bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐Wide Mapping of 5′ Isoforms with 5′‐Seq
Authors: Gvozdenov Zlata
Published: April 2023

The transcriptome is far more complex than previously assumed. Transcripts from the same gene can differ in terms of transcription start site, transcription end site, or pattern of splicing, and growing evidence supports the functional importance of these distinct transcript isoforms. Easily identifying these isoforms experimentally via library construction and high‐throughput sequencing is crucial. Current library construction methods for identifying transcription start sites (5′ transcript isoforms) involve large number of steps and (expensive) reagents, utilization of cDNA intermediates for adapter ligation, and are less suitable for studying low‐abundance isoforms. Here, I describe a quick protocol for the generation of sequencing libraries to define capped 5′ isoforms (5′‐Seq) of various abundances in yeast and suggest a 5′ isoform data analysis pipeline. The protocol relies on the utilization of a dephosphorylation‐decapping method (oligo‐capping) to generate a sequencing library from mRNA fragments and is a simplification of previously published 5′ isoform protocols in terms of the handling steps, time, and cost. This method is exemplified using Saccharomyces cerevisiae mRNA, but it can be applied to various cellular systems to study the effects of 5′ transcript isoforms on transcriptional and/or translational regulation. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 13 May 2023. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Construction of a DNA sequencing library from capped 5′ isoforms

Support Protocol: Sequencing data analysis
Predicting vulnerability of forest patches to invasion by non‐native plants for landscape scale management
Authors: Fergus Craig , Lacher Iara L. , Herrmann Valentine , McShea William J. , Akre Thomas S.
Published: April 2023

As a leading cause of forest health degradation, non‐native invasive plant species are a key focus for many forest management and conservation efforts. These efforts come at a high price for resource‐limited agencies and organizations making cost‐effectiveness an important objective of invasion response plans. In this paper, we present an approach to guide the prioritization of locations for invasion management using species distribution models that account for the non‐equilibrium of invasive species distributions and use readily available land use data as the primary explanatory variables. This approach takes advantage of the relatively high spatial resolution, as well as the broad, continuous geographic coverage, of land use data to provide results at a landscape scale relevant to practitioners responsible for invasive species management. In our example from northern Virginia, we simultaneously modeled a suite of invasive plant species to identify common indicators of invasion. We found that the proportions of surrounding non‐forested land use types (grasses, crops, and development) were the most common and strongest indicators of invasion risk. These outcomes can guide managers of large protected areas to focus on major divides between forest and non‐forest land over linear disturbances. We also found useful species‐specific traits that can inform specific management actions. Additionally, we demonstrate through a case study how organizations that manage multiple smaller properties can take advantage of the projected distribution maps when considering acquiring or administering properties.
Modeling impacts of saltwater intrusion on methane and nitrous oxide emissions in tidal forested wetlands
Authors: Wang Hongqing , Dai Zhaohua , Krauss Ken W. , Trettin Carl C. , Noe Gregory B. , Burton Andrew J. , Ward Eric J.
Published: April 2023

Emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from soils to the atmosphere can offset the benefits of carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation. While past study has suggested that both CH4 and N2O emissions from tidal freshwater forested wetlands (TFFW) are generally low, the impacts of coastal droughts and drought‐induced saltwater intrusion on CH4 and N2O emissions remain unclear. In this study, a process‐driven biogeochemistry model, Tidal Freshwater Wetland DeNitrification‐DeComposition (TFW‐DNDC), was applied to examine the responses of CH4 and N2O emissions to episodic drought‐induced saltwater intrusion in TFFW along the Waccamaw River and Savannah River, USA. These sites encompass landscape gradients of both surface and porewater salinity as influenced by Atlantic Ocean tides superimposed on periodic droughts. Surprisingly, CH4 and N2O emission responsiveness to coastal droughts and drought‐induced saltwater intrusion varied greatly between river systems and among local geomorphologic settings. This reflected the complexity of wetland CH4 and N2O emissions and suggests that simple linkages to salinity may not always be relevant, as non‐linear relationships dominated our simulations. Along the Savannah River, N2O emissions in the moderate‐oligohaline tidal forest site tended to increase dramatically under the drought condition, while CH4 emission decreased. For the Waccamaw River, emissions of both CH4 and N2O in the moderate‐oligohaline tidal forest site tended to decrease under the drought condition, but the capacity of the moderate‐oligohaline tidal forest to serve as a carbon sink was substantially reduced due to significant declines in net primary productivity and soil organic carbon sequestration rates as salinity killed the dominant freshwater vegetation. These changes in fluxes of CH4 and N2O reflect crucial synergistic effects of soil salinity and water level on C and N dynamics in TFFW due to drought‐induced seawater intrusion.
Variation of shell ornamentation with latitude and water depth—A case study using living brachiopods
Authors: Ye Facheng , Bitner Maria Aleksandra , Shi Guang Rong
Published: April 2023

