bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal sterol 27-hydroxylase is crucial for securing fetal development
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Nakano Satoshi , Miharada Natsumi , Takei Hajime , Prabhala Pavan , van der Garde Mark , Müller Catharina , Sigurdsson Valgardur , Aerken Maolake , Saito Kiyoka , Koide Shuhei , Westergren-Thorsson Gunilla , Magnusson Mattias , Kakiyama Genta , Nittono Hiroshi , Miharada Kenichi
Published: November 2023

The maternal body helps in providing nutrients and degrading toxic metabolites instead of the fetal body; disruptions in these mechanisms affect normal fetal development. Sterol 27-hydroxylase (Cyp27a1) is involved in the alternative pathway of bile acid synthesis, which is enhanced during pregnancy. However, its role in fetal development remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that maternal Cyp27a1 activity is essential for progression of normal pregnancy and fetal organ formation. Depletion of maternalCyp27a1reduced the pregnancy rate and litter size. Newborn mice died of respiratory distress syndrome resulting from the absence of mature alveolar epithelial cells. These phenotypes were caused by 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7α-HC) accumulating inCyp27a1-deficient mice. Mechanistically, 7α-HC destabilized the Fau protein, mediating ribosome assembly, the downregulation of which caused poor polysome formation, lower protein synthesis, and impaired lung maturation. Overall, this study revealed an essential mechanism of securing fetal development by degrading a toxic metabolite in the maternal body.
An extra-genital cell population contributes to urethra closure during mouse penis development
Authors: Amato Ciro Maurizio , Xu Xin , Yao Humphrey Hung-Chang
Published: November 2023

Hypospadias, or incomplete closure of the urethra along the penis, is the second most common birth defect in the United States. We discovered a population of extra- genital mesenchymal cells that are essential for proper penile urethra closure in mouse embryos. This extra-genital population first appeared in the mesenchyme posterior to the hindlimb of the fetus after the onset of penis formation. These extra-genital cells, which transiently express a lineage markerNr5a1, migrated centrally and colonized the penis bilateral to the urethra epithelium. Removal of theNr5a1+extra-genital cells, using a cell-type specific ablation model, resulted in severe hypospadias. The absence of extra-genital cells had the most significant impacts on another mesenchymal cells, the peri-urethra that were immediately adjacent to theNr5a1+extra-genital cells. Single cell mRNA sequencing revealed that the extra-genital cells extensively interact with the peri-urethra, particularly through Neuregulin 1, an epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) ligand. Disruption of Neuregulin 1 signaling in theex-vivoslice culture system led to failure of urethra closure, recapitulating the phenotypes of extra-genital cell ablation. These results demonstrate that theNr5a1+extra-genital mesenchymal cells from outside of the fetal penis are indispensable for urethra closure through their interaction with the peri-urethra mesenchymal cells. This discovery provides a new entry point to understand the biology of penis formation and potential causes of hypospadias in humans.
Optimized protocols for RNA interference inMacrostomum lignano
Authors: Mouton Stijn , Mougel Alexandra , Ustyantsev Kirill , Dissous Colette , Melnyk Oleg , Berezikov Eugene , Vicogne Jérôme
Published: November 2023

Macrostomum lignano, a marine free-living flatworm, has emerged as a potent invertebrate model in developmental biology for studying stem cells, germline, and regeneration processes. In recent years, many tools have been developed to manipulate this worm and to facilitate genetic modification. RNA interference is currently the most accessible and direct technique to investigate gene functions. It is obtained by soaking worms in artificial seawater containing dsRNA targeting the gene of interest. Although easy to perform, the original protocol calls for daily exchange of dsRNA solutions, usually until phenotypes are observed, which is both time- and cost-consuming. In this work, we have evaluated alternative dsRNA delivery techniques, such as electroporation and osmotic shock, to facilitate the experiments with improved time and cost efficiency. During our investigation to optimize RNAi, we demonstrated that, in the absence of diatoms, regular single soaking in artificial seawater containing dsRNA directly produced in bacteria or synthesizedin vitrois, in most cases, sufficient to induce a potent gene knockdown for several days with a single soaking step. Therefore, this new and highly simplified method allows a very significant reduction of dsRNA consumption and lab work. In addition, it enables performing experiments on a larger number of worms at minimal cost.
Analysis of the comparative strengths of intramural and extramural grant funding mechanisms
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Yang Qiyao , Potnuri Jai , Ni Chaoqun , Hutchins B. Ian
Published: November 2023

Science funders utilize a variety of funding mechanisms to advance scientific discovery, and the comparative strengths of these approaches are frequently debated. One prominent example is the contrast between extramurally funded research, where grants are awarded to external institutions, and intramurally funded research, where scientists are directly hired by funding agencies. Each mechanism is backed by theoretical justifications. In this context, we quantify the comparative strengths of the National Institutes of Health’s extramural and intramural mechanisms. When adjusted for investment, extramural research excels at producing scholarly outputs such as publications and citations, which are standard metrics in academic assessment. In contrast, intramural research, whether basic or applied, stands out for producing research that influences subsequent clinical studies, aligning with its agency mission. These findings provide evidence that the institutional incentives associated with different funding mechanisms drive their comparative strengths.
MAB-5/Hox regulates the Q neuroblast transcriptome, includingcwn-1/Wnt,to mediate posterior migration inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Paolillo Vitoria K. , Ochs Matthew E. , Lundquist Erik A.
Published: November 2023

