bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Major Cardiovascular Events in Adult Sepsis Survivors: A Population-Based Cohort Study*
Authors: Angriman Federico , Rosella Laura C. , Lawler Patrick R. , Ko Dennis T. , Martin Claudio M. , Wunsch Hannah , Scales Damon C. ,   on behalf of the Sepsis Canada Network
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To describe risk factors for major cardiovascular events in adults following hospital discharge after sepsis.

DESIGN:

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING:

Ontario, Canada (2008–2017).

PATIENTS:

Adult patients (age 18 yr or older) who survived a first sepsis hospitalization without preexisting cardiovascular disease.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The primary composite outcome was myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death up to 5 years following hospital discharge. We used cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models that accounted for the competing risk of noncardiovascular death to describe factors associated with major cardiovascular events. We identified 268,259 adult patients without cardiovascular disease (median age, 72 yr), of whom 10.4% experienced a major cardiovascular event during a median follow-up of 3 years. After multivariable adjustment, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53 for every 10 yr; 95% CI, 1.51–1.54), male sex (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.20–1.26), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.21–1.27), hypertension (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.30–1.38), prevalent atrial fibrillation (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.40–1.52), and chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06–1.16) were associated with major cardiovascular events during long-term follow-up. Sepsis characteristics such as site of infection (pneumonia vs other: HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05–1.12), septic shock (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05–1.11), and renal replacement therapy (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.38–1.64) were also associated with subsequent cardiovascular events. In an analysis restricting to patients with troponin values measured during the hospitalization (26,400 patients), an elevated troponin was also associated with subsequent cardiovascular events (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.13–1.33).

CONCLUSIONS:

Classic cardiovascular risk factors, comorbid conditions, and characteristics of the sepsis episode were associated with a higher hazard of major cardiovascular events in adult sepsis survivors. These findings may inform enrichment strategies for future studies.
Cerebrovascular Pressure Reactivity Has a Strong and Independent Association With Outcome in Children With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury*
Authors: Smith Claudia A. , Rohlwink Ursula K. , Mauff Katya , Thango Nqobile S. , Hina Thembani S. , Salie Shamiel , Enslin Johannes M. N. , Figaji Anthony A.
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To examine cerebrovascular pressure reactivity index (PRx) in a large cohort of children with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) in association with physiologic variables and outcome.

DESIGN:

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING:

Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

PATIENTS:

Pediatric (≤ 14 yr old) sTBI patients with intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring (postresuscitation Glasgow Coma Score [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)] of ≤ 8).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Data were analyzed from ICM+ files sampled at 100Hz. PRx (a mathematical indicator of pressure reactivity) was calculated as a moving correlation coefficient between ICP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) as previously described. Associations between PRx, age, GCS, ICP, MAP, and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were examined with summary measures and correlation analysis using high-frequency data. Associations between PRx and mortality/outcome were examined with multivariable logistic regression analysis and the prognostic ability of PRx with receiver operating characteristic (ROCs) curves. The dataset included over 1.7 million minutes (28,634 hr) of MAP and ICP data in 196 children. The series mortality was 10.7% (21/196), and unfavorable outcome 29.6% (58/196). PRx had a moderate positive correlation with ICP (r = 0.44; p < 0.001), a moderate negative correlation with CPP (r = -0.43; p < 0.001), and a weak negative correlation with MAP (r = –0.21; p = 0.004). PRx was consistently higher in patients with poor outcome and had a strong, independent association with mortality (ROC area under the curve = 0.91). A PRx threshold of 0.25 showed the best predictive ability for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the largest cohort of children with PRx analysis of cerebrovascular reactivity to date. PRx had a strong association with outcome that was independent of ICP, CPP, GCS, and age. The data suggest that impaired autoregulation is an independent factor associated with poor outcome and may be useful in directing clinical care.
Risk and incidence of breast cancer in transgender individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Corso Giovanni , Gandini Sara , D’Ecclesiis Oriana , Mazza Manuelita , Magnoni Francesca , Veronesi Paolo , Galimberti Viviana , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: February 2023

Background and aims

The risk of developing breast cancer in transgender individuals [male-to-female (MtF) or female-to-male (FtM)] is still inadequately quantified. We aimed to evaluate the impact of breast cancer in this population.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search and review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines through the PUBMED and SCOPUS databases. We identified six cohort studies (for both populations) plus 35 case reports. Incidence and breast cancer risk quantification were the main outcomes considered.

Results

FtM individuals had a higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 63.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 32.2–124.9] but a lower risk than cisgender women (SIR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.07–2.41). Similarly, MtF individuals were at higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men (SIR = 22.5; 95% CI, 5.54–91.8) and at lower risk than cisgender women (SIR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22–0.42).

