bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling the leaf length-times-width equation to predict total leaf area of shoots
Authors: Koyama Kohei , Smith Duncan D
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

An individual plant consists of different-sized shoots, each of which consists of different-sized leaves. To predict plant-level physiological responses from the responses of individual leaves, modelling this within-shoot leaf size variation is necessary. Within-plant leaf trait variation has been well investigated in canopy photosynthesis models but less so in plant allometry. Therefore, integration of these two different approaches is needed.

Methods

We focused on an established leaf-level relationship that the area of an individual leaf lamina is proportional to the product of its length and width. The geometric interpretation of this equation is that different-sized leaf laminas from a single species share the same basic form. Based on this shared basic form, we synthesized a new length-times-width equation predicting total shoot leaf area from the collective dimensions of leaves that comprise a shoot. Furthermore, we showed that several previously established empirical relationships, including the allometric relationships between total shoot leaf area, maximum individual leaf length within the shoot and total leaf number of the shoot, can be unified under the same geometric argument. We tested the model predictions using five species, all of which have simple leaves, selected from diverse taxa (Magnoliids, monocots and eudicots) and from different growth forms (trees, erect herbs and rosette herbs).

Key Results

For all five species, the length-times-width equation explained within-species variation of total leaf area of a shoot with high accuracy (R2 > 0.994). These strong relationships existed despite leaf dimensions scaling very differently between species. We also found good support for all derived predictions from the model (R2 > 0.85).

Conclusions

Our model can be incorporated to improve previous models of allometry that do not consider within-shoot size variation of individual leaves, providing a cross-scale linkage between individual leaf-size variation and shoot-size variation.
Anchorage by seed mucilage prevents seed dislodgement in high surface flow: a mechanistic investigation
Authors: Pan Vincent S , Girvin Cecilia , LoPresti Eric F
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Seed mucilage is a common and highly diverse trait shared among thousands of angiosperm species. While it has long been recognized that mucilage allows seeds to anchor to substrates (antitelechory), resisting abiotic and biotic dislodgement, we still lack a mechanistic understanding of this process.

Methods

We propose a mechanistic model of how mucilage affects substrate anchorage and fluid resistance, ultimately contributing to dislodgement resistance. To test this model, we subjected mucilaginous seeds of 52 species, varying in eight measured seed traits, to 7 d of continuous water flow at a range of dislodgement potentials.

Key Results

Supporting our model, mucilage mass increased the force necessary to dislodge both dry and wet seeds; our measurement of the dislodgement force of dry mucilage explained time to dislodgement well. The effect size was remarkably large; increasing the standardized mucilage mass by 1 s.d. resulted in a 280-fold increase in the time to dislodgement. Fluid resistance was largely dependent on the speed of water flow and the seed’s modified drag coefficient, but not seed traits. Neither mucilage expansion speed nor mucilage decay rate explained dislodgement potential well.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the degree of anchorage to a substrate, measured with a simple dislodgement force assay, is highly predictive of mucilaginous seed retention in highly erosive environments. In contrast, we found that other seed and mucilage traits are of lesser importance to anchorage.
CBNplot: Bayesian network plots for enrichment analysis
Authors: Sato Noriaki , Tamada Yoshinori , Yu Guangchuang , Okuno Yasushi
Published: March 2022

When investigating gene expression profiles, determining important directed edges between genes can provide valuable insights in addition to identifying differentially expressed genes. In the subsequent functional enrichment analysis (EA), understanding how enriched pathways or genes in the pathway interact with one another can help infer the gene regulatory network (GRN), important for studying the underlying molecular mechanisms. However, packages for easy inference of the GRN based on EA are scarce. Here, we developed an R package, CBNplot, which infers the Bayesian network (BN) from gene expression data, explicitly utilizing EA results obtained from curated biological pathway databases. The core features include convenient wrapping for structure learning, visualization of the BN from EA results, comparison with reference networks, and reflection of gene-related information on the plot. As an example, we demonstrate the analysis of bladder cancer-related datasets using CBNplot, including probabilistic reasoning, which is a unique aspect of BN analysis. We display the transformability of results obtained from one dataset to another, the validity of the analysis as assessed using established knowledge and literature, and the possibility of facilitating knowledge discovery from gene expression datasets.

Availability and implementation

The library, documentation and web server are available at https://github.com/noriakis/CBNplot.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Reconstructing Hominin Diets with Stable Isotope Analysis of Amino Acids: New Perspectives and Future Directions
Authors: Larsen Thomas , Fernandes Ricardo , Wang Yiming V , Roberts Patrick
Published: March 2022