Neurogenesis involves the precisely-coordinated action of genetic programs controlling large-scale neuronal fate specification down to terminal events of neuronal differentiation. The Q neuroblasts inC. elegans, QL on the left and QR on the right, divide, differentiate, and migrate in a similar pattern to produce three neurons each. However, QL on the left migrates posteriorly, and QR on the right migrates anteriorly. The MAB-5/Hox transcription factor is necessary and sufficient for posterior Q lineage migration, and is normally expressed only in the QL lineage. To define genes controlled by MAB-5 in the Q cells, fluorescence-activated cell sorting was utilized to isolate populations of Q cells at a time in early L1 larvae when MAB-5 first becomes active. Sorted Q cells fromwild-type, mab-5loss-of-function (lof), andmab-5gain-of-function (gof) mutants were subject to RNA-seq and differential expression analysis. Genes enriched in Q cells included those involved in cell division, DNA replication, and DNA repair, consist with the neuroblast stem cell identity of the Q cells at this stage. Genes affected bymab-5included those involved in neurogenesis, neural development, and interaction with the extracellular matrix.cwn-1,which encodes a Wnt signaling molecule, showed a paired response tomab-5in the Q cells:cwn-1expression was reduced inmab-5(lof)and increased inmab-5(gof), suggesting that MAB-5 is required forcwn-1expression in Q cells. MAB-5 is required to prevent anterior migration of the Q lineage while it transcriptionally reprograms the Q lineage for posterior migration. Functional genetic analysis revealed that CWN-1 is required downstream of MAB-5 to inhibit anterior migration of the QL lineage, likely in parallel to EGL-20/Wnt in a non-canonical Wnt pathway. In sum, work here describes a Q cell transcriptome, and a set of genes regulated by MAB-5 in the QL lineage. One of these genes,cwn-1,acts downstream ofmab-5in QL migration, indicating that this gene set includes other genes utilized by MAB-5 to facilitate posterior neuroblast migration.
Genome-Wide Interaction Analysis with DASH Diet Score Identified Novel Loci for Systolic Blood Pressure
Authors: Guirette Mélanie , Lan Jessie , Mckeown Nicola , Brown Michael R , Chen Han , De Vries Paul S , Kim Hyunju , Rebholz Casey M , Morrison Alanna C , Bartz Traci M , Fretts Amanda M , Guo Xiuqing , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Liu Ching-Ti , Noordam Raymond , de Mutsert Renée , Rosendaal Frits R , Wang Carol A , Beilin Lawrence , Mori Trevor A , Oddy Wendy H , Pennell Craig E , Chai Jin Fang , Whitton Clare , van Dam Rob M , Liu Jianjun , Tai E Shyong , Sim Xueling , Neuhouser Marian L , Kooperberg Charles , Tinker Lesley , Franceschini Nora , Huan TianXiao , Winkler Thomas W , Bentley Amy R , Gauderman W. James , Heerkens Luc , Tanaka Toshiko , Van Rooij Jeroen , Munroe Patricia B , Warren Helen R , Voortman Trudy , Chen Honglei , Rao D.C. , Levy Daniel , Ma Jiantao
Published: November 2023

Objective

We examined interactions between genotype and a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet score in relation to systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Methods

We analyzed up to 9,420,585 biallelic imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in up to 127,282 individuals of six population groups (91% of European population) from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology consortium (CHARGE; n=35,660) and UK Biobank (n=91,622) and performed European population-specific and cross-population meta-analyses.

Results

We identified three loci in European-specific analyses and an additional four loci in cross-population analyses at P for interaction < 5e-8. We observed a consistent interaction between rs117878928 at 15q25.1 (minor allele frequency = 0.03) and the DASH diet score (P for interaction = 4e-8; P for heterogeneity = 0.35) in European population, where the interaction effect size was 0.42±0.09 mm Hg (P for interaction = 9.4e-7) and 0.20±0.06 mm Hg (P for interaction = 0.001) in CHARGE and the UK Biobank, respectively. The 1 Mb region surrounding rs117878928 was enriched withcis-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) variants (P = 4e-273) andcis-DNA methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL) variants (P = 1e-300). While the closest gene for rs117878928 isMTHFS, the highest narrow sense heritability accounted by SNPs potentially interacting with the DASH diet score in this locus was for geneST20at 15q25.1.

Conclusion

We demonstrated gene-DASH diet score interaction effects on SBP in several loci. Studies with larger diverse populations are needed to validate our findings.
UPRER–immunity axis acts as physiological food evaluation system that promotes aversion behavior in sensing low-quality food
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Liu Xinyi , Qi Bin
Published: November 2023

