bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the impact of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on diastolic function in adults with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Imayama Ikuyo , Gallagher Collin , Grand Jacob , Follman Benjamin , Kansal Mayank , Prasad Bharati
Published: February 2023

Although studies have shown that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea improves left ventricular diastolic function, modifiers of improvement are unknown. We explored race and pre‐treatment 24‐h non‐dipping blood pressure status as modifiers of improved diastolic function. Participants (N = 220) with obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index ≥15 events/h) and hypertension were recruited to a cohort study that examined effects of 3‐month CPAP therapy on 24‐h blood pressure. Those who completed echocardiogram at baseline and follow‐up were included in this analysis. Diastolic function parameters (E, A, e′, E/A, E/e′) were assessed. Race was categorised to African American versus others. Participants were categorised as nocturnal dippers (night‐time blood pressure decrease by ≥10%) versus non‐dippers. We compared changes in parameters of diastolic function by race and nocturnal dipping status. A total of 92 participants were included. They were men (86%), African American (67.4%), and current smoker (29.5%). Mean apnea–hypopnea index was 32.9 events/h. Mean CPAP usage was 3.15 h/day. After 3 months of CPAP treatment, there were significant improvements in measures of diastolic function: a median (interquartile range [IQR]) increase in E velocity by 4.00 (−5.75 to 13.75) cm/s, an increase in e′ by 2.00 (0–4.00) cm/s, and a decrease in the E/e′ ratio by 1.74 (−4.27 to 0.00) at follow‐up (p < 0.05). These changes did not differ by race or nocturnal dipping status. Improvements in diastolic function after CPAP therapy did not differ by race or nocturnal dipping status. Further studies are needed to understand predictors of CPAP effects on diastolic function.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and latent tuberculosis co‐infection and risk of drug‐induced liver injury across two large HBV cohorts in the United States
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Rupp Loralee , Lu Mei , Yang Zeyuan , Daida Yihe G. , Schmidt Mark , Boscarino Joseph A. , Gordon Stuart C. , Chitnis Amit S.
Published: February 2023

The epidemiology of latent tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus (HBV‐LTBI) co‐infection among U.S. populations is not well studied. We aim to evaluate LTBI testing patterns and LTBI prevalence among two large U.S. cohorts of adults with chronic HBV (CHB). Adults with CHB in the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS) and Veterans Affairs national cohort were included in the analyses. Prevalence of HBV‐LTBI co‐infection was defined as the number of HBV patients with LTBI divided by the number of HBV patients in a cohort. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated odds of HBV‐LTBI co‐infection among CHB patients who underwent TB testing. Among 6019 CHB patients in the CHeCS cohort (44% female, 47% Asian), 9.1% were tested for TB, among whom 7.7% had HBV‐LTBI co‐infection. Among HBV‐LTBI co‐infected patient, only 16.7% (n = 7) received LTBI treatment, among whom 28.6% (n = 2) developed DILI. Among 12,928 CHB patients in the VA cohort (94% male, 42% African American, 39% non‐Hispanic white), 14.7% were tested for TB, among whom 14.5% had HBV‐LTBI. Among HBV‐LTBI co‐infected patient, 18.6% (n = 51) received LTBI treatment, among whom 3.9% (n = 3) developed DILI. Presence of cirrhosis, race/ethnicity, and country of birth were observed to be associated with odds of HBV‐LTBI co‐infection among CHB patients who received TB testing. In summary, among two large distinct U.S. cohorts of adults with CHB, testing for LTBI was infrequent despite relatively high prevalence of HBV‐LTBI co‐infection. Moreover, low rates of LTBI treatment were observed among those with HBV‐LTBI co‐infection.
Temporal changes in the dominance of tree functional traits, but no changes in species diversity during woody plant encroachment in a Brazilian savanna
Authors: Raymundo Diego , Lehmann Caroline Elisabeth Randlev , de Oliveira‐Neto Norberto Emídio , Martini Vitor Campana , Altomare Monize , Prado‐Junior Jamir , Oliveira Paulo Eugênio
Published: February 2023

Questions: Woody encroachment in savannas has been associated with changing taxonomic composition and ecosystem function. Interestingly, there is little understanding of how encroachment impacts plant functional diversity and how those changes relate to plant demography, a crucial mediator between taxonomic composition and ecosystem function.

Location: Southeastern Brazil.

Methods: Using a landscape scale fire suppression experiment in a diverse Brazilian savanna, we quantify how change in species composition over seven years impacted vegetative and reproductive tree functional diversity as determined by new recruits, dead and surviving trees.

Results: Over seven years, tree above‐ground biomass increased by 15%, while total species richness did not change. Despite minor changes, species composition remained overall similar (82%), with few species contributing significantly to plot dissimilarity over time. There were small changes in vegetative traits, where the community‐weighted mean increased in maximum tree height (↑ 2.1%) and specific leaf area (↑ 5.3%), and decreased in wood density (↓ 1.3%) and bark thickness (↓ 9.4%). Changes in reproductive traits were larger than in vegetative traits, with an increase in the prevalence of monoecy (↑ 32.6%), dioecy (↑ 44.2%), large seeds (↑ 20.3%), animal‐mediated seed dispersal (↑ 4.9%) and pollination by very small insects (↑ 45.5%), and a decrease in the prevalence of hermaphroditism (↓ 9%), small seeds (6.8%) and pollination by small insects (12.5%). The overall decrease in bark thickness and increase in monoecy and dioecy were mainly driven by characters of the new recruits, while the overall increase in specific leaf area (SLA) and decrease in small seeds appeared largely determined by the loss of trees possessing those traits.