Stable isotope analysis of teeth and bones is regularly applied by archeologists and paleoanthropologists seeking to reconstruct diets, ecologies, and environments of past hominin populations. Moving beyond the now prevalent study of stable isotope ratios from bulk materials, researchers are increasingly turning to stable isotope ratios of individual amino acids to obtain more detailed and robust insights into trophic level and resource use. In the present article, we provide a guide on how to best use amino acid stable isotope ratios to determine hominin dietary behaviors and ecologies, past and present. We highlight existing uncertainties of interpretation and the methodological developments required to ensure good practice. In doing so, we hope to make this promising approach more broadly accessible to researchers at a variety of career stages and from a variety of methodological and academic backgrounds who seek to delve into new depths in the study of dietary composition.
The bidirectional lung brain-axis of amyloid-β pathology: ozone dysregulates the peri-plaque microenvironment
Authors: Greve Hendrik J , Dunbar August L , Lombo Carla Garza , Ahmed Chandrama , Thang Morrent , Messenger Evan J , Mumaw Christen L , Johnson James A , Kodavanti Urmila P , Oblak Adrian L , Block Michelle L
Published: March 2022

The mechanisms underlying how urban air pollution affects Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are largely unknown. Ozone (O3) is a reactive gas component of air pollution linked to increased AD risk, but is confined to the respiratory tract after inhalation, implicating the peripheral immune response to air pollution in AD neuropathology. Here, we demonstrate that O3 exposure impaired the ability of microglia, the brain’s parenchymal immune cells, to associate with and form a protective barrier around Aβ plaques, leading to augmented dystrophic neurites and increased Aβ plaque load. Spatial proteomic profiling analysis of peri-plaque proteins revealed a microenvironment-specific signature of dysregulated disease-associated microglia protein expression and increased pathogenic molecule levels with O3 exposure. Unexpectedly, 5xFAD mice exhibited an augmented pulmonary cell and humoral immune response to O3, supporting that ongoing neuropathology may regulate the peripheral O3 response. Circulating HMGB1 was one factor upregulated in only 5xFAD mice, and peripheral HMGB1 was separately shown to regulate brain Trem2 mRNA expression. These findings demonstrate a bidirectional lung-brain axis regulating the central and peripheral AD immune response and highlight this interaction as a potential novel therapeutic target in AD.
Evaluation of the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on language impairments in the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Sanches Clara , Amzallag Fanny , Dubois Bruno , Lévy Richard , Truong Dennis Q. , Bikson Marom , Teichmann Marc , Valero-Cabré Antoni
Published: March 2022

The behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by bilateral atrophy of the prefrontal cortex, gradual deterioration of behavioural and executive capacities, a breakdown of language initiation and impaired search mechanisms in the lexicon. To date, only a few studies have analysed the modulation of language deficits in the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia patients with transcranial direct current stimulation, yet with inconsistent results. Our goal was to assess the impact on language performance of a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation on patients with the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia. Using a sham-controlled double-blind crossover design in a cohort of behavioural frontotemporal dementia patients (n = 12), we explored the impact on language performance of a single transcranial direct current stimulation session delivering anodal or cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation, over the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, compared with sham stimulation. A Letter fluency and a Picture naming task were performed prior and following transcranial direct current stimulation, to assess modulatory effects on language. Behavioural frontotemporal dementia patients were impaired in all evaluation tasks at baseline compared with healthy controls. Computational finite element method (FEM) models of cortical field distribution corroborated expected impacts of left-anodal and right-cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and showed lower radial field strength in case of atrophy. However, none of the two tasks showed statistically significant evidence of language improvement caused by active transcranial direct current stimulation compared with sham. Our findings do not argue in favour of pre-therapeutic effects and suggest that stimulation strategies evaluating the modulatory role of transcranial direct current stimulation in the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia must carefully weigh the influence of symptom severity and cortical atrophy affecting prefrontal regions to ensure clinical success.
Gendering National Sacrifices: The Making of New Heroines in China’s Counter-COVID-19 TV Series
Authors: Zhou Yunyun , Xie Kailing
Published: March 2022

From February 2020 to the end of 2021, China’s state-controlled media focused on creating its “victorious” narrative of combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This article focuses on two high-profile and COVID-19-themed TV series that aim to rewrite the collective memories of the Wuhan lockdown as part of state’s affective governance strategies. Using a feminist textual analysis, the article examines the gendered nature of state narratives by dissecting the representation of national heroines of the pandemic. It demonstrates the centrality of heterosexual families and gender performances in romanticizing individual sacrifices and mass suffering. Unlike the socialist-era role models, the personal weakness and emotional flaws of China’s new heroines are tactically displayed to enhance emotional authenticity and resonate with contemporary audiences. Yet these state narratives reflect only stereotypical depictions of femininity within a hierarchical gender order in post-reform China, where moralized womanhood is imbued with a sacrificial attitude that serves to discipline China’s female citizens.
Low Prior Exposure and Incidence of Hepatitis C in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Negative Gay and Bisexual Men Taking Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Findings From the Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities–New South Wales Prospective Implementation Study
Authors: Amin Janaki , Vaccher Stefanie , Templeton David J , Bavinton Benjamin , Jin Fengyi , Zablotska Iryna , Matthews Gail , Ogilvie Erin , Yeung Barbara , Ooi Catriona , Dharan Nila , Baker David A , Read Phillip , Guy Rebecca , Grulich Andrew E
Published: March 2022

Background

The use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has raised concerns of increased sexual risk behaviors. These behaviors may be associated with increased incidence of sexually acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) among gay and bisexual men.

