bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying spatio‐temporal consistency in the trophic ecology of two sympatric flatfishes
Authors: Hunt Georgina L. , Cobain Matthew R. D. , McGill Rona A. R. , Pinnegar John K. , Engelhard Georg H. , Wigham Benjamin D. , Polunin Nicholas V. C.
Published: May 2023

Sympatric flatfish predators may partition their resources in coastal environments to reduce competition and maximise foraging efficiency. However, the degree of spatial and temporal consistency in their trophic ecology is not well understood because dietary studies tend to overlook the heterogeneity of consumed prey. Increasing the spatial and temporal scale of dietary analyses can thus help to resolve predator resource use. We applied a stomach content and multi‐tissue (liver and muscle) stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S) approach to investigate the feeding habits of two co‐occurring flatfish predators, common dab (Limanda limanda) and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), across four bays on the Northumberland coast (UK) over short (hours), medium (days) and long (months) temporal scales. Stomach content analyses showed spatial consistencies in predator resource use, whereas stable isotope mixing models revealed considerable inter‐bay diet variability. Stomach contents also indicated high dietary overlap between L. limanda and P. platessa, while the stable isotope data yielded low to moderate levels of overlap, with cases of complete niche separation. Furthermore, individual specialisation metrics indicated consistently low levels of specialisation among conspecifics over time. We document changes in resource partitioning in space and time, reflecting diet switching in response to local and temporal fluctuations of patchily distributed prey. This study highlights how trophic tracers integrated at multiple temporal and spatial scales (within tens of kilometres) provide a more integrative approach for assessing the trophic ecology of sympatric predators in dynamic environments.
Changes in axonal and clinical function during intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Hansen Peter N. , Mohammed Abdullahi A. , Markvardsen Lars K. , Andersen Henning , Tankisi Hatice , Sindrup Søren H. , Krøigård Thomas
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has a rapid clinical effect which cannot be explained by remyelination during each treatment cycle in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). This study aimed to investigate axonal membrane properties during the IVIg treatment cycle and their potential correlation with clinically relevant functional measurements.

Methods

Motor nerve excitability testing (NET) of the median nerve was performed before and 4 and 18 days after initiation of an IVIg treatment cycle in 13 treatment‐naïve (early) CIDP patients and 24 CIDP patients with long term (late) IVIg treatment, 12 CIDP patients treated with subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) and 55 healthy controls. Clinical function was measured extensively using the Six Spot Step test, 10‐Meter Walk test, 9‐Hole Peg test, grip strength, MRC sum score, Overall Neuropathy Limitations Score and Patient Global Impression of Change.

Results

Superexcitability and S2 accommodation decreased significantly in the early treatment group from baseline to day 4 and returned to baseline levels at day 18, suggesting temporary depolarization of the axonal membrane. A similar trend was observed for the late IVIg group. Substantial clinical improvement was observed in both early and late IVIg groups during the entire treatment cycle. No statistically significant correlation was found between clinical and NET changes. No change was found in NET or clinical function in the SCIg group or controls.

Interpretation

NET suggested temporary depolarization of the axonal membrane during IVIg treatment in treatment naïve CIDP patients. The relation to clinical improvement, however, remains speculative.
‘No, buddy, I will not speak to the press – I am working!’: criminal justice and the interprofessional dynamics of communication production in the Chilean Public Prosecutorial Office
Authors: ARRIAGADA ISABEL , GONZÁLEZ LE SAUX MARIANNE , WILENMANN JAVIER , ÁGUILA FELIPE
Published: May 2023

This article analyses the interprofessional dynamics of communication production in the criminal justice system. Through 26 in‐depth interviews, we investigate the production of media information on prosecutorial work in Chile, tracking the relationships between internal communication agents, prosecutors, and external legal journalists. Previous scholarship has shown the success of police organizations in defining the content of crime communication based on asymmetrical power relations with the media. By contrast, our study reveals that legal journalists can bypass attempts to control the flow of information from the prosecutorial office and impose extra‐organizational goals. Lawyers regularly dismiss the work of journalists, particularly those working as strategic communication advisors with prosecutors, but the asymmetrical relationship between the criminal justice agency and the media plays in favour of external legal journalists. Our article considers several explanations for this configuration, including interprofessional values, transactional relationships between journalists and prosecutors, and local legal culture.
A new technique to transfer the upper maxillary arch position using a facebow, a transfer table, and a reference block with a CAD application
Authors: Petre Alexandru , Drafta Sergiu , Oancea Luminita
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a method for the digital transfer of the upper maxillary arch position using a facebow, a transfer table, and a reference block with a CAD application without requiring physical casts mounted with articulating gypsum. This technique facilitates the prosthetic digital workflow when the impression is made via intraoral scanning, to obtain the placement of the maxillary arch in the anatomical reference planes and in relation to the axes of rotation of the mandibular movements
Insomnia—A risk factor for mental disorders
Authors: Hertenstein Elisabeth , Benz Fee , Schneider Carlotta L. , Baglioni Chiara
Published: May 2023

