bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In light of transit: Documenting the scales of urban change along the LRT line in Hamilton, Ontario
Authors: Mayers Rebecca , Rallis Nicole , Doucet Brian , Babin Caleb
Published: October 2023

Large‐scale transit projects, such as light rail, are transformational for cities due to their ability to attract investment, curb sprawl, and intensify urban areas. In part because of enhancements to the public realm and improved connectivity, areas along new transit lines witness significant growth and investment, making them less affordable for residents already there. However, very little research has examined experiences of transit‐induced gentrification, particularly at the early stages of a new transit project. The purpose of this article is to document these experiences from the perspective of those living along the planned LRT corridor in Hamilton, Ontario. Importantly, our research was conducted before construction started. Through in‐depth interviews with residents living within 800 m of the planned LRT route, we found disparate experiences of change and ongoing housing affordability concerns on an individual, neighbourhood, and city scale. Many Hamilton residents express a need for more community engagement and transparency in the decision‐making process. We detail these experiences and offer policy recommendations to inhibit further housing insecurity and displacement in light of the LRT development.
Displaying your diploma: The professionalization of curators in Israel
Authors: Yaron Elad
Published: October 2023

This study examines the history of legislation on the subject of curation in Israel and the state of the country's training programs for curators. Israel serves as a representative case study: While many museum activities and curatorial studies programs worldwide were initiated in order to ensure a trained museum staff, today, the scope of those who meet this criterion far exceeds the demand. Furthermore, as happened frequently in other countries, Israeli legislators in the 1980s did not understand that contemporary curation and museology are two very different fields, and a system to train the staff of museums was built together with the flourishing of contemporary curation. Hence, in legislation, these two fields are today bound together. This article builds on the Israeli case study to ask if separating these two fields will create more up‐to‐date programs.
Metabolically healthy obese individuals are still at high risk for diabetes: Application of the marginal structural model
Authors: Lee Hye Ah , Park Hyesook
Published: October 2023

Aim

To assess the effect of obesity phenotype on the incidence of diabetes, considering phenotype as a time‐varying exposure.

Methods

We used community‐based cohort data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, with a 16‐year follow‐up period. Obesity phenotype was determined using body mass index and metabolic syndrome criteria. The influence of obesity phenotype on the occurrence of diabetes was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazard model and a marginal structural model (MSM).

Results

Obesity phenotypes were defined in 6265 individuals, with diabetes identified in 903 (14.4%) during the follow‐up period. Individuals with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) exhibited a higher risk of diabetes compared to those with metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15‐1.90). This association remained significant after applying the MSM (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.01‐2.20). Moreover, various sensitivity analyses consistently demonstrated a higher risk of diabetes in individuals with MHO compared to those with MHNW.

Conclusions

Even when obesity phenotype was treated as a time‐varying exposure, individuals with MHO were still at higher risk for developing diabetes than those with MHNW. Consequently, such individuals should aim to avoid transitioning to a metabolically unfavourable state and strive to reduce their body weight to a normal range.
Local donation culture and corporate tax avoidance: Evidence from China
Authors: Ge Chuanlu , Bi Yuhan , Xu Jia
Published: October 2023

Using a sample of Chinese A‐share listed firms over the period 2010–2017, this paper investigates the impact of local donation culture on corporate tax avoidance. We find that firms located in areas with a strong local donation culture are less engaged in tax avoidance. The results remain robust under a variety of robustness tests. Furthermore, we find that this relationship is driven by enhancing the moral identity of managers. In further analysis, we also explore the role of media attention, chief executive officer's (CEO's) childhood famine experience, and CEO duality in the relationship between local donation culture and corporate tax avoidance. This study enriches the existing literature on culture and firms' behaviors, and the conclusion of this paper has significant policy implications for governing corporate tax avoidance.
Noise pollution alters the diet composition of invertebrate consumers both in and beyond a noise‐exposed grassland ecosystem
Authors: Senzaki Masayuki , Ando Haruko , Kadoya Taku
Published: October 2023

Anthropogenic noise is ubiquitous globally. However, we know little about how the impacts of noise alter fundamental ecosystem properties, such as resource consumption by invertebrate consumers. Using experimental noise manipulation and faecal DNA metabarcoding, we assessed how the direct and cross‐trophic indirect effects of noise altered the dietary richness and specializations of omnivorous grasshoppers in a grassland ecosystem. We found that the experimental noise treatment expanded grasshoppers' dietary richness and resulted in dietary generalizations in both noise‐exposed and adjacent relatively quieter areas. Unexpectedly, however, these dietary changes were primarily explained by the direct effect of noise not only in the noise‐exposed areas but also in the adjacent quieter areas and were relaxed by indirect effects of noise such as reduced birds and predation risk and increased grasshoppers. Our work suggests that noise pollution can be key in explaining the variation of invertebrate consumers' diets across a gradient of noise‐exposed environments.
Revitalizing double‐loop learning in organizational contexts: A systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Auqui‐Caceres Mercedes‐Victoria , Furlan Andrea
Published: October 2023

