bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both intrinsic and microenvironmental factors contribute to the regulation of stem cell quiescence
Authors: Zhou Ping , Hu Mingzheng , Li Qingchao , Yang Guiwen
Published: June 2024

Precise regulation of stem cell quiescence is essential for tissue development and homeostasis. Therefore, its aberrant regulation is intimately correlated with various human diseases. However, the detailed mechanisms of stem cell quiescence and its specific role in the pathogenesis of various diseases remain to be determined. Recent studies have revealed that the intrinsic and microenvironmental factors are the potential candidates responsible for the orderly switch between the dormant and activated states of stem cells. In addition, defects in signaling pathways related to internal and external factors of stem cells might contribute to the initiation and development of diseases by altering the dormancy of stem cells. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms underlying stem cell quiescence, especially the involvement of intrinsic and microenvironmental factors. In addition, we discuss the relationship between the anomalies of stem cell quiescence and related diseases, hopefully providing therapeutic insights for developing novel treatments.
The totipotent 2C‐like state safeguards genomic stability of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Du Zeling , Lin Meiqi , Li Qiaohua , Guo Dan , Xue Yanna , Liu Wei , Shi Hong , Chen Taiping , Dan Jiameng
Published: June 2024

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) sporadically transition to a transient totipotent state that resembles blastomeres of the two‐cell (2C) embryo stage, which has been proposed to contribute to exceptional genomic stability, one of the key features of mESCs. However, the biological significance of the rare population of 2C‐like cells (2CLCs) in ESC cultures remains to be tested. Here we generated an inducible reporter cell system for specific elimination of 2CLCs from the ESC cultures to disrupt the equilibrium between ESCs and 2CLCs. We show that removing 2CLCs from the ESC cultures leads to dramatic accumulation of DNA damage, genomic mutations, and rearrangements, indicating impaired genomic instability. Furthermore, 2CLCs removal results in increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation of mESCs in both serum/LIF and 2i/LIF culture conditions. Unexpectedly, p53 deficiency results in defective response to DNA damage, leading to early accumulation of DNA damage, micronuclei, indicative of genomic instability, cell apoptosis, and reduced self‐renewal capacity of ESCs when devoid of 2CLCs in cultures. Together, our data reveal that transition to the privileged 2C‐like state is a major component of the intrinsic mechanisms that maintain the exceptional genomic stability of mESCs for long‐term self‐renewal.
Melatonin attenuates developmental deficits and prevents hippocampal injuries in male and female rats subjected to neonatal anoxia
Authors: Arruda Bruna Petrucelli , Cruz‐Ochoa Natalia Andrea , Serra Fernando Tadeu , Xavier Gilberto Fernando , Nogueira Maria Inês , Takada Silvia Honda
Published: June 2024

Hypoxia in preterm infants is a clinical condition that has been associated with cognitive and behavioral disturbances for which treatment strategies are strongly required. Melatonin administration following brain insults has been considered a promising therapeutic strategy due to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. Not surprisingly, it has been extensively studied for preventing disturbances following brain injury. This study evaluated the effects of melatonin on developmental disturbances, memory disruption, and hippocampal cell loss induced by neonatal anoxia in rats. Neonatal Wistar rats were subjected to anoxia and subsequently treated with melatonin. Later, maturation of physical characteristics, ontogeny of reflexes, learning and memory in the Morris water maze (MWM), and estimates of the number of hippocampal neurons, were evaluated. Melatonin treatment attenuated (1) female anoxia‐induced delay in superior incisor eruption, (2) female anoxia‐induced vibrissae placement reflexes, and (3) male and female anoxia‐induced hippocampal neuronal loss. Melatonin also promoted an increase (5) in swimming speeds in the MWM. In addition, PCA analysis showed positive associations between the acoustic startle, auditory canal open, and free fall righting parameters and negative associations between the male vehicle anoxia group and the male melatonin anoxia group. Therefore, melatonin treatment attenuates both anoxia‐induced developmental deficits and hippocampal neuronal loss.
Rhein inhibits M1 polarization of BV2 microglia through MAPK/IκB signalling pathway and reduces neurotoxicity caused by neuroinflammation
Authors: Qin Xin , Li Bowen , Hu Binbin , Huang Juan , Tian Xingfu , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Ye , Huang Wei
Published: June 2024

Background

Rhein is an anthraquinone compound with anti‐inflammatory pharmacological activity. It has been found to play a neuroprotective role in neurological diseases, but the neuroprotective mechanism of rhein remains unclear.

Methods

SH‐SY5Y cells serving as neuron‐like cells and BV2 microglia were used. The toxicity of rhein on BV2 microglia and the viability of SH‐SY5Y cells were measured by CCK‐8 assay. The mRNA expression and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were detected by qPCR and ELISA. Iba1, CD86 and pathway signalling protein in BV2 microglia were assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis of SH‐SY5Y cells exposed to neuroinflammation was analysed through flow cytometry.