Conclusion

In this systematic study and meta-analysis, we identified that FtM and MtF individuals are at substantially higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men, though at lower risk than cisgender women. These individuals, in the absence of defined guidelines for breast cancer prevention, should periodically undergo breast or chest examinations.
IMMEDIATE VITRECTOMY vs TAP AND INJECT IN EYES WITH ACUTE POSTCATARACT ENDOPHTHALMITIS AND VISUAL ACUITY ≥HM
Authors: Sen Alok C. , Mehta Sonali M. , Sule Ashita , More Amruta V. , Shetty Sachin B. , Singh Jayanti , Tripathi Shubhi , Agrawal Rupesh , Talwar Dinesh
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

To compare the outcomes of immediate pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and tap and inject in eyes with postcataract surgery endophthalmitis.

Methods:

Patients presenting with acute postcataract surgery endophthalmitis and visual acuity between ≥ hand movement and <6/18 were randomized to receive either PPV (Group A) or tap and inject (Group B).

Results:

There were 26 and 31 eyes in Group A and Group B, respectively. The final mean visual acuity at 6 weeks [0.14 (Snellen equivalent 6/7.5) versus 0.22 (Snellen equivalent 6/9.5) LogMAR in Groups A and B, respectively; P = 0.2] was similar. However, eyes in Group A had significantly greater mean letter gain in vision compared with Group B (66.36 vs. 43.36, P = 0.02), and more eyes in Group A (88%) than in Group B (65%) attained a visual acuity of ≥ 6/18 (P = 0.06). Eyes in Group B needed more reinterventions including delayed vitrectomy after tap and inject than those in Group A (39% vs. 8%; P = 0.09). On subgroup analysis, the mean visual acuity at the final follow-up was significantly better in the immediate PPV group compared with the delayed PPV group (P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

PPV resulted in earlier recovery, lesser interventions, and greater change in visual acuity than tap and inject in eyes with postcataract surgery endophthalmitis presenting with visual acuity of ≥HM.
Prognostic Factors of Pretreatment Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Predicting Clinical Outcome in Patients With Parotid Gland Cancer
Authors: Ando Tomohiro , Kato Hiroki , Shibata Hirofumi , Ogawa Takenori , Noda Yoshifumi , Hyodo Fuminori , Matsuo Masayuki
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the utility of pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the clinical outcomes of patients with parotid gland cancer.

Methods

A total of 43 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary parotid gland cancer, who underwent pretreatment MRI, were enrolled in this study. All images were retrospectively reviewed, and MRI features were evaluated as possible prognostic factors influencing the progression-free survival (PFS) using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) values.

Results

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that old age (>73 years, P < 0.01), large maximum tumor diameter (>33 mm, P < 0.01), low apparent diffusion coefficient value (≤1.29 ×10−3 mm2/s, P < 0.01), ill-defined margin (P < 0.01), skin invasion (P < 0.01), regional nodal metastasis (P < 0.01), heterogeneous enhancement (P < 0.05), and high signal intensity ratio on gadolinium-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images (>2.017, P < 0.05) were significant predictors of worse PFS. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that regional nodal metastasis (HR, 32.02; 95% CI, 6.42–159.84; P < 0.01) and maximum tumor diameter (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.08; P < 0.05) were independent predictors of PFS.

Conclusion

Pretreatment MRI parameters could be prognostic factors of patients with parotid gland cancer. In particular, the maximum tumor diameter and regional nodal metastasis, which were closely associated with T and N classifications, were important prognostic factors in predicting the PFS.
Can 3-Phase Computed Tomography Urography Be Used to Characterize Adrenal Nodules? Results in 145 Patients
Authors: Franco Felipe B. , Souza Daniel A.T. , Glazer Daniel I. , Ali Naiim S. , Mayo-Smith William W.
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to determine whether computed tomography (CT) urography (CTU) can characterize incidental adrenal nodules.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was performed at an academic medical center. Patients were identified by free text search of CTU reports that contained the terms “adrenal mass” “adrenal nodule” and “adrenal lesion.” Computed tomography urography technique consisted of unenhanced images and postcontrast images obtained at 100 seconds and 15 minutes. The final cohort included 145 patients with 151 adrenal nodules. Nodules were considered lipid-rich adenomas or myelolipomas based on unenhanced imaging characteristics. Absolute and relative washout values were calculated for the remaining nodules, using a cutoff of 60% and 40%, respectively, to diagnose adenomas. Reference standard for lipid-poor adenomas and malignant nodules was histopathology or imaging/clinical follow-up. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous variables, and Fisher exact test was used for categorical variables.

