bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphodiesterases Mediate the Augmentation of Myogenic Constriction by Inhibitory G Protein Signaling and is Negatively Modulated by the Dual Action of RGS2 and 5
Authors: Sun Bo , Smith Nia , Dixon Alethia J , Osei-Owusu Patrick
Published: January 2024

G protein regulation by regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins play a key role in vascular tone maintenance. The loss of Gi/o and Gq/11 regulation by RGS2 and RGS5 in non-pregnant mice is implicated in augmented vascular tone and decreased uterine blood flow (UBF). RGS2 and 5 are closely related and co-expressed in uterine arteries (UA). However, whether and how RGS2 and 5 coordinate their regulatory activities to finetune G protein signaling and regulate vascular tone are unclear. Here, we determined how the integrated activity of RGS2 and 5 modulates vascular tone to promote UBF. Using ultrasonography and pressure myography, we examined uterine hemodynamics and myogenic tone (MT) of UA of wild type (WT), Rgs2−/−, Rgs5−/−, and Rgs2/5 dbKO mice. We found that MT was reduced in Rgs5−/− relative to WT or Rgs2−/− UA. Activating Gi/o with dopamine increased, whereas exogenous cAMP decreased MT in Rgs5−/− UA to levels in WT UA. Dual deletion of Rgs2 and 5 abolished the reduced MT due to the absence of Rgs5 and enhanced dopamine-induced Gi/o effects in Rgs2/5 dbKO UA. Conversely, and as in WT UA, Gi/o inhibition with pertussis toxin or exogenous cAMP decreased MT in Rgs2/5 dbKO to levels in Rgs5−/− UA. Inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDE) concentration-dependently decreased and normalized MT in all genotypes, and blocked dopamine-induced MT augmentation in Rgs2−/−, Rgs5−/−, and Rgs2/5 dbKO UA. We conclude that Gi/o augments UA MT in the absence of RGS2 by a novel mechanism involving PDE-mediated inhibition of cAMP-dependent vasodilatation..
First whole-genome sequence and assembly of the Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps), a critically endangered species, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Authors: Pozo Gabriela , Albuja-Quintana Martina , Larreátegui Lizbeth , Gutiérrez Bernardo , Fuentes Nathalia , Alfonso-Cortés Felipe , Torres Maria de Lourdes
Published: January 2024

The Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) is currently considered one of the most endangered primates in the world and is classified as critically endangered [International union for conservation of nature (IUCN)]. It faces multiple threats, the most significant one being habitat loss due to deforestation in western Ecuador. Genomic tools are keys for the management of endangered species, but this requires a reference genome, which until now was unavailable for A. f. fusciceps. The present study reports the first whole-genome sequence and assembly of A. f. fusciceps generated using Oxford Nanopore long reads. DNA was extracted from a subadult male, and libraries were prepared for sequencing following the Ligation Sequencing Kit SQK-LSK112 workflow. Sequencing was performed using a MinION Mk1C sequencer. The sequencing reads were processed to generate a genome assembly. Two different assemblers were used to obtain draft genomes using raw reads, of which the Flye assembly was found to be superior. The final assembly has a total length of 2.63 Gb and contains 3,861 contigs, with an N50 of 7,560,531 bp. The assembly was analyzed for annotation completeness based on primate ortholog prediction using a high-resolution database, and was found to be 84.3% complete, with a low number of duplicated genes indicating a precise assembly. The annotation of the assembly predicted 31,417 protein-coding genes, comparable with other mammal assemblies. A reference genome for this critically endangered species will allow researchers to gain insight into the genetics of its populations and thus aid conservation and management efforts of this vulnerable species.
Shared evolutionary processes shape landscapes of genomic variation in the great apes
Authors: Rodrigues Murillo F , Kern Andrew D , Ralph Peter L
Published: January 2024

For at least the past 5 decades, population genetics, as a field, has worked to describe the precise balance of forces that shape patterns of variation in genomes. The problem is challenging because modeling the interactions between evolutionary processes is difficult, and different processes can impact genetic variation in similar ways. In this paper, we describe how diversity and divergence between closely related species change with time, using correlations between landscapes of genetic variation as a tool to understand the interplay between evolutionary processes. We find strong correlations between landscapes of diversity and divergence in a well-sampled set of great ape genomes, and explore how various processes such as incomplete lineage sorting, mutation rate variation, GC-biased gene conversion and selection contribute to these correlations. Through highly realistic, chromosome-scale, forward-in-time simulations, we show that the landscapes of diversity and divergence in the great apes are too well correlated to be explained via strictly neutral processes alone. Our best fitting simulation includes both deleterious and beneficial mutations in functional portions of the genome, in which 9% of fixations within those regions is driven by positive selection. This study provides a framework for modeling genetic variation in closely related species, an approach which can shed light on the complex balance of forces that have shaped genetic variation.
2-D seismic wave propagation using the distributional finite-difference method: further developments and potential for global seismology
Authors: Masson Yder , Lyu Chao , Moczo Peter , Capdeville Yann , Romanowicz Barbara , Virieux Jean
Published: January 2024

