bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimated Erosion from Clearcut Timber Harvests in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Fielding Jonah A H , Hawks Brent S , Aust W Michael , Bolding M Chad , Barrett Scott M
Published: May 2022

Timber harvests with inadequate forestry best management practices (BMPs) can accelerate soil erosion, which has been associated with reductions in water quality and site productivity. Previous studies affirm positive water quality effects accrued by harvesting with BMPs. However, few studies document erosion rates and masses associated with harvest and access network features (e.g., decks, roads, skid trails, stream crossings) across different southeastern regions. This research evaluated 109 recent harvests across eleven southeastern states and three topographically different regions (Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains). Descriptive statistics of erosion for harvests and access features were developed from USLE-Forest model estimates. Harvests and access network areas were used in conjunction with erosion averages to calculate total erosion masses. Across the southeast, combined network features averaged nearly 12% of total harvest area yet produced approximately 48% of total site erosion due to disproportionately higher erosion rates. Regional differences indicated that the Mountain region had an average overall erosion rate of 6.8 t/ac/yr, whereas the Piedmont and Coastal Plain sites had lower average erosion rates of 2.7 and 2.2 t/ac/yr, respectively. Results suggest that additional BMP implementation strategies may be beneficial for erosion control from roads, skid trails, and stream crossings, particularly in erosive landscapes.
Effects of 21 Years of Simulated Acidic Deposition on Tree Growth and Species Composition in an Aggrading Appalachian Hardwood Forest
Authors: Storm Alexander , Adams Mary Beth , Fowler Zachariah , Schuler Jamie L
Published: May 2022

The long-term effects of soil acidification on the development of a young aggrading Appalachian forest were examined after 21 years of continuous treatment. Beginning with a clearcut harvest in 1997, annual ammonium sulfate (N+S) and ammonium sulfate with lime (N+S+LIME) treatments were aerially applied to a developing forest. The lime treatment was designed to counteract the acidification of the nitrogen and sulfur amendments. After 21 years, the N+S and N+S+LIME treatments had little impact on total woody biomass accumulation relative to the control. There were significant differences among species and treatment responses with respect to woody biomass accumulation, however. Biomass of Prunus pensylvanica was about twice as much as any other species in N+S and N+S+LIME treatments but was similar to Liriodendron tulipifera and Betula lenta on control areas. Treatment effects were not significant for average tree diameter or stem density, although both varied among the six tree species with the highest importance values. The importance value of P. pensylvanica decreased by almost half in the last 6 years due to mortality, but this was not associated with either the N+S or N+S+LIME treatments. The dynamic nature of this short-lived tree species is potentially masking any effects of the N+S or N+S+LIME treatments to date.

Study Implications: We examined the long-term impact of nitrogen and sulfur additions with and without lime on forest stand development. After 21 years, the forest showed little change in aboveground woody biomass, although the distribution of biomass among species was affected by the treatments. Prunus pensylvanica (pin cherry) accumulated the greatest biomass on N+S and N+S+LIME treatments relative to the untreated areas. However, P. pensylvanica is a short-lived species, and our data show it is declining. It is unclear whether the treatments are having minimal impacts or they are being masked by the early dominance and subsequent mortality of P. pensylvanica.
Dynamic Interactions Between Mega Symbiosis ICEs and Bacterial Chromosomes Maintain Genome Architecture
Authors: Weisberg Alexandra J. , Sachs Joel L. , Chang Jeff H.
Published: May 2022

Acquisition of mobile genetic elements can confer novel traits to bacteria. Some integrative and conjugative elements confer upon members of Bradyrhizobium the capacity to fix nitrogen in symbiosis with legumes. These so-called symbiosis integrative conjugative elements (symICEs) can be extremely large and vary as monopartite and polypartite configurations within chromosomes of related strains. These features are predicted to impose fitness costs and have defied explanation. Here, we show that chromosome architecture is largely conserved despite diversity in genome composition, variations in locations of attachment sites recognized by integrases of symICEs, and differences in large-scale chromosomal changes that occur upon integration. Conversely, many simulated nonnative chromosome–symICE combinations are predicted to result in lethal deletions or disruptions to architecture. Findings suggest that there is compatibility between chromosomes and symICEs. We hypothesize that the size and structural flexibility of symICEs are important for generating combinations that maintain chromosome architecture across a genus of nitrogen-fixing bacteria with diverse and dynamic genomes.
Effects of fine-scale population structure on the distribution of heterozygosity in a long-term study of Antirrhinum majus
Authors: Surendranadh Parvathy , Arathoon Louise , Baskett Carina A , Field David L , Pickup Melinda , Barton Nicholas H
Published: May 2022