Results

One hundred nodules were lipid-rich adenomas and 3 were myelolipomas. Forty-eight nodules were indeterminate at unenhanced CT, corresponding to 39 lipid-poor adenomas and 9 malignant nodules based on reference standards. Both absolute and relative washout correctly characterized 71% of nodules (34/48), with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 89%. Overall, 91% of all adrenal nodules (137/151) were correctly characterized by CTU alone. Lipid-poor adenomas were smaller than malignant nodules (P < 0.01) and were lower in attenuation on unenhanced and delayed images (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Adrenal nodules detected at 3-phase CTU can be accurately characterized, potentially eliminating the need for subsequent adrenal protocol CT or magnetic resonance imaging.
Isolated Sixth Nerve Palsies in a Child With Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Type 2
Authors: Chiang Homer H. , Fernandez-Pol Sebastian , Bae Gordon H. , Rieger Kerri E. , Dahmoush Hisham M. , Beres Shannon J.
Published: February 2023

A previously healthy 2-year-old boy presented with a left sixth cranial nerve palsy. There was a family history of multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis. Neuroimaging showed multiple foci of T2/FLAIR hyperintense signal abnormality in both cerebral hemispheres and in the brainstem. The initial diagnosis was suspicious for demyelinating disease. However, there was no clinical improvement after a course of corticosteroids, and there was no change in his follow-up MRI. He later developed bilateral sixth nerve palsies, with esotropia addressed with bilateral medial rectus botulinum toxin injections. A brain biopsy was planned. However, his 3-month-old sister was separately admitted for fever and pancytopenia. She had markedly elevated ferritin, D-dimer, triglycerides, sIL-2R, CXCL9, and IL-18 and low fibrinogen. Her bone marrow biopsy showed hemophagocytosis. Genetic testing of both siblings revealed biallelic mutations in the PRF1 locus. The final diagnosis of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis Type 2 was made. Both siblings underwent chemotherapy. The boy's sixth nerve palsies and MRI abnormalities resolved. Both siblings then went on to undergo bone marrow transplant.
The effect of sensorineural hearing loss on central auditory processing of signals in noise in older adults
Authors: Gürkan Selhan , Mungan Durankaya Serpil
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to explore the effect of sensorineural hearing loss on the central auditory processing of signals in noise using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) in a cohort of older adults.

Design

Three groups of individuals participated in the study. Each group included 33 older adults with normal hearing, those with mild hearing loss and those with moderate hearing loss. N1-P2 peaks of CAEPs by speech stimuli in silent conditions and with varying sound pressure levels of background noise were recorded. CAEP latencies, amplitudes and relative changes in CAEP amplitudes as a function of decreasing signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) in three groups were analyzed using the mixed analysis of variance method.

Results

There was a significant main effect of SNR on all CAEP components, as well as significant main effects of hearing status on N1 latencies, amplitudes and relative changes in N1 amplitudes. A significant interaction was found between hearing status and SNR for relative changes in N1 amplitudes. The normal hearing group differed from both the mild and moderate hearing loss groups in terms of relative changes in N1 amplitudes at SNR 10 dB.

Conclusion

The results showed decreased amplitudes and increased latencies for N1-P2 response as the SNR of CAEP stimuli was lowered. The degree of reduction in the N1 amplitudes of the older people with normal hearing resulting from the increase in the background noise level was greater than those in their sensorineural hearing-impaired counterparts, providing evidence for decreased central inhibition for individuals with age-related hearing loss.
Rapid range shifts in African
Anopheles
mosquitoes over the last century
Authors: Carlson Colin J. , Bannon Ellen , Mendenhall Emily , Newfield Timothy , Bansal Shweta
Published: February 2023