We present a time-domain distributional finite-difference scheme based on the Lebedev staggered grid for the numerical simulation of wave propagation in acoustic and elastic media. The central aspect of the proposed method is the representation of the stresses and displacements with different sets of B-splines functions organized according to the staggered grid. The distributional finite-difference approach allows domain-decomposition, heterogeneity of the medium, curvilinear mesh, anisotropy, non-conformal interfaces, discontinuous grid and fluid–solid interfaces. Numerical examples show that the proposed scheme is suitable to model wave propagation through the Earth, where sharp interfaces separate large, relatively homogeneous layers. A few domains or elements are sufficient to represent the Earth’s internal structure without relying on advanced meshing techniques. We compare seismograms obtained with the proposed scheme and the spectral element method, and we show that our approach offers superior accuracy, reduced memory usage, and comparable efficiency.
Slow slip event displacement on 2018 offshore Boso Peninsula detected by Sentinel-1 InSAR time-series analysis with numerical weather model assistance
Authors: Kinoshita Yohei , Furuta Ryoichi
Published: January 2024

The south-eastern offshore of the Boso Peninsula in Japan periodically experiences short-term slow slip events (SSEs) every few years. On 2018 June, an SSE occurred with the maximum surface horizontal displacement reaching up to 4.7 cm by according to the operational global navigation satellite system (GNSS) network. This study performed a time-series analysis of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) with Sentinel-1 SAR images to investigate detailed spatial pattern of surface displacements caused by the SSE. With the assistance of an atmospheric delay correction with a regional numerical weather model output, the InSAR time-series analysis successfully captured displacement signals in three paths, whose maximum amplitudes in line-of-sight directions were 1.46, 1.86 and −0.80 cm. A checkerboard test revealed that the resolution of the slip inversion was higher when InSAR was used than that using GNSS, especially in and around the inland. The slip inversion with the actual displacement data derived from the InSAR time-series analysis was performed with the L-curve optimization, showing that the estimated slip area was concentrated offshore south-eastward from the Boso Peninsula with the maximum slip of 5 cm and the estimated moment magnitude of 6.4. As similar to previous SSEs in the Boso Peninsula, a seismic swarm simultaneously occurred in the downdip area adjacent to the estimated slip with the SSE occurrence, suggesting a different friction characteristics between them. This study demonstrates usefulnesses of the InSAR observation for capturing detailed spatial characteristics of small-displacement events like SSEs and of the hybrid use of the externally derived delay correction with the time-series analysis to improve the displacement detection accuracy.
Cubic moment–duration relationship of low-frequency earthquakes
Authors: Oikawa Genki , Aso Naofumi
Published: January 2024

Low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) are seismic phenomena with the shortest timescale among various slow earthquakes observed on broad-band timescales. To understand the nature of such a broad-band slow phenomenon, it is important to investigate the rupture evolution process of individual slow events, such as LFEs. Here, we investigated the moment–duration relationship of LFEs at plate interfaces and volcanic regions, and showed that the moment–duration relationship of both tectonic and volcanic LFEs is characterized by a moment proportional to the cubic duration, similar to that in ordinary earthquakes. The difference between our obtained moment–duration relationship and the broad-band scaling suggests that the evolution process of LFEs may not be controlled, but only triggered by the slow earthquakes with longer durations, such as slow slip events driven by aseismic diffusion. The seismic moments of the LFEs are approximately three orders of magnitude smaller than those of ordinary earthquakes with similar durations. This result indicates that LFEs have rupture growth similar to that of ordinary earthquakes, although the rupture velocity and/or stress drop are much smaller. Considering the hypocentre spread of LFEs, the estimated rupture velocity and stress drop were approximately 100 m /s–1 km /s and 2 kPa–1 MPa, respectively. Additionally, the estimated moment magnitudes are much larger than the local magnitudes determined based on the maximum amplitudes, which is due to the longer durations and resultant smaller amplitudes of LFEs than those of ordinary earthquakes.
US seniors' intention to vaccinate against RSV in fall and winter 2023–2024
Authors: Haeder Simon F
Published: January 2024

In the fall and winter of 2023–2024, the United States may experience a “tripledemic” of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that may lead to 100 000 deaths. Seniors will be disproportionally affected. The newly released RSV vaccines for those age 60 years and over may reduce the number of deaths for the expected 6000 to 10 000 seniors expected to die from RSV alone. Using a large national survey, we queried Americans over age 60 about their RSV vaccination status and their intention to vaccinate this fall and winter. We found that 9% of seniors had already been vaccinated. Of the remaining unvaccinated, 42% indicated their intent to vaccinate. We found that those with higher levels of concerns for the disease, higher levels of self-assessed risk, believing that vaccines were safe and important, higher levels of trust in health institutions, and men were more likely to seek out vaccinations. Vaccine-hesitant respondents listed a lack of necessity, concerns about side effects and safety, and a lack of information as primary reasons. The large number of unvaccinated seniors will likely lead to an excessive number of hospitalizations and deaths as well as augmented social costs. Evidence-based mitigation measures tailored to seniors' concerns should be implemented immediately.
Implementation of the GAA ‘healthy clubs project’ in Ireland: a qualitative study using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Van Hoye A , Regan C , Lane A , Vuillemin A , Woods C
Published: January 2024

