bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vagococcus luciliae sp. nov., isolated from the common green bottle fly Lucilia sericata
Authors: Guzman Juan , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Kämpfer Peter , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: March 2023

The genus

Vagococcus

belongs to the family

Enterococcaceae

(order Lactobacillales) and is closely related to the genus

Enterococcus

. Currently, 19 species of the genus have been validly named. In this study, we isolated strain G314FT from the common green bottle fly Lucilia sericata collected in Germany. Sequencing of its almost-complete 16S rRNA gene revealed that the isolate belongs to the genus

Vagococcus

, being closely related to

Vagococcus bubulae

SS1994T with high sequence identity (99.50 %), followed by

Vagococcus martis

D7T301T (98.86 %),

Vagococcus vulneris

SS1995T (98.71 %),

Vagococcus teuberi

DSM 21459T (98.64 %),

Vagococcus silagei

2B-2T (98.64 %) and

Vagococcus penaei

CD276T (98.64 %). Genome sequencing of strain G314FT was performed by a combination of Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technology, yielding a circular genome with a size of 2 139 468 bp and an 11 kb plasmid. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were calculated between G314FT and its closest-related taxa, and found to be <91 % and <40 %, respectively, thus strongly supporting that strain G314FT represents a novel species of the genus

Vagococcus

. Phylogenetic and core protein-based phylogenomic trees revealed that G314FT was closely related to a group of three species,

V. bubulae

SS1994T,

V. martis

D7T301T and

V. teuberi

DSM 21459T. Comparatively, the genome of G314FT is the smallest in the group of the four related species, and the biochemical pathway comparison using BlastKOALA revealed that G314FT has lost some amino acid biosynthetic proteins; however, it has gained enzymes for carbohydrate metabolism. Phenotypically, G314FT was consistent with other species of the genus

Vagococcus

including a negative catalase reaction and non-motility. Using the polyphasic approach, our data supports that the isolate represents a new species, for which we propose the name Vagococcus luciliae G314FT (=DSM 112651T= CCM 9164T).
Does social banking matter in times of crisis? Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic: a combined SEM-neural network approach
Authors: Thongsri Nattaporn , Tripak Orawan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that would influence the intention to use social banking during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study integrated two theories, namely the integrated technology acceptance model (TAM), which focused on the acceptance of technology by consumers, and electronic word of mouth (eWOM), which focused on consumer behavior. This study also applied the significant variables in the context of Thailand, which were trust and perceived risk.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research method was applied by collecting data from 411 consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. A combined multi-analytic approach of a structural equation model (SEM)-neural network was used to analyze the data. In the first step, the SEM was used to determine the important factors that affected the adoption of social banking. In the second step, a neural network model was used to prioritize the important factors to confirm the results of the SEM method in step 1.

Findings

The empirical results of the data analysis using the SEM method showed that the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and trust were the most significant determinants of adopting social banking. This was consistent with the neural network method of the important factors.

Practical implications

The results of this research could initiate issues that should be developed for the continued use of online banking among consumers in the context of developing countries, such as Thailand.

Originality/value

This research model provided guidelines for the effective development of mobile banking applications for use on mobile devices. The results of this research made strong theoretical contributions to the existing literature on online banking and offered procedures and information to the relevant sectors.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2022-0709
Impact of restructuring resources and services and their utilization in IIT Roorkee library, India
Authors: Kumar Rajender , Gupta Dinesh K.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of restructuring on the usage of resources and services in the Indian Institute of Technology library, Roorkee. Library users were approached to know their preferences between an electronic and traditional resources and services. Additionally, the study focused to know the extent of change in users' awareness, dependency, usage, frequency and satisfaction from library resources and services after restructuring these due to the availability of abundance of e-resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted survey-based research design, for which a questionnaire was used as the principal instrument for data collection. This questionnaire was distributed to the library users when they physically visited the library. Notably, all the questionnaires distributed were returned, yielding thereby a cent percent response rate. One questionnaire was administrative on the librarian for getting the data regarding the changes made in the subscription of e-resources and services. The collected data were further analyzed with appropriate statistical techniques of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) as chi-square test, mean and standard deviation.

Findings

The results showed that the use of both restructured resources and services had increased, and was found to be helpful for users. Also, the users' dependency on library had increased, showing thereby an upward trend for usage in the future. However, although the users’ awareness, usage and frequency of e-resources and ICT-based services have positively changed, and partially been satisfied, the study suggests that further revision is needed for further strengthening e-resources and services as per user's needs satisfaction.

Practical implications

This study would create interest in rethinking library resources and services among librarians that tend to respond positively to user satisfaction and library functions; it also provides a strategic position of a library per se for its users in the future. Importantly, the assessment of the usage of restructuring resources and services, vis-a-vis their impact on users, may also serve as a key tool, which possibly could be applied to both public libraries and other types of higher education libraries.

