bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inappropriate hospital admission as a risk factor for the subsequent development of adverse events: a cross-sectional study
Authors: San Jose-Saras Diego , Vicente-Guijarro Jorge , Sousa Paulo , Moreno-Nunez Paloma , Aranaz-Andres Jesús María ,   Health Outcomes Research Group of the Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Pérez Cristina Díaz-Agero , Alfaro Miguel Ignacio Cuchi , López Juan Manuel Ramos , Haro Mercedes García , Chávez Abelardo Claudio Fernández , Valdés Cornelia Bischofberger , Laso Amaranta Mcgee , Liarte Carmen Garrote , Montero Gerardo Gómez , Cortes Juan Daniel Miranda , Gomez Gema Nieto , Herrero Jessica Alia , de la Hoz San Clemente Sara , Touya Marta Gonzalez , Mambié Moisés David Espejo , Gomez Diana Carretero , Pareja Manuela Serrano , Ruiz Marco Antonio Espinel , Gallardo Raquel Gutierrez , León Eva Elisa Álvarez , Gutiérrez Paloma Navas , Arzá Nerea Armenteros , Montrull Francisco Bolumar , de la Santa Viñuela Ana García , Sanz Raquel Arguedas , Redín Miriam Roncal
Published: August 2023

Background

All health overuse implies an unnecessary risk of patients suffering adverse events (AEs). However, this hypothesis has not been corroborated by direct estimates for inappropriate hospital admission (IHA). The objectives of the study were the following: (1) to analyze the association between IHA and the development of subsequent AEs; (2) to explore the distinct clinical and economic implications of AEs subsequent IHA compared to appropriate admissions.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on hospitalized patients in May 2019 in a high-complexity hospital in Madrid, Spain. The Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol was used to measure IHA, and the methodologies of the Harvard Medical Practice Study and the European Point Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-associated Infections were used to detect and characterize AEs. The association between IHA and the subsequent.

Results

A total of 558 patients in the hospital ward were studied. IHA increased the risk of subsequent occurrence of AEs (OR [95% CI]: 3.54 [1.87 to 6.69], versus appropriate) and doubled the mean AEs per patient (coefficient [95% CI]: 0.19 [0.08 to 0.30] increase, versus appropriate) after adjusting for confounders. IHA was a predictive variable of subsequent AEs and the number of AEs per patient. AEs developed after IHA were associated with scheduled admissions (78.9% of AEs, versus 27.9% after appropriate admissions; p < 0.001). Compared with AEs developed after appropriate admissions, AEs after IHA added 2.4 additional days of stay in the intensive care unit and incurred an extra cost of €166,324.9 for the studied sample.

Conclusions

Patients with IHA have a higher risk of subsequent occurrence of AE. Due to the multifactorial nature of AEs, IHA is a possible contributing factor. AEs developed after IHA are associated with scheduled admissions, prolonged ICU stays, and resulted in significant cost overruns.
A six-month low-carbohydrate diet high in fat does not adversely affect endothelial function or markers of low-grade inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes: an open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gram-Kampmann Eva M. , Olesen Thomas B. , Hansen Camilla D. , Hugger Mie B. , Jensen Jane M. , Handberg Aase , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Krag Aleksander , Olsen Michael H. , Højlund Kurt
Published: August 2023

Background

While a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) reduces HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the associated high intake of fat may adversely affect cardiovascular risk factors. To address this, we examined the effect of a non-calorie-restricted LCD high in fat on endothelial function and markers of low-grade inflammation in T2D over 6 months.

Methods

In an open-label randomized controlled trial, 71 patients with T2D were randomized 2:1 to either a LCD (< 20 E% carbohydrates, 50–60 E% fat) or a control diet (50–60 E% carbohydrates, 20–30 E% fat) for six months. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation (NID) were assessed by ultrasound in the brachial artery together with plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the participants at baseline (n = 70) and after six months (n = 64).

Results

The FMD and NID were unaltered in both groups after six months, and there were no between-group differences in change of either FMD (p = 0.34) or NID (p = 0.53) in response to the interventions. The circulating hsCRP and IL-6 levels decreased only in response to LCD (both p < 0.05). However, comparing changes over time with the control diet, the LCD did not reduce either IL-6 (p = 0.25) or hsCRP (p = 0.07) levels. The lack of changes in FMD and NID in response to LCD persisted after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

A LCD high in fat for six months does not adversely affect endothelial function or selected markers of low-grade inflammation, which suggests that this nutritional approach does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03068078).
Fused expression of Sm1-Chit42 proteins for synergistic mycoparasitic response of Trichoderma afroharzianum on Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Liu Hongyi , Wang Shaoqing , Lang Bo , Li Yaqian , Wang Xinhua , Chen Jie
Published: August 2023