Results

Rhein inhibited MAPK/IκB signalling pathways. Further studies revealed that rhein inhibited the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β and iNOS in BV2 cells and also inhibited the expression of M1 polarization markers Iba1 and CD86 in BV2 cells. Furthermore, rhein reduced the apoptotic rate and restored cell viability of SH‐SY5Y cells exposed to neuroinflammation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that rhein inhibited microglia M1 polarization via MAPK/IκB signalling pathway and protected nerve cells through suppressing neuroinflammation.
Global estimates on the reports of vaccine‐associated myocarditis and pericarditis from 1969 to 2023: Findings with critical reanalysis from the WHO pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Lee Sooji , Jo Hyesu , Lee Hyeri , Lee Hayeon , Lee Jinseok , Kim Hyeon Jin , Kang Jiseung , Jacob Louis , Smith Lee , Rahmati Masoud , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Dragioti Elena , Jeon Hongki , Cho Jin‐Man , Choi Yujin , Park Jaeyu , Woo Selin , Yon Dong Keon
Published: June 2024

Due to the limitation of previous studies examining adverse reports of myocarditis and pericarditis associated with vaccines other than the COVID‐19 vaccine, there are challenges in establishing a comprehensive understanding of vaccine safety on a global scale. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the worldwide burden of vaccine‐associated pericarditis and myocarditis and the vaccines associated with these indications. This study utilized the World Health Organization international pharmacovigilance database, from which records of vaccine‐associated pericarditis and myocarditis between 1969 and 2023 were extracted (over 130 million reports). We calculated global reporting counts, reported odds ratios (RORs), and information components (ICs) to discern the association between 19 vaccines and the occurrence of pericarditis and myocarditis across 156 countries and territories. We identified 49 096 reports (male, n = 30 013) of vaccine‐associated pericarditis and myocarditis among 73 590 reports of all‐cause pericarditis and myocarditis. There has been a significant increase in reports of vaccine‐related cardiac adverse events over time, with a noteworthy surge observed after 2020, attributed to cases of pericarditis associated with COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines. Smallpox vaccines were associated with most pericarditis and myocarditis reports (ROR: 73.68 [95% CI, 67.79–80.10]; IC [IC0.25]: 6.05 [5.91]), followed by COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine (37.77 [37.00–38.56]; 3.07 [3.05]), anthrax vaccine (25.54 [22.37–29.16]; 4.58 [4.35]), typhoid vaccine (6.17 [5.16–7.38]; 2.59 [2.29]), encephalitis vaccine (2.00 [1.48–2.71]; 0.99 [0.47]), influenza vaccine (1.87 [1.71–2.04]; 0.90 [0.75]), and Ad5‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccine (1.40 [1.34–1.46]; 0.46 [0.39]). Concerning age and sex‐specific risks, reports of vaccine‐associated pericarditis and myocarditis were more prevalent among males and in older age groups. The age group between 12 and 17 years exhibited significant sex disproportion. Most of these adverse events had a short time to onset (median time: 1 day) and fatality rate was 0.44%. Our analysis of global data revealed an increase in pericarditis and myocarditis reports associated with vaccines, particularly live vaccines like smallpox and anthrax, notably in young males. While these adverse events are generally rare and mild, caution is warranted, especially for healthcare workers, due to potential myocardial injury‐related in‐hospital mortality. Further study with validated reporting is crucial to enhance accuracy in evaluating the correlation between vaccines and cardiac conditions for preventive measures.
Dependability of Electrode to Modiolus Distance in Patients Specific Electrode Selection: A Cadaveric Model Study
Authors: Sharma Vidhu , Das K Nidhin , Jangra Anupriya , Tiwari Sarbesh , Khera Pushpinder , Soni Kapil , Dixit Shilpi G. , Nayyar Ashish K. , Goyal Amit
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aims to discern the disparities in the electrode‐to‐modiolus distance (EMD) between cochleostomy and round window approaches when performed sequentially in the same temporal bone. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the cochlear metrics that contribute to these differences.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional study was conducted, involving the sequential insertion of a 12‐electrode array through both round window and cochleostomy approaches in cadaveric temporal bones. Postimplantation high‐resolution CT scans were employed to calculate various parameters.