Facing a warming climate, many tropical species—including the arthropod vectors of several infectious diseases—will be displaced to higher latitudes and elevations. These shifts are frequently projected for the future, but rarely documented in the present day. Here, we use one of the most comprehensive datasets ever compiled by medical entomologists to track the observed range limits of African malaria mosquito vectors (
Anopheles
spp.) from 1898 to 2016. Using a simple regression approach, we estimate that these species’ ranges gained an average of 6.5 m of elevation per year, and the southern limits of their ranges moved polewards 4.7 km per year. These shifts would be consistent with the local velocity of recent climate change, and might help explain the incursion of malaria transmission into new areas over the past few decades. Confirming that climate change underlies these shifts, and applying similar methods to other disease vectors, are important directions for future research.
The influence of a soil amendment upon the abundance and interaction of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with arable soils and host winter wheat
Authors: Wilkes Thomas I
Published: February 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form close symbiotic relationships with an estimated 70% of terrestrial plant species and aid in the acquisition of soil nutrients. Due to their symbiotic relationship, AM fungi are able to provide a host with acquired soil bound nutrients in exchange for host produced photosynthetic carbohydrates. AM fungal-host relationships are affected by land and soil management practices employed in arable farming. Tillage, for example, can be one of the most detrimental physical disturbances to AM fungal populations. The present study aims to utilise compost and a commercially available AM fungal inoculant to amend arable soils supporting Zulu winter wheat, under controlled conditions, to determine changes in the degree of AM fungal-host symbiosis, crop growth and development, as well as comment on the potential integration of these soil amendments into arable soil management practices. Soils were sampled from 3 field from each of the 3 participating farms practicing either conventional, reduced, or zero tillage. Soil textures were assessed for each sampled soil. Via the employment of AM fungal symbiosis quantification methods, and proxy parameters for fungal biomass, AM fungi were able to be compared between soil amendments and their effects on crop growth and development. The current study was able to show soils amended with multipurpose compost produced a greater degree of AM fungal-host associations for all soil types across all tillage practices. Compost amended soils were also able to show increases in crop tiller numbers and their respective crop height. Reduced wheat root length was also seen from compost amended soils, however, this was correlated to an increase in AM fungal root arbuscules. Commercial AM fungal inocula, on the other hand, was seen to reduce AM fungal associations with their host as well as have little to no influence on crop root length and crop height. Number of tillers per plant were, however, seen to marginally increase with the addition of a commercial AM fungal inocula. From results presented in the current study, conclusions can be drawn towards the advantageous addition of multipurpose compost to arable soils for the tillage and soil types studied. Furthermore, the addition of compost is a more cost effective change to soil management.
A systematic review of economic evaluations of whole-genome sequencing for the surveillance of bacterial pathogens
Authors: Price Vivien , Ngwira Lucky Gift , Lewis Joseph M. , Baker Kate S. , Peacock Sharon J. , Jauneikaite Elita , Feasey Nicholas
Published: February 2023

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has unparalleled ability to distinguish between bacteria, with many public health applications. The generation and analysis of WGS data require significant financial investment. We describe a systematic review summarizing economic analyses of genomic surveillance of bacterial pathogens, reviewing the evidence for economic viability. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021289030). Six databases were searched on 8 November 2021 using terms related to ‘WGS’, ‘population surveillance’ and ‘economic analysis’. Quality was assessed with the Drummond–Jefferson checklist. Following data extraction, a narrative synthesis approach was taken. Six hundred and eighty-one articles were identified, of which 49 proceeded to full-text screening, with 9 selected for inclusion. All had been published since 2019. Heterogeneity was high. Five studies assessed WGS for hospital surveillance and four analysed foodborne pathogens. Four were cost–benefit analyses, one was a cost–utility analysis, one was a cost-effectiveness analysis, one was a combined cost-effectiveness and cost–utility analysis, one combined cost-effectiveness and cost–benefit analyses and one was a partial analysis. All studies supported the use of WGS as a surveillance tool on economic grounds. The available evidence supports the use of WGS for pathogen surveillance but is limited by marked heterogeneity. Further work should include analysis relevant to low- and middle-income countries and should use real-world effectiveness data.
Using remotely delivered Spring Forest Qigong™ to reduce neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury: A non-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Van de Winckel Ann , Carpentier Sydney T. , Deng Wei , Zhang Lin , Philippus Angela , Monden Kimberley R. , Battaglino Ricardo , Morse Leslie R.
Published: February 2023

Importance

The manuscript proposes the feasibility and potential of a remote Qigong intervention to reduce neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI)-related neuropathic pain.

Objective

We determined the feasibility and estimates of efficacy of a remotely delivered Qigong intervention in adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain.

Design

This is a non-randomized controlled trial with outcomes assessed at baseline-, 6- and 12-weeks of Qigong practice, and at 6-weeks and 1-year follow-up.

Setting

Completely remote clinical trial.

Participants

Adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain, with SCI ≥3 months, with complete or incomplete SCI, and highest neuropathic pain level of >3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). We used nationwide volunteer sampling.

We recruited 23 adults with chronic SCI (7/2021-2/2022). Eighteen participants started the study and completed all study components, including the 6-week follow-up. Twelve participants completed the 1-year follow-up assessment.

Intervention

Participants practiced the Spring Forest Qigong™ “Five Element Healing Movements” with an online video by combining movement with kinesthetic imagery, at least 3x/week for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)

To address the feasibility outcome and track adherence, the website automatically monitored the days and duration that the Qigong video was played. Self-report neuropathic pain intensity and SCI-related symptoms such as spasms, functional performance, mood, and body appreciation were also collected.

Results

Eighteen participants, 60±12 years of age, 15±11 years post-SCI had a highest baselineneuropathic painof 7.94±2.33 on the NPRS, which was reduced to 4.17±3.07 after 12 weeks of Qigong practice (Cohen’sd=1.75). This pain relief remained at 6-week and 1-year follow-ups. Participants reported reduced spasm frequency (change score 1.17±1.20,d=0.98) and severity (0.72±1.02,d=0.71), and reduced interference of neuropathic pain on mood (3.44±2.53,d=1.36), sleep (3.39±2.40,d=1.41), and daily activities (3.17±2.77,d=1.14). They had a greater ability to perform functional activities (Patient Specific Functional Scale, 6.68±3.07,d=2.18) and had improved mood (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, 2.33±3.31,d=0.70).