Sm1 and Chit42 of Trichoderma have been universally confirmed as crucial biocontrol factors against pathogen infection through induced resistance and mycoparasitism, respectively. However, not enough work has been conducted to understand the novel function of fused expression of these two proteins in Trichoderma. The results of this study demonstrated that Sm1-Chit42 protein (SCf) engineered T. afroharzianum strain OE:SCf exerted synergistic inhibition to Botrytis cinerea growth at multiple stages of mycoparasitic interaction of T. afroharzianum and B. cinerea including chemotropism sensing, hyphal coiling, hydrophobicity modulation, cell wall adhesion, virulence reduction and pathogen killing by ROS. These results highlight a novel mycoparasitic system in Trichoderma strains engineered with Sm1-Chit42 chimeric protein to combat B. cinerea growth and reproduction, which would lay a strong foundation for exploring a new engineered Trichoderma biofungicide created with chimeric proteins in the future.
Self-immolative nanocapsules precisely regulate depressive neuronal microenvironment for synergistic antidepression therapy
Authors: Liu Ziyao , Chen Bei , Xiang Shijun , Hu Shuo
Published: August 2023

Background

Pharmacotherapy constitutes the first-line treatment for depression. However, its clinical use is hindered by several limitations, such as time lag, side effects, and narrow therapeutic windows. Nanotechnology can be employed to shorten the onset time by ensuring permeation across the blood brain barrier (BBB) to precisely deliver more therapeutic agents; unfortunately, formidable challenges owing to the intrinsic shortcomings of commercial drugs remain.

Results

Based on the extraordinary capability of monoamines to regulate the neuronal environment, we engineer a network nanocapsule for delivering serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and catalase (CAT) to the brain parenchyma for synergistic antidepression therapy. The nanoantidepressants are fabricated by the formation of 5-HT polymerization and simultaneous payload CAT, following by surface modifications using human serum albumin and rabies virus glycoprotein. The virus-inspired nanocapsules benefit from the surface-modifying strategies and exhibit pronounced BBB penetration. Once nanocapsules reach the brain parenchyma, the mildly acidic conditions trigger the release of 5-HT from the sacrificial nanocapsule. Releasing 5-HT further positively regulate moods, relieving depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, cargo CAT alleviates neuroinflammation and enhances therapeutic efficacy of 5-HT.

Conclusion

Altogether, the results offer detailed information encouraging the rational designing of nanoantidepressants and highlighting the potential of nanotechnology in mental health disorder therapies.

Graphical abstract
Body mass is associated with hibernation length, body temperature, and heart rate in free-ranging brown bears
Authors: Evans Alina L. , Fuchs Boris , Singh Navinder J. , Thiel Alexandra , Giroud Sylvain , Blanc Stephane , Laske Timothy G. , Frobert Ole , Friebe Andrea , Swenson Jon E. , Arnemo Jon M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite centuries of research, debate remains on the scaling of metabolic rate to mass especially for intraspecific cases. The high variation of body mass within brown bears presents a unique opportunity to study the intraspecific effects of body mass on physiological variables. The amplitude of metabolic rate reduction in hibernators is dependent on body mass of the species. Small hibernators have high metabolic rates when euthermic but experience a drastic decrease in body temperature during torpor, which is necessary to reach a very low metabolic rate. Conversely, large hibernators, such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos), show a moderate decrease in temperature during hibernation, thought to be related to the bear’s large size. We studied body mass, abdominal body temperature, heart rate, and accelerometer-derived activity from 63 free-ranging brown bears (1–15 years old, 15–233 kg). We tested for relationships between body mass and body temperature, heart rate, and hibernation duration.

Results

The smallest individuals maintained lower body temperatures during hibernation, hibernated longer, and ended hibernation later than large bears. Unlike body temperature, winter heart rates were not associated with body mass. In summer, the opposite pattern was found, with smaller individuals having higher body temperature and daytime heart rates. Body mass was associated with body temperature in the winter hypometabolic state, even in a large hibernating mammal. Smaller bears, which are known to have higher thermal conductance, reached lower body temperatures during hibernation. During summer, smaller bears had higher body temperatures and daytime heart rates, a phenomenon not previously documented within a single mammalian species.

Conclusion

We conclude that the smallest bears hibernated more deeply and longer than large bears, likely from a combined effect of basic thermodynamics, the higher need for energy savings, and a lower cost of warming up a smaller body.
Relational security: conceptualization and operationalization in small-scale, strengths-based, community-embedded youth justice facilities
Authors: Souverein Fleur , Mulder Eva , van Domburgh Lieke , Popma Arne
Published: August 2023

Background

Given the developmental vulnerability of justice-involved youth, providing a safe environment in secure facilities is a paramount, yet challenging task. Within this complexity, a sound security framework is key. The security framework exists on three dimensions: physical, procedural and relational security. Existing knowledge points at the importance of a shift in focus on physical and procedural security towards relational security as the core of the security framework. At the same time there is a dearth of knowledge on relational security, particularly in the context of youth justice. This paper explores relational security and its working mechanisms in practice.