Argyris & Schön's notion of two types of learning, single‐loop (SLL) and double‐loop learning (DLL), is arguably one of the most popularized categorizations of organizational learning (OL). However, while the concept of DLL is widely cited, it has left a superficial impact on the literature and practice. We argue that the limited impact of DLL is due to two features of DLL: the complexity of its definition and the difficulty in its implementation. This study identifies and organizes critical insights in the literature related to the conceptualization, measurement, and generation of DLL. To address these topics, we review and synthesize the findings of 128 studies on DLL published between 1974 and 2021. We aim to reduce the confusion surrounding DLL and the proliferation of empirical studies on DLL that ignore its original notion. We propose a framework that makes explicit the misconceptions, wrong assumptions, and barriers in conceptualizing, measuring, and generating DLL, and it also provides insights into how to overcome these limitations and serves as a platform for future research on DLL.
Writing Differently: On the Constraints and Possibilities of Presenting Research Rooted in Feminist Epistemologies
Authors: Kociatkiewicz Jerzy , Kostera Monika
Published: October 2023

In this article, we adopted the genre of response letter, answering an editorial letter proposing to reject our submission. The rejection letter itself is fictionalized, but collated from various real reviews our texts have received throughout our academic career. Our aim is to both highlight the mechanisms pushing academic writing toward conformity, dullness, and irrelevance and to point toward the possibilities of Writing Differently: of crafting academic texts aligned with feminist sensibilities, conveying meaning as well as feeling, embedded in context, and open to difference. We discuss some texts by authors who have managed to break free from the constraints of the dominant style and published beautiful, meaningful texts, which challenge the orthodoxy of academic journal articles. We argue that the form of writing matters; that the question of style is, at its heart, the question of epistemology, what can be known, how it can be known, and how can such knowledge be shared. In addition, it also concerns the knowing subject and is thus a deeply feminist issue. We end our text by inviting the readers to join the growing ranks of academics crossing the boundaries of traditional journal articles, and to explore how Writing Differently enables new insights to be discovered and communicated.
Remineralization effect of NaF, NaF with TCP, NaF with CPP‐ACP and NaF with CXP varnishes on newly erupted first permanent molars: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Erkmen Almaz Merve , Ulusoy Nur Burcu , Akbay Oba Aylin , Dokumacı Aysun
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralization effect of NaF, NaF with TCP, NaF with CPP‐ACP and NaF with CXP varnishes on newly erupted first permanent molars using laser fluorescence (LF) method. The study was a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial with four parallel groups.

Methods

The study was carried out in 48 high caries‐risk children (DMFS >8), aged 6–7 years with newly erupted permanent first molars (initial lesion with 13 < LF value<30). A total of 140 teeth were divided randomly into four groups (n = 35): G1.Duraphat Varnish containing 5% NaF, G2. Clinpro™ White Varnish containing 5% NaF with TCP, G3.Embrace™ Varnish containing 5% NaF with CXP, G4. MI Varnish containing 5% NaF with CPP‐ACP. All dental treatments of the patients were completed before the varnish application. The varnishes were applied to the targeted teeth at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Patients were called for follow‐up appointments at 1, 3 and 6 months, and LF scanning was used to monitor mineralization changes. Data were analysed statistically by Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann–Whitney U‐tests.

Results

In total, 40 children (122 teeth) completed the trial. At the end of 6 months, the amount of reduction in LF values (indicating remineralization) are as follows: NaF with CXP(6.87 ± 4.32) < NaF with TCP(7.36 ± 7.05) < NaF(7.40 ± 7.03) < NaF with CPP‐ACP(8.33 ± 4.90). All of the varnishes resulted in significant decrease in LF measurements and there was no significant difference between control (NaF alone) group and other groups. Only MI varnish had a significantly greater remineralization effect than Embrace™ Varnish (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

As a non‐invasive approach, CPP‐ACP, TCP and CXP containing NaF varnishes have the potential to remineralize initial caries lesions on permanent first molars in high caries‐risk children.
Prognostic significance of subclassifying pathological T3 upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Results from a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Suhara Yushi , Urabe Fumihiko , Yoshihara Kentaro , Kurawaki Shiro , Fukuokaya Wataru , Iwatani Kosuke , Imai Yu , Sakanaka Keigo , Hisakane Akira , Kurauchi Takashi , Kayano Sotaro , Onuma Hajime , Mori Keiichiro , Kimura Shoji , Tashiro Kojiro , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Miki Jun , Sato Shun , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Kimura Takahiro ,   the JIKEI YAYOI Collaborative Group
Published: October 2023

Objective

The population with pathological T3 (pT3) upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is heterogeneous, thereby making prognostication challenging. We assessed the clinical ramifications of subclassifying pT3 UTUC after nephroureterectomy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis including 308 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy for pT3N0–1M0 UTUC. pT3 was subclassified into pT3a and pT3b based on invasion of the peripelvic and/or periureteral fat. Cox's proportional hazard models were utilized to determine the significant prognosticators of oncological outcomes, encompassing intravesical recurrence‐free survival, recurrence‐free survival (RFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and overall survival.