Longitudinal studies observed that individuals suffering from insomnia disorder have a higher vulnerability to develop symptoms of psychopathology compared with good sleepers. Particularly, insomnia disorder has been associated with an increased risk for depression. Previous studies indicate relatively stable effects; however, replication is needed as the last meta‐analysis on the topic has been published 4 years ago. We conducted a replication of a previous systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluating the longitudinal association between insomnia disorder and psychopathology, including original works published between 2018 and 2022. Literature search was conducted from April 2018 to August 2022 using key words identifying longitudinal studies that evaluate individuals with insomnia disorder compared with good sleepers at baseline, and the onset of all possible mental disorders at long‐term follow‐up. Only one work was added to the previous sample of studies published in 2019 looking at the longitudinal association between insomnia disorder and depression. Meta‐analytic results confirmed the previous observation, with an even higher observed effect for the link between insomnia and depression. This again recognizes insomnia disorder as a possible transdiagnostic process in psychopathology, with consequent important clinical implications. Nevertheless, more longitudinal studies are needed evaluating the link between insomnia disorder and mental disorders.
The effect of doxapram on survival and APGAR score in newborn puppies delivered by elective caesarean: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hyndman Timothy H. , Fretwell Shelby , Bowden Ross S. , Coaicetto Flaminia , Irons Peter C. , Aleri Joshua W. , Kordzakhia Nino , Page Stephen W. , Musk Gabrielle C. , Tuke S. Jonathan , Mosing Martina , Metcalfe Steven S.
Published: May 2023

Doxapram is marketed as a respiratory stimulant and is used by some veterinarians to help with neonatal apnoea, especially in puppies delivered by caesarean. There is a lack of consensus as to whether the drug is effective and data on its safety are limited. Doxapram was compared to placebo (saline) in newborn puppies in a randomized, double‐blinded clinical trial using two outcome measures: 7‐day mortality rate and repeated APGAR score measurements. Higher APGAR scores have been positively correlated with survival and other health outcomes in newborns. Puppies were delivered by caesarean and a baseline APGAR score was measured. This was immediately followed by a randomly allocated intralingual injection of either doxapram or isotonic saline (of the same volume). Injection volumes were determined by the weight of the puppy and each injection was administered within a minute of birth. The mean dose of doxapram administered was 10.65 mg/kg. APGAR scores were measured again at 2, 5, 10 and 20 min. One hundred and seventy‐one puppies from 45 elective caesareans were recruited into this study. Five out of 85 puppies died after receiving saline and 7 out of 86 died after receiving doxapram. Adjusting for the baseline APGAR score, the age of the mother and whether the puppy was a brachycephalic breed, there was insufficient evidence to conclude a difference in the odds of 7‐day survival for puppies that received doxapram compared to those that received saline (p = .634). Adjusting for the baseline APGAR score, the weight of the mother, the litter size, the mother's parity number, the weight of the puppy and whether the puppy was a brachycephalic breed, there was insufficient evidence to conclude a difference in the probability of a puppy having an APGAR score of ten (the maximum APGAR score) between those that received doxapram compared to those that received saline (p = .631). Being a brachycephalic breed was not associated with an increased odds of 7‐day mortality (p = .156) but the effect of the baseline APGAR score on the probability of having an APGAR score of ten was higher for brachycephalic than non‐brachycephalic breeds (p = .01). There was insufficient evidence that intralingual doxapram provided an advantage (or disadvantage) compared to intralingual saline when used routinely in puppies delivered by elective caesarean and that were not apnoeic.
Novel treatment of acute and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: Interleukin‐22
Authors: Hwang Seonghwan , Hicks Amy , Hoo Chai Zhen , Kwon Yong Seong , Cho Ye Eun , Moore Joanna , Gao Bin
Published: May 2023

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life‐threatening medical condition, characterized by rapidly progressive hepatic dysfunction, coagulopathy and hepatic encephalopathy in patients without chronic liver disease, while acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) occurs in patients with existing chronic liver disease. ALF and ACLF are often associated with multiple organ failure and a high short‐term mortality. In this review, we briefly discuss the causes and pathogenesis of ALF and ACLF, the current options available for the treatment of both deadly maladies and interleukin‐22 (IL‐22), a novel promising drug that may have great therapeutic potential for ALF and ACLF treatment. IL‐22 is a cytokine produced by immune cells but mainly targets epithelial cells including hepatocytes. IL‐22 has been shown to protect against organ damage and reduce bacterial infection in many preclinical models and several clinical trials including alcohol‐associated hepatitis. The potential application of IL‐22 for the treatment of ALF and ACLF is also elaborated.
The worldwide invasion history of a pest ambrosia beetle inferred using population genomics
Authors: Urvois T. , Perrier C. , Roques A. , Sauné L. , Courtin C. , Kajimura H. , Hulcr J. , Cognato A. I. , Auger‐Rozenberg M.‐A. , Kerdelhué C.
Published: May 2023