Conclusions: Encroachment leads to changes that are likely increasing ecosystem vulnerability to fire and drought. Further, the compositional changes observed appear to drive marked change in reproductive traits, indicating increasing dependence on animals for dispersal and reproduction. Understanding post‐hoc encroachment impacts in an era of widespread pervasive encroachment is fundamental to reconciling ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and pollination services as there is a loss of species with open ecosystem life‐history strategies. Among savannas, there remains an urgent need to understand relationships between woody cover and ecosystem function to determine thresholds in woody cover promoting resilient savanna ecosystems.
Plasticity in resource use explains the persistence of the largest living rodent in anthropized environments
Authors: Magioli M. , Luz H. R. , Costa F. B. , Benatti H. R. , Piovezan U. , Nunes F. B. P. , Lopes B. , Moreira M. Z. , Labruna M. B. , Ferraz K. M. P. M. B.
Published: February 2023

How organisms search for and obtain food is a determinant of their survival. It has been hypothesized that organisms facing food limitations might expand their dietary niche compared with optimal foraging conditions. Nonetheless, some organisms may reduce their dietary niche due to limiting resources. Here, we show the resource use plasticity of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the largest living rodent, in natural and anthropized environments of Brazil using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in hair. We assessed the resource use, size and overlap of isotopic niches, and the influence of body mass, age class, sex, and landscape composition on isotopic values among 13 capybara populations (210 individuals). We observed a wide variation in isotopic values of capybaras among and within populations in different environments. Surprisingly, diets varied from strictly C4‐based to strictly C3‐based, with most individuals feeding on C4 plants (65%). A substantial portion of individuals presented mixed diets (C3 and C4 plants), totaling 31% of the individuals, and few fed exclusively on C3 plants (4%). Isotopic niche size also varied among populations in both environments, with low overlap considering their core dietary niche. Capybara populations in natural environments had substantial incorporation of C3 resources, showing individuals with strictly C3 diets, and possibly relying on a high diversity of food items, while some populations in anthropized ones fed exclusively on C4 resources. Neither body mass, age class, sex, nor landscape composition significantly influenced isotopic values. Here, we provide evidence of the dietary plasticity of capybaras in different environments, transitioning from the consumption of C4 to C3 plants when needed, that is, from preferred to non‐preferred food items. Together with the species' behavioral plasticity, our results help explain its resilience in surviving, and even thriving, in both natural and human‐modified environments.
Ideological changes and pragmatism in the Pacific Alliance
Authors: Vidarte Arévalo Oscar , Díaz Quichua Mayte
Published: February 2023

Since its creation a decade ago, the Pacific Alliance has established itself as one of the most important regional blocs in Latin America. Its free‐market orientation, clearly neoliberal, and its pragmatic decision‐making strategy have been highlighted as its main strengths. This article will demonstrate that, despite the ideological changes that have taken place in its members, the Alliance will continue to be an important tool in these members' respective foreign policies. Precisely because of its pragmatism, the coming to power in Peru and Chile of governments critical of neoliberalism did not affect the development of the Pacific Alliance. Likewise, the political changes that have occurred more recently in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru do not seem to imply a weakening of the of it. By contrast, following its pragmatic profile, the new ideological framework prevailing in the Alliance could serve to face the difficult situation and advance in bloc's process of deep integration.
Maize tubulin folding cofactor B is required for cell division and cell growth through modulating microtubule homeostasis
Authors: Zhou Qingqian , Fu Zhiyuan , Li Mengyuan , Shen Qingwen , Sun Canran , Feng Yijian , Liu Yang , Jiang Jianjun , Qin Tao , Mao Tonglin , Hearne Sarah Jane , Wang Guifeng , Tang Jihua
Published: February 2023

Tubulin folding cofactors (TFCs) are required for tubulin folding, α/β tubulin heterodimer formation, and microtubule (MT) dynamics in yeast and mammals. However, the functions of their plant counterparts remain to be characterized.

We identified a natural maize crumpled kernel mutant, crk2, which exhibits reductions in endosperm cell number and size, as well as embryo/seedling lethality. Map‐based cloning and functional complementation confirmed that ZmTFCB is causal for the mutation.

ZmTFCB is targeted mainly to the cytosol. It facilitates α‐tubulin folding and heterodimer formation through sequential interactions with the cytosolic chaperonin‐containing TCP‐1 ε subunit ZmCCT5 and ZmTFCE, thus affecting the organization of both the spindle and phragmoplast MT array and the cortical MT polymerization and array formation, which consequently mediated cell division and cell growth. We detected a physical association between ZmTFCB and the maize MT plus‐end binding protein END‐BINDING1 (ZmEB1), indicating that ZmTFCB1 may modulate MT dynamics by sequestering ZmEB1.

