bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the pulmonary vasculature in the gray short‐tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)—3D reconstruction by microcomputed tomography
Authors: Ferner Kirsten
Published: July 2024

In the marsupial gray short‐tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica), the majority of lung development, including the maturation of pulmonary vasculature, takes place in ventilated functioning state during the postnatal period. The current study uses X‐ray computed tomography (μCT) to three‐dimensionally reconstruct the vascular trees of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein in 15 animals from neonate to postnatal day 57. The final 3D reconstructions of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein in the neonate and at 21, 35, and 57 dpn were transformed into a centerline model of the vascular trees. Based on the reconstructions, the generation of end‐branching vessels, the median and maximum generation, and the number of vessels were calculated for the lungs. The pulmonary vasculature follows the lung anatomy with six pulmonary lobes indicated by the bronchial tree. The pulmonary arteries follow the bronchial tree closely, in contrast to the pulmonary veins, which run between the pulmonary segments. At birth the pulmonary vasculature has a simple branching pattern with a few vessel generations. Compared with the bronchial tree, the pulmonary vasculature appears to be more developed and extends to the large terminal air spaces. The pulmonary vasculature shows a marked gain in volume and a progressive increase in vascular complexity and density. The gray short‐tailed opossum resembles the assumed mammalian ancestor and is suitable to inform on the evolution of the mammalian lung. Vascular genesis in the marsupial bears resemblance to developmental patterns described in eutherians. Lung development in general seems to be highly conservative within mammalian evolution.
Visual mental imagery abilities in autism
Authors: Bled Clara , Guillon Quentin , Mottron Laurent , Soulieres Isabelle , Bouvet Lucie
Published: July 2024

In autistic individuals, the role, performance, and autonomy of perceptual functioning are atypical. Overlapping underlying mechanisms of perception and mental imagery predict that the mental imagery abilities of autistic individuals should differ from those of non‐autistic individuals. While enhanced abilities to manipulate mental images have been demonstrated in autism, the other stages of mental imagery (generation, maintenance, inspection) remain to be explored. Forty‐four autistic adults and 42 typical participants performed four tasks to assess different stages of mental imagery: the Image generation task (mentally generating a letter on a grid and indicating whether it passes over a probe located in the grid), the Visual pattern test (maintaining visual patterns in memory), the Image scanning test (inspecting mental images) and the Mental rotation test (mentally manipulating representations of geometric figures). In the image generation task and the mental rotation test, autistic and typical individuals performed equivalently, both in accuracy and response time. The span observed in the visual pattern test was significantly higher in the autistic group, indicating better maintenance of mental images. In the image scanning test, response times were influenced by the distance to mentally inspect in the typical group but not in the autistic group. Autistic participants were equally fast regardless of distance to inspect. Preserved, greater or differently influenced visual mental imagery abilities are in line with an atypical perceptual functioning in autism, possibly reflecting an increased weight of perception‐based information relatively to the top‐down effect of knowledge and language‐based influence.
AI governance check: Navigating compliance and essential queries for board discussions
Authors: Wood Julie Myers
Published: July 2024

Julie Myers Wood is CEO of Guidepost Solutions, a global leader in domestic and international investigations, compliance solutions, monitoring, and security and technology consulting. In this article, she discusses how boards can best manage the legal and compliance risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.
In vivo and in vitro chemical composition and biological activity of traditional vs. dispensing granule decoctions of Coptidis Rhizoma: A comparative study
Authors: Wang Panpan , Gui Xinjing , Xu Manwen , Dong Fengyu , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Qi , Wang Yanli , Yao Jing , Lu Lu , Liu Ruixin
Published: July 2024

Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) holds significant clinical importance. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of CR's dispensing granule decoction (DGD) and traditional decoction (TD) to establish a comprehensive evaluation method for the quality of DGD. We selected nine batches of DGD (three from each of manufacturers A, B and C) and 10 batches of decoction pieces for analysis. We determined the content of representative components using high‐performance liquid chromatography and assessed the content of blood components in vivo post‐administration using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The antibacterial activity was measured using the drug‐sensitive tablet method. To evaluate the overall consistency of DGD and TD, we employed the CRITIC method and Grey relational analysis method. Our CRITIC results indicated no significant difference between the CRITIC scores of DGD‐B and TD, with DGD‐B exhibiting the highest consistency and overall quality. However, DGD‐A and DGD‐C showed variations in CRITIC scores compared with TD. After equivalent correction, the quality of DGD‐A and DGD‐C approached that of TD. Furthermore, our Grey relational analysis results supported the findings of the CRITIC method. This study offers a novel approach to evaluate the consistency between DGD and TD, providing insights into improving the quality of DGD.
Neural foveated super‐resolution for real‐time VR rendering
Authors: Ye Jiannan , Meng Xiaoxu , Guo Daiyun , Shang Cheng , Mao Haotian , Yang Xubo
Published: July 2024

