bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Golexanolone improves fatigue, motor incoordination and gait and memory in rats with bile duct ligation
Authors: Arenas Yaiza M. , Izquierdo‐Altarejos Paula , Martinez‐García Mar , Giménez‐Garzó Carla , Mincheva Gergana , Doverskog Magnus , Jones David E. J. , Balzano Tiziano , Llansola Marta , Felipo Vicente
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Many patients with the chronic cholestatic liver disease primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) show fatigue and cognitive impairment that reduces their quality of life. Likewise, rats with bile duct ligation (BDL) are a model of cholestatic liver disease. Current PBC treatments do not improve symptomatic alterations such as fatigue or cognitive impairment and new, more effective treatments are therefore required. Golexanolone reduces the potentiation of GABAA receptors activation by neurosteroids. Golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function in rats with chronic hyperammonemia. The aims of the present study were to assess if golexanolone treatment improves fatigue and cognitive and motor function in cholestatic BDL rats and if this is associated with improvement of peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum.

Methods

Rats were subjected to bile duct ligation. One week after surgery, oral golexanolone was administered daily to BDL and sham‐operated controls. Fatigue was analysed in the treadmill, motor coordination in the motorater, locomotor gait in the Catwalk, and short‐term memory in the Y‐maze. We also analysed peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission markers by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results

BDL induces fatigue, impairs memory and motor coordination, and alters locomotor gait in cholestatic rats. Golexanolone improves these alterations, and this was associated with improvement of peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum.

Conclusion

Golexanolone may have beneficial effects to treat fatigue, and motor and cognitive impairment in patients with the chronic cholestatic liver disease PBC.
Navigating portal hypertension: Unlocking safe passage to healthy pregnancy in EHPVO
Authors: Shukla Akash , Singh Ankita , Saxena Akriti , Panda Saurav , Mane Prajakta , Khan Nagma , Harindranath Sidharth , Vaidya Arun , Kuruthukulangara Michael , Mayadeo Niranjan
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Pregnancy is associated with hyperdynamic circulatory state and increased risk of portal hypertension related complications in patients with extra‐hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). We aim to study the impact of EHPVO on pregnancy‐related outcomes with focus on subset of patients with UGIB (upper GI bleed).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of obstetric, maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients with EHPVO registered between January 2006 and December 2022. Forty‐five patients were included. Forty‐five healthy females with low‐risk pregnancies formed the control group.

Results

Adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes were comparable between EHPVO and control group (22% vs. 28.6%; p > .05; low birth weight/ small for gestational age 17.8% vs. 36%, p = .0918 and 14.2% vs. 10%, p = .5698 respectively). Adverse outcomes were similar in patients with and without history of UGIB (26.3% vs. 19.4%, p = .0814; 17.8% vs. 36%, p = .0918; 14.2% vs. 10%, p = .5698). There was no maternal mortality in both the groups. A total of 7% pregnancies in EHPVO patients were complicated by ascites.

Conclusions

EHPVO pregnancies have successful obstetric and neonatal outcomes with adequate management of portal hypertension.
The impact history and prolonged magmatism of the angrite parent body
Authors: Rider‐Stokes B. G. , Anand M. , White L. F. , Darling J. R. , Tartèse R. , Whitehouse M. J. , Franchi I. , Greenwood R. C. , Degli‐Alessandrini G.
Published: November 2023

As some of the oldest differentiated materials in our solar system, angrite meteorites can provide unique insights into the earliest stages of planetary evolution. However, the timing of planetary mixing, as evidenced by oxygen isotope variations in the quenched angrites, and the extent of magmatism on the angrite parent body (APB) remain poorly understood. Here, we report on microstructurally guided in situ geochemical and Pb–Pb isotopic measurements on angrites aimed at better understanding of the timing and nature of magmatic processes, as well as impact events, on the APB. The quenched angrite Northwest Africa (NWA) 12320 yielded a Pb–Pb date of 4571.2 ± 9.4 Ma, which we interpret as corresponding to the timing of planetary mixing. The only known shocked quenched angrite, NWA 7203, also yielded an ancient Pb–Pb date of 4562.9 ± 9.3 Ma, which is identical to the Pb–Pb date of 4563.6 ± 7.9 Ma obtained for the texturally intermediate angrite NWA 10463. Pb–Pb analyses in phosphates in the dunitic angrite NWA 8535 yielded a much younger date of 4514 ± 30 Ma, representing the youngest Pb–Pb date ever recorded for an angrite. Based on the evidence from the lack of shock deformation, olivine major and trace element compositions, and no apparent contamination in the oxygen isotope composition of NWA 8535, our findings are consistent with prolonged magmatism on the APB. This finding is consistent with a large size for the APB.
New indicators for monitoring genetic diversity applied to alpine brown trout populations using whole genome sequence data
Authors: Kurland Sara , Saha Atal , Keehnen Naomi , de la Paz Celorio‐Mancera Maria , Díez‐del‐Molino David , Ryman Nils , Laikre Linda
Published: November 2023