Methods

This paper draws on findings of a comprehensive three-year evaluation of three small-scale, community-embedded facilities that are grounded in relational security. The approach of the evaluation was derived from action research, involving a cyclic process alternating between action, research and critical reflection, while engaging all stakeholders in the research process. The action research cycle involved qualitative research (a total of 63 semi-structured interviews) incorporating the perspective of staff, youth and parents.

Results

Relational security is grounded in three distinct, but interrelated, elements – staff’s basic attitude, a constructive alliance between staff and youth, staff presence – and promotes a safe and therapeutic environment through several mechanisms.

Conclusions

Relational security can be defined in a practical conceptualization; outlining a way of working that guides staff in how to establish a safe and therapeutic environment in secure facilities. This conceptualization finds support in the well-established literature covering the therapeutic alliance and can be substantiated by two aligning theories concerning youth justice strategies: social-ecological theory and self-determination theory. Relational security is not only a way of working, but also a way of being. It encompasses a vision about security and mentality towards justice-involved youth that sees them not merely as ‘risks to be managed’, but primarly as ‘resources to be developed’.
Sustainable eco-friendly ratio-based spectrophotometric and HPTLC-densitometric methods for simultaneous analysis of co-formulated anti-migraine drugs with overlapped spectra
Authors: El-Maraghy Christine Maged
Published: August 2023

Considering the green chemistry perspective and improving the environmental impact of quality control labs; two direct techniques with less hazardous solvents, less waste production and less energy consumption were developed for simultaneous analysis of Aspirin and Metoclopramide in bulk powder and pharmaceutical formulation. The ratio between the two drugs in their co-formulated preparation is very challenging; (90: 1, Aspirin: Metoclopramide). The first technique is spectrophotometry using simple mathematical operations; ratio difference and derivative ratio–zero crossing. The second technique is high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) -densitometry which used a mobile phase consisting of cyclo-hexane: methanol: methylene chloride in a ratio of (1:4:1, v/v/v). The greenest solvents which give acceptable resolution were chosen. Following the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines, the methods were found to be accurate, precise, and selective. Those methods were statistically compared to the reported spectrophotometric method and the results proved that there is no significant difference in accuracy and precision. Furthermore, the developed methods were assessed using the Analytical Eco-scale, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and the Analytical Greenness calculator (AGREE), which gave a full image about their greenness profile. The spectrophotometry was found to be an excellent green technique compared to HPTLC with was considered an acceptable green one. The developed HPTLC-densitometric method was used for the first time for the analysis of this binary mixture. The two proposed spectrophotometric methos have advantages over the published methods as they used easy manipulation steps and are applied on the market pharmaceutical formulation. Owing to the advantages of the developed techniques; being green, do not require expensive sophisticated equipment or large volume of solvents; they could be used for routine analysis in quality control aspects.
NG2-positive pericytes regulate homeostatic maintenance of slow-type skeletal muscle with rapid myonuclear turnover
Authors: Tatsukawa Takamitsu , Kano Kohei , Nakajima Kei-ichi , Yazawa Takashi , Eguchi Ryoji , Kabara Maki , Horiuchi Kiwamu , Hayasaka Taiki , Matsuo Risa , Hasebe Naoyuki , Azuma Nobuyoshi , Kawabe Jun-ichi
Published: August 2023

Background

Skeletal muscle comprises almost 40% of the human body and is essential for movement, structural support and metabolic homeostasis. Size of multinuclear skeletal muscle is stably maintained under steady conditions with the sporadic fusion of newly produced myocytes to compensate for the muscular turnover caused by daily wear and tear. It is becoming clear that microvascular pericytes (PCs) exhibit myogenic activity. However, whether PCs act as myogenic stem cells for the homeostatic maintenance of skeletal muscles during adulthood remains uncertain.

Methods

We utilized PC-fused myofibers using PC-specific lineage tracing mouse (NG2-CreERT/Rosa-tdTomato) to observe whether muscle resident PCs have myogenic potential during daily life. Genetic PC deletion mouse model (NG2-CreERT/DTA) was used to test whether PC differentiates to myofibers for maintenance of muscle structure and function under homeostatic condition.

