bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiome modulates immunotherapy response in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Voigt Anita Y. , Walter Andrew , Young Timothy H. , Graham John P. , Batista Bittencourt Bruna M. , de Mingo Pulido Alvaro , Prieto Karol , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Sundberg John P. , Oh Julia
Published: June 2023

The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized to alter cancer risk, progression and response to treatments such as immunotherapy, especially in cutaneous melanoma. However, whether the microbiome influences immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy response to non‐melanoma skin cancer has not yet been defined. As squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are in closest proximity to the skin microbiome, we hypothesized that the skin microbiome, which regulates cutaneous immunity, might affect SCC‐associated anti‐PD1 immunotherapy treatment response. We used ultraviolet radiation to induce SCC in SKH1 hairless mice. We then treated the mice with broad‐band antibiotics to deplete the microbiome, followed by colonisation by candidate skin and gut bacteria or persistent antibiotic treatment, all in parallel with ICI treatment. We longitudinally monitored skin and gut microbiome dynamics by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and tumour burden by periodic tumour measurements and histologic assessment. Our study revealed that antibiotics‐induced abrogation of the microbiome reduced the tumour burden, suggesting a functional role of the microbiome in non‐melanoma skin cancer therapy response.
Classifying electroencephalogram signals using an innovative and effective machine learning method based on chaotic elephant herding optimum
Authors: Alqahtani Ali , Alqahtani Nayef , Alsulami Abdulaziz A. , Ojo Stephen , Shukla Prashant Kumar , Pandit Shraddha V. , Pareek Piyush Kumar , khalifa Hany S.
Published: June 2023

The field of electroencephalography (EEG) has made significant contributions to our understanding of the brain, our understanding of neurological diseases, and our ability to treat such diseases. Epileptic seizures, strokes, and even death can all be detected with the use of the electroencephalogram, a diagnostic technique used to record electrical activity in the brain. This research suggests using binary classification for automated epilepsy diagnosis. Patients' EEG signals are pre‐processed after being recorded. On the basis of the results of the feature extraction technique, the best traits are picked for further examination by means of a structured genetic algorithm. The EEG data are analysed and categorized as either seizure‐free or epileptic seizure‐related based on the assumption of feature optimization utilizing the support vector classifier. As a result, categorizing EEG signals is an ideal application for the suggested technique. For this purpose of accelerating the implementation of distributed computing, a CEHOC (Chaotic Elephant Herding Optimization based Classification) is used to classify the vast scope of various datasets. The results show that the CEHOC algorithm is more effective than previous versions. Precision, recall, F score, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy are some of the metrics used to assess the effectiveness of the work provided here. The suggested work has a 99.3019% accuracy rate, a 98.2018% sensitivity rate, and a 99.1125% specificity rate. There was an F score of 99.3204%, a precision of 99.1019%, and a recall of 98.3015%. These numbers indicate that the planned action was successful.
A modified energy‐based fatigue parameter for short fiber reinforced polymers: Performance analysis with varying thicknesses, load ratios, and fiber orientations
Authors: Fiorini Francesco E. , Martulli Luca M. , Steck Philippe , Bernasconi Andrea
Published: June 2023

The durability of short fiber reinforced polymers (SFRPs) is affected by several variables. Accurate unifying fatigue parameters are thus essential for an efficient characterization campaign. This research investigated the fatigue behavior of a Polyphtalamide PA6T/6I reinforced with 50% of glass fibers. Two thicknesses (1.6 and 3 mm), two orientations from the injection molding direction (0° and 90°), and three load rations (−0.5, 0.1, 0.5) were investigated. A new fatigue parameter, called alternating energy density (AED), was presented; its ability to correlate the fatigue tests results was compared to other known fatigue parameters—cyclic mean strain rate and cyclic creep energy density. All the fatigue parameters were found to be independent of specimen thickness. Furthermore, the prediction of the fatigue lifetime based on AED showed greater accuracy with respect to the other known investigated methods. AED could thus be used for accurate and efficient lifetime prediction of SFRPs.
Modeling of Complex, Multi‐Component NAPL Remediation for Decision Support
Authors: Stewart Lloyd D. , Nyman Jennifer , Prieto‐Estrada Andres E. , Chambon Julie C. , Widdowson Mark A. , Kavanaugh Michael C.
Published: June 2023

In situ remediation of nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL)‐impacted sites is difficult and costly. Even with enhancements (e.g., chemical and thermal) and partial NAPL recovery, mass transfer constraints associated with partitioning from residual NAPL typically control the depletion rate of sources and attainment of cleanup goals. Practical methodologies are needed to support strategic evaluation, planning, and implementation of cost‐effective remedial approaches that are considered protective. A modeling system averaging over the NAPL‐impacted saturated soil volume was developed and demonstrated at the former Williams Air Force Base. The system combines upscaled, physically based mass transfer coefficients for multi‐component NAPL dissolution with theoretical enhancements specific to multiple remediation processes. Dissolution increases in the presence of aqueous phase reactions, according to first‐ or second‐order kinetics, by increasing concentration gradients. Slow biological processes are considered first order in modeling natural attenuation and enhanced biological degradation. Fast reactions associated with chemical oxidation are considered second order. These enhancement models are equally applicable to numerical simulations of NAPL remediation. Pump and treat enhances dissolution in proportion to increases in the characteristic velocity associated with dissolution. The demonstration yielded realistic predictions, with greater certainty, for outcomes from of multiple technologies intended to reduce remedial timeframes and life cycle costs. The enhanced dissolution modeling provides a site‐specific, quantitative assessment of changes in NAPL source discharge concentration and mass discharge over time for various remedial options that is equivalent to assessments from complex numerical transport models, given typical input data limitations.
Young adults' online shopping addiction: The role of self‐regulation and smartphone use
Authors: Nyrhinen Jussi , Lonka Kirsti , Sirola Anu , Ranta Mette , Wilska Terhi‐Anna
Published: June 2023

