bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-level expression of induced defences and increased compensation inEupatorium adenophorumrelative to its native congeneric plant to mechanical wounding and insect herbivory
Authors: Wang Rui-Fang , Liao Zhi-Yong , Li Wei-Tao , Zhang Chun-Hua , Zhang Han-Bo , Zheng Yu-Long
Published: June 2022

Native herbivory may be detrimental to plant fitness and thus can contribute a biotic resistance to exotic plant invasion. Eupatorium adenophorum, a non-native species, has formed dense monocultures in many southern Provinces of China. Because several native generalist insects feed on E. adenophorum, we evaluated whether the lower level of induced defences and greater compensatory growth contributed to successful invasion of E. adenophorum by comparison with a native congener E. heterophyllum. Early events in the jasmonic acid cascade and chlorophyll fluorescence, non-target metabolomic profiles and recovery in biomass compensation of E. adenophorum and its native congener E. heterophyllum were measured during mechanical wounding and herbivory by the generalist insect Helicoverpa armigera. Mechanical and simulated chewing damage immediately initiated defences in the two species. However, E. heterophyllum was more sensitive to tissue loss, and it produced more metabolic defensive compounds than invasive E. adenophorum. Although H. armigera feeding amplified the effects of mechanical wounding on defence induction, the biomass of E. adenophorum was only weakly affected, as its higher compensatory growth could offset the biomass loss and metabolic cost. Overall, our results suggest that H. armigera herbivory and mechanical wounding could induce different physiological responses, and are often specific to invasive E. adenophorum and native E. heterophyllum. Moreover, lower metabolic defences and higher compensation growth may contribute to the invasion success of E. adenophorum.
An Emerging Pattern? A Further Case of Anticipated Capacity Loss in Pregnancy: North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust V SR [2021] EWCOP 58
Authors: Hulme Aimee V
Published: June 2022

In 2021, the Court of Protection made a third anticipatory declaration that it was lawful for a capacitous pregnant woman to be subject to possible forcible treatment contingent on her losing capacity before or during birth. North Middlesex University Hospital v SR raises three interesting questions for discussion which this commentary will explore. First, it is submitted that there is a growing, yet alarming, trend in the use of anticipatory or contingent declarations to manage such challenging cases of future loss of, or fluctuating, capacity in pregnant women. This trend now seems to have been widened by SR and could potentially capture any pregnant woman, rather than those in narrower, exceptional circumstances. Secondly, this commentary discusses the judge’s justification of basing the issuing of anticipatory or contingent declarations on a ‘real risk’ P will lose capacity in the future, highlighting the potential problems with framing such controversial powers on ‘risk’. Finally, it provides an exploration of the alternative option of utilising advance care plans to better deal with these types of matters, in the name of giving back the power to pregnant women to decide on what should happen to them in labour in the event that they do lose capacity before or during delivery.
Implementation of the Acute Care Clinic Easy Scheduling System at the Brooke Army Medical Center
Authors: Tapia Ashley D , Tapia Giselle , Snyder Bradley L , Bebo Natasha L , Chin Eric J , Schauer Steven G
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Emergency departments (EDs) have continued to struggle with overcrowding, causing delays in patient care and increasing stress on the medical staff and resources. This was further illustrated during the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, where we saw large unpredictable surges to the ED as hospitals tried to meet the medical needs of patients while trying to minimize the spread of coronavirus disease. A previous study from the Department of Emergency at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) found that nearly half of the patients presenting to the ED could have been managed in a primary care setting. We sought to pilot an alternate appointment scheduling system, Acute Care Clinic Easy Scheduling System, to allow patients to see and book available appointments while waiting in the ED waiting room.

Materials and Methods

Our appointment display system was created through collaboration with the BAMC Information Management Division. A Tableau data interface connects to the Composite Health Care System to view available primary appointments across the San Antonio Military Health Care System. These are displayed in real-time on multiple TV screens outside the ED and in the ED waiting room. Patients were provided signage that provides a way to call or use a World Wide Web–based interface to immediately schedule the open appointments within the next 48 hours. Patients voluntarily opted to use this system and may opt to leave the ED if another appointment became available within an acceptable time frame to them.

Results

This section is not applicable to this article.

Conclusions

Expansion of the Acute Care Clinic Easy Scheduling System within the Military Health Care System may (1) help reduce ED crowding, (2) improve access to care through a live-tracking system that patients can review and select from, and (3) reduce the number of unfilled primary care appointments. The system in place in the BAMC ED serves as a template for other MTFs to use.
ATOMS: ALMA Three-millimeter Observations of Massive Star-forming regions – XI. From inflow to infall in hub-filament systems
Authors: Zhou Jian-Wen , Liu Tie , Evans Neal J , Garay Guido , Goldsmith Paul F , Gómez Gilberto C , Vázquez-Semadeni Enrique , Liu Hong-Li , Stutz Amelia M , Wang Ke , Juvela Mika , He Jinhua , Li Di , Bronfman Leonardo , Liu Xunchuan , Xu Feng-Wei , Tej Anandmayee , Dewangan L K , Li Shanghuo , Zhang Siju , Zhang Chao , Ren Zhiyuan , Tatematsu Ken’ichi , Shing Li Pak , Won Lee Chang , Baug Tapas , Qin Sheng-Li , Wu Yuefang , Peng Yaping , Zhang Yong , Liu Rong , Luo Qiu-Yi , Ge Jixing , Saha Anindya , Chakali Eswaraiah , Zhang Qizhou , Kim Kee-Tae , Ristorcelli Isabelle , Shen Zhi-Qiang , Li Jin-Zeng
Published: June 2022