Results

Multivariate analysis elucidated that pT3b status, pathological N1 status, and lymphovascular invasion status were independent risk factors for an unfavorable RFS and CSS. Although the RFS and CSS of patients with pT3b UTUC were superior to those in patients with pT4 UTUC, no significant disparities were detected between patients with pT3a and pT2.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that pT3 UTUC with peripelvic/periureteral fat invasion is independently associated with metastasis and cancer‐specific death after nephroureterectomy. These findings provide patients and physicians with invaluable insight into the risk for disease progression in pT3 UTUC patients.
Influenza vaccination uptake among at‐risk patients in Switzerland—The potential of national claims data for surveillance
Authors: Plate Andreas , Bagnoud Christophe , Rosemann Thomas , Senn Oliver , Di Gangi Stefania
Published: October 2023

Background

Swiss national surveillance of influenza vaccination uptake rates (VURs) relies on self‐reported vaccination status. The aim of this study was to determine VURs among at‐risk patients, namely, patients ≥65 of age and adult patients with chronic diseases, using claims data, instead of self‐reported measures, to investigate factors of vaccine uptake, and to assess different methodological approaches to conduct vaccination surveillance.

Methods

In this retrospective cross‐sectional analysis, we determined VURs in three influenza seasons (2015/2016–2017/2018). Medication, diagnosis, or medical services claims were used as triggers to identify patients. For the calculation of VURs in patients with chronic diseases, we identified those by triggers in the given season only (Model 1) and in the given and previous seasons (Model 2). Regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with vaccination status.

Results

Data from 214,668 individual patients were analyzed. VURs over all seasons ranged from 18.4% to 19.8%. Most patients with chronic diseases were identified with the medication trigger, and we found no clinical significant differences in VURs comparing both models. Having a chronic disease, age, male gender, and regular health care provider visits were associated with increased odds of being vaccinated.

Conclusions

VURs were below the recommended thresholds, and our analysis highlighted the need for efforts to increase VURs. We assessed the identification of chronic diseases by medication claims and the calculation of VURs based on data of the given season only as an effective approach to conduct vaccination surveillance. Claims data‐based surveillance may complete the national surveillance.
Experiment and finite element simulation of friction factor and stack damage between blueberries
Authors: Zheng Zhaoqi , Liu Xinyu , An Zimin , Shi Bingjian
Published: October 2023

Blueberries are susceptible to mechanical damage during the processes of transportation and storage. This article hopes to provide some theoretical basis for the improvement of blueberry packaging based on stack damage. The Finite Element Method was applied in this research. And to obtain an accurate friction factor between small spherical fruit, a new experimental platform was built. For the first time, it was found that the friction factor between blueberry surfaces was 0.4–0.6. Subsequently, the texture analyzer was employed to perform compression tests on unit cells composed of blueberries. Through the combination of slicing observation and finite element simulations, browning results of unit cells with different stack forms were gained. The stack method adopted the larger‐sized blueberries in the upper layer and the calyx of the upper blueberries was upward, which had the least damage to the blueberries, and the blueberries could be stacked up to 214 layers.

Practical Application

Understanding the impact of different stacking methods on blueberry damage is crucial for avoiding serious damage to blueberries during storage and packaging. This article accurately determined the factor of friction between the surfaces of blueberries. Based on this, the influence of the calyx and size of blueberries on stacking damage was studied through a combination of stacking experiments and finite element method. This article not only solves the problem of the lack of friction factor between blueberries, providing an effective method for measuring the friction coefficient between small spherical fruits, but also provides directions for reducing stacking damage of blueberries and extending their post‐harvest life, as well as providing a theoretical basis for improving blueberry packaging and mechanization research.
Needs, barriers and facilitators for a healthier lifestyle in haemodialysis patients: The GoodRENal project
Authors: Mesa‐Gresa Patricia , Avesani Carla Maria , Clyne Naomi , García‐Testal Alicia , Kouidi Evangelia , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis H. , Lindholm Bengt , Lozano‐Quilis Jose‐Antonio , Marin Alexandra‐Elena , García‐Maset Rafael , Yang Kevin , Segura‐Ortí Eva
Published: October 2023

Background

Malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, cognitive dysfunction and poor psychological well‐being are often reported in patients on haemodialysis (HD).

Aims

We aimed to explore needs, barriers and facilitators—as perceived by patients, their carers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) for increasing the adherence to the diet, to physical activity and cognition and psychological well‐being.

Methods

This is an observational cross‐sectional study following the STROBE statement. This study is part of an ERASMUS+ project, GoodRENal—aiming to develop digital tools as an educational approach to patients on HD. For that, the GoodRENal comprises HD centers located in four Belgium, Greece, Spain and Sweden. Exploratory questionnaires were developed regarding the perceived needs, barriers and facilitators regarding the diet, physical activity, cognition and psychological well‐being from the perspective of patients, their carers and HCPs.

