bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibronectin on target cells attenuates natural cytotoxicity of NK cells via myeloid immune checkpoint ILT3/LILRB4/gp49B
Authors: Itagaki Fumika , Nakatsuka Keita , Sakai Haruka , Endo Shota , Su Mei-Tzu , Takai Toshiyuki
Published: April 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells play pivotal roles in innate immunity as well as in anti-tumor responses via natural killing, while their activity is tightly regulated by cell-surface inhibitory receptors. Immunoglobulin-like transcript 3/leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (ILT3/LILRB4, also known as gp49B in mice) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on activated NK cells as well as myeloid-lineage cells. The common physiologic ligand of human LILRB4 and gp49B was identified very recently as fibronectin, particularly the N-terminal 30 kDa domain (FN30). We hypothesized that LILRB4 could bind fibronectin on target cells in trans together with integrins, classical fibronectin receptors, in cis and deliver an inhibitory signal in NK cells, leading to attenuated natural killing. Flow cytometric and confocal microscopic analyses of NK cell-surface gp49B and integrins suggested that these novel and classical fibronectin receptors, respectively, co-engage fibronectin immobilized on a culture plate. Biochemical analyses indicated that tyrosine phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase was augmented in gp49B-deficient NK cells upon binding to the immobilized fibronectin. While surface fibronectin-poor YAC-1 cells were evenly sensitive as to natural killing of both gp49B-positive and -negative NK cells, the killing of fibronectin-rich Lewis lung carcinoma cells, but not the FN30-knockout cells, was augmented among gp49B-deficient NK cells. These results suggest that the natural cytotoxicity of NK cells is negatively regulated through LILRB4/gp49B sensing fibronectin on target cells, which sheds light on the unexpected role of LILRB4 and fibronectin as a potential attenuator of NK cell cytotoxicity in the tumor microenvironment.
Long arm of the regime: who signs extradition agreements with China?
Authors: Wu Chien-Huei , Li Howard Jyun-Syun , Lo Mao-Wei , Wu Wen-Chin
Published: April 2023

In light of Hong Kong’s failed attempt to amend the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance in 2019 and China’s enactment of the 2020 National Security Law for Hong Kong, many countries have voiced unease about their extradition agreements with China. Some, out of concern over potential adverse impacts on human rights, have even suspended their extradition agreements with Hong Kong. In this article, we investigate factors affecting the signing of extradition agreements between China and other countries. We hypothesize that third countries are more likely to conclude an extradition agreement with China if they are more economically engaged with China or are already cooperating with China in civil and criminal matters. In contrast, countries more strongly committed to the rule of law, or those which maintain a Common Law system, are less likely to sign an extradition agreement with China. Statistical analyses of the 57 Chinese extradition agreements signed between 1993 and 2019 support our hypotheses.
Impacts of Bacillus subtilis var. natto on the lifespan and stress resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Teramoto Nao , Sato Kanae , Wada Takayuki , Nishikawa Yoshikazu , Kage-Nakadai Eriko
Published: April 2023

Aim

Bacillus subtilis var. natto is used in the production of natto, a typical Japanese fermented soybean food. Although the probiotic attributes and health-related effects of B. subtilis var. natto have been reported, the effect on longevity remains unknown. In the present study, the effects of B. subtilis var. natto strains on lifespan extension and the molecular mechanisms governing the prolongevity were examined using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model animal.

Methods and results

Synchronized 3-day-old (young adult) worms were fed Escherichia coli OP50 (control) or a subcloned isolate of B. subtilis var. natto Miyagino strain (MI-OMU01) and subjected to lifespan, survival against pathogens and abiotic stress resistance assays. Notably, the lifespan of worms fed MI-OMU01 was significantly longer than that of the animals fed OP50. Moreover, MI-OMU01 increased the resistance of C. elegans to several stressors, including UV irradiation, H2O2, and Cu2+.

Conclusions

Genetic and gene expression analyses using mutant animals suggested that MI-OMU01 extended the lifespan of worms in TIR-1/SARM, p38 MAPK, and insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway-dependent manners.
Predation pressure regulates plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes of bacterial species
Authors: Chandarana Komal A , Amaresan Natarajan
Published: April 2023

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of bacterivorous soil protists on plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes of bacterial species and their co-inoculative impact on rice seedling growth.

Methods and Results

The effect of protists on the PGP attributes of bacteria was tested using standard protocols. The results revealed that the plant-beneficial properties of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) were altered in the presence of various protist species. A significant increase in the production of siderophore units (86.66%), ammonia (34.80 μmol mL−1), and phosphate solubilization index (PSI) (5.6) was observed when Bacillus cereus (Bc) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Ps) were co-inoculated with unidentified species belonging to the family Kreyellidae (C5). In the case of Enterobacter cloacae co-inoculated with C5 (Kreyellidae), a higher amount of siderophore (51.33%), ammonia (25.18 μmol mL−1), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-like substance (28.59 μg mL−1) production were observed. The biofilm-forming ability of B. cereus is enhanced in the presence of Tetrahymena sp. (C2Bc), unidentified Kreyellidae (C5Bc), and Colpoda elliotti (C12Bc), whereas E. cloacae showed higher biofilm formation in the presence of Tetrahymena sp. alone Although IAA production decreased under predation pressure, a significant increase in shoot length (64.24%) and primary root length (98.18%) in co-inoculative treatments (C12Bc and C5Bc) compared to bacteria alone (25% and 61.50% for shoots and roots, respectively) was observed. The results of enhanced PGP attributes and rice seedlings growth under predation pressure correlated with the enhanced bacterial activity under predation pressure and protist involvement in plant growth development.

