bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discussion of temperature-dependent epsilon-near-zero effect in graphene
Authors: Morozov Yevhenii M , Lapchuk Anatoliy S , Gorbov Ivan V
Published: August 2022

In the present paper, we discuss the temperature-dependent epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) effect in graphene arising in the framework of its isotropic model. The effect was theoretically investigated in detail using a simplified model design of the slot line containing a graphene layer in which all other effects are eliminated allowing us to focus solely on the ENZ effect. With the reduction of graphene effective temperature, the ENZ effect in the near-IR wavelength range was found to become pronounced even for structures and metasurfaces for which it has been considered neglectable and has not been previously observed at room temperatures. This temperature-dependent behaviour was interpreted analytically within the approximation in which the real part of the graphene dielectric constant is considered vanishingly small in comparison with the imaginary part (this condition is always satisfied at the ENZ point in graphene). Furthermore, the results presented in the paper may be potentially helpful in the construction of an experiment designed to finally prove or disregard the applicability of the isotropic model of graphene.
Bandgap engineering and modulation of thermodynamic, and optical properties of III-N monolayers XN (X = In, Ga & Al) by mutual alloying
Authors: Kumar Nilesh , Chaurasiya Rajneesh , Karlicky Frantisek , Dixit Ambesh
Published: August 2022

We investigated the structural, thermodynamic, and optoelectronic properties of InxAl1−xN, InxGa1−xN, and GaxAl1−xN alloys for x = 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75. The optimized lattice constants showed nearly a small deviation trend from Vegard’s law with composition x. The impact of mutual alloying is evaluated in terms of enthalpy and interaction parameters. The calculated electronic band structures and density of states lie in the bandgap ranges from 1.09 eV to 2.72 eV for composition x 0.25 to 0.75. These electronic properties suggested that alloys are suitable bandgap semiconductors with large variations in their bandgap energies for optoelectronic applications. The optical properties are calculated using the dielectric constant and correlated with the calculated electronic band structures. The main reflectivity peak and absorption coefficient showed a significant shift with increasing x. These monolayers’ suitable bandgap and optoelectronic properties make them attractive for optoelectronic applications, including photovoltaics and photodetectors.
Hiding neutrinoless double beta decay in the minimal seesaw model with the TM1 or μ–τ reflection symmetry
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Hua , Sun Yan-Bin , Lei Ying-Ke
Published: August 2022

In Asakaet al(2021Phys. Rev. D103, 015014), Asaka, Ishida and Tanaka put forward an interesting possibility that the neutrinoless double beta decay can be hidden in the minimal seesaw model with the two right-handed neutrinos having a hierarchical mass structure: the lighter one is lighter enough than the typical Fermi-momentum scale of nuclei while the heavier one is sufficiently heavy to decouple from the neutrinoless double beta decay. Then, in the basis where the mass matrices of the charged leptons and right-handed neutrinos are diagonal, for some particular texture of the Dirac neutrino mass matrixMD, the neutrinoless double beta decay can be hidden. In this paper, on top of this specified model, we study the interesting scenario thatMDfurther obeys the TM1 symmetry orμ–τreflection symmetry which are well motivated by the experimental results for the neutrino mixing parameters.
Bump-on-tail distributions caused by Alfvénic redistribution of energetic ions
Authors: Nabais F. , Boboc A. , Calado R. , Eriksson J. , Ferreira J. , Figueiredo A. , Hawkes N. , Hellesen C. , Kiptily V. , Mantsinen M. , Rodrigues P. , Salewski M. , Sharapov S.E. , JET Contributors
Published: August 2022

A series of experiments was performed in the JET tokamak aiming to study the characteristics and eventual effects of beam injected ion populations further accelerated through 2nd harmonic ion cyclotron heating. It was found that the injection of these ions could affect sawtooth stability and that these populations excite toroidicity induced Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) in the core of the plasma. More interestingly, measurements of DD beam-plasma neutrons from the TOFOR spectrometer show that these modes caused local bump-on-tail distributions in energy. Numerical simulations performed with the CASTOR-K code found a strong interaction between the core-localized TAEs and ions with energies at which local minima in the energy distribution were measured.
Spatiotemporal pattern of global forest change over the past 60 years and the forest transition theory
Authors: Estoque Ronald C , Dasgupta Rajarshi , Winkler Karina , Avitabile Valerio , Johnson Brian A , Myint Soe W , Gao Yan , Ooba Makoto , Murayama Yuji , Lasco Rodel D
Published: August 2022