Results

A total of 12 temporal bones were included in the imaging analysis, revealing a mean cochlear duct length of 32.892 mm. The EMD demonstrated a gradual increase from electrode 1 (C1) in the apex (1.9 ± 0.07 mm; n = 24) to electrode 12 (C12) in the basal turn (4.6 ± 0.24 mm; n = 12; p < 0.01). Significantly higher EMD values were observed in the cochleostomy group. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between EMD and cochlear perimeter (CP) (rs = 0.64; n = 12; p = 0.03) and a strong negative correlation with the depth of insertion (DOI) in both the middle and basal turns (rs = − 0.78; n = 20; p < 0.01). Additionally, EMD showed a strong negative correlation with the DOI‐CP ratio (rs = −0.81; n = 12; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The cochleostomy group exhibited a significantly higher EMD compared with the round window group. The strong negative correlation between EMD and DOI‐CP ratio suggests that in larger cochleae with shallower insertions, EMD is greater than in smaller cochleae with deeper insertions.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:4736–4744, 2024
Electrically Reconfigurable Mode Chirality in Integrated Microring Resonators
Authors: Chen Yihao , Li Jin , Xu Ke , Biasi Stefano , Franchi Riccardo , Huang Chaoran , Duan Juntao , Wang Xi , Pavesi Lorenzo , Xu Xiaochuan , Wang Jiawei
Published: June 2024

Chirality, one of the universal phenomena in physics, forms the playground for fascinating phenomena in modern electromagnetism and industrial applications. Within the rapidly advancing technologies of integrated optoelectronic and all‐optical devices, controlling the light flow on a chip using optical chiral modes emerges as a crucial topic, which implies numerous counterintuitive chiroptical effects such as unidirectional emission, magnetic‐free non‐reciprocity, chiral switching, and enhanced sensitivity. Here strong yet reconfigurable mode chirality is demonstrated in integrated silicon‐based spiral microring resonators. Leveraging the adjustable azimuthal positions of two spiral edges as asymmetric local scatterers, the inter‐modal coupling can be manipulated, which bypasses the requirement of external off‐chip components in conventional schemes. Besides, an integrated phase shifter enables electrical reconfiguration of the non‐Hermiticity toward or away from exceptional points. Experimental results reveal post‐fabrication reconfiguration with a sign‐reversible chirality and chirality‐induced suppression of backscattering down to −24 dB. By virtue of demonstrations using standard silicon photonics foundry services, the findings provide a new design framework of microresonators as a building block for integrated chiral photonics in both classical and quantum regimes.
Concomitant genomic features stratify prognosis to patients with advanced EGFR mutant lung cancer
Authors: Liang Xiao , Xu Jiali , Jiang Yuqin , Yan Yuqian , Wu Hongshuai , Dai Jiali , Cui Yanan , Zhang Chen , Chen Wei , Zhang Zhihong , Guo Renhua
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to explore the clinical significance of genomics features including tumor mutation burden (TMB) and copy number alteration (CNA) for advanced EGFR mutant lung cancer. We retrospectively identified 1378 patients with advanced EGFR mutant lung cancer and next‐generation sequencing tests from three cohorts. Multiple co‐occurring genomics alternations occurred in a large proportion (97%) of patients with advanced EGFR mutant lung cancers. Both TMB and CNA were predictive biomarkers for these patients. A joint analysis of TMB and CNA found that patients with high TMB and high CNA showed worse responses to EGFR‐TKIs and predicted worse outcomes. TMBhighCNAhigh, as a high‐risk genomic feature, showed predictive ability in most of the subgroups based on clinical characteristics. These patients had larger numbers of metastatic sites, and higher rates of EGFR copy number amplification, TP53 mutations, and cell‐cycle gene alterations, which showed more potential survival gain from combination treatment. Furthermore, a nomogram based on genomic features and clinical features was developed to distinguish prognosis. Genomic features could stratify prognosis and guide clinical treatment for patients with advanced EGFR mutant lung cancer.
The mechanism of RGS5 regulating gastric cancer mismatch repair protein
Authors: Yang Zhenwei , Zhang Ranran , Liu Jialong , Tian Sufang , Zhang Hailin , Zeng Lingxiu , Zhang Yangyang , Gao Liping , Wang Meng , Shan Wenqing , Liu Jing
Published: June 2024

The incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer (GC) remain alarmingly high worldwide, imposing a substantial healthcare burden. In this study, we utilized data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. A 4‐gene prognostic model was developed to predict patient prognosis, and its accuracy was validated across multiple datasets. Patients with a low‐risk score exhibited improved prognosis, elevated tumor mutation burden, heightened sensitivity to both immunotherapy and conventional chemotherapy. Notably, our investigation revealed that the key gene RGS5 positively modulates the expression of mismatch repair proteins via c‐Myc. Furthermore, co‐immunoprecipitation (COIP) assays demonstrated the interaction between RGS5 and c‐Myc. Additionally, we confirmed that RGS5 regulates c‐Myc through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Moreover, RGS5 was identified as a positive regulator of PD‐L1 expression and exhibited a negative correlation with the majority of immune cells. These findings underscore the potential of RGS5 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in the context of GC.
Job security, socio‐economic background, and worker performance: Evidence from Major League Baseball
Authors: Paulsen Richard J.
Published: June 2024

