In silico analysis was also performed to identify pathways targeted by differentially expressed miRs.

Results

Data from 15 consecutive patients and 5 controls were analyzed. Pre-implant expression levels of platelet miR-126, miR-374b, miR-223, and miR-320a were significantly different in patients vs. controls. The expression levels of platelet miR-25, miR-144, miR-320, and miR-451a changed significantly over the course of LVAD support; in silico analysis revealed that these miRs are implicated in both cardiac- and coagulation-associated pathways. Furthermore, the patients who suffered from bleeding (n = 5, 33%) had significantly higher pre-implant expression levels of platelet miR-151a and miR-454 with respect to the patients who did not. The same miRs were also differentially expressed in bleeders following LVAD implantation early before the clinical manifestation of the events.

Discussion

This study provides a proof-of-concept evidence of significant modulation of platelet miRs expression driven by LVADs. The possible existence of a platelet miRs signature predictive of the development of bleeding events warrants further validation studies.
North-south scientific collaborations on research datasets: a longitudinal analysis of the division of labor on genomic datasets (1992–2021)
Authors: Bratt Sarah , Langalia Mrudang , Nanoti Abhishek
Published: June 2023

Collaborations between scientists from the global north and global south (N-S collaborations) are a key driver of the “fourth paradigm of science” and have proven crucial to addressing global crises like COVID-19 and climate change. However, despite their critical role, N-S collaborations on datasets are not well understood. Science of science studies tend to rely on publications and patents to examine N-S collaboration patterns. To this end, the rise of global crises requiring N-S collaborations to produce and share data presents an urgent need to understand the prevalence, dynamics, and political economy of N-S collaborations on research datasets. In this paper, we employ a mixed methods case study research approach to analyze the frequency of and division of labor in N-S collaborations on datasets submitted to GenBank over 29 years (1992–2021). We find: (1) there is a low representation of N-S collaborations over the 29-year period. When they do occur, N-S collaborations display “burstiness” patterns, suggesting that N-S collaborations on datasets are formed and maintained reactively in the wake of global health crises such as infectious disease outbreaks; (2) The division of labor between datasets and publications is disproportionate to the global south in the early years, but becomes more overlapping after 2003. An exception in the case of countries with lower S&T capacity but high income, where these countries have a higher prevalence on datasets (e.g., United Arab Emirates). We qualitatively inspect a sample of N-S dataset collaborations to identify leadership patterns in dataset and publication authorship. The findings lead us to argue there is a need to include N-S dataset collaborations in measures of research outputs to nuance the current models and assessment tools of equity in N-S collaborations. The paper contributes to the SGDs objectives to develop data-driven metrics that can inform scientific collaborations on research datasets.
PME: pruning-based multi-size embedding for recommender systems
Authors: Liu Zirui , Song Qingquan , Li Li , Choi Soo-Hyun , Chen Rui , Hu Xia
Published: June 2023

Embedding is widely used in recommendation models to learn feature representations. However, the traditional embedding technique that assigns a fixed size to all categorical features may be suboptimal due to the following reasons. In recommendation domain, the majority of categorical features' embeddings can be trained with less capacity without impacting model performance, thereby storing embeddings with equal length may incur unnecessary memory usage. Existing work that tries to allocate customized sizes for each feature usually either simply scales the embedding size with feature's popularity or formulates this size allocation problem as an architecture selection problem. Unfortunately, most of these methods either have large performance drop or incur significant extra time cost for searching proper embedding sizes. In this article, instead of formulating the size allocation problem as an architecture selection problem, we approach the problem from a pruning perspective and propose Pruning-based Multi-size Embedding (PME) framework. During the search phase, we prune the dimensions that have the least impact on model performance in the embedding to reduce its capacity. Then, we show that the customized size of each token can be obtained by transferring the capacity of its pruned embedding with significant less search cost. Experimental results validate that PME can efficiently find proper sizes and hence achieve strong performance while significantly reducing the number of parameters in the embedding layer.
Integrated approaches to understanding animal exploitation and dairying in the Central European Early Neolithic: a case study from Ludwinowo 7 (Kuyavia, Poland; c. 5250–5000 cal BC)
Authors: Smyth Jessica , Gillis Rosalind E. , Roffet-Salque Mélanie , Johnson Emily V. , Kendall Iain P. , Krueger Marta , Pyzel Joanna , Heyd Volker , Marciniak Arkadiusz , Vigne Jean-Denis , Balasse Marie , Outram Alan K. , Evershed Richard P.
Published: June 2023