Forest ecosystems play an indispensable role in addressing various pressing sustainability and social-ecological challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. However, global forest loss has been, and still is today, an important issue. Here, based on spatially explicit data, we show that over the past 60 years (1960–2019), the global forest area has declined by 81.7 million ha (i.e. 10% more than the size of the entire Borneo island), with forest loss (437.3 million ha) outweighing forest gain (355.6 million ha). With this forest decline and the population increase (4.68 billion) over the period, the global forest per capita has decreased by over 60%, from 1.4 ha in 1960 to 0.5 ha in 2019. The spatiotemporal pattern of forest change supports the forest transition theory, with forest losses occurring primarily in the lower income countries in the tropics and forest gains in the higher income countries in the extratropics. Furthermore, economic growth has a stronger association with net forest gain than with net forest loss. Our results highlight the need to strengthen the support given to lower income countries, especially in the tropics, to help improve their capacity to minimize or end their forest losses. To help address the displacement of forest losses to the lower income countries in the tropics, higher income nations need to reduce their dependence on imported tropical forest products.
Towards an atmosphere more favourable to firestorm development in Europe
Authors: Senande-Rivera Martín , Insua-Costa Damián , Miguez-Macho Gonzalo
Published: August 2022

Deep pyroconvection associated with the development of firestorms, can significantly alter wildfire spread, causing severe socioeconomic and environmental impacts, and even posing a threat to human’s lives. However, the limited number of observations hinders our understanding of this type of events. Here, we identify the environmental conditions that favour firestorm development using a coupled fire–atmosphere numerical model. From climate model projections for the 21st century, we show that the number of days with deep pyroconvection risk will increase significantly in southern Europe, especially in the western Mediterranean region, where it will go from between 10 and 20 days per year at present to between 30 and 50 days per year by the end of the century. Our results also suggest fuel reduction as an effective landscape management strategy to mitigate firestorm risks in the future.
Metformin Improves Pulmonary Artery Remodeling in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Rats
Authors: Li Hong-li , Pan Yun-chang , Wang Wen-feng , Fan Qi-chao , Zhang Bing-rong , Wu Da-wen , Deng Chao-sheng
Published: August 2022

Background

To investigate the effect of metformin on pulmonary artery remodeling and indexes of endothelial–mesenchymal transition in rats with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Methods

Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, metformin control, CTEPH, metformin low-dose (50 mg/kg d) CTEPH, and metformin high-dose group (100 mg/kg d) CTEPH groups. The autologous blood clots were repeatedly injected through the jugular vein to establish the CTEPH model. After 6 weeks treatment with or without metformin, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), pulmonary artery wall area to total tube area ratio (WA%), and protein levels of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD31, E-cadherin, β-catenin, and p-adenosine 5′-monophosphate activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) in the pulmonary artery were measured.

Results

The mPAP and WA% were significantly higher in CTEPH compared with normal control rats (P < 0.05). Metformin treatment dose dependently decreased mPAP and WA% in CTEPH rats (P < 0.01). Compared with normal controls, protein levels of vimentin, α-SMA, and β-catenin were significantly increased while CD31 and E-cadherin levels were decreased in CTEPH rats (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in p-AMPK levels between normal control and CTEPH groups. Metformin treatment increased p-AMPK (P < 0.05) but had no significant effect on vimentin, α-SMA, CD31, E-cadherin, or β-catenin levels in control rats. Metformin treatment dose dependently decreased vimentin, α-SMA, and β-catenin levels, and increased CD31, E-cadherin, and p-AMPK levels in CTEPH rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Metformin reduces mPAP and improves pulmonary vascular remodeling possibly through attenuating endothelial–mesenchymal transition of the pulmonary artery in CTEPH rats.
US drug shortages compared to the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines for Children: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Patel Ram , Samiee-Zafarghandy Samira , Ziesenitz Victoria , Fox Erin R , Van Den Anker John , Ong Hilary , Mazer-Amirshahi Maryann
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To describe US drug shortages affecting medications on the 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc).

Methods

Drug shortage data from January 2014 to December 2019 were obtained from the University of Utah Drug Information Service. Shortage data for drugs on the EMLc were analyzed for the type of drug, American Hospital Formulary Service category, reason for the shortage, duration of the shortage, marketing status (generic vs brand name), and whether the agent was a single- or multisource drug.

Results

From 2014 to 2019, a total of 209 drug shortages impacted medications on the EMLc, of which 77 (36.8%) remained unresolved by 2019. Of all active shortages, 13 (6.2%) began before 2014. Resolved shortages had a median duration of 5.9 months (interquartile range [IQR], 3.6-13.2 months) while active shortages had a median duration of 18.3 months (IQR, 10.9-33.5 months; P ≤ 0.0001). The therapeutic categories most impacted by drug shortages were anti-infective agents (27.3%), central nervous system agents (12.9%), and antineoplastic agents (11.0%). The reason for the shortage was not reported in 46.4% of cases. When a reason was provided, the most common reason was manufacturing problems (29.2%) followed by supply/demand mismatch (15.8%).

Conclusion

US drug shortages affected many medications on the WHO EMLc. Future studies should examine the global shortage climate and implications for patient care.
Different Goals, Different Needs: The Effects of Telephone- and Text Message-Based Continuing Care for Patients with Different Drinking Goals After Residential Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Graser Yolanda , Stutz Sonja , Rösner Susanne , Wopfner Alexander , Moggi Franz , Soravia Leila M
Published: August 2022

Aims

Drinking goal has emerged as a promising predictor variable for alcohol-related outcomes. Many patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) choose another drinking goal than abstinence after residential AUD treatment program. We aimed to examine the effects of an abstinent drinking goal (ADG) and conditional abstinence drinking goal (CADG) 6 months after residential treatment on drinking outcomes in patients with severe AUD and investigate the effectiveness of telephone-based (TEL) or text message-based (TEX) continuing care according to the individual drinking goal.

