bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate conditions are primary predictors of the regional‐scale spatial diversity patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Miyamoto Yumiko , Murata Masao , Koizumi Takahiko , Janowski Daniel , Helbert   , Nara Kazuhide
Published: September 2023

Aim

Spatial models are valuable for revealing biodiversity patterns but are less commonly applied to soil microbes than to aboveground macroorganisms. Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi are symbiotic microbes with high taxonomic and functional diversity that are associated with forest trees. We aimed to predict regional‐scale spatial patterns of EM fungal richness and community composition.

Location

Forests and subalpine ecosystems in Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

Taxon

EM fungi (Asco‐ and Basidiomycetes).

Methods

We used EM fungal DNA sequence data from 1507 soil cores at 39 sites covering a wide range of environmental conditions. The random forest machine learning approach was applied to determine the relative importance of environmental variables (i.e. climate, soil and ecosystem productivity) and to make spatial predictions. The spatial patterns of EM fungal richness and community composition were mapped at 1‐km2 grid resolution.

Results

Temperature generally had a strong influence on EM fungal richness and community composition dissimilarity. Our regional spatial analysis revealed that (1) EM fungal richness was higher in northeastern and montane regions than in southwestern regions and low‐elevation plains, (2) different EM fungal lineages exhibited contrasting spatial diversity patterns and (3) community composition dissimilarity shifted sharply from high to low elevations, and gradually from northeastern to southwestern regions, mainly in relation to climate gradients. Areas with low applicability for spatial modelling were identified based on multidimensional environmental spaces, which will help to prioritize data collection for future research.

Main Conclusions

Our study provides a baseline of the potential spatial patterns of EM fungal communities, which were explained primarily by climate variables and secondarily by soil factors and ecosystem productivity. The predicted spatial patterns may be valuable for identifying diversity hotspots and advancing the assessment of climate change impacts on ecologically important root‐associated fungi.
Predictors and possible mechanisms of premature ventricular contraction induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pundi Krishna , Marcus Gregory M.
Published: September 2023

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are encountered frequently in clinical practice. While PVCs may have various causes, a small number of individuals with PVCs develop cardiomyopathy in the absence of other potential etiologies. When correctly identified, patients with PVC‐incuded cardiomyopathy can have dramatic improvement of their cardiomyopathy with treatment of their PVCs. In this focused review, we discuss potential predictors of PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy, including PVC frequency, PVC characteristics, and modifiable patient risk factors. We also review some proposed mechanisms of PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy and conclude with future directions for research and clinical practice.
Antimalarial drug discovery against malaria parasites through haplopine modification: An advanced computational approach
Authors: Akash Shopnil , Abdelkrim Guendouzi , Bayil Imren , Hosen Md. Eram , Mukerjee Nobendu , Shater Abdullah F. , Saleh Fayez M. , Albadrani Ghadeer M. , Al‐Ghadi Muath Q. , Abdel‐Daim Mohamed M. , Tok Tuğba Taşkin
Published: September 2023

The widespread emergence of antimalarial drug resistance has created a major threat to public health. Malaria is a life‐threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium spp., which includes Apicoplast DNA polymerase and Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease falcipain‐2. These components play a critical role in their life cycle and metabolic pathway, and are involved in the breakdown of erythrocyte hemoglobin in the host, making them promising targets for anti‐malarial drug design. Our current study has been designed to explore the potential inhibitors from haplopine derivatives against these two targets using an in silico approach. A total of nine haplopine derivatives were used to perform molecular docking, and the results revealed that Ligands 03 and 05 showed strong binding affinity compared to the control compound atovaquone. Furthermore, these ligand‐protein complexes underwent molecular dynamics simulations, and the results demonstrated that the complexes maintained strong stability in terms of RMSD (root mean square deviation), RMSF (root mean square fluctuation), and Rg (radius of gyration) over a 100 ns simulation period. Additionally, PCA (principal component analysis) analysis and the dynamic cross‐correlation matrix showed positive outcomes for the protein‐ligand complexes. Moreover, the compounds exhibited no violations of the Lipinski rule, and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) predictions yielded positive results without indicating any toxicity. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) and molecular electrostatic potential calculations were conducted, revealing that the mentioned derivatives exhibited better stability and outstanding performance. Overall, this computational approach suggests that these haplopine derivatives could serve as a potential source for developing new, effective antimalarial drugs to combat malaria. However, further in vitro or in vivo studies might be conducted to determine their actual effectiveness.
Longitudinal characteristics of physical frailty and its components in men and women post hip fracture
Authors: Huang Yi , Orwig Denise , Hayssen Hilary , Lu Wenxin , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , Chiles Shaffer Nancy , Magaziner Jay , Guralnik Jack M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome predicting adverse health outcomes in older adults. However, the longitudinal characteristics of frailty components in post‐hip fracture patients are less understood. Adopting the Fried frailty definition, we examined the longitudinal trends and sex trajectory differences in frailty and its components over 1 year post‐fracture.