We investigate the presence of hub-filament systems in a large sample of 146 active proto-clusters, using H13CO+ J = 1-0 molecular line data obtained from the ATOMS survey. We find that filaments are ubiquitous in proto-clusters, and hub-filament systems are very common from dense core scales (∼0.1 pc) to clump/cloud scales (∼1–10 pc). The proportion of proto-clusters containing hub-filament systems decreases with increasing dust temperature (Td) and luminosity-to-mass ratios (L/M) of clumps, indicating that stellar feedback from H ii regions gradually destroys the hub-filament systems as proto-clusters evolve. Clear velocity gradients are seen along the longest filaments with a mean velocity gradient of 8.71 km s−1 pc−1 and a median velocity gradient of 5.54 km s−1 pc−1. We find that velocity gradients are small for filament lengths larger than ∼1 pc, probably hinting at the existence of inertial inflows, although we cannot determine whether the latter are driven by large-scale turbulence or large-scale gravitational contraction. In contrast, velocity gradients below ∼1 pc dramatically increase as filament lengths decrease, indicating that the gravity of the hubs or cores starts to dominate gas infall at small scales. We suggest that self-similar hub-filament systems and filamentary accretion at all scales may play a key role in high-mass star formation.
Systematically smaller single-epoch quasar black hole masses using a radius–luminosity relationship corrected for spectral bias
Authors: Maithil Jaya , Brotherton Michael S , Shemmer Ohad , Du Pu , Wang Jian-Min , Myers Adam D , McLane Jacob N , Dix Cooper , Matthews Brandon M
Published: June 2022

Determining black hole masses and accretion rates with better accuracy and precision is crucial for understanding quasars as a population. These are fundamental physical properties that underpin models of active galactic nuclei. A primary technique to measure the black hole mass employs the reverberation mapping of low-redshift quasars, which is then extended via the radius–luminosity relationship for the broad-line region to estimate masses based on single-epoch spectra. An updated radius–luminosity relationship incorporates the flux ratio of optical Fe ii to H β ($\equiv \mathcal {R}_{\rm Fe}$) to correct for a bias in which more highly accreting systems have smaller line-emitting regions than previously realized. In this work, we demonstrate and quantify the effect of using this Fe-corrected radius-luminosity relationship on mass estimation by employing archival data sets possessing rest-frame optical spectra over a wide range of redshifts. We find that failure to use an Fe-corrected radius predictor results in overestimated single-epoch black hole masses for the most highly accreting quasars. Their accretion rate measures (LBol/LEdd and $\dot{\mathscr{M}}$ ) are similarly underestimated. The strongest Fe-emitting quasars belong to two classes: high-z quasars with rest-frame optical spectra, which, given their extremely high luminosities, require high accretion rates, and their low-z analogues, which, given their low black holes masses, must have high accretion rates to meet survey flux limits. These classes have mass corrections downward of about a factor of two, on average. These results strengthen the association of the dominant Eigenvector 1 parameter $\mathcal {R}_{\rm Fe}$ with the accretion process.
Investigating a predicted metallicity [Fe/H] variation in the Type II Globular Cluster NGC 362
Authors: Vargas C , Villanova S , Geisler D , Muñoz C , Monaco L , O’Connell J , Sarajedini Ata
Published: June 2022

NGC 362 is a non-common Type II Galactic globular cluster, showing a complex pseudo two-colour diagram or ‘chromosome map’. The clear separation of its stellar populations in the colour–magnitude diagram and the distribution of the giant stars in the chromosome map strongly suggests that NGC 362 could host stars with both cluster-nominal, as well as enhanced heavy-element abundances, and one of them could be iron. However, despite previous spectroscopic observations of NGC 362, no such iron variation has been detected. Our main goal is to confirm or disprove this result by searching for any internal variation of [Fe/H], which would give us insight into the formation and evolution of this interesting globular cluster. In this paper, we present the abundance analysis for a sample of 11 red giant branch members based on high-resolution and high S/N spectra obtained with the MIKE echelle spectrograph mounted at the Magellan-Clay telescope. HST and GAIA photometry and astrometry has been used to determine atmospheric parameters and membership. We obtained Teff, log(g), and vt for our target stars and measured the mean iron content of the sample and its dispersion with three different methods, which lead to [Fe/H]1 = −1.10 ± 0.02, [Fe/H]2 = −1.09 ± 0.01, and [Fe/H]3 = −1.10 ± 0.01, while the internal dispersion turned out to be $\sigma _{[\text{Fe/H}]_1}$ = 0.06 ± 0.01, $\sigma _{[\text{Fe/H}]_2}$ = 0.03 ± 0.01, and $\sigma _{[\text{Fe/H}]_3}$ = 0.05 ± 0.01, respectively. The error analysis gives an internal dispersion due to observational error of 0.05 dex. Comparing the observed dispersion with the internal errors, we conclude that NGC 362 does not show any trace of an internal iron spread.
The XXL survey. XLIX. Linking the members star formation histories to the cluster mass assembly in the z = 1.98 galaxy cluster XLSSC 122
Authors: Trudeau A , Willis J P , Rennehan D , Canning R E A , Carnall A C , Poggianti B , Noordeh E , Pierre M
Published: June 2022