Methods

A total of 240 patients from two specialized residential treatment programs for AUD were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to high-frequency (nine contacts) or low-frequency (two contacts) TEL, TEX (nine contacts), or control group (no contact) from treatment discharge to the 6-month follow-up.

Results

Patients with an ADG were significantly more often abstinent (58%) at the 6-month follow-up compared to patients with a CADG (32.1%), and in the case of relapse, showed a significantly longer time to the first drink. Patients with a CADG of the high-frequency TEL showed a tendency to be more abstinent at the 6-month follow-up and reported significantly higher alcohol-related self-efficacy compared to the CADG patients of the control group.

Conclusions

Patients with CADG are more vulnerable to relapse, and therefore may benefit more from high-frequency telephone contacts to deal with alcohol-related problems and reach their goal. In the case of relapse, the high-frequent contacts may help patients stay connected to health services, preventing chronification and facilitating recovery from AUD.
Evolution of long-distance signalling upon plant terrestrialization: comparison of action potentials in Characean algae and liverworts
Authors: Kisnieriene Vilma , Trębacz Kazimierz , Pupkis Vilmantas , Koselski Mateusz , Lapeikaite Indre
Published: August 2022

Background

In this review, we summarize data concerning action potentials (APs) – long-distance electrical signals in Characean algae and liverworts. These lineages are key in understanding the mechanisms of plant terrestrialization. Liverworts are postulated to be pioneer land plants, whereas aquatic charophytes are considered the closest relatives to land plants. The drastic change of the habitat was coupled with the adaptation of signalling systems to the new environment.

Scope

APs fulfil the ‘all-or-nothing’ law, exhibit refractory periods and propagate with a uniform velocity. Their ion mechanism in the algae and liverworts consists of a Ca2+ influx (from external and internal stores) followed by/coincident with a Cl– efflux, which both evoke the membrane potential depolarization, and a K+ efflux leading to repolarization. The molecular identity of ion channels responsible for these fluxes remains unknown. Publication of the Chara braunii and Marchantia polymorpha genomes opened up new possibilities for studying the molecular basis of APs. Here we present the list of genes which can participate in AP electrogenesis. We also point out the differences between these plant species, e.g. the absence of Ca2+-permeable glutamate receptors (GLRs) and Cl–-permeable SLAC1 channel homologues in the Chara genome. Both these channels play a vital role in long-distance signalling in liverworts and vascular plants. Among the common properties of APs in liverworts and higher plants is their duration (dozens of seconds) and the speed of propagation (mm s–1), which are much slower than in the algae (seconds, and dozens of mm s–1, respectively).

Conclusions

Future studies with combined application of electrophysiological and molecular techniques should unravel the ion channel proteins responsible for AP generation, their regulation and transduction of those signals to physiological responses. This should also help to understand the adaptation of the signalling systems to the land environment and further evolution of APs in vascular plants.
The characteristics of glucose metabolism and functional connectivity in posterior default network during nondemented aging: relationship with executive function performance
Authors: Xu Kai , Niu Na , Li Xin , Chen Yuan , Wang Dandan , Zhang Junying , Chen Yaojing , Li He , Wei Dongfeng , Chen Kewei , Cui Ruixue , Zhang Zhanjun , Yao Li
Published: August 2022

Background

Understanding the characteristics of intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) in terms of both glucose metabolism and functional connectivity (FC) is important for revealing cognitive aging and neurodegeneration, but the relationships between these two aspects during aging has not been well established in older adults.

Objective

This study is to assess the relationship between age-related glucose metabolism and FC in key ICNs, and their direct or indirect effects on cognitive deficits in older adults.

Methods

We estimated the individual-level standard uptake value ratio (SUVr) and FC of eleven ICNs in 59 cognitively unimpaired older adults, then analyzed the associations of SUVr and FC of each ICN and their relationships with cognitive performance.

Results

The results showed both the SUVr and FC in the posterior default mode network (pDMN) had a significant decline with age, and the association between them was also significant. Moreover, both decline of metabolism and FC in the pDMN were significantly correlated with executive function decline. Finally, mediation analysis revealed the glucose metabolism mediated the FC decline with age and FC mediated the executive function deficits.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that covariance between glucose metabolism and FC in the pDMN is one of the main routes that contributes to age-related executive function decline.
Financialisation and firm-level investment in developing and emerging economies
Authors: Tori Daniele , Onaran Özlem
Published: August 2022