Results

Under steady breeding conditions, tdTomato-expressing PCs were infused into myofibers, and subsequently, PC-derived nuclei were incorporated into myofibers. Especially in type-I slow-type myofibers such as the soleus, tdTomato+ myofibers were already observed 3 days after PC labeling; their ratio reached a peak (approximately 80%) within 1 month and was maintained for more than 1 year. Consistently, the NG2+ PC-specific deletion induced muscular atrophy in a slow-type myofiber-specific manner under steady breeding conditions. The number of myonucleus per volume of each myofiber was constant during observation period.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that the turnover of myonuclei in slow-type myofibers is relatively fast, with PCs acting as myogenic stem cells—the suppliers of new myonuclei under steady conditions—and play a vital role in the homeostatic maintenance of slow-type muscles.
Next-generation sequencing analysis of the molecular spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi, China
Authors: Yang Tong , Luo Xuemei , Liu Yanqiu , Lin Min , Zhao Qinfei , Zhang Wenqian , Chen Zhigang , Dong Minghua , Wang Junli , Wang Qi , Zhang Xiaokang , Zhong Tianyu
Published: August 2023

Background

Thalassemia is an extremely prevalent monogenic inherited blood disorder in southern China. It is important to comprehensively understand the molecular spectrum of thalassemia in an area with such a high prevalence of thalassemia before taking appropriate actions for the prevention and treatment of this disorder. Herein, we explored the clinical feasibility of using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for large-scale population screening to illustrate the prevalence and spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi.

Methods

Blood samples collected from 136,312 residents of reproductive age in Southern Jiangxi were characterized for thalassemia by NGS. A retrospective analysis was then conducted on blood samples determined to be positive for thalassemia.

Results

In total, 19,827 (14.545%) subjects were diagnosed as thalassemia carriers, and the thalassemia prevalence rate significantly varied by geographical region (p < 0.001). A total of 40 α-thalassemia genotypes including 21 rare genotypes were identified, with -@-SEA/αα being the most prevalent genotype. 42 β-thalassemia genotypes including 27 rare genotypes were identified, with the most common mutation IVS II-654 C > T accounting for 35.257% of these β-thalassemia genotypes. Furthermore, 74 genotypes were identified among 608 individuals with combined α- and β-thalassemia. Notably, most individuals with rare thalassemia mutations had mildly abnormal hematologic parameters including microcytic hypochromia.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the great heterogeneity and diverse spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi, emphasizing the importance and necessity of persistent prevention and control of thalassemia in this region. Additionally, our findings further suggest that NGS can effectively identify rare mutations and reduce the misdiagnosis rate of thalassemia.
Rainfall influence and risk analysis on the mural deterioration of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, China
Authors: Liu Hongli , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Zhengmo , Guo Qinglin , Lin Wangbin , Gao Wenqiang
Published: August 2023

The Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes are a significant cultural heritage site in the Silk Road, famous for its wonderful murals and statues. The rainfall causes the changes of humidity in the caves, which can easily activate the salts diseases of murals. In order to prevent the deterioration of the murals, the environmental monitoring tests were conducted to analyze the microclimate changes of the cave in rainfall weather, and proposed the risk prevention measures and suggestions. The results indicate that the temperature of caves has small change, but the humidity shows a clear trend of increase. The humidity and the duration of high humidity increases with the increase of the rainfall grade and frequency. The optimal starting time for environment control in the cave is when a

atm
and a

cave
are consistent, and the relative humidity is controlled below 62%. The caves with lower layer, larger degree of openness and small volume are most vulnerable to water vapour diffusion. The environment monitoring should pay more attention to the continuous rainfall weather and the vulnerable caves. The research has great significance for the prevention of ancient mural deterioration.
Propofol infusion syndrome as a cause for CRRT circuit malfunction: a case report with literature review
Authors: Zambon Marjorie Gosdal , Bonfim Luana Caroline Miantti Ghellere , Guerini Isadora Schwaab , de Almeida Lopes Marcela
Published: August 2023

Background

Propofol is commonly used for sedation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). When administered in high doses and for a prolonged time, it can cause a rare but hazardous complication: Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PRIS). Along with other findings, PRIS can cause lipemia and clotting of the Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) circuit.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old woman admitted to the ICU after an acute ischemic stroke was sedated with Propofol for neuroprotection. On the sixteenth day of infusion (mean daily dose: 4 mg/kg/h), she presented with hyperlactatemia (7.7 mg/dL), acute kidney injury, metabolic acidosis (pH: 7.23 / HCO3–: 12.2 mEq/L), hyperkalemia (6.9 mEq/L), and hypotension requiring high doses of norepinephrine. CRRT and corticosteroids were initiated. After 15 min of CRRT, the blood in the circuit had a milky color, and the therapy was interrupted because of high transmembrane pressure, despite adequate anticoagulation with heparin. Laboratory tests showed hypertriglyceridemia (782 mg/dL), increased transaminases, and creatine phosphokinase (5008 U/L), suggesting the rare and fatal PRIS.