The most massive protoclusters virialize to become clusters at z ∼ 2, which is also a critical epoch for the evolution of their member galaxies. XLSSC 122 is a z = 1.98 galaxy cluster with 37 spectroscopically confirmed members. We aim to characterize their star formation histories in the context of the cluster accretion history. We measure their photometry in 12 bands and create a PSF-matched catalogue of the cluster members. We employ bagpipes to fit star formation histories characterized by exponentially decreasing star-forming rates. Stellar masses, metal, and dust contents are treated as free parameters. The oldest stars in the red-sequence galaxies display a range of ages, from 0.5 Gyr to ∼3 Gyr. Characteristic times are between ∼0.1 and ∼0.3 Gyr, and the oldest members present the longest times. Using MultiDark Planck 2 dark matter simulations, we calculate the assembly of XLSSC 122-like haloes, weighted by the age posteriors of the oldest members. We found that 74 per cent of these haloes were <10 per cent assembled at the onset of star formation, declining to 67 per cent of haloes when such galaxies had formed half of their z = 1.98 stellar masses. When 90 per cent of their stellar masses were formed, 75 per cent of the haloes were <30 per cent assembled. The star formation histories of the red-sequence galaxies seem consistent with episodes of star formation with short characteristic times. Onset and cessation of star formation in the oldest galaxies are likely to precede XLSSC 122 virialization.
Computing optical meteor flux using global meteor network data
Authors: Vida Denis , Blaauw Erskine Rhiannon C , Brown Peter G , Kambulow Jonathon , Campbell-Brown Margaret , Mazur Michael J
Published: June 2022

Meteor showers and their outbursts are the dominant source of meteoroid impact risk to spacecraft on short time-scales. Meteor shower prediction models depend on historical observations to produce accurate forecasts. However, the current lack of quality and persistent world-wide monitoring at optical meteoroid sizes has left some recent major outbursts poorly observed. A novel method of computing meteor shower flux is developed and applied to Global Meteor Network data. The method is verified against previously published observations of the Perseids and the Geminids. The complete mathematical and algorithmic details of computing meteor shower fluxes from video observations are described. As an example application of our approach, the flux measurements of the 2021 Perseid outburst, the 2020–2022 Quadrantids, and 2020–2021 Geminids are presented. The flux of the 2021 Perseids reached similar levels to the 1991–1994 and 2016 outbursts (ZHR ∼ 280). The flux of the Quadrantids shows high year-to-year variability in the core of the stream while the longer lasting background activity is less variable, consistent with an age difference between the two components. The Geminids show a double peak in flux near the time of peak.
Searching for the connection between ionizing-photon escape and the surface density of star formation at z ∼ 3
Authors: Pahl Anthony J , Shapley Alice , Steidel Charles C , Reddy Naveen A , Chen Yuguang
Published: June 2022

The connection between the escape fraction of ionizing photons (fesc) and star formation rate surface density (ΣSFR) is a key input for reionization models, but remains untested at high redshift. We analyse 35 z ∼ 3 galaxies from the Keck Lyman Continuum Survey (KLCS) covered by deep, rest far-UV spectra of the Lyman continuum (LyC) and high-resolution HST V606 imaging, enabling estimates of both fesc and rest-UV sizes. Using Sérsic profile fits to HST images and spectral-energy distribution fits to multiband photometry, we measure effective sizes and SFRs for the galaxies in our sample, and separate the sample into two bins of ΣSFR. Based on composite spectra, we estimate 〈fesc〉 for both ΣSFR subsamples, finding no significant difference in 〈fesc〉 between the two. To test the representativeness of the KLCS HST sample and robustness of this result, we attempt to recover the well-established correlation between fesc and Lyα equivalent width. This correlation is not significant within the KLCS HST sample, indicating that the sample is insufficient for correlating fesc and galaxy properties such as ΣSFR. We perform stacking simulations using the KLCS parent sample to determine the optimal sample size for robust probes of the fesc-ΣSFR connection to inform future observing programs. For a program with a selection independent of ionizing properties, ≥90 objects are required; for one preferentially observing strongly-leaking LyC sources, ≥58 objects are required. More generally, measuring the connection between fesc and ΣSFR requires a larger, representative sample spanning a wide dynamic range in galaxies properties such as ΣSFR.
The aqueous stability and interactions of organoruthenium compounds with serum proteins, cell culture medium, and human serum
Authors: Riisom Mie , Eade Liam , Tremlett William D J , Hartinger Christian G
Published: June 2022