This article analyses the effects of financialisation on non-financial companies’ (NFCs) investment and explores the interactions between financialisation and the structural and institutional features of developing and emerging economies (DEEs). We estimate the effects of financialisation on physical investment for a sample of DEEs using panel data based on the balance sheets of publicly listed NFCs. Our main contribution is to assess the interactions between the financialisation of the NFCs and country-level financial development, financial reform, capital account openness and global value chain participation. We find that the effects of the financialisation of the NFCs in DEEs are highly context specific. Stock market development, financial reforms for liberalisation, capital account openness and participation in the global value chains are associated with more pronounced negative effects of financialisation on investment. Our analysis provides novel empirical evidence regarding the sources of variation in the financialisation of corporations in DEEs.
Orphaning stunts growth in wild African elephants
Authors: Parker Jenna M , Wittemyer George
Published: August 2022

Orphans of several species suffer social and physiological consequences such as receiving more aggression from conspecifics and lower survival. One physiological consequence of orphaning, stunted growth, has been identified in both humans and chimpanzees, but has not been assessed in a non-primate species. Here, we tested whether wild African elephant orphans show evidence of stunted growth. We measured individually known female elephants in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves of Kenya, with a rangefinder capable of calculating height, to estimate a von Bertalanffy growth curve for female elephants of the study population. We then compared measurements of known orphans and non-orphans of various ages, using a Bayesian analysis to assess variation around the derived growth curve. We found that orphans are shorter for their age than non-orphans. However, results suggest orphans may partially compensate for stunting through later growth, as orphans who had spent a longer time without their mother had heights more similar to non-orphans. More age mates in an individual’s family were associated with taller height, suggesting social support from peers may contribute to increased growth. Conversely, more adult females in an individual’s family were associated with shorter height, suggesting within-group competition for resources with older individuals may reduce juvenile growth. Finally, we found a counterintuitive result that less rainfall in the first 6 years of life was correlated with taller height, potentially reflecting the unavoidable bias of measuring individuals who were fit enough to survive conditions of low rainfall as young calves. Reduced growth of individuals has been shown to reduce survival and reproduction in other species. As such, stunting in wildlife orphans may negatively affect fitness and represents an indirect effect of ivory poaching on African elephants.
Turkish Sign Language Adaptation of the Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32
Authors: Bulun Mehtap Ataseven , Çepni Selden , Ermez Yusuf
Published: August 2022

Sign language speakers are at a disadvantage in terms of health literacy due to the lack of health education materials in sign languages. Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals are excluded from health literacy research due to the lack of measurement tools in their language of excellent fluency. This study aims to provide the literature with a tool that allows the measurement of health literacy among DHH individuals. The Turkish Health Literacy Scale (THLS)-32 was translated into Turkish Sign Language (TSL). After the THLS-32 was translated into TSL in video format, it was tested for validity and reliability. The translated version of the scale was administered to participants from a DHH association in Turkey who are fluent in TSL. Subsequently, a study was conducted with 207 DHH individuals. The study group was assessed in terms of their mean index scores and evaluated to have “limited health literacy” according to the THLS-32 classification. We conclude that the THLS-32 in TSL is suitable to measure health literacy in DHH individuals and to assess the impact of the health education system.
Biodiversity of Parasitic Hymenoptera Across Sky Islands of Arkansas, United States
Authors: Monroe Allison F , Hubbard Sierra C , Rodriguez Reynol , Kuhns Faith M , McClung Maureen R , Moran Matthew D , Gates Michael W
Published: August 2022

Sky islands are often areas of endemism and high species diversity around the world. In central North America, the Ozark and Ouachita Highlands contain numerous modestly high elevational islands that are slightly cooler and wetter than surrounding lowlands and these areas are known to contain many unique species. We studied parasitic Hymenoptera biodiversity on three sky islands in Arkansas, both in canopy and understory strata of mature post oak forests. We found that morphospecies diversity was high, and community structure varied both within (canopy versus understory) and between sky islands. Each mountaintop showed a high level of distinctiveness with few morphospecies found in multiple locations. The high intersky island variation indicates that individual sky islands in the region harbor unique Hymenoptera assemblages, a pattern that likely extends to the broader insect community. Our study suggests that these highland areas are important regions of North American biodiversity and that they should be evaluated individually for conservation efforts in order to preserve their distinctive community structure.
The role of pre-existing weaknesses in intraplate metamorphic core complex formation during slab retreat: 2-D thermomechanical modelling
Authors: Tang Jiaxuan , Chen Lin , Liu Lijun , Yan Zhiyong , Lin Wei , Meng Qingren
Published: August 2022