Using a panel dataset of contract‐year observations for Major League Baseball (MLB) players, this study looks to understand how job security affects incentives for worker performance. Prior works have found evidence of diminished performance when job security is high in the early years of guaranteed contracts (shirking) and heightened performance when job security is low at the end of contracts when players are hoping to secure new contracts (opportunistic behavior). The focus of this study is on how socio‐economic background interacts with job security to influence performance. Theory and empirical evidence suggest that workers from disadvantaged socio‐economic backgrounds may care more about job security, which could subsequently lead the performance of such workers to be more affected by changes to job security. This hypothesis is tested empirically. In testing this indirectly, evidence of stronger impacts of job security on performance of MLB players from lower income countries relative to those from higher income countries is found. To directly test this hypothesis, data on player socio‐economic backgrounds is hand‐collected. The performance of players from less‐advantaged socio‐economic backgrounds is found to be more affected by job security. Given that job security is common in many work settings, these findings have implications for workers and employers both inside and outside of sports.
A review on the applications of graph neural networks in materials science at the atomic scale
Authors: Shi Xingyue , Zhou Linming , Huang Yuhui , Wu Yongjun , Hong Zijian
Published: June 2024

In recent years, interdisciplinary research has become increasingly popular within the scientific community. The fields of materials science and chemistry have also gradually begun to apply the machine learning technology developed by scientists from computer science. Graph neural networks (GNNs) are new machine learning models with powerful feature extraction, relationship inference, and compositional generalization capabilities. These advantages drive researchers to design computational models to accelerate material property prediction and new materials design, dramatically reducing the cost of traditional experimental methods. This review focuses on the principles and applications of the GNNs. The basic concepts and advantages of the GNNs are first introduced and compared to the traditional machine learning and neural networks. Then, the principles and highlights of seven classic GNN models, namely crystal graph convolutional neural networks, iCGCNN, Orbital Graph Convolutional Neural Network, MatErials Graph Network, Global Attention mechanism with Graph Neural Network, Atomistic Line Graph Neural Network, and BonDNet are discussed. Their connections and differences are also summarized. Finally, insights and prospects are provided for the rapid development of GNNs in materials science at the atomic scale.
The dynamics and near‐optimal controls of a dengue model with threshold policy
Authors: You Wei , Meyer‐Baese Anke , Xu Xinzhong , Zhang Qimin
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a piecewise smooth dengue model with threshold policy is developed, and the impacts of different control measures on the spread of dengue fever are also investigated. The number of dengue infections is used as a threshold level
to determine whether to implement control, and control measures are triggered only if the number of infected individuals exceeds
. Using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion, the dynamic behaviors of the free system and control system are studied. Then, the existence of the sliding mode is verified, and the sliding dynamics are analyzed by using the Utkin equivalent control method. It is shown that model solutions eventually converge to one of two endemic equilibria or the sliding equilibrium depending on
. In addition, by using Ekeland's principle and maximum principle, the sufficient and necessary conditions for near‐optimal controls of this model are obtained. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to explain and supplement the theoretical results.
Quad‐band reflective metasurface for linear to circular polarization conversion
Authors: Eldesouki Eman M. , El‐Nady Shaza M. , Soliman Shimaa A. M. , Attiya Ahmed M.
Published: June 2024

A quad‐band linear to circular polarization (CP) conversion based on a reflective metasurface is presented. The unit cell of proposed reflective metasurface consists of two unequal tilted and crossed bi‐directional arrow strips with an elliptical ring printed on a grounded dielectric slab. The operating bandwidth of the proposed structure is enhanced by introducing two small slits into the long arrow. A reflective metasurface sheet is fabricated and measured for verification. The simulated and measured results show that the reflective metasurface converter successfully transforms linearly polarized incident waves into right‐hand circularly‐polarized waves in frequency bands 9.49–9.96 GHz and 20–31.8 GHz and into left hand circular polarized waves in frequency bands 12.2–14.44 and 31.8–32.1 GHz. Also, wide angular stability up to 50° oblique incidence along with high efficiency reveals the good applicability of the structure. The proposed reflective structure can be used in multiband satellite communication systems and multifunctional dual‐circularly polarized antenna systems.
Sequence‐agnostic motion‐correction leveraging efficiently calibrated Pilot Tone signals
Authors: Brackenier Yannick , Cordero‐Grande Lucilio , McElroy Sarah , Tomi‐Tricot Raphael , Barbaroux Hugo , Bridgen Philippa , Malik Shaihan J. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study leverages externally generated Pilot Tone (PT) signals to perform motion‐corrected brain MRI for sequences with arbitrary k‐space sampling and image contrast.

Theory and Methods

PT signals are promising external motion sensors due to their cost‐effectiveness, easy workflow, and consistent performance across contrasts and sampling patterns. However, they lack robust calibration pipelines. This work calibrates PT signal to rigid motion parameters acquired during short blocks (˜4 s) of motion calibration (MC) acquisitions, which are short enough to unobstructively fit between acquisitions. MC acquisitions leverage self‐navigated trajectories that enable state‐of‐the‐art motion estimation methods for efficient calibration. To capture the range of patient motion occurring throughout the examination, distributed motion calibration (DMC) uses data acquired from MC scans distributed across the entire examination. After calibration, PT is used to retrospectively motion‐correct sequences with arbitrary k‐space sampling and image contrast. Additionally, a data‐driven calibration refinement is proposed to tailor calibration models to individual acquisitions. In vivo experiments involving 12 healthy volunteers tested the DMC protocol's ability to robustly correct subject motion.

