bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of Lower Extremity Muscle Performance and Knee Proprioception During First 60 Degrees of Knee Flexion at Three Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Kanchanomai Siriluck , Rueangthong Chatphorn , Chernchujit Bancha , Kitsuksan Thanawat , Suttanon Plaiwan , Apibantaweesakul Sudarat
Published: October 2022

Background: Knee proprioception and neuromuscular control may be important factors contributing to re-injury occurrences. Objectives: To examine lower extremity muscular performance and knee proprioception preoperatively and 3 months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: Twelve participants underwent ACL reconstruction using the hamstring tendon. All participants were assessed for knee proprioceptive sense using an isokinetic dynamometer at 15° and 60° of knee flexion. Lower extremity muscular performance was examined using the single-leg squat test (SLS) with two-dimensional motion analysis in frontal and sagittal planes. Results: Mean absolute error angle at a 15-degree-target angle was significantly lower at three months after ACL reconstruction compared with the preoperative state (P = 0.04). Maximal knee flexion angle of the injured The SLS test showed a lesser knee flexion angle of the injured knee at three months after ACL reconstruction (P = 0.01), and injured knee proprioception at 60 degree-flexion did not significantly improve at the three month-postoperative stage. Conclusions: At three months after ACL reconstruction by hamstring graft tendon, knee proprioceptive sense at an inner range of knee extension improved. However, proprioception at the middle range did not significantly develop. The range of hip and knee motions using SLS related to strength changes that the knee extensor needs to improve, especially in the middle range.
Evaluation of Clinical, Socioeconomic, and Demographic Factors in Different Poisoning Agents in Pediatric Population
Authors: Noori Noor Mohammad , Boryri Tahereh , Teimouri Alireza , Safapour Moghadam Sahar
Published: October 2022

Background: Poisoning is a critical global health problem, especially among children. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological features, clinical signs, and risk factors of childhood poisoning in the southeastern region of Iran. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 636 children and adolescents admitted to the Emergency Department of Ali Ebne Abitaleb Teaching Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, within 2014 to 2020. The collected data were clinical symptoms at the time of admission, socioeconomic and demographic determinants, poisoning agents, admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), using antidote, hospital stay in days, discharge status from the hospital, self-poisoning, gender, and place of residency. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18). Mean and standard deviation, Pearson and chi-square were used to assess the association between two specific categorical variables, and the level of significance was considered 0.05. Results: Opium was the most common poisoning agent with the age of 8 years and femalepriority. Among poisoned subjects by chemical agents, the highlighted symptoms were respiratory distress, decreased peripheral oxygen saturation (SPO2), nausea and vomiting, fever, and a decrease in heart rate in the given order. Among poisoned subjects by medicinal agents with a decrease in SPO2, a decrease in consciousness and blood pressure was common. More frequent symptoms in children poisoned by opium were a decrease in SPO2, myosis, a decrease in heart rate, a decrease in respiratory rate, seizures, and nausea and vomiting. The factors, including antidote, gender, place of residency, poisoning by accidental events, admission to PICU, and days stayed in the hospital, were the significant factors in poisoning. Conclusions: Poisoning by opium agents was more common than other agents in Iran in lower age groups. Poisoned children by opium agents had severe symptoms with higher frequency than other agents. Antidote, gender, place of residency, poisoning by accidental events, admission to PICU, and days stayed in the hospital were significant factors in agent poisoning.
The Relationship Between Parental Bonding and Suicidal Ideation: The Mediating Role of Feelings of Self-conscious Affect (Shame and Guilt) and Separation-Individuation
Authors: Bitarafan Maryam , Abasi Imaneh , Fatemizadeh Mahdi , Khorrami Mohammad , Aslezaker Maryam
Published: October 2022

Background: Suicide is regarded as a major public health concern in the world. Identifying factors related to suicidal ideation and prevention of suicidal thoughts play a key role in reducing suicide rates. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between parental bonding and suicidal ideation with regard to the mediating role of feelings of shame, guilt, and separation-individuation. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 573 university students were selected as the sample by adopting multi-stage cluster sampling. Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), Beck Scale of Suicide Ideation (BSSI), test of self-conscious affect (TOSCA-3), and Psychological Separation Inventory (PSI) were also used to conduct the present study. Structural equation modeling, SPSS version 21, and AMOS version 24 were used to analyze the data. Results: Maternal bonding had a direct and significant relationship with suicidal ideation (0/27), whereas the direct path between paternal bonding to suicidal ideation was non-significant (0/02). From among the mediating variables, only self-conscious affect (shame and guilt) had a significant relationship in the association between parental bonding (maternal and paternal) and suicidal ideation (0/20). Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between separation from mother (0/03) and separation from father (0/07) with suicidal thoughts. Conclusions: It was concluded that parental bonding – maternal bonding, in particular – played an important role in the emergence of suicidal ideation. In addition, it was found that dysfunctional parental bonding may have prepared the ground for the emergence of suicidal ideation through feelings of shame and guilt. Therefore, it was recommended that a special attention should be paid to the important roles of shame and guilt when developing treatment protocols for those vulnerable to suicide.
A Comprehensive Comparison of COVID-19 Characteristics (Wuhan Strain) Between Children and Adults During Initial Pandemic Phase: A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Amanati Ali , Vali Mohebat , Fatemian Hossein , Maleki Zahra , Foroozand Hassan , Sahebi Keivan , Rahmanian Mohammad Reza , Entezari Meybodi Mohammad Javad
Published: October 2022