International policy recently adopted commitments to maintain genetic diversity in wild populations to secure their adaptive potential, including metrics to monitor temporal trends in genetic diversity – so‐called indicators. A national programme for assessing trends in genetic diversity was recently initiated in Sweden. Relating to this effort, we systematically assess contemporary genome‐wide temporal trends (40 years) in wild populations using the newly adopted indicators and whole genome sequencing (WGS). We use pooled and individual WGS data from brown trout (Salmo trutta) in eight alpine lakes in protected areas. Observed temporal trends in diversity metrics (nucleotide diversity, Watterson'sϴand heterozygosity) lie within proposed acceptable threshold values for six of the lakes, but with consistently low values in lakes above the tree line and declines observed in these northern‐most lakes. Local effective population size is low in all lakes, highlighting the importance of continued protection of interconnected systems to allow genetic connectivity for long‐term viability of these populations. Inbreeding (FROH) spans 10%–30% and is mostly represented by ancient (<1 Mb) runs of homozygosity, with observations of little change in mutational load. We also investigate adaptive dynamics over evolutionarily short time frames (a few generations); identifying putative parallel selection across all lakes within a gene pertaining to skin pigmentation as well as candidates of selection unique to specific lakes and lake systems involved in reproduction and immunity. We demonstrate the utility of WGS for systematic monitoring of natural populations, a priority concern if genetic diversity is to be protected.
Discerning structure versus speciation in phylogeographic analysis of Seepage Salamanders (Desmognathus aeneus) using demography, environment, geography, and phenotype
Authors: Pyron R. Alexander , Kakkera Anvith , Beamer David A. , O'Connell Kyle A.
Published: November 2023

Numerous mechanisms can drive speciation, including isolation by adaptation, distance, and environment. These forces can promote genetic and phenotypic differentiation of local populations, the formation of phylogeographic lineages, and ultimately, completed speciation. However, conceptually similar mechanisms may also result in stabilizing rather than diversifying selection, leading to lineage integration and the long‐term persistence of population structure within genetically cohesive species. Processes that drive the formation and maintenance of geographic genetic diversity while facilitating high rates of migration and limiting phenotypic differentiation may thereby result in population genetic structure that is not accompanied by reproductive isolation. We suggest that this framework can be applied more broadly to address the classic dilemma of “structure” versus “species” when evaluating phylogeographic diversity, unifying population genetics, species delimitation, and the underlying study of speciation. We demonstrate one such instance in the Seepage Salamander (Desmognathus aeneus) from the southeastern United States. Recent studies estimated up to 6.3% mitochondrial divergence and four phylogenomic lineages with broad admixture across geographic hybrid zones, which could potentially represent distinct species supported by our species‐delimitation analyses. However, while limited dispersal promotes substantial isolation by distance, microhabitat specificity appears to yield stabilizing selection on a single, uniform, ecologically mediated phenotype. As a result, climatic cycles promote recurrent contact between lineages and repeated instances of high migration through time. Subsequent hybridization is apparently not counteracted by adaptive differentiation limiting introgression, leaving a single unified species with deeply divergent phylogeographic lineages that nonetheless do not appear to represent incipient species.
Self‐regulated learning profiles including test anxiety linked to stress and performance: A latent profile analysis based across multiple cohorts
Authors: Broks Vera M. A. , Dijk Stijntje W. , Van den Broek Walter. W. , Stegers‐Jager Karen M. , Woltman Andrea M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Medical educators aim to understand why students differ in performance and stress. While performance and stress are associated with student demographics, school factors and aspects of self‐regulated learning (SRL), it remains unclear how these elements interact within individuals. This multi‐cohort study identified SRL profiles among medical students and explored their associations with performance and stress. Additionally, we examined the identified profiles' associations with gender, migration status and assessment policy.

Methods

We used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify profiles on Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) scores of six cohorts (2014–2019) of Year 1, first semester medical students (n = 1894) in a Dutch medical school. We used nine MSLQ subscales that measure test anxiety (TA), self‐efficacy, deep learning, resource management and value. The university's assessment policy varied, demanding students to obtain 100% or 75% of Year 1 credits to remain enrolled. We defined optimal performance as obtaining all credits at the end of Year 1. Two cohorts completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐14, n = 409) in the 2nd semester.

Results

We identified three distinct student profiles: 693/1894(36.6%) were classified as TAhighSRLhigh, 661/1894(34.9%) as TAlowSRLhigh and 540/1894(28.5%) as TAmoderateSRLlow. Females were more likely to belong to TAhighSRLhigh profiles compared to males (effect size [ES] Cramer's V = .13, small). Migration background was not associated with these profiles. The TAhighSRLhigh profile was more prevalent under the 100% assessment policy (ES Cramer's V = .10, negligible). TAlowSRLhigh students demonstrated lower stress levels (PSS = 23.9 out of 56) compared to TAhighSRLhigh students (PSS = 28.7, ES Cohen's d = .62, medium) and TAmoderateSRLlow students (PSS = 28.2, ES Cohen's d = .51, medium). Performance differed among the three profiles (ES Cramer's V = .16, small): 82.5% optimal performance in the TAlowSRLhigh, 71.9% in the TAhighSRLhigh and 65.2% in the TAmoderateSRLlow profile.