The sports clubs’ role in promoting health has been acknowledged by policy makers and researchers, but there is little evidence on how sports clubs implement health-related interventions. The present article investigates the Gaelic Athletic Association Healthy Club Project (HCP) implementation process (mechanisms, barriers, leverages) over a 10-year timeframe. A case study design helped to produce and compare a data synthesis for five clubs involved since 2013. A qualitative iterative data collection, including document analysis was conducted through 20 focus groups with Healthy Club Officers, coaches, participants and members. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used in the deductive analysis process, conducted by the first author. Results have shown the success of the HCP in placing health promotion on the agenda of sports clubs leading to informal policy for health promotion, even if activities and recognition are directed toward and coming from the community. This study also underlines the virtuous cycle of the settings-based approach in enhancing membership and volunteer recognition through health promotion actions, and the importance of social good and corporate social activities for sports clubs. Nevertheless, the HCP still relies on limited human resources, is not recognized by competitive oriented adult playing members. and acknowledged as a resource by some coaches, limiting its rootedness in the core business of sports clubs. Future research should empower the HCP community to focus on organizational changes and develop outcomes for individuals, for the club as a whole as well as for the local community.
Una cuestión de desconfianza: La consagración de disposiciones constitucionales altamente específicasA question of distrust: The drafting of highly specific constitutional provisions
Authors: Guiloff Matías , Mellado y Gonzalo
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this article is to analyze the role played by distrust as a determinant of the level of specificity of constitutional clauses. It is argued that, as with other mechanisms, such as qualified legislation, very detailed constitutional clauses are explained by the level of trust or distrust that the drafters have in the bodies that will implement them (the legislature, administrative agencies and the courts). Thus, keeping other factors constant, the greater this distrust, the more detailed the clauses will be. This thesis will be illustrated by the example of the debate in the Chilean Constitutional Convention on the explicit extension of the right of private property to pension funds or social security savings.
Pathology and Monkeypox virus Localization in Tissues From Immunocompromised Patients With Severe or Fatal Mpox
Authors: Ritter Jana M , Martines Roosecelis B , Bhatnagar Julu , Rao Agam K , Villalba Julian A , Silva-Flannery Luciana , Lee Elizabeth , Bullock Hannah A , Hutson Christina L , Cederroth Terra , Harris Cynthia K , Hord Kristin , Xu Ya , Brown Cameron A , Guccione Jack P , Miller Matthew , Paddock Christopher D , Reagan-Steiner Sarah ,   Mpox Pathology Working Group, Carter Jasmine , Seixas Josilene N , Lee James , Cash-Goldwasser Shama , Bower William A , Schrodt Caroline A , Bamrah Morris Sapna , Alarcón Jemma , Evans Mark G
Published: January 2024

Background

Pathology and Monkeypox virus (MPXV) tissue tropism in severe and fatal human mpox is not thoroughly described but can help elucidate the disease pathogenesis and the role of coinfections in immunocompromised patients.

Methods

We analyzed biopsy and autopsy tissues from 22 patients with severe or fatal outcomes to characterize pathology and viral antigen and DNA distribution in tissues by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Tissue-based testing for coinfections was also performed.

Results

Mucocutaneous lesions showed necrotizing and proliferative epithelial changes. Deceased patients with autopsy tissues evaluated had digestive tract lesions, and half had systemic tissue necrosis with thrombotic vasculopathy in lymphoid tissues, lung, or other solid organs. Half also had bronchopneumonia, and one-third had acute lung injury. All cases had MPXV antigen and DNA detected in tissues. Coinfections were identified in 5 of 16 (31%) biopsy and 4 of 6 (67%) autopsy cases.

Conclusions

Severe mpox in immunocompromised patients is characterized by extensive viral infection of tissues and viremic dissemination that can progress despite available therapeutics. Digestive tract and lung involvement are common and associated with prominent histopathological and clinical manifestations. Coinfections may complicate mpox diagnosis and treatment. Significant viral DNA (likely correlating to infectious virus) in tissues necessitates enhanced biosafety measures in healthcare and autopsy settings.
Compartmentalized SARS-CoV-2 Replication in the Upper vs Lower Respiratory Tract After Intranasal Inoculation or Aerosol Exposure
Authors: Fischer Robert J , Bushmaker Trenton , Williamson Brandi N , Pérez-Pérez Lizzette , Feldmann Friederike , Lovaglio Jamie , Scott Dana , Saturday Greg , Feldmann Heinz , Munster Vincent J , de Wit Emmie , van Doremalen Neeltje
Published: January 2024