Online shopping addiction can be defined as an Internet‐based behavioural addiction which may lead to economic problems. Even though shopping is increasingly common through mobile devices, the effects of smartphone use on online shopping addiction are underexamined. Following a survey of 1000 18 to 29‐year‐olds in Finland, we examined young adults' online shopping addiction and economic problems from the perspective of self‐regulation and problems in regulating smartphone use. The results indicated that low self‐regulation in an online environment facilitates online shopping addiction, which further leads to dissatisfaction toward personal money management through indebtedness. Moreover, we illustrated how distractive stimuli of digital environments can act as primers for addiction by showing how problems in regulating smartphone use facilitates online shopping addiction for young adults with generally low self‐regulation. We conclude our article by offering guidance on how the teaching of self‐regulatory strategies as well as financial and information communications technology skills may decrease the tendency for online shopping addiction.
Nursing in a prison context: A focused mapping review and synthesis of international nursing literature
Authors: Bright Ann‐Marie , Higgins Agnes , Grealish Annmarie
Published: June 2023

Aim

To provide a snapshot of the extent to which nursing and the prison context features in non‐specialist/generic nursing journals.

Design

Focused mapping review and synthesis.

Methods

Relevant articles were examined for the extent to which they featured nursing and the prison context. A descriptive and contextual analysis of the data was carried out to provide a topography and synthesis of the key trends identified.

Data Sources

Articles meeting criteria for nursing and the prison context in relevant non‐specialized, generic nursing journals (n = 7) from January 2018 to December 2022.

Results

Four thousand, nine hundred and twelve (n = 4912) articles were published during the review period of which (n = 14) met inclusion criteria. The key trends identified are presented under three headings: taking an advocacy approach for better health and well‐being, examining self‐determination and autonomy in prison populations and nursing in the prison context.

Conclusion

Nursing and the prison context features in non‐specialized and generic nursing journals but sparsely and infrequently. There is a need for greater visibility of nursing and the prison context in nursing journals to help reduce stigma and marginalization of those working and those detained in prison.

Implication for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses working in prison environments often manage extremely complex care needs. It is necessary to feature all nursing care environments in nursing journals so as to increase visibility and to act as a source of education for all.

Impact (What Problem Did the Study Address? Main Findings? Where/Whom Will the Research Have Impact on)

The findings of this review will have impact on all nurses engaged in practice and research as it highlights the extent to which nursing in a prison context is featured in non‐specialized nursing journals and also speaks to the challenges faced by those working and detained in prison.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. This was a review of existing literature.
Reduction of adverse events in a psychiatric inpatient eating disorder unit during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Arbour Simone , Paul Sayani , Rice Mark
Published: June 2023

Topic

Globally, the COVID‐19 pandemic had impacted the health care delivery including inpatient psychiatric facilities. Within psychiatric settings, life of inpatients was profoundly altered.

Purpose

This paper aimed to understand if pandemic‐related changes within an inpatient Eating Disorder Unit in a specialized psychiatric hospital in Ontario, Canada impacted incidence of aggression and use of coercive methods among adolescents.

Source Used

An exploratory study design was used to examine incidence of aggression, self‐harm, code whites, staff assist, restraints and seclusion, and nasogastric feeding (NGF) among adolescents with eating disorders before and after the modified service delivery within the inpatient unit. Descriptive analyses were conducted.

Results

Analyses revealed a complete reduction in episodes of self‐harm, aggression, staff assists, use of restraint and seclusion as well as an 80.14% reduction on average use of NGF.

Conclusion

Authors speculate that the change in environment and program delivery method, peer influence, and shift in power relations between patient and staff may have resulted in improved experiences. This report provides insights to adopt a recovery‐oriented service delivery for adolescents with eating disorders in inpatient settings.
Plugging the pipe? Evaluating the (null) effects of leaks on Supreme Court legitimacy
Authors: Carrington Nathan T. , Strother Logan
Published: June 2023

Occasionally, information about the inner workings of the Supreme Court is leaked to the press by insiders—clerks, or even justices themselves. These leaks reliably stoke controversy among commentators and academics alike who pontificate on the negative effect leaks have on the Court's institutional legitimacy. However, it is not immediately clear from existing theories whether populating the media environment with leaked information will affect public perceptions of the Court, let alone the direction of such effects. In this paper, we use an original survey combined with an original survey experiment to test the extent to which, if any, leaks influence legitimacy ascribed to the Supreme Court. Analysis shows a tightly‐estimated null effect of leaks on public views on the Court.
A new cavefish of Sinocyclocheilus (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Nanpanjiang River in Guizhou, China
Authors: Luo Qi , Tang Qian , Deng Lei , Duan Qian , Zhang Renyi
Published: June 2023