As a potential anti‐predatory defensive structure, the shell ornamentation of marine calcifiers is usually used to understand the macro coevolution of the interactions between predators and preys. Marine calcifiers' shell ornamentation complexity is generally believed to vary negatively with latitude and water depth. In this paper, we explored the association between shell ornamentation and latitude/bathymetry using the latest global database of living brachiopods. We found that (1) ~59% of living brachiopods species are characterized by smooth shells and that (2) there is no statistically significant linear trend, either positive or negative, between the ornamentation index and latitudes nor with water depths. Both findings are puzzling for living brachiopods as they are sharply contrasted to the patterns of fossil brachiopods whereby the latter, especially Paleozoic brachiopods, are known to exhibit (1) a much greater ornamentation diversity and (2) (at least for the geological periods that have been studied) a linear latitudinal gradient of ornamentation complexity existed. The reasons why living brachiopods have such a high proportion of smooth or weakly ornamented shells and fail to demonstrate an unequivocal linear latitudinal ornamentation gradient were explored and are linked to a multitude of potential factors rather than uniquely only to the predation pressure. Among these, the most plausible factor seems to be the cryptic (refuge‐type) habitats (e.g., deep waters, cold polar regions, and submarine rock caves) that living brachiopods have been adapted to due to their low metabolism, where predation pressure is low, allowing brachiopods to enact the predator avoidance strategy rather than having to manufacture robust shell ornamentation to survive in an otherwise highly engaged predator–prey global marine ecosystem.
Lower nutritional state and foraging success in an Arctic seabird despite behaviorally flexible responses to environmental change
Authors: Eby Alyssa , Patterson Allison , Sorenson Graham , Lazarus Thomas , Whelan Shannon , Elliott Kyle H. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Love Oliver P.
Published: April 2023

The degree to which individuals adjust foraging behavior in response to environmental variability can impact foraging success, leading to downstream impacts on fitness and population dynamics. We examined the foraging flexibility, average daily energy expenditure, and foraging success of an ice‐associated Arctic seabird, the thick‐billed murre (Uria lomvia) in response to broad‐scale environmental conditions at two different‐sized, low Arctic colonies located <300 km apart. First, we compared foraging behavior (measured via GPS units), average daily energy expenditure (estimated from GPS derived activity budgets), and foraging success (nutritional state measured via nutritional biomarkers pre‐ and post‐ GPS deployment) of murres at two colonies, which differ greatly in size: 30,000 pairs breed on Coats Island, Nunavut, and 400,000 pairs breed on Digges Island, Nunavut. Second, we tested whether colony size within the same marine ecosystem altered foraging behavior in response to broad‐scale environmental variability. Third, we tested whether environmentally induced foraging flexibility influenced the foraging success of murres. Murres at the larger colony foraged farther and longer but made fewer trips, resulting in a lower nutritional state and lower foraging success compared to birds at the smaller colony. Foraging behavior and foraging success varied in response to environmental variation, with murres at both colonies making longer, more distant foraging trips in high ice regimes during incubation, suggesting flexibility in responding to environmental variability. However, only birds at the larger colony showed this same flexibility during chick rearing. Foraging success at both colonies was higher during high ice regimes, suggesting greater prey availability. Overall, murres from the larger colony exhibited lower foraging success, and their foraging behavior showed stronger responses to changes in broad‐scale conditions such as sea ice regime. Taken together, this suggests that larger Arctic seabird colonies have higher behavioral and demographic sensitivity to environmental change.
A homology guide for Pacific salmon genus Oncorhynchus resolves patterns of ohnolog retention, resolution and local adaptation following the salmonid‐specific whole‐genome duplication event
Authors: Dimos Bradford , Phelps Michael
Published: April 2023

Salmonid fishes have emerged as a tractable model to study whole‐genome duplications (WGDs) as this group has undergone four rounds of WGDs. While most of the salmonid genome has returned to a diploid state, a significant proportion of genes are maintained as duplicates and are referred to as ohnologs. The fact that much of the modern salmonid gene repertoire is comprised of ohnologs, while other genes have returned to their singleton state creates complications for genetic studies by obscuring homology relationships. The difficulty this creates is particularly prominent in Pacific salmonids belonging to genus Oncorhynchus who are the focus of intense genetics‐based conservation and management efforts owing to the important ecological and cultural roles these fish play. To address this gap, we generated a homology guide for six species of Oncorhynchus with available genomes and used this guide to describe patterns of ohnolog retention and resolution. Overall, we find that ohnologs comprise approximately half of each species modern gene repertoires, which are functionally enriched for genes involved in DNA binding, while the less numerous singleton genes are heavily enriched in dosage‐sensitive processes such as mitochondrial metabolism. Additionally, by reanalyzing published expression data from locally adapted strains of O. mykiss, we show that numerous ohnologs exhibit adaptive expression profiles; however, ohnologs are not more likely to display adaptive signatures than either paralogs or singletons. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of our homology guide by investigating the evolutionary relationship among genes highlighted as playing a role in salmonid life‐history traits or gene editing targets.
Insecticide Residues Associated with Apple Orchard Treatments in the Mason Bee, Osmia cornifrons, and their Nests
Authors: Suzuki Takaaki , Ikegami Makihiko , Goka Koichi , Sakamoto Yoshiko
Published: April 2023