Conclusions

Protists may act as regulators of the bacterial activities involved in plant growth promotion and thus enhance plant growth.
Clinical decision support with a comprehensive in-EHR patient tracking system improves genetic testing follow up
Authors: Campbell Ian M , Karavite Dean J , Mcmanus Morgan L , Cusick Fred C , Junod David C , Sheppard Sarah E , Lourie Eli M , Shelov Eric D , Hakonarson Hakon , Luberti Anthony A , Muthu Naveen , Grundmeier Robert W
Published: April 2023

Objective

We sought to develop and evaluate an electronic health record (EHR) genetic testing tracking system to address the barriers and limitations of existing spreadsheet-based workarounds.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated the spreadsheet-based system using mixed effects logistic regression to identify factors associated with delayed follow up. These factors informed the design of an EHR-integrated genetic testing tracking system. After deployment, we assessed the system in 2 ways. We analyzed EHR access logs and note data to assess patient outcomes and performed semistructured interviews with users to identify impact of the system on work.

Results

We found that patient-reported race was a significant predictor of documented genetic testing follow up, indicating a possible inequity in care. We implemented a CDS system including a patient data capture form and management dashboard to facilitate important care tasks. The system significantly sped review of results and significantly increased documentation of follow-up recommendations. Interviews with key system users identified a range of sociotechnical factors (ie, tools, tasks, collaboration) that contribute to safer and more efficient care.

Discussion

Our new tracking system ended decades of workarounds for identifying and communicating test results and improved clinical workflows. Interview participants related that the system decreased cognitive and time burden which allowed them to focus on direct patient interaction.

Conclusion

By assembling a multidisciplinary team, we designed a novel patient tracking system that improves genetic testing follow up. Similar approaches may be effective in other clinical settings.
Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals core genes related to spermatogenesis in Bactrian camels
Authors: Hasi Gaowa , Sodnompil Tserennadmid , Na Haya , Liu Hejie , Ji Musi , Xie Wangwei , Nasenochir Narenhua
Published: April 2023

Bactrian camels survive and reproduce better in extreme climatic conditions than other domestic animals can. However, the reproductive efficiency of camels under their natural pastoral conditions is low. Several factors affect mammalian reproductive performance, including testicular development, semen quality, libido, and mating ability. Testis is a main reproductive organ of the male and is responsible for producing spermatozoa and hormones. However, our understanding of the expression patterns of the genes in camel testis is minimal. Thus, we performed total RNA-sequencing to investigate the gene expression pattern. As a result, 1,538 differential expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 702 differential expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs), and 61 differential expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified between pubertal and adult Bactrian camel testes. Then the genomic features, length distribution, and other characteristics of the lncRNAs and mRNAs in the Bactrian camel testis were investigated. Target genes of the DEmiRNAs and DEmRNAs were further subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Genes, such as AMHR2, FGF1, ACTL7A, GATA4, WNT4, ID2, LAMA1, IGF1, INHBB, and TLR2, were mainly involved in the TGF-β, PI3K-AKT, Wnt, GnRH, and Hippo signaling pathways which relate to spermatogenesis. Some of the DEmiRNAs were predicted to be associated with numerous DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs through competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network. At last, the candidate genes were validated by RT-qPCR, dual fluorescent reporter gene, and a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. This research provides high-throughput RNA sequencing data of the testes of Bactrian camels across different developmental stages. It lays the foundation for further investigations on lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs that involved in Bactrian camel spermatogenesis.
Effect of Cough Machine Assistance and Care Bundle Combined Therapy on Burned Patients With Moderate To Severe Inhalation Injury
Authors: Li Xi , Zhang Man , Li Na , Wei Wei
Published: April 2023

To investigate the effectiveness of cough machine assistance combined with care bundle on mental resilience and self-efficacy on burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury. Totally 98 burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury from April 2021 to April 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. They were divided into the control group (n = 49, conventional therapy) and combined-therapy group (n = 49, cough machine assistance and care bundles). The mental resilience, posttraumatic growth, and self-efficacy were conducted. The arterial blood gas analysis indicators and incidence of pulmonary infection were also evaluated. The length of hospital stay in combined-therapy group was significantly less than that of control group. There was no difference of pulmonary infections between two groups before treatment. However, the incidence of pulmonary infection in the combined-therapy group was significantly lower. After the therapy, the combined-therapy group showed significantly higher partial pressure of oxygen, and lower levels of oxyhemoglobin saturation and partial pressure of carbon dioxide compared with the control group. The evaluation with the mental resilience, posttraumatic growth, and self-efficacy after the therapy, indicated that the patients in the combined-therapy group had significantly higher scores of optimism, strength, tenacity, relating to others, new possibilities, personal strength, appreciation of life and spiritual change, and self-efficacy. The combined therapy with cough machine assistance and care bundles can effectively improve the mental resilience and self-efficacy level of burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury, showing potential for possible clinical applications.
Insecticide application timing effects on alfalfa insect communities
Authors: McClure Micah , Herreid Judith , Jabbour Randa
Published: April 2023