Recent genetic studies point towards 6th millennium BC central Europe as the core region for the emergence of the lactase persistence (LP) gene mutation -13,910*T, making it important to understand the intensity of milk production and consumption among Linearbandkeramik (or LBK) farming groups. However, it is not known if milking was part of the LBK Neolithic “package” from the start, or if it displayed a discontinuous pattern in time and space. Documenting the changing nature of prehistoric animal exploitation requires integrating multiple strands of evidence and here we detail multi-proxy research into animal management strategies and the intensification of dairying in Neolithic Europe, using the LBK site of Ludwinowo 7 in central Poland as a case study. Lipid biomarker and stable isotope compositions of food residues from vessels provide qualitative and quantitative assessments of the major animal products acquired and processed, while zooarchaeological analyses identify slaughter and butchery practices, revealing the nature of meat, milk and fat exploitation. Stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses on cattle teeth are also undertaken to define seasonal herd management. This combined approach offers an integrated picture of animal exploitation and milk use at the central European LBK site of Ludwinowo.
An efficient spectral element method for two-dimensional magnetotelluric modeling
Authors: Tong Xiaozhong , Sun Ya , Zhang Boyao
Published: June 2023

We introduce a new efficient spectral element approach to solve the two-dimensional magnetotelluric forward problem based on Gauss–Lobatto–Legendre polynomials. It combines the high accuracy of the spectral technique and the perfect flexibility of the finite element approach, which can significantly improve the calculation accuracy. This method mainly includes two steps: 1) transforming the boundary value problem in the partial differential form into the variational problem in the integral form and 2) solving large symmetric sparse systems based on the combination of incomplete LU factorization and the double conjugate gradient stability algorithm through the spectral element with quadrilateral meshes. We imply the spectral element method on a resistivity half-space model to obtain a simple analytical solution and find that the magnetic field solutions simulated by the spectral element approach matched closely to the exact solutions. The experiment result shows that the spectral element solution has high accuracy with coarse meshes. We further compare the numerical results of the spectral element, finite difference, and finite element approaches on the COMMEMI 2D-1 and smooth models, respectively. The numerical results of the spectral element procedure are highly consistent with the other two techniques. All these comparison results suggest that the spectral element technique can not only give high accuracy for modeling results but also provide more detailed information. In particular, a few nodes are required in this method relative to the finite difference and finite element methods, which can decrease the relative errors. We then deduce that the spectral element method might be an alternative approach to simulate the magnetotelluric responses in two- or three-dimensional structures.
Petrogenesis, tectonic setting and geodynamic implications of keziergayin granites in the kelan basin (Chinese Altai): constraints from geochemistry, zircon U-Pb geochronology and Nd‒Hf‒Pb‒O isotopes
Authors: Weng Kai , Kang Wenbin , Zhao Xiaojian , Ma Zhongping , Cao Jifei , Sui Qinglin
Published: June 2023