As virtual reality display technologies advance, resolutions and refresh rates continue to approach human perceptual limits, presenting a challenge for real‐time rendering algorithms. Neural super‐resolution is promising in reducing the computation cost and boosting the visual experience by scaling up low‐resolution renderings. However, the added workload of running neural networks cannot be neglected. In this article, we try to alleviate the burden by exploiting the foveated nature of the human visual system, in a way that we upscale the coarse input in a heterogeneous manner instead of uniform super‐resolution according to the visual acuity decreasing rapidly from the focal point to the periphery. With the help of dynamic and geometric information (i.e., pixel‐wise motion vectors, depth, and camera transformation) available inherently in the real‐time rendering content, we propose a neural accumulator to effectively aggregate the amortizedly rendered low‐resolution visual information from frame to frame recurrently. By leveraging a partition‐assemble scheme, we use a neural super‐resolution module to upsample the low‐resolution image tiles to different qualities according to their perceptual importance and reconstruct the final output adaptively. Perceptually high‐fidelity foveated high‐resolution frames are generated in real‐time, surpassing the quality of other foveated super‐resolution methods.
RSM and ANN‐Based Optimized Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction of Functional Components from Olive Fruit (cv Arbequina): Assessment of Antioxidant Attributes and GC‐MS Metabolites Profiling
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Anwar Farooq , Qadir Rahman , Batool Fozia , Mustaqeem Muhammad , Mohsin Ali Rana
Published: July 2024

The current study devises an optimized ethanolic extraction for efficient recovery of high‐value components from Pakistani olives (cv. Arbequina) using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networking (ANN). Four factors such as time, temperature, solvent concentration, and solute weight (g/100 mL) were evaluated as independent variables for determining the response (% yield). The results obtained under optimum extraction conditions such as duration (25 min), temperature (45 °C), solvent concentration (65 %; ethanol: water v/v), and solute (7.50 g/100 mL) offered bioactives extract yield of 40.96 % from Arbiquina olives. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the RSM model showed significant p‐values and a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9960, confirming model's reliability. The results of ANN, which employed the multilayer perceptron design, were fairly in line with the findings of the experiments. The antioxidant characteristics and GC‐MS metabolite profile of the obtained extracts were examined. Arbequina olive extract (AOE) demonstrated very good antioxidant ability in terms of total phenolic, total flavonoid contents, and DPPH radical scavenging. The GC‐MS analysis of AOE confirmed the presence of several bioactives, including oleic acid (36.22 %), hydroxytyrosol (3.95 %), tyrosol (3.32 %), β‐sitosterol (2.10 %), squalene (1.10 %), sinapic acid (0.67 %), α‐tocopherol (0.66 %), vanillic acid (0.56 %), 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (0.31 %), and quercetin (0.21 %). The suggested optimized extraction method can be employed to efficiently extract a wide variety of high‐value components from olives with potential for nutraceutical applications.
Comparative analysis of yield and quality traits in two elite Chinese wheat varieties under varied nitrogen fertilizations and environmental conditions
Authors: Xu Kaijie , Zhang Zhaoxing , Tian Wenfei , Zhi Lei , Yan Junliang , Yan Jun , Zheng Chengyan , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yong , He Zhonghu
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

This study explored the impact of nitrogen (N) application on yield and breadmaking as well as arabinoxylan (AX) content of wheat varieties Zhongmai 578 and Jimai 22 across varied environments, aiming to optimize N levels for improved outcomes.

Findings

Significant N effects were observed on yield, flour properties, and breadmaking quality traits. Both varieties displayed high yield potential and stability, with Zhongmai 578 excelling in thousand kernel weight and Jimai 22 in spike number. Optimal N rates varied by location, with some achieving peak yields at reduced N levels. Processing traits like dough properties and bread‐making quality were influenced by E × N interactions. Arabinoxylans profiles was not affected by different N input.

Conclusions

Customizing N applications to specific environment is critical for maximizing wheat yield potential and quality. Environmental considerations are integral for achieving desired processing traits and yield, highlighting the need for tailored N strategies in wheat cultivation.

Significance and Novelty

This study emphasizes the importance of site‐specific optimization of N levels for enhanced yield and processing quality. It offers novel insights into site‐specific N management, showcasing its relevance in modern agricultural practices for sustainable crop production.
Type 3B jejunoileal atresia management at a tertiary hospital in northern Tanzania: A report of three cases
Authors: Rwomurushaka Evance Salvatory , Msuya David , Mbwambo Robert , Lodhia Jay
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Jejunalileal atresia is a cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn, hence a surgical emergency. Prenatal diagnosis can be made by simple obstetric ultrasound and postnatal by plain abdominal x‐ray to plan a multidisciplinary approach to reduce morbidity and neonatal mortality.