Xylosandrus crassiusculus, a fungus‐farming wood borer native to Southeastern Asia, is the most rapidly spreading invasive ambrosia species worldwide. Previous studies focusing on its genetic structure suggested the existence of cryptic genetic variation in this species. Yet, these studies used different genetic markers, focused on different geographical areas and did not include Europe. Our first goal was to determine the worldwide genetic structure of this species based on both mitochondrial and genomic markers. Our second goal was to study X. crassiusculus' invasion history on a global level and identify the origins of the invasion in Europe. We used a COI and RAD sequencing design to characterize 188 and 206 specimens worldwide, building the most comprehensive genetic data set for any ambrosia beetle to date. The results were largely consistent between markers. Two differentiated genetic clusters were invasive, albeit in different regions of the world. The markers were inconsistent only for a few specimens found exclusively in Japan. Mainland USA could have acted as a source for further expansion to Canada and Argentina through stepping stone expansion and bridgehead events. We showed that Europe was only colonized by Cluster II through a complex invasion history including several arrivals from multiple origins in the native area, and possibly including bridgehead from the United States. Our results also suggested that Spain was colonized directly from Italy through intracontinental dispersion. It is unclear whether the mutually exclusive allopatric distribution of the two clusters is due to neutral effects or due to different ecological requirements.
Evolutionary history of an island endemic, the Azorean common quail
Authors: Ravagni Sara , Sanchez‐Donoso Ines , Jiménez‐Blasco Irene , Andrade Pedro , Puigcerver Manel , Chorão Guedes Ana , Godinho Raquel , Gonçalves David , Leitão Manuel , Leonard Jennifer A. , Rodríguez‐Teijeiro José Domingo , Vilà Carles
Published: May 2023

Oceanic islands are characterized by conditions that favour diversification into endemic lineages that can be very different from their mainland counterparts. This can be the result of fast phenotypic divergence due to drift or the result of slower adaptation to local conditions. This uniqueness can obscure their evolutionary history. Here we used morphological, stable isotope, genetic and genomic data to characterize common quails (Coturnix coturnix) in the Azores archipelago and assess the divergence from neighbouring common quail populations. Historical documents suggested that these quails could have a recent origin associated with the arrival of humans in the last centuries. Our results show that Azorean quails constitute a well‐differentiated lineage with small size and dark throat pigmentation that has lost the migratory ability and that diverged from mainland quail lineages more than 0.8 mya, contrary to the notion of a recent human‐mediated arrival. Even though some Azorean quails carry an inversion that affects 115 Mbp of chromosome 1 and that has been associated with the loss of the migratory behaviour in other common quail populations, half of the analysed individuals do not have that inversion and still do not migrate. The long coexistence and evolution in isolation in the Azores of two chromosomal variants (with and without the inversion) is best explained by balancing selection. Thus, a unique and long evolutionary history led to the island endemic that we know today, C. c. conturbans.
Notes on [post]human nursing: What It MIGHT Be, What it is Not
Authors: Dillard‐Wright Jess , Smith Jamie B. , Hopkins‐Walsh Jane , Willis Eva , Brown Brandon B. , Tedjasukmana Emmanuel C.
Published: May 2023

With this paper, we walk out some central ideas about posthumanisms and the ways in which nursing is already deeply entangled with them. At the same time, we point to ways in which nursing might benefit from further entanglement with other ideas emerging from posthumanisms. We first offer up a brief history of posthumanisms, following multiple roots to several points of formation. We then turn to key flavors of posthuman thought to differentiate between them and clarify our collective understanding and use of the terms. This includes considerations of the threads of transhumanism, critical posthumanism, feminist new materialism, and the speculative, affirmative ethics that arise from critical posthumanism and feminist new materialism. These ideas are fruitful for nursing, and already in action in many cases, which is the matter we occupy ourselves with in the final third of the paper. We consider the ways nursing is already posthuman—sometimes even critically so—and the speculative worldbuilding of nursing as praxis. We conclude with visions for a critical posthumanist nursing that attends to humans and other/more/nonhumans, situated and material and embodied and connected, in relation.
Multiple paths of plant host toxicity are associated with the fungal toxin cercosporin
Authors: Koh Eugene , Chaturvedi Amit Kumar , Javitt Gabriel , Brandis Alexander , Fluhr Robert
Published: May 2023

The Cercospora species of fungi are responsible for leaf spot disease affecting many key economic crops. Most of these fungi secrete a toxic photodynamic molecule, cercosporin, that reacts with light and oxygen to produce reactive singlet oxygen (1O2) contributing to fungal virulence. We show similar cellular localization and aetiology of cercosporin in the non‐host Arabidopsis and the host Nicotiana benthamiana. Cercosporin accumulates in cell membranes in an oxidized state and in plastids in a mixture of redox states in a manner that is dependent on ongoing photosynthetic processes. We observed that cercosporin rapidly compromised photosynthesis as measured by Fv/Fm, NPQ, and photosystem I (PSI) parameters. Stomatal guard cells in particular demonstrated rapid light‐dependent membrane permeabilization that led to changes in leaf conductance. We showed that cercosporin‐mediated 1O2 generation oxidized RNA to form 8‐oxoguanosine (8‐oxoG), leading to translational attenuation and induction of 1O2 signature gene transcripts. We also identified a subset of cercosporin‐induced transcripts that were independent of the photodynamic effect. Our results point to the multimodal action of cercosporin that includes the inhibition of photosynthesis, the direct oxidation of nucleic acid residues and the elicitation of complex transcriptome responses.
The sound of liminality: MHD's afro trap, affective listening, and the (re)invention of Afropean identities in France
Authors: Niang Sophie Marie
Published: May 2023

