bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 (SCA11): An update
Authors: Gong Ziwei , Lei Lifang
Published: June 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxias, also called autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias, are a group of neurological genetic diseases characterised by chronic, progressive cerebellar ataxia. The clinical hallmark of spinocerebellar ataxia is the loss of balance and coordination, accompanied by slurred speech. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 is a rare subtype of spinocerebellar ataxia caused by mutations in the tau tubulin kinase 2 gene. Patients with spinocerebellar ataxia are clinically characterised by slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia, trunk and limb ataxia, and eye movement abnormalities with occasional pyramidal features. Peripheral neuropathy and dystonia are rare. According to the literature, only nine families affected with spinocerebellar ataxia have been reported worldwide. Herein, a series of spinocerebellar ataxia cases are discussed in detail to determine the potential research direction of this dysfunction, including its epidemiology, clinical features, genetic characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, pathogenic mechanisms, treatment, prognosis, follow‐up, genetic counselling and future perspectives, and to improve the overall understanding of spinocerebellar ataxia among clinicians, researchers and patients.
Association between maternal closeness with parents and mother–toddler relationship quality
Authors: MacNeill Leigha A. , Zvara Bharathi J. , Anderson Sarah E.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Understanding how positive parenting is conveyed across generations informs early childhood policy.

Background

The extant literature has focused on how a mother's relationship with her own mother sets the stage for her parenting of her own children, yet less understood is how a mother's relationship with her father supports her responsive parenting and potentially informs her child's attachment security.

Method

We analyzed data from 6,400 mothers of singleton infants participating in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort. We examined whether a mother's closeness with her own mother and father (Generation 1) related to her responsiveness and child attachment security (Generation 3) at age 24 months.

Results

Most mothers reported being extremely (25.7%) or at least quite close (25.1%) with both their mother and father. How close mothers felt to their own parents was not associated with their observed level of responsiveness to their toddler or their toddler's attachment security, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. Maternal education was the strongest predictor of responsiveness and attachment security.

Conclusion

Maternal education is strongly related to responsiveness, and to a lesser extent, child attachment security, in toddlerhood.

Implications.

Programs aimed at addressing the challenges of caregiving may overcome the limitations of lower education status.
Experimental and theoretical framework for illustrating the dependency of fracture toughness with tensile, bending, and compression loading in asphaltic samples
Authors: Gu Xiaoyong , Cheng Tan , Zhang Fengjian , Aliha M. R. M.
Published: June 2023

Opening mode fracture behavior of asphalt mixture is studied experimentally and theoretically using three full disk‐shaped specimens, namely, edge‐notched disk bend (ENDB), disk‐shaped compact tension (DCT), and center‐cracked Brazilian disk (CCBD). While the ENDB sample is subjected to pure bending, the BD and DCT specimens are loaded by diametral compression and pin loading tension, respectively. The experimental results showed the noticeable role of loading type on the cracking resistance of asphaltic mixtures such that the specimen loaded in diametral compression showed significantly smaller fracture toughness than the DCT specimen (that is loaded under tension). TheKIcresults determined from the ENDB also lie between theKIcof DCT and CCBD testing methods. The discrepancies observed between the experimental results of the three specimen types were related to different signs and magnitudes ofT‐stress in these test samples. Accordingly, by taking into account the effect of such stress term via employing modified maximum normal strain theory, the mode I test data were predicted theoretically. Finally, the test data obtained from the CCBD and DCT samples were estimated in terms of theKIcof the ENDB specimen (as the reference sample).
Enhanced corrosion resistance of layered double hydroxides/steam coating composite coating prepared by the hydrothermal method on LA43M magnesium–lithium alloy substrates
Authors: Zhang Ju‐mei , Hou An‐rong , Li Jia‐cheng , Lian Duo‐duo , Zhang Meng‐chun , Wang Zhi‐hu
Published: June 2023

An excellent anticorrosion Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite coating was successfully fabricated on LA43M magnesium alloy substrates via an in situ steam coating (SC) process and a subsequent hydrothermal treatment at different temperatures. The microstructure, composition and phase formation of the composite coatings were studied via X‐ray diffractometer, energy disperse spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The corrosion resistance of composite coatings was further investigated using electrochemical measurements and corrosion test. The results showed that LDH/SC composite coating has typical nanosheets microstructure, which effectively seal the defects of SC. As the hydrothermal temperature increases, the thickness and density of nanosheets increases, and the corrosion resistance was significantly improved. Especially, the Mg–Al LDH/SC composite coating prepared at 100°C was the most dense and thickness, and exhibited the optimal and long‐term anticorrosion resistance in 3.5 wt.% NaCl soultion. It has the lowest Icorr (1.767 × 10−8 A/cm2), which decreased by three and two orders of magnitude compared with the bare substrate and SC. Furthermore, it can maintain good chemical stability after immersion in the corrosion medium for 192 h and its hydrogen evolution rate (0.00416 mL·cm−2·h−1) and weight lost rate (0.00266 mg·cm−2·h−1) were the lowest compared with other samples.
Strengthening and toughening of CNTs‐reinforced B4C‐SiC ceramic composite material via spark plasma sintering
Authors: Du Zepei , Yi Mingdong , Chen Shibing , Zhang Jingjie , Xiao Guangchun , Chen Zhaoqiang , Chen Hui , Xu Chonghai
Published: June 2023