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Wuhan strain) features in children and adults during the initial pandemic phase. Methods: Until June 4, 2020, a systematic search was conducted on the EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus to find and collect studies based on available data among adults and children. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using I2 statistics and chi-square testing. The random-effect model was used to pool the effect sizes due to inter-study heterogeneity (chi-square P-value 0.1 and I2 >50%). Results: Fever (65.73%), cough (53.78%), expectoration (37.9%), gastrointestinal symptoms (37.01%), headache (23.41%), shortness of breath (21.65%), and myalgia (20.79%) were the most common symptoms reported in children, according to the pooled estimation analysis. Arthralgia (Effect estimate (ES): adults = 2.15, children = 17.94) and headache (ES: adults = 9.22, children = 23.41) were significantly observed higher in children (P-value = 0.019). Adult patients had a higher rate of abnormal computed tomography (CT)-scan findings, while most children had a normal imaging studies. Adults had significantly higher rates of comorbidities, whereas children had significantly higher rates of asthma (ES: 17.94% vs 8.85%; P-value = 0.026) and malignancy (ES: 10.36% vs 5.47%; P-value = 0.045). During initial pandemic phase, hydroxychloroquine (ES: 66.21% vs 29.01%; P-value = 0.001) and antibiotics (ES: 77.86% vs 38.01%; P-value = 0.001) were used much more frequently in adult patients. Adults used much more antibiotics than children. Nonetheless, antibiotics were given to around 40% of the children studied. Conclusions: Although children were afflicted less than adults in the early stages of the pandemic and had lower mortality, clinical and radiological findings, as well as prognostic factors, did not differ significantly between adults and children. However, with the advent of novel variants, clinical signs and symptoms, complications, and outcomes changed in children significantly.
Las fronteras del aire: cambio climático, migraciones y justicia global
Authors: Campillo Meseguer Antonio
Published: October 2022

Necesitamos comprender la novedad de las migraciones contemporáneas para poder regularlas con criterios de justicia. Para ello, hemos de considerar la escala geopolítica global, la larga duración histórica y nuestro vínculo ecológico con la biosfera. Migran las plantas, los animales y los humanos, estos últimos por la violencia, la desigualdad y la degradación ambiental. El cambio climático es ya la principal causa de las extinciones de especies y de las migraciones humanas. Por eso, debemos instituir una justicia social y ambiental global que proteja simultáneamente a los pueblos, a las generaciones venideras, a las especies y a los ecosistemas.
Concepciones de docentes de Educación Primaria sobre el juego de rol como herramienta para la enseñanza del patrimonio
Authors: Sampedro-Martín Sergio , Estepa Giménez Jesús
Published: October 2022

This research is a first approach to the study of the conceptions that primary school teachers in Huelva have about the role play when teaching the heritage. For doing this, a questionnaire has been carried on teachers in Huelva, in order to establish didactic models in relation to the teaching of heritage through role-playing games. Afterwards, we have deepened their conceptions and practices through an interview with teachers with different didactic profiles. Finally, we have analyzed the data obtained, relying on the descriptors of our category system and following our progression hypothesis. Among the main results of this study, we highlight that teachers value heritage education and the relevance of the use of role-playing as a significant tool for teaching the heritage, despite the fact that they do not use it in the practice of their teaching.

Esta investigación es una primera aproximación al estudio de concepciones de docentes de Educación Primaria sobre el juego de rol en la enseñanza del patrimonio. Para ello se ha procedido a aplicar un cuestionario a los docentes de Huelva capital con el fin de establecer modelos didácticos en relación con la enseñanza del patrimonio a través de los juegos de rol. Después, profundizamos en sus concepciones y prácticas a través de una entrevista a docentes con perfiles didácticos diferentes. Finalmente, analizamos los datos obtenidos, apoyándonos en los descriptores de nuestro sistema de categorías y siguiendo nuestra hipótesis de progresión. Entre los principales resultados de este estudio destacamos que los docentes valoran la educación patrimonial y la relevancia del uso del juego de rol como herramienta significativa para la enseñanza del patrimonio, a pesar de que no lo utilicen en la práctica de su enseñanza.
Effect of pile-up of electron flow pulse from photomultiplier tube on ranging by photon counting
Authors: Xiang Yu-Yan , Li Song , Ma Yue ,   School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
Published: October 2022