Declines in bee populations, in part due to pesticides, especially insecticides, are of global concern. Although most studies have investigated insecticide residues in honeybees and bumblebees, few have focused on non-Apis solitary bees, which are considered essential pollinators in the field. Most non-Apis bees are solitary and build their nests in the ground or in tree holes, therefore insecticide exposure pathways would differ from those of honeybees and bumblebees. We analyzed the residues of 20 insecticides in Osmia cornifrons bees and their pollen-provisions and nesting materials, along with adult honeybees, soil, and wildflowers collected in four apple orchards in two regions in Japan. Few insecticides were common among adult bees, pollen-provisions, and wildflowers. Insecticides applied in orchards were detected at high frequency: chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, and diazinon were detected in almost all samples. Insecticides without a known history of application were detected from various samples at frequencies ranging from 0% to 100%. Even in orchards without a known history of insecticide application, clothianidin was detected in many sample types and at high concentration. A purple deadnettle sample had the highest concentration at 17.5 mg/kg. These results highlight the complexity of pathways of insecticide exposure to O. cornifrons in the environment because insecticides may remain in the environment for long periods and wild bees may forage farther than previously known distances. Furthermore, each sample type contained different insecticides, so wild bees may have been exposed to different insecticides at different life stages. Future research should prioritize wide-scale measurements of insecticide residues in field conditions and toxicity testing with multiple exposures at different life stages of target species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1564–1574. © 2023 SETAC
Inorganic Arsenic Concentration in Fish Governed by Trophic Level and Size, not Water Concentration: Implications for Human Health Water Quality Criteria
Authors: Morrison Emily B. , Pappani Jason , Prouty Alan , McChesney Holly M. , Anderson Paul D.
Published: April 2023

In 2019, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality implemented a paired surface water and fish tissue data collection program to derive a state-specific bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for inorganic arsenic (iAs) as part of the development of new human health water quality criteria (HHWQC). No statistically significant relationship was found between total arsenic (tAs) or iAs in surface water and fish tissue. Fish body weight was the only parameter with a statistically significant effect on iAs concentration in fish tissue. The ratio of iAs to tAs in fish tissue declined significantly with both increasing trophic level and increasing body weight. The decrease in iAs concentration in fish tissue with increasing size and trophic level as well as the decrease in the proportion of tAs that is iAs with increasing trophic level are likely the result of metabolic transformation of iAs to organic As by organisms in each level of the aquatic food web. Although the linear regression–based BAF using the Idaho paired fish and water data best predicted observed iAs fish tissue concentrations compared to several alternative BAFs, it was not statistically significant (p < 0.05) and was a poor predictor (R2 = 0.01) of iAs concentrations in fish tissue. These results illustrate that iAs, and possibly other metals, in the natural environment do not conform with commonly used bioaccumulation models and the paradigm used by the US Environmental Protection Agency for determining HHWQC. These results indicate that modifications to the paradigm are necessary, such as a fish tissue criterion as Idaho has proposed, to assure that public health is protected. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1542–1552. © 2023 SETAC
Effects of Alkylation on Potency of Benz[a]anthracene for AhR2 Transactivation in Nine Species of Freshwater Fish
Authors: Dubiel Justin , Johnson Hunter , Eriksson Andreas N. M. , Hontela A. , Doering Jon A. , Wiseman Steve
Published: April 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are naturally occurring or anthropogenic organic chemicals that can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 (AhR2) and induce toxicity in fishes. Alkyl PAHs are more abundant than nonalkylated PAHs in certain environmental matrices and there is growing evidence that alkylation can increase potency, dependent on the position of alkylation. However, it is unknown if the effect of alkylation on potency is conserved across species. In addition, relatively little is known regarding the extent of interspecies variation in sensitivity to PAHs and alkyl PAHs. Therefore, objectives of the present study were to characterize potency of benz[a]anthracene (BAA) and three alkylated homologues representing different alkylation positions in nine phylogenetically diverse species of fish using a standardized in vitro AhR2 transactivation assay. BAA and each alkylated homologue activated the AhR2 in a concentration-dependent manner in each species. Position-dependent effects on potency were observed in every species, but these effects were not consistent across species. Interspecies variation in sensitivity to AhR2 activation by each PAH was observed and ranged by up to 561-fold. Alkylation both increased and decreased the range of interspecies variation and sensitivity, but the potency of each alkylated homologue relative to BAA ranged by less than an order of magnitude among species. These results represent an early step toward the consideration of alkylated homologues for more objective ecological risk assessments of PAHs to native fishes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1575–1585. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Harnessing Modeling for Assessing the Population Relevance of Exposure to Endocrine-Active Chemicals
Authors: Hazlerigg Charles R. E. , Mintram Katie S. , Tyler Charles R. , Weltje Lennart , Thorbek Pernille
Published: April 2023