Our data demonstrate that ZmTFCB is required for cell division and cell growth through modulating MT homeostasis, an evolutionarily conserved machinery with some species‐specific divergence.
A comprehensive metabolic map reveals major quality regulations in red‐flesh kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis)
Authors: Shu Peng , Zhang Zixin , Wu Yi , Chen Yuan , Li Kunyan , Deng Heng , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xin , Wang Jiayu , Liu Zhibin , Xie Yue , Du Kui , Li Mingzhang , Bouzayen Mondher , Hong Yiguo , Zhang Yang , Liu Mingchun
Published: February 2023

Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) is one of the popular fruits world‐wide, and its quality is mainly determined by key metabolites (sugars, flavonoids, and vitamins). Previous works on kiwifruit are mostly done via a single omics approach or involve only limited metabolites. Consequently, the dynamic metabolomes during kiwifruit development and ripening and the underlying regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood.

In this study, using high‐resolution metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, we investigated kiwifruit metabolic landscapes at 11 different developmental and ripening stages and revealed a parallel classification of 515 metabolites and their co‐expressed genes into 10 distinct metabolic vs gene modules (MM vs GM). Through integrative bioinformatics coupled with functional genomic assays, we constructed a global map and uncovered essential transcriptomic and transcriptional regulatory networks for all major metabolic changes that occurred throughout the kiwifruit growth cycle.

Apart from known MM vs GM for metabolites such as soluble sugars, we identified novel transcription factors that regulate the accumulation of procyanidins, vitamin C, and other important metabolites.

Our findings thus shed light on the kiwifruit metabolic regulatory network and provide a valuable resource for the designed improvement of kiwifruit quality.
Beyond loss: An essay about presence and sparkling moments based on observations from life coexisting with a person living with dementia
Authors: Damsgaard Janne B. , Lauritzen Jette , Delmar Charlotte , Kvande Monica E.
Published: February 2023

This is an essay based on a story with observations, about present and sparkling moments from everyday life coexisting with a mother living with dementia. The story is used to begin philosophical underpinnings reflecting on ‘how it could be otherwise’. Dementia deploys brutal existential experiences such as cognitive deterioration, decline in mental functioning and often hurtful social judgements. The person living with dementia goes through transformation and changes of self. Cognitive decline progressively disrupts the foundations upon which social connectedness is built, often creating a profound sense of insecurity. The challenge for carers and healthcare professionals is therefore to find ways of clarifying a concept of agency. It will be worthwhile developing the ability of attuning into ‘what is there’ arising from every corner of the care situation. Understanding and practicing this can strengthen existence and the experience of connectedness and meaning, empowering the person with dementia. It is important to find ways, relational moves, in which carers and healthcare professionals can embed the creativity appearing in mundane everyday situations filled with surplus of meaning, sharing mental landscapes (and embodied relational understanding) with the person living with dementia – seizing and sharing aesthetic moments (verbal and nonverbal) being present together. We argue that carers and healthcare professionals may find this understanding of care useful. This implies looking into a phenomenological‐hermeneutic perspective developing competences as well as practical wisdom understanding and being aware of the creative and innovative possibilities (often preverbal and unnoticed small things) in everyday life of what we, inspired by psychoanalyst Daniel Stern, call sparkling moments of meeting, creating experience with the other that is personally undergone and lived through in the present.
The impact of plant diversity and vegetation composition on bumblebee colony fitness
Authors: Verbeke Sebastiaan , Boeraeve Margaux , Carpentier Sebastien , Jacquemyn Hans , Pozo María I.
Published: February 2023

The current decline in pollinators may disrupt ecosystems and ecosystem services with potentially harmful effects on nature and human society. While the importance of habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution and increased disease risk in driving pollinator decline has been clearly demonstrated, the impact of resource diversity is less well understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of pollen diversity and composition on reproductive success and fitness of Bombus terrestris colonies. We asked the question whether a higher plant diversity results in a more diverse diet, lower pathogen incidence and a higher colony fitness. To answer these questions, colonies of lab‐reared bumblebees were placed in species‐poor heathlands and species‐rich semi‐natural grasslands that strongly differed in plant community composition and diversity. We examined pollen loads on the bodies of foragers and identified the plant taxa present in the realized diet via DNA metabarcoding of the ITS2 marker. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used to compare peptide composition of pollen samples from both habitats. Colony fitness was assessed by counting the number of sexuals produced by the colony at the end of its cycle. At the same time, colonies were examined for parasite incidence. Pollen composition and diversity on pollinators' bodies differed significantly between bees foraging in grasslands and heathlands. Concomitantly, peptide composition differed significantly between pollen samples from grasslands and heathlands. Contrary to our prediction, colonies developed significantly better in heathland sites than in grasslands. In addition, the relationship between colony fitness and pollen diversity was weak and varied between the two habitats. Pathogen incidence was very low and not affected by habitat. Overall, our results indicate that plant diversity is not necessarily a good predictor of colony fitness, and that vegetation composition and associated differences in both the quantity and quality of pollen are more important than pollen diversity per se.
Gamma Nail Combined with One Cannulated Compression Screw Fixation for Treating Pauwels Type III Femoral Neck Fractures in Young and Middle‐Aged Adults: Clinical Follow‐Up and Biomechanical Studies
Authors: Wen Qiangqiang , Gu Feng , Su Zilong , Zhang Ke , Xie Xiaoping , Li Jiangbi , Sui Zhenjiang , Yu Tiecheng
Published: February 2023

Objective

Recently, some clinical studies have reported the use of an intramedullary nailing system for treating unstable femoral neck fractures or femoral neck fractures combined with femoral shaft fractures in young adults, and the results have indicated certain advantages. However, no study has investigated the mechanical properties of this method. We aimed to evaluate the mechanical stability and clinical efficacy of the Gamma nail combined with one cannulated compression screw (CCS) fixation for treating Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture in young and middle‐aged adults.