Atresia can occur anywhere along the intestines and is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in neonates. Jejunoileal atresia (JIA) is a rare disease occurring in 2.1 per 10,000 live births. Type 3b jejunoileal atresia occurs in 11% of all small bowel atresia. We present three cases of type 3b jejunoileal atresia. They were all missed by prenatal ultrasonography, and presented with features of intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis was confirmed by plain abdominal x‐rays and ultrasound, followed by laparotomy. Postoperative care was given in the neonatal unit according to local protocols. One recovered, however, two succumbed from neonatal infection. Jejunoileal atresia requires surgery and long postoperative care, with outcomes associated with numerous prognostic factors including multidisciplinary care and neonatal intensive care. Jejunoileal atresia is less commonly associated with other congenital anomalies, unlike duodenal atresia. Efforts are needed to scale up prenatal diagnosis of jejunoileal atresia, and therefore to plan for appropriate care after delivery. Also, further studies are needed to understand neonatal sepsis in the postoperative period and ways to improve outcomes.
Efficient removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from wastewater using amidoxime functionalized graphene oxide
Authors: Zou Lin , Shang Wan , Min Tingting , Zhang Biyu , Yuan Lu , Peng Xin , Chen Xiangping
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to develop iminodiethylamine oxime graphite oxide (IOGO) through the grafting of iminodiethylamine oxime onto graphene oxide (GO) via amidation and oximation. The primary objective was to investigate the adsorption characteristics of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions on IOGO. Results demonstrated that IOGO exhibited exceptional adsorption capabilities, reaching maximum adsorption capacities of 798.87 mg/g for Pb(II) and 283.50 mg/g for Cd(II). Remarkably, IOGO maintained its high adsorption performance over five consecutive adsorption cycles. Specifically, the adsorption capacity for Pb(II) remained significantly stable at 480.78 mg/g, exhibiting only an 8.77% decrease. Similarly, the Cd(II) adsorption capacity remained robust at 204.13 mg/g, demonstrating a modest reduction of 10.47%. These findings underscore the feasibility of employing IOGO in repeated adsorption processes, thereby showcasing its potential for practical applications in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions.
Opioid neurotoxicity: A case series and review from members of the Child Neurology Society Neurocritical Care Special Interest Group
Authors: Boerwinkle Varina L. , Sweatt Imani H. , Grzezulkowska Aniela , Reuther William R. , Gelinne Aaron , Cediel Emilio G. , Mithal Divakar S. , Quinsey Carolyn S. , Elton Scott W.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The Child Neurology Society 2023 Annual Meeting Neurocritical Care Special Interest Group discussed pediatric opioid use–associated neurotoxicity with cerebellar edema (POUNCE). Inspired by the discussion and the suspicion of an underrecognized severe form of the disorder, we provide a case series and literature review on this important and emerging topic.

Methods

The meeting was moderated by coauthor DSM, with formal presentation by coauthor AG, and supplemented with a supporting case by coauthor VLB. The attendees, by show of hand, were queried for experience with direct care of children in the critical care unit with neurotoxicity from opioid exposure. These meeting elements informed our literature review and case series.

Results

A key focus of the meeting was the importance of interdisciplinary communication regarding POUNCE, emphasizing the necessity for neurosurgical assessment due to mass effect. Approximately 10 of 40 attendees, representing different US hospitals, reported caring for children with opioid neurotoxicity and concern for increased intracranial pressure. Described during the meeting was a 2‐year‐old girl with opioid exposure, rapidly worsening neurological exam, and transforaminal herniation concerning for severe POUNCE syndrome and impact on brain networks by resting‐state functional magnetic resonanance imaging (rs‐MRI). After surgical decompression did not improve her neurological function, she underwent rs‐MRI, electroencephalogram, and MRI. The networks indicated better neurological function than the exam, consistent with outcome. In contrast, the second patient, was an 11‐month‐old boy with fentanyl exposure who was treated for opioid overdose and closely monitored clinically. He did not require surgical intervention and has recovered well.

Interpretation

These patients add to the few publications documenting the management of POUNCE, which may require urgent posterior cranial fossa decompression, and highlight the potential for good outcomes. Additionally, this is the first report documenting rs‐fMRI for this condition, which was consistent with the patient's outcome.
Multiparametric identification of putative senescent cells in skeletal muscle via mass cytometry
Authors: Li Yijia , Baig Nameera , Roncancio Daniel , Elbein Kris , Lowe Dawn , Kyba Michael , Arriaga Edgar A.
Published: July 2024

Senescence is an irreversible arrest of the cell cycle that can be characterized by markers of senescence such as p16, p21, and KI‐67. The characterization of different senescence‐associated phenotypes requires selection of the most relevant senescence markers to define reliable cytometric methodologies. Mass cytometry (a.k.a. Cytometry by time of flight, CyTOF) can monitor up to 40 different cell markers at the single‐cell level and has the potential to integrate multiple senescence and other phenotypic markers to identify senescent cells within a complex tissue such as skeletal muscle, with greater accuracy and scalability than traditional bulk measurements and flow cytometry‐based measurements. This article introduces an analysis framework for detecting putative senescent cells based on clustering, outlier detection, and Boolean logic for outliers. Results show that the pipeline can identify putative senescent cells in skeletal muscle with well‐established markers such as p21 and potential markers such as GAPDH. It was also found that heterogeneity of putative senescent cells in skeletal muscle can partly be explained by their cell type. Additionally, autophagy‐related proteins ATG4A, LRRK2, and GLB1 were identified as important proteins in predicting the putative senescent population, providing insights into the association between autophagy and senescence. It was observed that sex did not affect the proportion of putative senescent cells among total cells. However, age did have an effect, with a higher proportion observed in fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), satellite cells, M1 and M2 macrophages from old mice. Moreover, putative senescent cells from muscle of old and young mice show different expression levels of senescence‐related proteins, with putative senescent cells of old mice having higher levels of p21 and GAPDH, whereas putative senescent cells of young mice had higher levels of IL‐6. Overall, the analysis framework prioritizes multiple senescence‐associated proteins to characterize putative senescent cells sourced from tissue made of different cell types.
Optimizing energy‐efficient data replication for IoT applications in fog computing
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Awad , Diabat Ali , Abualigah Laith
Published: July 2024