Timing of insecticide application can impact efficacy, given variation in both weather and development of the crop and its insect pests. Both target and nontarget insects may vary in life stage and abundance at the time of application. In alfalfa Medicago sativa L. cropping systems, producers have interest in early-season insecticide applications to eliminate last-minute decisions about preharvest applications for alfalfa weevil Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The standard recommendation is based on scouting larvae close to the first harvest time. We compared early and standard timing of application of a lambda-cyhalothrin pyrethroid on alfalfa pest and beneficial insects. Field trials at a university research farm were conducted in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, early application was as effective as the standard timing against alfalfa weevil, as compared to the untreated control, but less effective than the standard timing in 2021. Effects of timing against Lygus bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae), grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae), and aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were inconsistent between years. We observed the potential for early application to reduce negative impacts on ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and spiders (Araneae), however, damsel bugs (Hemiptera: Nabidae) were similarly reduced by insecticide application regardless of timing. Overall arthropod community composition differed by both year and treatment. Future research should explore potential trade-offs of spray timing at larger spatial scales.
Effects of emamectin benzoate trunk injections on protection of neighboring ash trees against emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and on established biological control agents
Authors: Duan Jian J , Crandall Ryan S , Grosman Donald M , Schmude Jonathan M , Quinn Nicole , Chandler Jennifer L , Elkinton Joseph S
Published: April 2023

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is the most destructive invasive pest on ash (Fraxinus spp.) in the United States. We determined whether ash trees injected with emamectin benzoate (EB) could protect untreated neighboring ash trees. We also determined whether the selective treatment of ash trees with EB injections had adverse effects on the establishment of introduced larval parasitoids Tetrastichus planipennis Yang and Spathius galinae Belokobylskij & Strazenac. In experiment one, trees were treated with EB and then retreated 3 years later. Five years post initial treatment, we found that 90% of treated ash trees retained healthy crowns, significantly higher than those of untreated control ash trees (16%). For experiment two, trees only received one treatment of EB and after 2 years 100% of treated ash trees retained healthy crowns, significantly higher than those of untreated ash trees (50%). In both experiments, we found that distance from the central EB-treated tree was not a significant predictor for tree health or presence of EAB exit holes. Although distance from the EB-treated trees appeared to have a significant positive relationship with woodpecker feeding signs on neighboring trees, such relationships did not result in significant differences in the proportion of neighboring ash trees retaining healthy crowns between EB treatment and control plots. The introduced EAB parasitoids appeared to have established equally well between treatment and control plots. Findings are discussed in the context of integration of EB trunk injection with biological control for protection of North American ash against EAB.
Pre- and postcopulatory competition affect testes mass and organization differently in two monophyletic mole-rat species, Georychus capensis and Fukomys damarensis
Authors: Rainer Sharna R , Cameron Elissa Z , Edwards Amy M , Bennett Nigel C , Thomas Hannah G , Swanepoel Daniël
Published: April 2023

Sperm competition results from postcopulatory continuation of male–male competition for paternity. The level of sperm competition is predicted to be highest in species with greater polyandry and weakest in monogamous pairs. Sperm competition levels can be indexed using traits that reflect male investment in fertilization, particularly relative testes mass (RTM). However, the relationship between RTM and levels of sperm competition may also be influenced by precopulatory competition selecting for higher levels of testosterone, also produced by the testes. To test the relationship between RTM and both pre- and postcopulatory male–male competition we compared two bathyergid mole-rat species, the promiscuous Georychus capensis and the monogamous eusocial Fukomys damarensis. The promiscuous species had not only larger RTM, but also a greater proportion of spermatogenic tissue, maximizing germ cell production as well. Conversely, the eusocial species had smaller testes, but a higher proportion of interstitial tissue (which contains the androgenic Leydig cells) and higher levels of testosterone. Consequently, testicular traits as well as testes mass may be under selection, but these are not normally measured. More research is required on relative investment in different testicular traits in relation to both pre- and postcopulatory selection pressures.
Differential selection of roosts by Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) relative to rock structure and microclimate
Authors: Moosman Paul R , Marsh David M , Pody Emily K , Brust Timothy J
Published: April 2023