Methods

This study consists of two parts: a clinical retrospective study and randomized controlled biomechanical test. Twelve adult cadaver femora were used to test and compare the biomechanical properties among three fixation methods: three parallel CCS (group A), Gamma nail (group B), and Gamma nail combined with one cannulated compression screw (group C). The single continuous compression test, cyclic load test, and ultimate vertical load test were used to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the three fixation methods. We also conducted a retrospective study of 31 patients with Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures, including 16 patients with fractures fixed with three parallel CCS (CCS group) and 15 patients with fractures fixed with Gamma nail combined with one CCS (Gamma nail + CCS group). The patients were followed up for at least 3 years, and all were evaluated for surgical time (from skin incision to closure), surgical blood loss, hospital stay, and the Harris hip score.

Results

In mechanical experiments, we have found that the mechanical advantages of Gamma nail fixation are not as good as those of conventional CCS fixation. However, the mechanical properties of Gamma nail fixation combined with one cannulated screw perpendicular to the fracture line are much better than those of Gamma nail fixation and CCS fixation. No significant difference was found in the incidence of femoral head necrosis and nonunion between the CCS and Gamma nail + CCS groups. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in the Harris hip scores between the two groups. One patient in the CCS group showed significant withdrawal of cannulated screws at 5 months after surgery, whereas in the Gamma nail + CCS group, all patients, including those with femoral neck necrosis, showed no loss of stability of the fixation.

Conclusion

Among the two fixation methods evaluated in this study, Gamma nail combined with one CCS fixation showed better biomechanical properties and may reduce complications associated with unstable fixation devices.
Exporters' reaction to positive foreign demand shocks
Authors: Minondo Asier
Published: February 2023

I use the quasi‐natural experiment of the 2018 African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in China to analyze swine exporters' reaction to a foreign market's positive demand shock. I use the universe of Spanish firms' export transactions to China and other countries and compare the performance of swine and other exporters before and after the ASF. The ASF almost tripled Spanish swine exporters' sales to China. The increase in exports to China positively impacted export revenue and survival in other foreign markets. This positive impact was especially intense for small swine exporters.
Novel findings on the anatomy of medial canthus in dogs
Authors: Saito Akihiko , Iwashita Hiroko
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Severe entropion of the medial canthus results in ocular surface diseases and tear staining syndrome. However, detailed anatomical structures of the medial canthus and lacrimal ducts in dogs are poorly understood. We aimed to understand the anatomical structures of the medial canthus by analyzing the distances from the medial palpebral commissure to the superior lacrimal punctum (DSP) and to the inferior lacrimal punctum (DIP) and by histological examinations of the medial canthal anatomy.

Methods

Dogs that underwent modified medial canthoplasty (MMC) between April 2017 and March 2021 were studied. As a reference, non‐brachycephalic dogs that underwent other surgeries were also examined. DSP and DIP were measured preoperatively in all dogs in both the non‐everted and everted positions. Histological examinations of the medial canthal anatomy were performed in four eyes isolated from beagles.

Results

The ratios of DIP to DSP (mean ± SD) at the non‐everted and everted positions in 242 MMC eyes of 126 dogs were 2.05 ± 0.46 and 1.05 ± 0.13, respectively (p < .01). The ratios of everted to non‐everted positions for DIP and DSP were 0.98 ± 0.21 and 1.93 ± 0.49, respectively (p < .01). Histological findings indicated that the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) circumjacent lacrimal canaliculus transformed into collagen fibers and were attached to the lacrimal bone.

Conclusions

Histological studies revealed that the OOM circumjacent lacrimal canaliculus transformed into collagen fibers and these collagen fibers may be related to the difference between DSP and DIP.
The effect of age and mitigation strategies during hot water immersion on orthostatic intolerance and thermal stress
Authors: Steward Charles J. , Menzies Campbell , Clarke Neil D. , Harwood Amy E. , Hill Mathew , Pugh Christopher J. A. , Thake C. Douglas , Cullen Tom
Published: February 2023

Hot water immersion improves cardiovascular health and sporting performance, yet its adverse responses are understudied. Thirteen young and 17 middle‐aged adults (n = 30) were exposed to 2 × 30 min bouts of whole‐body 39°C water immersion. Young adults also completed cooling mitigation strategies in a randomized cross‐over design. Orthostatic intolerance and selected physiological, perceptual, postural and cognitive responses were assessed. Orthostatic hypotension occurred in 94% of middle‐aged adults and 77% of young adults. Young adults exhibited greater dizziness upon standing (young subjects, 3 out of 10 arbitrary units (AU) vs. middle‐aged subjects, 2 out of 10 AU), with four terminating the protocol early owing to dizziness or discomfort. Despite middle‐aged adults being largely asymptomatic, both age groups had transient impairments in postural sway after immersion (P < 0.05), but no change in cognitive function (P = 0.58). Middle‐aged adults reported lower thermal sensation, higher thermal comfort, and higher basic affect than young adults (all P < 0.01). Cooling mitigation trials had 100% completion rates, with improvements in sit‐to‐stand dizziness (P < 0.01, arms in, 3 out of 10 AU vs. arms out, 2 out of 10 AU vs. fan, 4 out 10 AU), lower thermal sensation (P = 0.04), higher thermal comfort (P < 0.01) and higher basic affect (P = 0.02). Middle‐aged adults were predominantly asymptomatic, and cooling strategies prevented severe dizziness and thermal intolerance in younger adults.
Waveguided sources of consistent, single-temporal-mode squeezed light: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Authors: Houde Martin , Quesada Nicolás
Published: February 2023