Conclusion

There is no established guideline for treating PRIS other than early discontinuation of Propofol and supportive care. Although CRRT is an important tool in managing PRIS, hypertriglyceridemia can cause circuit malfunction. Clinical hypervigilance and serial monitoring in at-risk patients are advised to minimize potentially lethal complications.
Urban-Rural Differences in Receipt of Cancer Surgery at High-Volume Hospitals and Sensitivity to Hospital Volume Thresholds
Authors: Ramian Haleh , Sun Zhaojun , Yabes Jonathan , Jacobs Bruce , Sabik Lindsay M.
Published: August 2023

Methods for identifying high-volume hospitals affect conclusions about rural cancer care access.
Modified Friedmann equations from fractional entropy
Authors: Çoker Zeynep , Ökcü Özgür , Aydiner Ekrem
Published: August 2023

Based on the fractional black-hole entropy (Jalalzadeh S. et al., Eur. Phys. J. C, 81 (2021) 632), we derive the modified Friedmann equations from two different frameworks. First, we consider the modifications of Friedmann equations from the first law of thermodynamics at the apparent horizon. We show that the generalized second law (GSL) of thermodynamics always holds in a region bounded by the apparent horizon. Then, we obtain Friedmann equations from Verlinde's entropic gravity framework. We also compute the fractional corrections to the deceleration parameter q in the flat case k = 0 for both frameworks. Furthermore, we consider the time to reach the initial singularity for the two frameworks. The results indicate that the initial singularity is accessible for both frameworks. However, fractional effects may provide a constraint on the equation-of-state parameter in the entropic gravity scenario since the time is imaginary for

.
Clinical Evaluation of the Sleepy and Sleepless Patient
Authors: Taylor Samuel A.
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE

This article addresses the approach to the evaluation of patients who present to a neurologist with excessive daytime sleepiness or difficulty sleeping.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Greater emphasis on the importance of sleep reflects the growing scientific understanding that sleep is critical to overall health and well-being. Consumer sleep technologies, which measure parameters related to sleep, may provide insight into an individual’s sleep-related symptoms and tendencies and have a role in patient-centered sleep evaluation when used within an appropriate clinical context.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

A thorough review of a patient’s history and physical examination findings are important components of the assessment and management of their sleep-related symptoms. An understanding of how the clinical context relates to the categorization of sleep disorders can impact a patient’s symptoms, comorbid neurologic disorders, and overall well-being. Many neurologic conditions are strongly associated with sleep disturbance, risk factors for the development of a sleep disorder, or both. Therefore, it is critical for neurologists to be familiar and comfortable with taking a focused sleep history. Modalities such as in-laboratory polysomnography, home sleep apnea testing, multiple sleep latency testing, and actigraphy, as well as contextualized and prudent use of data obtained from consumer sleep technologies, can be helpful in appropriately selected patients. Mindful integration of these objective data facilitates the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders.
Loss of Twist1 and balanced retinoic acid signaling from the meninges causes cortical folding in mice
Authors: Matrongolo Matt J. , Ho-Nguyen Khue-Tu , Jain Manav , Ang Phillip S. , Reddy Akash , Schaper Samantha , Tischfield Max A.
Published: August 2023

Secondary lissencephaly evolved in mice due to effects on neurogenesis and the tangential distribution of neurons. Signaling pathways that help maintain lissencephaly are still poorly understood. We show that inactivating Twist1 in the primitive meninges causes cortical folding in mice. Cell proliferation in the meninges is reduced, causing loss of arachnoid fibroblasts that express Raldh2, an enzyme required for retinoic acid synthesis. Regionalized loss of Raldh2 in the dorsolateral meninges is first detected when folding begins. The ventricular zone expands and the forebrain lengthens at this time due to expansion of apical radial glia. As the cortex expands, regionalized differences in the levels of neurogenesis are coupled with changes to the tangential distribution of neurons. Consequentially, cortical growth at and adjacent to the midline accelerates with respect to more dorsolateral regions, resulting in cortical buckling and folding. Maternal retinoic acid supplementation suppresses cortical folding by normalizing forebrain length, neurogenesis and the tangential distribution of neurons. These results suggest that Twist1 and balanced retinoic acid signaling from the meninges are required to maintain normal levels of neurogenesis and lissencephaly in mice.
The loop-tail mouse model displays open and closed caudal neural tube defects
Authors: Fernández-Santos Beatriz , Reyes-Corral Marta , Caro-Vega José Manuel , Lao-Pérez Miguel , Vallejo-Grijalba Claudia , Mesa-Cruz Cristina , Morón Francisco J. , Ybot-González Patricia
Published: August 2023