Methods

Three hundred and twenty‐seven hip fracture patients (162 men and 165 women with mean age 80.1 and 81.5) from Baltimore Hip Studies 7th cohort with measurements at 22 days after admission, and months 2, 6, and 12 post‐fracture were analyzed. Frailty components included: grip strength, gait speed, weight, total energy expenditure, and exhaustion. Longitudinal analysis used mixed effect models.

Results

At baseline, men were sicker with worse cognitive status, and had higher weight and grip strength, but lower total energy expenditure than women (p < 0.001). The prevalence of frailty was 31.5%, 30.2%, and 28.2% at months 2, 6, and 12 respectively, showing no longitudinal trends or sex differences. However, its components showed substantial recovery trends over the post‐fracture year after confounding adjustments, including increasing gait speed, reducing risk of exhaustion, and stabilized weight loss and energy expenditure over time. Particularly, while men's grip strength tended to remain stable over first year post surgery within patients, women's grip strength reduced significantly over time within patients. On average over time within patients, women were more active with higher energy expenditures but lower grip strength and weight than men.

Conclusion

Significant recovery trends and sex differences were observed in frailty components during first year post‐fracture. Overall frailty status did not show those trends over months 2–12 since a summary measure might obscure changes in components. Therefore, frailty components provided important multi‐dimensional information on the complex recovery process of patients, indicating targets for intervention beyond the global binary measure of frailty.
Efficacy of prompt administration of cryoprecipitate in severe postpartum hemorrhage of preeclampsia patients
Authors: Nakajima Keisuke , Fujii Tatsuya , Iriyama Takayuki , Ichinose Mari , Toshimitsu Masatake , Sayama Seisuke , Seyama Takahiro , Kumasawa Keiichi , Ikeda Toshiyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: September 2023

Aim

Cryoprecipitate (CRYO) is a concentrated preparation of coagulation factors formulated from fresh frozen plasma (FFP), which can replenish coagulation factors rapidly. Preeclampsia (PE) is frequently associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and the rapid replenishment of coagulation factors is vital in the management. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine the efficacy of administering CRYO irrespective of fibrinogen levels in patients with PE who experienced severe PPH.

Methods

Patients with PPH accompanied by PE and those who required red blood cell (RBC) transfusion were included. Cases were divided into two groups: those treated with CRYO (N = 16) and those not treated with CRYO (N = 10). The total transfusion volume, blood loss before and after transfusion initiation, duration of hospitalization, presence of pulmonary edema, and performance of either interventional radiology or hysterectomy were compared.

Results

The median fibrinogen levels before transfusion were 2.24 and 2.34 g/L in the CRYO group and the not using group, respectively. Although blood loss before transfusion was comparable between the two groups, blood loss after transfusion was significantly less in the CRYO group (median: 520 vs. 2352 mL, p = 0.015), as well as the total blood loss (median: 2285 vs. 3825 mL, p = 0.005) and total transfusion volume (median: RBC 6 vs. 16 U, p = 0.01, FFP 10 vs. 20 U, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Prompt replenishment of coagulation factors using CRYO to patients with PE who experience severe PPH could decrease further bleeding.
Endometrial polyps effect on pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Xiang Yingchun , Huang Wei
Published: September 2023

Objective

To assess the pregnancy outcomes and associated influencing factors of pregnancy after hysteroscopy combined with laparoscopy treatment in infertile patients with minimal/mild endometriosis.

Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University.

Patients

We enrolled 898 infertile women who had their minimal/mild endometriosis lesions removed by laparoscopy, including 271 patients additionally diagnosed with endometrial polyps who also underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy.

Methods

Based on the existence of endometrial polyps, patients with minimal/mild endometriosis were enrolled and divided into polyps group and non‐polyps group.

Main Outcome Measures

Pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A total of 271 women with minimal/mild endometriosis were included in polyps group while 491 women with minimal/mild endometriosis were included in non‐polyps group. The pregnancy rate of polyps group was not statistically significant compared with non‐polyp group (60.15% vs. 58.25%). The pregnancy rate was higher among patients with polyps ≥1 cm (76.06%, 54/71) than patients with polyps <1 cm (54.50%, 109/200) or patients without polyps (58.25%, 286/491) (p = 0.006). The pregnancy rate was higher for patients with multiple polyps (67.86%, 95/140) than for patients with single polyp (51.91%, 68/131) or without polyps (p = 0.025).