We study theoretically how the brightness of the pumps, with fixed profiles, affects the temporal mode structure of squeezed states generated by fixed parametric waveguided sources. We find that the temporal modes of these squeezed states can be partially mismatched and thus distinguishable, which is undesirable when using these states as resources for quantum computing or heralded state generation. By studying common frequency filtering techniques used experimentally, we find that although one can regain indistinguishability, it comes at the price of potentially greatly reducing the purity of the state. We consider three different source configurations: unapodized single pass, apodized single pass, and apodized double pass. We find that the double pass configuration produces optimal results with almost perfectly indistinguishable states over varying degrees of brightness.
Dry etching in the presence of physisorption of neutrals at lower temperatures
Authors: Lill Thorsten , Berry Ivan L. , Shen Meihua , Hoang John , Fischer Andreas , Panagopoulos Theo , Chang Jane P. , Vahedi Vahid
Published: February 2023

In this article, we give an overview about the chemical and physical processes that play a role in etching at lower wafer temperatures. Conventionally, plasma etching processes rely on the formation of radicals, which readily chemisorb at the surface. Molecules adsorb via physisorption at low temperatures, but they lack enough energy to overcome the energy barrier for a chemical reaction. The density of radicals in a typical plasma used in semiconductor manufacturing is one to two orders of magnitude lower than the concentration of the neutrals. Physisorption of neutrals at low temperatures, therefore, increases the neutral concentration on the surface meaningfully and contributes to etching if they are chemically activated. The transport of neutrals in high aspect ratio features is enhanced at low temperatures because physisorbed species are mobile. The temperature window of low temperature etching is bracketed at the low end by condensation including capillary effects and diminished physisorption at the high end. The useful temperature window is chemistry dependent. Besides illuminating the fundamental effects, which make low temperature processing unique, this article illustrates its utility for semiconductor etching applications.
Approximate time domain solution for studying infinite wedge diffraction, its parameters, and characteristics
Authors: Menounou Penelope , Spiropoulos Marios I. , Nikolaou Petros
Published: February 2023

An approximate time domain solution is derived for spherically spreading signals incident on an infinitely long rigid wedge. The solution is a short time approximation of the corresponding exact solution. The presented solution improves the accuracy of an approximate solution derived previously by the authors. The solution is extended to cylindrically spreading and plane wave incident signals. The solutions for all three types of incidence are recast in a unified form. The main advantage of this approximate solution is that it provides insight into the mechanism of diffraction. Specifically, it is shown that the time evolution of diffraction depends on a single time parameter–the diffraction delay time. Furthermore, a generator curve is presented that generates all diffraction impulse responses for all source and receiver locations, all wedge angles, and for all types of incident radiation. Finally, it is shown that any signal (irrespective of its time waveform or its type of spreading) incident on any wedge can be analyzed as an equivalent plane wave incident on a half plane. Thus, the diffraction field of a plane wave incident on a half plane (the simplest diffraction case) encompasses all wedge problems and can be considered a prototype diffraction problem.
Pedometer Efficacy for Clinical Care in Pediatric Cardiology
Authors: Blais Angelica , Longmuir Patricia E. , Lougheed Jane
Published: February 2023

Background: Physical activity is essential to the long-term health of children living with cardiac disease. The simplicity and cost of pedometers make them an attractive alternative to accelerometers for monitoring the physical activity behaviors of these children. This study compared measures obtained from commercial-grade pedometers and accelerometers. Methods: Pediatric cardiology outpatients (n = 41, mean age = 8.4 [3.7] y, 61% female) wore a pedometer and accelerometer daily for 1 week. Step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity were compared between devices, accounting for age group, sex, and diagnostic severity, using univariate analysis of variance. Results: While pedometer data were significantly correlated with accelerometers (r > .74, P < .001), measurements obtained were significantly different between devices. Overall, pedometers overestimated physical activity data. The overestimation of moderate to vigorous physical activity was significantly less among adolescents than younger age groups (P < .01, ). For step counts, there was a significant age by sex interaction observed where preschool and adolescent males tended to have greater differences between accelerometer and step count data than females (P < .01, ). Differences between devices were not associated with severity of diagnosis. Conclusions: The distribution of pedometers in a pediatric outpatient clinic was feasible, yet the data collected significantly overestimated physical activity, especially among younger children. Practitioners who want to introduce objective measurements as part of their physical activity counseling practice should use pedometers to monitor individual changes in physical activity and consider patient age before administering these devices for clinical care.
Changes in Pediatric Movement Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Stages of Lockdown in Ontario, Canada: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Patel Priya , Li Xuedi , Keown-Stoneman Charles D.G. , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Kinlin Laura M. , Maguire Jonathon L. , Birken Catherine S.
Published: February 2023