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has given rise to an era marked by interconnected devices and substantial data generation. This has led to an increased reliance on cloud computing for data processing and storage, primarily due to its cost‐effective pay‐for‐use model. However, this dependence has prompted critical inquiries into the optimal replication of data: what data to replicate, when to replicate it, and where to place new replicas strategically. Conventional cloud data replication often results in resource overutilization, performance bottlenecks, increased workloads, energy consumption, prolonged user wait times, and suboptimal response times. In response to these challenges, this paper introduces a novel approach named Multiobjective Optimization Harris Hawks Optimization with Salp Swarm Algorithm (MOHHOSSA). This approach employs multiobjective optimization (MOO) alongside Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) and IoT‐based Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) for cloud computing environments. MOHHOSSA efficiently identifies data replication opportunities and strategically allocates them across nodes in cloud computing infrastructures. The algorithm aims to enhance key performance metrics, including energy consumption, carbon dioxide emission rate, and mean service time. Extensive experimental validation demonstrates MOHHOSSA's superior performance compared to alternative algorithms. It excels in optimizing energy efficiency, load distribution, mean service time, and the establishment of cost‐effective communication paths between nodes. This research represents a significant advancement in addressing challenges related to IoT data replication in cloud computing, ultimately promoting more sustainable, efficient, and responsive cloud‐based services.
Maximization of sum rate for Wireless Powered Communication Network with Intelligent Reflecting Surface and NOMA in the nonappearance of uplink and downlink beamforming matrix, subject to transmit power and time
Authors: Ampoma Affum Emmanuel , Tweneboah‐Koduah Samuel , Kubi Appiah Michael , Gyamfi Eric , Adeola Ajagbe Sunday , Agyeman Antwi Owusu , Adigun Matthew
Published: July 2024

Wireless Powered Communication Networks (WPCNs) represent a transformative approach to address the energy demands of mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By integrating Nonorthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) and Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS), we can significantly enhance system performance, extend coverage, and elevate the sum rate. NOMA efficiently utilizes the entire bandwidth by employing a power allocation strategy, whereas IRS, serving as an alternative to traditional relay amplification, further bolsters the sum rate. Despite these advancements, optimizing the sum rate introduces a nonconvex optimization challenge, primarily owing to the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) complexities introduced by NOMA's Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC). Traditional convex optimization solvers, such as the CVX, struggle to address nonconvexity directly. Consequently, they were unable to produce the desired outcome. Moreover, the combination of multiple technologies to improve the sum rate complicates the optimization framework, necessitating a multitude of constraints that not only heightens the mathematical complexity but also induces errors through the requisite approximations for convexity conversion. To circumvent these hurdles, we advocate the application of a minimum constrained nonlinear multivariable function (Fmincon). This approach enables us to tackle the nonconvex problem head‐on, maintaining consistent simulation parameters while limiting constraints to two pivotal factors: joint optimization of the transmit power (
) and transmit time (
). This strategic simplification mitigates complexity and minimizes errors. Our numerical analyses confirmed the efficacy of the proposed model and optimization technique. By co‐optimizing the transmission power and time, we achieved a notable sum rate. Comparative evaluations with extant models underscored the superior performance of our proposed framework, marking a significant stride in WPCN advancement.
Detection of transgenes in equine dried blood spots using digital PCR and qPCR for gene doping control
Authors: Maniego Jillian , Harding Caitlin , Habershon‐Butcher Jocelyn , Hincks Pamela , Stewart Graham , Proudman Christopher , Ryder Edward
Published: July 2024

Due to the ease of collection, transport and storage, the use of dried blood spots (DBS) offers an attractive alternative matrix for detection of the abuse of gene therapy, otherwise known as gene doping. This study evaluated the recovery, extraction efficiency and resulting detection capability of DNA from DBS by evaluating different target types, DNA extraction kits, the number of punches and blood tube preservatives. The long‐term storage stability of low‐copy‐number transgene targets in DBS was not assessed in this study but would be noteworthy to investigate further. DNA was quantified using two detection methods: qPCR and digital PCR (dPCR). Using six punches with the Qiagen Investigator kit gave the best overall DNA yield compared with other extraction methods. Including three punches, however, gave better DNA extraction efficiency. Reference material could be detected using qPCR and dPCR in DBS spiked with 5000 copies/mL of blood (approximately 15 copies per 3 mm of punch). The optimal DNA extraction protocol was used on DBS samples from a custom recombinant adeno‐associated virus administration study and showed successful detection of vector targets in DBS samples.
Examining Identity Functioning in Anorexia Nervosa Across Illness and Recovery Stages
Authors: Croce Scarlett R. , Malcolm Amy C. , Ralph‐Nearman Christina , Phillipou Andrea
Published: July 2024

Objective

Research suggests that identity functioning (i.e., sense of self) issues may be a core feature of anorexia nervosa (AN). We aimed to investigate differences in identity functioning among women with AN at varying illness and recovery stages, and women with no history of eating disorders (non‐ED controls). It was hypothesized that those with current AN (AN‐C), weight‐restored (AN‐WR), and partial recovered individuals (AN‐PR) would show poorer identity functioning than fully recovered individuals (AN‐FR) and non‐ED controls.