For addressing the issue of low relative density, poor fracture toughness of boron carbide ceramics, carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐reinforced B4C‐SiC ceramic composite material was prepared via spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the impact of CNTs on the strengthening and toughening of the composite was studied. The evidence revealed that an appropriate amount of CNTs can enhance the discharge effect and improve the compactness. As the CNTs content increased, the flexural strength and fracture toughness took on a tendency to first rise and then drop. After mixing .5 wt.% CNTs, the flexural strength and fracture toughness were 499 MPa and 5.38 MPa·m1/2, which increased by 59.4% and 28.4%, respectively. The transformation of fracture mode, grain refinement, bridging and pulling‐out of CNTs efficiently enhance the mechanical properties.
Ball milling–based piezocatalysis using .5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–.5(Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Dubey Shivam , Gaur Akshay , Alfryyan Nada , Alrowaili Ziyad Awadh , Al‐Buriahi Mohammed Sultan , Vaish Rahul
Published: June 2023

One of the newly light on processes utilized in applications for cleaning water is piezocatalysis. Mechanical vibrations generated through ultrasonication are generally used to separate out the charges in ferroelectric ceramics. The current research presents a novel prospective methodology of ball milling, where it is used as a facile and green technique for water remediation. The movement of the planetary ball mill imparts enough force such that reactive species are produced which are responsible for organic dye degradation. One of the results in the parametric analysis showed that by using 0.30 g of the 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 (BST–BZT) powder, 62% of the methylene blue (MB) dye was degraded in 60 minutes.
Effect of DC and AC electric fields on crack healing behavior in 8 mol% yttria‐stabilized cubic zirconia polycrystal
Authors: Kawabata Shintaro , Takahashi Shoma , Nambu Kohta , Morita Koji
Published: June 2023

The effect of the flash event (FE) on microcrack healing behavior in 8 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia was examined at healing temperatures of 1040 and 1230°C under the direct and alternating (DC and AC) electric fields. The crack healing behavior changed depending on the factors of the electric field, healing temperature, and crack length. Although the crack healing proceeded with the temperature, the healing rate increased with the crack length, suggesting that the external energy stored as crack surface energy would provide a driving force for the crack healing. Although the crack healing occurs even under the static annealing without the electric field, the healing rate was accelerated by FE significantly more under the AC field than under the DC field. The microcracks with a length of ≈20 μm were fully healed at 1230°C only for 10 min by the FE treatment under the AC field, and the flash healing behavior was four times faster than that of the static annealing. These results suggest that the enhanced healing behavior cannot be explained only by thermal effects, and the accelerated diffusivity caused additionally by nonthermal effect under FE might contribute to the enhanced healing behavior, especially in the AC electric field.
Microstructure optimization of fuel electrodes for high‐efficiency reversible proton ceramic cells
Authors: Bi Susu , Ye Chencheng , Liu Youle , Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Yu , Liu Ze , Wang Mingqing , Zhou Lulu , Lin Xiao , Zhang Linjuan , Wang Jian‐Qiang
Published: June 2023

Reversible protonic ceramic cells (R‐PCCs) are efficient energy storage and conversion devices that can operate in two modes, namely, in the fuel cell mode for the conversion of fuel to electricity, and in the electrolysis (EC) mode for the EC of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel electrode is a critical component of fuel‐electrode‐supported R‐PCCs, and its pore structure directly affects the electrochemical performance of the R‐PCCs, but it has not been fully studied yet. Herein, the pore structure of Ni–BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ (Ni–BZCYYb) fuel electrodes was systematically modulated by varying the weight ratio (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) of the pore‐former added to Ni–BZCYYb, and the electrochemical performance characteristics in the fuel cell and EC modes were investigated. The cell with 10 wt.% pore‐former in the Ni–BZCYYb electrode achieved a remarkable peak power density of 540.7 mW cm−2 and a high current density of –2.28 A cm−2 at 1.3 V at 700°C in the fuel cell and EC modes, respectively, and showing excellent durability for over 100 h. These results further highlight the critical role of the microstructure of fuel electrodes, which can be modified to achieve exceptional performance, particularly in EC operations.
Elevation of neutrophil‐derived factors in patients after multiple trauma
Authors: Lingitz Marie‐Therese , Wollner Gregor , Bauer Jonas , Kuehtreiber Hannes , Mildner Michael , Copic Dragan , Bormann Daniel , Direder Martin , Krenn Claus Georg , Haider Thomas , Negrin Lukas Leopold , Ankersmit Hendrik jan
Published: June 2023