Methods

The Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities–New South Wales (EPIC-NSW) study was a cohort study of daily coformulated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine for HIV prevention. We recruited 9596 people at high risk of HIV acquisition from 31 clinics across New South Wales and the Australia Capital Territory in Australia. We report prior exposure to HCV and incidence in this cohort between 2016 and 2019.

Results

At least 1 HCV test result was available for 8658 (90.2%) participants. These individuals had a median age of 34 years (interquartile range, 28–43), most of whom were male (8530, 98.5%), identified as gay (7944, 91.8%), and were born in Australia (51.8%). Prior exposure to HCV was detected among 81 participants at baseline (0.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .71.2). Twenty of 8577 participants were diagnosed with incident infection (rate 0.2/100 person-years [95% CI: .1–.3/100 person-years]). They were significantly older (median age 41 years vs 34 years, P = .044), and more likely to report methamphetamine use at baseline (incidence rate ratio, 2.7 [95% CI: 1.00–7.2]) than those without incident infection.

Conclusions

In this population of PrEP users, HCV prior exposure and incidence were low. With high levels of HCV and HIV testing and treatment, the dual goals of HIV and HCV elimination could be achieved in this population. Clinical Trials Registration: number NCT02870790.
High Asymptomatic Carriage With the Omicron Variant in South Africa
Authors: Garrett Nigel , Tapley Asa , Andriesen Jessica , Seocharan Ishen , Fisher Leigh H , Bunts Lisa , Espy Nicole , Wallis Carole L , Randhawa April Kaur , Miner Maurine D , Ketter Nzeera , Yacovone Margaret , Goga Ameena , Huang Yunda , Hural John , Kotze Philip , Bekker Linda Gail , Gray Glenda E , Corey Lawrence ,   Ubuntu Study Team, Ahmed Khatija , Badal-Faesen Sharlaa , Barnabas Shaun , Brumskine William , Comline Kim , Diacon Andreas , Dubula Thozama , Gill Katherine , Grobbelaar Coert , Innes Craig , Kassim Sheetal , Kotze Sheena , Lazarus Erica , Lombaard Johannes , Luabeya Angelique , Maboa Rebone Molobane , Mahoney Scott , Mahkaza Disebo , Malahleha Moelo , Malan Daniel , Mngadi Kathryn , Naicker Nivashnee , Naicker Vimla , Naidoo Logashvari , Nchabeleng Maphoshane , Rassool Mohammed , Spooner Elizabeth , Tempelman Hugo , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Dadabhai Sufia , Makhema Joe , Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha Harriet , Samandari Taraz , Elyanu Peter James , Chilengi Roma , Chirenje Zvavahera , McElrath Julie , Cohen Myron , Kublin James , Gilbert Peter , Peda Melissa , Andersen-Nissen Erica , Ferrari Guido , Villaran Manuel , Takalani Azwidhwi , Gildea Marianne , Nebergall Michelle , Sopher Carrie , Proulx-Burns Lori , Govender Dhevium , Sanders Lisa , Hanke Jen , Baepanye Kagisho , Roux Bert Le , Wilvich Haven , Sripathy Smitha , Margineantu Daciana , Brown Valerie , Linton Kim , Howell Haley , Noronha Bianca , Nikles Sarah , Toledano Alicia , May Jeanine , El-Khorazaty Jill , Naidoo Keshani , Takalani Azwidhwi , Khuto Kentse , Mayat Fatima , Fairall Lara , Sanne Ian
Published: March 2022

We report a 23% asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) Omicron carriage rate in participants being enrolled into a clinical trial in South Africa, 15-fold higher than in trials before Omicron. We also found lower CD4 + T-cell counts in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strongly correlated with increased odds of being SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive.
Research About Parents of Children with Cochlear Implants: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kecman Emily
Published: March 2022

Parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing have long attracted interest from researchers, though, since the 1990s, published research about this population has increasingly gravitated toward issues surrounding pediatric cochlear implantation. This scoping review was undertaken to map the nature, extent, and range of three decades of research about parents of children with cochlear implants, and reports on (1) publication characteristics, (2) sampling characteristics, and (3) study design characteristics within 80 peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2020. The results indicate several gaps and gluts within the field, including a lack of diversity within (and detail about) study samples, a disproportionate focus on evaluating parents’ personal characteristics and (presupposed) psycho-emotional problems, and a scarcity of participatory or co-constructed projects. The results may inform future research, ensuring a wider range of perspectives and experiences are recorded and issues of highest priority and relevance to families are investigated.
Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Cerna Karin , Duricova Dana , Hindos Miroslav , Hindos Hrebackova Jana , Lukas Martin , Machkova Nadezda , Hruba Veronika , Mitrova Katarina , Kubickova Kristyna , Kastylova Kristyna , Teplan Vladimir , Lukas Milan
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Knowledge on the immunogenicity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients is limited. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses and antibodies were analysed in 60 IBD vaccine recipients and 30 controls.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the viral spike protein were measured at baseline and at 8 and 26 weeks after the second vaccine dose. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the nucleocapsid antigens were measured at week 26. A SARS-CoV-2 interferon-gamma released assay [IGRA] was performed in all vaccinees at week 26.