To survive in challenging environments, animals must develop a system to assess food quality and adjust their feeding behavior accordingly. However, the mechanisms that regulate this chronic physiological food evaluation system, which monitors specific nutrients from ingested food and influences food-response behavior, are still not fully understood. Here, we established a low-quality food evaluation assay system and found that heat-killedE. coli(HK-E. coli),a low sugar food, triggers cellular UPRERand immune response. This encourages animals to avoid low-quality food. The physiological system for evaluating low-quality food depends on the UPRER(IRE-1/XBP-1) – Innate immunity (PMK-1/p38 MAPK) axis, particularly its neuronal function, which subsequently regulates feeding behaviors. Moreover, animals can adapt to a low-quality food environment through sugar supplementation, which inhibits the UPRER–PMK-1 regulated stress response by increasing vitamin C biosynthesis. This study reveals the role of the cellular stress response pathway as physiological food evaluation system for assessing nutritional deficiencies in food, thereby enhancing survival in natural environments.
Axonal PLC-γ activity is required for BDNF long-distance signaling
Authors: Moya-Alvarado G , Valero-Peña X , Aguirre-Soto A , Bronfman FC
Published: November 2023

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) are important signaling proteins that regulate dendritic growth and maintenance in the central nervous system (CNS). After binding of BDNF, TrkB is endocytosed into endosomes and continues signaling within the cell soma, dendrites, and axon. We showed that BDNF signaling initiated in axons triggers long-distance signaling, inducing dendritic arborization in a CREB-dependent manner in cell bodies, processes that depend on axonal dynein and TrkB activities. The binding of BDNF to TrkB triggers the activation of different signaling pathways, including the ERK1/2, PLC-γ and PI3K-mTOR pathways, to induce dendritic growth and synaptic plasticity. How TrkB downstream pathways regulate long-distance signaling is unclear. Here, we studied the role of PLC-γ-Ca2+in BDNF/TrkB-induced long-distance signaling using compartmentalized microfluidic cultures. We found that dendritic branching and CREB phosphorylation induced by axonal BDNF stimulation require the activation of PLC-γ in the axons of cortical neurons. Locally on axons, BDNF increases PLC-γ phosphorylation and induces intracellular Ca2+waves in a PLC-γ-dependent manner. Moreover, the transport of BDNF-containing signaling endosomes to the cell body was dependent on PLC-γ activity and intracellular Ca2+stores. Furthermore, the activity of PLC-γ is required for BDNF-dependent TrkB endocytosis, suggesting a role for the TrkB/PLC-γ signaling pathway in axonal signaling endosome generation.
Expression and purification of human neutrophil proteinase 3 from insect cells and characterization of ligand binding
Authors: Khorsand Fahimeh , Haug Bengt Erik , Kursula Inari , Reuter Nathalie , Brenk Ruth
Published: November 2023

Neutrophil proteinase 3 (PR3) is an important drug target for inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. Drug discovery efforts targeting PR3 require active enzyme forin vitrocharacterization, such as inhibitor screening, enzymatic assays, and structural studies. Recombinant expression of active PR3 overcomes the need for enzyme supplies from human blood and in addition allows studies on the influence of mutations on enzyme activity and ligand binding. Here, we report the expression of recombinant PR3 (rPR3) using a baculovirus expression system. The purification and activation process described resulted in highly pure and active PR3. The activity of rPR3 in the presence of commercially available inhibitors was compared with human PR3 by using a fluorescence-based enzymatic assay. Purified rPR3 had comparable activity to the native human enzyme, thus being a suitable alternative for enzymatic studiesin vitro. Further, we established a surface plasmon resonance-based assay to determine binding affinities and kinetics of PR3 ligands. These methods provide valuable tools for early drug discovery aiming towards treatment of lung inflammation.
MiR-221/222-enriched ADSC-exosome mitigates PM exposure-exacerbated cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury through the modulation of the BNIP3/LC3B/PUMA pathway
Authors: Lee Tzu-Lin , Shen Wen-Chi , Chen Ya-Chun , Lai Tsai-Chun , Lin Shu-Rung , Lin Shu-Wha , Yu I-Shing , Yeh Yen-Hsiu , Li Tsai-Kun , Lee I-Ta , Lee Chiang-Wen , Chen Yuh-Lien
Published: November 2023

Background

Epidemiology has demonstrated a strong relationship between fine particulate matter (PM) exposure and cardiovascular disease. Whether PM aggravates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and its related mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous study showed that adipose stem cell-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exo) contain a large amount of miR-221/222. This study investigated the effects of PM exposure on I/R-induced cardiac injury through mitophagy and apoptosis, as well as the potential role of miR-221/222 in ADSC-Exo.

Methods

Wild-type, miR-221/222 knockout (miR-221/222 KO), and miR-221/222 overexpressed transgenic (miR-221/222 TG) mice were intratracheally injected with 100 μg/kg PM for 24 h before I/R treatment. Ischemia was induced by temporarily occluding the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery with sutures for 30 min, followed by 3 h of reperfusion. In anin vitromodel, H9c2 cells were exposed to 50 μg/mL PM for 6 h and subjected to hypoxia (1% O2) at 37°C for 6 h, followed by 12 h reoxygenation.

Results

PM aggravates I/R (H/R)-induced cardiac injury by increasing ROS levels and causing mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to an increase in mitochondrial fission-related proteins like Drp1 and Mff, mitophagy-related proteins such as BNIP3 and LC3B, as well as apoptosis-related proteins like PUMA and p-p53in vivoandin vitrostudies. In comparison, transfection of ADSC-Exo and miR-221/222 mimics significantly reduced PM+I/R (H/R)-induced cardiac injury. Importantly, ADSC-Exo contains miR-221/222, which directly targets BNIP3, LC3B, and PUMA, decreasing their expression and ultimately reducing cardiomyocyte mitophagy and apoptosis.