Trauma represents one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Traumatic injuries elicit a dynamic inflammatory response with systemic release of inflammatory cytokines. Disbalance of this response can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome or compensatory anti‐inflammatory response syndrome. As neutrophils play a major role in innate immune defence and are crucial in the injury‐induced immunological response, we aimed to investigate systemic neutrophil‐derived immunomodulators in trauma patients. Therefore, serum levels of neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) were quantified in patients with injury severity scores above 15. Additionally, leukocyte, platelet, fibrinogen and CRP levels were assessed. Lastly, we analysed the association of neutrophil‐derived factors with clinical severity scoring systems. Although the release of MPO, NE and CitH3 was not predictive of mortality, we found a remarkable increase in MPO and NE in trauma patients as compared with healthy controls. We also found significantly increased levels of MPO and NE on Days 1 and 5 after initial trauma in critically injured patients. Taken together, our data suggest a role for neutrophil activation in trauma. Targeting exacerbated neutrophil activation might represent a new therapeutic option for critically injured patients.
Morphology and functional properties of gelatin‐based films modified by UV radiation and bacterial cellulose nanofibers
Authors: de Vargas Victória Hermes , Marczak Ligia Damasceno Ferreira , Flôres Simone Hickmann , Mercali Giovana Domeneghini
Published: June 2023

In the present study, the properties of biodegradable gelatin‐based films were modified by UV treatment and the incorporation of 1% (w/w) of bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers. UVC light was applied at different exposure times (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 h) into the film‐forming solutions. In order to evaluate the synergistic effects of these two treatments, the optimal UV condition was also applied to BC‐reinforced solutions. Films were characterized by their physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, optical, thermal, and morphological properties. Results showed that the UV treatment applied for 2 h significantly reduced the water solubility (WS) but did not affect the water vapor permeability (WVP). On the other hand, the incorporation of BC reduced WS and WVP values by 15% and 43%, respectively. Regarding mechanical properties, both treatments significantly reduced film elongation at break. However, the tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus (YM) were only affected by UV treatment. For the film exposed to the longest treatment time, TS increased from 1.56 MPa (control) to 2.85 MPa, and YM increased from 4.36 MPa (control) to 9.23 MPa. Overall, SEM results showed that all samples had a uniform surface and a cohesive matrix. However, BC‐reinforced films showed some additional clusters, which significantly increased opacity values. Regardless of their composition, all gelatin‐based films lost their integrity after a 12‐day soil burial experiment. Film thickness, moisture content, and color parameters were not affected by any treatment. Furthermore, no synergistic effects were detected.

Practical applications

Biopolymer films and coatings are promising systems to ensure shelf life, quality, and food safety, representing a sustainable alternative to replace traditional petroleum‐based materials. Although these films have advantages, mainly due to their biodegradability, their properties are not competitive at an industrial level and need to be improved. Therefore, several studies have investigated the application of physical treatments and new process methodologies to overcome these limitations. The present study evaluated the potential use of UV radiation and bacterial cellulose nanofibers in the development of gelatin‐based films. Overall, the results showed that these methods are capable of modifying the properties and structure of films, thus offering an alternative to conventional methods of film production. Mastering the use of advanced technologies for film development could be the key to tailoring biopolymer films and coatings for specific industrial applications.
Randomized trial comparing 15 vs 5 actuations per pass during endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy for specimen acquisition of solid pancreatic lesions
Authors: Kataoka Kunio , Ishikawa Takuya , Ohno Eizaburo , Yamao Kentaro , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Iida Tadashi , Kato Katsuyuki , Kinoshita Fumie , Yamamura Takeshi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masanao , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim

There is currently no established number of actuations (to‐and‐fro movements) per pass during endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB). This study aimed to compare 15 vs 5 actuations in terms of adequate specimen acquisition of solid pancreatic lesions.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, crossover, noninferiority, single‐center study, eligible patients underwent EUS‐FNB using a 22‐G Franseen needle with both 15 and 5 actuations per pass, performed in a randomized order, from October 2020 to December 2021. The acquired specimens from each pass were separately evaluated. The primary outcome was the accuracy of the histological diagnosis per pass. The noninferiority margin was set as 15%.