Conclusions

Among women with minimal/mild endometriosis, hysteroscopic polypectomy did significantly increase fertility in infertile patients with multiple polyps or size of polyp ≥1 cm compared with those without endometrial polyps, single polyp, and size of polyp <1 cm. The size and number of polyps were independently associated with the reproductive ability of women with minimal/mild endometriosis.
Scaling of sense organs that control flight: Size and sensory cell number of dipteran fly halteres
Authors: Simmons P. J.
Published: September 2023

An animal with a large body can have larger sense organs than a smaller one, collecting more sensory information. However, many structures scale with body size to be relatively smaller in larger animals. This occurs with eyes, however the situation for mechanosensory organs is less clear. I investigated scaling of particular mechanosensory organs unique to dipteran flies, halteres, which replace hind wings and are important for the aerobatic ability underlying the success and diversity of dipterans. Halteres are shaped like drumsticks and beat up and down in time with the wings, acting as gyroscopes because yawing, pitching or rolling generate twisting forces in them. These forces are detected by campaniform sensilla (CS), dome‐shaped sensory cells in the cuticle that are mainly clustered into three fields. Unusually for a sense organ, individual CS are visible on the cuticle surface. I compared how haltere size, shape and CS number scale with body size in four clades representing different branches of dipteran phylogeny: tipulids (craneflies); tabanids (horseflies); syrphids (hoverflies) and calyptrates (e.g. houseflies, blowflies). In all clades, haltere length scaled with body mass raised to the power 0.23, similar to that for eyes of insects and other animals. It was directly proportional to wing length, probably enabling halteres to beat in time with wings. In relation to body size or wing length, tipulids had longer halteres than other clades. In contrast to haltere length, the number of CS was not related to body size within each clade but did vary between clades, suggesting a basic pattern for each clade was laid down early in its evolution. Tipulids had the smallest number, associated with relatively ponderous flight. Tabanids had more CS than calyptrates or syrphids, reasons for which require further investigation.
Liver stiffness is associated with all‐cause mortality in patients with NAFLD: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ciardullo Stefano , Muraca Emanuele , Zerbini Francesca , Perseghin Gianluca
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Several studies reported an association between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) obtained through vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and all‐cause mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to summarize available evidence on the nature and magnitude of this association.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed‐MEDLINE and Scopus up to April 2023 for observational cohort studies in which LSM was measured with VCTE in patients with NAFLD or in general population settings, with a follow‐up ≥1 year and with available data on all‐cause mortality. Measures of association from individual studies were meta‐analysed using random effects models. Of the 517 titles initially scrutinized, we included seven studies with data on 18 771 participants (47.1% male) and a mean follow‐up of 3.6 years. We included effect estimates obtained in the models with the highest degree of adjustment for potential confounders available in each study.

Results

When analysed as a categorical variable based on specific LSM cut‐offs, liver fibrosis was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause death (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.56–2.83; test for overall effect z = 4.919, p < 0.001). Results were consistent when LSM was considered as a continuous variable (HR for 1 kPa increase: 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05; test for overall effect z = 3.341, p = 0.001). There was borderline significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 50.2% and I2 = 66.7% in the two analyses, respectively). No significant publication bias was detected by funnel plot analysis and Egger's and Begg's tests.

Conclusion

The present meta‐analysis indicates that LSM, as a proxy of liver fibrosis, is independently and directly associated with a higher mortality risk in patients with NAFLD.
The non‐invasive evaluation of liver involvement in patients with cystic fibrosis: A prospective study
Authors: Dajti Elton , Ravaioli Federico , Paiola Giulia , Volpi Sonia , Colecchia Luigi , Ferrarese Alberto , Alemanni Luigina Vanessa , Cusumano Caterina , Di Biase Anna Rita , Marasco Giovanni , Vestito Amanda , Festi Davide , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel , Cipolli Marco , Colecchia Antonio
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Porto‐sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) has been described as the prominent pathology in liver explants of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but data outside the transplant setting are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of portal hypertension (PH) in CF‐associated liver disease (CFLD) and develop an algorithm to classify liver involvement in CF patients.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of consecutive paediatric and adult patients in a tertiary centre between 2018 and 2019, who underwent ultrasound, liver (LSM) and spleen stiffness (SSM) measurement. CFLD was defined according to physical examination, liver tests and ultrasound findings. PSVD was likely if there were PH signs in the absence of advanced chronic liver disease (CF‐ACLD, LSM <10 kPa). A historical cohort was used to validate the prognostic significance of the new definitions.

Results

Fifty (27.5%) patients met CFLD criteria. At least one sign of PH was found in 47 (26%) patients, but most (81%) had LSM <10 kPa and were likely to have PSVD; only 9 (5%) had CF‐ACLD. PSVD and CFLD (LSM <10 kPa) co‐existed in most (23/36) cases. In the historical cohort (n = 599 patients), likely PSVD and CFLD+PH were independently associated with a 2‐fold and 3.5‐fold increase in mortality compared to patients without PH, respectively. In 34 patients with SSM, values <21 and >50 kPa accurately diagnosed specific signs of PH.