Nonhuman primate models are essential for the development of vaccines and antivirals against infectious diseases. Rhesus macaques are a widely utilized infection model for SARS-CoV-2. We compared cellular tropism and virus replication in rhesus macaques inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 via the intranasal route or via exposure to aerosols. Intranasal inoculation resulted in replication in the upper respiratory tract with limited involvement in the lower respiratory tract, whereas exposure to aerosols resulted in infection throughout the respiratory tract. In comparison with multiroute inoculation, intranasal and aerosol inoculation resulted in reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in the respiratory tract.
Role of Histiocyte-Derived frHMGB1 as a Facilitator in Noncanonical Pyroptosis of Monocytes/Macrophages in Lethal Sepsis
Authors: Tian Yu , Cao Yuwen , Liu Fang , Xia Lin , Wang Chao , Su Zhaoliang
Published: January 2024

In this study, we investigated the role of the noncanonical pyroptosis pathway in the progression of lethal sepsis. Our findings emphasize the significance of noncanonical pyroptosis in monocytes/macrophages for the survival of septic mice. We observed that inhibiting pyroptosis alone significantly improved the survival rate of septic mice and that the HMGB1 A box effectively suppressed this noncanonical pyroptosis, thereby enhancing the survival of septic mice. Additionally, our cell in vitro experiments unveiled that frHMGB1, originating from lipopolysaccharide-carrying histiocytes, entered macrophages via RAGE, resulting in the direct activation of caspase 11 and the induction of noncanonical pyroptosis. Notably, A box's competitive binding with lipopolysaccharide impeded its entry into the cell cytosol. These findings reveal potential therapeutic strategies for slowing the progression of lethal sepsis by modulating the noncanonical pyroptosis pathway.
Obstetric transition: trends in maternal mortality in Somalia over the last two decades
Authors: Aweis Ahmed , Osoble Abdirahman H , Mohamed Suleyman A , Aweis Abdulkadir
Published: January 2024

Background

This paper sheds light on the trends of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and obstetric transition in Somalia over the last two decades.

Methods

This is a descriptive study comparing aggregate secondary data from the 2006 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and the 2020 Somali Health and Demographic Survey to show the transition.

Results

A 44% reduction of the MMR from 1044 to 692 per 100 000 live births was observed comparing the two surveys.

Conclusions

Somalia has moved from stage I to stage II of the obstetric transition pathway spectrum and there is optimism that the ongoing strengthening of the health system is paying off.
Rosin as a natural alternative for the effective disinfection of ESKAPE pathogens and Clostridioides difficile spores
Authors: Bell Stephen , Thompson Thomas P , Marks Nikki , Fairley Derek , Kettunen Hannele , Vuorenmaa Juhani , Orte Juha , Gilmore Brendan F , McGrath John W
Published: January 2024

Aim

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) caused by antimicrobial-resistant ESKAPE pathogens are a significant concern for the healthcare industry, with an estimated cost of up to $45 billion per year in the US alone. Clostridioides difficile is an additional opportunistic pathogen that also poses a serious threat to immunocompromised patients in hospitals. Infections caused by these pathogens lead to increased hospital stays and repeated readmission, resulting in a significant economic burden. Disinfectants and sporicidals are essential to reduce the risk of these pathogens in hospitals, but commercially available products can have a number of disadvantages including inefficacy, long contact times, short shelf lives, and operator health hazards. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Rosin (a natural substance secreted by coniferous trees as a defence mechanism against wounds in tree bark) and its commercial derivative Rosetax-21 as disinfectants and sporicidal against the six ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) and spore preparations from C. difficile.

Methods and Results

Both Rosin and Rosetax-21 were tested under simulated clean and dirty conditions [with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)] against the ESKAPE pathogens, and C. difficile spore preparations. In clean conditions, Rosin (5% weight/volume: w/v) demonstrated significant efficacy against five of the ESKAPE pathogens, with A. baumannii and Enterococcus faecium being the most susceptible, and K. pneumoniae the most resistant, showing only a 1-log reduction after a 5 min treatment. However, in dirty conditions, all pathogens including K. pneumoniae exhibited at least a 3-log reduction to Rosin within 5 min. Rosetax-21 (5% w/v) was found to be less effective than Rosin in clean conditions, a trend that was exacerbated in the presence of BSA. Additionally, both Rosin and Rosetax-21 at 2.5% (w/v) achieved complete eradication of C. difficile spores when combined with 0.5% glutaraldehyde, though their standalone sporicidal activity was limited.

Conclusions

The findings from this study highlight the potential of Rosin and Rosetax-21 as both bactericidal and sporicidal disinfectants, with their efficacy varying based on the conditions and the pathogens tested. This presents an avenue for the development of novel healthcare disinfection strategies, especially against HAIs caused by antimicrobial-resistant ESKAPE pathogens and C. difficile.
Effects of stroke on the intestinal biota in diabetic mice and type 2 diabetic patient biota
Authors: Qiao Sen , Bu Siyuan , Wang Hongmei
Published: January 2024

Aims

The intestinal biota, known for its colonization of the human intestine and its modulation of host pathophysiological responses through the immune and endocrine systems, has gained substantial interest in recent years due to its notable correlation with diabetes and stroke.