Photomultiplier tube (PMT) features single photon level sensitivity, low dark count, and low afterpulse probability, and are widely used in photon-counting lidar in the visible spectrum. The PMT has no photon detection dead time, for every photon it responds to, it can output an electron flow pulse, these pulses of electron flow are likely to pile up into larger pulses. When using threshold identification method to identify photon-events, the stacked pulse will introduce additional pulse walking error, directly affecting the ranging precision of photon-counting ranging method in the practical application of laser ranging. Considering the influence of pulse pile-up, a new theoretical model of PMT photon detection is established to describe the influence of pulse pile-up on the detection probability of photon-events by analyzing the relationship between the detection time of photon and the identification time of the PMT final output photon-events. Through Monte Carlo simulation, the relationship among the ranging walking error, ranging accuracy, incident laser pulse width, PMT output electron flow pulse width and photon-events identification threshold is obtained. In order to verify the correctness of the theory, a PMT-based photon-counting lidar system is built. The comparative experiment with GM-APD proves that the influence of pulse pile-up on PMT photon-counting ranging method cannot be ignored, and that the experimental results are in good agreement with results from the theoretical model. The PMT photon detection model based on pulse pile-up can guide the design of PMT photon-counting radar and improve the ranging accuracy and precision of the ranging system.
Negative differential thermal resistance in a two-dimensional gas model
Authors: Huang Li-Sheng , Luo Rong-Xiang ,   Department of Physics, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Published: October 2022

The negative differential thermal resistance (NDTR) effect refers to a phenomenon that may take place in a heat transport system where the heat current counterintuitively decreases as the temperature difference between heat baths increases. Understanding and controlling the NDTR properties of out-of-equilibrium systems and using them to design new functional thermal devices are the major challenges of modern science and technology, which has important theoretical significance and application prospects. Up to now, the various lattice models representing solid materials have been taken to study the NDTR properties, but the fluid models have not received enough attention. It has recently been shown that in one-dimensional hard-point gas models representing fluids, there is a mechanism for NDTR induced by heat baths. The mechanism for NDTR in such a system depends on the simple fact that decreasing the temperature of the cold bath can weaken the motion of particles and decrease the collision rate between particles and the hot bath, thus impeding thermal exchange between the cold and hot baths. In this paper, we study how this mechanism works in more general two-dimensional gas models described by multi-particle collision dynamics. The gas models we consider are in a finite rectangular region of two-dimensional space with each end in contact with a heat bath. Based on the analytical results and numerical simulations, we show that the mechanism underlying NDTR induced by heat baths is also in effect for two-dimensional gas models and is applicable for describing systems with small sizes and weak interactions. Our result, together with that previously obtained in one-dimensional gas models, provides strong evidence that gas systems can exhibit NDTR by decreasing the temperature of the heat bath, which sheds new light on the exploring direction for developing various fluidic thermal control devices.
Upconversion white-light emission luminescence characteristics based on single-particle NaYF4 microrod
Authors: Gao Wei , Shao Lin , Han Shan-Shan , Xing Yu , Zhang Jing-Jing , Chen Bin-Hui , Han Qing-Yan , Yan Xue-Wen , Zhang Cheng-Yun , Dong Jun ,   School of Electronic Engineering, Xi’an University of Posts & Telecommunications, Xi’an 710121, China
Published: October 2022

White upconversion (UC) luminescent materials have shown incomparable advantages over other light sources in the fields of solid-state lighting, liquid crystal display, and bioimaging, and received extensive attention from researchers. In this work, a series of microcrystals doped with different ion concentrations is synthesized by hydrothermal method, such as NaYF4: Yb3+/Ho3+/Tm3+ and NaYF4: Yb3+/Ho3+/Tm3+, and their corresponding micron core-shell (CS) structures are constructed based on epitaxial growth technology. The structure and morphology of the prepared microcrystals are characterised by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), showing that the microcrystal has a pure hexagonal-phase crystal structure with a rod-like shape. Under the excitation of 980 nm near-infrared laser, the white UC luminescence characteristics of Ho3+/Tm3+ and Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped single-particle NaYF4 microcrystals are systematically studied by modulating the concentration of the doping ions. The study shows that in Ho3+/Tm3+ co-doped NaYF4 microcrystals, white UC luminescence can be easily achieved by modulating the concentration of Yb3+ ions, while in the Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped NaYF4 microcrystal, the white UC luminescence can be effectively achieved by modulating the concentration of Er3+ ions. According to the luminescence characteristics of the microncrystals in different doping systems, the physical mechanism of white light emission regulation is revealed, which is mainly due to the interaction between the doped ions, including cross relaxation (CR) process and energy back transfer (EBT) process. Meanwhile, an effective enhancement of the white UC luminescence on CS microrod is achieved by coating the NaYF4 inert shell. Therefore, ion doping technique and the construction of CS structure can not only realize the white UC luminescence of microrods, but also provide important experimental reference for further enhancing the luminescence characteristics of microrods, and expand the applications of microcrystals in the fields of display, optoelectronics and anti-counterfeiting.
Experimental study on material discrimination based on muon discrete energy
Authors: Li Yu-Peng , Tang Xiu-Zhang , Chen Xin-Nan , Gao Chun-Yu , Chen Yan-Nan , Fan Cheng-Jun , Lü Jian-You ,   China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
Published: October 2022