Conclusions

PSVD is the prevailing cause of PH in CF patients. We developed a new diagnostic algorithm based on clinical and elastosonography criteria to classify liver involvement in patients with CF.
A unified intensity of the magnetic field in the protoplanetary disk from the Winchcombe meteorite
Authors: Bryson James F. J. , Nichols Claire I. O. , Mac Niocaill Conall
Published: September 2023

One key feature of our protoplanetary disk that shaped its transformation into a system of planetary bodies was its vast magnetic field. Unique constraints on the properties of this field can be gleaned from paleomagnetic measurements of certain meteorites. Here, we apply this approach to the recent CM chondrite fall Winchcombe with the aim of constructing the most complete and reliable record to date of the behavior of the disk field in the outer solar system. We find that the interior of Winchcombe carries a stable, pre‐terrestrial magnetization that likely dates from the period of aqueous alteration of the CM chondrite parent body. This remanence corresponds to a paleointensity of 31 ± 17 μT accounting for the average effect of parent body rotation. Winchcombe is rich in framboids and plaquettes of magnetite, which formed via precipitation following the dissolution of iron sulfide. This contrasts with most other CM chondrites, where magnetite formed predominantly via pseudomorphic replacement of FeNi metal. Accounting for the potential differences in recording fidelities of these types of magnetite, we find that the reported paleointensities from all CM chondrites to date are likely underestimates of the disk field intensity in the outer solar system, and use our measurements to calculate a unified intensity estimate of ~78 μT. This paleointensity is consistent with two independent values from recent studies, which collectively argue that the disk field could have played a larger role in shaping the behavior of the disk in the outer solar system than previously considered.
Understanding natural selection and similarity: Convergent, parallel and repeated evolution
Authors: Cerca José
Published: September 2023

Parallel and convergent evolution offer some of the most compelling evidence for the significance of natural selection in evolution, as the emergence of similar adaptive solutions is unlikely to occur by random chance alone. However, these terms are often employed inconsistently, leading to misinterpretation and confusion, and recently proposed definitions have unintentionally diminished the emphasis on the evolution of similar adaptive solutions. Here, I examine various conceptual frameworks and definitions related to parallel and convergent evolution and propose a consolidated framework that enhances our comprehension of these evolutionary patterns. The primary aim of this framework is to harmonize the concepts of parallel and convergent evolution together with natural selection and the idea of similarity. Both concepts involve the evolution of similar adaptive solutions as a result of environmental challenges. The distinction lies in ancestral phenotypes. Parallel evolution takes place when the ancestral phenotypes (before selection) of the lineages are similar. Convergent evolution happens when the lineages have distinct ancestral phenotypes (before selection). Because an ancestral‐based distinction will inevitably lead to cases where uncertainty in the distinction may arise, the framework includes a general term, repeated evolution, which can be used as a term applying to the evolution of similar phenotypes and genotypes as well as similar responses to environmental pressures. Based on the argument that genetic similarity may frequently arise without selection, the framework posits that the similarity of genetic sequences is not of great interest unless linked to the actions of natural selection or to the origins (mutation, standing genetic variation, gene flow) and locations of the similar sequences.
The practical ethics of linguistic integration: Three challenges
Authors: Peled Yael
Published: September 2023

Public debates on linguistic integration as a socially desired outcome often share a prevailing sentiment that newcomers ought to “learn the language.” But the intensity of that sentiment is rarely accompanied by an equally robust understanding of what, precisely, it means in practice. This results in a notion of linguistic integration with an inbuilt tension between a seemingly pragmatic and commonsensical appearance, on the one hand, and a minimal action‐guidance capacity, on the other hand. This paper explores this intriguing tension, and it identifies three moral and practical challenges that this challenge presents to the normative theorizing of the practical ethics of linguistic integration: (1) a predicament of arbitrary treatment; (2) the interpersonal structure of social and linguistic learning; and (3) the affective dimension of linguistic integration.
Risk factors for 1‐year allograft loss in pediatric heart transplant patients using machine learning: An analysis of the pediatric heart transplant society database
Authors: Wisotzkey Bethany L. , Jaeger Byron , Asante‐Korang Alfred , Brickler Molly , Cantor Ryan S. , Everitt Melanie D. , Kirklin James K. , Koehl Devin , Mantell Benjamin S. , Thrush Philip T. , Kuhn Micheal
Published: September 2023

Background

Pediatric heart transplant patients are at greatest risk of allograft loss in the first year. We assessed whether machine learning could improve 1‐year risk assessment using the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society database.

Methods

Patients transplanted from 2010 to 2019 were included. The primary outcome was 1‐year graft loss free survival. We developed a prediction model using cross‐validation, by comparing Cox regression, gradient boosting, and random forests. The modeling strategy with the best discrimination and calibration was applied to fit a final prediction model. We used Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) values to perform variable selection and to estimate effect sizes and importance of individual variables when interpreting the final prediction model.

Results

Cumulative incidence of graft loss or mortality was 7.6%. Random forests had favorable discrimination and calibration compared to Cox proportional hazards with a C‐statistic (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 0.74 (0.72, 0.76) versus 0.71 (0.69, 0.73), and closer alignment between predicted and observed risk. SHAP values computed using the final prediction model indicated that the diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) increased 1 year predicted risk of graft loss by 1.7 (i.e., from 7.6% to 9.3%), need for mechanical circulatory support increased predicted risk by 2, and single ventricle CHD increased predicted risk by 1.9. These three predictors, respectively, were also estimated to be the most important among the 15 predictors in the final model.