A number of metamorphic core complexes (MCCs) developed in the North China Craton and adjacent regions in the Early Cretaceous and were characterized by consistent extensional orientations. These MCCs formed in the continental interior and were conceptually attributed to the retreat of the Palaeo-Pacific (Izanagi) Plate, but the exact physical mechanism remains enigmatic. Here we utilize 2-D thermomechanical simulations to study how mechanical conditions of the continental crust respond to stresses derived from oceanic subduction and their roles in the formation of MCCs. Our results demonstrate that pre-existing weaknesses are key for localized formation within the continental interior. These weaknesses first undergo compression to form thrust faults in response to shallow subduction of the oceanic slab. These thrust faults gradually transform into extensional ones as the oceanic slab starts to retreat, eventually causing the synchronous exhumation of middle-to-lower crustal rocks that form the MCCs. The P-T paths of metamorphic rocks in the core of MCCs reveal a two-stage exhumation, with isothermal decompression followed by rapid isobaric cooling. Sensitivity tests show that (1) stronger upper crust and weaker lower crust favour MCC formation, while lithospheric strength could exert an influence on the formation time of MCCs and (2) when the continental crust is hot (TMoho = 800 °C), a new magmatic dome could form along the continental margin. We suggest that pre-existing weaknesses in the North China Craton played a key role in generating the quasi-simultaneous MCC series in response to the retreating Palaeo-Pacific Plate.
A haplotype resolved chromosomal level avocado genome allows analysis of novel avocado genes
Authors: Nath Onkar , Fletcher Stephen J , Hayward Alice , Shaw Lindsay M , Masouleh Ardashir Kharabian , Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert J , Mitter Neena
Published: August 2022

Avocado (Persea americana) is a member of the magnoliids, an early branching lineage of angiosperms that has high value globally with the fruit being highly nutritious. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly for the commercial avocado cultivar Hass, which represents 80% of the world’s avocado consumption. The DNA contigs produced from Pacific Biosciences HiFi reads were further assembled using a previously published version of the genome supported by a genetic map. The total assembly was 913 Mb with a contig N50 of 84 Mb. Contigs assigned to the 12 chromosomes represented 874 Mb and covered 98.8% of benchmarked single-copy genes from embryophytes. Annotation of protein coding sequences identified 48 915 avocado genes of which 39 207 could be ascribed functions. The genome contained 62.6% repeat elements. Specific biosynthetic pathways of interest in the genome were investigated. The analysis suggested that the predominant pathway of heptose biosynthesis in avocado may be through sedoheptulose 1,7 bisphosphate rather than via alternative routes. Endoglucanase genes were high in number, consistent with avocado using cellulase for fruit ripening. The avocado genome appeared to have a limited number of translocations between homeologous chromosomes, despite having undergone multiple genome duplication events. Proteome clustering with related species permitted identification of genes unique to avocado and other members of the Lauraceae family, as well as genes unique to species diverged near or prior to the divergence of monocots and eudicots. This genome provides a tool to support future advances in the development of elite avocado varieties with higher yields and fruit quality.
Efficacy of ensitrelvir against SARS-CoV-2 in a delayed-treatment mouse model
Authors: Nobori Haruaki , Fukao Keita , Kuroda Takayuki , Anan Naomi , Tashima Ryoichi , Nakashima Masaaki , Noda Sayuri , Tajiri Minako , Torii Mikinori , Toba Shinsuke , Uemura Kentaro , Sanaki Takao , Shishido Takao , Tachibana Yuki , Kato Teruhisa
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the aetiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and a devastating worldwide health concern. Development of safe and effective treatments is not only important for interventions during the current pandemic, but also for providing general treatment options moving forward. We have developed ensitrelvir, an antiviral compound that targets the 3C-like protease of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, a delayed-treatment mouse model was used to clarify the potential in vivo efficacy of ensitrelvir.

Methods

Female BALB/cAJcl mice of different ages were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 gamma strain (hCoV-19/Japan/TY7-501/2021) or mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 MA-P10 and then 24 h post-infection orally administered various doses of ensitrelvir or vehicle. Viral titres and RNA levels in the lungs were quantified using VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells and RT–qPCR, respectively. Body weight loss, survival, lung weight, cytokine/chemokine production, nucleocapsid protein expression and lung pathology were evaluated to investigate the in vivo efficacy of ensitrelvir.

Results

Based on infectious viral titres and viral RNA levels in the lungs of infected mice, ensitrelvir reduced viral loads in a dose-dependent manner. The antiviral efficacy correlated with increased survival, reduced body weight loss, reduced pulmonary lesions and suppression of inflammatory cytokine/chemokine levels.

Conclusions

This was the first evaluation of the in vivo anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy of ensitrelvir in a delayed-treatment mouse model. In this model, ensitrelvir demonstrated high antiviral potential and suppressed lung inflammation and lethality caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings support the continued clinical development of ensitrelvir as an antiviral agent to treat patients with COVID-19.
Molecular and biochemical regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism
Authors: Zumbaugh Morgan D , Johnson Sally E , Shi Tim H , Gerrard David E
Published: August 2022

Skeletal muscle hypertrophy is a culmination of catabolic and anabolic processes that are interwoven into major metabolic pathways, and as such modulation of skeletal muscle metabolism may have implications on animal growth efficiency. Muscle is composed of a heterogeneous population of muscle fibers that can be classified by metabolism (oxidative or glycolytic) and contractile speed (slow or fast). Although slow fibers (type I) rely heavily on oxidative metabolism, presumably to fuel long or continuous bouts of work, fast fibers (type IIa, IIx, and IIb) vary in their metabolic capability and can range from having a high oxidative capacity to a high glycolytic capacity. The plasticity of muscle permits continuous adaptations to changing intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli that can shift the classification of muscle fibers, which has implications on fiber size, nutrient utilization, and protein turnover rate. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the major metabolic pathways in skeletal muscle and the associated regulatory pathways.
Short Communication: Supplementation with calcium butyrate causes an increase in the percentage of oxidative fibers in equine gluteus medius muscle
Authors: Busse Nicolas I , Gonzalez Madison L , Wagner Ashley L , Johnson Sally E
Published: August 2022

