bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of foamed cement nanocomposite as counter electrode on the performance of dye‐sensitized solar cell
Authors: Falahdoost Moghadam Samira , Ahmadi Khadijeh , Abdolahzadeh Ziabari Ali , Novin Vajari Sina , Omidtabrizi Farbod
Published: June 2023

Improper interparticle connection between carbon‐based materials, poor interface bonding between the carbon counter electrodes (CEs) and substrate, and low surface area are the main limitations of carbon‐based CEs in dye‐sensitized solar cells. In this study, we utilized foamed cement and binder for adherence and surface area improvement in carbon‐based CEs, such as graphite, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, and carbon black (CB). The results revealed that incorporating foamed cement into carbon materials improved the resistance, short‐circuit current density, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency of the device. The porous cement/CB nanocomposite CE with a photoconversion efficiency of 5.51% exhibited the best photovoltaic performance. Moreover, this nanocomposite electrode showed an enhancement catalytic activity by high current density in cyclic voltammogram, low charge transfer resistance ) in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and high exchange current density in Tafel measurements compared to other electrodes. The porosity of foamed cement has been found to be the main cause of its superior photovoltaic performance, which expands the contact area with the electrode and enables rich ion transport. Additionally, the enhanced performance was due to strong bonding, crack‐free deposited films, superior conductivity, and high catalytic activity.
Evaluation of fracture behavior of lightweight magnesia‐based refractories via wedge splitting test along with acoustic emission detection
Authors: Yan Junjie , Yan Wen , Dai Yajie , Li Guangqiang , Wang Xiao , Yin Yucheng
Published: June 2023

The effect of spinel powder on the fracture behavior and mechanical properties of lightweight magnesia‐based refractories containing microporous magnesia aggregates with high apparent porosity (37.4%) were investigated by the wedge splitting test (WST) with the digital image correlation and acoustic emission. With the addition of spinel powder, lightweight magnesia spinel refractories showed a higher cold compressive strength compared with lightweight pure magnesia refractories. From the WST, the addition of spinel powder increased the specific fracture energy and characteristic length of lightweight magnesia spinel refractories, which improved the crack propagation resistance. The increased tortuosity of main crack and a higher ratio of crack propagation along the aggregates/matrix interface were main reasons for reducing the brittleness of lightweight magnesia spinel refractories. Besides, acoustic emission (AE) signal activity indicated that the propagation of pregenerated micro‐cracks by the thermal mismatch and the development of fracture progress zone were primary ways to consume energy in lightweight magnesia spinel refractories. The reduced proportion of crack propagation within aggregates was also detected by the peak frequency of AE signals in lightweight magnesia spinel refractories. For microporous magnesia aggregates with high apparent porosity (37.4%), lightweight magnesia spinel refractories also showed reduced brittleness fracture behavior than lightweight pure magnesia refractories.
Molecular diagnosis of hereditary hemolytic anemias: Recent updates
Authors: Agarwal Archana M. , Rets Anton V.
Published: June 2023

Hereditary hemolytic anemia (HHA) is a heterogeneous group of disorders due to genetically caused defects in red blood cell membrane structure, enzymes, heme and globin synthesis, erythroid proliferation, and differentiation. Traditionally, the diagnostic process is complex and includes a plethora of tests from routine to highly specialized ones. The inclusion of molecular testing has significantly improved the diagnostic yield. The value of molecular testing is broader than just rendering the correct diagnosis, as it may also guide therapeutic decisions. As more molecular modalities become available for clinical use, it is imperative to understand their benefits and disadvantages pertaining to the HHA diagnostics. Re‐evaluation of the traditional diagnostic workflow may also bring forth additional benefits. This review focuses on the current state of molecular testing for HHA.
Use of Ripple mapping to enhance localization and ablation of outflow tract premature ventricular contractions
Authors: Arps Kelly , Barnett Adam S. , Koontz Jason I. , Pokorney Sean D. , Jackson Kevin P. , Bahnson Tristram D. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Sun Albert Y.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Accurate localization of septal outflow tract premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is often difficult due to frequent mid‐myocardial or protected origin. Compared with traditional activation mapping, CARTO Ripple mapping provides visualization of all captured electrogram data without assignment of a specific local activation time and thus may enhance PVC localization.

Methods

Electroanatomic maps for consecutive catheter ablation procedures for septal outflow tract PVCs (July 2018–December 2020) were analyzed. For each PVC, we identified the earliest local activation point (EA), defined by the point of maximal –dV/dt in a simultaneously recorded unipolar electrogram, and the earliest Ripple signal (ERS), defined as the earliest point at which three grouped simultaneous Ripple bars appeared in late diastole. Immediate success was defined as full suppression of the clinical PVC.

Results

Fifty‐seven unique PVCs in 55 procedures were included. When ERS and EA were in the same chamber (RV, LV, or CS), the odds ratio for the successful procedure was 13.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–79.9, p = .005). Discordance between sites was associated with a higher likelihood of needing multi‐site ablation (odds ratio [OR] 7.9 [1.4–4.6; p = .020]). Median EA‐ERS distance in successful versus unsuccessful cases was 4.6 mm (interquartile range 2.9–8.5) versus 12.5 mm (7.8–18.5); (p = .020).