Results

Data from 85 patients were analyzed, revealing pancreatic cancer in 73 patients. The accuracy of the histological diagnosis in the 15 and 5 actuations groups was 83.5% (71/85) and 77.7% (66/85), respectively. The difference was −5.8% (95% confidence interval −15.6–3.4), which does not indicate noninferiority of the five actuations group. Among the secondary outcomes, the 15 actuations group was significantly superior to the five actuations group in terms of the obtained core tissues (1.88 [interquartile range 0.89–3.64] mm2 vs 1.66 [0.83–2.71] mm2 [P = 0.031]) and subjective evaluation of cytology specimens for pancreatic cancer (69.0% vs. 31.0%, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

The noninferiority of five actuations in the accuracy of the histological diagnosis was not confirmed, and 15 actuations are preferred during EUS‐FNB for solid pancreatic lesions.
Filarial hyperinfection in two neotropical primates from eastern Amazon peri‐urban areas
Authors: Conga David F. , Figueiredo Amanda A. , Ribeiro Ana Sílvia S. , Bezerra Andrea M. , Pereira Washington L. A.
Published: June 2023

We report two cases of disseminated hyperinfection by filariae in free‐living primates Saimiri sciureus and Saguinus niger from eastern Amazon. Histopathological examination showed the presence of Dipetalonema gracile microfilariae in blood, liver, lungs, spleen, small intestine, kidney, brain, liver, and adults in peritoneal thoracic cavity.
Modulation of the autophagy‐lysosomal pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress by ketone bodies in experimental models of stroke
Authors: Montiel Teresa , Gómora‐García Juan Carlos , Gerónimo‐Olvera Cristian , Heras‐Romero Yessica , Bernal‐Vicente Berenice N. , Pérez‐Martínez Xochitl , Tovar‐y‐Romo Luis B. , Massieu Lourdes
Published: June 2023

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. There is no simple treatment to alleviate ischemic brain injury, as thrombolytic therapy is applicable within a narrow time window. During the last years, the ketogenic diet (KD) and the exogenous administration of the ketone body β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) have been proposed as therapeutic tools for acute neurological disorders and both can reduce ischemic brain injury. However, the mechanisms involved are not completely clear. We have previously shown that the D enantiomer of BHB stimulates the autophagic flux in cultured neurons exposed to glucose deprivation (GD) and in the brain of hypoglycemic rats. Here, we have investigated the effect of the systemic administration of D‐BHB, followed by its continuous infusion after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), on the autophagy‐lysosomal pathway and the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Results show for the first time that the protective effect of BHB against MCAO injury is enantiomer selective as only D‐BHB, the physiologic enantiomer of BHB, significantly reduced brain injury. D‐BHB treatment prevented the cleavage of the lysosomal membrane protein LAMP2 and stimulated the autophagic flux in the ischemic core and the penumbra. In addition, D‐BHB notably reduced the activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway of the UPR and inhibited IRE1α phosphorylation. L‐BHB showed no significant effect relative to ischemic animals. In cortical cultures under GD, D‐BHB prevented LAMP2 cleavage and decreased lysosomal number. It also abated the activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway, partially sustained protein synthesis, and reduced pIRE1α. In contrast, L‐BHB showed no significant effects. Results suggest that protection elicited by D‐BHB treatment post‐ischemia prevents lysosomal rupture allowing functional autophagy, preventing the loss of proteostasis and UPR activation.

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Single‐cell RNA‐seq uncovers novel metabolic functions of Schwann cells beyond myelination
Authors: Eid Stéphanie A. , Noureldein Mohamed , Kim Bhumsoo , Hinder Lucy M. , Mendelson Faye E. , Hayes John M. , Hur Junguk , Feldman Eva L.
Published: June 2023

Schwann cells (SCs) support peripheral nerves under homeostatic conditions, independent of myelination, and contribute to damage in prediabetic peripheral neuropathy (PN). Here, we used single‐cell RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptional profiles and intercellular communication of SCs in the nerve microenvironment using the high‐fat diet‐fed mouse, which mimics human prediabetes and neuropathy. We identified four major SC clusters, myelinating, nonmyelinating, immature, and repair in healthy and neuropathic nerves, in addition to a distinct cluster of nerve macrophages. Myelinating SCs acquired a unique transcriptional profile, beyond myelination, in response to metabolic stress. Mapping SC intercellular communication identified a shift in communication, centered on immune response and trophic support pathways, which primarily impacted nonmyelinating SCs. Validation analyses revealed that neuropathic SCs become pro‐inflammatory and insulin resistant under prediabetic conditions. Overall, our study offers a unique resource for interrogating SC function, communication, and signaling in nerve pathophysiology to help inform SC‐specific therapies.

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Comparative transcriptomic analysis of gene expression profiles in the liver and spleen of American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) in response to Citrobacter freundii infection
Authors: Yang Peikui , Zheng Yuzhong , Zou Xianghui , Sun Yanjie , Liu Yaqun
Published: June 2023

In recent years, bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) has become one of the most commercially important amphibians for aquaculture in China, and its annual production has grown rapidly. However, bacterial diseases caused by Citrobacter freundii infection have resulted in enormous economic losses. The present study used RNA sequencing technology to analyze the transcriptomic profile and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the bullfrog liver and spleen post C. freundii infection. De novo assembly resulted in the generation of 77,556 L. catesbeianus transcripts, and 49,421 of these genes were successfully annotated to the databases. Overall, 1487 DEGs were identified in the liver group, including 788 upregulated and 709 downregulated DEGs. A total of 799 DEGs, including 311 upregulated and 488 downregulated genes, were detected in the spleen groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed significantly enriched pathways, including pathways involved in metabolism and immune responses. The processes in which the DEGs were enriched were those related to metabolic activities, including the lipid metabolism pathway, amino acid pathway, immune‐related pathway, and inflammatory responses. The results of this study provide insight into the response of bullfrogs against C. freundii at the transcriptome level and reveal the mechanism of the immune response against C. freundii.
Aspects of oral streptococcal metabolic diversity: Imagining the landscape beneath the fog
Authors: Zuber Peter , Kreth Jens
Published: June 2023