Many studies have quantified the distribution of heterozygosity and relatedness in natural populations, but few have examined the demographic processes driving these patterns. In this study, we take a novel approach by studying how population structure affects both pairwise identity and the distribution of heterozygosity in a natural population of the self-incompatible plant Antirrhinum majus. Excess variance in heterozygosity between individuals is due to identity disequilibrium, which reflects the variance in inbreeding between individuals; it is measured by the statistic g2. We calculated g2 together with FST and pairwise relatedness (Fij) using 91 SNPs in 22,353 individuals collected over 11 years. We find that pairwise Fij declines rapidly over short spatial scales, and the excess variance in heterozygosity between individuals reflects significant variation in inbreeding. Additionally, we detect an excess of individuals with around half the average heterozygosity, indicating either selfing or matings between close relatives. We use 2 types of simulation to ask whether variation in heterozygosity is consistent with fine-scale spatial population structure. First, by simulating offspring using parents drawn from a range of spatial scales, we show that the known pollen dispersal kernel explains g2. Second, we simulate a 1,000-generation pedigree using the known dispersal and spatial distribution and find that the resulting g2 is consistent with that observed from the field data. In contrast, a simulated population with uniform density underestimates g2, indicating that heterogeneous density promotes identity disequilibrium. Our study shows that heterogeneous density and leptokurtic dispersal can together explain the distribution of heterozygosity.
The Effects of Graded Levels of Calorie Restriction: XVIII.Tissue-Specific Changes in Cell Size and Number in Response to Calorie Restriction
Authors: Phillips Daniel , Mathers Hayleigh , Mitchell Sharon E , Speakman John R
Published: May 2022

Calorie restriction (CR) without malnutrition increases the health and life span of diverse taxa. The mechanism(s) behind CR are debated but may be directly linked to body composition changes that maintain energy balance. During a deficit, energy is primarily obtained from white adipose tissue (WAT; utilized) while other tissues remain unchanged (protected) or grow (invested) relative to body mass. The changes in mass of 6 tissues from 48 male C57BL/6 mice following 3-month graded (10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%) CR or fed ad libitum for 12 or 24 hours a day were related to cell size (hypo/hypertrophy) and/or number (hypo/hyperplasia). Tissues studied were retroperitoneal and subcutaneous WAT, brown adipose tissue (BAT; utilized), lungs (protected), and stomach and cecum (invested). Methodology was based on number of nuclei/tissue equaling the number of cells. Extracted DNA was quantified and used to estimate cell numbers (total DNA/DNA per diploid nucleus) and size (tissue mass/nuclei number). WAT utilization was caused solely by hypotrophy whereas BAT utilization resulted from reduced cell number and size. WAT cell size positively correlated with circulating hormones related to energy balance, and BAT cell number and size positively correlated with body temperature. No changes were found in the lungs, consistent with their protected status, whereas hyperplasia appeared to be the dominant mechanism for invested alimentary-tract tissues. These findings indicate the pattern of change of cell size and number across increasing levels of short-term CR is tissue-specific.
Volunteer Engagement and Systemic Inflammation: Does Helping Others Benefit Oneself?
Authors: Bell Mallory J , Ferraro Kenneth F , Sauerteig-Rolston Madison R
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Although research on the health benefits of volunteering has proliferated, most studies are cross-sectional and rely on self-reported measures of health. Drawing from role theory, the objectives of this study are to examine if (a) volunteering engagement is related to systemic inflammation in later life, as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP); (b) the effect of volunteering varies by age; and (c) volunteering is related to change in CRP over time.

Research Design and Methods

This study uses 4 waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative survey of adults 50 years or older. Nested linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between volunteer engagement and CRP concentration in later life. Residualized regression models were used to examine the effects of volunteer engagement on change in CRP.

Results

Results revealed that volunteering is modestly associated with lower CRP concentration, but only for respondents 65+. Highly engaged volunteers had lower CRP than both mid-level and nonvolunteers. Longitudinal analyses revealed a leveling of the beneficial effect of volunteering by age, indicative of reduced returns among the oldest respondents in our sample.

Discussion and Implications

These results support previous studies that volunteering, and doing so at a high engagement level, is associated with slightly lower levels of CRP. Leaders in medicine, public health, and social services should consider implementing volunteering programs for older adults.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of the black widow spider Latrodectus elegans illuminates composition and evolution of venom and silk proteins
Authors: Wang Zhongkai , Zhu Kesen , Li Haorong , Gao Lei , Huang Huanying , Ren Yandong , Xiang Hui
Published: May 2022

Background

The black widow spider has both extraordinarily neurotoxic venom and three-dimensional cobwebs composed of diverse types of silk. However, a high-quality reference genome for the black widow spider was still unavailable, which hindered deep understanding and application of the valuable biomass.

Findings

We assembled the Latrodectus elegans genome, including a genome size of 1.57 Gb with contig N50 of 4.34 Mb and scaffold N50 of 114.31 Mb. Hi-C scaffolding assigned 98.08% of the genome to 14 pseudo-chromosomes, and with BUSCO, completeness analysis revealed that 98.4% of the core eukaryotic genes were completely present in this genome. Annotation of this genome identified that repetitive sequences account for 506.09 Mb (32.30%) and 20,167 protein-coding genes, and specifically, we identified 55 toxin genes and 26 spidroins and provide preliminary analysis of their composition and evolution.