Results

In total, 38 patients, 34 carers and 38 HCPs were included. Nutrition: For patients and carers, the main needs to adhere to the diet included learning more about nutrients and minerals. For patients, the main barrier was not being able to eat what they like. Physical activity: As needs it was reported information about type of appropriate physical activity, while fatigue was listed as the main barrier. For Cognitive and emotional state, it was perceived as positive for patients and carers perception but not for HCPs. The HCPs identified as needs working as a team, having access to specialised HCP and being able to talk to patients in private.

Conclusions

Patients and their carers listed as needs guidance regarding nutrition and physical activity but were positive with their cognitive and emotional state. The HCPs corroborated these needs and emphasised the importance of teamwork and expert support.
Vegetation of Southern Patagonia in the 1970s – Digitization of a gray‐literature data set as a monitoring baseline in a changing world
Authors: Sabatini Francesco Maria , Hähn Georg , Speziale Karina , Cingolani Ana María , Damasceno Gabriella , Bruelheide Helge
Published: October 2023

Monitoring vegetation trends against objective baselines is fundamental to quantify the impacts of global change on plant biodiversity. Vegetation plot time series are a gold standard in vegetation monitoring, but such data are missing for many regions. Southern Patagonia is an example of a region strongly impacted by climate change but lacking time series data. Monitoring in this region could benefit from a comparison with vegetation survey data gathered between 1975 and 1979, as part of the multidisciplinary research program “Transecta botánica de la Patagonia austral” (hereafter Transecta). Published in 1985, it contains data on 668 vegetation plots, which were so far inaccessible to most researchers: Transecta has never been reprinted, nor fully digitized, and can only be found in specialized libraries. Here, we created a reproducible workflow, documenting how vegetation plot data from historical sources can be extracted and harmonized. The resulting open‐access database we created fills a major regional gap and provides a needed baseline to assess the impacts of global change on southern Patagonia vegetation. By making these data available, we hope to inspire a new generation of vegetation scientists to resurvey the area and continue the legacy of the pioneer researchers who compiled Transecta.
Protective actions of a luminally acting 5‐HT4 receptor agonist in mouse models of colitis
Authors: Hurd Molly , Haag Melody M. , Kwasnik Matthew J. , Wykosky Jill , Lavoie Brigitte , Mawe Gary M.
Published: October 2023

Background

5‐hydroxytryptamine 4 receptors (5‐HT4Rs) are expressed in the colonic epithelium, and previous studies have demonstrated that luminal administration of agonists enhances motility, suppresses nociception, and is protective in models of inflammation. We investigated whether stimulation with a luminally acting 5‐HT4R agonist is comparable to previously tested absorbable compounds.

Methods

The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and interleukin 10 knockout (IL‐10KO) models of colitis were used to test the protective effects of the luminally acting 5‐HT4R agonist, 5HT4‐LA1, in the absence and presence of a 5‐HT4R antagonist. The compounds were delivered by enema to mice either before (prevention) or after (recovery) the onset of active colitis. Outcome measure included disease activity index (DAI) and histological evaluation of colon tissue, and effects on wound healing and fecal water content were also assessed.

Key Results

Daily enema of 5HT4‐LA1 attenuated the development of, and accelerated recovery from, active colitis. Enema administration of 5HT4‐LA1 did not attenuate the development of colitis in 5‐HT4R knockout mice. Stimulation of 5‐HT4Rs with 5HT4‐LA1 increased Caco‐2 cell migration (accelerated wound healing). Daily administration of 5HT4‐LA1 did not increase fecal water content in active colitis.

Conclusions and Inferences

Luminally restricted 5‐HT4R agonists are comparable to absorbable compounds in attenuating and accelerating recovery from active colitis. Luminally acting 5‐HT4R agonists may be useful as an adjuvant to current inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments to enhance epithelial healing.
Older, self‐identifying gay men's conceptualisations of psychological well‐being (PWB): A Canadian perspective
Authors: Handlovsky Ingrid , Wonsiak Tessa , Amato Anthony T.
Published: October 2023

Many older gay men experience diminished psychological well‐being (PWB) due to unique circumstances including discrimination, living with HIV, and aging through the HIV/AIDS crisis. However, there remains ambiguity as to how older gay men define and understand PWB. Our team interviewed and analyzed the accounts of 26 older (50+) self‐identifying English‐speaking men living in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. We drew on tenets of constructivist grounded theory and intersectionality to account for unique contextual considerations and power relations. Semi‐structured Zoom interviews were conducted from August‐October 2022. Interview transcripts were compared to generate high‐order conceptual findings underpinned by processes understood as central to PWB. Three PWB temporal processes highlighted interlocking social and contextual circumstances intersecting with power and maturation: (1) being emotionally balanced, (2) living gratitude (3) and fully embracing self‐acceptance. Being emotionally balanced supported the affective and sustainable state of contentment, living gratitude drew from the wisdom of accrued experiences to cultivate a positive affective state inclusive to recognising social location privileges, whilst fully embracing self‐acceptance redressed the harms of anti‐gay discourses that men endured throughout their lives. The knowledge is relevant to service and resource development to deliver tailored PWB supports to older gay men.
Taxic and morphological diversification during the early radiation of Clupeomorpha (Actinopterygii, Teleostei)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sánchez Edna , Alvarado‐Ortega Jesús , Than‐Marchese Bruno A.
Published: October 2023