It is widely acknowledged that the human‐associated microbial community influences host physiology, systemic health, disease progression, and even behavior. There is currently an increased interest in the oral microbiome, which occupies the entryway to much of what the human initially encounters from the environment. In addition to the dental pathology that results from a dysbiotic microbiome, microbial activity within the oral cavity exerts significant systemic effects. The composition and activity of the oral microbiome is influenced by (1) host–microbial interactions, (2) the emergence of niche‐specific microbial “ecotypes,” and (3) numerous microbe–microbe interactions, shaping the underlying microbial metabolic landscape. The oral streptococci are central players in the microbial activity ongoing in the oral cavity, due to their abundance and prevalence in the oral environment and the many interspecies interactions in which they participate. Streptococci are major determinants of a healthy homeostatic oral environment. The metabolic activities of oral Streptococci, particularly the metabolism involved in energy generation and regeneration of oxidative resources vary among the species and are important factors in niche‐specific adaptations and intra‐microbiome interactions. Here we summarize key differences among streptococcal central metabolic networks and species‐specific differences in how the key glycolytic intermediates are utilized.
Defining the regulatory mechanisms of sigma factor RpoS degradation in Azotobacter vinelandii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martínez Karen , Muriel‐Millán Luis F. , Ortíz‐Vasco Cristian , Moreno Soledad , Soberón‐Chávez Gloria , Espín Guadalupe
Published: June 2023

In several Gram‐negative bacteria, the general stress response is mediated by the alternative sigma factor RpoS, a subunit of RNA polymerase that confers promoter specificity. In Escherichia coli, regulation of protein levels of RpoS involves the adaptor protein RssB, which binds RpoS for presenting it to the ClpXP protease for its degradation. However, in species from the Pseudomonadaceae family, RpoS is also degraded by ClpXP, but an adaptor has not been experimentally demonstrated. Here, we investigated the role of an E. coli RssB‐like protein in two representative Pseudomonadaceae species such as Azotobacter vinelandii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In these bacteria, inactivation of the rssB gene increased the levels and stability of RpoS during exponential growth. Downstream of rssB lies a gene that encodes a protein annotated as an anti‐sigma factor antagonist (rssC). However, inactivation of rssC in both A. vinelandii and P. aeruginosa also increased the RpoS protein levels, suggesting that RssB and RssC work together to control RpoS degradation. Furthermore, we identified an in vivo interaction between RssB and RpoS only in the presence of RssC using a bacterial three‐hybrid system. We propose that both RssB and RssC are necessary for the ClpXP‐dependent RpoS degradation during exponential growth in two species of the Pseudomonadaceae family.
Heme catabolism mediated by heme oxygenase in uninfected interstitial cells enables efficient symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Lotus japonicus nodules
Authors: Zhou Yu , Wang Longlong , Rubio Maria Carmen , Pérez‐Rontomé Carmen , Zhou Yumiao , Qi Yongmei , Tian Tao , Zhang Weiqing , Fan Qiuling , Becana Manuel , Duanmu Deqiang
Published: June 2023

Legume nodules produce large quantities of heme required for the synthesis of leghemoglobin (Lb) and other hemoproteins. Despite the crucial function of Lb in nitrogen fixation and the toxicity of free heme, the mechanisms of heme homeostasis remain elusive.

Biochemical, cellular, and genetic approaches were used to study the role of heme oxygenases (HOs) in heme degradation in the model legume Lotus japonicus. Heme and biliverdin were quantified and localized, HOs were characterized, and knockout LORE1 and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants for LjHO1 were generated and phenotyped.

We show that LjHO1, but not the LjHO2 isoform, is responsible for heme catabolism in nodules and identify biliverdin as the in vivo product of the enzyme in senescing green nodules. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that LjHO1 expression and biliverdin production are restricted to the plastids of uninfected interstitial cells. The nodules of ho1 mutants showed decreased nitrogen fixation, and the development of brown, rather than green, nodules during senescence. Increased superoxide production was observed in ho1 nodules, underscoring the importance of LjHO1 in antioxidant defense.