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common cause of congenital malformations and are often studied in animal models. Loop-tail (Lp) mice carry a mutation in the Vangl2 gene, a member of the Wnt-planar cell polarity pathway. In Vangl2+/Lp embryos, the mutation induces a failure in the completion of caudal neural tube closure, but only a small percentage of embryos develop open spina bifida. Here, we show that the majority of Vangl2+/Lp embryos developed caudal closed NTDs and presented cellular aggregates that may facilitate the sealing of these defects. The cellular aggregates expressed neural crest cell markers and, using these as a readout, we describe a systematic method to assess the severity of the neural tube dorsal fusion failure. We observed that this defect worsened in combination with other NTD mutants, Daam1 and Grhl3. Besides, we found that in Vangl2+/Lp embryos, these NTDs were resistant to maternal folic acid and inositol supplementation. Loop-tail mice provide a useful model for research on the molecular interactions involved in the development of open and closed NTDs and for the design of prevention strategies for these diseases.
Temperature and pressure dependency of oxygen consumption during long-term sustained swimming of European eels
Authors: Pohlmann Jan-Dag , Pelster Bernd , Wysujack Klaus , Marohn Lasse , Freese Marko , Lindemann Constantin , Hanel Reinhold
Published: August 2023

Many aspects of the typically 5000–10,000 km spawning migration of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) remain unknown. As part of this migration, eels undertake extensive diurnal vertical migrations to depths below 1000 m, being exposed to a wide range of temperatures and hydrostatic pressures. In this experimental study, we exposed eels to different combinations of temperature (12–20°C) and pressure (100--800 kPa) during long-term sustained swimming (32–47 days). Both temperature and pressure affected oxygen consumption rate, such that there was a significant increase of metabolic rate with temperature, whereas pressure reduced oxygen consumption, albeit only at higher temperatures. Average oxygen consumption rates ranged between 15 mg kg−1 h−1 (12°C, 100 kPa) and 30.2 mg kg−1 h−1 (20°C, 100 kPa), highlighting the remarkably high swimming efficiency of this species and, more importantly, indicating that past evaluations of the cost of transport are potentially overestimates as they are often based on experiments conducted at atmospheric pressure at higher temperatures.
The genome sequence of a ground beetle, Ophonus ardosiacus (Lutshnik, 1922)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Sudworth Jennifer ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Ophonus ardosiacus (a ground beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Carabidae). The genome sequence is 911.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.61 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 40,995 protein coding genes.
Genes and Sales
Authors: Gong Shiyang , Li Qian , Su Song , Zhang Juanjuan
Published: August 2023

This paper presents one of the first marketing applications of molecular genetics. We report evidence that salespeople’s genetic variants linked to educational attainment predict sales performance. Both genetics and selling effort contribute to sales performance, whereas genetics contribute more than personality traits. We further show that adaptive learning, as captured in salespeople’s customer orientation and opportunity recognition skills, may explain the gene-sales relationship. We discuss the implications of these findings for sales management and the value of genetic research for the marketing field.

This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.

Funding: S. Gong acknowledges financial support from the NSFC [Grant 71972040] and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [2022NTSS43]. Q. Li acknowledges financial support from the NSFC [Grant 72072014] and Young Talent Program of Beijing Foreign Studies University. S. Su acknowledges financial support from the NSFC [Grant 71872016].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4879 .
Investigation of double-cladding heterogeneous step-index 2LP-mode multicore fiber with a two-ring layout
Authors: Zhao Zheyu , Sato Takanori , Fujisawa Takeshi , Iwaya Taro , Sagae Yuto , Sakamoto Taiji , Matsui Takashi , Nakajima Kazuhide , Saitoh Kunimasa
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the design of C-band double-cladding 2LP mode multicore fiber (2LP-MCF) with 125-µm cladding diameter by numerical simulation, in which a two-ring layout is used to improve crosstalk and critical bend radius. The numerical results show that the crosstalk can be less than −60 and −35dB/km for 2LP mode eight-core and 10-core fibers, respectively, and it is also shown that the crosstalk can be suppressed compared with that in heterogeneous 2LP-MCFs without a double-cladding layer.
Optical heating-induced spectral tuning of supercontinuum generation in liquid core fibers using multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wan Ying , Qi Xue , Hofmann Johannes , Scheibinger Ramona , Jia Guobin , Gui Fengji , Plentz Jonathan , Wen Jianxiang , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: August 2023

In this work, we demonstrate the optical heating modulation of soliton-based supercontinuum generation through the employment of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) acting as fast and efficient heat generators. By utilizing highly dispersion-sensitive liquid-core fibers in combination with MW-CNTs coated to the outer wall of the fiber, spectral tuning of dispersive waves with response times below one second via exploiting the strong thermo-optic response of the core liquid was achieved. Local illumination of the MW-CNTs coated fiber at selected points allowed modulation of the waveguide dispersion, thus controlling the soliton fission process. Experimentally, a spectral shift of the two dispersive waves towards the region of anomalous dispersion was observed at increasing temperatures. The presented tuning concept shows great potential in the context of nonlinear photonics, as complex and dynamically reconfigurable dispersion profiles can be generated by using structured light fields. This allows investigating nonlinear frequency conversion processes under unconventional conditions, and realizing nonlinear light sources that are reconfigurable quickly.
Dynamic manipulation of graphene plasmonic skyrmions
Authors: Zhang Ni , Lei Xinrui , Liu Jiachen , Zhan Qiwen
Published: August 2023