Cosmic-ray muon is a kind of charged particle with strong penetrating capability and sensitivity to high atomic number materials. In recent years, muongraphy emerged as a novel technique by using cosmic-ray muon to image unknown volume, and is widely applied to nuclear security, geosciences, archaeology and civil engineering. The effect of multiple Coulomb scattering between muons and materials with different atomic number is different, and the scattering angle is related to material Z and muon energy. If we can measure muon scattering angle and muon energy, we can identify the category of material interacted with muon. However, it is difficult to measure the energy of each muon in real time, most of the researches use the mean muon energy ~4 GeV to alternate each muon energy which causes image to blurred and material discrimination accuracy to decrease. This article introduces a method of using the discrete muon energy to fit the scattering angle distribution derived from continuous muon energy and estimate the weight of each discrete muon energy. Then measure the scattering angle of the material to be identified, histogram the scattering angle and couple it with the calibrated scattering angle distribution by discrete muon energy. The last step is to calculate the radiation length from the above equation. The radiation length is a characteristic quantity of the material, and used to identify materials in this method. We carry out the experiment on material’s discrimination based on the apparatus of cosmic-ray muon tomography made by China Institute of Atomic Energy. The system contains 6 layers, consisting of several drift tube detectors planted in two orthogonal coordinate for tracking muon trajectory. Five materials are selected to be distinguished in the experiment, they being C, Al, Fe, Pb, and W. The scattering angles formed by muons passing through these materials are measured respectively, and their radiation lengths are measured and identified in pairs. In order to evaluate material discrimination accuracy, we plot the ROC curve between each pair of materials. The result reveals that Al-Fe and Fe-Pb can be effectively identified at a 95% confidence level, under 1400 valid muon events. Considering that the difference in material density also influences discrimination accuracy, we simulate several other materials identified by Pb. It is concluded that this method can identify the materials with radiation length greater than 0.7 cm. Compared with the discrimination method of unknowing muon energy, this method improves the accuracy of Pb-W discrimination by 18.5%.
Structural and thermodynamic analyses of the β-to-α transformation in RfaH reveal principles of fold-switching proteins
Authors: Zuber Philipp K , Daviter Tina , Heißmann Ramona , Persau Ulrike , Schweimer Kristian , Knauer Stefan H
Published: October 2022

The two-domain protein RfaH, a paralog of the universally conserved NusG/Spt5 transcription factors, is regulated by autoinhibition coupled to the reversible conformational switch of its 60-residue C-terminal Kyrpides, Ouzounis, Woese (KOW) domain between an α-hairpin and a β-barrel. In contrast, NusG/Spt5-KOW domains only occur in the β-barrel state. To understand the principles underlying the drastic fold switch in RfaH, we elucidated the thermodynamic stability and the structural dynamics of two RfaH- and four NusG/Spt5-KOW domains by combining biophysical and structural biology methods. We find that the RfaH-KOW β-barrel is thermodynamically less stable than that of most NusG/Spt5-KOWs and we show that it is in equilibrium with a globally unfolded species, which, strikingly, contains two helical regions that prime the transition toward the α-hairpin. Our results suggest that transiently structured elements in the unfolded conformation might drive the global folding transition in metamorphic proteins in general.
Non-invasive classification of macrophage polarisation by 2P-FLIM and machine learning
Authors: Neto Nuno GB , O'Rourke Sinead A , Zhang Mimi , Fitzgerald Hannah K , Dunne Aisling , Monaghan Michael G
Published: October 2022

In this study, we utilise fluorescence lifetime imaging of NAD(P)H-based cellular autofluorescence as a non-invasive modality to classify two contrasting states of human macrophages by proxy of their governing metabolic state. Macrophages derived from human blood-circulating monocytes were polarised using established protocols and metabolically challenged using small molecules to validate their responding metabolic actions in extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption. Large field-of-view images of individual polarised macrophages were obtained using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). These were challenged in real time with small-molecule perturbations of metabolism during imaging. We uncovered FLIM parameters that are pronounced under the action of carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), which strongly stratifies the phenotype of polarised human macrophages; however, this performance is impacted by donor variability when analysing the data at a single-cell level. The stratification and parameters emanating from a full field-of-view and single-cell FLIM approach serve as the basis for machine learning models. Applying a random forests model, we identify three strongly governing FLIM parameters, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC-AUC) value of 0.944 and out-of-bag (OBB) error rate of 16.67% when classifying human macrophages in a full field-of-view image. To conclude, 2P-FLIM with the integration of machine learning models is showed to be a powerful technique for analysis of both human macrophage metabolism and polarisation at full FoV and single-cell level.
Tissue-specific mitochondrial HIGD1C promotes oxygen sensitivity in carotid body chemoreceptors
Authors: Timón-Gómez Alba , Scharr Alexandra L , Wong Nicholas Y , Ni Erwin , Roy Arijit , Liu Min , Chau Julisia , Lampert Jack L , Hireed Homza , Kim Noah S , Jan Masood , Gupta Alexander R , Day Ryan W , Gardner James M , Wilson Richard JA , Barrientos Antoni , Chang Andy J
Published: October 2022