The Chinese Altai is characterized by abundant granitoids, which not only are indicators of the interaction between crust and mantle but also provide critical constraints on the tectonic evolution of the orogen. This study presents zircon U‒Pb‒O isotopes, whole-rock major and trace element and Nd‒Hf‒Pb isotopes data for granite porphyries from the Keziergayin region in the Kelan Basin. The granite porphyries intrude in the Kangbutiebao Formation with zircon U‒Pb dating of 394 ± 3 Ma. They have the characteristics of subalkaline and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and show geochemical affinity with I-type granite. The granite porphyry samples display negative εNd(t) (−1.9 to −1.4), positive εHf(t) (+4.3 to +11.4) values, with Nd–Hf decoupling; low Pb isotope compositions; δ18OV-SMOW (6.38‰–8.45‰) is less than 10‰, within the range of O isotopes of medium-basic igneous rocks. These geochemical signatures indicate that the granite porphyries originated from lower crust medium−basic igneous rocks extracted from the lithospheric mantle metasomatized by subducted melt. They are characterized by high SiO2 contents and Rb/Sr ratios; low CaO contents and K/Rb ratios, hinting that they were formed by highly evolved magmas, with fractionation crystallization of feldspar, apatite, garnet, allanite and/or monazite. The granite porphyries possess positive Rb, Th, U, Nd, Zr, Pb and light rare Earth elements (LREEs) anomalies with strong negative Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, Ti and Eu anomalies, implying that their formation were related to an island arc. Combined with previous studies, it is suggested that the existence of the Early Devonian arc-basin system associated with subducting slab rollback in the Chinese Altai, which belongs to the Siberian active continental margin system.
Validation of the intercultural sensitivity scale in the Spanish context
Authors: Gómez Yepes Talía , Etchezahar Edgardo , Albalá Genol Miguel Ángel , Maldonado Rico Antonio
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to validate the Intercultural Sensitivity Inventory (ISI) in the Spanish context, testing the five, four, and three-dimensional models of the construct and examining its relationship with other psychological variables. A Spanish sample of 872 participants aged between 18 and 80  years old (M = 52.50; SD = 17.41) was used. The main results indicated an adequate fit for the three correlated dimensions model (two of them include two dimensions of the original scale). In addition, an adequate fit for the original five-dimensional model or the theoretical four-dimensional alternative was not observed. Lastly, differences were observed based on the gender of the participants in the three dimensions of intercultural sensitivity, as well as in beliefs about the inclusion of immigrants in education and the rights of immigrants. The scope and limitations of the study are discussed, as well as the relationships with the observed psychosocial constructs.
Rethinking diabetes in the United States
Authors: Herman William H. , Schillinger Dean
Published: June 2023

Despite the availability of effective medical treatments, the diabetes epidemic has accelerated in the United States, efforts to translate treatments into routine clinical practice have stalled, and health inequities have persisted. The National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) was established by the Congress to make recommendations to better leverage federal policies and programs to more effectively prevent and control diabetes and its complications. The NCCC developed a guiding framework that incorporated elements of the Socioecological and Chronic Care Models. It gathered information from both health-related and non-health-related federal agencies, held 12 public meetings, solicited public comments, met with interested parties and key informants, and performed comprehensive literature reviews. The final report of the NCCC was transmitted to the Congress in January 2022. It called for a rethinking of the problem of diabetes in the United States, including the recognition that the lack of progress is due to a failure to confront diabetes as both a complex societal problem as well as a biomedical problem. To prevent and control diabetes, public policies and programs must be aligned to address both social and environmental determinants of health and health care delivery as they impact diabetes. In this article, we discuss the findings and recommendations of the NCCC as they relate to the social and environmental factors that influence the risk of type 2 diabetes and argue that the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. must begin with concrete population-level interventions to address social and environmental determinants of health.
The effects of forest types and age groups on forest provisioning and supporting service value in Sanhu Nature Reserve, Northeast China
Authors: Liu Qiang , Cheng Yan , Yu Fang , Fan Chunnan
Published: June 2023