Originality/value

Many libraries find it difficult to balance between electronic and printed materials, especially in the fields of science and technology, due to the preferences of the users. Thus far, there have not been too many studies that have looked to assess restructuring of library resources and services, vis-a-vis their impact on library users. Therefore, the results of this study would provide a clear understanding to the library profession as to how users use e-resources and services in the digital age, and how much they are actually influenced by these.
Regulation of autophagy by circular RNAs in rheumatoid arthritis: Potential targets of action
Authors: Hu Yuedi , Liu Jian , Jiang Hui , Wan Lei , Qi Yajun , Zhou Qiao , Fang Yanyan , Sun Yanqiu
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have shown that autophagic pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is regulated by circular RNAs (circRNAs), which accelerate bone damage by participating in the immune inflammatory response. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms underlying circRNA regulation of autophagy is essential for maintaining homeostasis of the skeletal microenvironment in RA and may improve our understanding of the specific pathways involved in the development of therapeutics. In this review, we discuss autophagic imbalance in RA and the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs. We also explore possible targets for circRNA regulation of autophagy in RA, which may provide us with improved knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of RA.
Analysis of Readiness for enhanced health literacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: de Almeida Jocelha Maria Costa , Serra Eliana Brugin , Pascoal Livia Maia , Neto Marcelino Santos , Moreira Rafaella Pessoa , Palmeira Rolim Isaura Letícia Tavares
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence of Readiness for enhanced health literacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus through the diagnostic accuracy of the defining characteristics.

Methods

A diagnostic accuracy study on the diagnosis of Readiness for enhanced health literacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was conducted using the latent class analysis model. The sample comprised 180 individuals attending a referral outpatient clinic in Maranhão, Brazil. The data analysis was conducted in the R Core Team software.

Findings

The prevalence of the nursing diagnosis was 55.23%. The main defining characteristics were expresses desire to enhance health communication with healthcare providers and expresses desire to enhance the understanding of health information to make healthcare choices. All defining characteristics showed significant specificity values.

Conclusions

Accurate diagnoses contribute to individualized care plans for patients.

Implications for nursing practice

The diagnosis Readiness for enhanced health literacy should be considered in implementing care plans, including interventions to reduce complications in the health status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Review article: Practical considerations for fluid resuscitation in cirrhosis
Authors: Claudel Sophie E. , Jaganathan Jeeva , Patel Ankit , Tapper Elliot B. , Verma Ashish
Published: March 2023

Background

Standard clinical methods of assessing volume and providing resuscitation are not always applicable to patients with advanced or decompensated cirrhosis. Despite this being well known from a clinical perspective, there remains relatively little evidence to guide clinicians though fluid management in patients with cirrhosis and, often, multi‐organ system dysfunction.

Aims

This review summarises the current understanding of the circulatory dysfunction in cirrhosis, modalities for assessing volume status, and considerations for fluid selection. It additionally provides a practical approach to fluid resuscitation.

Methods

We review current literature on cirrhosis pathophysiology in steady‐state and shock, clinical implications of fluid resuscitation, and strategies to assess intravascular volume. Literature reviewed here was identified by the authors through PubMed search and review of selected papers' references.

Results

Clinical management of resuscitation in advanced cirrhosis remains relatively stagnant. Although several trials have attempted to establish the superior resuscitative fluid, the lack of improvement in hard clinical outcomes leaves clinicians without clear guidance.

Conclusions

The absence of consistent evidence for fluid resuscitation in patients with cirrhosis limits our ability to produce a clearly evidence‐based protocol for fluid resuscitation in cirrhosis. However, we propose a preliminary practical guide to managing fluid resuscitation in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Further studies are needed to develop and validate volume assessment tools in the specific context of cirrhosis, while randomised clinical trials of protocolized resuscitation may improve care of this patient population.
Luminescence dating of anthropogenic deposits from Tall Zarʿa in the Jordan Valley
Authors: al Khasawneh Sahar , Schmidt Katharina , Murray Andrew , Thompson Warren
Published: March 2023

This study uses quartz‐based optically stimulated luminescence dating to determine when a massive fortification wall (W11186) was constructed in the archaeological site of Tall Zarʿa in the Jordan Valley. A total of 11 samples of sediments were taken from a trench on the north side of the wall (extramuros). The extracted quartz grains had good luminescence characteristics and were identified as well bleached by comparison with feldspar infrared‐stimulated luminescence (IRSL) ages. The optical ages showed that the deposition against the wall occurred in two different periods. The first was around 3.20 ± 0.07 ka ago (Iron Age), and the second was around 2.28 ± 0.08 ka (Hellenistic period). Human activity was evident because of the intermixing of cultural material with the presumed naturally deposited units.
Optimal dosing of gliclazide—A model‐based approach
Authors: Mim Sabiha R. , Hussein Haneen , Vidadi Samira , Leisegang Rory , Karamchand Sumanth , Rambiritch Virendra , Cotton Mark F. , Naidoo Poobalan , Kjellsson Maria C.
Published: March 2023