Background: Children’s movement behaviors have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, little is known regarding movement behavior patterns over time by government-issued lockdowns. Our primary objective was to evaluate how children’s movement behaviors changed by stages of lockdown/reopening in Ontario, Canada, from 2020 to 2021. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study with repeated measures of exposure and outcomes was conducted. The exposure variables were dates from before and during COVID-19 when child movement behavior questionnaires were completed. Lockdown/reopening dates were included as knot locations in the spline model. The outcomes were daily screen, physical activity, outdoor, and sleep time. Results: A total of 589 children with 4805 observations were included (53.1% boys, 5.9 [2.6] y). On average, screen time increased during the first and second lockdowns and decreased during the second reopening. Physical activity and outdoor time increased during the first lockdown, decreased during the first reopening, and increased during the second reopening. Younger children (<5 y) had greater increases in screen time and lower increases in physical activity and outdoor time than older children (≥5 y). Conclusions: Policy makers should consider the impact of lockdowns on child movement behaviors, especially in younger children.
Response to Comments on “Soybean photosynthesis and crop yield is improved by accelerating recovery from photoprotection”
Authors: De Souza Amanda P. , Burgess Steven J. , Doran Lynn , Manukyan Lusya , Hansen Jeffrey , Maryn Nina , Leonelli Lauriebeth , Niyogi Krishna K. , Long Stephen P. , Gotarkar Dhananjay
Published: February 2023

We recently demonstrated that accelerating the relaxation of nonphotochemical quenching leads to higher soybean photosynthetic efficiency and yield. In response, Sinclair
et al
. assert that improved photosynthesis cannot improve crop yields and that there is only one valid experimental design for proving a genetic improvement in yield. We explain here why neither assertion is valid.
A science superpower in the wings?
Authors: Wilsdon James
Published: February 2023

Declaring oneself—or aspiring to become—a global superpower sits uneasily with a British tendency towards self-deprecation. Rather, in this post-Elizabethan, post-Brexit chapter of the United Kingdom’s story, public debate is undercut by fear of decline. References to Britain’s imperial past are often sidestepped or accompanied by apologies. The exception is in political discussions of science, where assertions of national supremacy and manifest global destiny are now commonplace. Ministers and prime ministers past and present insist that the UK is already—or is well on the way to becoming—a “science superpower.” Whether this goal is sensible or even feasible is barely discussed.
Risk of Gastroenteritis from Swimming at a Wastewater-Impacted Tropical Beach Varies across Localized Scales
Authors: González-Fernández Adriana , Symonds Erin M. , Gallard-Gongora Javier F. , Mull Bonnie , Lukasik Jerzy O. , Rivera Navarro Pablo , Badilla Aguilar Andrei , Peraud Jayme , Mora Alvarado Darner , Cantor Allison , Breitbart Mya , Cairns Maryann R. , Harwood Valerie J.
Published: February 2023

This holistic investigation of sanitary water quality at a Costa Rican beach assessed microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes, pathogens, and indicators of sewage. Such studies are still rare in tropical climates.
A Novel Estrone Degradation Gene Cluster and Catabolic Mechanism in Microbacterium oxydans ML-6
Authors: Miao Lei , Sun Shanshan , Ma Tian , Abdelrahman Yousif Abdellah Yousif , Wang Yue , Mi Yaozu , Yan Haohao , Sun Guanjun , Hou Ning , Zhao Xinyue , Li Chunyan , Zang Hailian
Published: February 2023

Steroidal estrogens (SEs) are mainly produced by animals, while bacteria are major consumers of SEs in the biosphere. However, the understanding of the gene clusters that participate in E1 degradation is still limited, and the enzymes involved in the biodegradation of E1 have not been well characterized.
IPD072Aa from Pseudomonas chlororaphis Targets Midgut Epithelial Cells in Killing Western Corn Rootworm (
Diabrotica virgifera virgifera
)
Authors: Jiménez-Juárez Nuria , Oral Jarred , Nelson Mark E. , Lu Albert L.
Published: February 2023

Transgenic traits targeting WCR based on insecticidal proteins from
Bacillus thuringiensis
have proven effective in protecting maize yield in North America. High adoption has led to WCR populations that are resistant to the trait proteins.
Conjugation’s Toolkit: the Roles of Nonstructural Proteins in Bacterial Sex
Authors: Cooke Matthew B. , Herman Christophe
Published: February 2023

Bacterial conjugation, a form of horizontal gene transfer, relies on a type 4 secretion system (T4SS) and a set of nonstructural genes that are closely linked. These nonstructural genes aid in the mobile lifestyle of conjugative elements but are not part of the T4SS apparatus for conjugative transfer, such as the membrane pore and relaxosome, or the plasmid maintenance and replication machineries.
Sterility Testing for Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Cundell Tony , Atkins J. Wade , Lau Anna F.
Published: February 2023