Conclusions

The study showed that PM aggravates I/R or H/R-induced cardiac injury, and ADSC-Exo treatment significantly reduced this by regulating mitophagy and apoptosis through miR-221/222/BNIP3/LC3B/PUMA.
Clustered ProtocadherinCis-interactions are Required for Homophilic Combinatorial Cell-Cell Recognition Underlying Neuronal Self-Avoidance
Authors: Wiseglass Gil , Boni Nadir , Smorodinsky-Atias Karina , Rubinstein Rotem
Published: November 2023

In the developing human brain, only 53 stochastically expressed clustered protocadherin (cPcdh) isoforms enable neurites from an individual neuron to recognize and self-avoid, while maintaining contact with neurites from other neurons. Cell assays have demonstrated that self-recognition occurs only when all cPcdh isoforms perfectly match across the cell boundary, with a single mismatch in the cPcdh expression profile interfering with recognition. It remains unclear however, how a single mismatched isoform between neighboring cells, is sufficient to block erroneous recognitions. In using systematic cell aggregation experiments we show that abolishing cPcdh interactions on the same membrane (cis) results in a complete loss of specific combinatorial binding between cells (trans). Our computer simulations demonstrate that the organization of cPcdh in linear array oligomers, composed ofcisandtransinteractions, enhances self-recognition by increasing the concentration and stability of cPcdhtranscomplexes between the homotypic membranes. Importantly, we show that the presence of mismatched isoforms between cells drastically diminishes the concentrations and stability of thetranscomplexes. Overall, we provide an explanation for the role of the cPcdh assembly arrangements in neuronal self/non-self-discrimination underlying neuronal self-avoidance.
Project ChemicalBlooms: Collaborating with Citizen Scientists to Survey the Chemical Diversity and Phylogenetic Distribution of Plant Epicuticular Wax Blooms
Authors: Nguyen Dien , Groth Nicole , Mondloch Kylie , Cahoon Edgar B. , Jones Keith , Busta Lucas
Published: November 2023

Plants use chemistry to overcome diverse challenges. A particularly striking chemical trait that some plants possess is the ability to synthesize massive amounts of epicuticular wax that accumulates on the plant’s surfaces as a white coating visible to the naked eye. The ability to synthesize basic wax molecules appears to be shared among virtually all land plants and our knowledge of ubiquitous wax compound synthesis is reasonably advanced. However, the ability to synthe-size thick layers of visible epicuticular crystals (“wax blooms”) is restricted to specific lineages and our knowledge of how wax blooms differ from ubiquitous wax layers is less developed. Here, we recruited the help of citizen scientists and middle school students to survey the wax bloom chemistry of 78 species spanning dicot, monocot, and gymnosperm lineages. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we found that the major wax classes reported from bulk wax mixtures can be present in wax bloom crystals, with fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and alkanes being present in many species’ bloom crystals. In contrast, other compounds including aldehydes, ketones, secondary alcohols, and triterpenoids were present in only a few species’ wax bloom crystals. By mapping the 78 wax bloom chemical profiles onto a phylogeny and using phylogenetic comparative analyses, we found that secondary alcohol and triterpenoid-rich wax blooms were present in lineage-specific patterns that would not be expected to arise by chance. That finding is consistent with reports that secondary alcohol biosynthesis enzymes are found only in certain lineages, but was a surprise for triterpenoids, which are intracellular components in virtually all plant lineages. Thus, our data suggest that a lineage-specific mechanism other than biosynthesis exists that enables select species to generate triterpenoid-rich surface wax crystals. Overall, our study outlines a general mode in which research scientists can collaborate with citizen scientists as well as middle and high school classrooms not only to enhance data collection and generate testable hypotheses, but also directly involve classrooms in the scientific process and inspire future STEM workers.

Significance Statement

Plants coat themselves in a protective layers of waxes. Some plants produce exceptionally thick layers of wax (“wax blooms”), and these thick layers are associated with enhanced abilities to tolerate stress, including drought and insect attack. In collaboration with citizen scientists and middle school classrooms, we provide an overview of the chemistry and phylogenetic distribution of plant epicuticular wax blooms. These data constitute a foundation upon which future studies of diverse wax blooms and their functions can build.
A systematic screen identifies Saf5 as a link between splicing and transcription in fission yeast
Authors: Borao Sonia , Vega Montserrat , Boronat Susanna , Hidalgo Elena , Hümmer Stefan , Ayté José
Published: November 2023

Splicing is an important step of gene expression regulation in eukaryotes, as there are many mRNA precursors that can be alternatively spliced in different tissues, at different cell cycle phases or under different external stimuli. We have developed several life constructs that allow the quantification of fission yeast splicingin vivoon intact cells, and we have compared their splicing efficiency in a wild type strain and in aprp2-1(U2AF65) genetic background, showing a clear dependency between Prp2 and a consensus signal at 5’ splicing site (5’SS). To isolate novel genes involved in regulated splicing, we have crossed the reporter containing the weakest splicing rate with theSchizosaccharomyces pombeknock out collection. Among the candidate genes involved in the regulation of splicing, we have detected strong splicing defects in two of the mutants (Δcwf12andΔsaf5), both of them related to the NineTeen Complex (NTC). We have identified that strains with mutations incwf12have inefficient splicing, mainly when the 5’SS differs from the consensus. However, althoughΔsaf5cells also have some dependency on 5’SS sequence, we noticed that when one intron of a given pre-mRNA was affected, the rest of the introns of the same pre-mRNA had high probabilities of being also affected. This observation points Saf5 as a link between transcription rate and splicing.
Bounded solidarity? Experimental evidence on cross‐national bonding in the EU during the COVID crisis
Authors: OANA IOANA‐ELENA , TRUCHLEWSKI ZBIGNIEW
Published: November 2023