Roost selection by insectivorous bats in temperate regions is presumably influenced by roost microclimates in relation to thermoregulatory strategies, but few studies have included temperature measurements in habitat selection models. Rocky landscape features are an important source of roosts that provide both shelter from predators and beneficial microclimates for bats. Most information about rock-roosting bats has been derived from western North America. We studied microhabitat selection by the Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) on natural talus slopes and human-made stone structures in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and New Hampshire, relative to thermal and structural characteristics of rock crevices. Roosts were located with a combination of radiotelemetry and randomized visual surveys. Roost-switching behavior and structural characteristics of roosts did not appear to be influenced by the methods we used to locate roosts. Compared to random crevices, both sexes selected crevices with narrow openings, likely to provide protection from predators. Reproductive females also selected rocks that were larger and more thermally stable than random crevices, whereas males selected crevices that were structurally similar to random crevices but warmed more during the day. Rock size and other structural characteristics influenced temperatures of roosts and random crevices alike by inhibiting excessive daytime heating and nighttime cooling. Because large rocks were important for reproductive females, and talus slopes with large rocks could be limited, we recommend including rock size as a variable in landscape scale habitat assessments for Eastern Small-footed Myotis. Protecting or managing for habitat features with large rocks that receive high solar exposure could benefit Eastern Small-footed Myotis, and perhaps other rock-roosting species.
Statistical testing under distributional shifts
Authors: Thams Nikolaj , Saengkyongam Sorawit , Pfister Niklas , Peters Jonas
Published: April 2023

We introduce statistical testing under distributional shifts. We are interested in the hypothesis P*∈H0 for a target distribution P*, but observe data from a different distribution Q*. We assume that P* is related to Q* through a known shift τ and formally introduce hypothesis testing in this setting. We propose a general testing procedure that first resamples from the observed data to construct an auxiliary data set (similarly to sampling importance resampling) and then applies an existing test in the target domain. We prove that if the size of the resample is of order o(n) and the resampling weights are well behaved, this procedure inherits the pointwise asymptotic level and power from the target test. If the map τ is estimated from data, we maintain the above guarantees under mild conditions on the estimation. Our results extend to finite sample level, uniform asymptotic level, a different resampling scheme, and statistical inference different from testing. Testing under distributional shifts allows us to tackle a diverse set of problems. We argue that it may prove useful in contextual bandit problems and covariate shift, show how it reduces conditional to unconditional independence testing and provide example applications in causal inference.
Inhibitory effect of chlorogenic acid-grafted chitosan on seafood isolates Pseudomonas fluorescens and its biofilm
Authors: Yang Xin , Lan Weiqing , Xie Jing
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to examine the inhibition of chlorogenic acid-grafted chitosan (CS-g-CA) on Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens) and its biofilm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CS-g-CA against P. fluorescens was 1.25 mg/mL. Alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) leakage assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that CS-g-CA causes structural damage to cell walls and membranes, resulting in the loss of function. In addition, CS-g-CA was able to disrupt the antioxidant system of P. fluorescens, interfere with energy metabolism, and interact with genomic DNA, affecting the normal physiological function of bacteria. It was also found that CS-g-CA inhibited the flagellar motility of P. fluorescens, which may be responsible for the inhibition of its biofilm formation. CS-g-CA at 2MIC was able to remove 71.64% of the mature biofilm and reduce the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) by 60.72%. This was further confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which showed a significant reduction in the amount of biofilm. In summary, CS-g-CA has strong antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against P. fluorescens, and it can be applied as a potential seafood bacteriostatic agent.
Defect Contrast with 4D-STEM: Understanding Crystalline Order with Virtual Detectors and Beam Modification
Authors: Ribet Stephanie M , Ophus Colin , dos Reis Roberto , Dravid Vinayak P
Published: April 2023

Material properties strongly depend on the nature and concentration of defects. Characterizing these features may require nano- to atomic-scale resolution to establish structure–property relationships. 4D-STEM, a technique where diffraction patterns are acquired at a grid of points on the sample, provides a versatile method for highlighting defects. Computational analysis of the diffraction patterns with virtual detectors produces images that can map material properties. Here, using multislice simulations, we explore different virtual detectors that can be applied to the diffraction patterns that go beyond the binary response functions that are possible using ordinary STEM detectors. Using graphene and lead titanate as model systems, we investigate the application of virtual detectors to study local order and in particular defects. We find that using a small convergence angle with a rotationally varying detector most efficiently highlights defect signals. With experimental graphene data, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these detectors in characterizing atomic features, including vacancies, as suggested in simulations. Phase and amplitude modification of the electron beam provides another process handle to change image contrast in a 4D-STEM experiment. We demonstrate how tailored electron beams can enhance signals from short-range order and how a vortex beam can be used to characterize local symmetry.
Mesenchymal-Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Media Versus Exosomes in the Treatment of Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary: An Attempt to Understand the Underlying Mechanisms (Biochemical and Histological Study)
Authors: Abd-elwahab Soha Abd-elkawy , Khamis Noura Hassan , Rifaai Rehab Ahmed , El-Tahawy Nashwa Fathy Gamal , Ibrahim Randa Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and reproductive disorders throughout female reproductive age. Cell free therapy [conditioned media (CM) & exosomes (EXO)] is a promising approach in regenerative medicine. This study aimed to compare between the therapeutic effects of stem cell-derived CM and exosomes on induced animal model of polycystic ovary. Polycystic ovary (PCO) was induced in female rats (3–4 weeks old, weighing 70–80 g) by letrozole with a dose of 1 mg/kg/day dissolved in carboxymethylcellulose 1% orally once daily for 5 weeks. Animals were divided into four groups: control group, PCO group, EXO-treated group, and CM-treated group. Serum levels of testosterone hormone, leutinizing hormone, follicle stimulatimg hormone, and insulin hormone were estimated. Immunohistochemistry using anti-P53, anti-AMP-dependent protein kinase antibodies were done. Six rats/group were used for matting with adult male rats for testing fertility. The results showed that CM had significant superior therapeutic effects on exosomes in restoring the normal histological architecture of the ovary and fertility. In summary, cell free treatment is a safe approach for tissue regeneration. Stem cell-derived CM was more effective than exosomes in restoring normal histological structure of the ovaries and fertility in animal models of polycystic ovary.
Digging deeper into NGC 6868 I: Stellar population
Authors: Benedetti João P V , Riffel Rogério , Ricci Tiago , Trevisan Marina , Riffel Rogemar A , Pastoriza Miriani , Dahmer-Hahn Luis G , Ruschel-Dutra Daniel , Rodríguez-Ardila Alberto , Hernandez-Jimenez Jose A , Steiner João
Published: April 2023