Over the last two decades, rapid technological advances have led to the wide adoption of cell and gene therapy products for the treatment of a variety of disease states. In this study, we reviewed the literature between 2003 and 2021 to provide a summary of overarching trends associated with microbial contamination in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) derived from peripheral blood, bone marrow, and cord blood.
All Domains of SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 Determine Translational Shutoff and Cytotoxicity of the Protein
Authors: Frolov Ilya , Agback Tatiana , Palchevska Oksana , Dominguez Francisco , Lomzov Alexander , Agback Peter , Frolova Elena I.
Published: February 2023

The nsp1 of SARS-CoV-2 is a multifunctional protein that modifies the intracellular environment for the needs of viral replication. It is responsible for the development of translational shutoff, and its expression alone is sufficient to cause a cytopathic effect (CPE).
Cross-Feedings, Competition, and Positive and Negative Synergies in a Four-Species Synthetic Community for Anaerobic Degradation of Cellulose to Methane
Authors: Wang Dongyu , Hunt Kristopher A. , Candry Pieter , Tao Xuanyu , Wofford Neil Q. , Zhou Jizhong , McInerney Michael J. , Stahl David A. , Tanner Ralph S. , Zhou Aifen , Winkler Mari , Pan Chongle
Published: February 2023

A synthetic community was designed using four microbial species that together performed distinct key metabolic processes in the anaerobic degradation of cellulose to methane and CO
2
. The microorganisms exhibited expected interactions, such as cross-feeding of acetate from a cellulolytic bacterium to an acetoclastic methanogen and competition of H
2
between a sulfate reducing bacterium and a hydrogenotrophic methanogen.
miR-34c-3p Regulates Protein Kinase A Activity Independent of cAMP by Dicing
prkar2b
Transcripts in Theileria annulata-Infected Leukocytes
Authors: Haidar Malak , Tajeri Shahin , Momeux Laurence , Mourier Tobias , Ben-Rached Fathia , Mfarrej Sara , Rchiad Zineb , Pain Arnab , Langsley Gordon
Published: February 2023

Small microRNA levels are altered in many diseases, including those caused by parasites. Here, we describe how infection by two important animal and human parasites,
Theileria annulata
and
Plasmodium falciparum
, induce changes in infected host cell miR-34c-3p levels to regulate host cell PKA kinase activity by targeting mammalian
prkar2b
.
Rapid Detection of Staphylococcus aureus in Milk and Pork via Immunomagnetic Separation and Recombinase Polymerase Amplification
Authors: Cheng Runan , Li Lei , Zhen Sihui , Liu Honglei , Wu Zhouhui , Wang Yu , Wang Zhen
Published: February 2023

Our study established IMBs-RPA method, which simplified the steps of bacteria separation, shortened the detection time, and realized the convenient detection of
S. aureus
in milk and pork samples. IMBs-RPA method was also suitable for the detection of other pathogens, providing a new method for food safety monitoring and a favorable basis for rapid and early diagnosis of diseases.
A Beta Strain-Based Spike Glycoprotein Vaccine Candidate Induces Broad Neutralization and Protection against SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern
Authors: Cao Lei , Guo Jinyuan , Li Hai , Ren Hu , Xiao Kang , Zhang Yan , Zhu Shuangli , Song Yang , Zhao Weijia , Wu Dan , Chen Zhihui , Zhang Yanan , Xia Baicheng , Ji Tianjiao , Yan Dongmei , Wang Dongyan , Yang Qian , Zhou Yangzi , Li Xiaolei , Hou Zhanjun , Xu Wenbo
Published: February 2023

Continuous emergence of adaptive mutations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to challenge the use and development of existing vaccines and drugs. The value of variant-based vaccines that are capable of inducing a higher and broader protection immune response against SARS-CoV-2 variants is currently being evaluated.
Characterization of Extensively Drug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Kentucky Sequence Type 198 Isolates from Chicken Meat Products in Xuancheng, China
Authors: Jiang Yue , Wang Zhen-Yu , Li Qiu-Chun , Lu Meng-Jun , Wu Han , Mei Cai-Yue , Shen Peng-Cheng , Jiao Xinan , Wang Jing
Published: February 2023

Salmonella
spp. are important foodborne pathogens, and multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Salmonella
strains have become a serious threat to clinical therapy. MDR
S
.
The Coexistence of Bacterial Species Restructures Biofilm Architecture and Increases Tolerance to Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Dong Jiajun , Liu Luhan , Chen Liying , Xiang Yuqiang , Wang Yabin , Zhao Youbao
Published: February 2023

Bacterial biofilms possess distinct community properties that affect various aspects of our daily lives. In particular, biofilms exhibit increased tolerance to chemical disinfectants, antimicrobial agents, and host immune responses.
Multidrug Resistance Plasmid pTZC1 Could Be Pooled among
Cutibacterium
Strains on the Skin Surface
Authors: Koizumi Juri , Nakase Keisuke , Hayashi Nobukazu , Takeo Chikage , Nakaminami Hidemasa
Published: February 2023

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance not only in
Cutibacterium acnes
strain but also other skin bacteria such as
Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a big concern due to antimicrobial use for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Increased prevalence of macrolides-clindamycin resistant
C. acnes
relates to the acquisition of exogenous antimicrobial resistance genes.
erm
(50) is harbored by the multidrug resistance plasmid pTZC1, which has been found in
C. acnes
and
C. granulosum
strains isolated from patients with acne vulgaris.
Coimmunization with Preerythrocytic Antigens alongside Circumsporozoite Protein Can Enhance Sterile Protection against
Plasmodium
Sporozoite Infection
Authors: Vigdorovich Vladimir , Patel Hardik , Watson Alexander , Raappana Andrew , Reynolds Laura , Selman William , Beeman Suzannah , Edlefsen Paul T. , Kappe Stefan H. I. , Sather D. Noah
Published: February 2023