Evolutionary radiation is a problematic concept whose definition and classification have recently changed. Radiations can be defined as the pattern of abrupt increase in diversity of a lineage. It is relevant to evaluate the presence and interaction of different types of radiation in extant and fossil organisms to adequately delimitate the radiation types and to know the diversity in the context of Earth's history. Here, we employed the superorder Clupeomorpha at the Early–Late Cretaceous boundary as a study case to investigate radiation types and their interactions, using both taxic and morphological approaches. Clupeomorpha is an extensively studied, diverse and ancient teleostean superorder with wide geographical and ecological distributions. We propose a model for calculating rates of origination in order to analyse the taxic diversification and employ geometric morphometrics to analyse the morphological diversification that occurred at the temporal boundary. The results suggest the absence of taxic radiation due to a constant increase in taxon origination. However, the expansion of the phylomorphospace occupation and the disparity increase suggest the presence of a ‘climatic–geographical’ or ‘broad diversification‐like’ disparity, according to current classifications. This illustrates the incompatibility of current radiation classifications with this case study.
Rethinking the role of community media in conflict transformation and peacebuilding
Authors: Levesque Lauren Michelle , Onguny Philip Oburu
Published: October 2023

Whereas much has been written about the role community media plays in peacebuilding, emphasis is often put on participatory media models as key determinants of peace or conflict sustainability. Little is known, however, about the conditions under which such media increase or impede peace efforts due to the complex nature of conflict. Moreover, how, when, and by whom such media can be tailored to offer favorable conditions for peacebuilding at the community level remain largely unanswered questions. This article draws from Howard's (An Operational Framework for Media and Peacebuilding, IMPACS, 2002) typology of media interventions, issue‐framing framework, and conflict transformation approach to probe the prospects of community media agency in peacebuilding at the community level. It argues that the way conflict narratives are produced, negotiated, and consumed across time and space is what provides individuals or groups with incentives for conflict or trade‐offs for peace irrespective of the stage at which a given conflict manifests itself. Overall, the reflections presented are conceptual and are intended to generate theoretical and methodological discussions around the role of community media in conflict transformation and peacebuilding at the community level.
Korteweg–de Vries waves in peridynamical media
Authors: Herrmann Michael , Kleine Katia
Published: October 2023

We consider a one‐dimensional peridynamical medium and show the existence of solitary waves with small amplitudes and long wavelength. Our proof uses nonlinear Bochner integral operators and characterizes their asymptotic properties in a singular scaling limit.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*06:176:02 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Elsermans Vincent , Visentin Jonathan , Cargou Marine , Top Isabelle , Labalette Myriam
Published: October 2023

HLA‐C*06:176:02 differs from HLA‐C*06:176:01 by two nucleotide substitutions in codons 236 and 237 in exon 4.
The novel HLA‐DRB1*16:01:19 allele characterized by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Ziyatdinova Elvira , Andryushkina Anna V. , Shagimardanova Elena I.
Published: October 2023

The novel HLA‐DRB1*16:01:19 allele differs by one nucleotide change from HLA‐DRB1*16:01:01.
The evolving international effects of China's government spending
Authors: Zhang Wen
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the international spillover effects of China's government spending using the Bayesian technique based on a monthly dataset covering China, the world economy and the G7. The split‐sample analysis shows that China's government spending had a significant positive spillover effect on the world economy after 2008, while the effect was moderately negative before 2008. The trade channel plays a dominant role in the international propagation of China's government spending shock and could explain the changes in spillover effects. For the domestic economy, the stimulative effect of China's government spending has weakened slightly after 2008.
Expansion strategies for umbilical cord blood haematopoietic stem cells in vitro
Authors: Ren Yan , Cui Yanni , Tan Yanhong , Xu Zhifang , Wang Hongwei
Published: October 2023

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered an effective treatment for some haematopoietic malignancies, haematopoietic failure and immunodeficiency. Compared with bone marrow and mobilized peripheral blood, cord blood has the advantages of easy access, being harmless to donors and low requirement for HLA matching. In addition, umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) has achieved remarkable clinical success in the past 30 years due to the low recurrence rate of malignancies treated by UCBT, mild degree of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and good quality of life for patients after transplantation. However, the number of cells in a single cord blood is too small for rapid bone marrow implantation. We summarize the various factors involved that need to be considered in the expansion of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro, which all avoid complex operations, such as vector construction and virus transfection. We also found it necessary to identify a new molecule as the carrier of HSCs cultured in vitro, which not only would provide a three‐dimensional structure conducive to the self‐renewal of HSCs but also prevent their differentiation.
Effect of Unsteady Fan-Intake Interaction on Short Intake Design
Authors: Boscagli Luca , MacManus David , Christie Robert , Sheaf Chris
Published: October 2023