Results

The proposed calibration pipeline produces pose parameters consistent with reference values, even when distributing only six of these approximately 4‐s MC blocks, resulting in a total acquisition time of 22 s. In vivo motion experiments reveal significant () improved motion correction with increased signal to residual ratio for both MPRAGE and SPACE sequences with standard k‐space acquisition, especially when motion is large. Additionally, results highlight the benefits of using a distributed calibration approach.

Conclusions

This study presents a framework for performing motion‐corrected brain MRI in sequences with arbitrary k‐space encoding and contrast, using externally generated PT signals. The DMC protocol is introduced, promoting observation of patient motion occurring throughout the examination and providing a calibration pipeline suitable for clinical deployment. The method's application is demonstrated in standard volumetric MPRAGE and SPACE sequences.
Telehealth usability in a university student physiotherapy clinic during COVID‐19
Authors: McEvoy Maureen , Fryer Caroline , Ward Emily , Kumar Saravana
Published: June 2024

Background

‘Telehealth’ online delivery of physiotherapy was the only option during the Covid 19 pandemic in many areas. This was a challenge for physiotherapy training in student clinics where students, clinical educators (CEs) and clients were in three separate locations. The aim of this study was to determine the usability and acceptability of online delivery in a physiotherapy student clinic.

Methods

An observational cross‐sectional design was used. Clients (adult clients or carers of paediatric clients), students and CEs participated in telehealth physiotherapy appointments over a Telehealth platform called NeoRehab. The three groups were then invited to complete the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). The 21 item TUQ uses a 7‐point Likert scale and covers six constructs (Usefulness, Ease of Use, Interface quality, Interaction quality, Reliability, Satisfaction).

Results

Data were analysed from 39 clients, 15 students, and seven CEs. The respective domain scores (SD) for Usefulness [(5.3 (1.5), 5.4 (0.7), 5.1 (0.7)] and Satisfaction [5.1 (1.6), 5.0 (1.0), 5.4 (0.7)] were similarly high across groups, while scores for Reliability [3.7 (1.5), 3.6 (1.0), 3.0 (0.5)] were similarly low across groups. Interface Quality [5.0 (1.5), 4.5 (1.2), 4.1 (0.8)] scores were similarly moderate. Ease of Use [5.6 (1.5), 5.3 (1.0), 4.1 (1.1)] scores were significantly higher in clients than CEs (p = 0.043). Interaction Quality [5.0 (1.4), 3.9 (1.3), 4.2 (0.9)] scores were significantly higher in clients compared with students (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

All groups agreed that the delivery format was useful, easy to use and provided a satisfactory service but was not reliable.
Effects of traditional Chinese medicines on weight management among adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Meifang , Liu Jiaqi
Published: June 2024

Increasing evidence has reported the anti‐obesity effects of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their potential advantages in weight loss, such as fewer side effects and lower costs compared to the current recommended treatments like Western medicines. Previous review studies have examined the effects of a few commonly used TCM therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicines on weight loss. This network meta‐analysis (NMA) study aims to review and rank the effects of currently available TCMs on weight loss and to compare the effects of TCMs with different intervention durations. Eligible Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among Chinese adults with overweight or obesity were searched on electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and SinoMed) up to 1 March 2023. Pairwise meta‐analysis was performed to examine the pooled effects of TCMs on weight loss, and NMA was conducted to rank different types of TCMs. Subgroup analysis stratified by intervention duration was performed. Forty‐six RCTs were eligible for inclusion in the review. The results showed that TCMs, especially when the treatment duration was ≤6 months, were more effective in both body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) reduction than non‐pharmacological interventions and placebo/no treatment. Acupotomy was ranked as the most effective TCM treatment in reducing both body weight and BMI. Traditional Chinese medicines have promising potential for weight loss and could be included in future clinical guidance as a standalone or supplementary treatment for obesity. Future studies need to further investigate under‐researched TCMs, examine the long‐term effects and safety of TCMs in obesity treatment, and validate the findings from this study among other ethnic populations.
Topography‐driven microclimate gradients shape forest structure, diversity, and composition in a temperate refugial forest
Authors: McNichol Bailey H. , Wang Ran , Hefner Amanda , Helzer Chris , McMahon Sean M. , Russo Sabrina E.
Published: June 2024