Results

At weeks 0 and 8, no differences were found in anti-spike antibodies between cohorts. At week 26, the decrease in antibody levels was more significant in the IBD cohort compared to the healthy cohort, and anti-nucleocapsid antibodies were not detected in either group. At week 26, 16 of 90 [18%] vaccinated individuals had a negative IGRA test result, seven of 90 [8%] were borderline and 67 [74%] had a positive IGRA result; 22 of the 23 individuals with negative or borderline IGRA results belonged to the IBD cohort. However, the overall functional ability of T-lymphocytes to produce interferon-gamma after the unspecific mitogen stimulation was lower in IBD patients. In vaccinated individuals with low or borderline IGRA, treatment with tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors was the most frequent. In individuals with a significant drop in anti-spike antibody levels, plasmatic interferon-gamma concentrations after the specific SARS-CoV-2 stimulation were also insufficient.

Conclusions

Simple humoral and cellular post-vaccination monitoring is advisable in IBD patients so that repeated vaccine doses may be scheduled.
Ventricular premature complexes successfully ablated from the non-coronary cusp: a case report
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Nozoe Masatsugu , Tsutsumi Takaki , Kubota Toru
Published: March 2022

Background

Ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) occasionally originate from the aortic sinus of Valsalva. Because the anterior part of the left coronary cusp (LCC) and right coronary cusp (RCC) are connected through the ventricular musculature at their bases, VPCs are more common in the LCC and the RCC than in the non-coronary cusp (NCC). We herein report a case in which VPCs were successfully ablated from the NCC, which is considered rare.

Case summary

A 30-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for the ablation of VPCs, which comprised 43% of the total heart beats. The clinical VPCs had an inferior axis and left bundle branch block morphology with a precordial transition between V4 and V5. Three-dimensional mapping of the target VPCs indicated that the earliest activation site was RCC. After radiofrequency (RF) energy application at the RCC, VPCs were temporally suppressed but recurred after 24 min. Remapping of the recurrent VPCs revealed that the earliest activation site shifted from the RCC to the His region. To avoid the risk of atrioventricular block, RF energy was applied from the NCC, which resulted in successful elimination of the VPCs without any complications.

Discussion

The present case suggests that RF energy application from the NCC may be a safe and effective option for the ablation of VPCs with the earliest activation at the RCC and His region.
Triglyceride–glucose index in the development of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction: analysis of the ARIC study
Authors: Huang Rihua , Lin Yifen , Ye Xiaomin , Zhong Xiangbin , Xie Peihan , Li Miaohong , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liao Xinxue
Published: March 2022

Aims

We aimed to investigate whether the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, an easy-calculated and reliable surrogate of insulin resistance, was associated with the development of heart failure (HF) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

Methods and results

A total of 12 374 participants (mean age: 54.1 ± 5.7 years, male: 44.7%) free of history of HF and coronary heart disease at baseline from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study were included. The TyG index was calculated as ln[fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The long-term TyG index was calculated as the updated cumulative average TyG index using all available TyG index from baseline to the events of HF or the end of follow-up. We evaluated the associations of both the baseline and the long-term TyG index with incident HF using Cox regression analysis. We also analysed the effect of the TyG index on LV structure and function among 4889 participants with echocardiographic data using multivariable linear regression analysis. There were 1958 incident HF cases over a median follow-up of 22.5 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, 1-SD (0.60) increase in the baseline TyG index was associated with a 15% higher risk of HF development [hazard ratio (HR): 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.21]. Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of the baseline TyG index, those in the highest quartile had a greater risk of incident HF [HR (95% CI): 1.25 (1.08–1.45)]. In terms of LV structure and function, a greater baseline TyG index was associated with adverse LV remodelling and LV dysfunction. Similar results were found for the long-term TyG index.

Conclusion

In a community-based cohort, we found that a greater TyG index was significantly associated with a higher risk of incident HF and impaired LV structure and function.
Nicotiana benthamiana as a model for studying Cryptococcus–plant interaction
Authors: Dornelas João C M , Costa Marliete C , Carmo Paulo H F , Paixão Vivian M , Carvalho Vanessa S D , Barreto Leilane C , Garcia Queila S , Bragança Gracielle P P , Isaias Rosy M S , Brito Júlio C M , Resende-Stoianoff Maria A , Santos Daniel A
Published: March 2022