We use Gemini integral field unit observations to map the stellar population properties in the inner region (∼680 × 470 pc2) of the galaxy NGC 6868. In order to understand the physical and chemical properties of the stellar content of this galaxy, we performed stellar population synthesis using the starlight code with the MILES simple stellar population models. We measured the absorption line indices Fe4383, Mg2, Mgb, Fe5270, and Fe5335 for the whole FoV, and used them to derive Fe3 and [MgFe]’. These indices were used to derive [α/Fe]. This galaxy is dominated by old metal-rich populations (12.6 Gyr; 1.0 and 1.6 Z⊙) with a negative metallicity gradient. We also found a recent (∼63 Myr) metal-rich (1.6 Z⊙) residual star formation in the centre of the galaxy. A dust lane with a peak extinction in the V band of 0.65 mag is seen. No signs of ordered stellar motion are found and the stellar kinematics is dispersion dominated. All indices show a spatial profile varying significantly along the FoV. Mg2 shows a shallow gradient, compatible with the occurrence of mergers in the past. Mgb and Fe3 profiles suggest different enrichment processes for these elements. We observe three distinct regions: for R< 100 pc and R > 220 pc, Mg2, Mgb anticorrelate with respect to Fe3 and [MgFe]’, and for 100 pc <R< 220 pc, they correlate, hinting at different enrichment histories. The [α/Fe] profile is really complex and has a central value of ∼0.2 dex. We interpret this as the result of a past merger with another galaxy with a different [α/Fe] history, thus explaining the [α/Fe] maps.
An interferometric SETI observation of Kepler-111 b
Authors: Wandia Kelvin , Garrett Michael A , Radcliffe Jack F , Garrington Simon T , Fawcett James , Gajjar Vishal , MacMahon David H E , Varenius Eskil , Campbell Robert M , Paragi Zsolt , Siemion Andrew P V
Published: April 2023

The application of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) has been limited to date, despite the technique offering many advantages over traditional single-dish SETI observations. In order to further develop interferometry for SETI, we used the European VLBI network (EVN) at 21 cm to observe potential secondary phase calibrators in the Kepler field. Unfortunately, no secondary calibrators were detected. However, a VLBA primary calibrator in the field, J1926+4441, offset only ∼1.88 arcmin from a nearby exoplanet Kepler-111 b, was correlated with high temporal $\left(0.25 \, \rm {s}\right)$ and spectral $\left(16384 \times 488\, \rm {Hz \ channels}\right)$ resolution. During the analysis of the high-resolution data, we identified a spectral feature that was present in both the auto and cross-correlation data with a central frequency of 1420.424 ± 0.0002 MHz and a width of 0.25 MHz. We demonstrate that the feature in the cross-correlations is an artefact in the data, associated with a significant increase in each telescope’s noise figure due to the presence of H i in the beam. This would typically go unnoticed in data correlated with standard spectral resolution. We flag (excluded from the subsequent analysis) these channels and phase rotate the data to the location of Kepler-111 b aided by the Gaia catalogue and search for signals with $\rm {SNR}\gt 7$ . At the time of our observations, we detect no transmitters with an equivalent isotropically radiated power ≳4 × 1015 W.
Left–right asymmetry of the visual system in the scallop Nodipecten nodosus (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)
Authors: Audino Jorge A , Serb Jeanne M , Marian José E A R
Published: April 2023

Left–right asymmetries are consistent differences between the left and right sides and represent an intriguing feature of molluscan morphology. Interestingly, external asymmetries, such as inequivalve shells, are often coupled with lateralization in the nervous system, which often includes functional and structural specializations of the left or right sides. In the case of visual asymmetries, lateralized phenotypes frequently include left–right differences in eye position, structure and use. To investigate lateralization and visual asymmetries among bivalves, we examined the visual and nervous systems of the scallop Nodipecten nodosus. We characterized different eye morphologies in the species and determined eye-side frequencies. We also studied the anatomy of the nervous system, focusing on the parietovisceral ganglion (PVG). Our results reveal that the visual and nervous systems of the scallop N. nodosus comprise consistent left–right asymmetries: (1) a greater number of eyes on the left side, (2) increased size of the left PVG lateral lobe, (3) larger glomeruli in the left PVG lateral lobe and (4) radial pallial nerves associated with the left lateral lobe spaced more widely than the more compactly arranged pallial nerves associated with the right lateral lobe. In addition, eyes with a distinctive morphology, where the optic vesicle is rotated, are more frequent on the left side. Considering the habit of this species to rest on the right valve, we hypothesize that curved eyes might contribute to expanding the overall visual field. Even though bivalves are not typically considered in the literature on lateralization, accumulating evidence for scallops, as suggested by our results, indicates their potential to reveal novel patterns of visual asymmetry in benthic invertebrates.
How does low-skilled immigration affect native wages? Evidence from Employment Permit System in Korea
Authors: Dong Michell , Lee Jongkwan , Yang Hee-Seung
Published: April 2023