Conclusions

Risk prediction models used to facilitate patient selection for pediatric heart transplant can be improved without loss of interpretability using machine learning.
A nontarget, disturbance‐resilient native species influences post‐fire recovery and multiphasic herbicide‐seeding outcomes in drylands threatened by exotic annual grasses
Authors: Kluender Chad R. , Germino Matthew J.
Published: September 2023

Native species that are abundant and persistent across disturbance‐succession cycles can affect recovery and restoration of plant communities, especially in drylands. In the sagebrush‐steppe deserts of North America, restoring deep‐rooted perennial bunchgrasses (DRPBGs) is key to the strategy for breaking an increasingly problematic cycle of wildfire promoted by exotic annual grasses (EAGs) and displacement of perennials by post‐fire increases in EAGs. We asked how Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda, POSE)—a common native grass that shares traits with EAGs such as resilience to disturbance and rapid, shallow‐rooted, early season growth—(1) recovered after wildfire, (2) responded to different combinations of native‐plant seedings of DRPBGs and EAG‐targeting herbicides; and (3) in turn, related to DRPBG recovery. In repeated sampling of up to approximately 2,000 plots spanning 113,000 burned hectares, POSE was initially more abundant than DRPBGs until POSE began to decline 5 years post‐fire, and POSE was marginally affected or unaffected by restoration treatments targeting DRPBGs or EAGs. In comparison, EAG cover decreased 8–16% where preemergent herbicide was sprayed and DRPBG cover increased 3–9% where they were drill‐seeded, and the greatest EAG reductions and DRPBG increases were seen where seeding and herbicides were combined in a time‐staggered fashion. Treatments had less target effects where POSE cover was high (>18%), which is also where EAG cover was scarcer and DRPBG cover greater, regardless of post‐fire interventions. Consideration of the ecological role of disturbance‐resilient species with ruderal characteristics that match traits of key invaders may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of restoration interventions.
Truncated two‐parameter Poisson–Dirichlet approximation for Pitman–Yor process hierarchical models
Authors: Zhang Junyi , Dassios Angelos
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we construct an approximation to the Pitman–Yor process by truncating its two‐parameter Poisson–Dirichlet representation. The truncation is based on a decreasing sequence of random weights, thus having a lower approximation error compared to the popular truncated stick‐breaking process. We develop an exact simulation algorithm to sample from the approximation process and provide an alternative MCMC algorithm for the parameter regime where the exact simulation algorithm becomes slow. The effectiveness of the simulation algorithms is demonstrated by the estimation of the functionals of a Pitman–Yor process. Then we adapt the approximation process into a Pitman–Yor process mixture model and devise a blocked Gibbs sampler for posterior inference.
Comparison of hematologic and serum biochemical variables in Brucella‐infected and Brucella‐free adult Himalayan marmots (Marmota himalayana)
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhu Qingfeng , Zhao Shanshan , Tan Wenbo , Wang Suwen , Xie Songsong , Wang Yuanzhi
Published: September 2023

Background

The Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana) plays a reservoir role in the epidemiology of brucellosis. However, the changes in blood biochemical parameters are still unclear in Brucella‐seropositive marmots.

Objectives

The present study was designed to explore the hematologic and biochemical variable changes in Brucella‐seropositive marmots.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from the dorsalis pedis vein of Himalayan marmots (24 Brucella‐seropositive marmots and 24 Brucella‐free marmots). Ten hematologic and 10 serum biochemical variable examinations were performed and analyzed.

Results

Our results showed that leukocyte, platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts significantly increased, while the level of carbon dioxide combining power decreased in Brucella‐infected marmots. These findings indicate that Brucella triggers an immune response in Himalayan marmots.

Conclusions

This study provides a preliminary investigation of the changes in blood biochemical analytes in Brucella‐infected marmots. The interaction between Brucella infection and blood biochemical indices in Himalayan marmots should be further explored.
Structural and functional analysis of salivary intercalated duct cells reveals a secretory phenotype
Authors: Wahl Amanda M. , Takano Takahiro , Su Shan , Warner Blake M. , Perez Paola , Sneyd James , Yule David I.
Published: September 2023