Conclusions

We present the first chromosome-level genome assembly of a black widow spider and provide substantial toxin and spidroin gene resources. These high-qualified genomic data add valuable resources from a representative spider group and contribute to deep exploration of spider genome evolution, especially in terms of the important issues on the diversification of venom and web-weaving pattern. The sequence data are also firsthand templates for further application of the spider biomass.
Kabuki syndrome stem cell models reveal locus specificity of histone methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D/MLL4)
Authors: Jefri Malvin , Zhang Xin , Stumpf Patrick S , Zhang Li , Peng Huashan , Hettige Nuwan , Theroux Jean-Francois , Aouabed Zahia , Wilson Khadija , Deshmukh Shriya , Antonyan Lilit , Ni Anjie , Alsuwaidi Shaima , Zhang Ying , Jabado Nada , Garcia Benjamin A , Schuppert Andreas , Bjornsson Hans T , Ernst Carl
Published: May 2022

Kabuki syndrome is frequently caused by loss-of-function mutations in one allele of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase KMT2D and is associated with problems in neurological, immunological and skeletal system development. We generated heterozygous KMT2D knockout and Kabuki patient-derived cell models to investigate the role of reduced dosage of KMT2D in stem cells. We discovered chromosomal locus-specific alterations in gene expression, specifically a 110 Kb region containing Synaptotagmin 3 (SYT3), C-Type Lectin Domain Containing 11A (CLEC11A), Chromosome 19 Open Reading Frame 81 (C19ORF81) and SH3 And Multiple Ankyrin Repeat Domains 1 (SHANK1), suggesting locus-specific targeting of KMT2D. Using whole genome histone methylation mapping, we confirmed locus-specific changes in H3K4 methylation patterning coincident with regional decreases in gene expression in Kabuki cell models. Significantly reduced H3K4 peaks aligned with regions of stem cell maps of H3K27 and H3K4 methylation suggesting KMT2D haploinsufficiency impact bivalent enhancers in stem cells. Preparing the genome for subsequent differentiation cues may be of significant importance for Kabuki-related genes. This work provides a new insight into the mechanism of action of an important gene in bone and brain development and may increase our understanding of a specific function of a human disease-relevant H3K4 methyltransferase family member.
Engineering drought-tolerant apple by knocking down six GH3 genes and potential application of transgenic apple as a rootstock
Authors: Jiang Lijuan , Shen Wenyun , Liu Chen , Tahir Muhammad Mobeen , Li Xuewei , Zhou Shuangxi , Ma Fengwang , Guan Qingmei
Published: May 2022

Drought poses a major threat to apple fruit production and quality. Because of the apple’s long juvenile phase, developing varieties with improved drought tolerance using biotechnology approaches is needed. Here, we used the RNAi approach to knock down six GH3 genes in the apple. Under prolonged drought stress, the MdGH3 RNAi plants performed better than wild-type plants and had stronger root systems, higher root-to-shoot ratio, greater hydraulic conductivity, increased photosynthetic capacity, and increased water use efficiency. Moreover, MdGH3 RNAi plants promoted the drought tolerance of the scion when they were used as rootstock, compared with wild-type and M9-T337 rootstocks. Scions grafted onto MdGH3 RNAi plants showed increased plant height, stem diameter, photosynthetic capacity, specific leaf weight, and water use efficiency. The use of MdGH3 RNAi plants as rootstocks can also increase the C/N ratio of the scion and achieve the same effect as the M9-T337 rootstock in promoting the flowering and fruiting of the scion. Notably, using MdGH3 RNAi plants as rootstocks did not reduce fruit weight and scion quality compared with using M9-T337 rootstock. Our research provides candidate genes and demonstrates a general approach that could be used to improve the drought tolerance of fruit trees without sacrificing the yield and quality of scion fruits.
Absence of major epigenetic and transcriptomic changes accompanying an interspecific cross between peach and almond
Authors: de Tomás Carlos , Bardil Amélie , Castanera Raúl , Casacuberta Josep M , Vicient Carlos M
Published: May 2022

Hybridization has been widely used in breeding of cultivated species showing low genetic variability, such as peach (Prunus persica). The merging of two different genomes in a hybrid often triggers a so-called “genomic shock” with changes in DNA methylation and in the induction of transposable element expression and mobilization. Here, we analysed the DNA methylation and transcription levels of transposable elements and genes in leaves of Prunus persica and Prunus dulcis and in an F1 hybrid using high-throughput sequencing technologies. Contrary to the “genomic shock” expectations, we found that the overall levels of DNA methylation in the transposable elements in the hybrid are not significantly altered compared with those of the parental genomes. We also observed that the levels of transcription of the transposable elements in the hybrid are in most cases intermediate as compared with that of the parental species and we have not detected cases of higher transcription in the hybrid. We also found that the proportion of genes whose expression is altered in the hybrid compared with the parental species is low. The expression of genes potentially involved in the regulation of the activity of the transposable elements is not altered. We can conclude that the merging of the two parental genomes in this Prunus persica x Prunus dulcis hybrid does not result in a “genomic shock” with significant changes in the DNA methylation or in the transcription. The absence of major changes may facilitate using interspecific peach x almond crosses for peach improvement.
Pro: Fresh versus frozen embryo transfer. Is frozen embryo transfer the future?
Authors: Venetis Christos A
Published: May 2022