A new species, Sinocyclocheilus xingyiensis, is described based on specimens collected from a karst cave in Guizhou Province, China. The authors used an integrated taxonomic approach, including morphological and molecular data, to identify the new species as a member of the Sinocyclocheilu angularis group, and it can be distinguished from all other members of this group by a combination of the following features: two pairs of long barbels and long pectoral fins, 42–46 lateral‐line scales, 7 (13–14) on outer (inner) side of the first gill arch and 35 (14–15 + 4 + 16 − 17) vertebrae. Phylogenetic analyses based on the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene fragment suggest that S. xingyiensis is a sister lineage to Sinocyclocheilus flexuosdorsalis. The genetic distance (Kimura 2‐parameter) between the S. xingyiensis and S. angularis groups of Sinocyclocheilus species based on cyt b gene fragment ranged from 1.2% to 15.4%.
Drying kinetics and change in bioactive compounds of edible flowers: Prunus domestica
Authors: Dundar Ayse Neslihan , Sahin Oya Irmak , Parlak Mahmut Ekrem , Saricaoglu Furkan Turker
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study is to reveal the effect of different drying methods (hot‐air drying [HAD] and freeze‐drying [FD]) on flowers of Prunus domestica—white, pink, and red, methanolic extracts and their effects on polyphenolic compounds. Drying kinetics, phytochemical and antioxidant activity were investigated, and compared with each other and also with fresh samples. The modeling of the terms of Fick's diffusion equation were used to estimate the coefficients of diffusion. Drying kinetics from HAD and FD were analyzed mathematically, and obtained data was statistically analyzed to obtain best fit among all available models.

The total phenolic content (TPC) of plum blossom extracts (PBEs) varied between 185.16 and 279.73 mg GAE per g dry weight sample. TPC levels increased in red and white PBE samples subjected to the FD process. However, in contrast, the TPC values of the pink PBE were in a decreasing trend with the drying process. CUPRAC levels were highest in the PBE of red flowers (1.04 mmol TE g−1). ABTS (65 μmol TE g−1) and DPPH (47.50 μmol TE g−1) levels were highest in PBE of pink flowers. ABTS values of only red‐colored samples increased after HAD and FD, while antioxidant activity results decreased in all other samples. Compared to HAD, FD negatively affected quercetin and its derivative content, on the other hand positively affected the cyanidin contents. It can be concluded that different drying methods would be effective for different polyphenolic compounds depending on the pigment type of flowers.

Practical applications

Edible flowers have been used for their therapeutic purposes traditionally, and nowadays they gain a renewed interest as rich sources of bioactive compounds for both the food and culinary science. As a new tool for functional food development, the focus of edible flowers research is how to preserve the bioactive content. Drying is known to be the best way to avoid the perishability of edible flowers. The present work has been carried out for comparing two drying methods (HAD, FD) in terms of the bioactive changes and kinetic parameters. Our results showed that the quality attributes of Prunus flowers, rich in bioactive compounds and pigments, either preserve or enhance by FD. Mathematical modeling of drying affected by the pigment types, which is determined Jena&Das model for white flowers while Page model was the most appropriate to describe drying kinetics of red and pink flowers. It can be concluded that freeze drying can be effectively used in the dehydration of Prunus flowers and further studies can be promoted as a functional additive.
Attachment behaviours in adults with intellectual disabilities in assisted living facilities: representations from direct‐care staff
Authors: Rinaldi R. , Duplat J. , Kahwaji C. , Wauthia E. , Willaye E. , Batselé E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Studies on individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) indicate that primary care staff are potential attachment figures. Therefore, the ability to interpret and respond to attachment behaviours with sensitivity is crucial for professionals working with adults with IDs. However, little is known regarding representations and understanding of these attachment behaviours among professionals. This study investigated the representations of attachment behaviours among adults with IDs, as observed and interpreted by direct‐care staff in assisted living facilities.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 19 support workers in seven assisted living facilities in the French community of Belgium. A thematic content analysis was performed.

Results

Professional discourse elicited various forms of attachment behaviours that were sometimes considered challenging. Staff reported difficulties in finding a balance between supporting selective attachment and maintaining ‘the right distance’ to prevent a negative impact on their work conditions.