Cryptococcus gattii, an environmental yeast isolated from plants, is one of the agents of cryptococcosis. Here, we aimed to develop a plant model to study C. gattii–plant interaction, since it is unclear how it affects the plant and the yeast. We tested three inoculation methods (scarification, infiltration, and abrasion) in three plant species: Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum, and N. benthamiana. Cryptococcus gattii was able to grow in all three models, with a peak of yeast cell burden after 7 days, without any pathological effects. Furthermore, the fungal burden was reduced later, confirming that C. gattii is not a phytopathogen. Cryptococcus gattii proliferation was higher in N. benthamiana, which presented an increase in the hydrogen peroxide content, antioxidant system activity, and indoleacetic acid (IAA) production. Cryptococcus gattii colonies recovered from N. benthamiana presented lower ergosterol content, reduced capsule, and increased growth rate in vitro and inside macrophages. In vitro, IAA altered C. gattii morphology and susceptibility to antifungal drugs. We hypothesize that C. gattii can temporarily colonize plant living tissues, which can be a potential reservoir of yeast virulence, with further dissemination to the environment, birds, and mammals. In conclusion, N. benthamiana is suitable for studying C. gattii–plant interaction.
Nematode chromosomes
Authors: Carlton Peter M , Davis Richard E , Ahmed Shawn
Published: March 2022

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has shed light on many aspects of eukaryotic biology, including genetics, development, cell biology, and genomics. A major factor in the success of C. elegans as a model organism has been the availability, since the late 1990s, of an essentially gap-free and well-annotated nuclear genome sequence, divided among 6 chromosomes. In this review, we discuss the structure, function, and biology of C. elegans chromosomes and then provide a general perspective on chromosome biology in other diverse nematode species. We highlight malleable chromosome features including centromeres, telomeres, and repetitive elements, as well as the remarkable process of programmed DNA elimination (historically described as chromatin diminution) that induces loss of portions of the genome in somatic cells of a handful of nematode species. An exciting future prospect is that nematode species may enable experimental approaches to study chromosome features and to test models of chromosome evolution. In the long term, fundamental insights regarding how speciation is integrated with chromosome biology may be revealed.
The role of fisher engagement in the acceptance of turtle excluder devices in Georgia's shrimping industry
Authors: Tookes Jennifer Sweeney , Yandle Tracy , Fluech Bryan
Published: March 2022

The “Georgia Jumper” turtle excluder device (TED) is a rare example of a well-accepted conservation tool required by regulation. Mediated by the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia's shrimping industry was integral to the design, revision, and implementation of excluder devices, since the earliest “jellyball shooter” proposed to NMFS in 1980. This paper highlights fisher involvement in the creation of the popular “Georgia Jumper” TED. Both the Diffusion of Innovation and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge literatures stress the importance of meaningful engagement of user communities in the development of new management approaches, and make specific recommendations for improving uptake of new methods. Consistent with literature expectations, fisher and industry participation in the development, testing, and implementation of TEDs has been key to the general acceptance of TEDs in Georgia. This paper illustrates the importance of fisher participation in conservation efforts such as these.
DHF-7 Ameliorates Behavioral Disorders and White Matter Lesions by Regulating BDNF and Fyn in a Mouse Model of Schizophrenia Induced by Cuprizone and MK-801
Authors: Sun Zheng-Yu , Ma Deng-Lei , Gu Li-Hong , Chen Xi , Zhang Lan , Li Lin
Published: March 2022

Background

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder including multiple clinical symptoms such as severe psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. DHF-7 is a novel dihydroflavanone derivative that was designed and synthesized to treat schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of DHF-7 in a mouse model of schizophrenia induced by a combination of cuprizone and MK-801.

Methods

After intragastric administration of DHF-7 for 7 weeks, open field, Y-maze, and novel object recognition tests were performed to detect behavioral changes in the mouse model. White matter lesions and myelin loss were determined using transmission electron microscopy and oil red O staining. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of the related proteins.

Results

The results showed that DHF-7 treatment significantly improved cognitive impairment and positive symptoms in the model mice. Moreover, DHF-7 alleviated white matter lesions and demyelination and promoted the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocytes for remyelination in the corpus callosum of model mice. The mechanistic study showed that DHF-7 increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and phosphorylated Fyn, thus activating the tyrosine kinase receptor B (Trk B)/Fyn/N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2 B (NMDAR2B) and Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/ extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Our results provide an experimental basis for the development of DHF-7 as a novel therapeutic agent for schizophrenia.
Family informatics
Authors: Coiera Enrico , Yin Kathleen , Sharan Roneel V , Akbar Saba , Vedantam Satya , Xiong Hao , Waldie Jenny , Lau Annie Y S
Published: March 2022

While families have a central role in shaping individual choices and behaviors, healthcare largely focuses on treating individuals or supporting self-care. However, a family is also a health unit. We argue that family informatics is a necessary evolution in scope of health informatics. To deal with the needs of individuals, we must ensure technologies account for the role of their families and may require new classes of digital service. Social networks can help conceptualize the structure, composition, and behavior of families. A family network can be seen as a multiagent system with distributed cognition. Digital tools can address family needs in (1) sensing and monitoring; (2) communicating and sharing; (3) deciding and acting; and (4) treating and preventing illness. Family informatics is inherently multidisciplinary and has the potential to address unresolved chronic health challenges such as obesity, mental health, and substance abuse, support acute health challenges, and to improve the capacity of individuals to manage their own health needs.
Evaluation of optimal dietary calcium level by bone characteristics and calcium metabolism-related gene expression of broilers from 22 to 42 d of age
Authors: Wang Chuanlong , Lu Lin , Zhang Liyang , Liao Xiudong , Li Sufen , Luo Xugang
Published: March 2022