This article is an exploration of the world making capacities of afro trap. Through an extended case study of MHD's discography, I ask what can be learnt about the liminal experiences of postcolonial black citizens, or Afropean citizens, in France, by listening to popular music. I argue that through embracing, reinventing, and (re)producing familiar Afropean soundscapes, MHD claims and creates from his liminal subject position. Going against the assumption that Frenchness and blackness are always mutually exclusive and in tension, this music sonically proposes a way of being otherwise in France, stemming from this liminality. I see in what I call ‘the sound of liminality’ an instance of ‘queering ethnicity,’ one which channels the affective capacities of sound. I propose affective listening as a method that, incorporating autoethnography to consider critical listening positionality, facilitates a renewed attention to sound as an object of sociological inquiry.
Why Epistemic Believing Makes Us Better (Public) Sociologists
Authors: Kallman Meghan Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

I make parallel claims about the potential for “believing” as a methodological and political practice: it is a skill that can link the academic and political, and it is crucial for public sociology. Drawing on my experience of simultaneously being a sitting state senator and a university professor, I argue that while professional sociology is premised on and starts with skepticism, doubt, and criticism, public engagement as sociologists must, to a greater extent, be premised on reception and welcome of ideas. We need prosocial, courageous frameworks to realize the practical and ethical potential of sociology. Believing can do three things: it can help make our work more robust by exploring more ways of knowing (making us better scholars); it can help us create more and better connections with others doing such work (making us better organizers); and can help our social systems be more responsive and adaptive (it gives us better institutions). I outline how I see this happening.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DPB1*1455:01N allele in a French living organ donor
Authors: Devriese Magali , Da Silva Sephora , Carmagnat Maryvonnick , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: May 2023

The novel HLA‐DPB1*1455:01N allele differs from DPB1*05:01:01:01 by one amino acid deletion in exon 3.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Thermal Performance of an Air-Cooled Battery Module Under High Ambient Temperature Conditions
Authors: Sharma Dinesh Kumar , Prabhakar Aneesh
Published: May 2023

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are widely used in electric vehicles due to their high energy and power density. The operating temperature has a significant impact on the thermal performance and longevity of LiBs. The thermal performance of an air-cooled battery module containing 16 (4S4P) high-energy density LiBs has been investigated through a series of experiments and numerical simulations. At varying transverse and longitudinal cell spacing, airflow rates, ambient temperatures, and discharge C-rates, the thermal performance of a battery module with aligned battery cells was analyzed. For the thermal performance evaluation, the average temperature rise, temperature non-uniformity, and maximum temperature of the module’s battery cells are utilized. During discharge cycles, the rate of temperature increase is linear but becomes nonlinear at the end of the discharge cycle. In the current architecture of the battery module, a minimum space utilization ratio of 0.38 is necessary to limit maximum temperature and temperature non-uniformity to safe battery thermal management temperatures. The thermal performance was significantly affected by the airflow rate. Increasing airflow rate decreases temperature but increases pressure drop substantially. The maximum cell temperature is greatly affected by the inlet air temperature, increasing from 62.8 °C to 76.6 °C when the inlet air temperature is increased from 30 °C to 45 °C. At high ambient temperatures (over 40 °C), LiB temperatures exceed permissible limits, and air cooling alone is inadequate. This study examines the thermal performance of an air-cooled battery module working at high temperatures.
Day-to-day loudness assessments of indoor soundscapes: Exploring the impact of loudness indicators, person, and situation
Authors: Versümer Siegbert , Steffens Jochen , Weinzierl Stefan
Published: May 2023

This study investigates loudness perception in real-world contexts using predictors related to the sound, situation, or person. In the study, 105 participants recorded 6594 sound environments in their homes, which were then evaluated based on the Experience Sampling Method. Hierarchical linear regressions using a loudness level based on ISO 532-1 allowed for obtaining the best model fits for predicting perceived loudness and explaining the highest variance. LAeq and LAF5 provided comparable results and may require less computational effort. However, the analysis shows that only one-third of the variance explained by fixed effects was attributable to the loudness level. Sixteen percent stemmed from perceived properties of the soundscape; 1% were attributable to relatively temporally stable, person-related predictors like participants' age; non-auditory situational predictors made no additional contribution. The results thus did not confirm previous findings on loudness perception under laboratory conditions, emphasizing the importance of the situational context. Along with the current paper, a comprehensive dataset, including the assessed person-related, situational, and sound-related measures as well as LAeq time-series and third-octave spectrograms, is provided to enable further research on sound perception, indoor soundscapes, and emotion.
Abiotic and Biotic Drivers of Soil Fungal Communities in Response to Dairy Manure Amendment
Authors: Schlatter Daniel C. , Gamble Joshua D. , Castle Sarah , Rogers Julia , Wilson Melissa
Published: May 2023