We conclude that LjHO1 plays an essential role in degradation of Lb heme, uncovering a novel function of nodule plastids and uninfected interstitial cells in nitrogen fixation.
Trichoderma atroviride suppresses Fusarium graminearum by altering primary and secondary metabolite biosynthesis profiling
Authors: Özkale Evrim , Yörük Emre , Budak Mahir , Korkmaz Ertan Mahir
Published: June 2023

The use of Trichoderma spp. offers an ecologically friendly tool for the struggle with mycotoxigenic Fusarium spp. Here, the alterations in transcriptome level were investigated in 6‐day‐old Fusarium graminearum cultures treated with Trichoderma atroviride and nontreated with T. atroviride (FGc), using whole transcriptome sequencing to better understand the associated biological processes. Transcriptome analysis indicated a total of 55 up‐regulated genes and 728 down‐regulated genes with padj < 0.05. Enrichment analysis revealed that the up‐regulated genes were related to fatty acid biosynthesis, AMP‐dependent biosynthesis, amino acid recognition/activation processes and secondary metabolite production, whereas down‐regulated genes were involved in amino acid synthesis, oxidation–reduction processes, metal ion‐binding and metabolic/catalytic activities. Among the down‐regulated genes, the expression of pigmentation‐related genes such as aurO, gip1 and aurR2 was remarkable. Similarly, the expression levels of key enzyme‐coding genes involved in deoxynivalenol mycotoxin production were significantly decreased in the range of −1.77 and −2.94. For up‐regulated genes, nonribosomal peptide synthetase and polyketide synthase genes were notably distinguished from the remaining down‐regulated genes as these genes can be involved in biosynthesis of common secondary metabolites. The results clearly emphasize that T. atroviride repressed the biosynthesis of primary metabolites in F. graminearum while simultaneously up‐regulating the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. This is the first report showing how T. atroviride leads to transcriptome alterations and the findings suggest that T. atroviride could serve as an effective fungus by employing a wide variety of strategies against phytopathogenic fungi.
Synergistic effects of Bacillus velezensisSDTB038 and phenamacril on Fusarium crown and root rot of tomato
Authors: Chen Qiqi , Gao Jingwei , Yang Xiu , Qiu Yue , Wang Yongqiang , Wang Hongyan
Published: June 2023

Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR) is a damaging ailment that can affect tomato production. It is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici (FORL). The use of biological agents, in conjunction with fungicides, has become a practical strategy for combating fungal diseases in crops. Lipopeptide extracts from a potential biocontrol strain of Bacillus velezensis (SDTB038) exhibited an inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of FORL; the EC50 value was 59.95 mg/L, and at a concentration of 256 mg/L the inhibition rate reached 97.4%. The SDTB038 strain produces metabolites such as protease and siderophores. Additionally, it is capable of forming a biofilm and swimming. Phenamacril, an antifungal agent, also displayed an inhibitory effect on FORL, demonstrating an EC50 value of 1.074 mg/L. The control effects of the combination of Bacillus velezensis SDTB038 and phenamacril against FORL on tomato plants were also studied in the greenhouse. The combination of phenamacril and 108 CFU/mL SDTB038 fermentation broth exhibited a strong synergistic control effect on FORL, of up to 84.0%. The combination also led to a 35.6% increase in tomato yield compared to the control. These results demonstrate that SDTB038 possesses antifungal activity. Moreover, when combined with phenamacril, it exhibits a strong synergistic effect against FORL. This solution proves to be an effective means of controlling FCRR in tomato plants.
A role for GnRH in olfaction and cognition: Implications for veterinary medicine
Authors: Prévot Vincent , Duittoz Anne
Published: June 2023

Pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is essential for the activation and maintenance of the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls the onset of puberty and fertility. Two provocative recent studies suggest that, in addition to control reproduction, the neurons in the brain that produce GnRH are also involved in the control postnatal brain maturation, odour discrimination and adult cognition. Long‐acting GnRH antagonists and agonists are commonly used to control fertility and behaviour in veterinary medicine, primarily in males. This review puts into perspective the potential risks of these androgen deprivation therapies and immunization on olfactory and cognitive performances and well‐aging in domestic animals, including pets. We will also discuss the results reporting beneficial effects of pharmacological interventions restoring physiological GnRH levels on olfactory and cognitive alterations in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease, which shares many pathophysiological and behavioural hallmarks with canine cognitive dysfunction. These novel findings raise the intriguing possibility that pulsatile GnRH therapy holds therapeutic potential for the management of this behavioural syndrome affecting older dogs.
Occupational physical activity predicts baseline and 8‐year progression of carotid atherosclerosis among women
Authors: Korshøj Mette , Allesøe Karen , Mortensen Ole Steen , Siersma Volkert , Kauhanen Jussi , Krause Niklas
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Recent reviews link higher levels of occupational physical activity (OPA) to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the evidence for women is inconsistent and studies of activity‐limiting symptomatic CVD are prone to healthy worker survivor effect. To address these limitations, this study investigated OPA effects on asymptomatic carotid artery intima–media thickness (IMT) among women.