Conclusions

This study gives insight to how using an attachment‐informed framework may provide a new perspective on behaviours of adults with IDs in assisted living facilities, as well as the need to offer professionals the opportunity to reflect upon their practices in relation to this dimension.
Brain circuits for maternal sensitivity and pain involving anterior cingulate cortex among mothers receiving buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder
Authors: Swain James E. , Ho S. Shaun
Published: June 2023

Opioid‐induced deficits in maternal behaviors are well‐characterized in rodent models. Amid the current epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD), prevalence among pregnant women has risen sharply. Yet, the roles of buprenorphine replacement treatment for OUD (BT/OUD) in the brain functions of postpartum mothers are unclear. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we have developed an evolutionarily conserved maternal behavior neurocircuit (MBN) model to study human maternal care versus defensive/aggressive behaviors critical to mother–child bonding. The anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC) is not only involved in the MBN for mother–child bonding and attachment, but also part of an opioid sensitive “pain‐matrix”. The literature suggests that prescription opioids produce physical and emotional “analgesic” effects by disrupting specific resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐FC) of ACC to regions related to MBN. Thus, in this longitudinal study, we report findings of overlapping MBN and pain matrix circuits, for mothers with chronic exposure of BT/OUD. A total of 32 mothers were studied with 6 min rs‐FC at 1 month (T1) and 4 months postpartum (T2), including seven on BT/OUD and 25 non‐BT/OUD mothers as a comparison group. We analyzed rs‐FC between the insula, putamen, and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (DACC) and rostral ACC (RACC), as the regions of interest that mediate opioid analgesia. BT/OUD mothers, as compared to non‐BT/OUD mothers, showed less left insula‐RACC rs‐FC but greater right putamen‐DACC rs‐FC at T1, with these between‐group differences diminished at T2. Some of these rs‐FC results were correlated with the scores of postpartum parental bonding questionnaire. We found time‐by‐treatment interaction effects on DACC and RACC‐dependent rs‐FC, potentially identifying brain mechanisms for beneficial effects of BT, normalizing dysfunction of maternal brain and behavior over the first four months postpartum. This study complements recent studies to ascertain how BT/OUD affects maternal behaviors, mother–child bonding, and intersubjectivity and reveals potential MBN/pain‐matrix targets for novel interventions.
Serum neurofilament light chain measurements following nerve trauma
Authors: Wilcox Matthew , Rayner Melissa L. D. , Guillemot‐Legris Owein , Platt Isobel , Brown Hazel , Quick Tom , Phillips James B.
Published: June 2023

Background

Optimal functional recovery following peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) is dependent upon early recognition and prompt referral to specialist centres for appropriate surgical intervention. Technologies which facilitate the early detection of PNI would allow faster referral rates and encourage improvements in patient outcomes. Serum Neurofilament light chain (NfL) measurements are cheaper to perform, easier to access and interpret than many conventional methods used for nerve injury diagnosis, such as electromyography and/or magnetic resonance imaging assessments, but changes in serum NfL levels following traumatic PNI have not been investigated. This pre‐clinical study aimed to determine whether serum NfL levels can: (1) detect the presence of a nerve trauma and (2) delineate between different severities of nerve trauma.

Methods

A rat sciatic nerve crush and common peroneal nerve crush were implemented as controlled animal models of nerve injury. At 1‐, 3‐, 7‐ and 21‐days post‐injury, serum samples were retrieved for analysis using the SIMOA® NfL analyser kit. Nerve samples were also retrieved for histological analysis. Static sciatic index (SSI) was measured at regular time intervals following injury.

Results

Significant 45‐fold and 20‐fold increases in NfL serum levels were seen 1‐day post‐injury following sciatic and common peroneal nerve injury, respectively. This corresponded with an eightfold higher volume of axons injured in the sciatic compared to the common peroneal nerve (p < .001). SSI measurements post‐injury revealed greater reduction in function in the sciatic crush group compared with the common peroneal crush group.

Conclusions

NfL serum measurements represent a promising method for detecting traumatic PNI and stratifying their severity. Clinical translation of these findings could provide a powerful tool to improve the surgical management of nerve‐injured patients.
Skin hyperpigmentation index in melasma: A complementary method to classic scoring systems
Authors: Heidemeyer Kristine , Cazzaniga Simone , Feldmeyer Laurence , Imstepf Valentina , Adatto Maurice , Lehmann Matthias , Rammlmair Anna , Pelloni Lorenzo , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza , Bossart Simon
Published: June 2023

Background

Due to relapsing nature of melasma with significant impact on quality of life, an objective measurement score is warranted, especially to follow‐up the patients with melasma and their therapy response in a quantitative and precise manner.

Aims

To prove concordance of skin hyperpigmentation index (SHI) with well‐established scores in melasma and demonstrate its superiority regarding inter‐rater reliability. Development of SHI mapping for its integration in common scores.

Methods

Calculation of SHI and common melasma scores by five dermatologists. Inter‐rater reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and concordance by Kendall correlation coefficient.

Results

Strong concordance of SHI with melasma area and severity index (MASI)‐Darkness (0.48; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.63), melasma severity index (MSI)‐Pigmentation (0.45; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.61), and melasma severity scale (MSS) (0.6; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.74). Using step function for mapping SHI into pigmentation scores showed an improvement of inter‐rater reliability with a difference in (ICC of 0.22 for MASI‐Darkness and 0.19 for MSI‐Pigmentation), leading to an excellent agreement.

Conclusion

Skin hyperpigmentation index could be an important additional cost‐and time‐conserving assessment method, to follow‐up the patients with melasma undergoing brightening therapies in clinical studies, as well as in routine clinical practice. It is in strong concordance with well‐established scores but superior regarding inter‐rater reliability.
The ongoing importance of the routine enquiry into trauma and abuse and trauma‐informed care within mental health trusts in England
Authors: McNally Katrina , Ragan Kathryn , Varese Filippo , Lovell Karina
Published: June 2023

Accessibility Summary

What is known on the subject?