Mammalian carotid body arterial chemoreceptors function as an early warning system for hypoxia, triggering acute life-saving arousal and cardiorespiratory reflexes. To serve this role, carotid body glomus cells are highly sensitive to decreases in oxygen availability. While the mitochondria and plasma membrane signaling proteins have been implicated in oxygen sensing by glomus cells, the mechanism underlying their mitochondrial sensitivity to hypoxia compared to other cells is unknown. Here, we identify HIGD1C, a novel hypoxia-inducible gene domain factor isoform, as an electron transport chain complex IV-interacting protein that is almost exclusively expressed in the carotid body and is therefore not generally necessary for mitochondrial function. Importantly, HIGD1C is required for carotid body oxygen sensing and enhances complex IV sensitivity to hypoxia. Thus, we propose that HIGD1C promotes exquisite oxygen sensing by the carotid body, illustrating how specialized mitochondria can be used as sentinels of metabolic stress to elicit essential adaptive behaviors.
Delineating the transcriptional landscape and clonal diversity of virus-specific CD4+ T cells during chronic viral infection
Authors: Zander Ryan , Khatun Achia , Kasmani Moujtaba Y , Chen Yao , Cui Weiguo
Published: October 2022

Although recent evidence indicates that CD4+T cells responding to chronic viral infection are functionally heterogenous, our understanding of the developmental relationships between these subsets, and a determination of how their transcriptional landscape compares to their acute infection counterparts remains unclear. Additionally, whether cell-intrinsic factors such as TCR usage influence CD4+T cell fate commitment during persistent infection has not previously been studied. Herein, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) combined with single-cell T cell receptor sequencing (scTCR-seq) on virus-specific CD4+T cells isolated from mice infected with chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. We identify several transcriptionally distinct states among the Th1, Tfh, and memory-like T cell subsets that form at the peak of infection, including the presence of a previously unrecognized Slamf7+subset with cytolytic features. We further show that the relative distribution of these populations differs substantially between acute and persistent LCMV infection. Moreover, while the progeny of most T cell clones displays membership within each of these transcriptionally unique populations, overall supporting a one cell-multiple fate model, a small fraction of clones display a biased cell fate decision, suggesting that TCR usage may impact CD4+T cell development during chronic infection. Importantly, comparative analyses further reveal both subset-specific and core gene expression programs that are differentially regulated between CD4+T cells responding to acute and chronic LCMV infection. Together, these data may serve as a useful framework and allow for a detailed interrogation into the clonal distribution and transcriptional circuits underlying CD4+T cell differentiation during chronic viral infection.
Inhibited KdpFABC transitions into an E1 off-cycle state
Authors: Silberberg Jakob M , Stock Charlott , Hielkema Lisa , Corey Robin A , Rheinberger Jan , Wunnicke Dorith , Dubach Victor RA , Stansfeld Phillip J , Hänelt Inga , Paulino Cristina
Published: October 2022

KdpFABC is a high-affinity prokaryotic K+ uptake system that forms a functional chimera between a channel-like subunit (KdpA) and a P-type ATPase (KdpB). At high K+ levels, KdpFABC needs to be inhibited to prevent excessive K+ accumulation to the point of toxicity. This is achieved by a phosphorylation of the serine residue in the TGES162 motif in the A domain of the pump subunit KdpB (KdpBS162-P). Here, we explore the structural basis of inhibition by KdpBS162 phosphorylation by determining the conformational landscape of KdpFABC under inhibiting and non-inhibiting conditions. Under turnover conditions, we identified a new inhibited KdpFABC state that we termed E1P tight, which is not part of the canonical Post-Albers transport cycle of P-type ATPases. It likely represents the biochemically described stalled E1P state adopted by KdpFABC upon KdpBS162 phosphorylation. The E1P tight state exhibits a compact fold of the three cytoplasmic domains and is likely adopted when the transition from high-energy E1P states to E2P states is unsuccessful. This study represents a structural characterization of a biologically relevant off-cycle state in the P-type ATPase family and supports the emerging discussion of P-type ATPase regulation by such states.
Xenobennettella coralliensis a new monoraphid diatom genus characterized by the alveolate sternum valve with cavum, observed from coral reef habitats
Authors: Witkowski Andrzej , Riaux-Gobin Catherine , Kryk Adrian , Płociński Tomasz , Zgłobicka Izabela , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