The presence of endocrine-active chemicals (EACs) in the environment continues to cause concern for wildlife given their potential for adverse effects on organisms. However, there is a significant lack of understanding about the potential effects of EACs on populations. This has real-world limitations for EAC management and regulation, where the aim in environmental risk assessment is to protect populations. We propose a methodological approach for the application of modeling in addressing the population relevance of EAC exposure in fish. We provide a case study with the fungicide prochloraz to illustrate how this approach could be applied. We used two population models, one for brown trout (Salmo trutta; inSTREAM) and the other for three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) that met regulatory requirements for development and validation. Effects data extracted from the literature were combined with environmentally realistic exposure profiles generated with the FOCUS SW software. Population-level effects for prochloraz were observed in some modeling scenarios (hazard-threshold [HT]) but not others (dose–response), demonstrating the repercussions of making different decisions on implementation of exposure and effects. The population responses, defined through changes in abundance and biomass, of both trout and stickleback exposed to prochloraz were similar, indicating that the use of conservative effects/exposure decisions in model parameterization may be of greater significance in determining population-level adverse effects to EAC exposure than life-history characteristics. Our study supports the use of models as an effective approach to evaluate the adverse effects of EACs on fish populations. In particular, our HT parameterization is proposed for the use of population modeling in a regulatory context in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/605. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1624–1640. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Synthesis and pyrolysis of methyl cyclopentenolone succinate diester
Authors: Yu Zhaojin , Pan Tingting , Lai Miao , Ji Yuhang , Yang Xiaopeng , Dong Aijun , Ji Xiaoming
Published: April 2023

To develop a new class of enol diketone esters, succinic acid monoesters were synthesized using the reaction of succinic anhydride with various aromatic alcohols. Subsequently, six types of methyl cyclopentenolone succinate diesters were synthesized using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) as the condensation agent and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as the catalyst for the condensation reaction with methyl cyclopentenolone. The target compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR, 13C NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The aromas characteristics of esters were evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐olfactometer (GC–MS‐O). Compounds 5a ~ 5c, which had a strong aroma, were conducted with thermogravimetry‐derivative thermogravimetry (TG‐DTG) to analyse their heating‐stability. Additionally, these compounds were studied by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS) to analyse their pyrolysis behaviours at 300, 350 and 400°C. Results showed that methyl cyclopentenolone and a large number of small molecular flavouring substances were formed by 5a ~ 5c at the set temperature. The synthesis of methyl cyclopentenolone succinate diester can not only slow down the volatilization of methyl cyclopentenolone and aromatic alcohol, but also effectively enhance the aroma, improve the smoking taste of cigarettes, reduce the irritation and miscellaneous gas of smoking and provide more choices for cigarette flavouring.
Outcome evaluation using an artificial intelligence‐based facial measurement software for facial nerve grafting in head and neck and skull base surgery
Authors: Hidaka Takeaki , Tanaka Kentaro , Mori Hiroki
Published: April 2023

Background

Interposition nerve grafting is an indispensable technique for facial nerve reconstruction in head and neck, and skull base surgery. The prognostic factors are inconclusive, partly due to limited objective assessment systems for facial nerve function. This study aimed to apply an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based facial asymmetry measurement system to assess facial nerve grafting outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of 23 patients who underwent facial nerve grafting between 2011 and 2020. Oral asymmetry and synkinesis severity were measured using AI.

Results

Oral movement recovered at 12–18 months postoperatively. Postoperative radiotherapy and a larger number of anastomosed distal stumps were significantly associated with poor and good final oral symmetry, respectively. Synkinesis severity was weakly correlated with the degree of oral movement recovery.

Conclusions

Oral function recovered without a strong correlation with synkinesis. Caution should be exercised in facial nerve grafting for cases with postoperative radiotherapy.
Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Feng Yuan , Murphy Matthew C. , Hojo Emi , Li Fei , Roberts Neil
Published: April 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) present a major health burden to society. Changes in brain structure and cognition are generally only observed at the late stage of the disease. Although advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as diffusion imaging may allow identification of biomarkers at earlier stages of neurodegeneration, early diagnosis is still challenging. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive MRI technique for studying the mechanical properties of tissues by measuring the wave propagation induced in the tissues using a purpose‐built actuator. Here, we present a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies in which MRE has been applied to study neurodegenerative diseases. Actuator systems for data acquisition, inversion algorithms for data analysis, and sample demographics are described and tissue stiffness measures obtained for the whole brain and internal structures are summarized. A total of six animal studies and eight human studies have been published. The animal studies refer to 123 experimental animals (68 AD and 55 PD) and 121 wild‐type animals, while the human studies refer to 142 patients with neurodegenerative disease (including 56 AD and 17 PD) and 166 controls. The animal studies are consistent in the reporting of decreased stiffness of the hippocampal region in AD mice. However, in terms of disease progression, although consistent decreases in either storage modulus or shear modulus magnitude are reported for whole brain, there is variation in the results reported for the hippocampal region. The clinical studies are consistent in reports of a significant decrease in either whole brain storage modulus or shear modulus magnitude, in both AD and PD and with different brain structures affected in different neurodegenerative diseases. MRE studies of neurodegenerative diseases are still in their infancy, and in future it will be interesting to investigate potential relationships between brain mechanical properties and clinical measures, which may help elucidate the mechanisms underlying onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Evidence Level