With the characteristics of ultrasmall, ultrafast, and topological protection, optical skyrmions are great prospects for applications in high intensity data stroage, high resolution microscopic imaging, and polarization sensing. Flexible control over the topology of optical skyrmions is required for practical implementation/application. At present, the manipulation of optical skyrmions usually relies upon the change of spatial structure, which results in a limited-tuning range and a discontinuous control in the parameter space. Here, we propose continuous manipulation of the graphene plasmon skyrmions based on the electrotunable properties of graphene. By changing the Fermi energy of one pair of the standing waves or the phase of incident light, one can achieve topological state transformation of graphene plasmon skyrmions, which is evident by the change of skyrmion number from 1 to 0.5. The direct manipulation of the graphene plasmon skyrmions is demonstrated by simulation results based on the finite element method. Our work suggests a feasible way to flexibly control the topology of an optical skyrmionic field, which can be used for novel integrated photonic devices in the future.
Tunable quasi-supercontinuum generation in a 1.7 µm spectral band for spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Chen Yign , Yamanaka Masahito , Nishizawa Norihiko
Published: August 2023

We present a system for generating a 1.7 µm quasi-supercontinuum (SC) as what we believe to be a new broadband light source for spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT). The quasi-SC source, whose spectral range and spectral shape can be arbitrarily changed, is based on wavelength-tunable soliton pulse generation and high-speed intensity modulation. A Gaussian-shaped quasi-SC was introduced into an SD-OCT system. A maximum axial resolution of 14 µm in air (corresponding to 10 µm in tissue) and an imaging sensitivity of 94 dB was obtained. We also demonstrated high-resolution imaging for tape stack, human nail and pig thyroid gland samples using a quasi-SC. From these results, we confirmed the usefulness of a quasi-SC for SD-OCT imaging.
Paracrine regulation of neural crest EMT by placodal MMP28
Authors: Gouignard Nadège , Bibonne Anne , Mata João F. , Bajanca Fernanda , Berki Bianka , Barriga Elias H. , Saint-Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Theveneau Eric
Published: August 2023

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an early event in cell dissemination from epithelial tissues. EMT endows cells with migratory, and sometimes invasive, capabilities and is thus a key process in embryo morphogenesis and cancer progression. So far, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have not been considered as key players in EMT but rather studied for their role in matrix remodelling in later events such as cell migration per se. Here, we used Xenopus neural crest cells to assess the role of MMP28 in EMT and migration in vivo. We show that a catalytically active MMP28, expressed by neighbouring placodal cells, is required for neural crest EMT and cell migration. We provide strong evidence indicating that MMP28 is imported in the nucleus of neural crest cells where it is required for normal Twist expression. Our data demonstrate that MMP28 can act as an upstream regulator of EMT in vivo raising the possibility that other MMPs might have similar early roles in various EMT-related contexts such as cancer, fibrosis, and wound healing.
BALDR: A Web-based platform for informed comparison and prioritization of biomarker candidates for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lundgaard Agnete T. , Burdet Frédéric , Siggaard Troels , Westergaard David , Vagiaki Danai , Cantwell Lisa , Röder Timo , Vistisen Dorte , Sparsø Thomas , Giordano Giuseppe N. , Ibberson Mark , Banasik Karina , Brunak Søren
Published: August 2023

Novel biomarkers are key to addressing the ongoing pandemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus. While new technologies have improved the potential of identifying such biomarkers, at the same time there is an increasing need for informed prioritization to ensure efficient downstream verification. We have built BALDR, an automated pipeline for biomarker comparison and prioritization in the context of diabetes. BALDR includes protein, gene, and disease data from major public repositories, text-mining data, and human and mouse experimental data from the IMI2 RHAPSODY consortium. These data are provided as easy-to-read figures and tables enabling direct comparison of up to 20 biomarker candidates for diabetes through the public websitehttps://baldr.cpr.ku.dk.
How habitat factors affect an Aedes mosquitoes driven outbreak at temperate latitudes: The case of the Chikungunya virus in Italy
Authors: Solimini Angelo , Virgillito Chiara , Manica Mattia , Poletti Piero , Guzzetta Giorgio , Marini Giovanni , Rosà Roberto , Filipponi Federico , Scognamiglio Paola , Vairo Francesco , Caputo Beniamino
Published: August 2023

Background

Outbreaks of Aedes-borne diseases in temperate areas are not frequent, and limited in number of cases. We investigate the associations between habitat factors and temperature on individuals’ risk of chikungunya (CHIKV) in a non-endemic area by spatially analyzing the data from the 2017 Italian outbreak.