Metal complexes bind to a wide variety of biomolecules and the control of the reactivity is essential when designing anticancer metallodrugs with a specific mode of action in mind. In this study, we used the highly cytotoxic compound [RuII(cym)(8-HQ)Cl] (cym = η6-p-cymene, 8-HQ = 8-hydroxyquinoline), the more inert derivative [RuII(cym)(8-HQ)(PTA)](SO3CF3) (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane), and [RuII(cym)(PCA)Cl]Cl (PCA = pyridinecarbothioamide) as a complex with a different coordination environment about the Ru center and investigated their stability, interactions with proteins, and behavior in medium (αMEM) and human serum by capillary zone electrophoresis. The developed method was found to be robust and provides a quick and low-cost technique to monitor the interactions of such complexes with biomolecules. Each complex was found to behave very differently, emphasizing the importance of the choice of ligands and demonstrating the applicability of the developed method. Additionally, the human serum albumin binding site preference of [RuII(cym)(8-HQ)Cl] was investigated through displacement studies, revealing that the compound was able to bind to both sites I and site II, and the type of adducts formed with transferrin was determined by mass spectrometry.
Exposure of Candida parapsilosis to the silver(I) compound SBC3 induces alterations in the proteome and reduced virulence
Authors: Piatek Magdalena , O'Beirne Cillian , Beato Zoe , Tacke Matthias , Kavanagh Kevin
Published: June 2022

The antimicrobial properties of silver have been exploited for many centuries and continue to gain interest in the fight against antimicrobial drug resistance. The broad-spectrum activity and low toxicity of silver have led to its incorporation into a wide range of novel antimicrobial agents, including N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. The antimicrobial activity and in vivo efficacy of the NHC silver(I) acetate complex SBC3, derived from 1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-diphenylimidazol-2-ylidene (NHC*), have previously been demonstrated, although the mode(s) of action of SBC3 remains to be fully elucidated. Label-free quantitative proteomics was applied to analyse changes in protein abundance in the pathogenic yeast Candida parapsilosis in response to SBC3 treatment. An increased abundance of proteins associated with detoxification and drug efflux were indicative of a cell stress response, whilst significant decreases in proteins required for protein and amino acid biosynthesis offer potential insight into the growth-inhibitory mechanisms of SBC3. Guided by the proteomic findings and the prolific biofilm and adherence capabilities of C. parapsilosis, our studies have shown the potential of SBC3 in reducing adherence to epithelial cells and biofilm formation and hence decrease fungal virulence.
Changes in Nicotine Dependence Among Smokers Using Electronic Cigarettes to Reduce Cigarette Smoking in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yingst Jessica , Wang Xi , Lopez Alexa A , Breland Alison , Soule Eric , Barnes Andrew , Cohen Joanna , Underwood Megan , Crabtree Melanie , Foulds Jonathan
Published: June 2022

Introduction

How nicotine dependence will be affected when current smokers initiate electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use to reduce cigarette smoking is unknown. This study evaluated cigarette, e-cigarette, and total nicotine dependence more than 6 months among smokers reducing cigarette consumption by replacing with e-cigarettes.

Aims and Methods

Adult cigarette smokers were randomized to one of four conditions (36 mg/ml e-cigarette, 8 mg/ml e-cigarette, 0 mg/ml e-cigarette, or cigarette-substitute [CS] [provided at no cost]) and instructed to reduce their cigarette smoking by 75% at 1 month. Participants completed follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months. The Penn State Nicotine Dependence Index (PSNDI) measured dependence on cigarettes (PSCDI) and e-cigarettes (PSECDI). Urine cotinine measured total nicotine exposure. Linear mixed effects models for each outcome were conducted and included interaction terms between visit and condition.

Results

Participants (n = 520) were 58.8% female, 67.3% White, and 48.0 years old. At baseline, the median number of cigarettes smoked per day was 17.3 and the mean PSCDI score was 13.4, with no significant differences between conditions. Participants in the e-cigarette conditions reported significantly lower PSCDI scores, compared with baseline, and with the CS condition at all follow-up visits. Those in the 36 mg/ml e-cigarette condition reported greater PSECDI scores at 6 months, compared with baseline and the 0 mg/ml and 8 mg/ml conditions. At all follow-up visits, there were no differences in total nicotine exposure compared to baseline, nor between any conditions.

Conclusions

E-cigarette use was associated with reduced cigarette dependence, compared to the CS, without significant increases in total nicotine exposure.

Implications

Initiation of electronic cigarette use while continuing to smoke could potentially increase nicotine dependence. In this randomized trial aimed at helping smokers to reduce their cigarette intake, we found that use of an e-cigarette was associated with a reduction in cigarette dependence and an increase in e-cigarette dependence (in the condition with the highest nicotine concentration only), with no long term increase in total nicotine dependence or nicotine exposure.
The Association Between Tobacco Retailer Outlet Density and Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking in Virginia
Authors: Lin Shuo-yu , Zhou Weiyu , Koch J Randy , Barnes Andrew J , Yang Ruixin , Xue Hong
Published: June 2022

Objective

We examine the association between tobacco retail outlet density and adult smoking prevalence at the county level in Virginia, controlling for spatial autocorrelations.

Aims and Methods

Pooling data from 2020 County Health Rankings (compiled data from various sources including, but not limited to, the National Center for Health Statistics—Mortality Files, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and the American Community Survey) and Counter Tools, we conducted regression analyses that accounted for spatial autocorrelation (spatial lag models, LMlag) and adjusted for county-level access to healthcare, demographics, SES, environmental factors, risk conditions or behaviors, and population health measures.

