bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do physician networks with standardized audit and feedback deliver better quality care for older patients compared to regular care?: a quasi-experimental study using claims data from Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Iashchenko Iryna , Flemming Ronja , Franke Sebastian , Sundmacher Leonie
Published: August 2023

Background

Physician networks (PNs) are a recent development in Germany, designed to improve the coordination and quality of healthcare. We compared the performance of PNs that use a standardized system of audit and feedback to that of regular care.

Methods

We analysed a large sample of claims data from Bavaria, Germany, using nearest-neighbour propensity score matching. Patients who had ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) and were enrolled in PNs were matched with control patients receiving regular care. We examined potentially avoidable hospitalizations related to the 13 most common ACSCs (primary endpoints), as well as processes-of-care indicators for disease prevention, pharmacotherapy and coordination of care.

Results

There were no significant differences in rates of potentially avoidable hospitalizations between the two groups. However, the networks showed higher vaccination rates, increased participation in disease management programmes, and more frequent use of referrals when consulting specialist physicians. On average, network patients visited a greater number of specialists and had lower continuity of care compared to patients receiving regular care. Polypharmacy and PRISCUS-list prescriptions were more prevalent in the networks.

Conclusions

PNs using audit and feedback do not appear to perform better than regular care in preventing hospitalizations due to ACSCs. However, they do perform better in disease prevention measures while showing inconclusive results for care coordination and pharmacotherapy. Further research is needed to understand effective collaboration among providers and its impact on the quality of care within PNs.
Biogeographic patterns in populations of marine Pseudoalteromonas atlantica isolates
Authors: Kokate Prajakta P , Bales Erika , Joyner Dominique , Hazen Terry C , Techtmann Stephen M
Published: August 2023

Intra-specific genomic diversity is well documented in microbes. The question, however, remains whether natural selection or neutral evolution is the major contributor to this diversity. We undertook this study to estimate genomic diversity in Pseudoalteromonas atlantica populations and whether the diversity, if present, could be attributed to environmental factors or distance effects. We isolated and sequenced twenty-three strains of P. atlantica from three geographically distant deep marine basins and performed comparative genomic analyses to study the genomic diversity of populations among these basins. Average nucleotide identity followed a strictly geographical pattern. In two out of three locations, the strains within the location exhibited >99.5% identity, whereas, among locations, the strains showed <98.11% identity. Phylogenetic and pan-genome analysis also reflected the biogeographical separation of the strains. Strains from the same location shared many accessory genes and clustered closely on the phylogenetic tree. Phenotypic diversity between populations was studied in ten out of twenty-three strains testing carbon and nitrogen source utilization and osmotolerance. A genetic basis for phenotypic diversity could be established in most cases but was apparently not influenced by local environmental conditions. Our study suggests that neutral evolution may have a substantial role in the biodiversity of P. atlantica.
High-precision polar motion prediction using EOP_20_C04 and EAM based on CSLS+AR and CSLS+LSTM methods
Authors: Kong Qiaoli , Han Jingwei , Wu Yuanwei , Wang Tianfa , Chen Yanfei
Published: August 2023

High-precision prediction of polar motion (PM) plays an important role in fields such as astronomy, geodesy, navigation and aerospace. Incorporating information on the effective angular momentum (EAM) of the geophysical fluid is an effective way to improve the precision of PM prediction. Based on the EOP_20_C04 data set and the EAM function, this study applies complex segmented least-squares (CSLS) + the long short term memory (LSTM) neural network and CSLS + autoregression (AR) models to predict PM. For the 6-d PM prediction, the mean absolute errors (MAEs) achieved by CSLS+AR are 1.03 and 0.8 mas in the X- and Y-directions, respectively, corresponding to reductions of 45.80 and 31.97 per cent when compared to predictions reported routinely in Bulletin A of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). For the 365-d PM prediction, the MAEs gained by CSLS+LSTM model are 14.58 and 10.59 mas in the X- and Y-directions, respectively, corresponding to reductions of 28.17 and 51.09 per cent compared to predictions of the Bulletin A, and the prediction accuracy attained by CSLS+LSTM is higher than other prediction schemes. The experimental results show that, when considering EAM information, the CSLS+AR model can achieve better prediction accuracy for short-term PM prediction, however, the CSLS+LSTM model is more effective for medium- and long-term PM prediction owning to the excellent nonlinear fitting capability of the LSTM deep learning algorithm.
Chromosome-scale genome sequence of Suaeda glauca sheds light on salt stress tolerance in halophytes
Authors: Cheng Yan , Sun Jin , Jiang Mengwei , Luo Ziqiang , Wang Yu , Liu Yanhui , Li Weiming , Hu Bing , Dong Chunxing , Ye Kangzhuo , Li Zixian , Deng Fang , Wang Lulu , Cao Ling , Cao Shijiang , Pan Chenglang , Zheng Ping , Wang Sheng , Aslam Mohammad , Wang Hong , Qin Yuan
Published: August 2023