Embryo cryopreservation has been an integral part of ART for close to 40 years and vitrification has boosted overall ART efficacy and safety. Recently, there has been a vivid scientific discussion on whether elective cryopreservation of all embryos (freeze-all) should be pursued for most patients, with a fresh embryo transfer taking place only in selected cases. In terms of efficacy, the available evidence suggests that the freeze-all strategy leads to higher live birth rates after the first embryo transfer compared to the conventional strategy in high responders, while there is no difference in normal responders. There is no evidence to suggest that the freeze-all strategy is inferior to the conventional strategy of fresh transfer when comparing cumulative live birth rates using data from all available randomized controlled trials. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is significantly reduced in the freeze-all policy. However, regarding obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes, the evidence suggests that each strategy is associated with certain risks and, therefore, there is no approach that could be unequivocally accepted as safer. Similarly, limited evidence does not support the notion that patients would be universally against freeze-all owing to the inevitable delay in pregnancy achievement. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of freeze-all is likely to vary in different settings and there have been studies supporting that this policy can be, under certain conditions, cost-effective. Adoption of the freeze-all policy can also allow for more flexible treatment strategies that have the potential to increase efficacy, reduce cost and make treatment easier for patients and clinics. Importantly, freeze-all does not require the use of any experimental technologies, further training of personnel or the costly acquisition of new equipment. For these reasons, transitioning to the freeze-all policy for most patients appears to be the next logical step in ART.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Long-term Risk of Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study Among Half a Million Adults in UK Biobank
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Xie Sian , Yuan Changzheng , Yang Zhirong , Liu Si , Zhang Qian , Sun Feng , Wu Jing , Zhan Siyan , Zhu Shengtao , Zhang Shutian
Published: May 2022

Background

This study aims to examine the prospective association of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with long-term risk of overall, site-specific cancer and cancer-specific mortality in middle-aged and older people.

Methods

The study included participants free of any cancer at baseline from the UK Biobank, with IBD patients as an exposure group and non-IBD patients as a reference group. Primary outcome was the incidence of overall cancer and cancer-specific mortality. Secondary outcomes included site-specific cancers and types of digestive cancers. Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate the associated risk of incident malignancies and related mortality.

Results

Among 455 927 participants, 5142 were diagnosed with IBD (3258 ulcerative colitis [UC]; 1449 Crohn’s disease [CD]; others unspecified). During a median of 12.2-year follow-up, 890 cases of incident cancer were identified in IBD patients (15.74 per 1000 person years) compared with 63 675 cases in reference individuals (12.46 per 1000 person years). Of these cases, 220 and 12 838 cancer-specific deaths occurred in IBD and non-IBD groups. Compared with non-IBD participants, the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) for overall cancer and cancer-specific mortality was 1.17 (95% CI, 1.09-1.25) and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.18-1.35) among IBD patients, with an AHR of 1.15 (95% CI, 1.02-1.31) and 1.38 (95% CI, 1.08-1.75) in UC and 1.15 (95% CI, 1.06-1.25) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.06-1.49) in CD, respectively. Specifically, increased risk of digestive (1.33; 95% CI, 1.12-1.57), nonmelanoma (1.25; 95% CI, 1.11-1.41), and male genital (1.29; 95% CI, 1.09-1.52) cancers was observed in IBD patients.

Conclusions

Compared with non-IBD, IBD may be associated with an increased risk of overall cancer and cancer-specific mortality, particularly digestive cancers, nonmelanoma and male genital cancers.
Early Biological Therapy in Operated Crohn’s Disease Patients Is Associated With a Lower Rate of Endoscopic Recurrence and Improved Long-term Outcomes: A Single-center Experience
Authors: D’Amico Ferdinando , Tasopoulou Olga , Fiorino Gionata , Zilli Alessandra , Furfaro Federica , Allocca Mariangela , Sileri Pierpaolo , Spinelli Antonino , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio
Published: May 2022

Background

Two-thirds of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients require surgery during their disease course. However, surgery is not curative, and endoscopic recurrence is observed in up to 90% of cases. Our aim was to investigate the impact of postoperative biological therapy on the incidence of endoscopic recurrence and long-term outcomes in CD patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Humanitas Research Hospital–IRCCS (Milan, Italy) between 2014 and 2021. All consecutive CD patients who underwent surgery and colonoscopy at 6-12 months postoperatively were eligible for inclusion.

Results

A total of 141 patients were included (42.6% female, mean age 44 years). Median follow-up was 28 months. About one-third of patients were treated with biologics at baseline colonoscopy. A higher rate of endoscopic recurrence was detected in patients without biologic therapy at the time of colonoscopy compared with those treated (80.8% vs 45.2%, P < .0001). Hospitalization and surgery occurred more in untreated patients than in subjects undergoing biological therapy (12.1% vs 0.0%, P = .01). The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the no treatment group at baseline had a >23.3% 5-year rate of hospitalization and surgery (log-rank P = .0221) and a >49.7% 5-year rate of medical therapy escalation (log-rank P = .0013) compared with the treatment arm. In the logistic regression model, absence of biologic therapy was independently associated with the risk of endoscopic disease recurrence (odds ratio, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.1-0.51; P = .0004).