The next generation of ultrahigh bypass ratio civil aero-engines promises notable engine cycle benefits. However, these benefits can be significantly eroded by a possible increase in nacelle weight and drag due to the typical larger fan diameters. More compact nacelles, with shorter intakes, may be required to enable a net reduction in aero-engine fuel burn. The aim of this paper is to assess the influence of the design style of short intakes on the unsteady interaction under crosswind conditions between fan and intake, with a focus on the separation onset and characteristics of the boundary layer within the intake. Three intake designs were assessed, and a hierarchical computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was used to determine and quantify primary aerodynamic interactions between the fan and the intake design. Similar to previous findings for a specific intake configuration, both intake flow unsteadiness and the unsteady upstream perturbations from the fan have a detrimental effect on the separation onset for the range of intake designs. The separation of the boundary layer within the intake was shock driven for the three different design styles. The simulations also quantified the unsteady intake flows with an emphasis on the spectral characteristics and engine-order signatures of the flow distortion. Overall, this work showed that is beneficial for the intake boundary layer to delay the diffusion closer to the fan and reduce the preshock Mach number to mitigate the adverse unsteady interaction between the fan and the shock.
The Efficacy of Cryotherapy on Decreasing Swelling: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Ziner Rachel A. , Mansell Jamie L. , Russ Anne C. , Tierney Ryan T.
Published: October 2023

Context: Swelling is a major consequence of musculoskeletal conditions and can be a barrier to healing. Cryotherapy has been reported to decrease swelling. How effective is cryotherapy in reducing swelling during rehabilitation? Methods: PubMed was searched in June 2022 using the Boolean phrases: Swelling OR edema AND cryotherapy OR ice, Swelling AND injury AND cryotherapy. Included articles were published during or after 2017, consisted of one or more cryotherapy interventions, and listed swelling as an outcome measure. The PEDro scale was used to assess study validity. Swelling was measured by the figure-of-eight method (in centimeters). Means, SDs, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results: Three articles were screened. Stasinopoulos et al. received a score of 9/10; Sari et al. and Tittley et al. received a score of 10/10. Tittley et al. reported a decrease in swelling from 52.7 (SD = 0.8; 95% CI [52.35, 53.05]) to 52.0 (SD = 0.8; 95% CI [51.65, 52.35]). Stasinopoulos et al. reported decreases from 62.62 (SD = 0.34; 95% CI [62.51, 62.80]) to 61.10 (SD = 0.30; 95% CI [60.98, 61.24]). Sari et al. also found minimal change in swelling from pre- to posttreatment, 38.7 (SD = 2.6; 95% CI [37.83, 39.57]) to 38.2 (SD = 2.4; 95% CI [37.40, 39.00]). Conclusion: There is consistent evidence indicating that cryotherapy applied during rehabilitation does not decrease swelling in a patient with a musculoskeletal condition.
Perovskite-bearing crystal-controlled oxide-silicate mantle xenoliths: Resolution to controversial origins?
Authors: Haggerty Stephen E.
Published: October 2023

Classic lamellar clinopyroxene-ilmenite intergrowths (type 1) are extended to include discovery of olivine-ilmenite-perovskite-wüstite (type 2) and olivine-spinel-perovskite (type 3) xenoliths in kimberlites from Liberia. Low titanium solubilities in olivine, garnet, and pyroxene cannot account for exsolution-like relations. Because the oxides coexist with high-pressure perovskite-structured silicate minerals in diamond, a permissive conclusion is that type 1 to type 3 xenoliths are of super-deep origin. Phase equilibria and thermodynamic studies show that type 1 xenoliths are stable at P > 80 GPa, with type 2 and type 3 at 35 to 50 GPa consistent with an origin in anomalous large low shear velocity province bodies anchored at the core-mantle boundary. Dissociated precursor perovskite-structured Ca-Fe-Ti bridgmanite is proposed and is indirectly supported by the copresence of type II diamonds with a sublithospheric lower mantle origin.
Glial-derived mitochondrial signals affect neuronal proteostasis and aging
Authors: Bar-Ziv Raz , Dutta Naibedya , Hruby Adam , Sukarto Edward , Averbukh Maxim , Alcala Athena , Henderson Hope R. , Durieux Jenni , Tronnes Sarah U. , Ahmad Qazi , Bolas Theodore , Perez Joel , Dishart Julian G. , Vega Matthew , Garcia Gilberto , Higuchi-Sanabria Ryo , Dillin Andrew
Published: October 2023