This study examines the effects of low-skilled immigration on the wages of native workers by analysing Korea’s temporary immigrant worker programme. Using firm-level survey data, we exploit exogenous variations in the number of foreign workers firms can hire to estimate the wage effects of immigration. We find that an increase in immigrant workers in a firm does not affect the firm-specific native wages, even though both native and immigrant workers mainly work in production jobs. Our results indicate that native and immigrant workers could possibly be imperfect substitutes even within narrowly defined occupations in a firm.
Immunogenicity of High-Dose Egg-Based, Recombinant, and Cell Culture–Based Influenza Vaccines Compared With Standard-Dose Egg-Based Influenza Vaccine Among Health Care Personnel Aged 18–65 Years in 2019–2020
Authors: Naleway Allison L , Kim Sara S , Flannery Brendan , Levine Min Z , Murthy Kempapura , Sambhara Suryaprakash , Gangappa Shivaprakash , Edwards Laura J , Ball Sarah , Grant Lauren , Zunie Tnelda , Cao Weiping , Gross F Liaini , Groom Holly , Fry Alicia M , Hunt Danielle , Jeddy Zuha , Mishina Margarita , Wesley Meredith G , Spencer Sarah , Thompson Mark G , Gaglani Manjusha , Dawood Fatimah S
Published: April 2023

Background

Emerging data suggest that second-generation influenza vaccines with higher hemagglutinin (HA) antigen content and/or different production methods may induce stronger antibody responses to HA than standard-dose egg-based influenza vaccines in adults. We compared antibody responses to high-dose egg-based inactivated (HD-IIV3), recombinant (RIV4), and cell culture–based (ccIIV4) vs standard-dose egg-based inactivated influenza vaccine (SD-IIV4) among health care personnel (HCP) aged 18–65 years in 2 influenza seasons (2018–2019, 2019–2020).

Methods

In the second trial season, newly and re-enrolled HCPs who received SD-IIV4 in season 1 were randomized to receive RIV4, ccIIV4, or SD-IIV4 or were enrolled in an off-label, nonrandomized arm to receive HD-IIV3. Prevaccination and 1-month-postvaccination sera were tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay against 4 cell culture propagated vaccine reference viruses. Primary outcomes, adjusted for study site and baseline HI titer, were seroconversion rate (SCR), geometric mean titers (GMTs), mean fold rise (MFR), and GMT ratios that compared vaccine groups to SD-IIV4.

Results

Among 390 HCP in the per-protocol population, 79 received HD-IIV3, 103 RIV4, 106 ccIIV4, and 102 SD-IIV4. HD-IIV3 recipients had similar postvaccination antibody titers compared with SD-IIV4 recipients, whereas RIV4 recipients had significantly higher 1-month-postvaccination antibody titers against vaccine reference viruses for all outcomes.

Conclusions

HD-IIV3 did not induce higher antibody responses than SD-IIV4, but, consistent with previous studies, RIV4 was associated with higher postvaccination antibody titers. These findings suggest that recombinant vaccines rather than vaccines with higher egg-based antigen doses may provide improved antibody responses in highly vaccinated populations.
Pyoperitoneum as a consequence of perinephric abscess spontaneous rupture. A case report
Authors: Alhalabi Marouf , Almokdad Rash , Alhalabi Mouhammad Zaher , Alhalbouni Mouhammad
Published: April 2023

Intra-abdominal infections are a common cause of severe sepsis and have a significantly high morbidity and mortality rate. Patients continue to present to hospitals with unacceptable delays in diagnosis or management, resulting in sepsis and organ failure, which lower their survival chances. We reported a rare case of a 64-year-old Syrian woman with a spontaneous rupture of a perinephric abscess that resulted in intra-abdominal infection and ascites, which led to sepsis and multiple organ failure despite resuscitation and antibiotic treatment according to guidelines. Although the recommendations for patients with intra-abdominal infection and hemodynamic instability differ, there is an agreement that surgery should be considered early when other interventional approaches have failed. Rupture of the perinephric abscess rarely produces intra-abdominal infection and ascites; effective care requires early and appropriate infection source identification. To avoid delays, doctors need to use academic methods in developing diagnoses and management.
Visceral Metastasis Predicts Response to New Hormonal Agents in Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yekedüz Emre , McKay Rana R , Gillessen Silke , Choueiri Toni K , Ürün Yüksel
Published: April 2023