Conclusion

Operated CD patients treated early with biologics experience decreased rates of endoscopic recurrence and improved long-term outcomes.
The correction of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle concomitant with a moulded silicone implant insertion in a patient with medial pectus excavatum
Authors: Anger Jaime , de Campos Jose Ribas Milanez
Published: May 2022

The association of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle and the medial pectus excavatum was reported. We have been using soft silicone block, sculpted intraoperatively, to correct pectus excavatum. The horizontal access used, 2 cm at a subxiphoid position, allows us to expose the sternum and the rectus abdominis muscles (RAMs). We report a case, male, 31 years presenting medial pectus excavatum and supraumbilical diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle with a width of 35 mm at the costal arches, and 27 mm at 6 cm from the xiphoid process edge. The muscle borders presented a curved lateral deviation up to the insertion in the costal arches. The necessary space for the implant was dissected and the block was sculpted. The medial and superior aponeurosis borders of the RAM were incised at 6 cm from the xiphoid, and the posterior border of the RAM was released. The aponeurosis borders were brought together, promoting a medial and anterior positioning of the RAM. The inferior border of the implant was attached to the raw superior borders of the RAM. The result was considered satisfactory, and a magnetic resonance image 14 months after showed continuity of the implant and the muscles, promoting a uniform body contour.

Registry: CAAE63181616.7.0000.0071.
P02 Assessment of the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in an acute UK hospital using a national audit tool: a single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Powell Neil , Bamford Kathleen ,   Junior Doctor RCHT PHE Audit Team
Published: May 2022

Background

Defining the gold standard for appropriate antibiotic prescribing is challenging due to the subjective nature of evaluating quality in prescribing. In 2017 the UK Government Scientific Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Prescribing, Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (APRHAI) used the Delphi process to define appropriate antibiotic prescribing, and developed an audit tool that supports patient-level assessment of antibiotic appropriateness in NHS hospitals.

Objectives

To quantify excess antibiotic use in a 750-bed acute hospital in the south-west of England (bottom 20th centile on PHE Fingertips for total antibiotic prescribing), and to determine where in the prescribing process the opportunity to safely reduce antibiotic use is: (A) initiation, (B) the pre-72 h review, or (C) course length optimization.

Methods

The EPMA system was used to identify patients discharged from medical specialties in August 2020 who had received at least one dose of antibiotic. Patients were grouped by discharging medical specialty, as follows: acute medicine, elder care, renal, endocrine, gastroenterology, respiratory and cardiology. Medical notes for 25% of discharges from each specialty were requested and audited against the APRHAI audit tool. A junior doctor completed the audit form for each patient with the case then discussed by two infection specialists until consensus was reached. Excess days of antibiotic therapy (DOTs) were calculated for each of the three timepoints (A–C).

Results

In total, 184 of 647 (28%) patients discharged from medical specialties were audited: 85 female, 99 male, median age 69 years (IQR 60–82), total DOTs 1658 of which 403 (24%) were excess. Excess DOTs by timepoint: A (initiation) 112 (28%), B (pre-72 h review) 184 (46%), C (course length) 107 (27%). Ninety-four of 187 (50%) of patients recorded zero excess DOTs.

Conclusions

We did not identify any excess DOTs in half of all patients initiated on antibiotics. However, in the other half we identified a significant proportion of excess DOTs with most excess DOTs at the pre-72 h review.
A Two-Year Review of Fentanyl in Driving under the Influence and Postmortem Cases in Orange County, CA, USA
Authors: Havro Vanessa , Casassa Nicholas , Andera Kevin , Mata Dani
Published: May 2022

In recent years, fentanyl is increasingly detected in overdose cases as well as human performance cases due to the current opioid epidemic. The comparison of fentanyl concentrations in deaths to recreational fentanyl use found in driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases is important to show how increased availability affects the historical knowledge of fentanyl. A 2-year review of fentanyl cases from Orange County, CA, USA, is presented to highlight fentanyl concentrations in these two case types. Any non-urine sample with fentanyl detected above the limit of detection of 0.5 ng/mL was reviewed in DUID and postmortem (PM) cases. The mean and median fentanyl concentrations in 199 antemortem (AM) blood samples from DUID cases were 14.2 ng/mL and 5.3 ng/mL, respectively, with a range of 0.5–303 ng/mL. In 285 central blood samples from PM cases, the mean was 29.1 ng/mL, the median was 16.9 ng/mL and the range was 0.6–636 ng/mL. In a total of 58 PM peripheral blood samples, the mean, median and range were 14.0 ng/mL, 10.0 ng/mL and 0.9–78.0 ng/mL, respectively. Of the 55 brain samples analyzed, the fentanyl mean, fentanyl median and range of fentanyl concentrations were 50.0 ng/g, 31.4 ng/g and 1.9–441 ng/g, respectively. Fentanyl concentrations in 16 liver samples had a mean of 82.0 ng/g, a median of 69.4 ng/g and a range of 11.6–226 ng/g. The overlap of fentanyl concentrations from the AM and PM samples highlights the importance of evaluating case circumstances when providing an interpretation in PM cases. Additional information such as age, gender, polydrug use and PM redistribution is presented for the cases included in the study.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Early Mobilization and Rehabilitation of Critically Ill Burn Patients
Authors: Cartotto Robert , Johnson Laura , Rood Jody M , Lorello David , Matherly Annette , Parry Ingrid , Romanowski Kathleen , Wiechman Shelley , Bettencourt Amanda , Carson Joshua S , Lam Henry T , Nedelec Bernadette
Published: May 2022