Optimal athletic performance requires meeting the energetic demands of the muscle fibers, which are a function of myosin ATPase enzymatic activity. Skeletal muscle with a predominant oxidative metabolism underlies equine athletic success. Sodium butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, can affect muscle fiber composition in pigs. To determine if a similar scenario exists in horses, 12 adult Thoroughbred geldings (7.4 ± 0.6 yr of age; mean ± SEM) were fed 16 g of calcium butyrate (CB) or an equivalent amount of carrier (CON) daily for 30 d in a crossover design. Middle gluteal muscle biopsies were collected before and after the feeding trial for immunohistochemical determination of fiber type, and RNA and protein isolation. After 30 d, CB increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of type IIA fibers and tended (P = 0.13) to reduce the numbers of type IIX fibers in comparison to control (CON). No changes (P > 0.05) in type I, IIA, or IIX fiber size were observed in response to CB. No differences (P > 0.05) were noted in the abundance of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) protein or activity between horses receiving CB or CON. Myogenin mRNA abundance was unaffected (P > 0.05) by 30 d of CB supplementation. The increase in type IIA fibers in the absence of altered mitochondrial SDH enzymatic activity suggests that CB affects myosin ATPase expression independent of altered metabolism.
Primary myoblasts from intrauterine growth-restricted fetal sheep exhibit intrinsic dysfunction of proliferation and differentiation that coincides with enrichment of inflammatory cytokine signaling pathways
Authors: Posont Robert J , Most Micah S , Cadaret Caitlin N , Marks-Nelson Eileen S , Beede Kristin A , Limesand Sean W , Schmidt Ty B , Petersen Jessica L , Yates Dustin T
Published: August 2022