During a survey of benthic diatoms from the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean (Scattered Islands) and Pacific Ocean (Tuamotu Archipelago), an interesting monoraphid diatom was observed and examined by light microscopy and various electron microscopy methods including Focus Ion Beam milling. Our thorough analysis revealed the similarity of this diatom to Bennettella R.W.Holmes, which we reference in the name: Xenobennettella Witkowski & Riaux-Gobin gen. nov., with Xenobennettella coralliensis Witkowski & Riaux-Gobin sp. nov. as the generitype. The type habitat for this new species is the sublittoral coral reef of Juan de Nova in the Mozambique Channel. The sternum valve of the new genus is characterized by an alveolate ultrastructure with the rim of the alveola opening along the valve margin, resembling the sternum valve of Bennettella. Internally, Xenobennettella differs from the latter by possessing a cavum (horseshoe-shaped chamber) on one side of the valve, in a central axial position. The raphe valve of Xenobennettella has small, marginal, apically elongate chambers, which are internally delineated by transapical ribs that are very similar to Bennettella. However, the raphe in the new genus is different from the latter, resembling some Cocconeis and Planothidium with internal raphe endings bent in the opposite direction, while resembling some Planothidium taxa externally by ending on the apical part of the mantle. This contrasts to Bennettella, which has a unique raphe system, with external raphe endings below the apices, a prominent axial structure and a transapically expanded central area. Likewise, the external surface of Bennettella is different from that of the new genus with a complex mantle structure and biseriate striae. In Xenobennettella, the valve mantle of the raphe valve is simple and perforated by areola. The transapical striae occur in the valve margin and the axial area is ornamented along its course with a single row of densely packed areola on both sides. The characteristics of the raphe valve and alveolate sternum valve place the new genus among the Achnanthidiaceae.
Fossil Sirenia from the Pleistocene of Qatar: new questions about the antiquity of sea cows in the Gulf Region
Authors: Pyenson Nicholas D. , Al-Ansi Mehsin , Fieseler Clare M. , Al Jaber Khalid Hassan , Klim Katherine D. , LeBlanc Jacques , Mohamed Ahmad Mujthaba Dheen , Al-Shaikh Ismail , Marshall Christopher D.
Published: October 2022

One of the largest and least documented populations of dugongs (Dugong dugon) resides in the coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates, and waters surrounding Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar. The archaeological record of dugongs in the Gulf Region is abundant, but little is known about their fossil record in the region. Here we report an isolated sirenian rib fragment from the Futaisi Member of the Fuwayrit Formation near the town of Al Ruwais, in northern Qatar. The Fuwayrit Formation is a marine Pleistocene deposit exposed onshore in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Based on the correlative dating of the basal Futaisi Member with other onshore platforms, the rib fragment is approximately 125 ka. We propose that this isolated rib (likely the first rib from the right side) belongs to Dugongidae, with strong similarities to extant Dugong. We cannot, however, eliminate the possibility that it belongs to an extinct taxon, especially given its similarities with other fossil dugongid material from both Qatar and elsewhere in the world. Aside from reflecting the presence of Gulf seagrass communities in the Pleistocene, this occurrence also suggests that different (and potentially multiple) lineages of sirenians inhabited the Gulf Region in the geologic past.
Computer vision supports primary access to meat by early Homo 1.84 million years ago
Authors: Cobo-Sánchez Lucía , Pizarro-Monzo Marcos , Cifuentes-Alcobendas Gabriel , Jiménez García Blanca , Abellán Beltrán Natalia , Courtenay Lloyd A. , Mabulla Audax , Baquedano Enrique , Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel
Published: October 2022

Human carnivory is atypical among primates. Unlike chimpanzees and bonobos, who are known to hunt smaller monkeys and eat them immediately, human foragers often cooperate to kill large animals and transport them to a safe location to be shared. While it is known that meat became an important part of the hominin diet around 2.6–2 Mya, whether intense cooperation and food sharing developed in conjunction with the regular intake of meat remains unresolved. A widespread assumption is that early hominins acquired animal protein through klepto-parasitism at felid kills. This should be testable by detecting felid-specific bone modifications and tooth marks on carcasses consumed by hominins. Here, deep learning (DL) computer vision was used to identify agency through the analysis of tooth pits and scores on bones recovered from the Early Pleistocene site of DS (Bed I, Olduvai Gorge). We present the first objective evidence of primary access to meat by hominins 1.8 Mya by showing that the most common securely detectable bone-modifying fissipeds at the site were hyenas. The absence of felid modifications in most of the carcasses analyzed indicates that hominins were the primary consumers of most animals accumulated at the site, with hyenas intervening at the post-depositional stage. This underscores the role of hominins as a prominent part of the early Pleistocene African carnivore guild. It also stresses the major (and potentially regular) role that meat played in the diet that configured the emergence of early Homo.
Identification and functional analysis of PIN family genes in Gossypium barbadense
Authors: Long Yilei , Chen Quanjia , Qu Yanying , Liu Pengfei , Jiao Yang , Cai Yongsheng , Deng Xiaojuan , Zheng Kai
Published: October 2022

Background

PIN proteins are an important class of auxin polar transport proteins that play an important regulatory role in plant growth and development. However, their characteristics and functions have not been identified in Gossypium barbadense.

Methods

PIN family genes were identified in the cotton species G. barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium raimondii, and Gossypium arboreum, and detailed bioinformatics analyses were conducted to explore the roles of these genes in G. barbadense using transcriptome data and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technology. Functional verification of the genes was performed using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology.