Method

Women (334) with AN‐C (n = 74), AN‐WR (n = 90), AN‐PR (n = 19), AN‐FR (n = 22), and non‐ED controls (n = 129) completed online self‐report measures of identity functioning and ED symptom severity.

Results

The AN‐C group showed significantly poorer overall identity functioning, poorer consolidated identity, and significantly worse disturbed and lack of identity, than the AN‐PR, AN‐FR, and non‐ED Control groups. The AN‐WR group showed significantly poorer overall identity function, and worse lack of identity, than the AN‐FR and non‐ED Controls, and poorer consolidated identity and disturbed identity than non‐ED Controls. Identity scores did not significantly differ between AN‐PR, AN‐FR, and non‐ED Controls.

Discussion

Differences in identity functioning are identifiable among individuals at different AN recovery stages, and thus may represent an important state‐based feature of AN, making it an important area of consideration in treatment.
Utilizing digitized occurrence records of Midwestern feral Cannabis sativa to develop ecological niche models
Authors: Ford Tori , Aina Ademola , Ellison Shelby , Gordon Tyler , Stansell Zachary
Published: July 2024

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has historically played a vital role in agriculture across the globe. Feral and wild populations have served as genetic resources for breeding, conservation, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. However, feral populations of Cannabis, specifically in the Midwestern United States, remain poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the abiotic tolerances of these populations, estimate suitable areas, identify regions at risk of abiotic suitability change, and highlight the utility of ecological niche models (ENMs) in germplasm conservation. The Maxent algorithm was used to construct a series of ENMs. Validation metrics and MOP (Mobility‐oriented Parity) analysis were used to assess extrapolation risk and model performance. We also projected the final projected under current and future climate scenarios (2021–2040 and 2061–2080) to assess how abiotic suitability changes with time. Climate change scenarios indicated an expansion of suitable habitat, with priority areas for germplasm collection in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. This study demonstrates the application of ENMs for characterizing feral Cannabis populations and highlights their value in germplasm conservation and breeding efforts. Populations of feral C. sativa in the Midwest are of high interest, and future research should focus on utilizing tools to aid the collection of materials for the characterization of genetic diversity and adaptation to a changing climate.
Diet components associated with specific bacterial taxa shape overall gut community compositions in omnivorous African viverrids
Authors: Storm Malou B. , Arfaoui Emilia M. R. , Simelane Phumlile , Denlinger Jason , Dias Celine Alfredo , da Conceição Ana Gledis , Monadjem Ara , Bohmann Kristine , Poulsen Michael , Bodawatta Kasun H.
Published: July 2024

Gut bacterial communities provide flexibility to hosts during dietary changes. Despite the increasing number of studies exploring the associations between broader dietary guilds of mammalian hosts and their gut bacteria, it is generally unclear how diversity and variability in consumed diets link to gut bacterial taxa in wild non‐primate mammals, particularly in omnivores. Here, we contribute to filling this gap by exploring consumed diets and gut bacterial community compositions with metabarcoding of faecal samples for two African mammals, Civettictis civetta and Genetta spp., from the family Viverridae. For each individual sample, we characterised bacterial communities and identified dietary taxa by sequencing vertebrate, invertebrate and plant markers. This led us to establish diet compositions that diverged from what has previously been found from visual identification methods. Specifically, while the two genera have been categorised into the same dietary guild, we detected more animal dietary items than plant items in C. civetta, while in Genetta spp., we observed the opposite. We further found that individuals with similar diets have similar gut bacterial communities within both genera. This association tended to be driven by specific links between dietary items and gut bacterial genera, rather than communities as a whole, implying diet‐driven selection for specific gut microbes in individual wild hosts. Our findings underline the importance of molecular tools for improving characterisations of omnivorous mammalian diets and highlight the opportunities for simultaneously disentangling links between diets and gut symbionts. Such insights can inform robustness and flexibility in host‐microbe symbioses to dietary change associated with seasonal and habitat changes.
Ecological niche contributes to the persistence of the western × glaucous‐winged gull hybrid zone
Authors: Geng Xuewen , Summers Jeremy , Chen Nancy
Published: July 2024

Hybrid zones occur in nature when populations with limited reproductive barriers overlap in space. Many hybrid zones persist over time, and different models have been proposed to explain how selection can maintain hybrid zone stability. More empirical studies are needed to elucidate the role of ecological adaptation in maintaining stable hybrid zones. Here, we investigated the role of exogenous factors in maintaining a hybrid zone between western gulls (Larus occidentalis) and glaucous‐winged gulls (L. glaucescens). We used ecological niche models (ENMs) and niche similarity tests to quantify and examine the ecological niches of western gulls, glaucous‐winged gulls, and their hybrids. We found evidence of niche divergence between all three groups. Our results support the bounded superiority model, providing further evidence that exogenous selection favoring hybrids may be an important factor in maintaining this stable hybrid zone.
PD‐1 regulation of pathogenic IL‐17‐secreting γδ T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Leane Charlotte M. , Sutton Caroline E. , Moran Barry , Mills Kingston H.G.
Published: July 2024