Discussion

Three distinct SRL student profiles associated with gender, academic performance and perceived stress were identified. Test anxiety had additional value in distinguishing subgroups with differential academic performance and stress. These profiles may aid educators to inform personalised support strategies for novice learners.
Disruption of Leishmania flagellum attachment zone architecture causes flagellum loss
Authors: Halliday Clare , de Liz Laryssa Vanessa , Vaughan Sue , Sunter Jack D.
Published: November 2023

Leishmania are flagellated eukaryotic parasites that cause leishmaniasis and are closely related to the other kinetoplastid parasites such as Trypanosoma brucei. In all these parasites there is a cell membrane invagination at the base of the flagellum called the flagellar pocket, which is tightly associated with and sculpted by cytoskeletal structures including the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ). The FAZ is a complex interconnected structure linking the flagellum to the cell body and has critical roles in cell morphogenesis, function and pathogenicity. However, this structure varies dramatically in size and organisation between these different parasites, suggesting changes in protein localisation and function. Here, we screened the localisation and function of the Leishmania orthologues of T. brucei FAZ proteins identified in the genome‐wide protein tagging project TrypTag. We identified 27 FAZ proteins and our deletion analysis showed that deletion of two FAZ proteins in the flagellum, FAZ27 and FAZ34 resulted in a reduction in cell body size, and flagellum loss in some cells. Furthermore, after null mutant generation, we observed distinct and reproducible changes to cell shape, demonstrating the ability of the parasite to adapt to morphological perturbations resulting from gene deletion. This process of adaptation has important implications for the study of Leishmania mutants.
Past and present: Immigration and museum exhibitions in the anthracite coal region
Authors: Schriner Aryn G. N. , Shackel Paul A.
Published: November 2023

Northeastern Pennsylvania was home to the anthracite coal industry for about two centuries. The area was originally settled by various waves of immigrants, first from western then southern and eastern Europe. The new immigrant miners faced many forms of prejudice and were exploited in a system of unchecked capitalism. They were racialized and placed at the bottom of the job hierarchy. Some capitalists did not consider them human, and therefore not deserving of safe working conditions, descent housing and equal pay. At the turn of the twenty‐first century, a new wave of Hispanic immigrants from the Caribbean, Mexico, and South and Central America entered the region to work mainly in low‐paying fulfillment center jobs. Their arrival is being met with various forms of xenophobia, much like the immigrant miners faced over a century ago. The online exhibition “We Are Anthracite,” hosted by the Anthracite Heritage Museum, addresses the call from the American Alliance of Museums for museums to be civically engaged, build social capital and connecting new populations to place. The exhibition bridges the experiences between the past coal mining communities and new Hispanic immigrants. The state‐operated museum hosting this exhibition lends validity to the new immigrants' place in this region, creating a narrative that their experiences are similar to the region's inhabitants' ancestors. By connecting common experiences, past and present, we are creating a form of bridging social capital that connects these different populations. While the northeastern Pennsylvania immigrant story is not well‐known, it is rich and complex like many Rust Belt communities undergoing similar major demographic shifts.
Assessing survival post‐kidney transplantation in Australia: A multivariable prediction model
Authors: McMichael Lachlan C. , Gulyani Aarti , Clayton Philip A.
Published: November 2023

Aim

Kidney transplantation remains the preferred standard of care for patients with kidney failure. Most patients do not access this treatment and wide variations exist in which patients access transplantation. We sought to develop a model to estimate post‐kidney transplant survival to inform more accurate comparisons of access to kidney transplantation.

Methods

Development and validation of prediction models using demographic and clinical data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry. Adult deceased donor kidney only transplant recipients between 2000 and 2020 were included. Cox proportional hazards regression methods were used with a primary outcome of patient survival. Models were evaluated using Harrell's C‐statistic for discrimination, and calibration plots, predicted survival probabilities and Akaike Information Criterion for goodness‐of‐fit.

Results

The model development and validation cohorts included 11 302 participants. Most participants were male (62.8%) and Caucasian (79.2%). Glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of kidney disease (45.6%). The final model included recipient, donor, and transplant related variables. The model had good discrimination (C‐statistic, 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–0.74 in the development cohort, 0.70; 95% CI 0.67–0.73 in the validation cohort and 0.72; 95% CI 0.69–0.75 in the temporal cohort) and was well calibrated.