The current dietary Ca recommendation of broilers is primarily based on the previous studies carried out more than 30 yr ago. However, the modern commercial broilers are quite different from those more than 30 yr ago. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate an optimal dietary Ca level by bone characteristics and Ca metabolism-related gene expression of broilers fed a corn-soybean meal diet from 22 to 42 d of age. A total of 252 22-d-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 7 treatments with 6 replicate cages of 6 birds per cage for each treatment. Broilers were fed the corn-soybean meal diets containing 0.50%, 0.60%, 0.70%, 0.80%, 0.90%, 1.00%, or 1.10% Ca for 21 d, and each diet contained 0.31% non-phytate P. The results showed that the mineral contents in tibia and middle toe bone, mineral density in tibia and middle toe bone, middle toe ash percentage, middle toe ash Ca percentage, and tibia alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression level of broilers were influenced (P < 0.04) by dietary Ca level and increased quadratically (P < 0.05) as dietary Ca level increased. The estimates of optimal dietary Ca levels were 0.55%, 0.60%, 0.70%, 0.72%, 0.63%, 0.66%, and 0.70%, respectively, based on the best fitted broken-line, quadratic, or asymptotic models (P < 0.02) of the above sensitive indices. These results indicate that the optimal dietary Ca level would be 0.72% to support all of the Ca metabolism and bone development of broilers fed the corn-soybean meal diet from 22 to 42 d of age.
CCK and GLP-1 release in response to proteinogenic amino acids using a small intestine ex vivo model in pigs
Authors: Müller Maximiliano , Van Liefferinge Elout , Navarro Marta , Garcia-Puig Elisabet , Tilbrook Alan , van Barneveld Robert , Roura Eugeni
Published: March 2022

The impact of individual amino acids (AA) on gut hormone secretion and appetite regulation in pigs remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the 20 proteinogenic AA on the release of the anorexigenic hormones cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in postweaning pigs. Six 25-d-old male piglets (Domestic Landrace × Large White; body weight = 6.94 ± 0.29 kg) were humanely killed for the collection of intestinal segments from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Tissue samples from the three intestinal segments were used to determine which of the regions were more relevant for the analysis of gut peptides. Only the segments with the highest CCK and GLP-1 secretion and expression levels were evaluated with the 20 individual AA. Tissue segments were cut open, cleaned, and stripped of their muscle layer before identical circular samples were collected and incubated in 24-well plates for 1 h (37 °C, 5% v/v CO2). The culture broth consisted of a glucose-free KRB buffer containing no added AA (control) or with the addition of 10 mM of 1 of the 20 proteinogenic AA. Following incubation, tissues and supernatant were collected for gene expression and secretion analysis of CCK and GLP-1 levels. CCK secretion and mRNA expression were higher (P < 0.05) in duodenum when compared with proximal jejunum or ileum, whereas GLP-1/proglucagon levels were higher in ileum vs. duodenum (P < 0.05) and jejunum (P < 0.05, for GLP-1 only) in postweaning pigs. Based on these results, the effect of AA on CCK and GLP-1 secretion was studied in the duodenum and ileum, respectively. None of the AA tested stimulated both anorexigenic hormones. Of all the essential AA, Ile, Leu, Met, and Trp significantly (P < 0.05) stimulated GLP-1 from the ileum, while only Phe stimulated CCK from the duodenum. Of the nonessential AA, amide AA (Gln and Asn) caused the release of CCK, while Glu and Arg increased the release of GLP-1 from the ileum. Interpreting the results in the context of the digestion and absorption dynamics, non-bound AA are quickly absorbed and have their effect on gut peptide secretion limited to the proximal small intestine (i.e., duodenum), thus, mainly CCK. In contrast, protein-bound AA would only stimulate CCK release from the duodenum through feedback mechanisms (such as through GLP-1 secreted mainly in the ileum).
Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly Reveals Dynamic Sex Chromosomes in Neotropical Leaf-Litter Geckos (Sphaerodactylidae:Sphaerodactylus)
Authors: Pinto Brendan J , Keating Shannon E , Nielsen Stuart V , Scantlebury Daniel P , Daza Juan D , Gamble Tony
Published: March 2022