Soil salinity is a growing concern for global crop production and the sustainable development of humanity. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend salt tolerance mechanisms and identify salt-tolerance genes to enhance crop tolerance to salt stress. Suaeda glauca, a halophyte species well adapted to the seawater environment, possesses a unique ability to absorb and retain high salt concentrations within its cells, particularly in its leaves, suggesting the presence of a distinct mechanism for salt tolerance. In this study, we performed de novo sequencing of the S. glauca genome. The genome has a size of 1.02 Gb (consisting of two sets of haplotypes) and contains 54 761 annotated genes, including alleles and repeats. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a strong synteny between the genomes of S. glauca and Beta vulgaris. Of the S. glauca genome, 70.56% comprises repeat sequences, with retroelements being the most abundant. Leveraging the allele-aware assembly of the S. glauca genome, we investigated genome-wide allele-specific expression in the analyzed samples. The results indicated that the diversity in promoter sequences might contribute to consistent allele-specific expression. Moreover, a systematic analysis of the ABCE gene families shed light on the formation of S. glauca’s flower morphology, suggesting that dysfunction of A-class genes is responsible for the absence of petals in S. glauca. Gene family expansion analysis demonstrated significant enrichment of Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with DNA repair, chromosome stability, DNA demethylation, cation binding, and red/far-red light signaling pathways in the co-expanded gene families of S. glauca and S. aralocaspica, in comparison with glycophytic species within the chenopodium family. Time-course transcriptome analysis under salt treatments revealed detailed responses of S. glauca to salt tolerance, and the enrichment of the transition-upregulated genes in the leaves associated with DNA repair and chromosome stability, lipid biosynthetic process, and isoprenoid metabolic process. Additionally, genome-wide analysis of transcription factors indicated a significant expansion of FAR1 gene family. However, further investigation is needed to determine the exact role of the FAR1 gene family in salt tolerance in S. glauca.
Fisheries measures protect European seabass groups with distinct habitat use differently
Authors: Goossens Jolien , Villagra Damian , De Putter Georges , Verhelst Pieterjan , Torreele Els , Moens Tom , Reubens Jan
Published: August 2023

We investigated the movements of European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, to understand habitat use and connectivity to evaluate how individual seabass are protected by the spatiotemporal fisheries restrictions in place. We tagged seabass with acoustic transmitters in a study area in the Port of Zeebrugge (Belgium) in the southern North Sea. The 370,200 detections of 57 seabass in the study area revealed high residency in the period from late March–May to September–November, as well as high site fidelity (70.7%). Whereas the majority of seabass left the area in winter, 13 seabass stayed in the harbour experiencing temperatures as low as 2.8°C. Two groups of seabass were identified having different core movement areas in the inner and outer harbours, although movement between the two areas was possible. The distinct differences in habitat use between these groups resulted in a significantly different level of exposure to fisheries under the same policy framework. By quantifying the level of protection of seabass, based on the spatiotemporal fisheries management in place, our study underlines the importance of taking into account movement behaviour when evaluating conservation measures.
Recycling unused medications in hospitals is financially viable and good for the environment
Authors: Drummond Isla , Bains Rajan , Dosanjh Anmol , Ladhar Simroop , Tang Linda , Heidary Deborah , Tejani Aaron M
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Considerable pharmaceutical waste is generated in hospital settings which can be reduced by recycling of unused medications. We sought to determine the recycling practices as well as quantify the volume and the value of oral solid medications returned from nursing units to the pharmacy departments at three urban hospitals.

Methods

Unused oral solid medications were recycled at three sites and the net financial impact of this practice was calculated (cost recovered – labour costs). The results were extrapolated to all 21 hospitals within the health system.

Key findings

Recycling medications in 21 hospitals could divert ~461 000 units of medication from the incinerator, with an estimated net value of ~$415 000 per year.

Conclusions

Recycling unused medications could save substantial amounts of money and reduce negative environmental impacts from disposal/incineration.
The Turán Density of Tight Cycles in Three-Uniform Hypergraphs
Authors: Kamčev Nina , Letzter Shoham , Pokrovskiy Alexey
Published: August 2023

The Turán density of an $r$-uniform hypergraph ${\mathcal {H}}$, denoted $\pi ({\mathcal {H}})$, is the limit of the maximum density of an $n$-vertex $r$-uniform hypergraph not containing a copy of ${\mathcal {H}}$, as $n \to \infty $. Denote by ${\mathcal {C}}_{\ell }$ the $3$-uniform tight cycle on $\ell $ vertices. Mubayi and Rödl gave an “iterated blow-up” construction showing that the Turán density of ${\mathcal {C}}_{5}$ is at least $2\sqrt {3} - 3 \approx 0.464$, and this bound is conjectured to be tight. Their construction also does not contain ${\mathcal {C}}_{\ell }$ for larger $\ell $ not divisible by $3$, which suggests that it might be the extremal construction for these hypergraphs as well. Here, we determine the Turán density of ${\mathcal {C}}_{\ell }$ for all large $\ell $ not divisible by $3$, showing that indeed $\pi ({\mathcal {C}}_{\ell }) = 2\sqrt {3} - 3$. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a Turán density being determined where the extremal construction is an iterated blow-up construction. A key component in our proof, which may be of independent interest, is a $3$-uniform analogue of the statement “a graph is bipartite if and only if it does not contain an odd cycle”.
Group von Neumann Algebras, Inner Amenability, and Unit Groups of Continuous Rings
Authors: Schneider Friedrich Martin
Published: August 2023