Currently, all salivary ducts (intercalated, striated and collecting) are assumed to function broadly in a similar manner, reclaiming ions that were secreted by the secretory acinar cells while preserving fluid volume and delivering saliva to the oral cavity. Nevertheless, there has been minimal investigation into the structural and functional differences between distinct types of salivary duct cells. Therefore, in this study, the expression profile of proteins involved in stimulus–secretion coupling, as well as the function of the intercalated duct (ID) and striated duct cells, was examined. Particular focus was placed on defining differences between distinct duct cell populations. To accomplish this, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were utilized to examine the localization and expression of proteins involved in reabsorption and secretion of ions and fluid. Further, in vivo calcium imaging was employed to investigate cellular function. Based on the protein expression profile and functional data, marked differences between the IDs and striated ducts were observed. Specifically, the ID cells express proteins native to the secretory acinar cells while lacking proteins specifically expressed in the striated ducts. Further, the ID and striated duct cells display different calcium signalling characteristics, with the IDs responding to a neural stimulus in a manner similar to the acinar cells. Overall, our data suggest that the IDs have a distinct role in the secretory process, separate from the reabsorptive striated ducts. Instead, based on our evidence, the IDs express proteins found in secretory cells, generate calcium signals in a manner similar to acinar cells, and, therefore, are likely secretory cells.

image

Key points

Current studies examining salivary intercalated duct cells are limited, with minimal documentation of the ion transport machinery and the overall role of the cells in fluid generation.

Salivary intercalated duct cells are presumed to function in the same manner as other duct cells, reclaiming ions, maintaining fluid volume and delivering the final saliva to the oral cavity.

Here we systematically examine the structure and function of the salivary intercalated duct cells using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and by monitoring in vivo Ca2+ dynamics.

Structural data revealed that the intercalated duct cells lack proteins vital for reabsorption and express proteins necessary for secretion.

Ca2+ dynamics in the intercalated duct cells were consistent with those observed in secretory cells and resulted from GPCR‐mediated IP3 production.
Measuring the Yard Lines: A Discussion on Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment in Sport Management
Authors: Weiner James
Published: September 2023

Student learning outcomes and assessment of those outcomes have become standard in almost every accreditation, reaffirmation, and most annual reports for accrediting bodies. Additionally, outcomes and assessments are vital to continuous improvement of sport management programs. This interview was conducted with an expert on outcomes and assessment at the national level, who can provide insight from an expert on the “outside looking in.” The purpose of this interview is to discuss broader standards in educational assessment and how those standards can be applied specifically to sport management. This resource is most useful for those early in the process of outcomes and assessment creation, those who may not already have Commission on Sport Management Accreditation and training opportunities, or those who simply want to improve their classes.
An ion channel’s high five
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: September 2023

Switching between tetrameric and pentameric states regulates the pore size of the ion channel TRPV3.
Early transcriptional responses to human enteric fever challenge
Authors: Barton Amber , Hill Jennifer , O'Connor Daniel , Jones Claire , Jones Elizabeth , Camara Susana , Shrestha Sonu , Jin Celina , Gibani Malick M. , Dobinson Hazel C. , Waddington Claire , Darton Thomas C. , Blohmke Christoph J. , Pollard Andrew J.
Published: September 2023

Enteric fever, caused by oral infection with typhoidal
Salmonella
serovars, presents as a non-specific febrile illness preceded by an incubation period of 5 days or more. The enteric fever human challenge model provides a unique opportunity to investigate the innate immune response during this incubation period, and how this response is altered by vaccination with the Vi polysaccharide or conjugate vaccine. We find that on the same day as ingestion of typhoidal
Salmonella
, there is already evidence of an immune response, with 199 genes upregulated in the peripheral blood transcriptome 12 hours post-challenge (false discovery rate <0.05). Gene sets relating to neutrophils, monocytes, and innate immunity were over-represented (false discovery rate <0.05). Estimating cell proportions from gene expression data suggested a possible increase in activated monocytes 12 hours post-challenge (
P
= 0.036, paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Furthermore, plasma TNF-α rose following exposure (
P
= 0.011, paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test). There were no significant differences in gene expression (false discovery rate <0.05) in the 12 hours response between those who did and did not subsequently develop clinical or blood culture confirmed enteric fever or between vaccination groups. Together, these results demonstrate early perturbation of the peripheral blood transcriptome after enteric fever challenge and provide initial insight into early mechanisms of protection.
A procedure to harmonize the hydrodynamic force during microbial cultivation in shaking flasks
Authors: Simões Lúcia Chaves , Oliveira Isabel , Borges Anabela , Gomes Inês Bezerra , Simões Manuel
Published: September 2023

Shake flask cultivation is a routine technique in microbiology and biotechnology laboratories where cell growth can be affected by the hydrodynamic conditions, which depend on the agitation velocity, shaking diameter, and shake flask size. Liquid agitation is implemented inherently to increase aeration, substrate transfer to the cells, and prevent sedimentation, disregarding the role of hydrodynamics in microbial growth and metabolism. Here, we present a simple approach to help standardize the hydrodynamic forces in orbital shakers to increase the experimental accuracy and reproducibility and give students a better knowledge of the significance of the agitation process in microbial growth.
Molecular basis and evolutionary cost of a novel macrolides/lincosamides resistance phenotype in
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
Authors: Xu Ruilin , Wang Qiang , Wu Shuhua , Wang Hongqiu , Song Tianqiang , Zhao Chenhao , Wang Min , Du Hong , Zhang Haifang
Published: September 2023