Gliclazide was approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in an era before model‐based drug development, and consequently, the recommended doses were not optimised with modern methods. To investigate various dosing regimens of gliclazide, we used publicly available data to characterise the dose‐response relationship using pharmacometric models. A literature search identified 21 published gliclazide pharmacokinetic (PK) studies with full profiles. These were digitised, and a PK model was developed for immediate‐ (IR) and modified‐release (MR) formulations. Data from a gliclazide dose‐ranging study of postprandial glucose were used to characterise the concentration–response relationship using the integrated glucose–insulin model. Simulations from the full model showed that the maximum effect was 44% of the patients achieving HbA1c <7%, with 11% experiencing glucose <3 mmol/L and the most sensitive patients (i.e., 5% most extreme) experiencing 35 min of hypoglycaemia. Simulations revealed that the recommended IR dose (320 mg) was appropriate with no efficacy gain with increased dose. However, the recommended dose for the MR formulation may be increased to 270 mg, with more patients achieving HbA1c goals (i.e., HbA1c <7%) without a hypoglycaemic risk higher than the resulting risk from the recommended IR dose.
Situation‐specific outcomes (Home Situations Questionnaire) in a randomized controlled trial of individual versus group parent training for children with Hyperkinetic Disorder/Attention‐deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Heubeck Bernd G. , Welvaert Marijke , Richardson Alice
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Assess (a) the variability of behaviour problems in children with Hyperkinetic Disorder/Attention‐DeficitHyperactivity Disorder (HKD/ADHD) across a range of family situations and (b) the degree to which behaviour in each situation can be modified through a cognitive behavioural parent training (CBPT). Furthermore (c), compare the effectiveness of training in two different formats and (d) test the proposition that group treatment benefits behaviour in a wider range of situations than individual treatment.

Method

A registered multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing individual and group parent training to treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) for N = 237 children with HKD/ADHD. A German version of the Home Situations Questionnaire (HSQ) was employed to examine behaviour problems across a range of family situations, treatment‐related changes post‐treatment and at 6‐month follow‐up, while controlling for medication status.

Results

Parents reported considerable variance in severity of behaviour problems across situations. All groups improved with time, but individual and group CBPT led to significantly greater improvement than TAU in many family situations. Results present situation‐specific treatment trajectories and demonstrate somewhat greater impact of individual compared with group training in certain situations post‐training and 6 months later.

Conclusions

CBPT clearly adds to TAU (with effect sizes in the small to moderate range depending on situation). Individual was somewhat more successful than group format (which did not succeed in a wider range of situations). HSQ situations reveal a differentiated picture of child behaviour and treatment results. Situation‐specific assessment with an instrument like the HSQ offers promising perspectives that invite further development.
Long‐term cyanobacterial dynamics from lake sediment DNA in relation to experimental eutrophication, acidification and climate change
Authors: Mejbel Hebah S. , Irwin Courtney L. , Dodsworth William , Higgins Scott N. , Paterson Michael J. , Pick Frances R.
Published: March 2023

Cyanobacterial blooms in aquatic environments have impacted ecosystem health, altered food webs and contributed to substantial regional economic losses. The relative impacts of climate change, eutrophication and other environmental stressors on the formation of cyanobacterial blooms remain unclear as a consequence of the lack of long‐term data. The analysis of lake sediment archives can help address such questions.

The abundance of target cyanobacterial genes was quantified using droplet digital PCR from two experimental and two reference lakes at the IISD ‐ Experimental Lakes Area, Northwestern Ontario, Canada where various anthropogenic drivers have been manipulated and phytoplankton biomass and taxonomy (via microscopy) tracked over the past 50 years.

Based on sediment DNA (sedDNA) records, Lake 227 has seen more than two full orders of magnitude rise in cyanobacterial abundance in response to experimental nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) loading since 1969. Lake 223 also experienced a small increase in cyanobacterial abundance during a period of experimental acidification. The sedDNA archives also identified an increase in abundance of mcyE, a gene involved in microcystin synthesis, in Lake 227 after 1990 when experimental nitrogen loading ceased and only phosphorus loading continued. Sequencing of the cyanobacterial 16S rRNA gene from sedDNA revealed a shift towards Nostocales dominance in response to eutrophication in Lake 227; this was also seen in the more recent sediments of the other lakes but to a much lesser extent.

When comparing the sedDNA data with historical phytoplankton records of the past ~50 years, moderate‐to‐strong correlations were found between the two. This research validated the use of sedDNA for the analysis of long‐term trends in lakes and the results revealed additional changes that were not recorded from the surface‐water records.

Experimental nutrient loading had the greatest influence on the cyanobacterial community in Lake 227. However, climate change, via declines in heating degree days, was also significant in explaining variation in the cyanobacterial communities in the experimental lakes as well as the reference lakes.
Forest disturbance and recovery in Peruvian Amazonia
Authors: Requena Suarez Daniela , Rozendaal Danaë M. A. , De Sy Veronique , Decuyper Mathieu , Málaga Natalia , Durán Montesinos Patricia , Arana Olivos Alexs , De la Cruz Paiva Ricardo , Martius Christopher , Herold Martin
Published: March 2023