A significant number of people with mental health diagnoses have also experienced some form of trauma.

In 2008, it was recommended that MHTs in England provide training to MHPs to support them in how to ask their service users about trauma and abuse.

It has been identified that staff are not consistently enquiring about trauma and abuse in mental health services.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

A description of how many MHTs in England are providing training for staff to ensure that they enquire about trauma and abuse.

The current gaps in the resources available for mental health practitioners and staff.

What are the implications for practice?

Much more work and development of trauma‐informed care and accessibility of training is needed for MHPs working in MHTs.

Most MHTs still need to take the first step of implementing training in trauma‐informed care. This should involve ways to ask about trauma and abuse and advice on how to respond to any disclosures made.

Introduction

Trauma, abuse and adversities are extremely prevalent for those who access secondary mental health services. Health policy guidance recommends that mental health professionals (MHPs) should routinely enquire about trauma and abuse. Staff training is required to adopt trauma‐informed approaches, as research has identified a clear gap in practice. This study provides a baseline measure of the current provision of trauma‐informed training in English mental health trusts (MHTs).

Question

What trauma‐informed training is currently available for MHPs in England?

Method

A freedom of information request was submitted to 52 MHTs in England to explore the current training available for MHPs in trauma‐informed care, routine enquiry into abuse and responding to disclosures.

Results

The results showed 70% of respondents reported no available training in trauma‐informed care.

Discussion

Many MHTs in England do not provide any trauma‐informed training (despite existing recommendations from 2008). Does this contribute to the re‐traumatisation of patients?

Implications for Practice

MHTs in England require a responsible and active approach to training MHPs in sensitive routine enquiry into trauma and abuse as a first step to becoming trauma responsive.
Transition of care in adolescents with chronic disease: A concept analysis
Authors: Seydel Abby
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of this concept analysis was to define the concept of transitional care as it applied to adolescents with chronic health conditions as they transfer from pediatric to adult care.

Design and Methods

Walker and Avant's eight step method was used to guide this concept analysis. An electronic search of the literature using CINAHL, PubMed, and MEDLINE was conducted in March of 2022. Articles were included if they were peer‐reviewed articles published in English between 2016 and 2022 and aided in the development of the concept.

Results

A total of 14 articles met inclusion criteria within the search. These articles were used to identify the defining attributes of transitional care as it applied to adolescents with chronic disease. These attributes were empowerment, a comprehensive process, and transfer completion. The antecedents identified were aging, readiness, and support. For an individual to begin the transition process all of these must be present. Consequences include growth, independence, and improved quality of life and health outcomes. Model, borderline, related, and contrary cases were presented to exemplify the concept.

Practice Implications

Adolescents and young adults with chronic disease require unique care as they transition to adulthood. Defining the concept of transitional care as it relates to this population provided a foundation of knowledge that has implications for nursing practice. This conceptual structure provided a foundation of knowledge for theory development and encouraged widespread use of transition programs. Future research should explore the long‐term outcomes of specific interventions used during transitional care.
Independent endothelial functions of PIEZO1 and TRPV4 in hepatic portal vein and predominance of PIEZO1 in mechanical and osmotic stress
Authors: Endesh Naima , Chuntharpursat‐Bon Eulashini , Revill Charlotte , Yuldasheva Nadira Y. , Futers T. Simon , Parsonage Gregory , Humphreys Neil , Adamson Antony , Morley Lara C. , Cubbon Richard M. , Prasad K. Raj , Foster Richard , Lichtenstein Laeticia , Beech David J.
Published: June 2023

Background & Aims

PIEZO1 and TRPV4 are mechanically and osmotically regulated calcium‐permeable channels. The aim of this study was to determine the relevance and relationship of these channels in the contractile tone of the hepatic portal vein, which experiences mechanical and osmotic variations as it delivers blood to the liver from the intestines, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen.

Methods

Wall tension was measured in freshly dissected portal veins from adult male mice, which were genetically unmodified or modified for either a non‐disruptive tag in native PIEZO1 or endothelial‐specific PIEZO1 deletion. Pharmacological agents were used to activate or inhibit PIEZO1, TRPV4 and associated pathways, including Yoda1 and Yoda2 for PIEZO1 and GSK1016790A for TRPV4 agonism, respectively.

Results

PIEZO1 activation leads to nitric oxide synthase‐ and endothelium‐dependent relaxation of the portal vein. TRPV4 activation causes contraction, which is also endothelium‐dependent but independent of nitric oxide synthase. The TRPV4‐mediated contraction is suppressed by inhibitors of phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenases and mimicked by prostaglandin E2, suggesting mediation by arachidonic acid metabolism. TRPV4 antagonism inhibits the effect of agonising TRPV4 but not PIEZO1. Increased wall stretch and hypo‐osmolality inhibit TRPV4 responses while lacking effects on or amplifying PIEZO1 responses.