Visceral metastasis (VM) and a higher number of bone metastasis generally define high volume/risk in patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). Subgroup analysis of pivotal trials did not show a clear benefit of second-generation non-steroidal anti-androgens (NSAAs) in patients with VM. However, subgroup analysis of the trial assessing abiraterone acetate, a CYP 17 inhibitor, plus prednisone (AAP) showed an improved overall survival (OS) in patients with mCSPC with VM. We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and congress abstracts for the phase III randomized controlled trials of second-generation NSAAs and AAP in patients with mCSPC. In this pooled analysis, we included 6485 patients from the 6 phase III trials. The rate of patients with VM was 15.2%. Interestingly, in contrast to NSAAs, AAP seems to be effective in improving OS among patients with VM (hazard ratio, HR: 0.89, 95% CI, 0.72-1.11, P = .30 for second-generation NSAAs; HR: 0.58, 95% CI, 0.40-0.84, P = .004 for AAP). In contrast, both second-generation NSAAs (HR: 0.63, 95% CI, 0.57-0.70, P < .001) and AAP (HR: 0.68, 95% CI, 0.57-0.81, P < .001) improved OS in patients without VM. In this pooled analysis, we demonstrate that while AAP provided an OS improvement in patients with VM, second-generation NSAAs did not demonstrate a similar OS benefit in this population.
Investigating physical states of molecular gas in the overlapping region of interacting galaxies NGC 4567/4568 using ALMA
Authors: Kaneko Hiroyuki , Tokita Shoya , Kuno Nario
Published: April 2023

We present ALMA observations of a diffuse gas tracer, CO(J = 1–0), and a warmer and denser gas tracer, CO(J = 3–2), in the overlapping region of interacting galaxies NGC 4567/4568, which are in the early stage of interaction. To understand the impact of galaxy interactions on molecular gas properties, we focus on interacting galaxies during the early stage and study their molecular gas properties. We investigate the physical states of a filamentary molecular structure at the overlapping region, which was previously reported. Utilizing new higher-resolution CO(J = 1–0) data, we identify molecular clouds within overlapping and disk regions. Although the molecular clouds in the filament have a factor of two higher average virial parameter (0.56 ± 0.14) than that in the overlapping region (0.28 ± 0.12) and in the disk region (0.26 ± 0.16), all the identified molecular clouds are gravitationally bound. These clouds in the filament also have a larger velocity dispersion than that in the overlapping region, suggesting that molecular gas and/or atomic gas with different velocities collide there. We calculate the ratio of the integrated intensity of CO(J = 3–2) and CO(J = 1–0) (= R3−2/1−0) on the molecular cloud scale. The maximum R3−2/1−0 is 0.17 ± 0.04 for all identified clouds. R3−2/1−0 for the molecular clouds in the filament is lower than that of the surrounding area. This result contradicts the predictions of previous numerical simulations, which suggested that the molecular gas on the collision front of galaxies is compressed and becomes denser. Our results imply that NGC 4567/4568 is in a very early stage of interaction; otherwise, the molecular clouds in the filament would not yet fulfill the conditions necessary to trigger star formation.
Preliminary results from a randomized, controlled, cross-over trial of intrathecal oxytocin for neuropathic pain
Authors: Eisenach James C , Curry Regina S , Houle Timothy T
Published: April 2023

Objective

Compare intrathecal oxytocin, 100 µg to placebo on ongoing neuropathic pain and mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia.

Study design

Randomized, controlled, double-blind cross-over

Setting

Clinical research unit

Subjects

Individuals aged 18 to 70 years with neuropathic pain for at least 6 months.

Methods

Individuals received intrathecal injections of oxytocin and saline, separated by at least 7 days, and ongoing pain in neuropathic area (VAS [visual analog scale]) and areas of hypersensitivity to von Frey filament and cotton wisp brushing were measured for 4 hours. Primary outcome was VAS pain in the first 4 hours after injection, analyzed by linear mixed effects model. Secondary outcomes were verbal pain intensity scores at daily intervals for 7 days and areas of hypersensitivity and elicited pain for 4 hours after injections.

Results

The study was stopped early after completion of 5 of 40 subjects planned due to slow recruitment and funding limitations. Pain intensity prior to injection was 4.75 ± 0.99 and modeled pain intensity decreased more after oxytocin than placebo to 1.61 ± 0.87 and 2.49 ± 0.87, respectively (P = .003). Daily pain scores were lower in the week following injection of oxytocin than saline (2.53 ± 0.89 vs 3.66 ± 0.89; P = .001). Allodynic area decreased by 11%, but hyperalgesic area increased by 18% after oxytocin compared to placebo. There were no study drug related adverse effects.

Conclusion

Although limited by the small number of subjects studied, oxytocin reduced pain more than placebo in all subjects. Further study of spinal oxytocin in this population is warranted.