1.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Efficacy of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir for post‐acute COVID‐19 sequelae beyond 3 months of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Chuang Min‐Hsiang , Wu Jheng‐Yan , Liu Ting‐Hui , Hsu Wan‐Hsuan , Tsai Ya‐Wen , Huang Po‐Yu , Lai Chih‐Cheng
Published: April 2023

The effect of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (NMV‐r) on post‐acute COVID‐19 sequelae beyond 3 months of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection remains unknown. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the TriNetX Research Network. We identified nonhospitalized adult patients with COVID‐19 receiving a diagnosis between January 1 and July 31, 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to create two matched cohorts: NMV‐r and non‐NMV‐r groups, respectively. We measured the primary outcomes using a composite of all‐cause emergency room (ER) visits or hospitalization and a composite of post‐COVID‐19 symptoms according to the WHO Delphi consensus, which also stated that post COVID‐19 condition occurs usually 3 months from the onset of COVID‐19, during the follow‐up period between 90 days after the index diagnosis of COVID‐19 and the end of follow‐up (180 days). Initially, we identified 12 247 patients that received NMV‐r within 5 days of diagnosis and 465 135 that did not. After PSM, 12 245 patients remained in each group. During the follow‐up period, patients treated with NMV‐r had a lower risk of all‐cause hospitalization and ER visits compared with untreated patients (659 vs. 955; odds ratio [OR], 0.672; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.607–0.745; p < 0.0001). However, the overall risk of post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms did not significantly differ between the two groups (2265 vs. 2187; OR, 1.043; 95% CI, 0.978–1.114; p = 0.2021). The reduced risk of all‐cause ER visits or hospitalization in the NMV‐r group and the similarities in the risk of post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms between the two groups were consistent in the subgroups stratified by sex, age, and vaccination status. Early NMV‐r treatment of nonhospitalized patients with COVID‐19 was associated with reduced risk of hospitalization and ER visits during the period of 90–180 days after diagnosis compared with no NMV‐r treatment; however, post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms and mortality risk did not differ significantly between the groups.
Identification of a novel pathogenic variant in KCNH2 in an Iranian family with long QT syndrome 2 by whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Fazelifar Amir Farjam , Pourirahim Maryam , Masoumi Tannaz , Biglari Alireza , Maleki Majid , Kalayinia Samira
Published: April 2023

Background

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a lethal cardiac condition. However, the clinical implementation of genetic testing has now made LQTS eminently treatable. Next‐generation sequencing has remarkable potential for both clinical diagnostics and research of LQTS. Here, we investigated the genetic etiology in an LQTS‐suspected Iranian pedigree by whole‐exome sequencing and collected all KCNH2 variants with consensus based on publications.

Methods

WES was performed on the proband of this pedigree to reveal the underlying cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD). The variant found was validated and segregated by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Based on the literature review, KCNH2 variants were retrospectively analyzed to identify pathogenic variants, likely pathogenic variants, and variants of uncertain significance by using different prediction tools.

Results

WES identified an autosomal dominant nonsense variant, c.1425C>A: p.Tyr475Ter, in the KCNH2 gene, which appeared to be the most likely cause of LQTS in this pedigree. Moreover, our comprehensive literature review yielded 511 KCNH2 variants in association with the LQTS phenotype, with c.3002G>A (CADD Phred=49) being the most pathogenic variant.

Conclusions

Variants in the KCNH2 gene are considered a major cause of LQTS worldwide. The detected c.1425C>A is a novel variant to be reported from Iran for the first time. This result indicates the importance of KCNH2 screening in a pedigree with SCD cases.
Monitoring the thermal behavior of polyethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Bouita Mouad , Tinnes Jean‐Philippe , Ponçot Marc
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the thermal behavior of polyethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate using Raman spectroscopy. The study finds that multiple changes in the Raman spectrum at two different heating rates of 1 and 0.5 K/min provide different information about the thermal behavior of the sample. The study also shows that the derivative of the half‐width of the band at 1737 cm−1, which characterizes the stretching of the C=O double bond of the ester group, allows us to trace back to the DSC thermogram. The crystallinity was followed with quite a good precision and using two different spectral zones around 1029 and 1737 cm−1. The calculated crystallinity rate could be compared with the crystallinity rates obtained by integrating the total heat flow by DSC and that obtained by wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). As a result, this study also allows us to understand the conformational changes that take place during heating, and especially those responsible for crystallization, which is the great advantage of Raman spectroscopy compared with other standard methods.
Ocean acidification has a strong effect on communities living on plastic in mesocosms
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Ping , Deng Zichao , Huang Ruiping , Zhang Di , Tian Yang , Wang Na , Li He , Wang Xuyang , Jiang Xiaowen , Sun Jiazhen , Fu Qianqian , Yi Xiangqi , Qu Liming , Zhou Cong , Rao Yuming , Zeng Xiaorong , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Gao Guang , Gao Kunshan , Lin Xin
Published: April 2023