Macroclimate drives vegetation distributions, but fine‐scale topographic variation can generate microclimate refugia for plant persistence in unsuitable areas. However, we lack quantitative descriptions of topography‐driven microclimatic variation and how it shapes forest structure, diversity, and composition. We hypothesized that topographic variation and the presence of the forest overstory cause spatiotemporal microclimate variation affecting tree performance, causing forest structure, diversity, and composition to vary with topography and microclimate, and topography and the overstory to buffer microclimate. In a 20.2‐ha inventory plot in the North American Great Plains, we censused woody stems ≥1 cm in diameter and collected detailed topographic and microclimatic data. Across 59‐m of elevation, microclimate covaried with topography to create a sharp desiccation gradient, and topography and the overstory buffered understory microclimate. The magnitude of microclimatic variation mirrored that of regional‐scale variation: with increasing elevation, there was a decrease in soil moisture corresponding to the difference across ~2.1° of longitude along the east‐to‐west aridity gradient and an increase in air temperature corresponding to the difference across ~2.7° of latitude along the north‐to‐south gradient. More complex forest structure and higher diversity occurred in moister, less‐exposed habitats, and species occupied distinct topographic niches. Our study demonstrates how topographic and microclimatic gradients structure forests in putative climate‐change refugia, by revealing ecological processes enabling populations to be maintained during periods of unfavorable macroclimate.
Mental health, sleep, and respiratory health after initiating elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Pham Hiep , Vandeleur Moya , Mainzer Rheanna M. , Ranganathan Sarath
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) significantly improves lung function but its effect on mental health and sleep remains poorly understood. We report on mental health, sleep, and respiratory health outcomes of adolescents with CF commenced on ETI therapy, and monitored the prevalence of neuropsychiatric issues through the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 31 adolescents (aged 10–18 years) from July 2021 to October 2022. Data collected include demographics, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), General Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS), Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) scores, and FEV1 percent predicted. Twenty of 31 adolescents had data before and after ETI initiation. Mean differences (MD) in mental health, sleep, and respiratory health pre‐ and post‐ETI therapy commencement were estimated using paired t‐tests. The prevalence and trajectories of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance were described between the ETI epochs, and over the pandemic period.

Results

FEV1 improved following ETI therapy commencement (MD, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.1% (4.7%–9.6%) whereas PHQ‐9, GAD‐7, PDSS, and SDSC scores did not change significantly. Ten percent of participants developed new‐onset anxiety/depression concerns and 10% developed new sleep concerns following ETI initiation.

Conclusion

This is the first prospective longitudinal study of mental health and sleep changes after ETI commencement in adolescents with CF. Although respiratory outcomes improved, ETI did not improve anxiety, depression or sleep.
Factors associated with tracheostomy‐associated infection treatment: A multicenter observational study
Authors: Morrison John M. , Kono Naoko , Rush Margaret , Hahn Andrea , Forster Catherine S. , Cogen Jonathan D. , Thomson Joanna , DeYoung Sarah Hofman , Bashiri Sowgand , Mack Wendy J. , Neely Michael N. , Simon Tamara D. , Russell Christopher J. ,   for the Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings Network
Published: June 2024

Objective

To characterize factors that influence the decision to treat suspected pediatric bacterial tracheostomy‐associated respiratory infections (bTRAINs; e.g., pneumonia, tracheitis).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort study of children with pre‐existing tracheostomy hospitalized at six children's hospitals for a suspected bTRAIN (receipt of respiratory culture plus ≥1 doses of an antibiotic within 48 h). The primary predictor was respiratory culture growth categorized as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. aeruginosa + ≥1 other bacterium, other bacteria alone, or normal flora/no growth. Our primary outcome was bTRAIN treatment with a complete course of antibiotics as documented by the discharge team. We used logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to identify the association between our primary predictor and outcome and to identify demographic, clinical, and diagnostic testing factors associated with treatment.

Results

Of the 440 admissions among 289 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 307 (69.8%) had positive respiratory culture growth. Overall, 237 (53.9%) of admissions resulted in bTRAIN treatment. Relative to a negative culture, a culture positive for P. aeruginosa plus ≥1 other organism (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–5.0)] or ≥1 other organism alone (aOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.4–5.6)] was associated with treatment. Several clinical and diagnostic testing (respiratory Gram‐stain and chest radiograph) findings were also associated with treatment. Positive respiratory viral testing was associated with reduced odds of treatment (aOR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2–0.9).

Conclusions

Positive respiratory cultures as well as clinical indicators of acute illness and nonculture test results were associated with bTRAIN treatment. Clinicians may be more comfortable withholding antibiotics when a virus is identified during testing.
Evaluation of the novel endophytic fungus Chaetomium ascotrichoides 1‐24‐2 from Pinus massoniana as a biocontrol agent against pine wilt disease caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Kamaruzzaman Md , Zheng Lijun , Zhou Shun , Ye Wenhua , Yuan Yongqiang , Qi Qiu , Gao Yongfeng , Tan Jiajin , Wang Yan , Chen Bingjia , Li Zhiguang , Liu Songsong , Mi Renjun , Zhang Ke , Zhao Chen , Ahmed Waqar , Wang Xinrong
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causative agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), is an ever‐increasing threat to Pinus forests worldwide. This study aimed to develop biological control of PWD by the application of endophytic fungi isolated from healthy pine trees.