Methods and results

In order to examine this association, a comparative study was conducted on the intestinal biota and blood samples obtained from mouse models and type 2 diabetic patients with and without stroke complications. Advanced techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were employed to identify the differences in the intestinal biota and blood indices of mouse models and patients. At the phylum level, the dominant gut bacteria identified in patients with diabetes mellitus and stroke were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. It was noteworthy that the relative abundance of Bacteroides at the genus level was significantly diminished in the DB (diabetes mice)-photothrombotic group (photothrombotic diabetes mice) as compared to the DB group (diabetes mice). This result was consistent with observations in human samples. Additionally, significant variations were detected in lipid proteins, specifically APOA4, in diabetic patients with and without stroke.

Conclusions

Stroke can diminish the abundance and diversity of intestinal biota, potentially correlating with lipid proteins in patients with diabetes.
A platform for connecting social media data to domain-specific topics using large language models: an application to student mental health
Authors: Ruocco Leonard , Zhuang Yuqian , Ng Raymond , Munthali Richard J , Hudec Kristen L , Wang Angel Y , Vereschagin Melissa , Vigo Daniel V
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To design a novel artificial intelligence-based software platform that allows users to analyze text data by identifying various coherent topics and parts of the data related to a specific research theme-of-interest (TOI).

Materials and Methods

Our platform uses state-of-the-art unsupervised natural language processing methods, building on top of a large language model, to analyze social media text data. At the center of the platform’s functionality is BERTopic, which clusters social media posts, forming collections of words representing distinct topics. A key feature of our platform is its ability to identify whole sentences corresponding to topic words, vastly improving the platform’s ability to perform downstream similarity operations with respect to a user-defined TOI.

Results

Two case studies on mental health among university students are performed to demonstrate the utility of the platform, focusing on signals within social media (Reddit) data related to depression and their connection to various emergent themes within the data.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our platform provides researchers with a readily available and inexpensive tool to parse large quantities of unstructured, noisy data into coherent themes, as well as identifying portions of the data related to the research TOI. While the development process for the platform was focused on mental health themes, we believe it to be generalizable to other domains of research as well.
Late gestational nutrient restriction in primiparous beef females: Performance and metabolic status of lactating dams and pre-weaning calves
Authors: Redifer Colby A , Wichman Lindsey G , Davies-Jenkins Shelby L , Rathert-Williams Abigail R , Freetly Harvey C , Meyer Allison M
Published: January 2024

Fall-calving primiparous beef females [body weight (BW): 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; body condition score (BCS): 5.4 ± 0.7] were individually-fed 100% (control; CON; n = 13) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of estimated metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements from day 160 of gestation to calving. Post-calving, all dams were individually-fed tall fescue hay supplemented to meet estimated nutrient requirements for maintenance, growth, and lactation in Calan gates until day 149 of lactation, which limited calves to milk only. From day 150 of lactation until weaning at day 243, dams and calves were group-fed in drylots. Dam BW and metabolic status were determined every 21 d, and BCS and backfat (BF) were determined every 42 d of lactation until weaning. Pre-weaning calf BW, size, and metabolic status were determined every 21 d. Data were analyzed with nutritional plane, calving date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. Circulating metabolites included day and nutritional plane × day as repeated measures. We previously reported that post-calving, NR dams were 64 kg and 2.0 BCS less than CON, but calf BW and size at birth were not affected. During the first 147 d of lactation, NR dams gained more (P < 0.01) BW than CON and increased (P < 0.01) BCS, while CON decreased (P ≤ 0.01) BCS and BF. Previously, NR dams had lower (P < 0.01) circulating triglycerides on day 1 of lactation, tended to have lower (P = 0.08) triglycerides on day 21, and had lower (P ≤ 0.04) non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) on days 21 and 243 than CON. Maternal glucose and urea N were not affected (P ≥ 0.73). At weaning, NR dams weighed 17 kg less (P = 0.15), were 0.67 BCS lower (P < 0.01), and tended to have less (P = 0.06) BF. Calves born to NR dams weighed less (P = 0.02) than CON by day 42 of age and were 13% smaller (P < 0.01) at weaning. Calf girth measures diverged (P ≤ 0.05) by day 21 of age, and skeletal size measures were less (P ≤ 0.08) for calves born to NR dams at most timepoints after day 63 of age. Calves born to NR dams tended to have lower (P = 0.09) circulating urea N pre-weaning than CON, but glucose, triglycerides, and NEFA were not affected (P ≥ 0.16). In summary, first-parity beef females that were nutrient restricted during late gestation experienced compensatory growth and gained body condition during lactation but were still thinner at weaning. Nutrient restriction reduced pre-weaning calf growth, likely due to decreased milk production.
Nutrient restriction during late gestation reduces milk yield and mammary blood flow in lactating primiparous beef females
Authors: Redifer Colby A , Wichman Lindsey G , Rathert-Williams Abigail R , Shangraw Erin M , McFadden Thomas B , Meyer Allison M
Published: January 2024