We prove that, if a discrete group $G$ is not inner amenable, then the unit group of the ring of operators affiliated with the group von Neumann algebra of $G$ is non-amenable with respect to the topology generated by its rank metric. This provides examples of non-discrete irreducible, continuous rings (in von Neumann’s sense) whose unit groups are non-amenable with regard to the rank topology. Our argument establishes and uses connections with Eymard–Greenleaf amenability of the action of the unitary group of a $\textrm{II}_{1}$ factor on the associated space of projections of a fixed trace.
Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence and Associated Factors Among People With HIV: A Large-Sample Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Wu Yu , Wang Yaping , Long Hai , Liu Lirong , Dai Lili , Cao Wanxian , Liu Jue , Liu Min
Published: August 2023

To assess the prevalence and exacerbating factors of intimate partner violence in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) in China, we conducted a cross-sectional study, involving 2792 PWH in 4 provinces in China from 1 September 2020 to 1 June 2021. The categories of intimate partner violence (IPV) included physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, and controlling behavior. The severity of a violent act was divided into mild, moderate, and severe. Among PWH, the prevalence of IPV was 15.4% (95% confidence interval, 14.1%–16.8%). The severity of physical violence was mainly moderate, and the severity of sexual violence, emotional abuse, and controlling behavior was mainly mild. The prevalence of IPV in men was higher than that in women. Results from the multivariable logistic regression showed that age, ethnic, registered residence, education, and duration of HIV antiretroviral therapy were factors related to IPV in PWH (P < .05).
Integrative systematics and conservation of endangered Carabus nankotaizanus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Lan-Wei , Ko Hsin-Ping , Yang Ping-Shih , Wong Kwok-Ching , Sota Teiji , Lin Chung-Ping
Published: August 2023

The endangered endemic ground beetle, Carabus nankotaizanus Kano, 1932 (Coleoptera: Carabidae), consists of 4 subspecies distributed across the lowlands to mountain forests of Taiwan. However, continuous morphological variation among the subspecies and large altitudinal range gaps between lowland and mountain populations of C. nankotaizanus raise questions concerning its species boundaries. We assessed the species boundaries between lowland and mountain populations of C. nankotaizanus using an integrative approach combining morphological, molecular, life-history, and ecological traits. Future suitable habitats were predicted using ecological niche models to evaluate the effect of range shifts driven by climate warming. The analyses of morphological and ecological traits indicate that the lowland and mountain populations of C. nankotaizanus are 2 distinct phenetic and ecological species. The molecular phylogeny further supported 4 divergent groups (paraphyletic C. nankotaizanus sp. 1 of the northern lowland + monophyletic C. nankotaizanus sp. 2 of the northern mountain, paraphyletic C. nankotaizanus sp. 3 of the southeastern lowland + monophyletic C. nankotaizanus sp. 4 of the mountain groups). We recommend the designation of the 4 cryptic C. nankotaizanus as candidate species and officially protected evolutionary lineages. Future range shifts of C. nankotaizanus sp. 1 to higher latitudinal lowlands of northern Taiwan may pose significant challenges to its conservation due to urban development and island boundary. By contrast, upcoming range shifts of the mountain C. nankotaizanus species to higher altitudes of protected national parks and forest reserves in the Central Mountain Range may not represent a major threat to its survival.
Zileuton ameliorates aminoglycoside and polymyxin-associated acute kidney injury in an animal model
Authors: Hudson Cole S , Smith James E , Eales Brianna M , Kajiji Shama , Liu Xinli , Truong Luan D , Tam Vincent H
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Aminoglycosides and polymyxins are antibiotics with in vitro activity against MDR Gram-negative bacteria. However, their clinical use is hindered by dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. The objective of this project was to determine if zileuton can reduce nephrotoxicity associated with amikacin and polymyxin B in a rat model of acute kidney injury.

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10, both genders) were administered either amikacin (300 mg/kg) or polymyxin B (20 mg/kg) daily for 10 days. Zileuton (4 and 10 mg/kg) was delivered intraperitoneally 15 min before antibiotic administration. Blood samples were collected at baseline and daily to determine serum creatinine concentration. Nephrotoxicity was defined as a ≥2× elevation of baseline serum creatinine. Time-to-event analysis and log rank test were used to compare the onset of nephrotoxicity in different cohorts. Histopathological analysis was also conducted to characterize the extent of kidney injury.

Results

Animals receiving amikacin or polymyxin B alone had nephrotoxicity rates of 90% and 100%, respectively. The overall rate was reduced to 30% in animals receiving adjuvant zileuton. The onset of nephrotoxicity associated with amikacin and polymyxin B was also significantly delayed by zileuton at 4 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Histopathology confirmed reduced kidney injury in animals receiving amikacin concomitant with zileuton.