Results

Our estimates provide evidence that every increase of one tobacco retail outlet per 1000 persons was associated with 1.16 percentage points (95% CI: 0.80–1.52) higher smoking prevalence at the county level in Virginia after controlling for spatial autocorrelation. The effect of outlet density was largely explained by social determinants of health such as SES, risky conditions or behaviors, and environmental factors. We further noticed that the impact of social determinants of health were closely related and can be explained by indicators of population health (rates of mental distress (β = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.31–1.67) and physical inactivity (β = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.04–0.10).

Conclusions

Although higher tobacco outlet density was associated with an increase in county-level smoking prevalence, the impact of outlet density was largely explained by social determinants of health and mental illness. Improving well-being at the community level could be a promising strategy in future tobacco control policies.

Implication

The influence of tobacco outlet density seems to be explained by other social determinants of health and population level of mental or physical health. Thus, efforts to reduce tobacco use and consequent negative health effects should explore the impact of improving regional living standards. However, a sole focus on economic growth may not be sufficient, whereas a focus on such things as promoting work-life balance and improving overall well-being at the community level may be more
Disinfection in the time of COVID: Safe solutions are critical for schools
Authors: Hicks Anne , Hicks Patrick
Published: June 2022

Surface disinfection is part of school protocols designed to decrease the risk of students and staff contracting COVID-19. However, exposure to disinfectants can have short- and long-term health consequences. Given that the risks are well-described and safer products are readily available, it is critical that schools consciously employ safer disinfection strategies.
Loss of function of the bHLH transcription factor Nrd1 in tomato enhances resistance to Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Zhang Ning , Hecht Chloe , Sun Xuepeng , Fei Zhangjun , Martin Gregory B
Published: June 2022

Basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors constitute a superfamily in eukaryotes, but their roles in plant immunity remain largely uncharacterized. We found that the transcript abundance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaves of one bHLH transcription factor-encoding gene, negative regulator of resistance to DC3000 1 (Nrd1), increased significantly after treatment with the immunity-inducing flgII-28 peptide. Plants carrying a loss-of-function mutation in Nrd1 (Δnrd1) showed enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 although early pattern-triggered immunity responses, such as generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases after treatment with flagellin-derived flg22 and flgII-28 peptides, were unaltered compared to wild-type plants. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis identified a gene, Arabinogalactan protein 1 (Agp1), whose expression is strongly suppressed in an Nrd1-dependent manner. Agp1 encodes an arabinogalactan protein, and overexpression of the Agp1 gene in Nicotiana benthamiana led to ∼10-fold less Pst growth compared to the control. These results suggest that the Nrd1 protein promotes tomato susceptibility to Pst by suppressing the defense gene Agp1. RNA-seq also revealed that the loss of Nrd1 function has no effect on the transcript abundance of immunity-associated genes, including AvrPtoB tomato-interacting 9 (Bti9), Cold-shock protein receptor (Core), Flagellin sensing 2 (Fls2), Flagellin sensing (Fls3), and Wall-associated kinase 1 (Wak1) upon Pst inoculation, suggesting that the enhanced immunity observed in the Δnrd1 mutants is due to the activation of key PRR signaling components as well as the loss of Nrd1-regulated suppression of Agp1.
Experimental reductions in subdaily flow fluctuations increased gross primary productivity for 425 river kilometers downstream
Authors: Deemer Bridget R , Yackulic Charles B , Hall Robert O , Dodrill Michael J , Kennedy Theodore A , Muehlbauer Jeffrey D , Topping David J , Voichick Nicholas , Yard Michael D
Published: June 2022

Aquatic primary production is the foundation of many river food webs. Dams change the physical template of rivers, often driving food webs toward greater reliance on aquatic primary production. Nonetheless, the effects of regulated flow regimes on primary production are poorly understood. Load following is a common dam flow management strategy that involves subdaily changes in water releases proportional to fluctuations in electrical power demand. This flow regime causes an artificial tide, wetting and drying channel margins and altering river depth and water clarity, all processes that are likely to affect primary production. In collaboration with dam operators, we designed an experimental flow regime whose goal was to mitigate negative effects of load following on ecosystem processes. The experimental flow contrasted steady-low flows on weekends with load following flows on weekdays. Here, we quantify the effect of this experimental flow on springtime gross primary production (GPP) 90-to-425 km downstream of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, AZ, USA. GPP during steady-low flows was 41% higher than during load following flows, mostly owing to nonlinear reductions in sediment-driven turbidity. The experimental flow increased weekly GPP even after controlling for variation in weekly mean discharge, demonstrating a negative effect of load following on GPP. We estimate that this environmental flow increased springtime carbon fixation by 0.27 g C m−2 d−1, which is ecologically meaningful considering median C fixation in 356 US rivers of 0.44 g C m−2 d−1 and the fact that native fish populations in this river are food-limited.
Revisiting the relationship between farmland prices and soil quality
Authors: Meissner Luise , Musshoff Oliver
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to examine the relationship between soil quality and farmland prices over time. Soil quality is often used as an explanatory variable for farmland prices in hedonic price models. However, the agricultural land market has shown an enormous price increase over the last decade. Therefore, revisiting the relationship between soil quality and farmland prices over time is of high relevance. This study aims to analyze farmland price time series in Germany. The series are aggregated within soil quality intervals and within parcel size intervals, treated as panel units. The fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) panel group mean and the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) panel group mean estimators are applied within a cointegration regression approach to estimate the relation of the time series. We found that soil quality causes a relative farmland price difference within an identified long-run relationship.
Molecular and clinical characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates collected at a tertiary hospital in northern China
Authors: Wang Hua , Yan Zhi , Mu Lan , Gao Xiang-Yu , Li Jia-Ying , Hu Zhi-De , Wang Jun-Rui , Zheng Wen-Qi
Published: June 2022

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) represent a severe public health problem.