Trial registration

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 03/27/2014 (NCT02100956). The first subject was studied on 06/25/2014.
Abnormalities of Regional Brain Activity in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Longitudinal Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Li Xue , Liu Qing , Chen Zhaonian , Li Yalin , Yang Ying , Wang Xiujuan , Guo Xiaoge , Luo Binbin , Zhang Yan , Shi Han , Zhang Luwen , Su Xi , Shao Minglong , Song Meng , Guo Suqin , Fan Lingzhong , Yue Weihua , Li Wenqiang , Lv Luxian , Yang Yongfeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Evidence from functional and structural research suggests that abnormal brain activity plays an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ). However, limited studies have focused on post-treatment changes, and current conclusions are inconsistent.

Study Design

We recruited 104 SZ patients to have resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and 8 weeks of treatment with second-generation antipsychotics, along with baseline scanning of 86 healthy controls (HCs) for comparison purposes. Individual regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and degree centrality values were calculated to evaluate the functional activity. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery were applied to measure psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment in SZ patients.

Results

Compared with HCs at baseline, SZ patients had higher ALFF and ReHo values in the bilateral inferior temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, and lower ALFF and ReHo values in fusiform gyrus and precuneus. Following 8 weeks of treatment, ReHo was increased in right medial region of the superior frontal gyrus (SFGmed) and decreased in the left middle occipital gyrus and the left postcentral gyrus. Meanwhile, ReHo of the right SFGmed was increased after treatment in the response group (the reduction rate of PANSS ≥50%). Enhanced ALFF in the dorsolateral of SFG correlated with improvement in depressive factor score.

Conclusions

These findings provide novel evidence for the abnormal functional activity hypothesis of SZ, suggesting that abnormality of right SFGmed can be used as a biomarker of treatment response in SZ.
Acute evening high-intensity interval training may attenuate the detrimental effects of sleep restriction on long-term declarative memory
Authors: Frimpong Emmanuel , Mograss Melodee , Zvionow Tehila , Paez Arsenio , Aubertin-Leheudre Mylene , Bherer Louis , Pepin Véronique , Robertson Edwin M , Dang-Vu Thien Thanh
Published: April 2023

Recent evidence shows that a nap and acute exercise synergistically enhanced memory. Additionally, human-based cross-sectional studies and animal experiments suggest that physical exercise may mitigate the cognitive impairments of poor sleep quality and sleep restriction, respectively. We evaluated whether acute exercise may offset sleep restriction’s impairment of long-term declarative memory compared to average sleep alone. A total of 92 (82% females) healthy young adults (24.6 ± 4.2 years) were randomly allocated to one of four evening groups: sleep restriction only (S5, 5–6 h/night), average sleep only (S8, 8–9 h/night), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) before restricted sleep (HIITS5), or HIIT before average sleep (HIITS8). Groups either followed a 15-min remote HIIT video or rest period in the evening (7:00 p.m.) prior to encoding 80 face-name pairs. Participants completed an immediate retrieval task in the evening. The next morning a delayed retrieval task was given after their subjectively documented sleep opportunities. Long-term declarative memory performance was assessed with the discriminability index (dʹ) during the recall tasks. While our results showed that the dʹ of S8 (0.58 ± 1.37) was not significantly different from those of HIITS5 (−0.03 ± 1.64, p = 0.176) and HIITS8 (−0.20 ± 1.28, p = 0.092), there was a difference in dʹ compared to S5 (−0.35 ± 1.64, p = 0.038) at the delayed retrieval. These results suggest that the acute evening HIIT partially reduced the detrimental effects of sleep restriction on long-term declarative memory.
Temporal associations between nightly sleep with daytime eating and activity levels in free-living young adults
Authors: Hoopes Elissa K , Brewer Benjamin , Robson Shannon M , Witman Melissa A , D’Agata Michele N , Malone Susan K , Edwards David G , Patterson Freda
Published: April 2023

Study Objectives

This study aimed to quantify the temporal associations between nightly sleep quantity and timing with daytime eating behavior and activity levels in free-living (i.e. non-experimental) settings.

Methods

Generally healthy young adults (N = 63; 28.9 ± 7.1 years) completed concurrent sleep (wrist actigraphy), eating (photo-assisted diet records), and activity (waist actigraphy) assessments over 14 days. Multilevel models quantified the associations between nightly sleep (total sleep time, timing of sleep and wake onset) with next-day eating behavior (diet quality, caloric intake, timing of eating onset/offset, eating window duration) and activity levels (total physical activity, sedentary time). Associations in the reverse direction (i.e. eating and activity predicting sleep) were explored. Models adjusted for demographic and behavioral confounders and accounted for multiple testing.

Results

At within- and between-subject levels, nights with greater-than-average total sleep time predicted a shorter eating window the next day (all p ≤ 0.002). Later-than-average sleep and wake timing predicted within- and between-subject delays in next-day eating onset and offset, and between-subject reductions in diet quality and caloric intake (all p ≤ 0.008). At within- and between-subject levels, total sleep time was bidirectionally, inversely associated with sedentary time (all p < 0.001), while later-than-average sleep and wake timing predicted lower next-day physical activity (all p ≤ 0.008).

Conclusions

These data underscore the complex interrelatedness between sleep, eating behavior, and activity levels in free-living settings. Findings also suggest that sleep exerts a greater influence on next-day behavior, rather than vice versa. While testing in more diverse samples is needed, these data have potential to enhance health behavior interventions and maximize health outcomes.