RESULTS

We successfully isolated a novel endophytic fungal strain 1‐24‐2 from branches of healthy Pinus massoniana. The culture filtrates (CFs) of strain 1‐24‐2 exhibited strong nematicidal activity against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, with a corrected mortality rate of 99.00%. Based on the morphological and molecular characteristics, the isolated strain 1‐24‐2 was identified as Chaetomium ascotrichoides. In the in‐planta assay, pine seedlings (2‐years‐old) treated with 1‐24‐2 CFs + pine wood nematode (T2) showed a significant control effect of 80%. A total of 24 toxic compounds were first identified from 1‐24‐2 CFs through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, from which O‐methylisourea, 2‐chlorobenzothiazole, and 4,5,6‐trihydroxy‐7‐methylphthalide showed robust binding sites at Tyr119 against phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase (PMT) protein of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus by molecular docking approach and could be used as potential compounds for developing effective nematicides. Interestingly, strain 1‐24‐2 produces toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which disturb the natural development process of B. xylophilus, whose total number decreased by up to 83.32% in the treatment group as compared to control and also reduced Botrytis cinerea growth by up to 71.01%.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight the potential of C. ascotrichoides 1‐24‐2 as a promising biocontrol agent with solid nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus. This is the first report of C. ascotrichoides isolated from P. massoniana exhibiting strong biocontrol potential against B. xylophilus in the world. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Direct effects of barley yellow dwarf virus on the performance, parasitoid resistance, and feeding behavior of its vector Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Liu Chiping , Zhang Qi , Shi Xiang , Zhu Huimin , Chai Ruirui , Hu Geyang , Desneux Nicolas , Luo Chen , Hu Zuqing
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

The complex interaction between plant viruses and their insect vectors is the basis for the epidemiology of plant viruses. The ‘Vector Manipulation Hypothesis’ (VMH) was proposed to demonstrate the evolution of strategies in plant viruses to enhance their transmission to new hosts through direct effects on insect vector behavior and/or physiology. However, the aphid vectors used in previous studies were mostly obtained by feeding on virus‐infected plants and as a result, it was difficult to eliminate the confounding effects of infected host plants. Furthermore, the mechanisms of the direct effects of plant viruses on insect vectors have rarely been examined comprehensively.

RESULTS

We fed Sitobion avenae on an artificial diet infused with a purified suspension of Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) PAV strain to obtain viruliferous aphids. We then examined their growth and reproduction performance, resistance to the parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead, and feeding behavior. The results indicate that (1) viruliferous aphids had a shorter life span and a lower relative growth rate at the nymphal stage; (2) A. gifuensis had a lower parasitism rate, mummification rate, and emergence rate in viruliferous aphids; (3) Viruliferous aphids spent more time on non‐probing and salivation behavior and had a shorter total duration of penetration and ingestion compared with healthy conspecifics.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that plant virus infection may directly alter vector fitness and behavior that improves plant virus transmission, but not vector growth. These findings highlight the mechanisms of VMH and the ecological significance of vector manipulation by plant viruses, and have implications for plant virus disease and vector management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimal control of the E–L dynamic systems during the actuator faults
Authors: Galicki Mirosław
Published: June 2024

In this article, we deal with finite‐time optimal control of the Euler–Lagrange (E–L) multi‐body mechanism under: uncertain its kinematics and dynamics, displacement blocking of the damaged joint caused by the actuator failure, undesirable forces/torques exerted on the end‐effector and unknown friction forces originating from joints directly driven by the actuators, as well as completely unstructured forces arising from the kinematic singularities appearing on the mechanism trajectory. Based on the suitably defined task space non‐singular terminal sliding manifold and the Lyapunov stability theory, we propose a class of new fault tolerant estimated generalized Jacobian controllers, which seem to be effective in reducing (minimizing) the joint velocity jumps as well as in counteracting the unstructured forces/torques. On account of the fact, that the multi‐body mechanism is a redundant one, a useful criterion function (energy consumption manipulability measure) has been utilized in our controller to temporarily optimally track a desired trajectory. The proposed controllers' performance is demonstrated by computer simulations conducted on a redundant manipulator in conditions of unexpected actuator failure and the corresponding joint lock. Additionally, numerical comparisons are also provided with other representative controllers, found in the literature.
Spawned by opportunity or out of necessity? Organizational antecedents and the choice of industry and technology in employee spinouts
Authors: Bahoo‐Torodi Aliasghar
Published: June 2024

Research summary

I examine how the organizational antecedents of spinouts shape the new firms' industry and technological trajectory choices compared to those of the parent firms. Building on prior research on employee entrepreneurship and integrating insights from the literature on opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship, I hypothesize that spinouts launched to exploit a new business opportunity shunned by the parent firm (i.e., opportunity spinouts) are more likely to enter a different but related industry and technological field to those of the parent firm. I hypothesize also that spinouts triggered by adverse developments in the parent firm (i.e., necessity spinouts) are more likely to target the same industry and technological field as the parent. Analysis of data from the European biotech industry supports these predictions.