Methods

In a tertiary hospital in northern China, 169 non-duplicated clinical CRE strains were analyzed by species identification, in vitro antibiotics sensitivity test, carbapenemase gene detection and genetic sequence typing.

Results

The CRE strains showed high resistance to most clinical antimicrobials. Enterobacter cloacae and Escherichia coli isolates mainly carried blaNDM, and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates mainly carried blakpc. ST11 was the most common type in Klebsiella pneumoniae, and ST70 was the new emerging sequence type (ST) in Enterobacter cloacae.

Conclusions

The CRE strains isolated in northern China showed multidrug-resistant phenotypes, and the new emergence of ST70 Enterobacter cloacae should be closely supervised.
The Effect of Nutrition Training on Knowledge of Students at University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Mousavi Baigi Seyede Fatemeh , Moradi Fatemeh , Vasseifard Fatemeh , Mohammad Abadi Fahimeh , Mazaheri Habibi Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2022

Studies have shown that training is effective in the prevention of obesity and overweight. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nutrition training on improving the nutritional knowledge of students. This study was conducted with a before-after study design on 35 students in 2019. A questionnaire was used to collect the required data and participants utilized a mobile application (app) to increase their nutrition knowledge. Implementation of this app had a positive effect on increasing all 3 types of nutritional knowledge. The results showed that the use of the app improved nutritional knowledge of the study population.
Dietetics Students' Perceptions of Academic and Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Coakley Kathryn E. , Gonzales-Pacheco Diana
Published: June 2022

This study examined dietetics students' perceptions of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on academics and mental and physical health. Data were collected via a cross-sectional online survey in February to March 2021 from undergraduate dietetics students across the United States. Among the 526 students who participated, during the fall 2020 semester, 87% experienced increased stress, 64% reported mental health concerns, and 32% reported disordered eating. Sixty-two percent agreed their program met educational needs; however, 62% also agreed COVID-19 negatively impacted the quality of education and 49% agreed to learning less than normal. Pandemic impacts are critical to consider as students enter dietetic internships and start careers.
Clinical Pattern of Retinal Detachment at the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training center, North-West Ethiopia
Authors: Kidanemariam Hagos , Tsegw Asamere
Published: June 2022

Objective

Due to increment in volume of cataract surgery and diabetic retinopathy, the incidence of retinal detachment (RD) is expected to rise in the future. However, little is known about the clinical patterns and risk factor of RD in Ethiopia. This study was aimed to determine the clinical pattern and risk factors of RD at University of Gondar Tertiary eye care and training center (UOG-TECTC).

Methods

A hospital based prospective cross sectional study was done involving all consecutive patients with retinal detachment seen over six months period at the UOG-TECTC. Structured questionnaire was used to extract the required data which included demography, ophthalmic history and clinical examination results. Data were entered into SPSS version 20 and analyzed.

Results

A total of 73 eyes of 65 patients with RD were analyzed. Two-third of patients were males 42(64.6%) and the median age was 49 years. Rhegmatogenous RD (RRD) was the commonest type of RD found in 58(89.2%) patients. Three quarter of the patients, 49 (75 %), came after 1 month of the symptom occurrence; out of which 20 (41%) visited the center after 1year duration. The commonest identified risk factors were trauma 19(29%) followed by pseudophakia 11(17%). More than three-quarter of the patients 53(81.5%) had detached macula and 60 (92.3%) of the involved eyes were blind at presentation.

Conclusion and recommendations

RRD was the commonest type of RD seen in our patients. Majority of the patients visited our center late after macular detachment and trauma was the commonest risk factor. People should be educated to seek health care immediately after the onset of symptoms. Ocular safety precautions should be advised to decrease the risk of ocular trauma. The center should be equipped to manage patients with RD.
Enhancing NeuroD1 Expression to Convert Lineage-Traced Astrocytes into Neurons
Authors: Xu Liang , Xiang Zong-Qin , Guo Yao-Wei , Xu Yu-Ge , Liu Min-Hui , Ji Wen-Yu , He Shu , Lei Wen-Liang , Li Wen , Wu Zheng , Chen Gong
Published: June 2022

Regenerating functional new neurons in adult mammalian brains has been proven a difficult task for decades. Recent advancement in direct glia-to-neuron conversion in vivo opens a new field for neural regeneration and repair. However, this emerging new field is facing serious challenges from misuse of viral vectors to misinterpretation of conversion data. Here, we employ a variety of AAV vectors with different promoters and enhancers to demonstrate that astrocytes can be converted into neurons in a NeuroD1 dose-dependent manner in both wildtype (WT) and transgenic mice. Notably, astrocytes in WT mice were relatively easy to convert with higher conversion efficiency, whereas lineage-traced astrocytes in Aldh1l1-CreERT2 mice showed high resistance to reprogramming but were still converted into neurons after enhancing NeuroD1 expression with CMV enhancer. Furthermore, under two-photon microscope, we observed direct astrocyte-to-neuron conversion within 3 weeks of serial live imaging in the mouse cortex. We also demonstrated that high titre AAV reaching 1013 GC/ml caused severe neuronal leakage using a variety of AAV GFAP::GFP vectors, highlighting the necessity to inject low titre AAV into healthy brains to avoid artifactual results. Together, our studies suggest that lineage-traced astrocytes can be converted into neurons but require stronger conversion force such as enhanced NeuroD1 expression. Failure to recognize the difference between WT astrocytes and lineage-traced astrocytes in terms of conversion barrier will lead to misinterpretation of data.
Enhancers of human and rodent oligodendrocyte formation predominantly induce cholesterol precursor accumulation
Authors: Sax Joel L , Hershman Samantha N , Hubler Zita , Allimuthu Dharmaraja , Elitt Matthew S , Bederman Ilya , Adams Drew J
Published: June 2022