Conclusions and Relevance

Our preliminary data demonstrate the feasibility of Qigong practice in adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain and promising results of neuropathic pain relief and improvement in SCI-related symptoms after Qigong practice.

Trial Registration (this manuscript refers to the quasi-experimental substudy)

CREATION: A Clinical Trial of Qigong for Neuropathic Pain Relief in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury,NCT04917107,https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04917107.
Neurexin 3 is Essential for the Specific Wiring of a Color Pathway in the Mammalian Retina
Authors: Kunze Vincent P , Angueyra Juan M , Ball John M , Thomsen Michael B , Li Xiaoyi , Sabnis Adit , Nadal-Nicolás Francisco M , Li Wei
Published: February 2023

Precise wiring within sensory systems is critical for the accurate transmission of information. In the visual system, S-cone photoreceptors specialize in detecting short-wavelength light, crucial to color perception and environmental cue detection. S-cones form specific synapses with S-cone bipolar cells (SCBCs), a connection that is remarkably consistent across species. Yet, the molecular mechanisms guiding this specificity remain unexplored. To address this, we used the cone-dominant ground squirrel for deep-sequencing of cone subtype transcriptomes and identifiedNrxn3as an essential molecule for the S-cone to SCBC synapse. Using transgenic mouse models, we further examined the role ofNrxn3in S-cones and discovered a significant reduction of SCBC connections in the absence ofNrxn3. This finding extends the known functions of neurexins, typically associated with synapse regulation, by highlighting their essential role in a specific synaptic connection for the first time. Moreover, the differentially expressed genes identified here pave the way for further investigations into the unique functions of cone subtypes.
Ancient hybridization leads to the repeated evolution of red flowers across a monkeyflower radiation
Authors: Short Aidan W. , Streisfeld Matthew A.
Published: February 2023

The re-use of old genetic variation can promote rapid diversification in evolutionary radiations, but in most cases, the historical events underlying this divergence are not known. For example, ancient hybridization can generate new combinations of alleles that sort into descendant lineages, potentially providing the raw material to initiate divergence. In theMimulus aurantiacusspecies complex, there is evidence for widespread gene flow among members of this radiation. In addition, allelic variation in theMaMyb2gene is responsible for differences in flower color between the closely related ecotypes of subspeciespuniceus, contributing to reproductive isolation by pollinators. Previous work suggested thatMaMyb2was introgressed into the red-flowered ecotype ofpuniceus. However, additional taxa within the radiation have independently evolved red flowers from their yellow-flowered ancestors, raising the possibility that this introgression had a more ancient origin. In this study, we used repeated tests of admixture from whole-genome sequence data across this diverse radiation to demonstrate that there has been both ancient and recurrent hybridization in this group. However, most of the signal of this ancient introgression has been removed due to selection, suggesting that widespread barriers to gene flow are in place between taxa. Yet, a roughly 30 kb region that contains theMaMyb2gene is currently shared among the red-flowered taxa. Patterns of admixture, sequence divergence, and extended haplotype homozygosity across this region confirm a history of ancient hybridization, where functional variants have been preserved due to positive selection in red-flowered taxa but lost in their yellow-flowered counterparts. The results of this study reveal that selection against gene flow can reduce genomic signatures of ancient hybridization, but that historical introgression can provide essential genetic variation that facilitates the repeated origins of phenotypic traits between lineages.
Orthographic deficits but typical visual perceptual processing in Chinese adults with reading disability
Authors: Yan Xiaohui , Chen Jing , Fu Yang , Wu Yu , Ku Yixuan , Cao Fan
Published: February 2023

Visual orthographic deficits have been reported as one of the core deficits in reading disability (RD), however, whether the deficits are orthographic-specific or domain general in all visual processing is still in debate. Hereby, we conducted an fMRI and an EEG study to examine visual orthographic deficits in Chinese adults with RD. In the fMRI study, we found that there was reduced brain activation in the left inferior temporal gyrus and right cuneus gyrus in orthographic processing (lexical minus perceptual), but not in visual perceptual processing (perceptual minus null) in adults with RD, suggesting orthographic-specific deficits. In the EEG study, adults with RD showed typical visual binding as indicated by intermodulation SSVEPs (steady-state visual-evoked potentials) for both real and pseudo characters, suggesting normal neural phase locking in the visual modality. These results consistently suggest orthographic specific deficits but normal visual perceptual processing in adults with RD, deepening our understanding of the underlying deficits associated with RD.
A dynamic balance between neuronal death and clearance after acute brain injury
Authors: Balena Trevor , Lillis Kyle , Rahmati Negah , Bahari Fatemeh , Dzhala Volodymyr , Berdichevsky Eugene , Staley Kevin
Published: February 2023