Methods

Participants include 905 women from the population‐based Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study with baseline (1998–2001) data on self‐reported OPA and sonographic measurement of IMT. Linear mixed models with adjustment for 15 potential confounders estimated and compared mean baseline IMT and 8‐year IMT progression for five levels of self‐reported OPA. Analyses stratified by cardiovascular health and retirement status were planned because strong interactions between preexisting CVD and OPA intensity have previously been reported.

Results

Light standing work, moderately heavy active work, and heavy or very heavy physical work were all consistently associated with greater baseline IMT and 8‐year IMT progression than light sitting work. The greatest baseline IMT was observed for heavy or very heavy physical work (1.21 mm), and the greatest 8‐year IMT progression for light standing work and moderately heavy active work (both 0.13 mm), 30% above sitting work (0.10 mm). Stratified analyses showed that these differences were driven by much stronger OPA effects among women with baseline carotid artery stenosis. Retired women experienced slower IMT progression than those working at baseline.

Conclusions

Higher levels of OPA predict higher baseline IMT and 8‐year IMT progression, especially among women with baseline stenosis.
Fighting to the death: Does hockey fighting in the NHL affect players' longevity?
Authors: Goldschmied Nadav , Lambrecht Jaedyn , Castro Alyssa , Langton Haylee
Published: June 2023

Hockey is a sport known for its violent nature. Specifically, hockey fights have consistently been an integral part of the National Hockey League. Past research has demonstrated that players are likely to be involved in fighting as a mechanism to gain fan support, generate game momentum or enhance team camaraderie. However, fighting naturally has negative health ramifications. In the current study, we sought to investigate if players' involvement in hockey fights throughout their career was associated with shorter life spans. Previous mortality studies have not distinguished hockey fighting from other aggressive aspects of this sport (e.g., in game physical contact with other players). We conducted an archival study examining the frequency of hockey fighting during the 1957–1971 NHL seasons and player longevity. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis log‐rank method and a subsequent Cox regression accounting for correlates showed no relationship between an elevated number of fights and a reduced lifespan. The lack of effect may indeed demonstrate a negligible influence on long‐term health consequences in the context of a generally very physical game. However, with the relatively moderate levels of fighting in the period studied we recommend that the association be explored also in a subsequent era when NHL fighting peaked.
The effects of social comparison, emotion induction, and parent vaccination status on parental intentions for COVID‐19 vaccine uptake in children
Authors: Herzog Noelle K. , Salhi Emily M. , Rose Jason P.
Published: June 2023

Parental vaccine hesitancy—delays in vaccine uptake for children—is a significant public health concern. Using an online adult sample of U.S. parents (N = 183), the current research experimentally examined how exposure to cautious or risky social comparison models on social media (in terms of their COVID‐19 beliefs and behaviors) influenced parental intentions to vaccinate their children against COVID‐19 in the early stages of the pandemic. Additionally, we examined whether the influence of social comparison models was moderated by emotional state (fear or contentment) and parental vaccination status. Overall, we found that parents exposed to cautious (vs. risky) comparison models and vaccinated (vs. unvaccinated) parents reported greater vaccine intentions for their children. We further found that vaccination intentions were highest among unvaccinated parents after exposure to cautious (vs. risky) comparison models, whereas intentions were highest among vaccinated parents after exposure to risky (vs. cautious) comparison models (but only when induced to feel content). Overall, our findings highlight the importance of understanding the additive and interactive impact of psychological and situational factors in shaping parental vaccine hesitancy.
Mask‐wearing increases present‐mindedness
Authors: Kim Shinjung , Suh Eunkook M.
Published: June 2023

Besides health consequences, in what subtle ways do mask‐wearing affect our psychology? In this research, we explored whether the experience of mask‐wearing, like other disruptive visceral states (e.g., hunger), affects our time perspective. In two experiments (total N = 596), we examined if mask‐wearing temporarily generates present‐mindedness (more focus on present than future). Study 1 found that mask‐wearing (vs. no‐mask) lowered considerations about the future, which was mediated by a sense of stuffiness. Study 2 extended this finding and examined whether the effect spillovers to other time‐relevant judgments, such as ideals about a good life. Again, when experiencing stuffiness because of mask‐wearing, people were more likely to favor pleasure in current life than future life meaning. Our finding implies that concrete visceral experience (stuffiness) linked with the pandemic may shape our mind in subtle, unforeseen ways.
The novel HLA‐B*53:01:30 allele characterised by two different sequencing‐based typing techniques
Authors: Dhuyser Adèle , Silva Rodriguez Maël , Morel Thomas , Pérès Michaël , Aarnink Alice
Published: June 2023

The novel allele HLA‐B*53:01:30 differs from HLA‐B*53:01:01:01 by one synonymous nucleotide substitution in exon 3.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPB1*1463:01N allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Visentin Jonathan
Published: June 2023