Sex determination is a critical element of successful vertebrate development, suggesting that sex chromosome systems might be evolutionarily stable across lineages. For example, mammals and birds have maintained conserved sex chromosome systems over long evolutionary time periods. Other vertebrates, in contrast, have undergone frequent sex chromosome transitions, which is even more amazing considering we still know comparatively little across large swaths of their respective phylogenies. One reptile group in particular, the gecko lizards (infraorder Gekkota), shows an exceptional lability with regard to sex chromosome transitions and may possess the majority of transitions within squamates (lizards and snakes). However, detailed genomic and cytogenetic information about sex chromosomes is lacking for most gecko species, leaving large gaps in our understanding of the evolutionary processes at play. To address this, we assembled a chromosome-level genome for a gecko (Sphaerodactylidae: Sphaerodactylus) and used this assembly to search for sex chromosomes among six closely related species using a variety of genomic data, including whole-genome re-sequencing, RADseq, and RNAseq. Previous work has identified XY systems in two species of Sphaerodactylus geckos. We expand upon that work to identify between two and four sex chromosome cis-transitions (XY to a new XY) within the genus. Interestingly, we confirmed two different linkage groups as XY sex chromosome systems that were previously unknown to act as sex chromosomes in tetrapods (syntenic with Gallus chromosome 3 and Gallus chromosomes 18/30/33), further highlighting a unique and fascinating trend that most linkage groups have the potential to act as sex chromosomes in squamates.
Geographic Population Genetic Structure of the New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Using SNPs
Authors: Tietjen Mackenzie , Pérez de León Adalberto A , Sagel Agustin , Skoda Steve R , Phillips Pamela L , Mitchell Robert D , Caruth Joanne , Durán Uziel , Musai Lisa , Tortosa Silvia , Arp Alex P
Published: March 2022

The New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel 1858) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is a serious parasite of livestock, humans, and other warm-blooded animals. It has been eradicated from the northern parts of its historical range down to the Panama—Colombian border where a permanent barrier zone is maintained. This eradication was accomplished through using the sterile insect technique (SIT). In 2016 there was an outbreak of C. hominivorax in the Florida Keys. In only six months, this pest was successfully re-eradicated using SIT, but the geographic origin of the invasion has yet to be resolved. It was previously determined that the Florida flies most likely represented a single invasion, and it was recommended that a finer-scale genetic assessment should be completed. Thus, this current proof-of-concept study aimed to develop a population genetic database using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to reference outbreaks and potentially identify the origin of the Florida outbreak. This initial database consists of wild-caught samples from 4 geographic locations as well as laboratory colony samples that originated from 7 additional locations using a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach. Geographic population structuring was identified for twelve populations that clustered according to geographic location. The Florida outbreak samples appeared similar to samples from the outer Caribbean cluster which included samples from Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, however, these results will be further clarified with the replacement of laboratory colony samples with future wild-caught samples.
Effect of Malathion on the Development of Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) (Diptera: Phoridae), a Forensically Important Fly
Authors: Castillo-Alanis Luz Alejandra , Lira-Paredes Adrián Alonso , Pedraza-Lara Carlos , Quijano-Mateos Alejandra , Bravo-Gómez María Elena
Published: March 2022

Malathion is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide; it is also a molecule of forensic interest due to its moderate to high toxicity in nontarget organisms, humans included. This compound is present in some fatal intoxications, accidental or intentional; its presence in the tissues on which the cadaveric entomofauna feeds may affect its growth rate and life cycle duration leading to an error in the estimation of the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). Since the toxic effect of malathion on the cadaveric entomofauna could affect the estimation of the PMImin, the aim of this work was to study the toxic effect of malathion on the growth and development of the scuttle fly, Megaselia scalaris, a fly of forensic interest which plays an important role in forensics cases related to human remains found indoors or in concealed environments. The study was complemented with some morphological observations; no morphological changes were observed in the larvae, nor the adult flies exposed to malathion. Malathion affects the viability of the egg and pupa, it also reduces the larval growth rate and increases the duration of the larval stage; therefore, the estimation of the PMImin, with this species when malathion is present in tissues, could be affected.
Hormonal Therapy Drug Switching, Out-of-Pocket Costs, and Adherence Among Older Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Qin Xuanzi , Huckfeldt Peter , Abraham Jean , Yee Douglas , Virnig Beth A
Published: March 2022

Background

Adherence to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and tamoxifen has considerable survival benefits for postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. Reduced out-of-pocket costs and treatment-related side effects could increase therapy adherence. Given that individuals’ side effect profiles could differ across AIs, generic AI entry could facilitate switching between AIs to manage side effects and improve adherence.

Methods

From Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare, we selected women first diagnosed with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer at age 65+ years and initiated an AI within 1 year of diagnosis between January 1, 2007, and May 31, 2008, or June 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012, and followed them for up to 2 years (N  = 20 677). We estimated changes in probabilities of adherence with and without switching for Part D enrollees with and without the low-income subsidy (LIS vs non-LIS) before and after generic entry using linear probability models. Tests of statistical significance are 2-sided.

Results

After generic entry reduced out-of-pocket costs of AIs (larger reduction for non-LIS), the percentage of women who ever switched from one AI to another AI increased from 8.8% to 14.6% for non-LIS and from 7.3% to 12.5% for LIS. Adherence without switching increased by 8.0 percentage points (pp) for non-LIS (P < .001) but decreased by 4.9 pp (P < .001) for LIS. Adherence with switching increased for both non-LIS (6.4 pp, P < .001) and LIS (4.4 pp, P < .001).