Amazonian forests function as biomass and biodiversity reservoirs, contributing to climate change mitigation. While they continuously experience disturbance, the effect that disturbances have on biomass and biodiversity over time has not yet been assessed at a large scale. Here, we evaluate the degree of recent forest disturbance in Peruvian Amazonia and the effects that disturbance, environmental conditions and human use have on biomass and biodiversity in disturbed forests. We integrate tree‐level data on aboveground biomass (AGB) and species richness from 1840 forest plots from Peru's National Forest Inventory with remotely sensed monitoring of forest change dynamics, based on disturbances detected from Landsat‐derived Normalized Difference Moisture Index time series. Our results show a clear negative effect of disturbance intensity tree species richness. This effect was also observed on AGB and species richness recovery values towards undisturbed levels, as well as on the recovery of species composition towards undisturbed levels. Time since disturbance had a larger effect on AGB than on species richness. While time since disturbance has a positive effect on AGB, unexpectedly we found a small negative effect of time since disturbance on species richness. We estimate that roughly 15% of Peruvian Amazonian forests have experienced disturbance at least once since 1984, and that, following disturbance, have been increasing in AGB at a rate of 4.7 Mg ha−1 year−1 during the first 20 years. Furthermore, the positive effect of surrounding forest cover was evident for both AGB and its recovery towards undisturbed levels, as well as for species richness. There was a negative effect of forest accessibility on the recovery of species composition towards undisturbed levels. Moving forward, we recommend that forest‐based climate change mitigation endeavours consider forest disturbance through the integration of forest inventory data with remote sensing methods.
Clinical association between intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging pattern, preoperative Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging findings, and histological differentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tomino Takahiro , Itoh Shinji , Fujita Nobuhiro , Okamoto Daisuke , Nakayama Yuki , Toshida Katsuya , Tomiyama Takahiro , Tsutsui Yuriko , Kosai Yukiko , Kurihara Takeshi , Nagao Yoshihiro , Morita Kazutoyo , Harada Noboru , Ushijima Yasuhiro , Kohashi Kenichi , Ishigami Kousei , Oda Yoshinao , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: March 2023

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the association between the intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging (FI) pattern, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings using gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA), preoperative diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of MRI, and histological differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data for 80 tumors of 64 patients. Intraoperative ICG FI patterns were classified into cancerous or rim‐positive type. We evaluated the signal intensity ratio of the tumor and the surrounding liver tissue in the portal phase (SIRPP) and intensity in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the DWI of MRI, and clinicopathologic factors.

Results

In the rim‐positive group, the rate of poorly differentiated HCC and hypointensity type in HBP were significantly higher, and SIRPP and ADC were significantly lower than the rim‐negative group. In the cancerous group, the rate of well or moderately differentiated HCC and hyperintensity type in HBP, SIRPP, and ADC were significantly higher than the noncancerous group. Multivariate analysis identified low SIRPP, low ADC, and hypointensity type in HBP as the significant predictive factors for rim‐positive HCC and high SIRPP, high ADC, and hyperintensity type in HBP as the significant predictive factors for cancerous HCC. The positive rate of programmed cell death 1‐ligand 1 and vessels that encapsulate tumor clusters status of the rim‐positive HCC and HCC with low SIRPP were significantly higher than the control group.

Conclusions

The intraoperative ICG FI pattern of HCC closely correlated with histological differentiation, preoperative SIRPP and intensity type in the Gd‐EOB‐DTPA MRI, and preoperative ADC in the DWI of MRI.
Controlling hydration of hydratable alumina via co‐grinding with Mg–Al hydrotalcite
Authors: Chen Liugang , Guo Liu , Zhang Hongrui , Li Ye
Published: March 2023

The on‐site industrial application of hydratable alumina (HA)‐bonded castables is inhibited by the high hydration rate of HA. In this study, the hydration behavior of HA co‐ground with sheetlike Mg–Al hydrotalcite (MAT) is investigated. The properties of castables bonded with MAT‐bearing HA are systematically assessed. The hydration rate of HA co‐ground MAT decreases as this allows MAT sheets to be effectively inserted into the microcracks of HA particles during grinding, thus decreasing the direct contact area between HA and water. The strength of MAT‐bearing castables (0.5 and 1 wt%) fired at 800°C improved slightly owning to the generation of magnesia–alumina spinel. The mechanical strength of castables fired at 1100 and 1550°C decreased as the MAT content increased owing to an increase in porosity. Based on an analysis of the hydration behavior of HA and the properties of HA‐bonded castables, the optimal MAT/HA weight ratio is approximately 1/10.
Awareness level regarding adverse reactions caused by cosmetic products among female patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nayak Manjula , Ligade Virendra S. , Prabhu Smitha S
Published: March 2023

Background

Cosmetics have become an integral part of our daily routine. In addition to causing a wide range of dermatological disorders, cosmetic preparations can also affect internal health. Men are less likely to be impacted than women.

Objective

This study aimed at determining the awareness level among female patients regarding adverse reactions caused by cosmetic products.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was performed among women who visited the Dermatology department of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka, from December 2020 to March 2022. The sample size included 400 respondents selected using the Convenience sampling method, and data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, and descriptive statistics were applied.

Results

The study found that many cosmetic users experienced negative side effects (44%). The primarily affected body site was the face (25.50%) followed by scalp and hair (10%). Products responsible for adverse events were skin care products (27.25%). Considerable percentage of patients self‐medicated (22.25%) and only 15% of women consulted a dermatologist for cosmetic‐related problems.