The PD‐1‐PD‐L1 immune checkpoint helps to maintain self‐tolerance and prevent the development of autoimmune diseases. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are successful immunotherapeutics for several cancers, but responding patients can develop immune‐mediated adverse events. It is well established that PD‐1 regulates CD4 and CD8 T‐cell responses, but its role in controlling the activation of pathogenic γδ T cells is less clear. Here we examined the role of PD‐1 in regulating γδ T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. We found that PD‐1 was highly expressed on CD27− Vγ4 γδ T cells in the lymph node (LN) and CNS of mice with EAE. Treatment of mice with anti‐PD‐1 significantly augmented IL‐17A‐producing CD27− Vγ4 γδ T cells in the LN and CNS and enhanced the severity of EAE. The exacerbating effect of anti‐PD‐1 on EAE was lost in Tcrd−/− mice. Conversely, ligation of PD‐1 suppressed Il17a and Rorc gene expression and IL‐17A production by purified Vγ4 γδ T cells stimulated via the TCR, but not with IL‐1β and IL‐23. Our study demonstrates that PD‐1 regulates TCR‐activated CD27− Vγ4 γδ T cells, but that cytokine‐activated IL‐17A producing γδ T cells escape the regulatory effects of the PD‐1‐PD‐L1 pathway.
High‐level performances following low altitude training and tapering in warm environments in elite racewalkers
Authors: Krumm Bastien , Vallance Brent , Burke Louise , Garcia Johan , Bouten Janne , Brocherie Franck , Saugy Jonas J. , Botrè Francesco , Faiss Raphael
Published: July 2024

Current guidelines for prolonged altitude exposure suggest altitude levels ranging from 2000 to 2500 m to optimize an increase in total hemoglobin mass (Hbmass). However, natural low altitude locations (<2000 m) remain popular, highlighting the interest to investigate any possible benefit of low altitude camps for endurance athletes. Ten elite racewalkers (4 women and 6 men) underwent a 4‐week “live high‐train high” (LHTH) camp at an altitude of 1720 m (PIO2 = 121 mmHg; 20.1°C; 67% relative humidity [RH]), followed by a 3‐week tapering phase (20 m; PIO2 = 150 mmHg; 28.3°C; 53% RH) in preparation for the World Athletics Championships (WC). Venous blood samples were withdrawn weekly during the entire observation period. In addition, blood volumes were determined weekly by carbon monoxide rebreathing during altitude exposure and 2 weeks after return to sea level. High‐level performances were achieved at the WC (five placings among the Top 10 WC races and three all‐time career personal bests). A slight but significant increase in absolute (+1.7%, p = 0.03) and relative Hbmass (+2.3%, p = 0.02) was observed after 4‐week LHTH. In addition, as usually observed during LHTH protocols, weekly training distance (+28%, p = 0.02) and duration (+30%, p = 0.04) significantly increased during altitude compared to the pre‐LHTH period. Therefore, although direct causation cannot be inferred, these results suggest that the combination of increased training load at low altitudes with a subsequent tapering period in a warm environment is a suitable competition‐preparation strategy for elite endurance athletes.
Characterization of shale pore heterogeneity and its controlling factors: A case study of the Longmaxi Formation in Western Hubei, China
Authors: Diao Zongbao , Huo Feifei , Li Pengfei
Published: July 2024

To quantitatively characterize the complexity of shale pore structures and their controlling factors in the Longmaxi Formation of Western Hubei, our study focused on the organic‐rich shale outcrops of the Longmaxi Formation in the Yidu‐Hefeng compound anticline. We conducted tests for shale organic content, maturity, and whole‐rock mineral composition, along with employing high‐pressure mercury injection and low‐temperature gas adsorption experiments. Utilizing the V‐S, FHH, and sponge models, we calculated the fractal dimensions of micro‐, meso‐, and macropores. In the Yidu‐Hefeng region, the Longmaxi Formation is characterized by calcium‐rich shales that are abundant in organic matter. Our analysis of samples revealed a total organic carbon (TOC) ranging between 1.04% and 4.24%, with an average of 2.5%. The Ro values fluctuate between 2.98% and 3.57%, with a mean value of 2.845%, indicating an over‐mature stage from early to late thermogenesis. Constituents such as quartz span from 39.8% to 51.3%, with a median of 44.3%, while feldspar oscillates between 3.8% and 12.4%, averaging at 8.48%. Clay minerals constitute 24.3% to 41.7% of the samples, with a mean of 34.16%. Shale porosity exhibits a segmented fractal nature. For instance, D1 varies from 2.1278 to 2.4056, with a mean of 2.2767; D2 fluctuates between 2.4995 and 2.7492, averaging at 2.6309; and D3 ranges from 2.6835 to 2.9427, centering around 2.8111. These variations indicate the intricacies of the macropore structure. Positive correlations between TOC and maturity with D1 and D2 are evident, whereas a negative association is observed with D3. The collaborative interplay between siliceous minerals and organics mirrors the relationship between the siliceous mineral content and its fractal dimensions, akin to TOC. Clay mineral transformations, due to accumulation and dehydration, predominantly contribute to macro‐porosity, weakly aligning negatively with D1 and D2 but positively with D3. Variations in carbonate and siliceous minerals and their role in primarily yielding dissolution macropores manifest a subtle negative link with D1 and D2 while enhancing D3. Pore volume correlates positively with D1 and D2, exhibits no conspicuous association with D3, and trends negatively. The compaction and transformation processes of clay minerals seem to favor the generation of macropores, mildly aligning positively with D3.
Prediction of storage years of Wuyi rock tea Shuixian by metabolites analysis
Authors: Song Xiaoyue , Wu Zhifeng , Liang Quanming , Ma Chunhua , Cai Pumo
Published: July 2024