After acute brain injury, neuronal apoptosis may overwhelm the capacity for microglial phagocytosis, creating a queue of dying neurons awaiting clearance. The size of this queue should be equally sensitive to changes in neuronal death and the rate of phagocytosis. Using rodent organotypic hippocampal slice cultures as a model of acute perinatal brain injury, serial imaging demonstrated that the capacity for microglial phagocytosis of dying neurons was overwhelmed for two weeks. Altering phagocytosis rates, e.g. by changing the number of microglia, dramatically changed the number of visibly dying neurons. Similar effects were generated when the visibility of dying neurons was altered by changing the membrane permeability for vital stains. Canonically neuroprotective interventions such as seizure blockade and neurotoxic maneuvers such as perinatal ethanol exposure were mediated by effects on microglial activity and the membrane permeability of apoptotic neurons, and had either no or opposing effects on healthy surviving neurons.

Significance

After acute brain injury, microglial phagocytosis is overwhelmed by the number of dying cells. Under these conditions, the assumptions on which assays for neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects are based are no longer valid. Thus longitudinal assays of healthy cells, such as assessment of the fluorescence emission of transgenically-expressed proteins, provide more accurate estimates of cell death than do single-time-point anatomical or biochemical assays. More accurate estimates of death rates will increase the translatability of preclinical studies of neuroprotection and neurotoxicity.
The Arabidopsis Concert of Metabolic Acclimation to High Light Stress
Authors: Balcke Gerd Ulrich , Vahabi Khabat , Giese Jonas , Finkemeier Iris , Tissier Alain
Published: February 2023

In plants, exposure to high light irradiation induces various stress responses, which entail complex metabolic rearrangements. To systematically study such dynamic changes, we conducted time course experiments from 2 minutes to 72 hours withArabidopsis thalianaplants exposed to high and control light conditions. We performed comparative metabolomics, transcriptomics, redox proteomics and stable isotope labelling on leaf rosettes. Our data analysis identifies a set of synchronous and successive responses that provide a deeper insight into well-orchestrated mechanisms contributing to high light acclimation. We observe a downregulation of genes encoding light harvesting proteins and a transient restriction of genes involved in linear electron flow through photosystem I. C4 acids, produced via anaplerotic routes, strongly accumulate under high light conditions. Redox homeostasis is tightly balanced by reduced NADPH production, enhanced subcellular redistribution of reducing equivalents across several subcellular compartments via photorespiration and activation of processes that quench reactive oxygen species. In this well-orchestrated network, methylerythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate, fulfills a dual function as intermediate of plastidic isoprenoid production and as a stress signal molecule.
Structural analyses of ‘substrate-pH of activity’ pairing observed in Polysaccharide lyases
Authors: Pandey Shubhant , Berger Bryan W. , Acharya Rudresh
Published: February 2023

Anionic polysaccharides found in nature are functionally and structurally diverse, and so are the polysaccharide lyases (PLs) which catalyse their degradation. Atomic superposition of various PL folds according to their cleavable substrate structure confirm the occurrence of structural convergence at PL active sites. This suggests that various PL folds have emerged to cleave a particular class of anionic polysaccharide during the course of evolution. While structural and mechanistic similarity of PLs active site have been highlighted in earlier studies, a detailed understanding regarding functional properties of this catalytic convergence remains an open question, especially the role of extrinsic factors such as pH in the context of substrate binding and catalysis. Our earlier structural and functional work on pH directed multi-substrate specificity of Smlt1473 inspired us to regroup PLs according to substrate type to analyse the pH dependence of their catalytic activity. Interestingly, we find that particular groups of substrates are cleaved in a particular pH range (acidic/neutral/basic) irrespective of PLs fold, boosting the idea of functional convergence as well. Based on this observation, we set out to define structurally and computationally the key constituents of an active site among PL families. This study delineates the structural determinants of conserved ‘substrate-pH activity pairing’ within and between PL families.
Bayesian hierarchical modeling of size spectra
Authors: Wesner Jeff S. , Pomeranz Justin P.F. , Junker James R. , Gjoni Vojsava
Published: February 2023

A fundamental pattern in ecology is that smaller organisms are more abundant than larger organisms. This pattern is known as the individual size distribution (ISD), which is the frequency of all individual body sizes in an ecosystem.

The ISD is described by a power law and a major goal of size spectra analyses is to estimate the exponent of the power law, λ. However, while numerous methods have been developed to do this, they have focused almost exclusively on estimating λ from single samples.

Here, we develop an extension of the truncated Pareto distribution within the probabilistic modeling language Stan. We use it to estimate multiple λs simultaneously in a hierarchical modeling approach.