Conclusions

Our pilot data suggest that zileuton has the potential to attenuate nephrotoxicity associated with last-line antibiotics. This would allow these antibiotics to treat MDR Gram-negative bacterial infections optimally without dose-limiting constraints. Further studies are warranted to optimize drug delivery and dosing in humans.
Interactions of rumen microbiota and metabolites with meat quality-related genes to regulate meat quality and flavor of Tibetan sheep under nutrient stress in the cold season
Authors: Sha Yuzhu , He Yanyu , Liu Xiu , Shao Pengyang , Wang Fanxiong , Xie Zhuanhui , Li Wenhao , Wang Jiqing , Li Shaobin , Zhao Shengguo , Chen Guoshun
Published: August 2023

Aim

The meat of Tibetan sheep has a unique flavor, delicious taste, and superior nutritional value. However, the change of grass will lead to a change in meat quality. This study aimed to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms of microbial metabolites with respect to meat quality traits of Tibetan sheep under nutrient stress in the cold season.

Methods and results

We determined and analyzed the longissimus dorsi quality, fatty acid composition, expression of genes, and rumen microbial metabolites of Tibetan sheep in cold and warm seasons. The shear force was decreased (P < .05), the meat color a*24 h value was increased (P < .05), and the contents of crude fat (EE) and protein (CP) were decreased in the cold season. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)-linoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid increased significantly in the cold season (P < .05). The expressions of meat quality genes MC4R, CAPN1, H-FABP, and LPL were significantly higher in the warm season (P < .05), and the CAST gene was significantly expressed in the cold season (P < .01). The different microbial metabolites of Tibetan sheep in the cold and warm seasons were mainly involved in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and digestive system pathway, and there was some correlation between microbiota and meat quality traits. There are similarities between microbial metabolites enriched in the lipid metabolism pathway and muscle metabolites.

Conclusion

Under nutritional stress in the cold season, the muscle tenderness of Tibetan sheep was improved, and the fat deposition capacity was weakened, but the levels of beneficial fatty acids were higher than those in the warm season, which was more conducive to healthy eating.
Seasonal density and natural mortality ofHalyomorpha halys(Stål) and indigenous stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in a field crop agroecosystem
Authors: Tillman P Glynn , Grabarczyk Erin E , Kesheimer Katelyn A , Balusu Rhammohan
Published: August 2023

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), including the exotic Halyomorpha halys (Stål), Nezara viridula (L.), and other indigenous species, are pests that damage a variety of agricultural crops. At a study site in the southeastern United States, we measured the density of stink bug species and patterns of parasitism and predation on corn, cotton, and soybean and host trees in an adjacent woodline. We assessed parasitism and predation of naturally laid egg masses in crops and sentinel egg masses in host trees and used pheromone-baited traps to determine H. halys seasonal development. Overall, H. halys and N. viridula were the dominant bugs observed. Adult H. halys were first detected each year on trees, followed by corn, and then cotton and soybean, suggesting that trees served as a source of H. halys dispersing into crops. For H. halys, more nymphs were captured in soybean than in corn or cotton. For N. viridula, more adults were captured in corn and cotton than in soybean, and more nymphs were captured in corn during 2019 and 2021 than in 2020. Percentage parasitism of N. viridula egg masses (74.2%) was higher than than that for H. halys egg masses (54.3%). Accordingly, conservation biological control has the potential to enhance parasitism of indigenous stink bugs and H. halys in field crop agroecosystems.
Mating behavior ofPseudococcus calceolariaeandPseudococcus longispinus(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): are asexual reproduction and hybridization possible?
Authors: Ballesteros Carolina , Chorbadjian Rodrigo A , Zaviezo Tania
Published: August 2023

The study of insect reproduction is important from both basic and applied perspectives, particularly in mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), because of the diversity of reproduction modes and also because they are important agricultural pests. Sex pheromone control strategies are currently being developed for many species. Pseudococcus calceolariae (Maskell) and Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti) are closely related species that often coexist in the same host plant. In this study, mating behavior, the possible occurrence of asexual reproduction, and hybridization between them were investigated. We confirmed that both species did not show asexual reproduction and required the presence of a male to reproduce. When couples of the same species were put together, males had a highly stereotyped mating behavior, and females showed an active role in mating success by accepting or rejecting males with abdominal movements. In hybridization trials, no progeny was obtained for any of the interspecific combinations. Moreover, in interspecific pairs, males mainly moved randomly in the arena without direct contact with females and females showed no willingness to mate, escape, or not move in the presence of the male. Therefore, courtship and copulation success in both species were directly related to the specificity of the mating pair and, there was no evidence of hybridization. This information is useful for the understanding of reproduction in this family and supports the development of management techniques based on sex pheromones to disrupt reproduction or to monitor these mealybug species populations.
What drives prey selection? Assessment of Tiger (Panthera tigris) food habits across the Terai-Arc Landscape, India
Authors: Biswas Suvankar , Kumar Shrewshree , Bandhopadhyay Meghna , Patel Shiv Kumari , Lyngdoh Salvador , Pandav Bivash , Mondol Samrat
Published: August 2023