This Clinical Practice Guideline addresses early mobilization and rehabilitation (EMR) of critically ill adult burn patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting. We defined EMR as any systematic or protocolized intervention that could include muscle activation, active exercises in bed, active resistance exercises, active side-to-side turning, or mobilization to sitting at the bedside, standing, or walking, including mobilization using assistance with hoists or tilt tables, which was initiated within at least 14 days of injury, while the patient was still in an ICU setting. After developing relevant PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes) questions, a comprehensive literature search was conducted with the help of a professional medical librarian. Available literature was reviewed and systematically evaluated. Recommendations were formulated through the consensus of a multidisciplinary committee, which included burn nurses, physicians, and rehabilitation therapists, based on the available scientific evidence. No recommendation could be formed on the use of EMR to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation in the burn ICU, but we conditionally recommend the use of EMR to reduce ICU-acquired weakness in critically ill burn patients. No recommendation could be made regarding EMR’s effects on the development of hospital-acquired pressure injuries or disruption or damage to the skin grafts and skin substitutes. We conditionally recommend the use of EMR to reduce delirium in critically ill burn patients in the ICU.
A Comprehensive, Retrospective Analysis of Variables for Potential Mortality Impact in Patients With Thermal or Inhalation Injury
Authors: Buckley Christopher T , Smith Rebecca R , Velamuri S Ram , Hill David M
Published: May 2022

Age, percentage TBSA burned, and the presence of inhalation injury have been used historically in the prediction of mortality in thermally injured patients despite other factors being also associated with mortality. Recent literature has identified novel factors associated with increased length of stay (LOS) and may provide a better prediction model for mortality in burn patients. The study objective was to perform a subset analysis of a multitude of known and novel variables for potential association with mortality. Demographics and injury characteristics along with during stay variables were collected and analyzed. This study is a re-analysis of a retrospective study examining variables associated with increased LOS. Of the 629 patients screened, 396 were included in the analysis. After univariable analysis, 35 variables had significant associations with mortality, including age, house fire, acute kidney injury, heart failure, inhalation injury, and history of diabetes. After multivariable analysis, the best performing model included heart failure, acute kidney injury, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, and revised Baux score. Quantile analysis of age revealed greater than 60 years was most predictive of mortality. The best multivariable model for patients greater than 60 years old included heart failure, vasopressor use, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and TBSA burned. Considering only variables present on admission, the best multivariable model for patients greater than 60 years old included heart failure, % TBSA burned, and inhalation injury. The addition of variables into current prediction models and databases may be warranted.
No Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Among Flies or Cockroaches in Households Where COVID-19 Positive Cases Resided
Authors: Roundy Christopher M , Hamer Sarah A , Zecca Italo B , Davila Edward B , Auckland Lisa D , Tang Wendy , Gavranovic Haley , Swiger Sonja L , Tomberlin Jeffery K , Fischer Rebecca S B , Pauvolid-Corrêa Alex , Hamer Gabriel L
Published: May 2022

Flies and other arthropods mechanically transmit multiple pathogens and a recent experimental study demonstrated house flies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), can mechanically transmit SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by domestic insects and their potential as a xenosurveillance tool for detection of the virus. Flies were trapped in homes where at least one confirmed human COVID-19 case(s) resided using sticky and liquid-baited fly traps placed inside and outside the home in the Texas counties of Brazos, Bell, and Montgomery, from June to September 2020. Flies from sticky traps were identified, pooled by taxa, homogenized, and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Liquid traps were drained, and the collected fluid similarly tested after RNA concentration. We processed the contents of 133 insect traps from 40 homes, which contained over 1,345 individual insects of 11 different Diptera families and Blattodea. These individuals were grouped into 243 pools, and all tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Fourteen traps in seven homes were deployed on the day that cat or dog samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by nasal, oral, body, or rectal samples. This study presents evidence that biting and nonbiting flies and cockroaches (Blattodea) are not likely to contribute to mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or be useful in xenosurveillance for SARS-CoV-2.
Development of a Taqman Real-Time PCR for the Identification of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Xu Guang , Ribbe Fumiko , McCaffery Joseph , Luo Chu-Yuan , Li Andrew Y , Rich Stephen M
Published: May 2022

Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, a vector of various pathogens with medical and veterinary importance, is a recent invasive species in the United States. Like many tick species, discerning H. longicornis from congeners can be a challenge. To overcome the difficulty of morphological identification, a Taqman quantitative real-time PCR based on the internal transcribed spacer gene (ITS2) was developed for quick and accurate identification of H. longicornis with a detection limit of as low as 19.8 copies. We also applied the assay to 76,004 archived ticks and found 37 ticks were H. longicornis. One H. longicornis was submitted from Warren, Somerset County, New Jersey in June 2015, 2 yr earlier than the initial report from the United States. None of these 37 H. longicornis was positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, B. miyamotoi, B. mayonii, Babesia microti, or Ehrlichia muris–like agent.
Residual-based error estimation and adaptivity for stabilized immersed isogeometric analysis using truncated hierarchical B-splines
Authors: Divi Sai C , van Zuijlen Pieter H , Hoang Tuong , de Prenter Frits , Auricchio Ferdinando , Reali Alessandro , van Brummelen E Harald , Verhoosel Clemens V
Published: May 2022