Wuyi rock teas of different storage duration have different flavor, bioactivity, and market value, Shuixian is a main variety of Wuyi rock tea. In this study, metabolites composition of Shuixian with different storage years were analyzed using Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography‐Quadrupole‐Time of Flight‐Mass Spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS). A total of 1201 compounds were identified, and 104 differential compounds (VIP > 1.5) were determined. Furthermore, the results showed that five compounds exhibited a positive correlation with storage time, such as alpha‐terpineol formate, carnosol, 2‐phenethyl‐D‐glucopyranoside, Ellagic acid, and D‐ribosyl nicotinic acid, while 24 compounds showed a negative correlation, such as Ethyl linoleate, leucocyanidin, cis‐3‐hexenyl acetate. In total, 29 signature compounds significantly correlated with storage time. These findings shed light on the patterns and mechanisms of changes in the composition of Wuyi rock tea during storage and provide a theoretical foundation for distinguishing the storage years.
Left‐behind cumulative risk and academic adjustment in Chinese middle school students: The moderating effect of growth mindset
Authors: Wang Yining , Liu Wen , Liang Ye , Li Yongqiang , Fan Xingnan , Jiang Xinyu , Su Yanjie
Published: July 2024

Left‐behind children, as a large‐scale disadvantaged group, encounter an array of risk factors that impede their academic development because of parental migration. The current study aimed at investigating the roles of left‐behind cumulative risk and growth mindset on academic adjustment and exploring whether growth mindset moderated the association between left‐behind cumulative risk and academic adjustment in left‐behind middle school students. A total of 1184 left‐behind middle school students (615 males; 12–16 years) participated in the study. Results indicated that left‐behind cumulative risk is negatively associated with academic adjustment in middle school students (β = −.199, t(1183) = −7.229, p < .001). Besides, growth mindset has a protective effect on left‐behind middle school students' academic adjustment (β = .386, t(1183) = 14.070, p < .001) and a moderating effect on the relationship between left‐behind cumulative risk and academic adjustment (β = .394, t(1182) = 4.057, p < .001, ΔR2 = .012). These findings suggest that family risk factors related to left‐behind status affect the academic adjustment of left‐behind middle school students in a superposition way, while the positive individual factor of growth mindset could protect the negative impact caused by parental migration.
Human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived hepatocyte platform in modeling of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Zhang Ruiqi , Wei Rui , Yuan Yangyang , Li Na , Hu Yang , Chan Kwok‐Hung , Hung Ivan Fan‐Ngai , Tse Hung‐Fat
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim

Currently, SARS‐CoV‐2 is still spreading rapidly and globally. A large proportion of patients with COVID‐19 developed liver injuries. The human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived hepatocytes recapitulate primary human hepatocytes and have been widely used in studies of liver diseases.

Methods

To explore the susceptibility of hepatocytes to SARS‐CoV‐2, we differentiated iPSCs to functional hepatocytes and tried infecting them with different MOI (1, 0.1, 0.01) of SARS‐CoV‐2.

Results

The iPSC‐derived hepatocytes are highly susceptible to virus infection, even at 0.01 MOI. Other than the ancestral strain, iHeps also support the replication of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants including alpha, beta, theta, and delta. More interestingly, the ACE2 expression significantly upregulated after infection, suggesting a vicious cycle between virus infection and liver injury.

Conclusions

The iPSC‐derived hepatocytes can support the replication of SARS‐CoV‐2, and this platform could be used to investigate the SARS‐CoV‐2 hepatotropism and hepatic pathogenic mechanisms.
When organs collide: A rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Egan Darragh , Reji Rohita , Mitchell Tim
Published: July 2024