Large carnivores strongly shape ecological interactions within their respective ecosystems, but experience significant conflicts with humans across their range due to their specific ecological resource requirements. The Tiger (Panthera tigris) typifies the challenges faced by large carnivore species globally. India retains the majority of the global Tiger population with a substantial number occurring outside protected areas where they are prone to conflict through livestock predation and injury or death to people and Tigers. Tiger food habits was investigated across the Indian part of the Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL), a globally important Tiger conservation landscape, to understand Tiger prey selection patterns and hotspots of livestock predation-related conflict. 510 genetically confirmed Tiger feces were collected across the landscape and 10 wild ungulates and livestock as prey species were identified. Large-bodied species (Sambar, Swamp Deer, Nilgai, Chital, Wild Pig, and livestock) comprised ~94% of the diet, with Sambar, Chital, and livestock having the highest relative proportions. Habitat-specific (Shivalik-Bhabar and Terai) analyses indicate that prey selection is driven by prey abundance and body weight but not determined by protection status (protected areas vs non-protected areas). Results also suggest that PAs and non-PAs in the Terai region were more prone to livestock predation-related conflict. Careful management interventions with community involvement should be utilized to reduce such threats. In this study, we suggest long-term conservation plans including prey abundance estimation outside PAs, reduction of grazing pressures, and detailed records of Tiger mortalities with causal investigations to ensure future conflict-free Tiger persistence across TAL.
Nonlinear ultrasonic characterization of joint structures using backscatter guided waves
Authors: Wu Wen-Chuan , Yin Ching-Chung
Published: August 2023

Joint structures made from plates or shells are frequently used in large constructions, such as oil storage tanks in petrochemical industries. The corrosion-induced metal loss often appears on the back side of the bottom plate supported by ground or sand. The welding residual stress and weight of shell walls accelerate the corrosion. Determining the severity of metal loss under the joint is challenging. This work uses the mode pair technique for nondestructive inspection of inaccessible regions in joint structures. A finite element analysis model simulates the transient responses of the incident and mode-converted fundamental and second harmonic plate waves. The second harmonic s0 plate wave satisfying the phase velocity matching condition accompanies the transmitted fundamental SH0 plate wave. A directional filter identifies every mode-converted plate wave by comparing the frequency spectra with the dispersion curves. Linear ultrasonic guided waves can detect inaccessible regions using mode-converted reflections. The symmetry of the linear mode-converted fundamental plate waves depends on the defect position and geometry, not the size. The mode-converted second harmonic guided wave can achieve better spatial resolution for defect sizing. The nonlinear parameter shows a proportional trend with an increasing thickness reduction. Experimental and numerical evidence reveals nonlinear ultrasonic guided wave technique has the potential for defect detection in joint structures.
Single laboratory evaluation of umbilical cord blood units processing methodologies for banking
Authors: dos Santos Francisco F , Nunes Letícia , Martins Cátia , Smith Margaret Ann , Cardoso Carla
Published: August 2023

Objective

To compare the efficiency of 3 different processing methods (Sepax, AutoXpress [AXP], and manual processing with hydroxyethyl starch [HES] sedimentation) used at Stemlab during a 10-year period.

Methods

Historical data were compiled and the analytical results obtained for the 3 different methods were compared.

Results

The manual processing (HES) method yielded the highest level of total nucleated cell recovery after processing, and the AXP system yielded the highest CD34+ cell number. The red blood cell reduction was also significantly higher with the HES method. Also, HES showed comparable results to Toticyte technology for umbilical cord blood (UCB) processing.

Conclusion

These results show that the HES method is as effective as automated technologies for UCB volume reduction; hence, it is a suitable methodology for private and public UCB banks. The HES method also proved to be superior to Toticyte technology for medical applications, with higher recovery yields of total nucleated cells after thawing and equivalent CD34+ cell recovery and functionality.
Antioxidant and L-asparaginase activities of culturable endophytic fungi from ornamental Dendrobium orchids
Authors: Chua Ru Wei , Song Keang Peng , Ting Adeline Su Yien
Published: August 2023

This study reports the antioxidant potential and L-asparaginase production of culturable fungal endophytes from Dendrobium orchids in Malaysia. Twenty-nine isolates were screened using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to determine their free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant capacity (IC50 and AEAC). L-asparaginase production of fungal endophytes was detected by the qualitative plate assay, and the enzyme activities estimated via the Nesslerization method. All 29 endophytic isolates exhibited various degrees of radical scavenging activities (35.37%–77.23%), with Fusarium fujikuroi (D1) identified as having the highest antioxidant capacity (IC50 6.097 mg/mL) and the highest AEAC value (11.55  mg/g). For L-asparaginase production, the majority of the isolates (89.66%) showed positive results, especially among the culturable species of Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Daldinia. Most Fusarium spp. were able to produce L-asparaginase (80.77%), but the highest L-asparaginase activity was detected in Daldinia eschscholtzii (D14) with 2.128 units/mL. Results from this study highlighted the potential of endophytic fungi from medicinal orchids (Dendrobium sp.) as natural sources of bioactive compounds to be developed into novel antioxidants and anticancer drugs.
A mutation-sensitive, multiplexed and amplification-free detection of nucleic acids by stretching single-molecule tandem hairpin probes
Authors: Yang Ya-Jun , Fu Hang , Li Xiao-Lu , Yang Hong-Yu , Zhou Er-Chi , Xie Cheng-Yu , Wu Shu-Wen , He Fan , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xing-Hua
Published: August 2023