Most studies on European solidarity (‘bonding’) during COVID‐19 lack a baseline comparison with outside states. We, therefore, cannot say whether European solidarity is universal or geared towards European Union (EU) insiders (‘bounding’). We thus ask whether European solidarity is ‘bounded’, that is, whether it relies on differentiation between European insiders and outsiders. We argue that if existent, bounded solidarity constitutes a long‐term and thick basis for institutional building. To explore this ‘bonding–bounding’ dynamic, we use a vignette experiment embedded into an original survey collected in eight European countries (n ∼ 8900), covering all European regions. Our design varies the countries receiving solidarity, and the channels (EU level vs. member state level), policy domains (health vs. economy) and instruments (loans, grants, medical equipment, vaccines) through which solidarity is provided. Regarding bounding, we find that most countries are more solidaristic with EU countries than an outsider, baseline state (Peru), Italy excepted. There is, nonetheless, a strong heterogeneity between countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden mostly want to help themselves and Southern member states, but not Central Eastern European member states, which we show is due to their perceived obstructionism related to the Rule of Law debate. Concerning the nature of solidarity, we find that most respondents prefer solidarity to be channelled through the EU and loans, with evidence suggesting a freeriding mechanism behind this preference. All in all, our results indicate that EU citizens form a distinct community of solidarity which, in line with a Rokkanian understanding of polity formation, plays a key role in political development and consolidation.
Anaesthesia practice, quality indices including all‐cause 30‐day mortality associate to wrist fracture repositioning and surgery in Sweden: A perioperative register‐based study 2018–2021
Authors: Sellbrant Iren , Nellgård Bengt , Karlsson Jon , Albert Johanna , Jakobsson Jan G.
Published: November 2023

Background

Wrist fracture is one of most common fractures frequently requiring surgical anaesthesia. There is limited information related to the anaesthetic practice and quality including 30‐day mortality associated with wrist fracture in Sweden in recent years.

Aim

The aim of the present register‐based study was to investigate the anaesthesia techniques used and quality indices including 30‐day mortality associated with wrist fracture surgery in Sweden during the period 2018–2021.

Materials and Methods

All fracture repositions, and surgical interventions related to wrist fracture requiring anaesthesia in patients aged >18 years registered in the Swedish Perioperative Register (SPOR) between 2018 and 2021 were included in the analysis. Information on age, ASA class, anaesthesia technique, severe operative events, most reported side‐effects during recovery room stay and all‐cause 30‐day mortality was collected.

Results

The data set included 25,147 procedures split into 14,796 females and 10,252 males (missing information n = 99) with a mean age of 52.9 ± 18.7 years and a significant age difference between females and males, 60.3 ± 15.4 and 42.2 ± 17.7 years, respectively. Mean age and ASA class increased during the study period (2018–2021), from 52.8 ± 18.6 to 54.0 ± 18.4 and ASA class 3–5 from 8.1% to 9.4% (p < .001 and p < .041, respectively). General anaesthesia (GA), GA combined with regional anaesthesia (RA), RA with or without sedation and sedation only was used in 41%, 13%, 40% and 6% of procedures, respectively, with minor changes over the study period. Pain at arrival in the recovery room (RR), (3.4%), severe pain during RR stay (2.1%), hypothermia (1.4%), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (1.2%) and urinary retention (0.5%) were the most reported side‐effects during the RR stay. (RA) was associated with significantly lower occurrence of pain and PONV, and shorter RR stay, compared with GA (p < .001). The all‐cause 30‐day mortality was low (19 of 25,147 (0.08%)) with no differences over the period studied or anaesthetic technique.

Conclusion

General anaesthesia or general anaesthesia combined with regional anaesthesia are the most used anaesthetic techniques for wrist fracture procedures in Sweden. Recovery room pain, PONV, hypothermia and urinary retention is reported in overall low frequencies, with no change over the period studied, but in lower frequencies for regional anaesthesia. All‐cause 30‐day mortality was low; 0.08% with no change over time or between anaesthetic techniques. Thus, the present quality review based on SPOR data supports high quality of perioperative anaesthesia care.
Alcohol use disorder treatment via video conferencing compared with in‐person therapy during COVID‐19 social distancing : A non‐inferiority comparison of three cohorts
Authors: de Beurs Edwin , Rademacher Clara , Blankers Matthijs , Peen Jaap , Dekker Jack , Goudriaan Anneke
Published: November 2023

Background

Social distancing measures during the COVID‐19 pandemic forced an abrupt transformation of treatment delivery for mental health care. In mid‐March 2020, nearly all in‐person contact was replaced with video conferencing. The pandemic thus offered a natural experiment and a unique opportunity to conduct an observational study of whether alcohol use disorder treatment through video conferencing is non‐inferior to in‐person treatment.