Regeneration of myelin in the CNS is being pursued as a potential therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis. Several labs have reported small molecules that promote oligodendrocyte formation and remyelination in vivo. Recently, we reported that many such molecules function by inhibiting a narrow window of enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Here we describe a new high-throughput screen of 1,836 bioactive molecules and a thorough re-analysis of more than 60 molecules previously-identified as promoting oligodendrocyte formation from human, rat, or mouse oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). These studies highlight that an overwhelming fraction of validated screening hits, including several molecules being evaluated clinically for remyelination, inhibit cholesterol pathway enzymes like EBP. To rationalize these findings, we suggest a model that relies on the high druggability of sterol-metabolizing enzymes and the ability of cationic amphiphiles to mimic the transition state of EBP. These studies further establish cholesterol pathway inhibition as a dominant mechanism among screening hits that enhance human, rat, or mouse oligodendrocyte formation.
Reprogramming brain immunosurveillance with engineered cytokines
Authors: Tabet Anthony , Agarwal Yash , Stinson Jordan , Apra Caroline , Will Veronica , Manthey Marie , Momin Noor , Sheen Allison , Murdock Mitchell , Santollani Luciano , Tsai Li-Huei , Chiu Isaac , Lawler Sean , Irvine Darrell J. , Wittrup K. Dane , Anikeeva Polina
Published: June 2022

Immune surveillance of the brain is regulated by resident non-neuronal cells and the blood-brain barrier.1 Dys-regulation of immunosurveillance is a hallmark feature of several diseases2–5 including brain tumors6 that interact with and rely heavily on immune cells,7 suggesting that disrupting the neuroimmunology of tumors could slow their progression. Yet few tools are available to control brain immunology in vivo with local precision, and fewer yet are used for therapeutic intervention. 2 Here, we propose engineered cytokines as a neuroimmune-modulation platform. We demonstrate that the residence time of cytokines in the brain can be tuned by binding them to the extracellular matrix or synthetic scaffolds. We then show that the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant (alum) is retained in the brain >2 weeks. Tethering of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukins (IL) 2 and 12 to alum yields extended neuroinflammation and brain immunosurveillance after intracranial administration, while avoiding systemic toxicity. In mouse models of both immunologically hot and cold brain tumors, the intracranial deposition of alum-tethered cytokines causes significant delay in tumor progression. RNA profiling reveals that engineered cytokines engage both innate and adaptive immunity in the brain. These findings suggest that engineered cytokines can reprogram brain immunosurveillance, informing the development of future therapies for neuroimmune diseases.
COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated Health Care Workers in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Oladele David A. , Salako Abideen , Ayorinde James , Onwuamah Chika , Usman Olagoke , Abubakar Rufai , Liboro Gideon , Odubela Oluwatosin , Mogaji Sunday , Ige Fehintola , Ohihoin Gregory , Ezechi Oliver , Audu Rosemary , Adegbola Richard A. , Dada Adedamola , Salako Tunde
Published: June 2022

Background

Access to vaccines has contributed to the control of COVID-19. However, evaluation of the effectiveness of the vaccines in a setting where the vaccines were not originally tested is critically important. This study evaluates the clinical and laboratory characteristics of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections among healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods

A multicentre prospective study among HCWs who had two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S [recombinant] (AZD1222) vaccine were followed up 24 weeks. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens were tested using RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing for variant assignment.

Result

A total of 369 HCWs were enrolled; of which 24 (6.5%) had breakthrough infections. There was equal sex distribution among the breakthrough cases. The majority were aged between 30 to 39years (37.5%), and had mild symptoms of cough, fever, headache, and nausea/vomiting (58%), with no hospitalization. Among the 24 breakthrough cases whose whole genomes were successfully sequenced, three were confirmed to be Delta B.1.617.2 variant during the 3rdwave and an additional three were confirmed as omicron B.1.1.529 variant during the 4thwave.