Conclusions

Increased switching after generic entry contributed to increased adherence, suggesting switching allowed better management of treatment-related side effects. Subsidized women also experienced increased adherence with switching after generic entry, suggesting that patients and physicians might not understand Part D benefit design when making decisions.
Phosphate starvation-inducible GLYCEROPHOSPHODIESTER PHOSPHODIESTERASE6 is involved in Arabidopsis root growth
Authors: Ngo Anh H , Nakamura Yuki
Published: March 2022

Plants that are starved of phosphate trigger membrane lipid remodeling, which hydrolyses phospholipids and presumably allows their phosphate to be utilized, whilst replacing them with galactolipids to maintain the integrity of the membrane system. In addition to the two concurrent pathways of phospholipid hydrolysis by phospholipases C and D that have already been established, an emerging third pathway has been proposed that includes a reaction step catalysed by glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterases (GDPDs). However, its functional involvement in phosphate-starved plants remains elusive. Here, we show that Arabidopsis GDPD6 is a functional isoform responsible for glycerophosphocholine hydrolysis in vivo. Overexpression of GDPD6 promoted root growth whilst gdpd6 mutants showed impaired root growth under phosphate starvation, and this defect was rescued by supplementing with the reaction product glycerol 3-phosphate but not with choline. Since GDPD6 is induced by phosphate starvation, we suggest that GDPD6 might be involved in root growth via the production of glycerol 3-phosphate in phosphate-starved plants.
The Lens of Language
Authors: Fuks Abraham
Published: March 2022

Words are the ties that bind patient and physician in the clinical relationship in which medical care is enacted. The first chapter, “The Lens of Language,” shows how language mediates both the communicative and relational aspects of the practice of medicine. It compares the descriptive mode of language used to transmit straightforward factual information with figurative language. The latter uses metaphors and allusions with multiple meanings that require interpretation and enable the creation of new ideas and thoughts. Figurative language is suited to communication of nuances and emotions and is dependent on context to provide meaning. Clinical stories told by patients are rich with words that are linked to past experiences and reveal to an attentive physician the important concerns of the patient, such as the shock of illness and the fear of disease. The chapter explores the idea that language constitutes what can be called the “house of being.”
Optimizing Data on Race and Ethnicity for Veterans Affairs Patients
Authors: Peltzman Talya , Rice Korie , Jones Kenneth T , Washington Donna L , Shiner Brian
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Maintaining accurate race and ethnicity data among patients of the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system has historically been a challenge. This work expands on previous efforts to optimize race and ethnicity values by combining multiple VA data sources and exploring race- and ethnicity-specific collation algorithms.

Materials and Methods

We linked VA patient data from 2000 to 2018 with race and ethnicity data from four administrative and electronic health record sources: VA Medical SAS files (MedSAS), Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), VA Centers for Medicare extracts (CMS), and VA Defense Identity Repository Data (VADIR). To assess the accuracy of each data source, we compared race and ethnicity values to self-reported data from the Survey of Health Experiences of Patients (SHEP). We used Cohen’s Kappa to assess overall (holistic) source agreement and positive predictive values (PPV) to determine the accuracy of sources for each race and ethnicity separately.

Results

Holistic agreement with SHEP data was excellent (K > 0.80 for all sources), while race- and ethnicity-specific agreement varied. All sources were best at identifying White and Black users (average PPV = 0.94, 0.93, respectively). When applied to the full VA user population, both holistic and race-specific algorithms substantially reduced unknown values, as compared to single-source methods.

Conclusions

Combining multiple sources to generate race and ethnicity values improves data accuracy among VA patients. Based on the overall agreement with self-reported data, we recommend using non-missing values from sources in the following order to fill in race values—SHEP, CMS, CDW, MedSAS, and VADIR—and in the following order to fill in ethnicity values—SHEP, CDW, MedSAS, VADIR, and CMS.
Demonstration of an imaging technique for the measurement of PSF elongation caused by Atmospheric Dispersion
Authors: van den Born J A , Jellema W , Dijkstra E
Published: March 2022

Elongation of the point spread function (PSF) due to atmospheric dispersion becomes a severe problem for high-resolution imaging instruments, if an atmospheric dispersion corrector is not present. In this work, we report on a novel technique to measure this elongation, corrected or uncorrected, from imaging data. By employing a simple diffraction mask, it is possible to magnify the chromatic elongation caused by the atmosphere and thus make it easier to measure. We discuss the theory and design of such a mask and report on two proof of concept observations using the 40-cm Gratama telescope at the University of Groningen. We evaluate the acquired images using a geometric approach, a forward modelling approach and from a direct measurement of the length of the PSF. For the first two methods, we report measurements consistent with atmospheric dispersion models to within 0.5 arcsec. Direct measurements of the elongation do not prove suitable for the characterization of atmospheric dispersion. We conclude that the addition of this type of diffraction mask can be valuable for measurements of PSF elongation. This can enable high-precision correction of atmospheric dispersion on future instruments.