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is linked to lifelong reductions in muscle mass due to intrinsic functional deficits in myoblasts, but the mechanisms underlying these deficits are not known. Our objective was to determine if the deficits were associated with changes in inflammatory and adrenergic regulation of IUGR myoblasts, as was previously observed in IUGR muscle. Primary myoblasts were isolated from IUGR fetal sheep produced by hyperthermia-induced placental insufficiency (PI-IUGR; n = 9) and their controls (n = 9) and from IUGR fetal sheep produced by maternofetal inflammation (MI-IUGR; n = 6) and their controls (n = 7). Proliferation rates were less (P < 0.05) for PI-IUGR myoblasts than their controls and were not affected by incubation with IL-6, TNF-α, norepinephrine, or insulin. IκB kinase inhibition reduced (P < 0.05) proliferation of control myoblasts modestly in basal media but substantially in TNF-α-added media and reduced (P < 0.05) PI-IUGR myoblast proliferation substantially in basal and TNF-α-added media. Proliferation was greater (P < 0.05) for MI-IUGR myoblasts than their controls and was not affected by incubation with TNF-α. Insulin increased (P < 0.05) proliferation in both MI-IUGR and control myoblasts. After 72-h differentiation, fewer (P < 0.05) PI-IUGR myoblasts were myogenin+ than controls in basal and IL-6 added media but not TNF-α-added media. Fewer (P < 0.05) PI-IUGR myoblasts were desmin+ than controls in basal media only. Incubation with norepinephrine did not affect myogenin+ or desmin+ percentages, but insulin increased (P < 0.05) both markers in control and PI-IUGR myoblasts. After 96-h differentiation, fewer (P < 0.05) MI-IUGR myoblasts were myogenin+ and desmin+ than controls regardless of media, although TNF-α reduced (P < 0.05) desmin+ myoblasts for both groups. Differentiated PI-IUGR myoblasts had greater (P < 0.05) TNFR1, ULK2, and TNF-α-stimulated TLR4 gene expression, and PI-IUGR semitendinosus muscle had greater (P < 0.05) TNFR1 and IL6 gene expression, greater (P < 0.05) c-Fos protein, and less (P < 0.05) IκBα protein. Differentiated MI-IUGR myoblasts had greater (P < 0.05) TNFR1 and IL6R gene expression, tended to have greater (P = 0.07) ULK2 gene expression, and had greater (P < 0.05) β-catenin protein and TNF-α-stimulated phosphorylation of NFκB. We conclude that these enriched components of TNF-α/TNFR1/NFκB and other inflammatory pathways in IUGR myoblasts contribute to their dysfunction and help explain impaired muscle growth in the IUGR fetus.
Effects of in ovo injection of nicotinamide riboside on high-yield broiler myogenesis
Authors: Xu Xiaoxing , Alcocer Hanna M , Gravely Morgan E , Jackson Ashunti R , Gonzalez John M
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of in ovo injection of high-yield broiler embryos with nicotinamide riboside (NR) on pectoralis major muscle (PMM) development, growth, and gene expression. Fertilized Cobb 700 broiler eggs were randomly assigned to one of four treatments within a 2 × 2 factorial design. Factor 1 consisted of NR dose (DOS) with eggs receiving 0 or 2.5 mM NR. Factor 2 consisted of injection location (LOC), with treatments injected into either the yolk sac or albumen. At day 10 of incubation, 100 μL of the assigned NR dose was injected into the yolk sac of the developing embryo and chicks were euthanized within 24 h of hatching. Chick PMM and individual fiber morphometrics, and expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression were analyzed. There were DOS × LOC interactions for hatched chick PM weight and length (P < 0.04). When NR was injected into the albumen, PMM weight decreased (P < 0.05); when NR was injected into the yolk, PMM weight increased (P < 0.05). Pectoralis major length was not affected (P > 0.05) when NR was injected into the albumen but was increased (P < 0.05) when NR was injected into the yolk. There was a DOS × LOC interaction (P = 0.04) for muscle fiber density and tended to be a DOS × LOC interaction (P = 0.07) for muscle fiber CSA. Pectoralis major muscle fiber density was not affected when NR was injected into the albumen (P > 0.05), but density increased when NR was injected into the yolk (P < 0.05). There were DOS × LOC interactions for hatched chick COXII, cyclin D, and SIRT1 expression (P ≤ 0.04), which may indicate NR improves skeletal muscle development and growth by enhancing myoblast proliferation during embryonic development.
Inactivation rate of African swine fever virus by a formaldehyde-based product
Authors: Le Van Phan , Trinh Thi Bich Ngoc , Nguyen Van Tam , Nguyen Thi Lan , Nuanualsuwan Suphachai
Published: August 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is an important transboundary animal disease with a high mortality rate. The high African swine fever virus (ASFV) titers in the excretion of infected wild boar possibly contaminate the feed ingredient. Once contaminated, it could support persistent residual titer of the ASFV. The chemical inactivation of imported feed ingredients is a precautionary risk management measure to restrict the import risk of ASFV through international trade. The log ASFV titers were linearly reduced as a function of the inactivation time after exposure to 0.03%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% formaldehyde-based product (FBP). A four-log reduction of ASFV titer was achieved after exposure to 0.2% FBP and 0.03%–0.1% FBP for 30-min and 60-min inactivation times, respectively. The decimal reduction time or D value is defined as the time required to inactivate the virus titer by 1 log. The ASFV inactivation rate from the independent experiment of FBP concentration was converted to a D value. The observed mean D0.2%, D0.1%, D0.05%, and D0.03% of FBP were 13.4, 44.9, 45.0, and 45.3 min per log reduction of ASFV, respectively. The interpretation of D0.2% of FBP is that the ASFV titer is inactivated by 1 log after being exposed to 0.2% FBP for every 13.4 min. A more effective chemical has a lower D value because of a shorter inactivation time required to achieve the same 1-log reduction. In addition, the hypothetical inactivation time by any chemical additive is scenario-specific and is calculated by the product of D value (at a certain concentration) and log titers of residual ASFV. This study introduces the concept and application of the D value to compare the virucidal activity of chemicals and to determine the hypothetical inactivation time of chemicals depending on the chemical concentration including the virus titer in the feed.
Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses revealed the improved growth, lipid metabolism, and flesh quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) by dietary Eucommia ulmoides bark and leaf supplementation
Authors: Yang Hang , Xu Zhen , Xu Xiaoying , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Li Xiaoqin , Leng Xiangjun
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary effects of Eucommia ulmoides bark and leaf (EB, EL) supplementation on the growth, lipid metabolism, flesh quality, and transcriptome of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). EB and EL were individually added to the basal diet (control) at concentrations of 20 g/kg and 40 g/kg, respectively, and then the three diets were fed to grass carp (59.7 ± 0.3 g) for 60 d. The results showed that the weight gain was improved, and the feed conversion ratio was decreased by supplementation with EB and EL (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, the EB and EL groups showed higher flesh hardness; water-holding capacity; and collagen, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) contents and lower mesenteric lipid and muscle crude lipid contents (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary EB and EL supplementation increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and decreased the contents of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl in flesh (P < 0.05). In muscle transcriptome profiling, a total of 979, 1980 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and 29, 199 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and 13, 39 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were significantly enriched in the EB and EL groups, respectively. Some key pathways and genes involved in promoting growth, lipid metabolism and flesh quality were obtained, including mTOR and PPAR signaling pathways, muscle cytoskeleton- and extracellular matrix-related genes (myosin and collagen), etc. Overall, dietary EB and EL supplementation improved the growth, lipid metabolism, and flesh quality of grass carp, and several potential pathways and genes were identified behind the improvement mechanism of EB and EL supplementation.
Fertility implications of family-based regularizations
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , Borra Cristina , Rivera-Garrido Noelia
Published: August 2022