We conducted a mesocosm experiment to examine how ocean acidification (OA) affects communities of prokaryotes and eukaryotes growing on single‐use drinking bottles in subtropical eutrophic waters of the East China Sea. Based on 16S rDNA gene sequencing, simulated high CO2 significantly altered the prokaryotic community, with the relative abundance of the phylum Planctomycetota increasing by 49%. Under high CO2, prokaryotes in the plastisphere had enhanced nitrogen dissimilation and ureolysis, raising the possibility that OA may modify nutrient cycling in subtropical eutrophic waters. The relative abundance of pathogenic and animal parasite bacteria also increased under simulated high CO2. Our results show that elevated CO2 levels significantly affected several animal taxa based on 18S rDNA gene sequencing. For example, Mayorella amoebae were highly resistant, whereas Labyrinthula were sensitive to OA. Thus, OA may alter plastisphere food chains in subtropical eutrophic waters.
States prepare to avert problems as Medicaid rolls stand to be pared down
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2023

Next month's planned lifting of the COVID‐19 public health emergency will mark an important milestone in the nation's response to the pandemic, but also launch a period of uncertainty for Medicaid beneficiaries and the providers that treat them. After three years of continuous enrollment in which states left their Medicaid rolls virtually untouched, all beneficiaries now face redetermination of their eligibility and at least the potential for loss of coverage.
Preventive, community‐based care needed for homeless population with MI
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2023

Observing that at least 1 in 5 of the 580,000 individuals who experience homelessness on a single night have a severe mental illness, authors of new research suggest community‐based solutions and compassionate inpatient facilities are key to reducing homelessness and improving outcomes.
California FQHCs see increased audio‐only BH telehealth visits
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2023

Following two years post‐pandemic, audio‐only telehealth visits for behavioral health care have remained common at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in California resulting in 2 out of 5 behavioral health visits, suggests a new study from the RAND Corporation. Audio‐only visits accounted for 1 in 5 primary care visits during the same time period.
The Carathéodory approximation scheme for stochastic differential equations with G‐Lévy process
Authors: Ullah Rahman , Faizullah Faiz , Ul Islam Naeem
Published: April 2023

This article investigates the Carathéodory approximation scheme for stochastic differential equations (SDEs) in the G‐Lévy process framework. In the context of the G‐Lévy process, the possibility of SDE solutions has been developed. The solution's boundedness and uniqueness have been discussed. The convergence of approximate Carathéodory solutions
to the unique solution
of the given SDEs has been determined. The G‐Lévy framework is used to obtain exponential estimates for solutions to SDEs. An example has been provided to validate the results.
Automated optimization of spatial resolution for single‐sided NMR
Authors: Kiple Lyndi , Ballenger John , Keating Kristina , Balachandra Anagi M. , Meldrum Tyler
Published: April 2023

Single‐sided NMR instruments utilize inhomogeneous magnetic fields with strong gradients to nondestructively probe physical properties of materials. The sensitive region of this type of magnet is often a thin slice above the magnet's surface; measuring planar samples with high spatial resolution requires coplanarity between the sensitive region of the magnet and the sample region of interest. We developed an algorithmic approach to position flat samples coplanar with the magnet's sensitive region. The efficient and objective positioning process utilizes an adjustable stage that offers control over three degrees of freedom, and the optimal position for each sample is found with a quadtree algorithm. We show this algorithm is effective for positioning samples with various relaxation behaviors. We report resolution values that describe position optimization, acquisition constraints, and final spatial resolution for each sample. Measurements after optimized positioning had appropriate spatial resolution to distinguish physical regions of layered samples with different physical properties, namely, relaxation behavior. Our algorithmic positioning process can be implemented for planar samples in research and industrial settings to enhance spatial resolution of single‐sided NMR measurements.
Outcome of patients with undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver treated according to European soft tissue sarcoma protocols
Authors: Guérin Florent , Martelli Hélène , Rogers Timothy , Zanetti Ilaria , van Scheltinga Sheila Terwisscha , De Corti Federica , Burrieza Gabriella Guillen , Minard‐Colin Véronique , Orbach Daniel , van Noesel Max M. , Karanian Marie , Fajardo Raquel Dávila , Merks Johannes H. M. , Ferrari Andrea , Bisogno Gianni
Published: April 2023

Background

To assess the outcomes of pediatric patients with undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) and treatment including at least surgery and systemic chemotherapy.