The detection of nucleic acid sequences in parallel with the discrimination of single nucleotide variations (SNVs) is critical for research and clinical applications. A few limitations make the detection technically challenging, such as too small variation in probe-hybridization energy caused by SNVs, the non-specific amplification of false nucleic acid fragments and the few options of dyes limited by spectral overlaps. To circumvent these limitations, we developed a single-molecule nucleic acid detection assay without amplification or fluorescence termed THREF (hybridization-induced tandem DNA hairpin refolding failure) based on multiplexed magnetic tweezers. THREF can detect DNA and RNA sequences at femtomolar concentrations within 30 min, monitor multiple probes in parallel, quantify the expression level of miR-122 in patient tissues, discriminate SNVs including the hard-to-detect G–U or T–G wobble mutations and reuse the probes to save the cost. In our demonstrative detections using mock clinic samples, we profiled the let-7 family microRNAs in serum and genotyped SARS-CoV-2 strains in saliva. Overall, the THREF assay can discriminate SNVs with the advantages of high sensitivity, ultra-specificity, multiplexing, reusability, sample hands-free and robustness.
Associations Between Childhood Trauma and Tobacco Use Outcomes in Adults after Overnight Abstinence
Authors: Palmisano Alexandra N , Schwartz Elizabeth K C , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Sofuoglu Mehmet
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Childhood trauma is known to be associated with nicotine dependence, yet limited smoking outcomes have been examined and few studies have assessed associations between specific trauma subscales and smoking. Additionally, sex differences in trauma-smoking relations are understudied. This study examined associations between childhood trauma and several smoking-related outcomes in adults who smoke after overnight abstinence.

Aims and Methods

People who smoke (N = 205) completed self-report and biochemical assessments evaluating childhood trauma, affect, nicotine dependence, smoking urges, withdrawal, and plasma cortisol and cotinine levels. Smoking outcomes were compared between those with and without a history of moderate to severe childhood trauma among the total sample and by sex.

Results

Relative to those with no to minimal abuse, those with moderate to severe abuse had higher negative affect, withdrawal severity, and plasma cotinine levels. Exploratory analyses revealed that women were more likely than men to have urges to smoke for negative reinforcement and have higher withdrawal severity, but no interactions between abuse group and sex were observed. Examining specific trauma subscales, the moderate to severe emotional abuse group had more severe nicotine dependence, negative affect, and withdrawal compared to the no to minimal group. The moderate to severe sexual abuse group had more severe nicotine dependence and withdrawal compared to the no to minimal group.

Conclusions

Exposure to childhood trauma is associated with more severe nicotine dependence, negative affect, withdrawal, and higher plasma cotinine levels. Findings also indicate that different types of trauma may differentially affect smoking behaviors.

Implications

This study of adults who smoke finds that childhood trauma history may be a marker for smoking susceptibility and suggests that individuals with experiences of emotional and sexual abuse may require targeted forms of smoking cessation interventions. Moreover, findings suggest that smoking risks may differ for men and women. Findings inform public health interventions intended to reduce cigarette use in individuals with exposure to childhood trauma.
Law and Stock Market Development in the UK over Time: An Uneasy Match
Authors: Cheffins Brian R , Reddy Bobby V
Published: August 2023

Britain has a reputation for having a stock market-oriented corporate economy and there is an extensive literature maintaining that laws affording substantial protection to outside investors are needed for a thriving stock market. Historically, however, UK equity markets have not always flourished and, when they have, law’s contribution has been open to question. This article considers the uneasy match between law and Britain’s stock market development from when shares first began to trade publicly through to the present day, offering in so doing insights into the relationship between law and equity markets and current reforms intended to revive a flagging UK stock exchange.
BcNAC056 Interacts with BcWRKY1 to Regulate Leaf Senescence in Pak Choi
Authors: Yuan Shuilin , Wang Yuan , Hu Die , Zhu Weitong , Xiao Dong , Liu Tongkun , Hou Xilin , Li Ying
Published: August 2023

Senescence is the final stage of leaf development. For leafy vegetables such as pak choi, leaf senescence is adverse to yield due to the harvest period shortening. However, the regulatory mechanisms of leaf senescence are largely unknown in leafy vegetables. Here, we isolated and characterized a NAC gene, BcNAC056, in pak choi [Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) ssp. chinensis cv. 49caixin]. BcNAC056-GFP was located in the nucleus at the subcellular level, and BcNAC056 was responsive to leaf senescence and different hormones at the transcriptional level. Heterologous overexpression of BcNAC056 in Arabidopsis promoted leaf senescence, accompanied by the increased expression of senescence-associated genes (SAGs), whereas virus-induced gene silencing–based silencing in pak choi delayed leaf senescence. The following transcriptome analysis showed that heterologous overexpression of BcNAC056 enhanced some AtSAG transcripts in Arabidopsis. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and dual-luciferase (LUC) reporter assay revealed that BcNAC056 activated SAG12 by directly binding to the promoter. In addition, with the LUC reporter and transient overexpression assays, we proposed that BcNAC056–BcWRKY1 interaction promoted the activation of BcSAG12. Taken together, our findings revealed a new regulatory mechanism of leaf senescence in pak choi.
Non-Destructive Monitoring of Foliar Fungicide Efficacy with Hyperspectral Sensing in Grapevine
Authors: Gambhir Nikita , Paul Angela , Qiu Tian , Combs David B. , Hosseinzadeh Saeed , Underhill Anna , Jiang Yu , Cadle-Davidson Lance E. , Gold Kaitlin M.
Published: August 2023