Conclusion

Awareness regarding the possibility of cosmetic‐induced adverse effects as well as the proper use of cosmetics to reduce these adverse effects is imperative. Implementation of cosmetovigilance system will help to decrease the adverse events to a certain extent.
Maize PIMT2 repairs damaged 3‐METHYLCROTONYL COA CARBOXYLASE in mitochondria, affecting seed vigor
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Song Xianbo , Zhang Wenli , Liu Feijun , Wang Chunmei , Liu Ying , Dirk Lynnette M. A. , Downie A. Bruce , Zhao Tianyong
Published: March 2023

PROTEIN l‐ISOASPARTYL O‐METHYLTRANSFERASE (PIMT) affects seed vigor by repairing damaged proteins. While PIMT is capable of isoaspartyl (isoAsp) repair in all proteins, those proteins most susceptible to isoAsp formation have not been well characterized, and the mechanisms by which PIMT affects seed vigor remain largely unknown. Using co‐immunoprecipitation and LC‐MS/MS, we found that maize (Zea mays) PIMT2 (ZmPIMT2) interacted predominantly with both subunits of maize 3‐METHYLCROTONYL COA CARBOXYLASE (ZmMCC). ZmPIMT2 is specifically expressed in the maize embryo. Both mRNA and protein levels of ZmPIMT2 increased during seed maturation and declined during imbibition. Maize seed vigor was decreased in the zmpimt2 mutant line, while overexpression of ZmPIMT2 in maize and Arabidopsis thaliana increased seed vigor upon artificial aging. ZmPIMT2 was localized in the mitochondria, as determined by subcellular localization assays using maize protoplasts. ZmPIMT2 binding to ZmMCCα was confirmed by luciferase complementation tests in both tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) leaves and maize protoplasts. Knockdown of ZmMCCα decreased maize seed aging tolerance. Furthermore, overexpression of ZmPIMT2 decreased the accumulation of isoAsp of ZmMCCα protein in seed embryos that underwent accelerated aging treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ZmPIMT2 binds ZmMCCα in mitochondria, repairs isoAsp damage, and positively affects maize seed vigor.
Undercarboxylated osteocalcin and ibandronate combination ameliorates hindlimb immobilization‐induced muscle wasting
Authors: Lin Xuzhu , Smith Cassandra , Moreno‐Asso Alba , Zarekookandeh Navabeh , Brennan‐Speranza Tara C. , Duque Gustavo , Hayes Alan , Levinger Itamar
Published: March 2023

Immobilization leads to muscle wasting and insulin resistance, particularly during ageing. It has been suggested that undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) improves muscle mass and glucose metabolism. Bisphosphonates, an anti‐osteoporosis treatment, might protect muscle wasting independent of ucOC. We hypothesize that the combination of ucOC and ibandronate (IBN) treatments has superior protective effects against immobilization‐induced muscle wasting and insulin resistance than either treatment alone. C57BL/6J mice were hindlimb‐immobilized for two weeks, with injections of vehicle, ucOC (90 ng/g daily) and/or IBN (2 μg/g weekly). Insulin/oral glucose tolerance tests (ITT/OGTT) were performed. Immediately after immobilization, muscles (extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius and quadriceps) were isolated and measured for muscle mass. Insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake (EDL and soleus) was examined. Phosphorylation/expression of proteins in anabolic/catabolic pathways were examined in quadriceps. Primary human myotubes derived from older adult muscle biopsies were treated with ucOC and/or IBN, then signalling proteins were analysed. Combined treatment, but not individual treatments, significantly increased the muscle weight/body weight ratio in immobilized soleus (31.7%; P = 0.013) and quadriceps (20.0%; P = 0.0008) muscles, concomitant with elevated p‐Akt (S473)/Akt ratio (P = 0.0047). Combined treatment also enhanced whole‐body glucose tolerance (16.6%; P = 0.0011). In human myotubes, combined treatment stimulated greater activation of ERK1/2 (P = 0.0067 and 0.0072) and mTOR (P = 0.036), and led to a lesser expression of Fbx32 (P = 0.049) and MuRF1 (P = 0.048) than individual treatments. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for the ucOC and bisphosphonates combination in protecting against muscle wasting induced by immobilization and ageing.

image

Key points

It has been suggested that undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) improves muscle mass and glucose metabolism.

Bisphosphonates, an anti‐osteoporosis treatment, might protect against muscle wasting independent of ucOC.

The combination treatment of ucOC and ibandronate was shown to exert a greater therapeutic effect against immobilization‐induced muscle wasting, and led to greater activation of anabolic pathway and less expression of catabolic signalling proteins in myotubes derived from older adults, compared with individual treatments.

The combination treatment was found to improve whole‐body glucose tolerance.

Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for the ucOC and bisphosphonates combination in protecting against muscle wasting induced by immobilization and ageing.
Public views on polygenic screening of embryos
Authors: Meyer Michelle N. , Tan Tammy , Benjamin Daniel J. , Laibson David , Turley Patrick
Published: March 2023

Understanding moral acceptability and willingness to use is crucial for informing policy
A Mesozoic fossil lagerstätte from 250.8 million years ago shows a modern-type marine ecosystem
Authors: Dai Xu , Davies Joshua H. F. L. , Yuan Zhiwei , Brayard Arnaud , Ovtcharova Maria , Xu Guanghui , Liu Xiaokang , Smith Christopher P. A. , Schweitzer Carrie E. , Li Mingtao , Perrot Morgann G. , Jiang Shouyi , Miao Luyi , Cao Yiran , Yan Jia , Bai Ruoyu , Wang Fengyu , Guo Wei , Song Huyue , Tian Li , Dal Corso Jacopo , Liu Yuting , Chu Daoliang , Song Haijun
Published: March 2023

Finely preserved fossil assemblages (lagerstätten) provide crucial insights into evolutionary innovations in deep time. We report an exceptionally preserved Early Triassic fossil assemblage, the Guiyang Biota, from the Daye Formation near Guiyang, South China. High-precision uranium-lead dating shows that the age of the Guiyang Biota is 250.83 +0.07/–0.06 million years ago. This is only 1.08 ± 0.08 million years after the severe Permian-Triassic mass extinction, and this assemblage therefore represents the oldest known Mesozoic lagerstätte found so far. The Guiyang Biota comprises at least 12 classes and 19 orders, including diverse fish fauna and malacostracans, revealing a trophically complex marine ecosystem. Therefore, this assemblage demonstrates the rapid rise of modern-type marine ecosystems after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction.
An ode to Arctic permafrost
Earth, Ice, Bone, Blood
Charlotte Wrigley
University of Minnesota Press, 2023. 256 pp.
Authors: Peskoe-Yang Lynne
Published: March 2023

A geographer honors a region that defies easy description
Streams of cold cosmic fuel for galaxies
Authors: Casey Caitlin M.
Published: March 2023

An expansive filament of cold gas may connect galaxies and spur star formation
Horse nations
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: March 2023

After the Spanish conquest, horses transformed Native American tribes much earlier than historians thought
Factors related to adverse long-term outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury in children: a scoping review
Authors: Ijaz Sharea , Scott Lauren , Dawson Sarah , Wilson Rebecca , Jackson Joni , Birnie Kate , Redaniel Maria Theresa , Savović Jelena , Wright Ingram , Lyttle Mark D , Mytton Julie
Published: March 2023

Objective

To identify demographic, premorbid and injury-related factors, or biomarkers associated with long-term (≥3 months) adverse outcomes in children after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Design

Scoping review of literature.

Patients

Children and adolescents with mTBI.

Risk factors

Any demographic, premorbid and injury-related factors, or biomarkers were included. We excluded genetic and treatment-related factors.

Main outcome measures

Postconcussion syndrome (PCS), recovery.

Results

Seventy-three publications were included, reporting 12 long-term adverse outcomes, including PCS in 12 studies and recovery in 29 studies. Additional outcomes studied were symptom scores/severity (n=22), quality of life (n=9) and cognitive function (n=9). Forty-nine risk factors were identified across studies. Risk factors most often assessed were sex (n=28), followed by age (n=23), injury mechanism = (n=22) and prior mTBI (n=18). The influence of these and other risk factors on outcomes of mTBI were inconsistent across the reviewed literature.

Conclusions

The most researched risk factors are sex, age and mechanism of injury, but their effects have been estimated inconsistently and did not show a clear pattern. The most studied outcomes are recovery patterns and symptom severity. However, these may not be the most important outcomes for clinicians and patients. Future primary studies in this area should focus on patient-important outcomes. Population-based prospective studies are needed that address prespecified hypotheses on the relationship of risk factors with given outcomes to enable reliable prediction of long-term adverse outcomes for childhood mTBI.
Identification of PsA phenotypes with machine learning analytics using data from two phase III clinical trials of guselkumab in a bio-naïve population of patients with PsA
Authors: Richette Pascal , Vis Marijn , Ohrndorf Sarah , Tillett William , Ramírez Julio , Neuhold Marlies , van Speybroeck Michel , Theander Elke , Noel Wim , Zimmermann Miriam , Shawi May , Kollmeier Alexa , Zabotti Alen
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) phenotypes are typically defined by their clinical components, which may not reflect patients’ overlapping symptoms. This post hoc analysis aimed to identify hypothesis-free PsA phenotype clusters using machine learning to analyse data from the phase III DISCOVER-1/DISCOVER-2 clinical trials.

Methods

Pooled data from bio-naïve patients with active PsA receiving guselkumab 100 mg every 8/4 weeks were retrospectively analysed. Non-negative matrix factorisation was applied as an unsupervised machine learning technique to identify PsA phenotype clusters; baseline patient characteristics and clinical observations were input features. Minimal disease activity (MDA), disease activity index for psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA) low disease activity (LDA) and DAPSA remission at weeks 24 and 52 were evaluated.