Staphylococcus haemolyticus
(
S. haemolyticus
) is a coagulase-negative
Staphylococcus
that has become one of the primary causes of nosocomial infection. After a long period of antibiotic use,
S. haemolyticus
has developed multiple resistance phenotypes for macrolides and lincosamides. Herein, we evaluated four
S
.
haemolyticus
clinical isolates, of which three had antibiotic resistance patterns reported previously. The fourth isolate was resistant to both erythromycin and clindamycin in the absence of erythromycin induction. This novel phenotype, known as constitutive macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramins resistance, has been reported in other bacteria but has not been previously reported in
S. haemolyticus
. Investigation of the isolate demonstrated a deletion in the methyltransferase gene
ermC,
upstream leader peptide. This deletion resulted in constitutive MLS resistance based on whole-genome sequencing and experimental verification. Continuous expression of
ermC
was shown to inhibit the growth of
S. haemolyticus
, which turned out to be the fitness cost with no MLS pressure. In summary, this study is the first to report constitutive MLS resistance in
S. haemolyticus
, which provides a better understanding of MLS resistance in clinical medicine.

Importance

This study identified a novel phenotype of macrolides/lincosamides resistance in
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
which improved a better guidance for clinical treatment. It also clarified the mechanistic basis for this form of antibiotic resistance that supplemented the drug resistance mechanism of
Staphylococcus
. In addition, this study elaborated on a possibility that continuous expression of some resistance genes was shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria themselves, which turned out to be the fitness cost in the absence of antibiotic pressure.
The distinct transcriptome of virulence-associated phylogenetic group B2
Escherichia coli
Authors: Hogins Jacob , Xuan Zhenyu , Zimmern Philippe E. , Reitzer Larry
Published: September 2023

Escherichia coli
strains of phylogenetic group B2 are often associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and several other diseases. Recent genomic and transcriptomic analyses have not suggested or identified specific genes required for virulence, but have instead suggested multiple virulence strategies and complex host-pathogen interactions. Previous analyses have not compared core gene expression between phylogenetic groups or between pathogens and nonpathogens within phylogenetic groups. We compared the core gene expression of 35 strains from three phylogenetic groups that included both pathogens and nonpathogens after growth in a medium that allowed comparable growth of both types of strains. K-means clustering suggested a B2 cluster with 17 group B2 strains and two group A strains; an AD cluster with six group A strains, five group D strains and one B2 strain; and four outliers which included the highly studied model uropathogenic
E. coli
strains UTI89 and CFT073. Half of the core genes were differentially expressed between B2 and AD cluster strains, including transcripts of genes for all aspects of macromolecular synthesis—replication, transcription, translation, and peptidoglycan synthesis—energy metabolism, and environmental-sensing transcriptional regulators. Notably, core gene expression between nonpathogenic and uropathogenic transcriptomes within phylogenetic groups did not differ. If differences between pathogens and nonpathogens exist, then the differences do not require transcriptional reprogramming. In summary, B2 cluster strains have a distinct transcription pattern that involves hundreds of genes. We propose that this transcription pattern is one factor that contributes to virulence.

IMPORTANCE

Escherichia coli
is a diverse species and an opportunistic pathogen that is associated with various diseases, such as urinary tract infections. When examined, phylogenetic group B2 strains are more often associated with these diseases, but the specific properties that contribute to their virulence are not known. From a comparative transcriptomic analysis, we found that group B2 strains grown in a nutrient-rich medium had a distinct transcription pattern, which is the first evidence that core gene expression differs between phylogenetic groups. Understanding the consequences of group B2 transcription pattern will provide important information on basic
E. coli
biology, the basis for
E. coli
virulence, and possibly for developing therapies for a majority of urinary tract infections and other group B2-associated diseases.
Temporal arteritis presenting with facial swelling and a negative temporal artery biopsy
Authors: Lee Natalie Si-Yi , Lu Tim Y , Allende Alexandra , Francis Ian C
Published: September 2023

A man in his 60s presented to the emergency department with marked bilateral preauricular swelling, associated with jaw claudication, temporal tenderness and blurred vision. He was immediately treated for temporal arteritis by commencing systemic corticosteroids. A temporal artery biopsy showed no evidence of vasculitis. However, positron emission tomography-CT demonstrated increased uptake in the medium-large vessels, including the left superficial temporal artery and aorta. This case illustrates that facial swelling may be an under-recognised presenting feature of temporal arteritis, and that a negative temporal artery biopsy does not always rule out a diagnosis of temporal arteritis, and should not delay treatment.
Sinonasal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour: radiation oncologist’s perspective
Authors: Gupta Sudharshan , Pavamani Simon Pradeep
Published: September 2023

Tumour-induced osteomalacia is a rare cause of osteomalacia, the majority of which is of mesenchymal origin. Oncogenic osteomalacia is a potentially curable condition caused by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours. We present the case of a woman in her 30s with a sinonasal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour, treated with surgical excision followed by adjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient experienced minimal adverse effects during radiation. There was good local control and cosmetic outcomes with no radiation-related toxicity at a follow-up period of 32 months.
Tilt testing
Authors: Cooper Paul N , Sutton Richard
Published: September 2023