HLA‐DPB1*1463:01N differs from HLA‐DPB1*02:01:02:04 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 128 in exon 3.
Efficient sugar utilization and transition from oxidative to substrate‐level phosphorylation in high starch storage roots of African cassava genotypes
Authors: Lamm Christian E. , Rabbi Ismail Y. , Medeiros David Barbosa , Rosado‐Souza Laise , Pommerrenig Benjamin , Dahmani Ismail , Rüscher David , Hofmann Jörg , van Doorn Anna M. , Schlereth Armin , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard , Fernie Alisdair R. , Sonnewald Uwe , Zierer Wolfgang
Published: June 2023

Cassava's storage roots represent one of the most important sources of nutritional carbohydrates worldwide. Particularly, smallholder farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa depend on this crop plant, where resilient and yield‐improved varieties are of vital importance to support steadily increasing populations. Aided by a growing understanding of the plant's metabolism and physiology, targeted improvement concepts already led to visible gains in recent years. To expand our knowledge and to contribute to these successes, we investigated storage roots of eight cassava genotypes with differential dry matter content from three successive field trials for their proteomic and metabolic profiles. At large, the metabolic focus in storage roots transitioned from cellular growth processes toward carbohydrate and nitrogen storage with increasing dry matter content. This is reflected in higher abundance of proteins related to nucleotide synthesis, protein turnover, and vacuolar energization in low starch genotypes, while proteins involved in sugar conversion and glycolysis were more prevalent in high dry matter genotypes. This shift in metabolic orientation was underlined by a clear transition from oxidative‐ to substrate‐level phosphorylation in high dry matter genotypes. Our analyses highlight metabolic patterns that are consistently and quantitatively associated with high dry matter accumulation in cassava storage roots, providing fundamental understanding of cassava's metabolism as well as a data resource for targeted genetic improvement.
Low energy availability reduces myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in trained females
Authors: Oxfeldt Mikkel , Phillips Stuart M. , Andersen Ole Emil , Johansen Frank Ted , Bangshaab Maj , Risikesan Jeyanthini , McKendry James , Melin Anna Katarina , Hansen Mette
Published: June 2023

Low energy availability (LEA) describes a state where the energy intake is insufficient to cover the energy costs of both exercise energy expenditure and basal physiological body functions. LEA has been associated with various physiological consequences, such as reproductive dysfunction. However, the effect of LEA on skeletal muscle protein synthesis in females performing exercise training is still poorly understood. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the impact of LEA on daily integrated myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in trained females. Thirty eumenorrheic females were matched based on training history and randomized to undergo 10 days of LEA (25 kcal · kg fat‐free mass (FFM)−1 · day−1) or optimal energy availability (OEA, 50 kcal · kg FFM−1 · day−1). Before the intervention, both groups underwent a 5‐day ‘run‐in’ period with OEA. All foods were provided throughout the experimental period with a protein content of 2.2 g kg lean mass−1 · day−1. A standardized, supervised combined resistance and cardiovascular exercise training programme was performed over the experimental period. Daily integrated muscle protein synthesis was measured by deuterium oxide (D2O) consumption along with changes in body composition, resting metabolic rate, blood biomarkers and 24 h nitrogen balance. We found that LEA reduced daily integrated myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis compared with OEA. Concomitant reductions were observed in lean mass, urinary nitrogen balance, free androgen index, thyroid hormone concentrations and resting metabolic rate following LEA. These results highlight that LEA may negatively affect skeletal muscle adaptations in females performing exercise training.

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Key points

Low energy availability (LEA) with potential health and performance impairments is widespread among female athletes.

We investigated the impact of 10 days of LEA on daily integrated myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in young, trained females.

We show that LEA impairs myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in trained females performing exercise training.

These findings suggest that LEA may have negative consequences for skeletal muscle adaptations and highlight the importance of ensuring adequate energy availability in female athletes.
Effect of Microchannel on the Composite Cooling Performance of a Simulated Turbine Blade Leading Edge
Authors: Chen Xinnan , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: June 2023

As the turbine blade leading edge becomes one of the hottest regions in the engine, a microchannel structure was applied to further improve the cooling performance. Adiabatic and conjugate heat transfer analyses were conducted to compare the heat transfer and cooling performance of the leading edge with or without microchannels, while the influence of mass flowrate of coolant was also included. Based on the investigations on the effect of geometrical designs, the flow and composite cooling performance of the microchannels were further optimized. The results indicate that the internal heat transfer intensity was greatly enhanced with the arrangement of microchannels, while the adiabatic film coolant coverage was slightly deteriorated. On this basis, the composite cooling performance of the leading edge was effectively improved by at least 7.54%. However, the flow resistance of film cooling holes was obviously increased due to the obstruction of microchannels, and a larger thickness of microchannels would alleviate this feature. In addition, the composite cooling performance of the leading edge was further optimized by increasing the radius of microchannels, and the same effect was achieved by reducing the spanwise distance between the film cooling holes and the microjet holes. Compared with the leading edge model without microchannels, the former design increased the area-averaged overall cooling effectiveness of the leading edge by at least 11.17% under all the mass flow rates of coolant studied in this paper, while the latter design improved the composite cooling performance by at least 12.76%.