Methods

This study included patients aged up to 21 years with a pathological diagnosis of UESL prospectively enrolled from 1995 to 2016 in three European trials focusing on the effects of surgical margins, preoperative chemotherapy, use of radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy.

Results

Out of 65 patients with a median age at diagnosis of 8.7 years (0.6–20.8), 15 had T2 tumors, and one had lymph node spread, 14 were Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) I, nine IRS II, 38 IRS III, and four IRS IV. Twenty‐eight upfront surgeries resulted in five operative spillages and 11 infiltrated surgical margins, whereas 37 delayed surgeries resulted in no spillages (p = .0119) and three infiltrated margins (p = .0238). All patients received chemotherapy, including anthracyclines in 47. RT was administered in 15 patients. With a median follow‐up of 78.6 months, 5‐year overall and event‐free survivals (EFS) were 90.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.2–95.5) and 89.1% (95% CI: 78.4–94.6), respectively. Two out four local relapses had previous infiltrated margins and two out of three patients with metastatic relapses received reduced doses of alkylating agents. Infiltrated margins (p = .1607), T2 stage (p = .3870), use of RT (p = .8731), and anthracycline‐based chemotherapy (p = .1181) were not correlated with EFS.

Conclusions

Multimodal therapy improved the outcome of UESL. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pediatric patients increases the probability of complete surgical resection. The role of anthracyclines and RT for localized disease remains unclear.
Information overdose: Student performance and perceptions of pharmacology resources on exams
Authors: Kruidering‐Hall Marieke , Tuan Rupa Lalchandani
Published: April 2023

Physicians of the future will be expected to synthesize new knowledge and appropriately apply it in patient care. Here, we report on the effects of and student attitudes towards resource‐enhanced exams by comparing student performance on closed‐book exams with or without access to pharmacology flashcards. Setting: the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine (SOM), class of 2021 (N = 149), followed over 4 years. We provided pharmacology flashcards for studying purposes in all blocks; flashcards were only accessible during closed‐book exams in 2 of 5 blocks. We collected pharmacology open‐ended question (OEQ) scores and analyzed results using repeated measures ANOVA (SPSS). We collected MS4 survey data using Qualtrics and conducted a thematic content analysis. Performance on pharmacology questions on exams was not higher with access to pharmacology flashcards during exams. The number of students who passed pharmacology questions without flashcards on exams was as follows: 137 ± 3.7, 132 ± 5.0, and 134 ± 7.9 (average ± SEM). The number of students who passed pharmacology questions with flashcards on exams was as follows: 132 ± 6.6 and 120 ± 7.5. Survey comments revealed several themes. Access to pharmacology flashcards during exams allowed learners to focus on understanding the bigger picture and reduced stress. A subset of students reported having access to flashcards on pre‐clerkship exams hurt their preparation for clerkships. Flashcards as exam resources were received well by approximately half the class, who reported benefits including more time to focus on understanding bigger picture concepts and reduced stress.
Mössbauer and Magnetic Properties Investigation of REFe0.5Cr0.5O3 (RE=La, Y) Perovskite
Authors: Yang Jiayun , Cao Huanhuan , Lu Zeyi , Mo Jiajun , Zhou Yang , Gao Kaiyang , Xue Xinhao , Xia Yanfang , Liu Min
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of REFe0.5Cr0.5O3 (RE = La, Y) using the sol–gel method is focused and their structural differences are investigated. The results of X‐ray diffraction show that the change of ion radius at position A leads to varying degrees of octahedral distortion and spatial group structure. The scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals micron‐level particles with clear boundaries, while energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and room temperature Mössbauer spectra indicate the presence of Fe/Cr clusters in the sample and the transitional valence of iron. Disorder in the B position leads to a saturation moment that is lower than the theoretical value. The thermomagnetic profile shows a reversal of magnetization due to the interaction between the single‐ion magnetic anisotropy and the antisymmetric Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction, with a broader peak is observed due to cluster formation. The difference in negative magnetic field is due to the difference in net magnetic moment caused by different DM intensities.
Silver‐Doped Cu2(Sn,Ge)S3 Solar Cells
Authors: Ito Tomohiro , Nishimura Takahito , Chantana Jakapan , Mavlonov Abdurashid , Kawano Yu , Negami Takayuki , Minemoto Takashi
Published: April 2023