Conclusions

The portal vein contains independently functioning PIEZO1 channels and TRPV4 channels in the endothelium, the pharmacological activation of which leads to opposing effects of vessel relaxation (PIEZO1) and contraction (TRPV4). In mechanical and osmotic strain, the PIEZO1 mechanism dominates. Modulators of these channels could present important new opportunities for manipulating liver perfusion and regeneration in disease and surgical procedures.
Mycobacterial chaperonins in cellular proteostasis: Evidence for chaperone function of Cpn60.1 and Cpn60.2‐mediated protein folding
Authors: Piplani Bakul , Kumar C. M. Santosh , Lund Peter A. , Chaudhuri Tapan K.
Published: June 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis encodes two chaperonin proteins, MtbCpn60.1 and MtbCpn60.2, that share substantial sequence similarity with the Escherichia coli chaperonin, GroEL. However, unlike GroEL, MtbCpn60.1 and MtbCpn60.2 purify as lower‐order oligomers. Previous studies have shown that MtbCpn60.2 can functionally replace GroEL in E. coli, while the function of MtbCpn60.1 remained an enigma. Here, we demonstrate the molecular chaperone function of MtbCpn60.1 and MtbCpn60.2, by probing their ability to assist the folding of obligate chaperonin clients, DapA, FtsE and MetK, in an E. coli strain depleted of endogenous GroEL. We show that both MtbCpn60.1 and MtbCpn60.2 support cell survival and cell division by assisting the folding of DapA and FtsE, but only MtbCpn60.2 completely rescues GroEL‐depleted E. coli cells. We also show that, unlike MtbCpn60.2, MtbCpn60.1 has limited ability to support cell growth and proliferation and assist the folding of MetK. Our findings suggest that the client pools of GroEL and MtbCpn60.2 overlap substantially, while MtbCpn60.1 folds only a small subset of GroEL clients. We conclude that the differences between MtbCpn60.1 and MtbCpn60.2 may be a consequence of their intrinsic sequence features, which affect their thermostability, efficiency, clientomes and modes of action.
A glimmer of hope – ash genotypes with increased resistance to ash dieback pathogen show cross‐resistance to emerald ash borer
Authors: Gossner Martin M. , Perret‐Gentil Anouchka , Britt Elisabeth , Queloz Valentin , Glauser Gaétan , Ladd Tim , Roe Amanda D. , Cleary Michelle , Liziniewicz Mateusz , Nielsen Lene R. , Ghosh Soumya K. , Bonello Pierluigi , Eisenring Michael
Published: June 2023

Plants rely on cross‐resistance traits to defend against multiple, phylogenetically distinct enemies. These traits are often the result of long co‐evolutionary histories. Biological invasions can force naïve plants to cope with novel, coincident pests, and pathogens. For example, European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is substantially threatened by the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, a wood‐boring beetle, and the ash dieback (ADB) pathogen, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Yet, plant cross‐resistance traits against novel enemies are poorly explored and it is unknown whether naïve ash trees can defend against novel enemy complexes via cross‐resistance mechanisms.

To gain mechanistic insights, we quantified EAB performance on grafted replicates of ash genotypes varying in ADB resistance and characterized ash phloem chemistry with targeted and untargeted metabolomics.

Emerald ash borer performed better on ADB‐susceptible than on ADB‐resistant genotypes. Moreover, changes in EAB performance aligned with differences in phloem chemical profiles between ADB‐susceptible and ADB‐resistant genotypes.

We show that intraspecific variation in phloem chemistry in European ash can confer increased cross‐resistance to invasive antagonists from different taxonomic kingdoms. Our study suggests that promotion of ADB‐resistant ash genotypes may simultaneously help to control the ADB disease and reduce EAB‐caused ash losses, which may be critical for the long‐term stability of this keystone tree species.
Transcriptomic effects of the foraging gene shed light on pathways of pleiotropy and plasticity
Authors: Sokolowski Dustin J. , Vasquez Oscar E. , Wilson Michael D. , Sokolowski Marla B. , Anreiter Ina
Published: June 2023

Genes are often pleiotropic and plastic in their expression, features which increase and diversify the functionality of the genome. The foraging (for) gene in Drosophila melanogaster is highly pleiotropic and a long‐standing model for studying individual differences in behavior and plasticity from ethological, evolutionary, and genetic perspectives. Its pleiotropy is known to be linked to its complex molecular structure; however, the downstream pathways and interactors remain mostly elusive. To uncover these pathways and interactors and gain a better understanding of how pleiotropy and plasticity are achieved at the molecular level, we explore the effects of different for alleles on gene expression at baseline and in response to 4 h of food deprivation, using RNA sequencing analysis in different Drosophila larval tissues. The results show tissue‐specific transcriptomic dynamics influenced by for allelic variation and food deprivation, as well as genotype by treatment interactions. Differentially expressed genes yielded pathways linked to previously described for phenotypes and several potentially novel phenotypes. Together, these findings provide putative genes and pathways through which for might regulate its varied phenotypes in a pleiotropic, plastic, and gene‐structure‐dependent manner.
Identification of an α‐l‐iduronidase (IDUA) M1T mutation in a Chinese family with autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharidosis I
Authors: Liu Dan , Jiang Zhongjing , Deng Linhua , Li Haibo , Jiang Haibo
Published: June 2023