Results

A total of 138 PIN family genes were identified in the four cotton species; the genes were divided into seven subgroups. GbPIN gene family members were widely distributed on 20 different chromosomes, and most had repeated duplication events. Transcriptome analysis showed that some genes had differential expression patterns in different stages of fiber development. According to ‘PimaS-7’ and ‘5917’ transcript component association analysis, the transcription of five genes was directly related to endogenous auxin content in cotton fibers. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the GbPIN7 gene was routinely expressed during fiber development, and there were significant differences among materials. Transient silencing of the GbPIN7 gene by VIGS led to significantly higher cotton plant growth rates and significantly lower endogenous auxin content in leaves and stems. This study provides comprehensive analyses of the roles of PIN family genes in G. barbadense and their expression during cotton fiber development. Our results will form a basis for further PIN auxin transporter research.
Characterization of the murine 5T4 oncofoetal antigen: a target for immunotherapy in cancer
Authors: WOODS Andrew M. , WANG Who W. , SHAW David M. , WARD Christopher M. , CARROLL Miles W. , REES Buddug R. , STERN Peter L.
Published: July 2002

Human 5T4 oncofoetal antigen defined by the murine 5T4 monoclonal antibody is a highly glycosylated protein expressed by trophoblast and a few specialized adult epithelia. Up-regulation of 5T4 expression in some cancers is associated with poor clinical outcome; overexpression of human 5T4 cDNA in epithelial cells can alter their morphology and motility, supporting a role for such functions in cancer and development. A murine model to study 5T4 biology and tumour immunology would be useful. The production of m5T4-specific antibodies, their use in establishing transfected cells and documenting their biological properties in vitro are described. A rat monoclonal antibody specific for mouse 5T4 molecules by ELISA, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunoprecipitation was isolated and epitope mapped. Similar to its human counterpart, murine 5T4 antigen is a 72kDa glycoprotein (immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis) and exhibits punctate cell surface expression, dependent upon the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton. Likewise, overexpression of autologous murine 5T4 by B16 F10 melanoma cells and A9 L fibroblasts accentuates the 5T4 phenotype, which is characterized by a spindle-like morphology, increased motility, and reduced adhesion and proliferation rate. Immunohistochemical analysis of adult mouse tissues shows a restricted pattern of expression similar to that of human 5T4 antigen. The murine 5T4 antigen-expressing cell lines and antibody reagents are now being used to explore novel immunotherapies in pre-clinical models and the biology of 5T4 in development.
Large granular lymphocyte leukaemia is characterized by a clonal T‐cell receptor rearrangement in both memory and effector CD8+ lymphocyte populations
Authors: Melenhorst J. Joseph , Sorbara Lynn , Kirby Martha , Hensel Nancy F. , Barrett A. John
Published: July 2002

Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukaemia is a disease with increased numbers of circulating granular lymphocytes and an increased percentage of clonally rearranged CD8+CD57+ cells. To determine whether LGL cells are also found in other lymphocyte subsets, CD8+ cells from 10 LGL patients were sorted into CD57+ and CD57− fractions and analysed for clonality using a T‐cell receptor γ (TCRγ) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In nine patients, a clonal TCR rearrangement was identified in the CD8+CD57+ cells, and in one patient, the TCR rearrangement was oligoclonal in the CD8+CD57+ fraction. In eight out of nine of the clonally rearranged patients, the same band was also present in the CD8+CD57− fraction. To define the relationship between CD57− and CD57+ LGL populations, CD8+CD57− and CD8+CD57+ cells were sorted from five patients and cultured in the presence of anti‐CD3 plus CD28 antibodies. The CD57+ cells died of apoptosis before d 7, while the CD57− cells proliferated and differentiated into CD57+ cells. Clonal analysis identified the same band in both cultured subpopulations and in the uncultured CD8+ cells. Immunophenotypical analysis showed that CD8+CD57− cells expressed memory cell markers, while the CD8+CD57+ cells exhibited effector characteristics. These results suggest that LGL disease originates in a CD57− memory T‐cell compartment that continually generates CD57+ (effector cell) progeny.
Multifocal malignant extra‐adrenal paragangliomas of the Organ of Zuckerkandl and urinary bladder
Authors: Salanitri John , Smith Peter , Schlicht Stephen
Published: July 2002

A case of multifocal malignant extra‐adrenal paragangliomas involving the Organ of Zuckerkandl and urinary bladder is presented. The role and order of imaging investigations of functioning extra‐adrenal paraganglioma is discussed.
Is the defect in pro‐hormone processing in Type 2 diabetes mellitus restricted to the β cell?
Authors: Bano G. , Rodin D. A. , White A. , O'rahilly S. , Nussey S. S.
Published: July 2002

SUMMARY

Aims  To investigate whether the defect in pro‐hormone processing in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus is restricted to the pancreatic β cell or whether there is evidence of a more generalized abnormality.

Methods  Ten Indian subcontinent Asian women with diet‐controlled Type 2 diabetes were compared with a control group of nine non‐diabetic Asian women who were matched for body mass index. All subjects underwent a standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test during which plasma glucose, insulin, proinsulin and 32,33 split proinsulin were measured.

Subjects  in both groups then underwent an intravenous corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) test with 100 μg human CRH. Plasma cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and ACTH precursors were measured.