We propose an adaptive mesh refinement strategy for immersed isogeometric analysis, with application to steady heat conduction and viscous flow problems. The proposed strategy is based on residual-based error estimation, which has been tailored to the immersed setting by the incorporation of appropriately scaled stabilization and boundary terms. Element-wise error indicators are elaborated for the Laplace and Stokes problems, and a THB-spline-based local mesh refinement strategy is proposed. The error estimation and adaptivity procedure are applied to a series of benchmark problems, demonstrating the suitability of the technique for a range of smooth and non-smooth problems. The adaptivity strategy is also integrated into a scan-based analysis workflow, capable of generating error-controlled results from scan data without the need for extensive user interactions or interventions.
Radiation use efficiency increased over a century of maize (Zea maysL.) breeding in the US corn belt
Authors: Messina Carlos D , Rotundo Jose , Hammer Graeme L , Gho Carla , Reyes Andres , Fang Yinan , van Oosterom Erik , Borras Lucas , Cooper Mark
Published: May 2022

In the absence of stress, crop growth depends on the amount of light intercepted by the canopy and the conversion efficiency [radiation use efficiency (RUE)]. This study tested the hypothesis that long-term genetic gain for grain yield was partly due to improved RUE. The hypothesis was tested using 30 elite maize hybrids commercialized in the US corn belt between 1930 and 2017. Crops grown under irrigation showed that pre-flowering crop growth increased at a rate of 0.11 g m–2 year–1, while light interception remained constant. Therefore, RUE increased at a rate of 0.0049 g MJ–1 year–1, translating into an average of 3 g m–2 year–1 of grain yield over 100 years of maize breeding. Considering that the harvest index has not changed for crops grown at optimal density for the hybrid, the cumulative RUE increase over the history of commercial maize breeding in the USA can account for ~32% of the documented yield trend for maize grown in the central US corn belt. The remaining RUE gap between this study and theoretical maximum values suggests that a yield improvement of a similar magnitude could be achieved by further increasing RUE.
Plant photoreceptors and their signalling components in chloroplastic anterograde and retrograde communication
Authors: Griffin Jonathan H C , Toledo-Ortiz Gabriela
Published: May 2022

The red phytochrome and blue cryptochrome plant photoreceptors play essential roles in promoting genome-wide changes in nuclear and chloroplastic gene expression for photomorphogenesis, plastid development, and greening. While their importance in anterograde signalling has been long recognized, the molecular mechanisms involved remain under active investigation. More recently, the intertwining of the light signalling cascades with the retrograde signals for the optimization of chloroplast functions has been acknowledged. Advances in the field support the participation of phytochromes, cryptochromes, and key light-modulated transcription factors, including HY5 and the PIFs, in the regulation of chloroplastic biochemical pathways that produce retrograde signals, including the tetrapyrroles and the chloroplastic MEP-isoprenoids. Interestingly, in a feedback loop, the photoreceptors and their signalling components are targets themselves of these retrograde signals, aimed at optimizing photomorphogenesis to the status of the chloroplasts, with GUN proteins functioning at the convergence points. High light and shade are also conditions where the photoreceptors tune growth responses to chloroplast functions. Interestingly, photoreceptors and retrograde signals also converge in the modulation of dual-localized proteins (chloroplastic/nuclear) including WHIRLY and HEMERA/pTAC12, whose functions are required for the optimization of photosynthetic activities in changing environments and are proposed to act themselves as retrograde signals.
The peptide SCOOP12 acts on reactive oxygen species homeostasis to modulate cell division and elongation in Arabidopsis primary root
Authors: Guillou Marie-Charlotte , Vergne Emilie , Aligon Sophie , Pelletier Sandra , Simonneau Fabienne , Rolland Aurélia , Chabout Salem , Mouille Gregory , Gully Kay , Grappin Philippe , Montrichard Françoise , Aubourg Sébastien , Renou Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2022

Small secreted peptides have been described as key contributors to complex signalling networks that control plant development and stress responses. The Brassicaceae-specific PROSCOOP family encodes precursors of Serine riCh endOgenOus Peptides (SCOOPs). In Arabidopsis SCOOP12 has been shown to promote the defence response against pathogens and to be involved in root development. Here, we explore its role as a moderator of Arabidopsis primary root development. We show that the PROSCOOP12 null mutation leads to longer primary roots through the development of longer differentiated cells while PROSCOOP12 overexpression induces dramatic plant growth impairments. In comparison, the exogenous application of synthetic SCOOP12 peptide shortens roots through meristem size and cell length reductions. Moreover, superoxide anion (O2·−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in root tips vary according to SCOOP12 abundance. By using reactive oxygen species scavengers that suppress the proscoop12 phenotype, we showed that root growth regulation by SCOOP12 is associated with reactive oxygen species metabolism. Furthermore, our results suggest that peroxidases act as potential SCOOP12 downstream targets to regulate H2O2 production, which in turn triggers cell wall modifications in root. Finally, a massive transcriptional reprogramming, including the induction of genes from numerous other pathways, including ethylene, salicylic acid, and glucosinolates biosynthesis, was observed, emphasizing its dual role in defence and development.
A 1.46–2.48 μm spectroscopic atlas of a T6 dwarf (1060 K) atmosphere with IGRINS: first detections of H2S and H2, and verification of H2O, CH4, and NH3 line lists
Authors: Tannock Megan E , Metchev Stanimir , Hood Callie E , Mace Gregory N , Fortney Jonathan J , Morley Caroline V , Jaffe Daniel T , Lupu Roxana
Published: May 2022