Fall-calving primiparous beef females [body weight (BW): 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; body condition score (BCS): 5.4 ± 0.7] were individually-fed 100% (control; CON; n = 13) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of estimated metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements from day 160 of gestation to calving. Post-calving, all dams were individually-fed tall fescue hay supplemented to meet estimated nutrient requirements for maintenance, growth, and lactation until day 149 of lactation. Four-hour milk yields were collected on days 21, 42, 63, 84, 105, and 147 of lactation, and milk nutrient composition was determined. Doppler ultrasonography of both pudendoepigastric arterial trunks was conducted every 21 d from days 24 to 108 of lactation. Total mammary blood flow was calculated, and hemodynamics from both sides were averaged. Data were analyzed as repeated measures with nutritional plane, day of lactation, their interaction, calving date, and calf sex (if P < 0.25) as fixed effects. We previously reported that post-calving, NR dams weighed 64 kg less and were 2.0 BCS lower than CON, but calf birth weight was not affected. Milk weight and volume were 15% less (P = 0.04) for NR dams than CON. Milk protein concentration was lower (P = 0.008) for NR dams than CON, but triglyceride and lactose concentrations were not affected (P ≥ 0.20) by nutritional plane. Milk urea N concentration of NR dams tended to be greater (P = 0.07) on day 42 but was lower (P = 0.01) on day 147 of lactation than CON. Total milk protein, triglyceride, and lactose yields were less (P ≤ 0.05) for NR dams than CON. Total milk urea N yield was less (P ≤ 0.03) for NR dams than CON on days 21, 63, and 147 of lactation. Maternal heart rate was greater (P = 0.008), but pudendoepigastric arterial trunk peak systolic velocity, resistance index, and cross-sectional area were less (P ≤ 0.04) and pulsatility index tended to be less (P = 0.06) for NR dams than CON. Mammary blood flow was 19% less (P = 0.004) for NR dams than CON, but mammary blood flow relative to milk weight or dam BW was not affected (P ≥ 0.14) by nutritional plane. Most milk yield, milk nutrient composition, and mammary blood flow variables were affected (P ≤ 0.04) by day of lactation. In summary, first-parity beef females that were nutrient restricted during late gestation and then fed to meet estimated nutrient requirements during lactation had decreased milk nutrient yield and a similar reduction in mammary blood flow.
Roles of Y-27632 on sheep sperm metabolism
Authors: Fu Yu , Shen Wenzheng , Bai Haiyu , Zhang Zhiyu , Cao Zhikun , Liu Zibo , Yang Chao , Sun Shixin , Wang Lei , Ling Yinghui , Zhang Zijun , Cao Hongguo
Published: January 2024

To investigate the effect of Y-27632 on low-temperature metabolism of sheep sperm, different concentrations of Y-27632 were added to sheep semen at 4 °C in this experiment to detect indicators such as sperm motility, plasma membrane, acrosome, antioxidant performance, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and metabolomics. The results showed that the addition of 20 µM Y-27632 significantly increased sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, antioxidant capacity, MMP level, significantly increased sperm adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and total cholesterol content, and significantly reduced sperm Ca2+ content. In metabolomics analysis, compared with the control group, the 20 µM Y-27632 group screened 20 differential metabolites, mainly involved in five metabolic pathways, with the most significant difference in Histidine metabolism (P = 0.001). The results confirmed that Y-27632 significantly improved the quality of sheep sperm preservation under low-temperature conditions.
Use of noninvasive imaging to identify causes of skeletal fragility in adults with diabetes: a review
Authors: Emerzian Shannon R , Johannesdottir Fjola , Yu Elaine W , Bouxsein Mary L
Published: January 2024

Diabetes, a disease marked by consistent high blood glucose levels, is associated with various complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease. Notably, skeletal fragility has emerged as a significant complication in both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetic patients. This review examines noninvasive imaging studies that evaluate skeletal outcomes in adults with T1D and T2D, emphasizing distinct skeletal phenotypes linked with each condition and pinpointing gaps in understanding bone health in diabetes. Although traditional DXA-BMD does not fully capture the increased fracture risk in diabetes, recent techniques such as quantitative computed tomography, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, high-resolution quantitative computed tomography, and MRI provide insights into 3D bone density, microstructure, and strength. Notably, existing studies present heterogeneous results possibly due to variations in design, outcome measures, and potential misclassification between T1D and T2D. Thus, the true nature of diabetic skeletal fragility is yet to be fully understood. As T1D and T2D are diverse conditions with heterogeneous subtypes, future research should delve deeper into skeletal fragility by diabetic phenotypes and focus on longitudinal studies in larger, diverse cohorts to elucidate the complex influence of T1D and T2D on bone health and fracture outcomes.
Patellar and quadriceps tendon rupture are associated with hip fracture in hemodialysis patients with severe hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Pichone Alinie , Juvencio Elicivaldo Lima , Crespo Bernardo , Gomes Carlos Perez , Mendes Renata de Souza , Godinho Marise Rocha , Ladeira Aline Cordeiro Fernandes , Leite, Jr Maurilo , Guimarães João Antônio Matheus
Published: January 2024