Conclusion

We developed a statistical model that predicts post‐kidney transplant survival in Australian kidney failure patients. This model will aid in assessing the suitability of kidney transplantation for patients with kidney failure. Survival estimates can be used to make more informed comparisons of access to transplantation between units to better measure equity of access to organ transplantation.

image
Policy education in a research‐focused doctoral nursing program: Power as knowing participation in change
Authors: Perry Donna J. , Cintron Saisha , Grace Pamela J. , Jones Dorothy A. , Kane Anne T. , Kennedy Heather M. , Malinski Violet M. , Mar William , Toohey Lauri
Published: November 2023

Nurses have moral obligations incurred by membership in the profession to participate knowingly in health policy advocacy. Many barriers have historically hindered nurses from realizing their potential to advance health policy. The contemporary political context sets additional challenges to policy work due to polarization and conflict. Nursing education can help nurses recognize their role in advancing health through political advocacy in a manner that is consistent with disciplinary knowledge and ethical responsibilities. In this paper, the authors describe an exemplar of Elizabeth Barrett's “Power as Knowing Participation in Change” theory as a disciplinary lens within a doctoral nursing health policy course. Barrett (radically) emphasizes “power as freedom” instead of “power as control.” This approach is congruent with nursing disciplinary values and enhances awareness of personal freedom and building collaborative relationships in the policy process. The theory was used in concert with other traditional policy content and frameworks from nursing and other disciplines. We discuss the role of nursing ethics viewed as professional responsibility for policy action, an overview of Barrett's theory, and the design of the course. Four student reflections on how the course influenced their thinking about policy advocacy are included. While not specific to policymaking, Barrett's theory provides a disciplinary grounding to increase students' awareness of freedom and choices in political advocacy participation. Our experience suggests that Barrett's work can be fruitful for enhancing nurses' awareness of choices to participate in change across settings.
Global analysis of Poales diversification – parallel evolution in space and time into open and closed habitats
Authors: Elliott Tammy L. , Spalink Daniel , Larridon Isabel , Zuntini Alexandre Rizzo , Escudero Marcial , Hackel Jan , Barrett Russell L. , Martín‐Bravo Santiago , Márquez‐Corro José Ignacio , Granados Mendoza Carolina , Mashau Aluoneswi C. , Romero‐Soler Katya J. , Zhigila Daniel A. , Gehrke Berit , Andrino Caroline Oliveira , Crayn Darren M. , Vorontsova Maria S. , Forest Félix , Baker William J. , Wilson Karen L. , Simpson David A. , Muasya A. Muthama
Published: November 2023

Poales are one of the most species‐rich, ecologically and economically important orders of plants and often characterise open habitats, enabled by unique suites of traits. We test six hypotheses regarding the evolution and assembly of Poales in open and closed habitats throughout the world, and examine whether diversification patterns demonstrate parallel evolution.

We sampled 42% of Poales species and obtained taxonomic and biogeographic data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants database, which was combined with open/closed habitat data scored by taxonomic experts. A dated supertree of Poales was constructed. We integrated spatial phylogenetics with regionalisation analyses, historical biogeography and ancestral state estimations.

Diversification in Poales and assembly of open and closed habitats result from dynamic evolutionary processes that vary across lineages, time and space, most prominently in tropical and southern latitudes. Our results reveal parallel and recurrent patterns of habitat and trait transitions in the species‐rich families Poaceae and Cyperaceae. Smaller families display unique and often divergent evolutionary trajectories.

The Poales have achieved global dominance via parallel evolution in open habitats, with notable, spatially and phylogenetically restricted divergences into strictly closed habitats.
Gene identification and semisynthesis of the anti‐inflammatory oleanane‐type triterpenoid wilforlide A
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhou Jiawei , Liu Panting , Hu Tianyuan , Liu Xuan , Gao Jie , Ma Lin , Lu Yun , Li Dan , Jiang Zhouqian , Zhang Xianan , Huang Luqi , Gao Wei , Wu Xiaoyi , Zhang Yifeng , Liu Changli
Published: November 2023

Wilforlide A is one of the main active constituents produced in trace amounts in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, which has excellent anti‐inflammatory and immune suppressive effects. Despite the seeming structural simplicity of the compound, the biosynthetic pathway of wilforlide A remains unknown.

Gene‐specific expression analysis and genome mining were used to identify the gene candidates, and their functions were studied in vitro and in vivo. A modularized two‐step (M2S) technique and CRISPR–Cas9 methods were used to construct engineering yeast.

Here, we identified a cytochrome P450, TwCYP82AS1, that catalyses C‐22 hydroxylation during wilforlide A biosynthesis. We also found that TwCYP712K1 to K3 can further oxidize the C‐29 carboxylation of oleanane‐type triterpenes in addition to friedelane‐type triterpenes. Reconstitution of the biosynthetic pathway in engineered yeast increased the precursor supply, and combining TwCYP82AS1 and TwCYP712Ks produced abrusgenic acid, which was briefly acidified to achieve the semisynthesis of wilforlide A.

Our work presents an alternative metabolic engineering approach for obtaining wilforlide A without relying on extraction from plants.
The CARBON CATABOLITE REPRESSION 4A‐mediated RNA deadenylation pathway acts on the transposon RNAs that are not regulated by small RNAs
Authors: Wang Ling , Li Hui , Lei Zhen , Jeong Dong‐Hoon , Cho Jungnam
Published: November 2023

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that can impair the host genome stability and integrity. It has been well documented that activated transposons in plants are suppressed by small interfering (si) RNAs. However, transposon repression by the cytoplasmic RNA surveillance system is unknown.