Herein, the usefulness of silver (Ag)‐doping into Cu2(Sn,Ge)S3 (CTGS) solar cells is demonstrated. From an observation via a field emission scanning electron microscope, grain growth promotion of the CTGS thin films by Ag‐doping is revealed. It is found that undesirable defects are suppressed by an adequate Ag‐dopant amount, resulting in reduced nonradiative recombination in photoluminescence spectra for the Ag‐doped CTGS films. For the CTGS solar cell devices, Ag‐doping into the CTGS absorbers mainly improves the short‐circuit current density and open‐circuit voltage. Finally, 3.2%‐efficient Ag‐doped CTGS solar cell is obtained at [Ag]/([Ag] + [Cu]) ratio of 0.05. It is believed that these findings will help to realize the highest efficiency for the CTGS solar cells.
Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of sodium alginate films integrated with cinnamon essential oil and citric acid on sliced cooked ham
Authors: Lee Melissa , Rüegg Nadine , Yildirim Selçuk
Published: April 2023

Bio‐based antimicrobial films have been developed using sodium alginate and 6 wt% of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) as a volatile antimicrobial substance and 4 and 6 wt% of citric acid (CA) as a non‐volatile antimicrobial substance. Antimicrobial activity of the films was tested in in vitro tests against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua by disc diffusion or vapour diffusion assay. Sodium alginate films containing CA exhibited a zone of inhibition between 30.86 ± 2.55 and 45.87 ± 1.90 against E. coli and L. innocua in the disc diffusion assays. Films containing CEO also showed significant antimicrobial activities in the vapour diffusion assays that resulted in a log reduction of 5.3 for E. coli and 3.2 for L. innocua after 6 days. Antimicrobial activities of all films were also tested against L. innocua on sliced cooked ham. Films containing CEO did not prevent the growth of L. innocua inoculated on ham. On the other hand, sodium alginate films with CA fully inhibited the growth of L. innocua on ham during storage at 7.5°C for 12 days resulting in a bacterial count below the detection limit after 12 days. The addition of antimicrobial substances in sodium alginate films resulted in a slight colour change (but significant) and reduced the tensile strength of the films significantly. Adding CA to sodium alginate films increased the moisture content (from 24.81% to 35.41–48.02%) as well as the elongation at break (from 11.3% to 22.6–33.2%) of the films.
Memory‐type control charts for censored reliability data
Authors: Ali Sajid , Shamim Rimsha , Shah Ismail , Alrweili Hleil , Marcon Giulia
Published: April 2023

Control charts are commonly used to monitor a process to detect undesirable changes. The main goal of this work is to propose exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) and cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts to track a process by utilizing type‐I censored generalized exponential (GE) distributed data. In particular, the censored data are replaced with the conditional expected value (CEV). A comparison between CUSUM and CUSUM ignoring unobserved covariates (CUSUM‐IUC) charts is also a part of this study. The GE distribution is considered due to its application in reliability analysis. The performance of the charts is evaluated by using the average run length along with the standard deviation of the run length. Furthermore, the study also examines the effect of smoothing parameters, censoring rate, and shifts on the proposed methodologies. The results indicate that the EWMA chart performs better than other schemes (CUSUM and CUSUM‐IUC) for shifts in the shape parameter of the GE distribution. Finally, the proposed schemes are also applied to a real‐life data set.
A model for measuring multi‐concern assurance of critical infrastructure control systems
Authors: Scalco Aleksandra , Simske Steve
Published: April 2023

Digital transformation of engineering practice, paradigms, processes, and workforce engender agreement uncertainty among professionals, particularly in the critical industry control system field. Control systems are susceptible to cyber‐mediated changes that can uniquely affect the control of the physical world from data‐centric information systems. Change to the system can be introduced by any proposed or forced alteration that affects the acceptability, suitability, feasibility, or resiliency to perform its intended mission, either positively or negatively. The potential impact of the cybersecurity threat on control systems is difficult to quantify. Agreement among professionals about decision authority and Command and Control (C2) over this threat is even more challenging to quantify. Understanding what cybersecurity entails still needs to be widely understood by the critical infrastructure control system workforce, and the control system assets are not widely understood by the Information Technology (IT) workforce. This research introduces a model and methodology for measuring multi‐concern assurance through the statistical uncertainty analysis of Likert semantic differential scales. The model addresses agreement in priority, the lack of which means there might be competing aims, competing spending, and competing focus on different aspects of the cybersecurity governance or policy as examples. The outcome identifies where different types of professionals do not agree about cybersecurity readiness and best practices for critical infrastructure control systems.
Guide to diagnosing and managing skin diseases in horses
Authors: Long Sarah
Published: April 2023

Reviewed by Sarah Long, lecturer in veterinary dermatology at Bristol vet school.
Thomas Keith Capron
Authors: Jones Ronald , Hardy Bas
Published: April 2023

A practitioner who cared for the animals of Pontypridd in South Wales. He was a bon viveur and a well‐known raconteur.
Time spent preparing for practice paid off with a rewarding clinical director role
Authors: Sawran Ami
Published: April 2023

Early in her career, vet Ami Sawran found comfort in academia, later feeling better prepared for practice life and taking up the role of clinical director with Westpoint Farm Vets in Chelmsford.