The promotion of forest resource protection and sustainable development relies greatly on the value of forest ecosystem services. In Jilin Songhuajiang Sanhu National Nature Reserve in Northeast China, a total of 169 sample plots were examined and analyzed to evaluate the provisioning and supporting services provided by the forest ecosystem. The study revealed that the near-mature and over-mature Fraxinus mandshurica forest have relatively high timber supply and species resources conservation values per unit area, respectively. Furthermore, the mature Betula platyphylla forest has the highest forest nutrient retention value, while the near-mature Juglans mandshurica forest has the highest soil conservation value, with the nitrogen fixation value accounting for the highest proportion. The forest ecosystem services in the reserve have a total value of 659.07 million $⋅y–1. The main contributors to the value are the services of soil fertilizer conservation, timber supply, and species resources conservation, with the mixed broad-leaved forest and Quercus mongolica forest being the main contributors, accounting for 63.1 and 18.8% of the total value, respectively. Nonetheless, the service value of per unit area in J. mandshurica forest is the highest. Near-mature and mature forests are the main contributors to the total value, accounting for 42.3 and 34.9%, respectively. Forest lands exhibit significant variations in the values of provisioning and supporting services across different stand types and age groups.
Use of predator exclusion cages to enhance Orbicella faveolata micro-fragment survivorship and growth during restoration
Authors: Raker Catherine , Olmeda-Saldaña Manuel , Williams Stacey M. , Weil Ernesto , Prada Carlos
Published: June 2023

As coral reefs face increasing threats from a variety of stressors, coral restoration has become an important tool to aid coral populations. A novel strategy for restoring boulder corals is microfragmentation, which may enhance coral growth by at least five times, depending on species and conditions. However, mortality rates are still significant during the early weeks after transplanting microfragments to impacted areas. We examined the effects of predation after transplanting fragments by caging Orbicella faveolata microfragments and testing if field survival rates would increase after an acclimation period. We tracked the health and growth of ten genotypes across different acclimation periods from a control group of no acclimation (0 months) to full acclimation (4 months). After four months, we presented a mix of acclimated and unacclimated corals to reef predators. Coral survivorship was highest in acclimation cages (near 100%) compared to the field (p < 0.001), with significant growth differences across genotypes (p < 0.001). Microfragments also grew more in acclimation cages (p < 0.001), with rates slowing down in the first two months after being planted into the substrate. Microfragments that had been acclimated for longer than one month also showed comparatively higher survival rates, further supporting the importance of acclimation during restoration. These results suggest caging fragments boost coral survival during initial stages of restoration by > 50% and increase the persistence of transplanted fragments. Results also highlight the importance of identifying and prioritizing genotypes with high survival and growth rates. Beyond coral restoration, results demonstrate the possible negative ecological effects of corallivores, particularly parrotfishes, on recent transplants of fragments.
Increased fishery-independent sampling effort results in improved population estimates for multiple target species
Authors: Vecchio Julie L. , Bubley Walter J. , Smart Tracey I.
Published: June 2023

The power of fishery-independent surveys for stock assessments and management decisions is in their consistency over time and space. Although the preference is to limit change to survey execution, such changes may be necessary. In multi-species surveys, changes that improve metrics for one species may be a detriment to survey performance for others. In 2010, the Southeast Reef Fish Survey (SERFS) was formed to better address sampling needs off the U.S. Southeast Atlantic coast by intensifying a historical chevron trap survey (MARMAP), especially at the northern and southern extent of the sampling range. We used several performance metrics (encounter rate, annual coefficient of variability, standard error, and relative abundance index values) to determine the impact of this change in survey coverage on trend estimates for three commonly encountered species with varying centers of distribution in the survey region. Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) is found throughout the range of both surveys (i.e. centrally-distributed), while White Grunt (Haemulon plumierii) and Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) are centered near the northern and southern extent of the sampling range, respectively. For Gray Triggerfish, the survey intensification had no effect on encounter rate, but reduced the coefficient of variation and indicated that the historical index of relative abundance may have been overestimated. For White Grunt, the survey intensification slightly improved CV but did not affect the index of relative abundance value or encounter rate. For Red Snapper, SERFS increased encounter rates, reduced CV overall, and detected a population increase 5 years earlier than MARMAP. Overall, the intensification of the survey improved at least one performance metric for each species and showed few deleterious effects on performance, suggesting that intensification of the survey was a net-positive for the accurate estimation of population trends in several species of interest.
Bio-geo-optical modelling of natural waters
Authors: Bi Shun , Hieronymi Martin , Röttgers Rüdiger
Published: June 2023