Here, we show that mRNA deadenylation is critical for controlling transposons in Arabidopsis. Trimming of poly(A) tail is a rate‐limiting step that precedes the RNA decay and is primarily mediated by the CARBON CATABOLITE REPRESSION 4 (CCR4)‐NEGATIVE ON TATA‐LESS (NOT) complex.

We found that the loss of CCR4a leads to strong derepression and mobilization of TEs in Arabidopsis. Intriguingly, CCR4a regulates a largely distinct set of TEs from those controlled by RNA‐dependent RNA Polymerase 6 (RDR6), a key enzyme that produces cytoplasmic siRNAs. This indicates that the cytoplasmic RNA quality control mechanism targets the TEs that are poorly recognized by the previously well‐characterized RDR6‐mediated pathway, and thereby augments the host genome stability.

Our study suggests a hitherto unknown mechanism for transposon repression mediated by RNA deadenylation and unveils a complex nature of the host's strategy to maintain the genome integrity.
The emotional labour of teleworkers conducting online counselling during Covid‐19.
Authors: O'Neil Jennifer. J. , Heidl Britta. H. , Bratton Andrew , Vossler Andreas , Moller Naomi
Published: November 2023

Drawing on emotional labour theory, this paper explores the barriers to emotionally complex telework, with a specific focus on the space, interface and pace of work. We examine the working lives of mental health counsellors who adapted from in‐person delivery to online delivery whilst working from home, during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Our qualitative data set comprises of semi‐structured online interviews with 31 counsellors across the United Kingdom. Findings reveal that boundary issues, increased technical interruptions, increased screen time and associated fatigue, and increased contact‐ability due to digitalisation were key barriers to conducting emotionally complex tasks and exacerbated the emotional labour of participants creating more negative outcomes. This resulted in heightened emotion management in the home space, emotional dissonance, stress and in some cases, burn‐out.
Modeling political mimetic isomorphism versus economic and quality factors in local government privatizations
Authors: Campos‐Alba Cristina M. , Chica‐Olmo Jorge , Pérez‐López Gemma , Zafra‐Gómez José L.
Published: November 2023

Numerous studies have considered the economic impact and political influence of privatization. However, the theoretical approaches previously applied to model privatization, whether economic or political, have not obtained robust results. To address this question, we present a new political approach, based on mimetic isomorphism, which enables us to more accurately define the relationship between privatization, political theory and economic aspects. This new focus, termed political mimetic isomorphism, hypothesizes that the privatization of public services is influenced by an imitation effect between neighboring municipalities that share a common political ideology. In our study, this approach is applied, using geostatistical tools and logistic regression analysis with spatial variables, to a sample of municipalities that privatized their water and/or waste collection services during the period 2014–2019. The results obtained demonstrate the validity of the theoretical model of political mimetic isomorphism and show that this factor exerts a stronger influence on privatization than certain economic variables.
A dual‐subcellular localized β‐glucosidase confers pathogen and insect resistance without a yield penalty in maize
Authors: Liu Chuang , He Shengfeng , Chen Junbin , Wang Mingyu , Li Zhenju , Wei Luyang , Chen Yan , Du Meida , Liu Dandan , Li Cai , An Chunju , Bhadauria Vijai , Lai Jinsheng , Zhu Wangsheng
Published: November 2023

Maize is one of the most important crops for food, cattle feed and energy production. However, maize is frequently attacked by various pathogens and pests, which pose a significant threat to maize yield and quality. Identification of quantitative trait loci and genes for resistance to pests will provide the basis for resistance breeding in maize. Here, a β‐glucosidase ZmBGLU17 was identified as a resistance gene against Pythium aphanidermatum, one of the causal agents of corn stalk rot, by genome‐wide association analysis. Genetic analysis showed that both structural variations at the promoter and a single nucleotide polymorphism at the fifth intron distinguish the two ZmBGLU17 alleles. The causative polymorphism near the GT‐AG splice site activates cryptic alternative splicing and intron retention of ZmBGLU17 mRNA, leading to the downregulation of functional ZmBGLU17 transcripts. ZmBGLU17 localizes in both the extracellular matrix and vacuole and contribute to the accumulation of two defence metabolites lignin and DIMBOA. Silencing of ZmBGLU17 reduces maize resistance against P. aphanidermatum, while overexpression significantly enhances resistance of maize against both the oomycete pathogen P. aphanidermatum and the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis. Notably, ZmBGLU17 overexpression lines exhibited normal growth and yield phenotype in the field. Taken together, our findings reveal that the apoplastic and vacuolar localized ZmBGLU17 confers resistance to both pathogens and insect pests in maize without a yield penalty, by fine‐tuning the accumulation of lignin and DIMBOA.
Risk factors for sentinel lymph node metastasis in Korean acral and non‐acral melanoma patients
Authors: Song Jee Yong , Ryu Young Jae , Lee Ho Kyun , Lee Dong Hoon , Choi Yoo Duk , Shim Hyun Jeong , Yun Sook Jung
Published: November 2023