Spontaneous rupture of the patellar (PTR) and quadriceps (QTR) tendon is infrequent. Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, CKD, and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) are risk factors. The present cohort study aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with tendon rupture in hemodialysis (HD) patients with SHPT, as well as outcomes including surgical complications, re-ruptures, and fracture. Baseline clinical, laboratorial data, and radiographs were analyzed. Patients were followed up from March 2012 to March 2020. One-hundred thirty-one patients (≥18 yr of age, on HD ≥ 6 mo, with SHPT) were included. Incidence rates of PTR and QTR were 2.3 and 1.7/10000 HD patients/yr, respectively. The mean age of patients with tendon rupture was 44.0 ± 11.2 yr. These patients exhibited higher serum levels of phosphorus (6.3 ± 1.5 mg/dL vs 5.6 ± 1.1 mg/dL; P = .005), PTH (2025.7 ± 667.6 pg/mL vs 1728.4 ± 684.8 pg/mL; P = .035), and C-reactive-protein (35.4 ± 32.9 mg/dL vs 17 ± 24.5 mg/dL; P = .002) compared to the group without tendon rupture. The mean follow-up was 56.7 ± 27.1 mo. No patient required a new surgical approach or experienced re-rupture. Of all patients, 31% experienced hip fracture: 50% in the group with rupture (29.5 ± 17.4 mo after the tendon rupture) vs 26% without tendon rupture (P = .015). After adjustment, the hazard ratio for hip fracture was 2.87 (95% CI, 1.27–6.49; P = .012). Patients with SHPT and high levels of phosphorus, PTH, and inflammatory markers were at greater risk for tendon rupture. Surgical complication rates were low. However, results suggest that tendon rupture of knee extensor mechanism in HD patient with SHPT should be regarded as a “red flag” for future hip fracture.
Parametric design and modeling method of carbon fiber reinforcement plastic-laminated components applicable for multi-material vehicle body development
Authors: Lv Tiantong , Chen Zipeng , Wang Dengfeng , Du Xuejing
Published: January 2024

Combined application of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber reinforcement plastic (CFRP) is the main direction of future lightweight body development. However, the anisotropy and additional lamination design variables of CFRP parts pose significant challenges for the development of multi-material bodies. This study establishes a parametric design method for the variable-thickness lamination scheme based on non-uniform rational B-splines, it can be coupled with existing parametric design methods for structural shapes to formulate a complete parametric design and modeling of CFRP components. On this basis, a homogenized intermediate material property is derived from classic laminate theory by introducing lamination assumptions, it enables a stepwise multi-material body optimization method to solve the challenge that components’ material design variables switching between CFRP and alloy will introduce/eliminate lamination design variables iteratively, posing a great optimization convergence difficulty. The proposed parametric modeling method for CFRP components was validated by experimental tests of a fabricated roof beam, and the proposed optimization method was applied to a vehicle body, achieving 15.9%, 23.9%, 18.6%, and 12.2% increase in bending and torsional stiffness and modal frequencies; 20.2%, 9.3%, and 12.7% reduction of weight and peak acceleration in frontal and side collisions. This study enables the forward design of multi-material bodies compatible with CFRP parts.
Divergent warning patterns influence male and female mating behaviours in a tropical butterfly
Authors: Kuo Chi-Yun , Melo-Flóres Lina , Aragón Andrea , Oberweiser Morgan M , McMillan W Owen , Pardo-Diaz Carolina , Salazar Camilo , Merrill Richard M
Published: January 2024

Traits under divergent ecological selection that also function during mating can be important in maintaining species boundaries. Few studies have considered mutual mate choice, where both males and females base mating decisions on the same trait. Wing colouration in Heliconius butterflies evolved as a warning signal but also functions as a mating cue. We investigated the contribution of visual preference to assortative mating in an aposematic butterfly Heliconius cydno in the context of reproductive isolation with its sympatric, visually distinct relative Heliconius melpomene. Heliconius cydno have conspicuous white bands on their forewings, whereas those of H. melpomene are red in colour. We predicted that both sexes of H. cydno contributed to assortative mating by exhibiting visual preference towards conspecific wing colouration. We analysed published and new data from preference experiments, in which males were presented with conspecific and H. melpomene females. We also recorded female responses and mating outcomes in choice experiments, involving conspecific males with either the original white or artificially painted red forewing bands. Both sexes of H. cydno responded more positively towards the conspecific colouration, and males strongly preferred females of its own colours. In contrast, male colouration did not predict mating outcomes in female choice experiments. As courtships are initiated by males in butterflies, our findings suggest that female visual preference might be of secondary importance in H. cydno. Our data also suggest that the contribution of visual preference to reproductive isolation might be unequal between H. cydno and its sympatric relative H. melpomene.
The Clade Replacement Theory: a framework to study age-dependent extinction
Authors: Calderón del Cid Carlos , Villalobos Fabricio , Dobrovolski Ricardo , Carrillo Juan D , Silvestro Daniele , Vilela Bruno
Published: January 2024