Tilt testing can help to diagnose unexplained syncope, by precipitating an episode during cardiac monitoring. The Italian protocol, now most widely used, involves giving sublingual nitroglycerine after 15 min, while monitoring beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP) and recording on video. Tilt testing is time-consuming but it is clinically useful and can guide therapy. Complications are rare. Syncope types include vasovagal syncope where BP falls after >3 min of tilt-up and later the heart rate falls; classic orthostatic hypotension where there is an immediate, progressive BP fall with minimal heart rate change; delayed orthostatic hypotension with a late BP fall after a stable phase but little or no heart rate rise; psychogenic pseudosyncope with apparent loss of consciousness, but no BP fall and a moderate heart rate rise; and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome where there is a significant heart rate rise but no BP fall.
A comparative study of MOND and MOG theories versus the κ-model: an application to galaxy clusters
Authors: Pascoli G.
Published: September 2023

Many models have been proposed to minimize the dark matter (DM) content in various astronomical objects at every scale in the Universe. The most widely known model is MOdified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). MOND was first published by Mordehai Milgrom in 1983. A second concurrent model is modified gravity, which is a covariant scalar–tensor–vector extension of general relativity. Other theories also exist but have not been broadly applied to a large list of astronomical objects. Eventually, we can also mention the Newtonian fractional-dimension gravity, a gravity theory based on spaces with fractional (i.e., non-integer) dimension. A new model, called κ-model, based on very elementary phenomenological considerations, has recently been proposed in the astrophysics field. This model shows that the presence of DM can be considerably minimized with regard to the dynamics of galaxies. The κ-model belongs to the general family of theories descended from MOND. Under this family of theories, there is no need to develop a highly uncertain DM sector of physics to explain the observations.
A stochastic evaluation of quantum Fisher information matrix with generic Hamiltonians
Authors: Ho Le Bin
Published: September 2023

Quantum Fisher information matrix (QFIM) is a fundamental quantity in quantum physics, which closely links to diverse fields such as quantum metrology, phase transitions, entanglement witness, and quantum speed limit. It is crucial in quantum parameter estimation, central to the ultimate Cramér-Rao bound. Recently, the evaluation of QFIM using quantum circuit algorithms has been proposed for systems with multiplicative parameters Hamiltonian. However, systems with generic Hamiltonians still lack these proposed schemes. This work introduces a quantum-circuit-based approach for evaluating QFIM with generic Hamiltonians. We present a time-dependent stochastic parameter-shift rule for the derivatives of evolved quantum states, whereby the QFIM can be obtained. The scheme can be executed in universal quantum computers under the family of parameterized gates. In magnetic field estimations, we demonstrate the consistency between the results obtained from the stochastic parameter-shift rule and the exact results, while the results obtained from a standard parameter-shift rule slightly deviate from the exact ones. Our work sheds new light on studying QFIM with generic Hamiltonians using quantum circuit algorithms.
RNA Repair: Hiding in Plain Sight
Authors: Shuman Stewart
Published: September 2023

Enzymes that phosphorylate, dephosphorylate, and ligate RNA 5′ and 3′ ends were discovered more than half a century ago and were eventually shown to repair purposeful site-specific endonucleolytic breaks in the RNA phosphodiester backbone. The pace of discovery and characterization of new candidate RNA repair activities in taxa from all phylogenetic domains greatly exceeds our understanding of the biological pathways in which they act. The key questions anent RNA break repair in vivo are ( a) identifying the triggers, agents, and targets of RNA cleavage and ( b) determining whether RNA repair results in restoration of the original RNA, modification of the RNA (by loss or gain at the ends), or rearrangements of the broken RNA segments (i.e., RNA recombination). This review provides a perspective on the discovery, mechanisms, and physiology of purposeful RNA break repair, highlighting exemplary repair pathways (e.g., tRNA restriction-repair and tRNA splicing) for which genetics has figured prominently in their elucidation.
Treatments for COVID-19
Authors: Andrews Hayden S. , Herman Jonathan D. , Gandhi Rajesh T.
Published: September 2023

The treatment for COVID-19 has evolved rapidly since the start of the pandemic and now consists mainly of antiviral and immunomodulatory agents. Antivirals, such as remdesivir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, have proved to be most useful earlier in illness (e.g., as outpatient therapy) and for less severe disease. Immunomodulatory therapies, such as dexamethasone and interleukin-6 or Janus kinase inhibitors, are most useful in severe disease or critical illness. The role of anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies has diminished because of the emergence of viral variants that are not anticipated to be susceptible to these treatments, and there still is not a consensus on the use of convalescent plasma. COVID-19 has been associated with increased rates of venous thromboembolism, but the role of antithrombotic therapy is limited. Multiple investigational agents continue to be studied, which will alter current treatment paradigms as new data are released.