Results

Eight clusters (n=661) were identified: cluster 1 (feet dominant), cluster 2 (male, overweight, psoriasis dominant), cluster 3 (hand dominant), cluster 4 (dactylitis dominant), cluster 5 (enthesitis, large joints), cluster 6 (enthesitis, small joints), cluster 7 (axial dominant) and cluster 8 (female, obese, large joints). At week 24, MDA response was highest in cluster 2 and lowest in clusters 3, 5 and 6; at week 52, it was highest in cluster 2 and lowest in cluster 5. At weeks 24 and 52, DAPSA LDA and remission were highest in cluster 2 and lowest in clusters 4 and 6, respectively. All clusters improved with guselkumab treatment over 52 weeks.

Conclusions

Unsupervised machine learning identified eight PsA phenotype clusters with significant differences in demographics, clinical features and treatment responses. In the future, such data could help support individualised treatment decisions.
Lateral Torsional Buckling Resistance and Design of High Strength Steel Beams Subjected to Nonuniform Temperature
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Zhang Linbo , Wang Weiyong
Published: March 2023

The mechanical characteristics of high-strength steel (HSS) at high temperatures vary significantly from those of mild steel, so fire design regulations derived from mild steel cannot be transferred to HSS structures. Therefore, this paper investigates the fire resistance of beams made of HSSs, which will facilitate the design and application of HSS structures. Due to the heat dissipation of the concrete floor, steel beams are generally heated from three sides, and the temperature distribution in the steel beam cross-section is nonuniform. For such cases, the fire resistance of HSS beams is assessed using finite element models (FEMs) with nonuniform temperature distribution. A Ramberg–Osgood model was used to predict stress–strain relationships of Q460, Q690, and Q960 HSSs at elevated temperatures, and the model was verified by material tests. In the FEM, the proposed stress–strain relationships of HSSs at elevated temperatures, initial geometric imperfections and residual stress are considered for better accuracy. After verifying the established model against experimental results, the influence of nonuniform temperature distribution, load pattern, steel grade, and slenderness ratio on the resistance of HSS beams is investigated by conducting parametric analyses using the verified FEM. It is found that the critical bending moment of steel beams at elevated temperatures associated with lateral-torsional buckling highly depends on the reduction of elastic modulus of steel. By comparing FEM results with EN 1993-1-2, it is evident that EN 1993-1-2 is unsuitable for assessing the fire resistance of HSS beams. Therefore, the expression specified in EN 1993-1-2 is modified by fitting the finite analysis results to more accurately evaluate the fire resistance of HSS beams considering the nonuniform temperature distribution.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis in Turning of Flexible Parts with Spindle Speed Variation Using FEM Simulation Data
Authors: Shamei Mahdi , Tajalli Seyed Ahmad
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the effect of variable spindle speed with sinusoidal modulation on chatter vibrations generated in turning of flexible parts. The Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is assumed for mathematical modeling of the slender workpiece that is clamped at the chuck and pinned at the tailstock. The induced force as interaction between tool and workpiece (A2024-T351) during chip formation is calculated using finite element simulation. Numerical-based semi-discretization approach is utilized to seek stability regions and chatter frequencies regarding coupled dynamic model of tool and workpiece, in the form of delay differential equations with time varying delay term. The simulated data are validated and compared with those for a rigid part. The results indicate the efficiency of periodic modulation in improvement of machining stability especially for low spindle speeds. The stability charts for different interaction location and also time history response are studied, extensively. Finally, detection of period-one, flip and secondary Hopf bifurcations for different spindle speeds at instability borders are analyzed and discussed by solving corresponding eigenvalue problem.
Reports From The Frontier-Heterogeneous Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Electrochemical Synthesis
Authors: Schiffer Zachary J. , Cushing Scott
Published: March 2023

One key strategy toward decarbonizing chemical synthesis is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels as an energy source. The increased availability of renewable electricity from sources such as solar and wind offers opportunities to both reduce reliance on fossil fuels and electrify chemical manufacturing. While there are many possible uses for renewable electricity, such as joule heating of reactors, one approach is to use these electrons to make and break chemical bonds directly via electrochemistry.
Concurrent Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis and Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Guglin Anthony , Weiss Robert , Singh Adityabikram , Mittal Anugya , Hwang Thomas , Shah Ankit
Published: March 2023