There is no scientific consensus about whether and how species’ evolutionary age, or the elapsed time since their origination, might affect their probability of going extinct. Different age-dependent extinction (ADE) patterns have been proposed in theoretical and empirical studies, while the existence of a consistent and universal pattern across the tree of life remains debated. If evolutionary age predicts species extinction probability, then the study of ADE should comprise the elapsed time and the ecological process acting on species from their origin to their extinction or to the present for extant species. Additionally, given that closely related species share traits associated with fitness, evolutionary proximity could generate similar ADE patterns. Considering the historical context and extinction selectivity based on evolutionary relatedness, we build on previous theoretical work to formalize the Clade Replacement Theory (CRT) as a framework that considers the ecological and evolutionary aspects of species age and extinction probability to produce testable predictions on ADE patterns. CRT’s domain is the diversification dynamics of two or more clades competing for environmental space throughout time, and its propositions or derived hypotheses are as follows: (i) incumbency effects by an early arriving clade that limit the colonization and the diversification of a younger clade leading to a negative ADE scenario (younger species more prone to extinction than older ones) and (ii) an ecological shift triggered by an environmental change that imposes a new selective regime over the environmental space and leads to a positive ADE scenario (extinction probability increasing with age). From these propositions, we developed the prediction that the ADE scenario would be defined by whether an ecological shift happens or not. We discuss how the CRT could be tested with empirical data and provide examples where it could be applied. We hope this article will provide a common ground to unify results from different fields and foster new empirical tests of the mechanisms derived here while providing insights into CRT theoretical structuration.
Intrinsic adherence to law: physical versus intellectual property
Authors: Bechtold Stefan , Gertsch Gabriel , Schonger Martin
Published: January 2024

Infringement of intellectual property seems to be much more common than infringement of physical property. Intellectual property rights protect goods that are non-rival in consumption, while physical property rights protect rival goods. Nonrivalry implies that the owner suffers no direct harm from infringement. This could explain lower respect for property rights in nonrival goods. To test this hypothesis, we isolate the dimension of rivalry in an experiment. We develop a theft game that offers plausible deniability and minimizes experimenter demand. We find no evidence, either in behavior or in social norms, that participants’ respect for nonrival goods is lower than for rival goods. This suggests that the widespread infringement of intellectual property rights is not due to their nonrival nature. We examine this result in a vignette study and find that stealing a nonrival good is more socially acceptable when the user’s valuation is below the price of the good.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen 85B modifies BCG-induced antituberculosis immunity and favors pathogen survival
Authors: Piccaro Giovanni , Aquino Gabriella , Gigantino Vincenzo , Tirelli Valentina , Sanchez Massimo , Iorio Egidio , Matarese Giuseppe , Cassone Antonio , Palma Carla
Published: January 2024

Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has developed strategies not only to evade host immunity but also to manipulate it for its survival. We investigated whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis exploited the immunogenicity of Ag85B, one of its major secretory proteins, to redirect host antituberculosis immunity to its advantage. We found that administration of Ag85B protein to mice vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin impaired the protection elicited by vaccination, causing a more severe infection when mice were challenged with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Ag85B administration reduced Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-induced CD4 T-cell activation and IFN-γ, CCL-4, and IL-22 production in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis–infected cells. On the other hand, it promoted robust Ag85B-responsive IFN-γ–producing CD4 T cells, expansion of a subset of IFN-γ/IL-10–producing CD4+FOXP3+Treg cells, differential activation of IL-17/IL-22 responses, and activation of regulatory and exhaustion pathways, including programmed death ligand 1 expression on macrophages. All this resulted in impaired intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth control by systemic immunity, both before and after the Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge. Interestingly, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection itself generated Ag85B-reactive inflammatory immune cells incapable of clearing Mycobacterium tuberculosis in both unvaccinated and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin–vaccinated mice. Our data suggest that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can exploit the strong immunogenicity of Ag85B to promote its own survival and spread. Since Ag85B is normally secreted by replicating bacteria and is commonly found in the lungs of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis–infected host, our findings may advance the understanding on the mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis and immune evasion.
Concepts in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia pathogenesis
Authors: Garcia Clarissa , Miller-Awe Megan D , Witkowski Matthew T
Published: January 2024

B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) arises from genetic alterations impacting B cell progenitors, ultimately leading to clinically overt disease. Extensive collaborative efforts in basic and clinical research have significantly improved patient prognoses. Nevertheless, a subset of patients demonstrate resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic approaches and emerging immunotherapeutic interventions. This review highlights the mechanistic underpinnings governing B-ALL transformation. Beginning with exploring normative B cell lymphopoiesis, we delineate the influence of recurrent germline and somatic genetic aberrations on the perturbation of B cell progenitor differentiation and protumorigenic signaling, thereby facilitating the neoplastic transformation underlying B-ALL progression. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in the multifaceted landscape of B-ALL, encompassing metabolic reprogramming, microbiome influences, inflammation, and the discernible impact of socioeconomic and racial disparities on B-ALL transformation and patient survival.