Manure amendments in agricultural systems can impact soil microbial communities via supplying growth substrates for indigenous microbes or by introducing manure-borne taxa. This study explores the consistency of these impacts on soil fungal communities and the relative importance of abiotic and biotic drivers across distinct soils.
An Overview of 10 Years of Activity of a Molecular Laboratory for Buruli Ulcer Diagnosis at a Field Hospital in Benin
Authors: Fajloun Faraj , Ganlonon Line , Gnimavo Ronald Sètondji , Sodjinou Espoir , Habib Akimath , Claco Eric , Agoundoté Irvine , Adeye Ambroise , Catraye Perrin , Al-Bayssari Charbel , Moussa Elie Hajj , Robbe-Saule Marie , Houezo Jean Gabin , Kpoton Godwin Gérard , Ayélo Adjimon Gilbert , Gomez Beatriz , Johnson Roch Christian , Marsollier Laurent , Marion Estelle , Kempf Marie
Published: May 2023

Here, we describe the first 10 years of activity at a field laboratory established at the Buruli ulcer treatment center (CDTLUB) in Pobè, Benin, a country in which
Mycobacterium ulcerans
is endemic. Between 2012 and 2022, the laboratory analyzed 3,018 samples from patients consulting the CDTLUB of Pobè with a suspected clinical BU.
Using an Observation Protocol To Evaluate Student Argumentation Skills in Introductory Biology Laboratories
Authors: Clevenger Lindsey , Teshera-Levye Jennifer , Walker Joi P. , Vance-Chalcraft Heather D.
Published: May 2023

Argumentation is vital in the development of scientific knowledge, and students who can argue from evidence and support their claims develop a deeper understanding of science. In this study, the Argument-Driven Inquiry instruction model was implemented in a two-semester sequence of introductory biology laboratories.
Nearly Complete Genome Sequence of Enterovirus Type A119 from Sewage in France in 2015
Authors: Bisseux Maxime , Mirand Audrey , Colombet Jonathan , Bailly Jean-Luc , Henquell Cécile
Published: May 2023

A nearly complete genome sequence of enterovirus type A119 was determined from an urban wastewater sample collected during a surveillance campaign in 2015 in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The partial VP1 sequence is a close relative of other partial enterovirus type A119 sequences detected in France and South Africa in the same year.
Rhizosphere microbial community composition shifts diurnally and in response to natural variation in host clock phenotype
Authors: Hubbard Charley J. , Harrison Joshua G. , McMinn Robby , Bennett Ponsford Julian C. , Maignien Lois , Ewers Brent , Weinig Cynthia
Published: May 2023

Plant-associated microbial assemblages are known to shift at time scales aligned with plant phenology, as influenced by the changes in plant-derived nutrient concentrations and abiotic conditions observed over a growing season. But these same factors can change dramatically in a sub-24-hour period, and it is poorly understood how such diel cycling may influence plant-associated microbiomes. Plants respond to the change from day to night via mechanisms collectively referred to as the internal “clock,” and clock phenotypes are associated with shifts in rhizosphere exudates and other changes that we hypothesize could affect rhizosphere microbes. The mustard
Boechera stricta
has wild populations that contain multiple clock phenotypes of either a 21- or a 24-hour cycle. We grew plants of both phenotypes (two genotypes per phenotype) in incubators that simulated natural diel cycling or that maintained constant light and temperature. Under both cycling and constant conditions, the extracted DNA concentration and the composition of rhizosphere microbial assemblages differed between time points, with daytime DNA concentrations often triple what were observed at night and microbial community composition differing by, for instance, up to 17%. While we found that plants of different genotypes were associated with variation in rhizosphere assemblages, we did not see an effect on soil conditioned by a particular host plant circadian phenotype on subsequent generations of plants. Our results suggest that rhizosphere microbiomes are dynamic at sub-24-hour periods, and those dynamics are shaped by diel cycling in host plant phenotype.

IMPORTANCE

We find that the rhizosphere microbiome shifts in composition and extractable DNA concentration in sub-24-hour periods as influenced by the plant host’s internal clock. These results suggest that host plant clock phenotypes could be an important determinant of variation in rhizosphere microbiomes.
Honokiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Cell Culture at a Post-Entry Step
Authors: Salgado-Benvindo Clarisse , Leijs Anouk A. , Thaler Melissa , Tas Ali , Arbiser Jack L. , Snijder Eric J. , van Hemert Martijn J.
Published: May 2023