A 37-year-old male with a history of chronic nephrolithiasis presented to the ED with gross hematuria, clot retention, and right flank pain. The patient had radiological findings of perinephric stranding, marked hydronephrosis, and marked thinning of the right renal parenchyma on computed tomography (CT), all suggestive of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP). The specimen following radical nephrectomy revealed urothelial carcinoma (UC) in a background of XGP but with no evidence of spread to regional lymph nodes. Follow-up imaging revealed hypodense lesions in the liver which demonstrated UC on biopsy. This is the first reported case of a young patient presenting with such an advanced stage of UC in the setting of XGP. It illustrates the link between inflammatory processes of the kidney and malignancy of the upper urinary tract.
Supplementary Figure 1 from The Regulation of AMPK β1, TSC2, and PTEN Expression by p53: Stress, Cell and Tissue Specificity, and the Role of These Gene Products in Modulating the IGF-1-AKT-mTOR Pathways
Authors: Feng Zhaohui , Hu Wenwei , de Stanchina Elisa , Teresky Angelika K. , Jin Shengkan , Lowe Scott , Levine Arnold J.
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 1 from The Regulation of AMPK β1, TSC2, and PTEN Expression by p53: Stress, Cell and Tissue Specificity, and the Role of These Gene Products in Modulating the IGF-1-AKT-mTOR Pathways
Supplementary Figure 4 from Endothelial Function of von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene: Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Authors: Champion Kristen J. , Guinea Maria , Dammai Vincent , Hsu Tien
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 4 from Endothelial Function of von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene: Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Supplementary Figure 1 Legend from Osteopontin Promotes Integrin Activation through Outside-In and Inside-Out Mechanisms: OPN-CD44V Interaction Enhances Survival in Gastrointestinal Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Jia-Lin , Wang Mei-Jung , Sudhir Putty-Reddy , Chen Gen-Der , Chi Chin-Wen , Chen Jeou-Yuan
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 1 Legend from Osteopontin Promotes Integrin Activation through Outside-In and Inside-Out Mechanisms: OPN-CD44V Interaction Enhances Survival in Gastrointestinal Cancer Cells
Supplementary Figure 3 from Endothelial Function of von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene: Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Authors: Champion Kristen J. , Guinea Maria , Dammai Vincent , Hsu Tien
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 3 from Endothelial Function of von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene: Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Supplementary Figure 2 from Endothelial Function of von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene: Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Authors: Champion Kristen J. , Guinea Maria , Dammai Vincent , Hsu Tien
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 2 from Endothelial Function of von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene: Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Supplementary Figure 1 from Endothelial Function of von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene: Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Authors: Champion Kristen J. , Guinea Maria , Dammai Vincent , Hsu Tien
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 1 from Endothelial Function of von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene: Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Supplementary Figure 4 from Suppression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling by Protein Kinase C-α Activation Requires CD82, Caveolin-1, and Ganglioside
Authors: Wang Xiao-qi , Yan Qiu , Sun Ping , Liu Ji-Wei , Go Linda , McDaniel Shauntae M. , Paller Amy S.
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 4 from Suppression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling by Protein Kinase C-α Activation Requires CD82, Caveolin-1, and Ganglioside
Supplementary Data from Isogenic Normal Basal and Luminal Mammary Epithelial Isolated by a Novel Method Show a Differential Response to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Huper Gudrun , Marks Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Data from Isogenic Normal Basal and Luminal Mammary Epithelial Isolated by a Novel Method Show a Differential Response to Ionizing Radiation
Supplementary Figure 1 from Ikaros Modulates Cholesterol Uptake: A Link between Tumor Suppression and Differentiation
Authors: Loeper Siobhan , Asa Sylvia L. , Ezzat Shereen
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 1 from Ikaros Modulates Cholesterol Uptake: A Link between Tumor Suppression and Differentiation
Supplementary Figure 2 from Characterization of an Akt Kinase Inhibitor with Potent Pharmacodynamic and Antitumor Activity
Authors: Rhodes Nelson , Heerding Dirk A. , Duckett Derek R. , Eberwein Derek J. , Knick Victoria B. , Lansing Timothy J. , McConnell Randy T. , Gilmer Tona M. , Zhang Shu-Yun , Robell Kimberly , Kahana Jason A. , Geske Robert S. , Kleymenova Elena V. , Choudhry Anthony E. , Lai Zhihong , Leber Jack D. , Minthorn Elisabeth A. , Strum Susan L. , Wood Edgar R. , Huang Pearl S. , Copeland Robert A. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 2 from Characterization of an Akt Kinase Inhibitor with Potent Pharmacodynamic and Antitumor Activity
Supplementary Figure 4 from Integrative Microarray Analysis of Pathways Dysregulated in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Setlur Sunita R. , Royce Thomas E. , Sboner Andrea , Mosquera Juan-Miguel , Demichelis Francesca , Hofer Matthias D. , Mertz Kirsten D. , Gerstein Mark , Rubin Mark A.
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figure 4 from Integrative Microarray Analysis of Pathways Dysregulated in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Supplementary Table 1 from Elevated CRAF as a Potential Mechanism of Acquired Resistance to BRAF Inhibition in Melanoma
Authors: Montagut Clara , Sharma Sreenath V. , Shioda Toshi , McDermott Ultan , Ulman Matthew , Ulkus Lindsey E. , Dias-Santagata Dora , Stubbs Hannah , Lee Diana Y. , Singh Anurag , Drew Lisa , Haber Daniel A. , Settleman Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Table 1 from Elevated CRAF as a Potential Mechanism of Acquired Resistance to BRAF Inhibition in Melanoma
Supplementary Figures 1-6 from Knock-in of Oncogenic Kras Does Not Transform Mouse Somatic Cells But Triggers a Transcriptional Response that Classifies Human Cancers
Authors: Arena Sabrina , Isella Claudio , Martini Miriam , de Marco Ario , Medico Enzo , Bardelli Alberto
Published: March 2023

Supplementary Figures 1-6 from Knock-in of Oncogenic Kras Does Not Transform Mouse Somatic Cells But Triggers a Transcriptional Response that Classifies Human Cancers