The color of natural waters – oceanic, coastal, and inland – is determined by the spectral absorption and scattering properties of dissolved and particulate water constituents. Remote sensing of aquatic ecosystems requires a comprehensive understanding of these inherent optical properties (IOPs), their interdependencies, and their impact on ocean (water) color, i.e., remote-sensing reflectance. We introduce a bio-geo-optical model for natural waters that includes revised spectral absorption and scattering parameterizations, based on a comprehensive analysis of precisely measured IOPs and water constituents. In addition, specific IOPs of the most significant phytoplankton groups are modeled and a system is proposed to represent the optical variability of phytoplankton diversity and community structures. The model provides a more accurate representation of the relationship between bio-geo-optical properties and can better capture optical variability across different water types. Based on the evaluation both using the training and independent testing data, our model demonstrates an accuracy of within ±5% for most component IOPs throughout the visible spectrum. We also discuss the potential of this model for radiative transfer simulations and building a comprehensive synthetic dataset especially for optically complex waters. Such datasets are the crucial basis for the development of satellite-based ocean (water) color algorithms and atmospheric correction methods. Our model reduces uncertainties in ocean color remote sensing by enhancing the distinction of optically active water constituents and provides a valuable tool for predicting the optical properties of natural waters across different water types.
Interest in a short psychological intervention in patients with psoriasis: a cross-sectional observational study at a German clinic
Authors: Stadtmüller Laura R. , Eckardt Markus A. , Zick Christoph , Kupfer Joerg , Schut Christina
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Utilization of health services is not only associated with the kind of illness one has, but also with patient characteristics like age, sex or psychological variables. Psoriasis (PS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, in which psychological interventions were shown to be beneficial regarding not only psychological variables, but also regarding the skin status. The present study investigated with regard to which patient characteristics PS-patients with interest in participation in a short psychological intervention differ from PS-patients without interest.

Methods

This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted at a German rehabilitation clinic. At the beginning of their stay at the clinic, 127 PS-patients filled in questionnaires to assess the severity of their PS, stress, illness perceptions, mindfulness, anxiety, and depression. Interest in taking part in a short psychological intervention was assessed using a dichotomous item. The statistical analysis comprised group comparisons using t-tests of patients with and without interest to take part in a short psychological intervention.

Results

Sixty-four of the participants were male (50.4%). Participants were 50.7 ± 10 years on average (range: 25–65). 50.4% of them had a mild, 37.0% a moderate, and 12.6% a severe PS. Results indicated that patients with interest in a short psychological intervention were younger, reported to have more skin symptoms due to their PS (higher skin-related illness identity), were more anxious and depressed, but less stressed and less mindful than patients without interest.

Conclusion

This study shows that in PS-patients with certain characteristics, it might help to raise awareness on the relationship between psychological factors and symptoms of the skin disease in order to motivate this group of patients to take part in psychological interventions to improve their skin condition. Further studies are needed to investigate whether patients who show interest in a psychological intervention also actually take part in the intervention and profit from it.