Results  Basal levels of insulin were lower in diabetic subjects (32.5 (12.5–52) pmol/l) than in the control group (42.2 (21.4–63.0) pmol/l); normalized geometric mean (95% confidence interval), P < 0.05; as were the levels at 30 min (29.5 (3.7–55.3) pmol/l) and (34.4 (10.7–58.2) pmol/l), P < 0.05. The levels at 60 min were (26.7 (6.4–47.0) pmol/l) in subjects with diabetes and (13.6 (−11.3–38.5) pmol/l) in controls, P < 0.05 and at 90 min these were (43.4 (19.4–67.4) pmol/l) and (19.3 (−4.6–43.3) pmol/l), P < 0.05, respectively, after the 75‐g oral glucose load. The acute insulin response was markedly reduced in the subjects with diabetes (1.8 (0.60–3.1) pmol insulin/mmol glucose), compared with the control group (31.4 (8.0–54) pmol/l insulin/mmol glucose), P < 0.005. Intact proinsulin was much higher in the diabetic subjects (23.9 (10.1–37) pmol/l) than in the control group (7.2 (3.9–10) pmol/l), P < 0.002, as was the percentage of proinsulin‐like molecules (28 (14–42) and 12 (8–17)%), respectively, P < 0.01. There were no differences between basal or stimulated levels of ACTH precursors, ACTH or cortisol between the diabetic subjects and the controls.

Conclusions  The defect in insulin secretion in Indian subcontinent Asian women with Type 2 diabetes is similar to that described in other populations with an increased prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. The absence of any defect in the processing of cortisol precursors in the women with Type 2 diabetes suggests that they do not have a generalized defect of hormone processing.
Automated static perimetry in myopes with peripapillary crescents – Part I
Authors: Rudnicka Alicja R. , Edgar David F.
Published: July 2002

Central visual fields were investigated by automated static perimetry in a group of healthy myopic individuals with peripapillary crescents and tigroid fundus changes only. Results were compared with ‘emmetropic’ and ‘myopic subjects without crescents’ control groups. The sample comprised 122 young, healthy volunteers between the ages of 18.5 and 35.4 years, free from any ocular or systemic disease, with refractive errors ranging from +4.00 D to −25.75 D. Central visual fields were examined using programs 30‐2 and 30‐1 of the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA), which in combination yield a test point resolution of 4.2° within the central 30°. Visual field analysis showed a decline in the differential light sensitivity in myopes with peripapillary changes only, compared with the control groups. These field changes became more pronounced as the degree of myopia, axial length and area of the peripapillary crescent increased. Results suggest that the sensitivity decline of the central field occurs in subjects with axial lengths above 26 mm and more than 5 D of myopia. Knowledge of the likely field defects encountered in myopia will assist practitioners to distinguish between physiological and pathological fields in myopes.
Outcome of Older Patients Requiring Ventilatory Support in Intensive Care: Impact of Nutritional Status
Authors: Dardaine Véronique , Dequin Pierre‐François , Ripault Héliette , Constans Thierry , Giniès Guy
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES: To determine predictors of mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) and at 6 months after discharge; to assess the lifestyles of survivors 6 months after discharge.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of patients screened upon admission and 6 months after discharge from the ICU.

SETTING: The ICU of a university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixteen consecutive patients age 70 and older admitted to the ICU and treated by mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours.

MEASUREMENTS: A comprehensive medical, functional, nutritional, and social assessment was undertaken for each patient upon admission to the ICU. Functional status and residence were recorded for patients still living 6 months after discharge from the ICU.

RESULTS: Mortality in the ICU and 6 months after discharge was 31% and 52%, respectively. The predictors of in‐ICU mortality on multivariate analysis were a high omega score per day in the ICU and a high simplified acute physiologic score corrected for points related to age (SAPS IIc). The predictors of mortality at 6 months were a high omega score per day in the ICU, a high SAPS IIc, and a mid‐arm circumference (MAC) under the 10th percentile for the older French population in good health. Six months after discharge from the ICU, 91% of the surviving patients had the same residential status and 89% had a similar or improved functional status compared with pre‐admission status.

CONCLUSIONS: Although severity of illness remains an important predictor of in‐ICU mortality and mortality at 6 months after release from ICU, we found that impaired nutritional status upon admission was related to 6‐month mortality. These results emphasize the need for a systematic nutritional assessment in older patients admitted to the ICU and treated by mechanical ventilation.
Implementing a Mandatory Geriatrics Clerkship
Authors: Powers Cathey S. , Savidge Mildred A. , Allen Ruth M. , Cooper‐Witt Christina M.
Published: July 2002

Due to the rapid growth in the proportion of U.S. citizens aged 65 and older (20% by 2030) it is imperative that U.S. medical schools train students who can provide quality care to the older population. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to report the experience of creating a 4‐week, mandatory geriatrics clerkship for junior medical students. Funded by a grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences developed a mandatory, third‐year clerkship in geriatric medicine.

The clerkship included clinical experiences in outpatient clinics, transitional care units, nursing homes, hospice programs, and core didactic sessions. The sites for the clerkship were the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Hospital, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Hospital, community nursing homes, and community hospice programs in Little Rock, Arkansas. The entire junior class of 135 students participated in the new clerkship.

Students were assessed through a three‐station Objective Structured Clinical Examination followed by a brief post‐ encounter examination and faculty preceptor evaluations collected from each clinical site. Students evaluated the clerkship through written evaluations and focus group discussions. This paper demonstrates that students acquired sufficient cognitive knowledge to satisfactorily complete the clerkship but did not highly value the experience.