Frequent fungicide applications are required to manage grapevine powdery mildew ( Erysiphe necator). However, this practice is costly and has led to widespread fungicide resistance. A method of monitoring in-field fungicide efficacy could help growers maximize spray-interval length, thereby reducing costs and the rate of fungicide resistance emergence. The goal of this study was to evaluate if hyperspectral sensing in the visible to shortwave infrared range (400 to 2,400 nm) can quantify foliar fungicide efficacy on grape leaves. Commercial formulations of metrafenone, Bacillus mycoides isolate J ( BmJ), and sulfur were applied on Chardonnay grapevines in vineyard or greenhouse settings. Foliar reflectance was measured with handheld hyperspectral spectroradiometers at multiple days post-application. Fungicide efficacy was estimated as a proxy for fungicide residue and disease control measured with the Blackbird microscopy imaging robot. Treatments could be differentiated from the untreated control with an accuracy of 73.06% for metrafenone, 67.76% for BmJ, and 94.10% for sulfur. The change in spectral reflectance was moderately correlated with the cube root of the area under the disease progress curve for metrafenone- and sulfur-treated samples ( R2 = 0.38 and 0.36, respectively) and with sulfur residue ( R2 = 0.42). BmJ treatment impacted foliar physiology by enhancing the leaf mass/area and reducing the nitrogen and total phenolic content as estimated from spectral reflectance. The results suggest that hyperspectral sensing can be used to monitor in-situ fungicide efficacy, and the prediction accuracy depends on the fungicide and the time point measured. The ability to monitor in-situ fungicide efficacy could facilitate more strategic fungicide applications and promote sustainable grapevine protection.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Blockade of endogenous insulin receptor signaling in the nucleus tractus solitarius potentiates exercise pressor reflex function in healthy male rats
Authors: Estrada Juan A. , Hotta Norio , Kim Han‐Kyul , Ishizawa Rie , Fukazawa Ayumi , Iwamoto Gary A. , Smith Scott A. , Vongpatanasin Wanpen , Mizuno Masaki
Published: August 2023

Insulin not only regulates glucose and/or lipid metabolism but also modulates brain neural activity. The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) is a key central integration site for sensory input from working skeletal muscle and arterial baroreceptors during exercise. Stimulation of the skeletal muscle exercise pressor reflex (EPR), the responses of which are buffered by the arterial baroreflex, leads to compensatory increases in arterial pressure to supply blood to working muscle. Evidence suggests that insulin signaling decreases neuronal excitability in the brain, thus antagonizing insulin receptors (IRs) may increase neuronal excitability. However, the impact of brain insulin signaling on the EPR remains fully undetermined. We hypothesized that antagonism of NTS IRs increases EPR function in normal healthy rodents. In decerebrate rats, stimulation of the EPR via electrically induced muscle contractions increased peak mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses 30 min following NTS microinjections of an IR antagonist (GSK1838705, 100 μM; Pre: Δ16 ± 10 mmHg vs. 30 min: Δ23 ± 13 mmHg, n = 11, p = .004), a finding absent in sino‐aortic baroreceptor denervated rats. Intrathecal injections of GSK1838705 did not influence peak MAP responses to mechano‐ or chemoreflex stimulation of the hindlimb muscle. Immunofluorescence triple overlap analysis following repetitive EPR stimulation increased c‐Fos overlap with EPR‐sensitive nuclei and IR‐positive cells relative to sham operation (p < .001). The results suggest that IR blockade in the NTS potentiates the MAP response to EPR stimulation. In addition, insulin signaling in the NTS may buffer EPR stimulated increases in blood pressure via baroreflex‐mediated mechanisms during exercise.
Contribution of µ Opioid Receptor–expressing Dorsal Horn Interneurons to Neuropathic Pain–like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Qi Yanmei , Nelson Tyler S. , Prasoon Pranav , Norris Christopher , Taylor Bradley K.
Published: August 2023

Background

Intersectional genetics have yielded tremendous advances in our understanding of molecularly identified subpopulations and circuits within the dorsal horn in neuropathic pain. The authors tested the hypothesis that spinal µ opioid receptor–expressing neurons (Oprm1-expressing neurons) contribute to behavioral hypersensitivity and neuronal sensitization in the spared nerve injury model in mice.

Methods

The authors coupled the use of Oprm1
Cre transgenic reporter mice with whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology in lumbar spinal cord slices to evaluate the neuronal activity of Oprm1-expressing neurons in the spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain. The authors used a chemogenetic approach to activate or inhibit Oprm1-expressing neurons, followed by the assessment of behavioral signs of neuropathic pain.