Conclusion

We reported vaccine breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated HCWs with the majority presenting with mild illness. Both delta and omicron variants were identified during the different epidemiologic spectrums of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, there is a need to scale up vaccination for all front-line health workers and high-risk populations in developing countries.
Regulation of heme utilization and homeostasis in Candida albicans
Authors: Andrawes Natalie , Weissman Ziva , Pinsky Mariel , Moshe Shilat , Berman Judith , Kornitzer Daniel
Published: June 2022

Heme (iron-protoporphyrin IX) is an essential but potentially toxic cellular cofactor. While most organisms are heme prototrophs, many microorganisms can utilize environmental heme as iron source. The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans can utilize host heme in the iron-poor host environment, using an extracellular cascade of soluble anchored hemophores, and plasma membrane ferric reductase-like proteins. To gain additional insight into the C. albicans heme uptake pathway, we performed an unbiased genetic selection for mutants resistant to the toxic heme analog Ga3+-protoporphyrin IX at neutral pH, and a secondary screen for inability to utilize heme as iron source. Among the mutants isolated were the genes of the pH-responsive RIM pathway, and a zinc finger transcription factor, HUF1. In the presence of hemin in the medium, HUF1 is induced, the Huf1 protein is stabilized and Huf1-GFP localizes to the nucleus. In the huf1 mutant, cytoplasmic heme levels are elevated, while influx of extracellular heme is lower. Gene expression analysis indicated that in the presence of extracellular hemin, Huf1 activates the heme oxygenase HMX1, which breaks down excess cytoplasmic heme, while at the same time it also activates all the known heme uptake genes. These results indicate that Huf1 is a heme-responsive transcription factor that plays a role both in cytoplasmic heme homeostasis and in utilization of extracellular heme. The induction of heme uptake genes by Huf1 under iron satiety indicates that preferential utilization of host heme can be a dietary strategy in a heme prototroph.
Nucleoid-Associated Proteins Undergo Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation with DNA into Multiphasic Condensates Resembling Bacterial Nucleoids
Authors: Gupta Archit , Joshi Ashish , Arora Kanika , Mukhopadhyay Samrat , Guptasarma Purnananda
Published: June 2022

Liquid-liquid phase separation offers unique spatiotemporal control over myriad complex intracellular biochemical processes through compartmentalization of biomolecules into highly dynamic, liquid-like condensates known as membrane-less organelles. The bacterial nucleoid is thought to be one such phase-separated condensate; however, its formation, regulation, and biophysical characteristics are poorly understood. Our super-resolution imaging data suggests that nucleoids are dynamic assemblages of sub-micron-sized liquid-like droplets. We demonstrate that non-sequence-specific Nucleoid-Associated Proteins (NAPs) such as HU-A, HU-B and Dps, accrete nucleic acids and spontaneously condense with them into liquid-like, multicomponent, multiphasic, heterotypic phase-separated droplets. Upon mixing of HU-B, DNA and Dps, HU-B-enriched droplets are seen to contain demixed Dps-enriched droplets. Our findings indicate scope for the possible existence of multiphasic liquid-like compartments within nucleoids, providing insights into bacterial growth phase-dependent variations in the levels of different NAPs.
DNA-PKcs regulates myogenesis in an AKT-dependent manner independent of induced DNA damage
Authors: Sutcu Haser Hasan , Ricchetti Miria
Published: June 2022

Skeletal muscle regeneration relies on muscle stem (satellite) cells. We previously demonstrated that satellite cells efficiently and accurately repair radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs)viathe DNA-dependent kinase DNA-PKcs. We show here that DNA-PKcs affects myogenesis independently of its role in DSB repair. Consequently, this process does not require the accumulation of DSBs and it is also independent of caspase-induced DNA damage. We report that in myogenic cells DNA-PKcs is essential for the expression of the differentiation factor Myogenin in an Akt2-dependent manner. DNA-PKcs interacts with the p300-containing complex that activatesMyogenintranscription. We show also that SCID mice that are deficient in DNA-PKcs, and are used for transplantation and muscle regeneration studies, display altered myofiber composition and delayed myogenesis upon injury. These defects are exacerbated after repeated injury/regeneration events resulting in reduced muscle size. We thus identify a novel regulator of myogenic differentiation, and define a differentiation phase that does not involve the DNA damage/repair process.
Genome-wide analysis of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in Japanese morning glory
Authors: Komatsuzaki Ayane , Hoshino Atsushi , Otagaki Shungo , Matsumoto Shogo , Shiratake Katsuhiro
Published: June 2022

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants. R2R3-MYBs play a variety of functions in plants, such as cell fate determination, organ and tissue differentiations, primary and secondary metabolisms, stress and defense responses and other physiological processes. The Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil) has been widely used as a model plant for flowering and morphological studies. In the present study, 126 R2R3-MYB genes were identified in the Japanese morning glory genome. Information, including gene structure, protein motif, chromosomal location and gene expression, were assigned to the InR2R3-MYBs. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the 126 InR2R3-MYBs were classified into 29 subfamilies (C1-C29). Herein, physiological functions of the InR2R3-MYBs are discussed based on the functions of their Arabidopsis orthologues. InR2R3-MYBs in C9, C15, C16 or C28 may regulate cell division, flavonol biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis or response to abiotic stress, respectively. C16 harbors the known anthocyanin biosynthesis regulator, InMYB1 (INIL00g10723), and putative anthocyanin biosynthesis regulators, InMYB2 (INIL05g09650) and InMYB3 (INIL05g09651). In addition, INIL05g09649, INIL11g40874 and INIL11g40875 in C16 were suggested as novel anthocyanin biosynthesis regulators. We organized the R2R3-MYB transcription factors in the morning glory genome and assigned information to gene and protein structures and presuming their functions. Our study is expected to facilitate future research on R2R3-MYB transcription factors in Japanese morning glory.