Clinical Trial Registration: DRKS00017426.
Sickle cell leg ulcer successfully managed by hyperbaric oxygen: a case report
Authors: Alshurafa Awni , Alkhatib Mohammed , Abu-Tineh Mohammad , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: June 2023

Sickle cell leg ulcers (SCLUs) are usually chronic, painful, and devastating complications of sickle cell disease. Skin vaso-occlusion with compromised blood flow, chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction is thought to be the underlying mechanism. It is usually slow to heal, and it may become chronic and superinfected. The management of SCLUs is usually challenging and requires a multidisciplinary team. Multiple systemic and local therapies have been tried in SCLU treatment. However, the outcome is variable: currently, there are no official recommendations for the best effective treatment. Herein, we report a 34-year-old male patient with non-transfusion-dependent sickle cell disease who was suffering from a chronic left ankle ulcer and was successfully managed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, resulting in a complete resolution of this devastating complication.
Oxidative stress and alopecia areata
Authors: Ma Yi-qian , Sun Zhan , Li Yu-Mei , Xu Hui
Published: June 2023

Alopecia areata (AA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss on the scalp or any other part of the hair-bearing skin. While the collapse of the immune privilege is considered as one of the most accepted theories accounting for AA, the exact pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear by now. Other factors, such as genetic predisposition, allergies, microbiota, and psychological stress, also play an important role in the occurrence and development of AA. Oxidative stress (OS), an unbalance between the oxidation and antioxidant defense systems, is believed to be associated with AA and may trigger the collapse of hair follicle-immune privilege. In this review, we examine the evidence of oxidative stress in AA patients, as well as the relationship between the pathogenesis of AA and OS. In the future, antioxidants may play a new role as a supplementary therapy for AA.
Undiagnosed chronic respiratory disorders in symptomatic patients with initially suspected and excluded coronary artery disease: insights from a prospective pilot study
Authors: Beyer Christoph , Boehm Anna , Pizzini Alex , Grubwieser Philipp , Feuchtner Gudrun , Bauer Axel , Weiss Guenter , Loeffler-Ragg Judith , Friedrich Guy , Plank Fabian
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic respiratory diseases represent the third-leading cause of death on a global scale. Due to mutual symptoms with cardiovascular diseases and potential inappropriate attribution of symptoms, pulmonary diseases often remain undiagnosed. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of chronic respiratory disorders among symptomatic patients in whom suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) was ruled out.

Methods

After CAD was excluded by invasive coronary angiography (ICA), 50 patients with chest pain or dyspnea were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent lung function testing, including spirometry and diffusion measurements. At baseline and the 3-month follow-up, standardized assessments of symptoms (CCS chest pain, mMRC score, CAT score) were performed.

Results

Chronic respiratory disease was diagnosed in 14% of patients, with a prevalence of 6% for chronic obstructive ventilation disorders. At 3-month follow-up, patients with normal lung function tests revealed a substantial improvement in symptoms (mean mMRC 0.70 to 0.33, p = 0.06; median CAT 8 to 2, p = 0.01), while those with pulmonary findings showed non-significant alterations or unchanged symptoms (mean mMRC 1.14 to 0.71, p = 0.53; median CAT 6 to 6, p = 0.52).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with an initial suspicion of coronary artery disease was diagnosed with underlying chronic respiratory diseases and exhibited persistent symptoms.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension secondary to a vascular malformation: case report diagnosis by lung subtraction iodine mapping
Authors: Fawzy Aly , Mafeld Sebastian , Oreopoulos George , de Perrot Marc , McInnis Micheal C.
Published: June 2023

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a challenging diagnosis that can occur even in the absence of a prior thrombotic event. The main screening test is ventilation-perfusion (VQ) scintigraphy. The gold standard treatment for CTEPH is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), however, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an emerging treatment, especially for CTEPH at the segmental level. We report on a case of a patient with segmental CTEPH diagnosed by lung subtraction iodine mapping (LSIM) in the context of a chest wall vascular malformation. CTEPH was treated with BPA and by embolization and ligation of their vascular malformation.
National situation, trends, and predictions of disease burden of atopic dermatitis in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Guo Yang , Zhang Kao-Yuan , Zou Yan-Fen , Yu Bo
Published: June 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an important global health problem affecting children and adolescents and detailed national information of disease burden in China is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the national disease burden of AD in Chinese children and adolescent, to provide the temporal trends over the past 30 years and to predict the burden for the next 10 years.