Results

The authors reveal that spared nerve injury yielded a robust neuroplasticity of Oprm1-expressing neurons. Spared nerve injury reduced Oprm1 gene expression in the dorsal horn as well as the responsiveness of Oprm1-expressing neurons to the selective µ agonist (D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol)-enkephalin (DAMGO). Spared nerve injury sensitized Oprm1-expressing neurons, as reflected by an increase in their intrinsic excitability (rheobase, sham 38.62 ± 25.87 pA [n = 29]; spared nerve injury, 18.33 ± 10.29 pA [n = 29], P = 0.0026) and spontaneous synaptic activity (spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in delayed firing neurons: sham, 0.81 ± 0.67 Hz [n = 14]; spared nerve injury, 1.74 ± 1.68 Hz [n = 10], P = 0.0466), and light brush-induced coexpression of the immediate early gene product, Fos in laminae I to II (%Fos/tdTomato+: sham, 0.42 ± 0.57% [n = 3]; spared nerve injury, 28.26 ± 1.92% [n = 3], P = 0.0001). Chemogenetic activation of Oprm1-expressing neurons produced mechanical hypersensitivity in uninjured mice (saline, 2.91 ± 1.08 g [n = 6]; clozapine N-oxide, 0.65 ± 0.34 g [n = 6], P = 0.0006), while chemogenetic inhibition reduced behavioral signs of mechanical hypersensitivity (saline, 0.38 ± 0.37 g [n = 6]; clozapine N-oxide, 1.05 ± 0.42 g [n = 6], P = 0.0052) and cold hypersensitivity (saline, 6.89 ± 0.88 s [n = 5] vs. clozapine N-oxide, 2.31 ± 0.52 s [n = 5], P = 0.0017).

Conclusions

The authors conclude that nerve injury sensitizes pronociceptive µ opioid receptor–expressing neurons in mouse dorsal horn. Nonopioid strategies to inhibit these interneurons might yield new treatments for neuropathic pain.

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Multi-omics analysis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas reveals distinct molecular subgroups with prognostic and treatment response significance
Authors: Wang Xianlong , Zhao Chuan , Lin Jincheng , Liu Hongxing , Zeng Qiuhong , Chen Huadong , Wang Ye , Xu Dapeng , Chen Wen , Xu Moping , Zhang En , Lin Da , Lin Zhixiong
Published: August 2023

Background:

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is the commonest pediatric sellar tumor. No effective drug is available and interpatient heterogeneity is prominent. This study aimed to identify distinct molecular subgroups of ACP based on the multi-omics profiles, imaging findings, and histological features, in order to predict the response to anti-inflammatory treatment and immunotherapies.

Methods:

Totally 142 Chinese cases diagnosed with craniopharyngiomas were profiled, including 119 ACPs and 23 papillary craniopharyngiomas. Whole-exome sequencing (151 tumors, including recurrent ones), RNA sequencing (84 tumors), and DNA methylome profiling (95 tumors) were performed. Consensus clustering and non-negative matrix factorization were used for subgrouping, and Cox regression were utilized for prognostic evaluation, respectively.

Results:

Three distinct molecular subgroups were identified: WNT, ImA, and ImB. The WNT subgroup showed higher Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, with a greater number of epithelial cells and more predominantly solid tumors. The ImA and ImB subgroups had activated inflammatory and interferon response pathways, with enhanced immune cell infiltration and more predominantly cystic tumors. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MEK/MAPK) signaling was activated only in ImA samples, while IL-6 and epithelial–mesenchymal transition biomarkers were highly expressed in the ImB group, mostly consisting of children. The degree of astrogliosis was significantly elevated in the ImA group, with severe finger-like protrusions at the invasive front of the tumor. The molecular subgrouping was an independent prognostic factor, with the WNT group having longer event-free survival than ImB (Cox, P = 0.04). ImA/ImB cases were more likely to respond to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy than the WNT group (P <0.01). In the preliminary screening of subtyping markers, CD38 was significantly downregulated in WNT compared with ImA and ImB (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

ACP comprises three molecular subtypes with distinct imaging and histological features. The prognosis of the WNT type is better than that of the ImB group, which is more likely to benefit from the ICB treatment.
Changes Over Time in Outcomes of School-Age Children and Parents Receiving Integrated Mental Health Care in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Kim Jihye , Bair-Merritt Megan H. , Rosenberg Jessica , Feinberg Emily , Morris Anita , Durham Michelle P. , Estela Maria Guadalupe , Sheldrick R. Christopher
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to understand change in parent-reported outcomes of mental health symptoms, health-related quality of life (QoL), and school-related functioning among children receiving mental health care at 3 federally qualified health centers engaging in a comprehensive pediatric mental health integration model.

Methods:

Trained personnel enrolled English- or Spanish-speaking families of 6- to 12-year-old children who had recently started receiving integrated mental health care and surveyed their parent/caregiver at 3 time points: entry into the cohort, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up (unique N = 51). Primary outcomes included validated measures of child symptoms, child health-related QoL, and child school-related functioning. Secondary outcomes focused on parental functioning and included validated measures of parental stress and depressive and internalizing symptoms. A multilevel mixed-effects generalized linear model was used to estimate the change in parent-reported outcomes over time, with inverse probability weights used to address attrition. Additional analyses were conducted to determine the degree to which changes in symptoms over time were associated with improvements in school-related functioning.

Results:

Over 12 months, children's mental health symptoms, health-related QoL, and school-related functional outcomes significantly improved. No changes in parental functioning were observed. In addition, improvements in mental health symptoms and health-related QoL were associated with improvements in school-related functional outcomes over time.

Conclusion:

Findings demonstrate that outcomes of children who received integrated mental health care improved over time, both in regard to mental health and school functioning.