We present Gemini South/IGRINS observations of the 1060 K T6 dwarf 2MASS J08173001−6155158 with unprecedented resolution ($R\equiv \lambda /\Delta \lambda =45\, 000$) and signal-to-noise ratio (S/N > 200) for a late-type T dwarf. We use this benchmark observation to test the reliability of molecular line lists used up-to-date atmospheric models. We determine which spectroscopic regions should be used to estimate the parameters of cold brown dwarfs and, by extension, exoplanets. We present a detailed spectroscopic atlas with molecular identifications across the H and K bands of the near-infrared. We find that water (H2O) line lists are overall reliable. We find the most discrepancies amongst older methane (CH4) line lists, and that the most up-to-date CH4 line lists correct many of these issues. We identify individual ammonia (NH3) lines, a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) feature at 1.5900 $\mu$m, and a molecular hydrogen (H2) feature at 2.1218 $\mu$m. These are the first unambiguous detections of H2S and H2 absorption features in an extra-solar atmosphere. With the H2 detection, we place an upper limit on the atmospheric dust concentration of this T6 dwarf: at least 500 times less than the interstellar value, implying that the atmosphere is effectively dust-free. We additionally identify several features that do not appear in the model spectra. Our assessment of the line lists is valuable for atmospheric model applications to high-dispersion, low-S/N, high-background spectra, such as an exoplanet around a star. We demonstrate a significant enhancement in the detection of the CH4 absorption signal in this T6 dwarf with the most up-to-date line lists.
TESS discovery of a sub-Neptune orbiting a mid-M dwarf TOI-2136
Authors: Gan Tianjun , Soubkiou Abderahmane , Wang Sharon X , Benkhaldoun Zouhair , Mao Shude , Artigau Étienne , Fouqué Pascal , Arnold Luc , Giacalone Steven , Theissen Christopher A , Aganze Christian , Burgasser Adam , Collins Karen A , Shporer Avi , Barkaoui Khalid , Ghachoui Mourad , Howell Steve B , Lamman Claire , Demangeon Olivier D S , Burdanov Artem , Cadieux Charles , Chouqar Jamila , Collins Kevin I , Cook Neil J , Delrez Laetitia , Demory Brice-Olivier , Doyon René , Dransfield Georgina , Dressing Courtney D , Ducrot Elsa , Fan Jiahao , Garcia Lionel , Gill Holden , Gillon Michaël , Gnilka Crystal L , Gómez Maqueo Chew Yilen , Günther Maximilian N , Henze Christopher E , Huang Chelsea X , Jehin Emmanuel , Jensen Eric L N , Lin Zitao , Manset Nadine , McCormac James , Murray Catriona A , Niraula Prajwal , Pedersen Peter P , Pozuelos Francisco J , Queloz Didier , Rackham Benjamin V , Savel Arjun B , Schanche Nicole , Schwarz Richard P , Sebastian Daniel , Thompson Samantha , Timmermans Mathilde , Triaud Amaury H M J , Vezie Michael , Wells Robert D , de Wit Julien , Ricker George R , Vanderspek Roland , Latham David W , Seager Sara , Winn Joshua N , Jenkins Jon M
Published: May 2022

We present the discovery of TOI-2136 b, a sub-Neptune planet transiting a nearby M4.5V-type star every 7.85 d, identified through photometric measurements from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. The host star is located 33 pc away with a radius of R* = 0.34 ± 0.02 R⊙, a mass of $0.34\pm 0.02 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$, and an effective temperature of 3342 ± 100 K. We estimate its stellar rotation period to be 75 ± 5 d based on archival long-term photometry. We confirm and characterize the planet based on a series of ground-based multiwavelength photometry, high-angular-resolution imaging observations, and precise radial velocities from Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope (CFHT)/SpectroPolarimètre InfraROUge (SPIRou). Our joint analysis reveals that the planet has a radius of 2.20 ± 0.17 R⊕ and a mass of 6.4 ± 2.4 M⊕. The mass and radius of TOI-2136 b are consistent with a broad range of compositions, from water-ice to gas-dominated worlds. TOI-2136 b falls close to the radius valley for M dwarfs predicted by thermally driven atmospheric mass-loss models, making it an interesting target for future studies of its interior structure and atmospheric properties.
MHD-scale anisotropy in solar wind turbulence near the Sun using Parker solar probe data
Authors: Sakshee Sakshee , Bandyopadhyay Riddhi , Banerjee Supratik
Published: May 2022

Recent Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observations have shown the presence of sudden reversals in the radial magnetic field, known as switchbacks. Applying a method based on wavelet analysis, here we study the nature of power and spectral-index anisotropies in switchback and non-switchback intervals using PSP data. While a similar spectral-index anisotropy, consistent with critical balance, is found in the switchback and non-switchback intervals, power anisotropy is more enhanced in the non-switchback samples. This result may be attributed to the ‘less developed’ turbulence in the non-switchback periods.