Methodology/Principal findings

We adopted a case-control study design to analyze the association between land-cover variables, temperature, and human population density with CHIKV cases. The observational unit was the area, at different scales, surrounding the residence of each CHIKV notified case. The statistical analysis was conducted considering the whole dataset and separately for the resort town of Anzio and the metropolitan city of Rome, which were the two main foci of the outbreak. In Rome, a higher probability for the occurrence of CHIKV cases is associated with lower temperature (OR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.61–0.85) and with cells with higher vegetation coverage and human population density (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00–1.05). In Anzio, CHIKV case occurrence was positively associated with human population density (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00–1.06) but not with habitat factors or temperature.

Conclusion/Significance

Using temperature, human population density and vegetation coverage data as drives for CHIKV transmission, our estimates could be instrumental in assessing spatial heterogeneity in the risk of experiencing arboviral diseases in non-endemic temperate areas.
The onchocerciasis hypothesis of nodding syndrome
Authors: Colebunders Robert , Hadermann Amber , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson
Published: August 2023

Nodding syndrome (NS) is a phenotypic presentation of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). OAE is an important public health problem in areas with high ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission. OAE, including NS, is preventable by strengthening onchocerciasis elimination programs. The presence of tau in OAE postmortem brains could be the consequence of neuroinflammation directly or indirectly induced by O. volvulus. Omics research is needed to investigate whether O. volvulus worms contain a neurotropic virus.
Development of a high-throughput in vitro screening method for the assessment of cell-damaging activities of snake venoms
Authors: Bittenbinder Matyas A. , Capinha Liliana , Da Costa Pereira Daniel , Slagboom Julien , van de Velde Bas , Casewell Nicholas R. , Jennings Paul , Kool Jeroen , Vonk Freek J.
Published: August 2023

Snakebite envenoming is a globally important public health issue that has devastating consequences on human health and well-being, with annual mortality rates between 81,000 and 138,000. Snake venoms may cause different pathological effects by altering normal physiological processes such as nervous transfer and blood coagulation. In addition, snake venoms can cause severe (local) tissue damage that may result in life-long morbidities, with current estimates pointing towards an additional 450,000 individuals that suffer from permanent disabilities such as amputations, contractions and blindness. Despite such high morbidity rates, research to date has been mainly focusing on neurotoxic and haemotoxic effects of snake venoms and considerably less on venom-induced tissue damage. The molecular mechanisms underlaying this pathology include membrane disruption and extracellular matrix degradation. This research describes methods used to study the (molecular) mechanisms underlaying venom-induced cell- and tissue damage. A selection of cellular bioassays and fluorescent microscopy were used to study cell-damaging activities of snake venoms in multi-well plates, using both crude and fractionated venoms. A panel of 10 representative medically relevant snake species was used, which cover a large part of the geographical regions most heavily affected by snakebite. The study comprises both morphological data as well as quantitative data on cell metabolism and viability, which were measured over time. Based on this data, a distinction could be made in the ways by which viper and elapid venoms exert their effects on cells. We further made an effort to characterise the bioactive compounds causing these effects, using a combination of liquid chromatography methods followed by bioassaying and protein identification using proteomics. The outcomes of this study might prove valuable for better understanding venom-induced cell- and tissue-damaging pathologies and could be used in the process of developing and improving snakebite treatments.
Prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1–9 years of age children in Andabet district, northwest Ethiopia, 2023: A multi-level mixed-effect analysis
Authors: Asmare Zufan Alamrie , Seifu Beminate Lemma , Mare Kusse Urmale , Asgedom Yordanos Sisay , Kase Bizunesh Fantahun , Shibeshi Abdu Hailu , Tebeje Tsion Mulat , Lombebo Afework Alemu , Sabo Kebede Gemeda , Fente Bezawit Melak , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Asebe Hiwot Altaye
Published: August 2023

Background

Trachoma is the chief cause of preventable blindness worldwide and has been earmarked for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Despite the five-year Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (SAFE)-based interventions in the Andabet district, the prevalence of trachomatous follicular (TF) was 37%. With such a high prevalence of TF, the determinant factors were not revealed. Besides, there were no reports on the overall prevalence of active trachoma (i.e.TF and or trachomatous intense (TI)).

Objective

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1–9 years of age children in the Andabet district.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged under nine years from March 1–30, 2023 in Andabet district, Northwest Ethiopia. Multi-stage systematic random sampling was employed to reach 540 children. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with active trachoma. We fitted both random effect and fixed effect analysis. Finally, variables with p<0.05 in the multivariable multilevel analysis were claimed to be significantly associated with active trachoma.

Result

In this study, the overall prevalence of active trachoma was 35.37% (95% CI: 31.32%, 39.41%). The prevalence of TF and TI was 31.3% and 4.07% respectively. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were significantly associated with the prevalence of active trachoma.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of active trachoma was much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold prevalence. Ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were independent determinants of active trachoma among children (1–9 years). Therefore, paying special attention to these high-risk groups could decrease the prevalence of a neglected hyperendemic disease, active trachoma.