Managerial summary

The prevailing view of employee entrepreneurship is that the established firm's unwillingness to commercialize an employee's ideas leads to the employee leaving to start a new firm. However, evidence suggests that spinout activity (new firm formation by former employees) can be also triggered by adverse developments in the established firm that disrupt an employee's job. This study examines how the organizational antecedents of spinouts shape the new firms' early‐stage strategic choices. Using data from the biotech industry, I show that opportunity driven spinouts are more likely to enter a different but related industry and technological field to those of their founders' prior employer and that necessity driven spinouts are more likely to target the same industry and technological field as the prior employer.
Geopolitical volatility and subsidiary investments
Authors: Adarkwah Gilbert Kofi , Dorobantu Sinziana , Sabel Christopher Albert , Zilja Flladina
Published: June 2024

Research Summary

We examine how geopolitical volatility—the instability of bilateral political affinity between countries—affects foreign subsidiary investments. Building on prior work that shows that the level of political affinity between countries facilitates foreign investments, we argue that the volatility of political affinity impedes firms' ability to form expectations about stakeholder behavior and reduces subsequent investments in subsidiaries. We further argue that the effect of volatility of political affinity on foreign subsidiary investments is less pronounced when the level of political affinity between countries is high and when the firm has strong political connections at home. Our analyses examine 1054 US firms and their subsidiary investments in 106 countries from 2000 to 2015.

Managerial Summary

Geopolitical risk has emerged as an important factor in foreign investment decisions in recent years. The rise of geopolitical tensions worldwide and the fragmentation of relationships between countries have introduced new dimensions to foreign investment risks. We study the propensity for sudden and unpredictable shifts in the political relationship between countries—that is, volatility of political affinity in their bilateral political relations—and its effect on firms' foreign subsidiary investments. We show that volatility of political affinity negatively affects the number of subsidiaries, employees, and local sales in the host country because when bilateral relations change suddenly, it is more difficult for multinational firms to predict how stakeholder behavior will impact the performance of their investments.
From Structure to Application: The Evolutionary Trajectory of Spherical Nucleic Acids
Authors: Wang Guijia , Han Sanyang , Lu Yuan
Published: June 2024

Since the proposal of the concept of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) in 1996, numerous studies have focused on this topic and have achieved great advances. As a new delivery system for nucleic acids, SNAs have advantages over conventional deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanostructures, including independence from transfection reagents, tolerance to nucleases, and lower immune reactions. The flexible structure of SNAs proves that various inorganic or organic materials can be used as the core, and different types of nucleic acids can be conjugated to realize diverse functions and achieve surprising and exciting outcomes. The special DNA nanostructures have been employed for immunomodulation, gene regulation, drug delivery, biosensing, and bioimaging. Despite the lack of rational design strategies, potential cytotoxicity, and structural defects of this technology, various successful examples demonstrate the bright and convincing future of SNAs in fields such as new materials, clinical practice, and pharmacy.
Comprehensive literature review on the application of the otological surgical planning software OTOPLAN® for cochlear implantation
Authors: Müller-Graff Franz-Tassilo , Spahn Björn , Herrmann David P. , Kurz Anja , Völker Johannes , Hagen Rudolf , Rak Kristen
Published: June 2024

Background

The size of the human cochlear, measured by the diameter of the basal turn, varies between 7 and 11 mm. For hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants (CI), the size of the cochlear influences the individual frequency map and the choice of electrode length. OTOPLAN® (CAScination AG [Bern, Switzerland] in cooperation with MED-EL [Innsbruck, Austria]) is a software tool with CE marking for clinical applications in CI treatment which allows for precise pre-planning based on cochlear size. This literature review aims to analyze all published data on the application of OTOPLAN®.

Materials and methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied to identify relevant studies published in the PubMed search engine between January 2015 and February 2023 using the search terms “otoplan” [title/abstract] OR “anatomy-based fitting” [title/abstract] OR “otological software tool” [title/abstract] OR “computed tomography-based software AND cochlear” [title/abstract].

Results

The systematic review of the literature identified 32 studies on clinical use of OTOPLAN® in CI treatment. Most studies were reported from Germany (7 out of 32), followed by Italy (5), Saudi Arabia (4), the USA (4), and Belgium (3); 2 studies each were from Austria and China, and 1 study from France, India, Norway, South Korea, and Switzerland. In the majority of studies (22), OTOPLAN® was used to assess cochlear size, followed by visualizing the electrode position using postoperative images (5), three-dimensional segmentation of temporal bone structures (4), planning the electrode insertion trajectory (3), creating a patient-specific frequency map (3), planning of a safe drilling path through the facial recess (3), and measuring of temporal bone structures (1).

Conclusion

To date, OTOPLAN® is the only DICOM viewer with CE marking in the CI field that can process pre-, intra-, and postoperative images in the abovementioned applications.