Honokiol is a compound that shows both anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, and therefore its effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection was assessed. This small molecule inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in various cell-based infection systems, with up to an ~1,000-fold reduction in virus titer.
The
adcA
and
lmb
Genes Play an Important Role in Drug Resistance and Full Virulence of
Streptococcus suis
Authors: Peng Mingzheng , Xu Yuanyuan , Dou Beibei , Yang Fengming , He Qiyun , Liu Zewen , Gao Ting , Liu Wei , Yang Keli , Guo Rui , Li Chang , Tian Yongxiang , Zhou Danna , Bei Weicheng , Yuan Fangyan
Published: May 2023

Transition metals are important micronutrients for bacterial growth. Zn is necessary for the catalytic activity and structural integrity of various metalloproteins involved in bacterial pathogenic processes.
Supplemental Material: Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks of South China: Their separate positions in Gondwana until early Paleozoic juxtaposition
Authors: Wang Lijun , Lin Shoufa , al. et
Published: May 2023

Summary of palaeomagnetic, paleontological, stratigraphic, and detrital zircon data. 
Supplemental Material: Mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) trace the origin of post-collisional magmas
Authors: Gómez-Frutos Daniel , Castro Antonio
Published: May 2023

Rock analyses, sample photographs, sampling and analytical methods, additional Harker diagrams, and extended discussion for geochemical modeling. 
Using parallel geocoding to analyse the spatial characteristics of road traffic injury occurrences across Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Mehta Avirut , Kim Dohyeong , Allo Nicholas , Odusola Aina Olufemi , Malolan Chenchita , Nwariaku Fiemu E
Published: May 2023

While efforts to understand and mitigate road traffic injury (RTI) occurrence have long been underway in high-income countries, similar projects in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) are frequently hindered by institutional and informational obstacles. Technological advances in geospatial analysis provide a pathway to overcome a subset of these barriers, and in doing so enable researchers to create actionable insights in the pursuit of mitigating RTI-associated negative health outcomes. This analysis develops a parallel geocoding workflow to improve investigation of low-fidelity datasets common in LMICs. Subsequently, this workflow is applied to and evaluated on an RTI dataset from Lagos State, Nigeria, minimising positional error in geocoding by incorporating outputs from four commercially available geocoders. The concordance between outputs from these geocoders is evaluated, and spatial visualisations are generated to provide insight into the distribution of RTI occurrence within the analysis region. This study highlights the implications of geospatial data analysis in LMICs facilitated by modern technologies on health resource allocation, and ultimately, patient outcomes.
COVID-19 seroprevalence among local authority workers from Orléans Métropole, the Community of Communes of the Terres du Val de Loire, the local public service management centre of the Loiret department and the Region Centre Val de Loire: a prospective epidemiological study
Authors: Hanane Guerrout , Amine Zaouia , Roomila Naeck , Prazuck Thierry , Amirouche Ammar , Olivier Vernay , Benyamina Amine , Serreau Raphaël
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among local authority workers, depending on their position and potential interaction with the public.

Methods

A cohort of volunteer participants was recruited among local authority workers of the Centre Val de Loire region in France, to be tested using a rapid serological test (COVID-PRESTO). The collected data were analysed by comparing different parameters including, gender, age, position held, and contact or not with the public. The study was carried out from August to December 2020 and included 3228 participants (n=3228), from 18 to 65 years old.

Results

The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among local authority workers was estimated at 3.04%. No significant difference could be observed according to the position held by the workers and whether they were or not in contact with the public. Nevertheless, a significant difference was observed between the different investigating centres, in correlation with the geographical location.

Conclusion

Contact with members of the public was not a critical parameter for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence as long as protective measures are applied. Among the population included in the study, childcare workers were more at risk of getting infected by the virus.

Trial registration number

NCT04387968
Validation of the TRI-SCORE in patients undergoing surgery for isolated tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Anguita-Gámez María , Giraldo María A , Nombela-Franco Luis , Eixeres Esteve Andrea , Cuerpo Gregorio , Lopez-Menendez Jose , Gomez-Polo Juan Carlos , Tirado-Conte Gabriela , Torres Berenice , Pedraz Prieto Alvaro , Jimenez-Quevedo Pilar , Lopez-Gude María Jesus , Mahia Patricia , Cobiella Javier , Zamorano José Luis , Vilacosta Isidre , Maroto Luis , Carnero-Alcázar Manuel
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Estimation of peri-procedural risk in patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) undergoing isolated tricuspid valve surgery (ITVS) is of paramount importance. The TRI-SCORE is a new surgical risk scale specifically developed for this purpose, which ranged from 0 to 12 points and included eight parameters: right-sided heart failure signs, daily dose of furosemide ≥125 mg, glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min, elevated bilirubin (with a value of 2 points), age ≥70 years, New York Heart Association Class III–IV, left ventricular ejection fraction <60% and moderate/severe right ventricular dysfunction (with a value of 1 point). The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of the TRI-SCORE in an independent cohort of patients undergoing ITVS.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed in four centres, including consecutive adult patients undergoing ITVS for TR between 2005 and 2022. The TRI-SCORE and the traditional risk scores used in cardiac surgery (Logistic EuroScore (Log-ES) and EuroScore-II (ES-II)) were applied for each patient, and discrimination and calibration of the three scores were evaluated in the entire cohort.