Methods

In a large urban substance use disorder treatment center in the Netherlands, treatment evaluation is routine practice. Outcome data are regularly collected to support shared decision making and monitor patient progress. For this study, pre‐test and post‐test data on alcohol use (Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluation), psychopathology (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales), and quality of life (Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life) were used to compare outcomes of cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for three cohorts: patients who received treatment for a primary alcohol use disorder performed prior to (n = 628), partially during (n = 557), and entirely during (n = 653) the COVID‐19 lockdown.

Results

Outcome was similar across the three cohorts: No inferior outcomes were found for treatments that were conducted predominantly through video conferencing during lockdown or treatments that started in‐person, but were continued through video conferencing, compared to in‐person treatments that were conducted prior to COVID‐19. The number of drop‐outs were also similar between cohorts. However, there was a difference in average treatment intensity between cohorts, with treatment partially or fully conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic lasting longer.

Conclusions

Treatment for a primary alcohol use disorder, provided partially or predominantly through video conferencing during the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in abstinence rates and secondary outcomes similar to traditional in‐person care, in spite of the potentially negative effects of the COVID‐related lockdown measures themselves. These results from everyday clinical practice corroborate findings of randomized controlled studies and meta‐analyses in which video conferencing appeared non‐inferior to in‐person care in clinical effectiveness.
Modeling the impact of a long‐term horizon and multiple treatment episodes on estimates of the cost‐effectiveness of alcohol treatment in the United States
Authors: Barbosa Carolina , Dowd William N. , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Zarkin Gary
Published: November 2023

Background

Most clinical studies of alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment have short follow‐up periods, underestimating the full benefits of alcohol treatment. Furthermore, clinical studies only consider one treatment cycle and do not account for the need for multiple episodes to treat a chronic recurrent condition.

Methods

A validated microsimulation model of the long‐term drinking patterns of people with AUD in the United States simulated 10,000 individuals resembling those from a large clinical trial. The model was used to assess the impact of (1) 1‐year, 5‐year, and lifetime horizon on alcohol treatment cost‐effectiveness estimates and (2) no, one, two, four, and unlimited additional treatment episodes on alcohol treatment cost‐effectiveness estimates. Model outcomes included healthcare costs, crime costs, labor market productivity, life expectancy, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), alcohol‐related hospitalizations, and deaths. Cost‐effectiveness analyses were conducted for two perspectives: a healthcare perspective that included costs from hospitalization and AUD treatment, and a broader societal perspective that also included crime costs and productivity.

Results

The incremental cost per additional QALY gained for alcohol treatment compared with no treatment decreased from $55,590 after 1 year to $78 when healthcare costs and QALYs were tracked over the lifetime, that is, treatment became more cost effective. Treatment was cost saving for any time frame when the impacts on crime and labor productivity were also accounted for in a societal perspective. Access to multiple treatment episodes dominated (i.e., it was more effective and less costly) than no‐treatment and one‐episode scenarios. From a healthcare perspective, incremental costs per additional QALY for increasing from a maximum of two to four treatment episodes was $499 and from four to unlimited episodes was $5049. The unlimited treatment scenario dominated all others from a societal perspective. Results were robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

A long‐term perspective and multiple episodes of alcohol treatment improve cost‐effectiveness estimates. When societal impacts are included, alcohol treatment is cost saving. Results support the value of alcohol treatment.
Retinopathy in Greyhound dogs: Prevalence, fundoscopic, and histopathological findings
Authors: Price Petra S. A. , Hunt Hayley , Cox Neil R. , Mitchell Nadia L. , Irving Arthur C.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of retinal lesions and describe the fundoscopic findings of retinopathy in Greyhound dogs in the Manawatu/Whanganui region of New Zealand. To examine possible associations between sex, age, and racing variables with retinopathy in the study population. To describe retinal histologic findings in seven Greyhounds with retinopathy in New Zealand.

Methods

Two hundred Greyhound dogs from the Manawatu/Whanganui region of New Zealand underwent fundoscopy and fundic photography to identify and score the degree of retinopathy. Associations between retinopathy and age, sex, as well as racing variables, were examined. Histologic examination of the retina was undertaken on the eyes of seven Greyhounds from the Manawatu and Canterbury regions previously diagnosed with retinopathy by fundoscopy.

Results

Fifty dogs (25.1%) were identified with retinopathy of varying degrees of severity. In at least one eye, 7.5% of dogs had mild retinopathy, 11.6% moderate retinopathy, and 6.0% severe retinopathy. Males were more likely to be affected in both eyes and with moderate or severe grades, than females. Increasing age was not associated with increased prevalence of retinopathy, nor increased grade of severity. Retinal histology identified multifocal retinal detachment in 5 of the 7 cases examined and other common lesions included choroidal necrosis and outer to full‐thickness retinal atrophy in the absence of significant inflammation.

Conclusions

Retinopathy is prevalent in Greyhounds in the Manawatu/Whanganui region of New Zealand, but more research is required to elucidate the etiopathogenesis. Consideration should be made to include mandatory eye health examination in racing Greyhound dogs.
Efficacy of the positioning system when measuring canine intraocular pressures with the Reichert® Tono‐Vera® Vet rebound tonometer
Authors: Cabble Ava , Bajric Shayla , Kapeller Lydia E. , Harman Christine D. , Jacobson Amanda L. , Palanivel Hemalatha , Taylor David A. , Komáromy András M.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in dogs taken with the Reichert® Tono‐Vera® Vet rebound tonometer with and without the automatic positioning system.