The nervous system plays a critical role in maintaining whole-organism homeostasis; neurons experiencing mitochondrial stress can coordinate the induction of protective cellular pathways, such as the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR
MT
), between tissues. However, these studies largely ignored nonneuronal cells of the nervous system. Here, we found that UPR
MT
activation in four astrocyte-like glial cells in the nematode,
Caenorhabditis elegans
, can promote protein homeostasis by alleviating protein aggregation in neurons. Unexpectedly, we find that glial cells use small clear vesicles (SCVs) to signal to neurons, which then relay the signal to the periphery using dense-core vesicles (DCVs). This work underlines the importance of glia in establishing and regulating protein homeostasis within the nervous system, which can then affect neuron-mediated effects in organismal homeostasis and longevity.
Atomic structure of the open SARS-CoV-2 E viroporin
Authors: Medeiros-Silva João , Dregni Aurelio J. , Somberg Noah H. , Duan Pu , Hong Mei
Published: October 2023

The envelope (E) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus forms cation-conducting channels in the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) of infected cells. The calcium channel activity of E is associated with the inflammatory responses of COVID-19. Using solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy, we have determined the open-state structure of E’s transmembrane domain (ETM) in lipid bilayers. Compared to the closed state, open ETM has an expansive water-filled amino-terminal chamber capped by key glutamate and threonine residues, a loose phenylalanine aromatic belt in the middle, and a constricted polar carboxyl-terminal pore filled with an arginine and a threonine residue. This structure gives insights into how protons and calcium ions are selected by ETM and how they permeate across the hydrophobic gate of this viroporin.
Distinct motifs in the E protein are required for SARS-CoV-2 virus particle formation and lysosomal deacidification in host cells
Authors: Miura Koya , Suzuki Youichi , Ishida Kotaro , Arakawa Masashi , Wu Hong , Fujioka Yoshihiko , Emi Akino , Maeda Koki , Hamajima Ryusei , Nakano Takashi , Tenno Takeshi , Hiroaki Hidekazu , Morita Eiji
Published: October 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a major public health concern, but the mechanisms underlying its viral particle formation are not well understood. In this study, we established a system for producing virus-like particles (VLPs) by expressing four structural proteins that make up SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in cells and used a spike (S) protein fused with the HiBiT peptide as a marker for evaluating VLP production. Using this system, we confirmed that the E protein plays an important role in VLP release. Both the co-expression of VPS4A K173Q and ORF3A and treatment with bafilomycin A1 enhanced VLP release. These results suggest that VLPs are released in an endosomal sorting complex required for transport-independent manner and that lysosomal dysfunction is required for the efficient release of VLPs. Screening various E protein mutants revealed that the F56/Y57/Y59 amyloidization motif and the D72/L73/L74/V75 PDZ-binding motif (PBM) are critical for E protein function in VLP release. We also found that E protein expression led to an increase in the pH of lysosomes and that the N15 residue required for viroporin activity, the C40/C43 consensus sequence, or the K63 dibasic motif are required for its function. However, amyloidization or PBM mutations did not affect lysosomal deacidification, suggesting that the mechanisms of E protein activity during VLP formation and lysosomal deacidification are distinct. Overall, this study highlights the importance of the E protein in SARS-CoV-2 viral particle formation, and the results may be useful in the development of drugs that inhibit this process.

IMPORTANCE

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused a global public health crisis. The E protein, a structural protein found in this virus particle, is also known to be a viroporin. As such, it forms oligomeric ion channels or pores in the host cell membrane. However, the relationship between these two functions is poorly understood. In this study, we showed that the roles of E protein in virus particle and viroporin formation are distinct. This study contributes to the development of drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus particle formation. Additionally, we designed a highly sensitive and high-throughput virus-like particle detection system using the HiBiT tag, which is a useful tool for studying the release of SARS-CoV-2.
SARS-CoV-2 replicates in the human testis with slow kinetics and has no major deleterious effects
ex vivo
Authors: Mahé Dominique , Bourgeau Salomé , da Silva Janaina , Schlederer Julie , Satie Anne-Pascale , Kuassivi Nadège , Mathieu Romain , Guillou Yves-Marie , Le Tortorec Anna , Guivel-Benhassine Florence , Schwartz Olivier , Plotton Ingrid , Dejucq-Rainsford Nathalie
Published: October 2023

SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, is a respiratory virus that infects several organs beyond the lungs. The alterations of semen parameters, testicular morphology, and testosteronemia reported in Covid-19 patients, along with the high expression of SARS-CoV-2 main receptor ACE2 in the testis, raise questions about the underlying mechanisms. Using a previously validated
ex vivo
model of human testis, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infects ACE2-positive Leydig and Sertoli cells. Slow virus replication kinetics were observed, with a peak of infection at day 6 post-infection and a decline of infectious virions at day 9. The infection had no major impact on testicular morphology or main hormonal functions, but some steroidogenic enzymes were decreased at day 9. While antiviral effectors were upregulated, there was no transcriptional induction of key pro-inflammatory cytokines. Altogether, these data indicate that SARS-CoV-2 replication in the human testis
ex vivo
is limited and suggest that testicular damages in infected individuals are unlikely to result from direct deleterious effects of SARS-CoV-2 on this organ.