A 72‐year‐old man was referred to our Emergency Department with a 2‐week history of melaena. His medical history was relevant for Atrial Fibrillation and Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) in remission on most recent PET. Our patient responded to resuscitative management and then went on to have upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation to elucidate the cause of bleeding. As seen in the images, endoscopy showed a gross defect in fundal wall with evidence of extrinsic infiltration by a large vascular mass‐like structure, suspected to be spleen. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen and pelvis confirmed a gastrosplenic fistula as well as new lymphadenopathy. The findings were in keeping with recurrence of NHL. Discussion at multidisciplinary meeting deemed his gastrosplenic fistula unsuitable for surgical repair. He was managed conservatively, had a nasojejunal (NJ) tube inserted for feeding, and clinically improved on the ward. Our patient expressed a preference not to undergo further chemotherapy, having struggled quite significantly with his initial chemotherapy. He was discharged home 23 days following admission. At this stage, his NJ tube was removed and he was tolerating oral diet. He is currently being managed by the Palliative Care team in the community.
Potassium induced suppression of magnesium uptake and translocation is limited in oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Dölger Jasper Lauritz , Pitann Britta , Mühling Karl H.
Published: July 2024

The main cause of magnesium (Mg2+) deficiency in plants is its competition with potassium (K+). Besides uptake antagonism, previous studies also suggested that high [K+] inhibits root‐shoot translocation of Mg2+. In this study on oat, root elemental analysis revealed an evident but, with further increasing K+/Mg2+ ratio, limited suppression of Mg2+ uptake. In contrast, shoot [Mg2+] showed little or no reduction. This indicated a translocation synergism, as the suppression of the root [Mg2+] by K+ was counterbalanced. Oat thus provides new insights and raises new questions about the interactions of K+/Mg2+, in particular on the role of specific Mg2+ transporters. A better understanding of this interaction may help to counter the worldwide Mg deficiency more effectively.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome co‐occurring with superior mesenteric artery syndrome in adolescents
Authors: Shanker A. Isabella , Li B. U. K. , Kramer Robert E.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Both superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) may present with abdominal pain, nausea, and emesis – making them difficult to differentiate or determine when they co‐occur in adolescents who regularly use cannabis. Here, we present nine cases of CHS co‐occurring with SMAS and characterize their clinical courses.

Methods

Patients admitted at Children's Hospital of Colorado between January 1, 2015, and March 23, 2023, who had both cannabis use (F12.1–F12.99) and chronic vascular disorders of the intestine (K55.1) on their problem lists were identified from the electronic medical record using ICD 10 codes. Nine met criteria for SMAS and chronic cannabis use.

Results

Six of nine patients were female. The most common presenting symptoms were nausea (9), vomiting (9), and weight loss (9). Four patients received cannabis cessation support. Patients lost a mean of 6.0 kg, had an average body mass index (BMI) of 15.61 percentile (17.7 kg/m2) and BMI Z‐scores of −1.5. Symptoms were present for a mean of 19.6 weeks before diagnosis.

Conclusions

Adolescents who experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss in association with chronic cannabis use and/or SMAS can present with confusing and overlapping symptoms. Our cohort was described as having CHS with co‐occurring SMAS on imaging. Although the etiology of weight loss cannot be definitively ascertained, we postulate that the recurring emetic attacks from CHS led to weight loss resulting in SMAS. Improvement in diagnostic criteria for this population as well as cannabis cessation programming may aid in deceasing morbidity from these co‐occurring conditions.
Leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. kurrat) aqueous extract loaded on selenium nanoparticles protects against testis and brain injury induced by mercuric chloride in rats
Authors: Mumtaz Farah , Farag Bahaa M , Farahat Mennatullah A , Farouk Fatma A , Aarif Moataz Y , Eltresy Mohamed H , Amin Menna H , Habotta Ola A , Alneghery Lina M , Alawam Abdullah S , Almuqri Eman A , Aleissa Mohammed S , Alhudhaibi Abdulrahman M , Al‐Olayan Ebtesam , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E , Ramadan Shimaa S
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is poisonous to humans and animals and typically damages the nervous system and other organs. Mercuric chloride exposition disclosed to initiation of oxidative stress pathway can result in a defect in male fertility and testis tissue. Synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were characterized with a diameter range minimal than 100 nm, having the effective sets of the biological matter. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biosynthesized SeNPs, prepared by leek extract on Wistar rats' testicles and brain.

METHODS

Thirty‐five Wistar male rats (120–150 g) were randomly split into five groups (n = 7), orally ingested with leek aqueous extract loaded on SeNPs, and then the animals were administered with mercury II chloride (HgCl2) to induce testis injury and damage the nervous system.

RESULTS

The used dose of mercuric chloride led to oxidative stress damage in the testis of the rats which was evidenced by a decrease in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, and an increase in nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and caspase‐3. Also, HgCl2 decreased the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT), norepinephrine (NE) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brains of rats. In addition, A decrease was observed in the levels of antioxidant markers, B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2), as well as an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), NF‐κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and Bax in both testes and brains. Pre‐treatment with leek extract loaded on SeNPs significantly ameliorated testosterone, LH, FSH, PCNA and caspase‐3 levels in the testis and DA, 5‐HT, NE and BDNF in brains. Although the contents of MDA, NO, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, NF‐κB and Bax decreased significantly in both. glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and Bcl‐2 levels were significantly improved in both organs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that treatment with aqueous leek extract loaded on SeNPs may offer promising prospects for the advancement of anti‐inflammation activity against testis injury and also have a very key role in neurobehavioral alterations as a result of mercury toxicity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.