Animals Studied

Measurements were taken on 49 eyes from 26 Beagle‐derived dogs with variable genetics—four non‐glaucomatous and 22 ADAMTS10‐mutant dogs affected with different stages of open‐angle glaucoma. Seventeen of the 26 dogs were measured 2–4 times on different days with variable intervals since IOP‐lowering medications were administered.

Procedures

In each dog, tonometry was performed with the Tono‐Vera® Vet using three different methods in a randomized order: (Method 1) Average of three readings with an automatic positioning system; (Method 2) one reading with an automatic positioning system; and (Method 3) average of three readings obtained without the automatic positioning system. Statistical analyses included one‐way ANOVA, Tukey pairwise comparisons, and Bland–Altman plots (MiniTab®).

Results

With each of the three tonometry methods, 116 measurements were taken, resulting in 348 total IOP measurements with a range of 12.8–49.9 mmHg. The means and standard deviations for each method were 25.4 ± 6.9 mmHg (Method 1), 26.0 ± 7.2 mmHg (Method 2), and 26.9 ± 7.7 mmHg (Method 3), with no significant differences (p = .27). Mean IOP variances were also not significantly different between tonometry methods (p = .24 to .78).

Conclusions

Because mean IOPs and their standard deviations were not statistically different between the three tonometry methods, we conclude that Tono‐Vera® Vet measurements conducted without the aid of the positioning system still provide reliable results.
Quasi‐invariance of modulus and quasisymmetry of weakly (L,M)‐quasisymmetric maps in metric spaces
Authors: Cheng Tao , Yang Shanshuang
Published: November 2023

This paper contributes to the study of a fundamental problem in the theory of quasiconformal analysis: under what conditions local quasiconformality of a homeomorphism implies its global quasisymmetry. We show that in general metric spaces local regularity and some connectivity together with the Loewner condition are necessary and sufficient for a quasiconformal map to be globally quasisymmetric with respect to the internal metrics. In this endeavor, two major new ingredients are used. One is the recently introduced concept of weakly ‐quasisymmetry, serving as a bridge between local quasiconformality and global quasisymmetry. Another is the quasi‐invariance of conformal modulus under weakly ‐quasisymmetric maps, which is developed in this paper.
Einstein vs Hawking: black hole binaries and cosmological expansion
Authors: Barrau Aurélien , Blachier Baptiste , Lahlou Maxime , Liu Andrew , Martineau Killian
Published: November 2023

This note aims at investigating two different situations where the classical general relativistic dynamics compete with the evolution driven by Hawking evaporation. We focus, in particular, on binary systems of black holes emitting gravitational waves and gravitons, and on the cosmological evolution when black holes are immersed in their own radiation bath. Several non-trivial features are underlined in both cases.
Freshwater fishes of Israel; a revised and updated annotated checklist—2023
Authors: ÇIÇEK ERDOĞAN , FRICKE RONALD , SUNGUR SEVIL , ÇAPAR OSMAN BAHADIR , GOLANI DANIEL
Published: November 2023

The current status of the freshwater fishes of Israel is revised, and an updated checklist is presented. The confirmed freshwater fishes of Israel comprise 55 species belonging to nine orders, 14 families, and 39 genera. Among these, 19 species (34.6%) are alien, and four species (7.3%) are considered endemic to Israel. The orders with the largest numbers of species in the ichthyofauna of Israel are Cypriniformes (19 species), followed by Cichliformes (14 species), Cyprinodontiformes (seven species), Mugiliformes (six species), Siluriformes (four species), Salmoniformes (two species), and the others represent one species in each. At the family level, the Cichlidae have the greatest number of species (14 species; 25.5% of the total species), followed by Cyprinidae (10 species), Leuciscidae and Mugilidae (six species in each), Aphaniidae (four species), Nemacheilidae and Poecilidae (three species in each). According to IUCN Red List criteria, among 36 naturally distributed species (alien species not included), two species are extinct (EX) and nine species (25.0%) are categorized as threatened extinctions, with two (5.6%) CR, four (11.1%) EN, and three (8.3%) VU.
Three new free-living marine nematode species of the family Comesomatidae from Mangrove wetlands in Jinmen County, Taiwan
Authors: XIAO YUEPING , GUO YUQING
Published: November 2023

Three new free-living marine nematodes, belonging to the genera Dorylaimopsis, Comesoma and Paracomesoma are described from the mangrove wetlands of western Taiwan Island. Dorylaimopsis jinmendaoica sp. nov. is characterized by having a cuticle with lateral differentiation of longitudinal rows of two rows of larger dots in the middle of the body, a spiral amphideal fovea with 2.5–2.75 turns, excretory pore anterior to nerve ring and 17–21 fibriform precloacal supplements. Comesoma quattuordecimsupplementata sp. nov. is characterized by having a spiral amphideal fovea with 2.5–2.75 turns and 14 fibriform precloacal supplements. Paracomesoma paralissum sp. nov. is characterized by having a spiral amphideal fovea with 3.0 turns and 40 fibriform precloacal supplements. Differentiating characteristics of all known male Dorylaimopsis, Comesoma and Paracomesoma species are also given.
Mitogenome of Xya pfaendleri (Orthoptera: Caelifera): Its comparative description and phylogenetic position within Tridactylidea
Authors: YAHYAOĞLU ÖZGÜL , DOĞAN CEREN TUTKU , ULUAR ONUR , KARAKAŞ MÜŞERREF Y. , ÇIPLAK BATTAL
Published: November 2023