Methods

The data of AD in China, including incidence, prevalence, and DALY, and population data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD study 2019), which were estimated using the DisMod-MR 2.1. We analyzed the three measures by age and sex; the age groups were <5 years, 5–9 years, 10–14 years, and 15–19 years. The joinpoint regression analyses was conducted to assess the temporal trends from 1990 to 2019. The Bayesian age-period cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict measures from 2020 to 2030.

Results

In 2019, the highest incidence case and rate were observed in <5 years group; for prevalence and disability adjusted life year (DALY), the groups of <5 years and 5–9 years showed similar higher levels and the groups of 10–14 years and 15–19 years had similar relatively lower levels. Overall, the male-to-female ratios were >1 in <5 years group and <1 in 10–14 and 15–19 age groups. The trend analyses found an overall trend of decrease in cases of the three measures; in recent about 3 years, slight increase trends were shown in cases and rates of the three measures in <5 years group. The prediction analyses found a slight decreasing trend for cases of these measures and a slight increasing trend for rates of these measures in the <5 years group in the next 10 years; the 5–9 years group was predicted to increase slightly in rates of the three measures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the groups of <5 years and 5–9 years are two important populations that need targeted measures to reduce disease burden of AD in China. Regarding sex disparity, we should pay more attention to males in <5 years group and to females in 10–19 years group.
Moderate organic fertilizer substitution for partial chemical fertilizer improved soil microbial carbon source utilization and bacterial community composition in rain-fed wheat fields: current year
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Yang Wenping , Li Wenguang , Ali Aamir , Chen Jie , Sun Min , Gao Zhiqiang , Yang Zhenping
Published: June 2023

Organic fertilizers can partially replace chemical fertilizers to improve agricultural production and reduce negative environmental impacts. To study the effect of organic fertilizer on soil microbial carbon source utilization and bacterial community composition in the field of rain-fed wheat, we conducted a field experiment from 2016 to 2017 in a completely randomized block design with four treatments: the control with 100% NPK compound fertilizer (N: P2O5: K2O = 20:10:10) of 750 kg/ha (CK), a combination of 60% NPK compound fertilizer with organic fertilizer of 150 kg/ha (FO1), 300 kg/ha (FO2), and 450 kg/ha (FO3), respectively. We investigated the yield, soil property, the utilization of 31 carbon sources by soil microbes, soil bacterial community composition, and function prediction at the maturation stage. The results showed that (1) compared with CK, organic fertilizer substitution treatments improved ear number per hectare (13%−26%), grain numbers per spike (8%−14%), 1000-grain weight (7%−9%), and yield (3%−7%). Organic fertilizer substitution treatments increased the total nitrogen, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and soil organic matter contents by 26%, 102%, 12%, and 26%, respectively, compared with CK treatments. Organic fertilizer substitution treatments significantly advanced the partial productivity of fertilizers. (2) Carbohydrates and amino acids were found to be the most sensitive carbon sources for soil microorganisms in different treatments. Particularly for FO3 treatment, the utilization of β-Methyl D-Glucoside, L-Asparagine acid, and glycogen by soil microorganisms was higher than other treatments and positively correlated with soil nutrients and wheat yield. (3) Compared with CK, organic fertilizer substitution treatments increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes and decreased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Interestingly, FO3 treatment improved the relative abundance of Nitrosovibrio, Kaistobacter, Balneimonas, Skermanella, Pseudomonas, and Burkholderia belonging to Proteobacteria and significantly boosted the relative abundance of function gene K02433 [the aspartyl-tRNA (Asn)/glutamyl-tRNA (Gln)]. Based on the abovementioned findings, we suggest FO3 as the most appropriate organic substitution method in rain-fed wheat fields.