Results

A total of 252 patients were included. The mean age was 61.5±11.2 years, 164 (65.1%) patients were female, and TR mechanism was functional in 160 (63.5%) patients. The observed in-hospital mortality was 10.3%. The estimated mortality by the Log-ES, ES-II and TRI-SCORE was 8.7±7.3%, 4.7±5.3% and 11.0±16.6%, respectively. Patients with a TRI-SCORE ≤4 and >4 had an in-hospital mortality of 1.3% and 25.0%, p=0.001, respectively. The discriminatory capacity of the TRI-SCORE had a C-statistic of 0.87 (0.81–0.92), which was significantly higher than both the Log-ES (0.65 (0.54–0.75)) and ES-II (0.67 (0.58–0.79)), p=0.001 (for both comparisons).

Conclusion

This external validation of the TRI-SCORE demonstrated good performance to predict in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing ITVS, which was significantly better than the Log-ES and ES-II, which underestimated the observed mortality. These results support the widespread use of this score as a clinical tool.
The NR_109/FUBP1/c-Myc axis regulates TAM polarization and remodels the tumor microenvironment to promote cancer development
Authors: Zhang Cong , Wei Sisi , Dai Suli , Li Xiaoya , Wang Huixia , Zhang Hongtao , Sun Guogui , Shan Baoen , Zhao Lianmei
Published: May 2023

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and exert an important role in tumor progression. Due to the heterogeneity and plasticity of TAMs, modulating the polarization states of TAMs is considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for tumors. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, yet the underlying mechanism on how lncRNAs manipulate the polarization states of TAMs is still unclear and remains to be further investigated.

Methods

Microarray analyses were employed to characterize the lncRNA profile involved in THP-1-induced M0, M1 and M2-like macrophage. Among those differentially expressed lncRNAs, NR_109 was further studied, for its function in M2-like macrophage polarization and the effects of the condition medium or macrophages mediated by NR_109 on tumor proliferation, metastasis and TME remodeling both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we revealed how NR_109 interacted with far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) to regulate the protein stability through hindering ubiquitination modification by competitively binding with JVT-1. Finally, we examined sections of tumor patients to probe the correlation among the expression of NR_109 and related proteins, showing the clinical significance of NR_109.

Results

We found that lncRNA NR_109 was highly expressed in M2-like macrophages. Knockdown NR_109 impeded IL-4 induced M2-like macrophage polarization and significantly reduced the activity of M2-like macrophages to support the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NR_109 competed with JVT-1 to bind FUBP1 at its C-terminus domain, impeded the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of FUBP1, activatedc-Myctranscription and thus promoted M2-like macrophages polarization. Meanwhile, as a transcription factor, c-Myc could bind to the promoter of NR_109 and enhance the transcription of NR_109. Clinically, high NR_109 expression was found in CD163+TAMs from tumor tissues and was positively correlated with poor clinical stages of patients with gastric cancer and breast cancer.

Conclusions

Our work revealed for the first time that NR_109 exerted a crucial role in regulating the phenotype-remodeling and function of M2-like macrophages via a NR_109/FUBP1/c-Myc positive feedback loop. Thus, NR_109 has great translational potentials in the diagnosis, prognosis and immunotherapy of cancer.
Radiomic and clinical data integration using machine learning predict the efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibodies-based combinational treatment in advanced breast cancer: a multicentered study
Authors: Zhao Jianli , Sun Zhixian , Yu Yunfang , Yuan Zhongyu , Lin Ying , Tan Yujie , Duan Xiaohui , Yao Herui , Wang Ying , Liu Jieqiong
Published: May 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-based therapy, is regarded as one of the major breakthroughs in cancer treatment. However, it is challenging to accurately identify patients who may benefit from ICIs. Current biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of ICIs require pathological slides, and their accuracy is limited. Here we aim to develop a radiomics model that could accurately predict response of ICIs for patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC).

Methods

Pretreatment contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) image and clinicopathological features of 240 patients with ABC who underwent ICIs-based treatment in three academic hospitals from February 2018 to January 2022 were assigned into a training cohort and an independent validation cohort. For radiomic features extraction, CECT images of patients 1 month prior to ICIs-based therapies were first delineated with regions of interest. Data dimension reduction, feature selection and radiomics model construction were carried out with multilayer perceptron. Combined the radiomics signatures with independent clinicopathological characteristics, the model was integrated by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among the 240 patients, 171 from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were evaluated as a training cohort, while other 69 from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were the validation cohort. The area under the curve (AUC) of radiomics model was 0.994 (95% CI: 0.988 to 1.000) in the training and 0.920 (95% CI: 0.824 to 1.000) in the validation set, respectively, which were significantly better than the performance of clinical model (0.672 for training and 0.634 for validation set). The integrated clinical-radiomics model showed increased but not statistical different predictive ability in both the training (AUC=0.997, 95% CI: 0.993 to 1.000) and validation set (AUC=0.961, 95% CI: 0.885 to 1.000) compared with the radiomics model. Furthermore, the radiomics model could divide patients under ICIs-therapies into high-risk and low-risk group with significantly different progression-free survival both in training (HR=2.705, 95% CI: 1.888 to 3.876, p<0.001) and validation set (HR=2.625, 95% CI: 1.506 to 4.574, p=0.001), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that the radiomics model was not influenced by programmed death-ligand 1 status, tumor metastatic burden or molecular subtype.