We report the comparative examination of the complete mitochondrial genome of the pygmy mole cricket Xya pfaendleri (Orthoptera: Caelifera: Tridactylidae). The mitogenome consists of 13 protein-coding regions, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and one control region, following the gene order of the ancestral pancrustacean mitogenome. The length of the mitogenome in Xya pfaendleri is 15352 bp. The start and stop codons of the protein-coding genes exhibit the general pattern observed in orthopterans. The data indicate that the pattern of gene overlapping/intergenic sequences exhibits a significant phylogenetic signal. A phylogenetic tree inferred using 12 mitogenomes (seven belonging to Tridactylidea, three to Acrididea, and two to Ensifera) confirms the sister group relationship of Acrididea and Tridactylidea. The relationship among the families of Tridactylidea is Cylindrachetidae + (Ripipterygidae + Tridactylidae). The mitogenome sequences of Xya and Tridactylus constitute a single clade, sharing a last common ancestor 94 million years ago, and rendering the first genus paraphyletic. The present preliminary data suggest that we still have much to learn about the evolution and diversity of Tridactylidea.
Designation of a neotype for the dendrochirotid holothuroid, Thyone fusus (Müller) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida: Thyonidae)
Authors: ARUMUGAM-MOONILAL PREYAN , THANDAR AHMED S.
Published: November 2023

The genus Thyone Oken, 1815 is complex, and has even been called a ‘supergenus’, which currently contains 67 nominal species (WoRMS, 2023) and is urgently in need of revision. This contribution provides an accurate description of the here designated neotype and as such, it brings clarity to the taxonomic definition of the type species of the genus: the previously poorly understood Thyone fusus.
A High Efficiency Grating Coupler Based on Hybrid Si-Lithium Niobate on Insulator Platform
Authors: Liu Meng , Zheng Xuan , Gong Zisu , Li Juan , Liu Wenfei , Gao Renqi
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a high efficiency grating coupler based on the Si thin film on Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3, LN) on insulator (LNOI) platform (Si-LNOI) was developed and analyzed. Two-dimensional finite-different time-domain (2D-FDTD) simulations were performed to optimize the
grating structure. Those parameters (e.g., the layer thickness of SiO2, LNOI, and Si) and grating configuration were numerically investigated for the coupling efficiency. A coupling efficiency exceeding 98% at λ=1550 nm was obtained for TE polarization. Furthermore,
the deviation tolerances of the grating period, the filling factor, the etching depth, and the layer thickness of the Si waveguide layer were studied systematically. The results indicated a high deviation tolerance. The grating coupler presented in this study could be achieved without adding
fabrication steps other than etching, thereby showing high coupling efficiency and low fabrication complexity.
Improved Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powered Systems in Flexible Electronic Devices
Authors: Luo Xiangxiang , Li Feng , Qiao Chengfang , Yuan Fei , Zhou Chunsheng
Published: November 2023

As the number of flexible electronic devices grows dramatically, the energy harvesting and storage technology of flexible electronic devices also urgently needs to advance. Traditional flexible electronic devices are battery-powered, which not only suffer from short endurance and large
size, but also do not meet the new era requirement of environmental protection and energy saving. Therefore, this study investigates the self-powered system in flexible electronic devices using the Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology. The research innovatively optimizes the TENG,
proposes a liquid metal triboelectric Nanogenerator (LMTENG), and optimizes the optimal path selection problem. In the test results, the optimal output power of 567.3 μW is obtained when the contact frequency is 2 Hz for an external load of 15 MΩ. By comparing with the current
TENG, the LMTENG significantly improves the optimal output power. On the other hand, the LMTENG is able to respond to a pressure of 22 kPa and maintain normal performance at 50% stretching. The study provides new ideas for improvement of triboelectric nanogenerators and also contributes to
the optimization of flexible electronic devices.
Preparation and Properties of ZnO Nanofiber Flexible Pressure Sensor
Authors: Chenwei Zhang , Lijun Qian , Fangyuan Lin , Wen Shenglin , Zeng Wen , Hashem Mohamed
Published: November 2023

With the development of the new four modernization of automobiles, the intelligent pace of the global automobile industry has accelerated. In order to meet the demand and help the development, this paper proposes a preparation method of ZnO nanofiber flexible pressure sensor based on
electrospinning technology. ZnO nanofibers prepared by electrospinning are used as the pressure-sensitive active layer, which is placed on the fork guide electric layer, and then packaged with PDMS film for protection. After preparation, a series of performance tests were carried out successively.
It was observed by SEM that the pressure-sensitive active layer was long fiber with uniform distribution. XRD pattern is consistent with standard card. The results of sensitivity test and human motion sensing test show that the sensor has the characteristics of high sensitivity, short response
time and stable signal sensing, which can meet the actual needs and is expected to be widely used in the field of automotive intelligent cockpit.