The most important result is the ability to examine hypotheses related to size spectra, including the assessment of fixed and random effects, within a single Bayesian generalized (non)-linear mixed model. While the example here uses size spectra, the technique can also be generalized to any data that follows a power law distribution.
Joint Modeling of Gene-Environment Correlations and Interactions using Polygenic Risk Scores in Case-Control Studies
Authors: Wang Ziqiao , Shi Wen , Carroll Raymond J. , Chatterjee Nilanjan
Published: February 2023

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are rapidly emerging as aggregated measures of disease-risk associated with many genetic variants. Understanding the interplay of PRS with environmental factors is critical for interpreting and applying PRS in a wide variety of settings. We develop an efficient method for simultaneously modeling gene-environment correlations and interactions using PRS in case-control studies. We use a logistic-normal regression modeling framework to specify the disease risk and PRS distribution in the underlying population and propose joint inference across the two models using the retrospective likelihood of the case-control data. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate the flexibility of the method in trading-off bias and efficiency for the estimation of various model parameters compared to the standard logistic regression or a case-only analysis for gene-environment interactions, or a control-only analysis for gene-environment correlations. Finally, using simulated case-control datasets within the UK Biobank study, we demonstrate the power of the proposed method for its ability to recover results from the full prospective cohort for the detection of an interaction between long-term oral contraceptive use and PRS on the risk of breast cancer. This method is computationally efficient and implemented in a user-friendly R package.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Lilford’s wall lizard,Podarcis lilfordi(Günther, 1874) from the Balearic Islands (Spain)
Authors: Gomez-Garrido Jessica , Cruz Fernando , Alioto Tyler S. , Feiner Nathalie , Uller Tobias , Gut Marta , Sanchez Escudero Ignacio , Tavecchia Giacomo , Rotger Andreu , Otalora Acevedo Katherin Eliana , Baldo Laura
Published: February 2023

The Mediterranean lizardPodarcis lilfordiis an emblematic species of the Balearic Islands. The extensive phenotypic diversity among extant isolated populations makes the species a great insular model system for eco-evolutionary studies, as well as a challenging target for conservation management plans. Here we report the first high quality chromosome-level assembly and annotation of theP. lilfordigenome, along with its mitogenome, based on a mixed sequencing strategy (10X Genomics linked reads, Oxford Nanopore Technologies long reads and Hi-C scaffolding) coupled with extensive transcriptomic data (Illumina and PacBio). The genome assembly (1.5 Gb) is highly contiguous (N50 = 90 Mb) and complete, with 99% of the sequence assigned to candidate chromosomal sequences and >97% gene completeness. We annotated a total of 25,663 protein-coding genes, assigning 72% to known functions. Comparison to the genome of the related speciesPodarcis muralisrevealed substantial similarity in genome size, annotation metrics, repeat content, and strong collinearity, despite their evolutionary distance (~18-20 MYA). This genome expands the repertoire of available reptilian genomes and will facilitate the exploration of the molecular and evolutionary processes underlying the extraordinary phenotypic diversity of this insular species, while providing a critical resource for conservation genomics.
An efficient and accurate force/torque sensing method based on an excitation trajectory
Authors: Min Kang , Ni Fenglei , Liu Hong
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to propose an efficient and accurate force/torque (F/T) sensing method for the robotic wrist-mounted six-dimensional F/T sensor based on an excitation trajectory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an efficient and accurate F/T sensing method based on an excitation trajectory. First, the dynamic identification model is established by comprehensively considering inertial forces/torques, sensor zero-drift values, robot base inclination errors and forces/torques caused by load gravity. Therefore, the sensing accuracy is improved. Then, the excitation trajectory with optimized poses is used for robot following and data acquisition. The data acquisition is not limited by poses and its time can be significantly shortened. Finally, the least squares method is used to identify parameters and sense contact forces/torques.

Findings

Experiments have been carried out on the self-developed robot manipulator. The results strongly demonstrate that the proposed approach is more efficient and accurate than the existing widely-adopted method. Furthermore, the data acquisition time can be shortened from more than 60 s to 3 s/20 s. Thus, the proposed approach is effective and suitable for fast-paced industrial applications.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this paper are as follows: the dynamic identification model is established by comprehensively considering inertial forces/torques, sensor zero-drift values, robot base inclination errors and forces/torques caused by load gravity; and the excitation trajectory with optimized poses is used for robot following and data acquisition.
The technicians of consumer society: the creation of advertising men and practical advertising knowledge in early twentieth-century Sweden
Authors: Åström Rudberg Elin , Husz Orsi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate an unexplored part of advertising history; namely, the education of a large, mundane, nonelite group of advertising professionals, so-called advertising technicians and the knowledge they acquired. Examining correspondence courses in the technology of advertising, we focus particularly on the production of technified knowledge and mass personas.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a qualitative analysis of course material from Sweden’s two largest correspondence schools in the 1930s and 1940s. Two theoretical concepts guide the analysis: the concept of market devices and the notion of personas, both of which we use to show how the courses crafted a particular kind of advertising professional as well as knowledge.