Conclusions

This radiomics model provided an innovative and accurate way that could stratify patients with ABC who may benefit more from ICIs-based therapies.
7 Principles of delivery of surgical care from a military facility to a local population; lessons learnt from deployed surgical care in Gao
Authors:   Maj Grosset Antoine
Published: May 2023

Medical aid to the population stems from a long French tradition of caring for native populations. It has evolved through the various deployments in modern conflicts and is now based on well-defined principles. It is diplomatically important, as it allows the acceptance of the Force by the population. It is governed by military and strategic, legal but also ethical rules.

The experience of the surgical assistance offered at the operational base in Gao has highlighted the limits that each surgeon has had to impose on himself to ensure the sustainability of this care.

It was necessary to consider the local environment, to learn and adapt to socio-cultural norms, and to assess the needs of the population. Very costly in terms of human and material resources, it was necessary to define the care that could be offered.

Confronted by a very large request for care, and the virtual absence of local health structures, not everything can be done, nor should it be done.

Throughout his mandate, the military surgeon must consider the operational mission which takes precedence, and the humanitarian side. The principle of beneficence is at the heart of the medical reflection.

The transmission of knowledge is essential for sustainability. The basic principles are taught to junior surgeons during specific theoretical courses, and practical training alongside an experienced surgeon.

The main idea is that this surgical aid should be beneficial to the greatest number and be sustainable, without compromising the operational mission or giving false hope to the local population.
Five-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity compactified and applied to a colour-flavour-locked equation of state
Authors: Bogadi Robert S. , Govender Megandhren , Moyo Sibusiso
Published: May 2023

Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity in five dimensions is applied to compact stellar objects, in particular to quark stars obeying a colour-flavour-locked equation of state. Matter under such extreme conditions welcomes the use of higher-order gravity theories or the inclusion of extra dimensions in support of higher-curvature effects. In so doing, we focus on the representation of quantities in higher dimensions in standard four-dimensional spacetime via compactification. Invoking extra compact dimensions from a basic string-theoretic perspective provides for the rationalisation of physical quantities computed in higher dimensions.
Embedding Augmented Cube into Certain Trees and Windmill Graphs
Authors: Berin Greeni A. , Sundara Rajan R. , Immanuel Paul
Published: May 2023

The technique used in studying the computational capabilities of interconnection networks and task distribution is graph embedding. Based on the recursively constructed graphs, the hypercube network is popular for its structure. Many variants of hypercube are considered in the literature. Augmented cube is considered as one of the best variants of hypercube as it holds many desirable properties like optimal routing in linear time complexity, vertex symmetricity, wide diameter and maximum connectivity. Our work deals with the exact wirelength, when augmented cube is embedded into certain tree and windmill structures.
Ambitwistor string amplitudes in light-like linear dilaton background
Authors: Kato Mayu , Nakayama Yu
Published: May 2023

Using the ambitwistor string theory, we study graviton scattering amplitudes in a light-like linear dilaton background of 10-dimensional supergravity. At the tree level, we find that the three-graviton amplitude coincides with the type-II superstring theory, and the four-graviton or more amplitudes differ from the superstring theory but satisfy the scattering equations. Due to a modified momentum conservation law different at each order in genus expansion, a nonzero amplitude is determined solely from the particular order in perturbation theory without further corrections.
Inlet/outlet flow through various size of needle in the presence of magnetic field
Authors: Shah Syed Saqib , Haq Rizwan ul , Öztop Hakan F. , Raza Ali
Published: May 2023

Influence of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) on the fluid in channel flow in the presence of thin needle across the fluid movement is observed in this study. A two-dimensional computational analysis has been performed to see the effects of inlet/outlet conditions with inserted curvilinear shaped body in the channel. In this case, temperature on all boundaries is colder than that of inlet air and flat part of the inserted body. The governing equations are solved by using finite element method and magnetic field is also taken into account. With suitable dimensionless variables, PDEs are transformed into dimensionless PDEs, then raised parameter is simulated against the streamlines, isotherms and temperature distribution at mean position. Effect of Reynolds number, Richardson number, Magnetic hydrodynamic, size and state of needle is observed on local Nusselt number at the mean position. On isotherm profile, Reynolds number has a noticeable impact. With an increase in Re, heat circulation close to the needle increases, and for higher Ri, velocity on the outlet port increases. The inlet and outlet portions of the channel generate streamlines that have a significant impact on the diameter of the needle. Increased needle diameter causes heated lines to be pushed away from the centre. It is also found that the temperature gradient in the flow fields and heat transfer over the heated wall of the cavity are significant, altered by the placement of needle size during various computations.