The currently approved malaria vaccine targets a single parasite protein (CSP) and results in only partial protection. We tested several additional vaccine targets in combination with CSP to identify those that could enhance protection from infection upon challenge in the mouse malaria model.
Comparative and Functional Analyses Reveal Conserved and Variable Regulatory Systems That Control Lasalocid Biosynthesis in Different
Streptomyces
Species
Authors: Liu Minghao , Wang Kairui , Wei Junhong , Liu Ning , Niu Guoqing , Tan Huarong , Huang Ying
Published: February 2023

Compared to its elaborated biosynthetic pathway, the regulation of lasalocid biosynthesis remains obscure. Here, we characterize the roles of regulatory genes in lasalocid biosynthetic gene clusters of two distinct
Streptomyces
species and identify a conserved repressor-activator system, LodR2–LodE, which could sense changes in the concentration of lasalocid and coordinate its biosynthesis with self-resistance.
Membrane Protein Amuc_1100 Derived from Akkermansia muciniphila Facilitates Lipolysis and Browning
via
Activating the AC3/PKA/HSL Pathway
Authors: Zheng Xifen , Huang Wenting , Li Qianbei , Chen Yun , Wu Linyan , Dong Yifan , Huang Xinyue , He Xiaojing , Ou Zihao , Peng Yongzheng
Published: February 2023

An important intestinal bacterial strain
Akkermansia muciniphila
contributes to improving carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thus alleviating obesity symptoms. Here, we find that the Akk membrane protein Amuc_1100 regulates lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
In Vitro
Activity of Two Cefepime-Based Novel Combinations, Cefepime/Taniborbactam and Cefepime/Zidebactam, against Carbapenemase-Expressing
Enterobacterales
Collected in India
Authors: Bakthavatchalam Yamuna Devi , Elangovan Divyaa , Jaganathan Subha Vajjiravelu , Subburaju Nivedhana , Shankar Abirami , Manokaran Yuvasri , J. Sudarsana , Devi Rema , Baveja Sujata , Devi Sheela , S. Jayakumar , Bhattacharya Sanjay , S. M. Rudresh , Yesudhason Bineshlal , Shetty Vignesh , Mutreja Ankur , Manesh Abi , Varghese George M. , Marwick Charis A. , Parcell Benjamin J. , Gilbert Ian H. , Veeraraghavan Balaji
Published: February 2023

The study revealed the differential ability of cefepime/taniborbactam and cefepime/zidebactam in tackling carbapenemase-producing Indian clinical isolates that also harbored additional mechanisms of resistance. NDM-expressing
E. coli
with 4-amino-acid insert in PBP3 are predominately resistant to cefepime/taniborbactam, while the β-lactam enhancer mechanism-based cefepime/zidebactam showed consistent activity against single- or dual-carbapenemase-producing isolates including
E. coli
with PBP3 inserts.
Genetic Diversity of Polymyxin-Resistance Mechanisms in Clinical Isolates of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: a Multicenter Study in China
Authors: Li Ziyao , Liu Xinmeng , Lei Zichen , Li Chen , Zhang Feilong , Wu Yongli , Yang Xinrui , Zhao Jiankang , Zhang Yulin , Hu Yanning , Shen Fangfang , Wang Pingbang , Yang Junwen , Liu Yulei , Lu Binghuai
Published: February 2023

Polymyxin-resistant CRKP is a serious public health threat whose resistance mechanisms should be under continuous surveillance. Here, we collected 662 nonduplicate CRKP strains across China to identify the carbapenemase and polymyxin resistance genes and epidemiological features.
Astronomically forced climate variability across the Eocene−Oligocene transition from a low latitude terrestrial record (Lühe Basin, South China)
Authors: Xu Ke , Kemp David B. , Ren Jianye , Qian Wendao
Published: February 2023

Across the late Eocene to early Oligocene, Earth’s climate underwent a dramatic shift from Greenhouse to Icehouse, known as the Eocene−Oligocene transition (EOT). This globally synchronous climatic event is well-documented in marine records. However, there is a relative paucity of terrestrial records, particularly at low latitudes. In this study, we present a continuous and high-resolution terrestrial record across the EOT from the low-latitude Lühe Basin, Yunnan Province, South China. Combined with published magnetostratigraphy and 40Ar/39Ar dating of volcanic ashes in the Lühe Basin, we have constrained this record with a robust astronomical timescale. Our results, combined with previously published data from the region, reveal that the Lühe Basin experienced significant environmental and climate changes, from humid/warm to semi-humid/cool conditions, across the EOT. Cyclostratigraphic analysis of high-resolution elemental data reveal a significant switch in orbital forcing, from dominant eccentricity before ca. 34 Ma to combined eccentricity-obliquity-precession cycles after ca. 34 Ma. Atmospheric CO2 decline and subsequent Antarctic glaciation may have been a contributing factor in driving this orbital transition.