Breslow thickness, ulceration, and mitotic rate are well‐known prognostic factors for sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in cutaneous melanoma. We investigated risk factors, including especially the degree of pigmentation, for SLN metastasis in Korean melanoma patients. We enrolled 158, composed of Korean 107 acral and 51 non‐acral melanoma patients who underwent SLN biopsy. Clinicopathologic features such as Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, and the degree of pigmentation were evaluated. The recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rate and date of recurrence were determined. Fifty‐four patients (34.2%) had a positive SLN biopsy result. In a multivariate analysis, Breslow thickness (odds ratio [OR] 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–3.47; p = .022) and heavy pigmentation (OR 13.14; 95% CI, 2.96–95.20, p = .002) were associated with SLN metastasis. Positive SLN patients had a higher rate of loco‐regional and/or distant recurrence (hazard ratio 6.32; 95% CI, 3.39–11.79; p < .001). Heavy pigmentation was associated with poor RFS. Heavy pigmentation is an independent predictor of SLN metastasis in both acral and non‐acral melanoma. Our results suggest the need for in‐depth SLN evaluation of cutaneous melanoma patients with heavy pigmentation and provide clinicians with important information for determining patient prognosis.
Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate over the first year following repeat heart transplant in children and young adults
Authors: Chan Melvin , Silveira Lori , Patterson Daniel J. , Bock Margret E. , Pietra Biagio A. , Everitt Melanie D. , Simpson Kathleen E. , Miyamoto Shelley D. , Auerbach Scott R.
Published: November 2023

Background

Renal function is reduced in patients undergoing heart transplant due to hemodynamic compromise, cardiorenal syndrome, and nephrotoxin exposure. No current studies evaluate renal function in retransplants.

Methods

We reviewed all heart transplants at our center from 1995 to 2021 and matched first‐time heart transplants with retransplants, based on age at transplant, sex, and race. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was derived from CKiD‐U25 calculator using creatinine and measured prior to transplant, 1‐week post‐transplant, 1–3, 6, and 12 months post‐transplant, and recent follow‐up. Changes in eGFR were measured within and between patients using a piecewise linear mixed effect model with matching. Exploratory univariate analysis was performed to evaluate pre‐transplant risk factors for decreased eGFR.

Results

The unmatched cohort included 393 heart transplant recipients, with 47 being retransplants. Thirty‐eight patients in both groups with at least 1 year of follow‐up underwent matching. Both retransplants and first‐time transplants had an initial decline in eGFR. eGFR rebounded to baseline or above baseline at 1–3 months post‐transplant, but eGFR in retransplants remained significantly lower. At 1‐year post‐transplant, the average eGFR was 67.8 ± 4.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 versus 104.7 ± 4.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < .001) in the retransplants and first‐time transplants group, respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides data on anticipated renal trajectory following retransplantation.
Integrative analysis of physiology and genomics provides insights into freeze tolerance adaptations of Acacia koa along an elevational cline
Authors: Ebrahimi Aziz , Sugiyama Anna , Ayala‐Jacobo Lilian , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: November 2023

Natural selection for plant species in heterogeneous environments creates genetic variation for traits such as cold tolerance. While physiological or molecular analyses have been used to evaluate stress tolerance adaptations, combining these approaches may provide deeper insight. Acacia koa (koa) occurs from sea level to 2300 m in Hawaiʻi, USA. At high elevations, natural koa populations have declined due to deforestation, and freeze tolerance is a limiting factor for tree regeneration. We used physiology and molecular analyses to evaluate cold tolerance of koa populations from low (300–750 m), middle (750–1500 m), and high elevations (1500–2100 m). Half of the seedlings were cold acclimated by exposure to progressively lowered air temperatures for eight weeks (from 25.6/22.2°C to 8/4°C, day/night). Using the whole plant physiology‐freezing test and koa C‐repeat Binding Factor CBF genes, our results indicated that koa can be cold‐acclimated when exposed to low, non‐freezing temperatures. Seedlings from high elevations had consistently higher expression of Koa CBF genes associated with cold tolerance, helping to explain variation in cold‐hardy phenotypes. Evaluation of the genetic background of 22 koa families across the elevations with low coverage RNA sequencing indicated that high elevation koa had relatively low values of heterozygosity, suggesting that adaptation is more likely to arise in the middle and low elevation sources. This physiology and molecular data for cold tolerance of koa across the elevation gradient of the Hawaiian Islands provides insights into natural selection processes and may help to support guidelines for conservation and seed transfer in forest restoration efforts.
Mind over muscle? Time manipulation improves physical performance by slowing down the neuromuscular fatigue accumulation
Authors: Matta Pierre‐Marie , Glories Dorian , Alamia Andrea , Baurès Robin , Duclay Julien
Published: November 2023