Findings

The study shows that courses created a template-based persona of the advertising technician, who possessed what we call bounded originality characterized by diligence, modesty and rule-governed creative imagination. Similarly, the courses created a body of knowledge that was controllable and highly practice-oriented. The advertising technician was expected to embody and internalize the advertising knowledge, thus, becoming an extension of this knowledge on the market.

Originality/value

By directing the searchlight at the cadre of ordinary, middle-class advertising professionals instead of the high-profile “advertising creatives” and innovators, the paper brings to the foreground the nonelite level of the advertising industry. These practitioners went to work in the business world to produce the everyday advertising that was not necessarily groundbreaking but was needed in a growing mass-consumption society.
A holistic approach to augmented reality-related research in tourism: through bibliometric analysis
Authors: Hanaa Shafeeque M. , Abdul Azees P.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

With its potential to significantly improve the tourism sector, augmented reality (AR), an emerging technology, is a growing force in the field. It has attracted significant academic attention and expanded publishing options over the past 20 years. However, so far, no review has provided a comprehensive overview of AR-related research in tourism. This work uses the VOS Viewer and Bibliometrix R-package software to present a bibliometric review of the scientific literature in the area of AR-related tourism research in order to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The theme of AR in tourism was searched in the Scopus database. The original search yielded 327 papers in total, which were then filtered based on the parameters. A total of 190 relevant documents were generated by the refining process. For the publications pertaining to AR in tourism, the most cited papers, prominent authors, productive journals and countries, co-authorship among countries, trending topics, thematic map, co-occurrence analysis of keywords and bibliographic coupling of documents were all looked into.

Findings

This report shows a recent rise in research on AR in the tourism industry. The top 10 studies in the topic had a combined total of 1749 citations, while the authors found three papers with more than 200 Scopus citations. Till the date of extraction, 555 writers have contributed to the field of AR in tourism, with Tom Dieck M.C., Chung N. and Jung T. receiving the most citations. According to co-authorship analysis, the UK collaborates with other countries the most. Thematic map has thrown insight into the niche themes and emerging themes in the field. Coupling analysis has revealed four major research streams in the field of AR in tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This study can be considered as a first study to utilize a bibliometric method to address this research gap, identifying the top documents, journals and, most importantly, the future research areas identified through the thematic map analysis of keywords and bibliographic coupling.

Practical implications

Historical growth within this discipline was made clear by an in-depth analysis of the studied themes in this area. Hence, the discovery of relatively new subjects offers scholars the chance to plan their research in this area and thereby enhance the literature. The study is also beneficial for practitioners in the tourism industry.

Originality/value

This work examined previously published publications on AR in tourism using a bibliometric analytic technique. Additionally, it contributes to the current knowledge accumulation in learning about the applicability of AR in tourism and enlightens tourism scholars on the structure of the field.
Study on optimum concrete cover thickness in RC beam and columns under high temperature
Authors: Vishal M. , Satyanarayanan K.S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study delineates the effect of cover thickness on reinforced concrete (RC) columns and beams under an elevated fire scenario. Columns and beams are important load-carrying structural members of buildings. Under all circumstances, the columns and beams were set to be free from damage to avoid structural failure. Under the high-temperature scenario, the RC element may fail because of the material deterioration that occurs owing to the thermal effect. This study attempts to determine the optimum cover thickness for beams and columns under extreme loads and fire conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Cover thicknesses of 30, 40, 45, 50, 60 and 70 mm for the columns and 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 and 70 mm for the beams were adopted in this study. Both steady-state and transient-state conditions under thermomechanical analysis were performed using the finite element method to determine the heat transfer through the RC section and to determine the effect of thermal stresses.

Findings

The results show that the RC elements have a greater influence on the additional cover thickness at extreme temperatures and higher load ratios than at the service stages. The safe limits of the structural members were obtained under the combined effects of elevated temperatures and structural loads. The results also indicate that the compression members have a better thermal performance than the flexural members.

Research limitations/implications

Numerical investigations concerning the high-temperature behavior of structural elements are useful. The lack of an experimental setup encourages researchers to perform numerical investigations. In this study, the finite element models were validated with existing finite element models and experimental results.

Practical implications

The obtained safe limit for the structural members could help to understand their resistance to fire in a real-time scenario. From the safe limit, a suitable design can be preferred while designing the structural members. This could probably save the structure from collapse.

Originality/value

There is a lack of both numerical and experimental research works. In numerical modeling, the research works found in the literature had difficulties in developing a numerical model that satisfactorily represents the structural members under fire, not being able to adequately understand their behavior at high temperatures. None of them considered the influence of the cover thickness under extreme fire and loading conditions. In this paper, this influence was evaluated and discussed.