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of rare congenital metabolic disorders caused by the deficiency or low activity of enzymes required for glycosaminoglycans degradation. Mutations in the α‐l‐iduronidase gene (IDUA) are associated with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). Our study here aims to identify an MPS‐related gene mutation in a typical patient with MPS and to further explore the possible pathogenic mechanism. We identified a homozygous c. 2T>C (p.M1T) change in IDUA as the pathogenic mutation in this individual (both parents were identified as carriers of the mutation), with IDUA enzyme activity significantly decreased. We further established an MPS I–related zebrafish model using IDUA‐specific morpholino (MO) to suppress gene expression, and found that IDUA‐MO zebrafish exhibited characteristic disease phenotypes with deficiency of IDUA. Transcriptome profiling of zebrafish larvae revealed 487 genes that were significantly altered when IDUA was depleted. TP53 signaling and LC3/GABARAP family protein‐mediated autophagy were significantly upregulated in IDUA‐MO zebrafish larvae. Moreover, leukotriene A4 hydrolase‐mediated arachidonic acid metabolism was also upregulated. Introduction of wild‐type human IDUA mRNA rescued developmental defects and aberrant signaling in IDUA‐MO zebrafish larvae. In conclusion, our study provides potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of MPS I.
Loss of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in osteoblasts impaired the bone healing in inflammatory microenvironment
Authors: Feng Jingyi , Huang Zijing , Lu Jiarui , Chan Laiting , Feng Xin , Lei Lizhen , Huang Zhuwei , Lin Lichieh , Yao Yichen , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Stat3 on the osteoblast‐mediated bone healing in the inflammatory lesion.

Methods

The conditional knockout of Stat3 in osteoblasts (Stat3 CKO) was generated via the Cre‐loxP recombination system using Osterix‐Cre transgenic mice. The calvarial bone inflammatory lesions were established on both Stat3 CKO and wild‐type mice, then harvested to assess the bone healing. In response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, osteoblasts from Stat3 CKO and wild‐type mice were subjected to examine the formation of calcium deposits, the expression of osteogenic markers (i.e., Runx2, OPN, COL1A1), and osteoclast‐related markers (i.e., RANKL, OPG). The EdU and transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation and migration of the cells.

Results

A decrease in bone mass and an increase in osteolysis were found in the inflammatory lesions on Stat3 CKO mice when compared with the control. More osteoclastic‐like cells and an increased expression of RANKL were observed in Stat3 CKO mice. Both mRNA and protein expressions of Stat3 and osteogenic markers in the lesions were significantly decreased in Stat3 CKO mice. After co‐cultured with osteogenic medium, the Stat3‐deficient osteoblasts were found with a significant decrease in calcium deposits and the expression of osteogenic markers, and with a significant increased expression of RANKL. The impaired ossification of Stat3‐deficient osteoblasts was even more pronounced with the presence of lipopolysaccharides in vitro. The most decrease in cell proliferation and migration was found in Stat3‐deficient osteoblasts in response to LPS.

Conclusions

Loss of Stat3 in osteoblasts impaired bone healing in an inflammatory microenvironment.
Operative Effect Comparison of Flexible Drill Guiding vs. Traditional Drill Guiding Template for Lower Cervical Pedicle Screw Insertion: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Wu Chao , Deng Jiayan , Hu Haigang , Shen Danwei , Qin Binwei , Wang Xiangyu , Gao Tao , Xu Lian
Published: June 2023

Objective

Accurately inserting pedicle screws is the key point of posterior pedicle screw fixation for lower cervical spine (C3–C7) instability. 3D printing technology can improve the accuracy of screw placement. This study compared the safety of 3D‐printed flexible drill guiding template vs. traditional rigid drill guiding template for lower cervical pedicle screw insertion.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. A total of 34 patients who underwent lower cervical pedicle screw fixation from March 2018 to May 2021 were enrolled in this study, and they were divided into the flexible drill flexible drill group and the traditional drill group. A total of 18 patients in the flexible drill flexible drill group underwent pedicle screw fixation assisted by 3D printed flexible drill guiding templates for the lower cervix, and 16 patients in the traditional drill group underwent pedicle screw fixation assisted by 3D printed regular drill guiding templates for the lower cervix. The length of the incision and intraoperative blood loss during surgery were recorded and compared for the two groups. The grade, deviation of the screw entry point, deviation of the screw medial angle and screw length were measured and compared after surgery for the two groups by independent‐sample tests.

Results

There was a significant difference in the length of the incision and blood loss between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups for grade (P = 0.016). The deviation of the screw entry point was 0.65 ± 0.50 mm in the flexible drill group and 0.78 ± 0.83 mm in the traditional drill group. The deviation of the screw medial angle was 2.14 ± 1.78 in the flexible drill group and 4.23 ± 2.51 in the traditional drill group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with regular guiding techniques, lower cervical pedicle screw placement assisted by multistep navigation templates and flexible K‐wires results in less trauma and better safety.
Baseline natriuretic peptides as a predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency‐based pulmonary vein isolation in a non‐heart failure population: A subanalysis from DECAAF II
Authors: Younes Hadi , Mekhael Mario , Feng Han , Noujaim Charbel , Chouman Nour , Assaf Ala , Hajjar Abdel‐Hadi el , Ayoub Tarek , Dagher Lilas , Lim Chanho , Pandey Amitabh , Kreidieh Omar , Marrouche Nassir , Donnellan Eoin
Published: June 2023

Background

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of myocardial stretch and may have prognostic significance in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) without heart failure (HF). We investigated the association between baseline BNP levels and arrhythmia recurrence following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) among patients with persistent AF without HF.