While physical performance has long been thought to be limited only by physiological factors, many experiments denote that psychological ones can also influence it. Specifically, the deception paradigm investigates the effect of psychological factors on performance by manipulating a psychological variable unbeknownst to the subjects. For example, during a physical exercise performed to failure, previous results revealed an improvement in performance (i.e., holding time) when the clock shown to the subjects was deceptively slowed down. However, the underlying neurophysiological changes supporting this performance improvement due to deceptive time manipulation remain unknown. Here, we addressed this issue by investigating from a neuromuscular perspective the effect of a deceptive clock manipulation on a single‐joint isometric task conducted to failure in 24 healthy participants (11 females). Neuromuscular fatigue was assessed by pre‐ to post‐exercise changes in quadriceps maximal voluntary torque (Tmax), voluntary activation level (VAL), and potentiated twitch (TTW). Our main results indicated a significant performance improvement when the clock was slowed down (Biased: 356 ± 118 s vs. Normal: 332 ± 112 s, p = .036) but, surprisingly, without any difference in the associated neuromuscular fatigue (p > .05 and BF < 0.3 for Tmax, VAL, and TTW between both sessions). Computational modeling showed that, when observed, the holding time improvement was explained by a neuromuscular fatigue accumulation based on subjective rather than actual time. These results support a psychological influence on neuromuscular processes and contribute significantly to the literature on the mind–body influence, by challenging our understanding of fatigue.
Effects of a telerehabilitation program and detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with post‐COVID‐19 sequelae: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pleguezuelos Eulogio , Del Carmen Amin , Moreno Eva , Miravitlles Marc , Serra Mateu , Garnacho‐Castaño Manuel V.
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 15‐week telerehabilitation program and a detraining period on cardiorespiratory fitness and mechanical efficiency in patients with post‐COVID‐19 sequelae.

Methods

131 patients with post‐COVID‐19 sequelae were randomly assigned to one of two groups: patients who carried out the supervised telerehabilitation program (TRG, n = 66) and a control group (CG, n = 65). An incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed on cycle ergometer to compare cardioventilatory responses between experimental groups.

Results

A significant increase in the CPET duration, peak power output, and mechanical efficiency was observed in TRG compared to CG after the telerehabilitation program (p ≤ 0.001). A significant increase in the CPET duration, peak power output, and mechanical efficiency was verified at 3 months compared to the pretest and after detraining in TRG (p < 0.001). A significant increase in peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) was identified after the intervention and in the detraining period compared to the pretest in both experimental groups (p < 0.001). A higher ventilatory efficiency was observed after the telerehabilitation program (p = 0.021) than in pretest only in TRG.

Conclusions

A 15‐week supervised home telerehabilitation program improved exercise capacity, power output, and mechanical efficiency in TRG compared to a CG. The telerehabilitation program was not more effective in improving V̇O2peak than the activities of the CG. However, ventilatory efficiency was improved only after the telerehabilitation program. The reported results after the detraining period highlight the need to maintain the rehabilitation program over time.
Extracting fracture properties from digital image and volume correlation displacement data: A review
Authors: Becker Thorsten H.
Published: November 2023

The advent of digital image and volume correlation has attracted wide use in fracture mechanics. The full‐field nature of digital image and volume correlation allows for the integration of computational fracture mechanics to analyse cracked samples quantitatively. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current methods used to extract fracture properties from full‐field displacement data. The term full‐field fracture mechanics is introduced to highlight the uniqueness of using inherently noisy experiential data to extract fracture properties. The review focuses on post‐processing‐based approaches rather than integrated approaches, as these have less limitations and are more commonly employed. There are four approaches that are discussed in extracting fracture properties from experimentally computed displacement data: field‐fitting, integral, crack‐opening and cohesive zone modelling approaches. This is further developed to discuss problems associated with using digital image and volume correlation to extract properties, including application examples.
Delineation of high‐resolution soil carbon management zones using digital soil mapping: A step towards mitigating climate change in the Northeastern Himalayas, India
Authors: Reza S. K. , Chattaraj S. , Mukhopadhyay S. , Daripa A. , Saha S. , Ray S. K.
Published: November 2023

Delineation of carbon management zones (CMZs) by capturing geospatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) stock down the profile is an effective strategy for precision agriculture and climate change mitigation. Satellite (Landsat OLI 8), terrain (SRTM 30 m DEM) and bioclimatic (WorldClim dataset) factors were used as covariables in this digital soil mapping approach. Depth harmonization using the quadratic spline method (equal‐area) was carried out prior to quantile regression forest (QRF) algorithm‐based modelling to estimate SOC stock at six standard soil depths (0–5, 5–15, 15–30, 30–60, 60–100 and 100–200 cm). Soil depth and SOC stock for the whole soil profile were used for the delineation of CMZs using fuzzy k‐means clustering. The predicted SOC stock, varied from 14.68 to 42.35 Mg ha−1 in the top layer (0–5 cm depth), while 17.91 to 36.88, 14.15 to 34.70, 12.55 to 35.59, 10.30 to 28.52 and 7.26 to 20.16 Mg ha−1 in the depths of 5–15, 15–30, 30–60, 60–100 and 100–200 cm, respectively. The QRF algorithm performed well in predicting SOC stock with high R2, which ranged from .67 to .83 for all the soil depths. To delineate three CMZs, modified partitioning entropy and the fuzzy performance index were used. In CMZ2, there was a significant increase in SOC stock, followed by CMZ1 and CMZ3. This zone (CMZ2) was located in the central region of the study area and was mostly covered by dense forest and perennial plantations (rubber). The CMZs provided the necessary foundation for the development of site‐specific carbon management techniques that can enhance ecosystem service and meet climate change mitigation goals.
Identification of the novel KIR3DP1*00604 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: You Xuan , He Yizhen , Zhang Wei , Tao Sudan , Zhu Faming
Published: November 2023