We examine the fertility impact of a family-based regularization policy granting temporary legal status to unauthorized immigrants based on their offspring’s citizenship. The policy, enacted through a 2011 Royal Decree in Spain, allows for unauthorized parents of eligible nationalities to become temporary legal residents if they have a Spanish minor. Using data from the Spanish Labor Force Survey (2007–2016), along with a quasi-experimental approach that exploits the change in legal residency eligibility requirements, we show that the policy has significantly increased the childbearing likelihood of eligible mothers, even though the overall increase in fertility nationwide remains trivial.
Five Years of Surveillance for Tularemia Serovar B (Francisella tularensis holarctica) (Olsufjev) (Thiotrichales: Francisellaceae) Including Two Human Cases at an Endemic Site in San Mateo County, California
Authors: Roth Tara M , Crews Arielle , Nakano Angie
Published: August 2022

Tularemia is a highly infectious, potentially fatal disease of humans and animals caused by the gram negative, intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis. The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District conducted surveillance for F. tularensis from 2017 to 2021 in Dermacentor occidentalis (Marx) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), D. variabilis (Say) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (Packard) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks in coastal southwestern San Mateo County, California. A total of 3,021 D. occidentalis and 1,019 D. variabilis were collected. Of those, 25 positive pools of F. tularensis were detected (five ticks per pool, overall minimum infection prevalence: 0.62%). Twenty-two of the 25 positive pools (88%) contained D. occidentalis. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of all positive pools were collected from the western half of the site, nearest to the ocean. We did not detect a seasonal effect on the probability of detecting a positive tick pool. There were two human cases of tularemia during the summers of 2019 and 2021. We conducted rodent surveillance in June of 2019, before the human case report. Twenty-four small mammals were collected, but none of their sera tested positive for F. tularensis. It is clear that tularemia is endemic to this region of San Mateo County, but the extent of its range and its ecology is not currently well understood.
Life-threatening complication due to double-J stent: renal subcapsular hematoma
Authors: Rahoui Moez , Ouanes Yassine , Chaker Kays , Dali Kheireddine Mrad , Bibi Mokhtar , Sellami Ahmed , Rhouma Sami Ben , Nouira Yassine
Published: August 2022

The double-J ureteral stent is a standard procedure in daily urological practice. Although considered as safe, this approach is fraught with several complications. These complications are of limited severity and resolve with symptomatic treatment. In some cases, serious and life-threatening complications, such as infection and subcapsular hematoma, can occur. In the literature, a few cases of subcapsular renal hematoma secondary to ureteral stent insertion have been reported. Herein, we report a case of renal subcapsular hematoma combined with hemorrhagic shock in a 67-year-old patient who had a ureteral stent insertion one month ago.
Case report: caught by the pill cam…literally
Authors: Goto Dylan S , Wai Christina J
Published: August 2022

Small bowel obstructions are a common general surgery occurrence. In a patient with prior abdominal surgeries, the usual diagnosis is secondary to adhesions. The management is typically conservative, which usually avoids operative intervention. Computed tomography (CT) scans help diagnosticians take a snapshot inside the abdomen; however, CT scans are not perfect and intra-abdominal pathologies can be missed requiring surgery. We present a case of an atypical small bowel obstruction. The initial CT scan showed a transition point in the right lower quadrant, which was managed non-operatively. One week later, the patient then re-presented with hematochezia following an outpatient pill cam procedure. Imaging showed the presence of a new small bowel mass, which was not seen on imaging done 1 week ago or from 10 months prior. He was then taken for a diagnostic laparoscopy, in which a small bowel mass was found, pathology positive for recurrent renal cell carcinoma.
Splenic flexure volvulus: a rare case report
Authors: Umbu Landry , Muttana Swathi , Best Karimah , Kamagate Nadia , DeVito Peter
Published: August 2022

Colonic volvulus, where the colon twists around its mesentery, commonly occurs in the sigmoid and cecum. However, colonic volvulus of the splenic flexure is quite rare. Reported cases are limited but suggest that prolonged constipation in patients with either congenital anomalies, history of prior abdominal surgery, and or psychiatric history are described as common risk factors for large bowel volvulus. Here, we discuss a case of a 56-year-old man with a history of chronic constipation and no previous abdominal surgeries who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and distention. Further workup including a computed tomography imaging and decompressive via limited colonoscopy confirmed diagnosis of colonic volvulus of the splenic flexure. Surgical management of colonic volvulus is patient specific but invariably involves partial colectomy, as was performed in this case.
Surgical treatment of bony nasal airway stenosis in a patient with adult Crouzon’s syndrome
Authors: Kamikonya Tatsuhiko , Inokuchi Go , Tatehara Shun , Yui Mitsuko , Nibu Ken-ichi
Published: August 2022

Crouzon’s syndrome is associated with the respiratory impairment of the upper airway due to mid-facial hypoplasia. We managed an adult Crouzon patient who wanted us to treat his choanal and nasopharyngeal stenosis for obstructive sleep apnea relief and tracheostomy tube extubation. We drilled out the abnormal maxillary bone and created a new nasal passage to the pharynx. Epithelialization of the new nasal cavity was completed within a month, and the patient was able to breathe through the nose and his sense of smell improved somewhat after the surgery. Although the apnea-hypopnea index had decreased, sleep apnea remained.