Methods

We analyzed 125 patients with persistent AF without HF who had baseline BNP measured from the DECAAF II trial. The primary outcome was arrhythmia recurrence following ablation. The baseline characteristics across the two groups were compared using Chi‐square test and Wilcoxon rank test accordingly. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the association between baseline BNP levels and the primary outcome.

Results

Across the entire cohort, 64 (51%) patients experienced arrhythmia recurrence. When comparing patients who experienced arrythmia recurrence to patients who did not, patients with recurrent arrhythmia had higher levels of pre‐ablation BNP, as evidenced by differences in means (330.05 pg/mL) compared to patients without recurrent arrhythmia (182.39 pg/mL) (p < .05). A cut‐off BNP value of 300 pg/mL provided the largest area under curve (AUC) of receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve on univariate logistic regression. On unadjusted Cox analysis, for every 100 unit increase in BNP, the hazard ratio for the primary outcome increased 1.09 (1.026–1.158) times (p = .004). After adjusting for sex, hypertension, and stroke, the results remained significant (HR = 1.8516, CI 95% [1.0139 – 3.381], p = .045).

Conclusion

In the non‐heart failure population, BNP levels predict AF recurrence following PVI in persistent AF patients.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing profiles reveal cell type‐specific transcriptional regulation networks conditioning fungal invasion in maize roots
Authors: Cao Yanyong , Ma Juan , Han Shengbo , Hou Mengwei , Wei Xun , Zhang Xingrui , Zhang Zhanyuan J. , Sun Suli , Ku Lixia , Tang Jihua , Dong Zhenying , Zhu Zhendong , Wang Xiaoming , Zhou Xiaoxiao , Zhang Lili , Li Xiangdong , Long Yan , Wan Xiangyuan , Duan Canxing
Published: June 2023

Stalk rot caused by Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) is one of the most destructive diseases in maize production. The defence response of root system to Fv invasion is important for plant growth and development. Dissection of root cell type‐specific response to Fv infection and its underlying transcription regulatory networks will aid in understanding the defence mechanism of maize roots to Fv invasion. Here, we reported the transcriptomes of 29 217 single cells derived from root tips of two maize inbred lines inoculated with Fv and mock condition, and identified seven major cell types with 21 transcriptionally distinct cell clusters. Through the weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, we identified 12 Fv‐responsive regulatory modules from 4049 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were activated or repressed by Fv infection in these seven cell types. Using a machining‐learning approach, we constructed six cell type‐specific immune regulatory networks by integrating Fv‐induced DEGs from the cell type‐specific transcriptomes, 16 known maize disease‐resistant genes, five experimentally validated genes (ZmWOX5b, ZmPIN1a, ZmPAL6, ZmCCoAOMT2, and ZmCOMT), and 42 QTL or QTN predicted genes that are associated with Fv resistance. Taken together, this study provides not only a global view of maize cell fate determination during root development but also insights into the immune regulatory networks in major cell types of maize root tips at single‐cell resolution, thus laying the foundation for dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying disease resistance in maize.
De se names
Authors: Ezcurdia Maite , Merino‐Rajme Carla
Published: June 2023

We argue that there are names with de se contents and that they are theoretically fruitful. De se names serve to challenge intuitive and otherwise plausible orthodoxies such as Stalnaker's view of communication and Bayesian views of belief update. These implications are also significant for those already sympathetic to the irreducibility of de se content.
Improvement of soil acidification and ammonium nitrogen content in tea plantations by long‐term use of organic fertilizer
Authors: Ye J. , Wang Y. , Wang Y. , Hong L. , Kang J. , Jia Y. , Li M. , Chen Y. , Wu Z. , Wang H.
Published: June 2023

Soil acidification is common in some Chinese tea plantations, which seriously affected growth of tea trees. Hence, it is essential to explore soil remediation in acidified tea plantations for sustainable development of the tea industry. We sought to determine how different fertilizers affect acidified soil and their N transformation in tea plantations.

Different fertilizers were used on acidified tea plantation soils for 4 years (2017–2021), and changes in soil pH, indices related to soil N transformation and tea yield were analysed to construct interaction networks of these indices and find which had the largest influence on fertilization.

Long‐term use of sheep manure reduced soil acidification, increased soil pH, enhanced the number and intensity of N‐fixing and ammonifying bacteria, urease, protease, asparaginase and N‐acetamide glucose ribosidase activity and nifH gene expression. This treatment reduced the number and intensity of soil nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase activity, while the expression of amoA‐AOA, nirK, nirS, narG and nosZ in turn increased ammonium N content of the soil, reduced nitrate N content, and enhanced tea yield. Topsis index weight analysis showed that ammonium N content in the soil had the largest impact among fertilization effects.

Long‐term use of sheep manure was beneficial in restoring the balance of the micro‐ecosystem in acidified soil. This study provides an important practical basis for soil remediation and fertilizer management in acidified tea plantation soils.