KIR3DP1*00604 differs from KIR3DP1*0060101 by one single nucleotide substitution G > C at position 252.
A geographer's place matters: Reflections from a ‘local scholar’ and the politics of North/South knowledge production
Authors: Chann Sopheak
Published: November 2023

The most prominent and influential Geography literatures about the Global South are predominantly produced by scholars in the North and less so by intellectuals whose homes are located in the Global South—the ‘local scholars’. As a Cambodian scholar, I argue that the challenges of participating in collaborative, English language knowledge production derive not merely from skill disparities between international and ‘local’ academics, but also from constraints in finding the right platforms for research and academic expression. Constrained conditions for knowledge participation and expansion are rooted in a long history of colonialism in the Cambodian education system and the contemporary political economy of academia. Rather than directly engage with international intellectual and political discussions, in many cases, Cambodian scholars largely supply compelling stories—in the form of ethnographic evidence, data, images and affect to fuel theoretical debates taking place in the North. Beyond emphasising this well established inequity in the political economy of knowledge production, I contend that being ‘on the ground’ not only equips local scholars with contextual depths but also confines them to think and act locally.
Firm innovation under import competition from low‐wage countries
Authors: Chakravorty Ujjayant , Liu Runjuan , Tang Ruotao , Zhao Long
Published: November 2023

In recent years, manufacturing firms in the United States have faced increasing import competition from low‐wage countries, especially China. Does this competition hurt or help firm innovation? This paper studies the effect of the surge in imports from China on innovation by US manufacturing firms. We first propose a theoretical framework that generates an inverted‐U‐shaped curve of innovation on imitation, which is based on the endogenous price elasticity of demand for the product in a Cournot model. We then take the theoretical prediction to data on publicly listed firms in the Compustat data set from 1990 to 2010. We find consistent evidence that Chinese import competition had an inverted‐U effect on firm innovation, as measured by patent counts and citation‐weighted patents. Our result suggests that when import penetration is less than 60% it positively affects firm innovation, but when it is more than 60%, this positive effect is inverted. This inverted‐U relation persists when we instrument import competition in the United States by using Chinese import penetration in the United Kingdom and when we test the robustness of the results by including sector‐specific trends. We find that the inverted‐U relationship is steeper for firms in high‐tech industries.
Airy structures and deformations of curves in surfaces
Authors: Chaimanowong W. , Norbury P. , Swaddle M. , Tavakol M.
Published: November 2023

An embedded curve in a symplectic surface defines a smooth deformation space of nearby embedded curves. A key idea of Kontsevich and Soibelman is to equip the symplectic surface with a foliation in order to study the deformation space . The foliation, together with a vector space of meromorphic differentials on , endows an embedded curve with the structure of the initial data of topological recursion, which defines a collection of symmetric tensors on . Kontsevich and Soibelman define an Airy structure on to be a formal quadratic Lagrangian which leads to an alternative construction of the tensors of topological recursion. In this paper, we produce a formal series on which takes it values in , and use this to produce the Donagi–Markman cubic from a natural cubic tensor on , giving a generalisation of a result of Baraglia and Huang.
Reproductive justice in pediatric health care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Arnold Leah , Palokas Michelle , Christian Robin
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify the barriers and facilitators of reproductive justice in pediatric health care.

Introduction:

Reproductive justice is defined as the right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, to have or not have children, and to parent children in safe and sustainable communities. The reproductive justice framework is often applied to adult women in conventional care settings; however, the need for health care guided by the framework should extend to all females of reproductive age in all care settings, including pediatric settings.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies from 1994 to the present that report on the barriers and facilitators of reproductive justice in pediatric health care. Studies from any setting or geographic location will be included. This scoping review will include pediatric patients up to 21 years of age of any gender identity or sexual orientation who may birth a child, and their health care providers.

Methods:

Database searches will include CINAHL (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), and Web of Science Core Collection. Sources of unpublished studies and gray literature to be searched include MedNar and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Science and Engineering Collection (ProQuest). The JBI methodology for scoping reviews will be followed. Data extracted will include details about the title, authors, year of publication, type of evidence, participants, context, and concept. The extracted data will be presented in diagrammatic or tabular format in a manner that aligns with the objective and questions of the scoping review.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/d5vf9