IMPORTANCE

SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic. Although SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the lungs, other organs are infected. Alterations of testosteronemia and spermatozoa motility in infected men have raised questions about testicular infection, along with high level in the testis of ACE2, the main receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter host cells. Using an organotypic culture of human testis, we found that SARS-CoV-2 replicated with slow kinetics in the testis. The virus first targeted testosterone-producing Leydig cells and then germ-cell nursing Sertoli cells. After a peak followed by the upregulation of antiviral effectors, viral replication in the testis decreased and did not induce any major damage to the tissue. Altogether, our data show that SARS-CoV-2 replicates in the human testis to a limited extent and suggest that testicular damages in infected patients are more likely to result from systemic infection and inflammation than from viral replication in the testis.
Structural basis for the hydrolytic activity of the transpeptidase-like protein DpaA to detach Braun’s lipoprotein from peptidoglycan
Authors: Wang Hsiu-Jung , Hernández-Rocamora Víctor M. , Kuo Chiao-I , Hsieh Kan-Yen , Lee Szu-Hui , Ho Meng-Ru , Tu Zhijay , Vollmer Waldemar , Chang Chung-I
Published: October 2023

The peptidoglycan layer is a defining characteristic of bacterial cells, providing them with structural support and osmotic protection. In
Escherichia coli
, this layer is linked to the outer membrane via the abundant membrane-anchored protein Lpp, known as Braun’s lipoprotein, with LD-transpeptidases LdtA, LdtB, and LdtC catalyzing the attachment. However, one distinctive member of the YkuD-type transpeptidase family, LdtF (recently renamed DpaA), carries out the opposite reaction of detaching Lpp from the peptidoglycan layer. In this study, we report the crystal structure of DpaA, which reveals the enzyme’s ability to cleave, rather than form, the Lpp-peptidoglycan linkage. Assays with purified peptidoglycan-Lpp as the substrate and chemically synthesized compounds suggest that DpaA’s shallow L-shaped active site can only accommodate and cleave the peptidoglycan-Lpp cross-link with a constrained conformation. This study provides insights into how homologous Ldt enzymes can perform opposing chemical reactions.

IMPORTANCE

Cross-linking reaction of Braun's lipoprotein (Lpp) to peptidoglycan (PG) is catalyzed by some members of the YkuD family of transpeptidases. However, the exact opposite reaction of cleaving the Lpp-PG cross-link is performed by DpaA, which is also a YkuD-like protein. In this work, we determined the crystal structure of DpaA to provide the molecular rationale for the ability of the transpeptidase-like protein to cleave, rather than form, the Lpp-PG linkage. Our findings also revealed the structural features that distinguish the different functional types of the YkuD family enzymes from one another.
Improved detection of infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants of concern in healthcare workers by a second-generation rapid antigen test
Authors: Wettengel Jochen M. , Strehle Katharina , von Lucke Catharina , Roggendorf Hedwig , Jeske Samuel D. , Christa Catharina , Zelger Otto , Haller Bernhard , Protzer Ulrike , Knolle Percy A.
Published: October 2023

The continuous genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 resulting in the immune escape variant of concern (VoC) Omicron poses a challenge to rapid and accurate diagnosis of infection, especially in high-risk groups such as healthcare workers. We performed a clinical study to determine the diagnostic accuracy and robustness of a second-generation rapid antigen test compared to a first-generation rapid antigen test with an RT-qPCR-based assay as gold standard, for early detection of infections with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VoC. A total of 428 healthcare workers with COVID-19-associated symptoms or during routine testing participated in the study and completed a questionnaire on infection-associated symptoms, previous SARS-CoV-2 infections, and vaccination status. All participants performed a second- and first-generation rapid antigen test on the day of presentation and repeated the test 2 days later, and a diagnostic SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR assay was performed. qPCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections (
n
= 104) with Omicron VoC (BA.2, BA.4, BA.5) were detected by the first-generation rapid antigen test with a sensitivity of 83.7% (95% CI 75.12%–90.18%), whereas the second-generation rapid antigen test performed with a sensitivity of 89.4% (95% CI 81.9%–94.6%). Increased sensitivity of the second-generation rapid antigen test led to earlier detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while lower test sensitivity of the first-generation rapid antigen test was compensated by repeated testing 2 days later. Moreover, direct
in vitro
comparison revealed a lower limit of detection for the second-generation rapid antigen test for isolates of currently circulating Omicron sub-lineages BA.5.2, BQ.1, and XBB.1.

IMPORTANCE

The results from this study demonstrate the usefulness of a second-generation rapid antigen test for early detection of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VoC) and reveal a higher sensitivity to detect immune escape Omicron VoCs compared to a first-generation rapid antigen test (89.4% vs 83.7%) in the high-risk group of healthcare workers.