Conclusion

Greater EA‐ERS concordance was associated with higher odds of single‐site PVC suppression and successful septal outflow tract PVC ablation. Visualization of complex signals via automated Ripple mapping may offer rapid localization information complementary to local activation mapping for PVCs of mid‐myocardial origin.
Differential feeding responses in two species of nectivorous ants: Understanding bait palatability preferences of Argentine ants
Authors: Moauro Mariel , Josens Roxana
Published: June 2023

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Formicidae: Dolichoderini), has become one of the most invasive species in the world, causing economic and ecological imbalances due to its ability to dominate new environments. Although borated liquid baits are effective for its chemical control, as well as for other nectivorous ants, there are particularities in the response of each species. In feeding‐motivation controlled experiments, L. humile accepts boric acid more than borax (sodium borate); meanwhile, the opposite occurs with the carpenter ant, Camponotus mus (Roger) (Formicidae: Camponotini). To understand which aspects of the borax bait negatively affect its palatability for the Argentine ants, we analysed the individual feeding behaviour on sugar baits considering the number of boron‐equivalents offered, the sodium concentration and the alkaline pH and then compared their response to that of C. mus. We found that L. humile rejected borax baits more than the mixture of boric acid and sodium borate. However, they accepted the boric acid bait similar to the plain sugar solution (control). The addition of sodium (NaCl) to sugar solutions shortened feeding time in this species, but not in the carpenter ant. Finally, alkalinizing the bait with L‐arginine or potassium hydroxide (KOH) generated shorter intake times in L. humile, but not in C. mus. Our results showed that both the presence of sodium and a basic pH may discourage ingestion in the Argentine ant and also evidence the different responses towards the baits that can occur among ant species that share similar feeding habits. Understanding particular responses of the target Argentine ant is a key tool for more specific and efficient pest control strategies.
A specific and sensitive droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of tilapia lake virus in fish tissue and environmental samples
Authors: Shahi Neetu , Prasartset Tharinthon , Surachetpong Win
Published: June 2023

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) causes high mortality in farmed and wild tilapia in various countries. We developed a highly specific and sensitive droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay to detect and quantify TiLV. The ddPCR assay could detect the virus at a lower threshold than the reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase reaction (RT‐qPCR) method, and the sensitivity of the ddPCR assay was 10‐fold higher. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the ddPCR assay were 100% and did not cross‐react with tilapia tissues infected with Tilapia parvovirus, Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae, S. iniae and Francisella noatunensis. The assay reproducibility was demonstrated by a high correlation coefficient of 0.998, and the inter‐assay coefficients of variability indicated that the ddPCR assay exhibited low variability within and between measurements. The detection limit of the TiLV ddPCR assay was 100 fg cDNA, which is equal to 3.3 copies of TiLV. Furthermore, the ddPCR assay could detect TiLV in mucus, water and infected tissue samples and the lowest copy number of TiLV detected in water samples by the ddPCR assay was 7.9 ± 0.99 copies/reaction The results of the clinical samples tested for TiLV revealed that the ddPCR assay had a relatively higher detection rate than the RT‐qPCR method. Overall, the ddPCR method offers a highly promising approach for the absolute quantification of TiLV in carrier fish and samples from the environment with low viral concentrations.
In vivo antibacterial activity of medicinal plant Sophora flavescens against Streptococcus agalactiae infection
Authors: Zhang Fa‐Li , Yang Liu , He Wei‐Hao , Xie Ling‐Jun , Yang Fei , Wang Ying‐Hui , Huang Ai‐Guo
Published: June 2023

Streptococcosis disease caused by Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) results in a huge economic loss of tilapia culture. It is urgent to find new antimicrobial agents against streptococcosis. In this study, 20 medicinal plants were evaluated in vitro and in vivo to obtain medicinal plants and potential bioactive compounds against GBS infection. The results showed that the ethanol extracts of 20 medicinal plants had low or no antibacterial properties in vitro, with a minimal inhibitory concentration ≥256 mg/L. Interestingly, in vivo tests showed that 7 medicinal plants could significantly inhibit GBS infection in tilapia, and Sophora flavescens (SF) had the strongest anti‐GBS activity in tilapia, reaching 92.68%. SF could significantly reduce the bacterial loads of GBS in different tissues (liver, spleen and brain) of tilapia after treated with different tested concentrations (12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 mg/kg) for 24 h. Moreover, 50 mg/kg SF could significantly improve the survival rate of GBS‐infected tilapia by inhibiting GBS replication. Furthermore, the expression of antioxidant gene cat, immune‐related gene c‐type lysozyme and anti‐inflammatory cytokine il‐10 in liver tissue of GBS‐infected tilapia significantly increased after treated with SF for 24 h. Meanwhile, SF significantly reduced the expression of immune‐related gene myd88 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines il‐8 and il‐1β in liver tissue of GBS‐infected tilapia. The negative and positive models of UPLC‐QE‐MS, respectively, identified 27 and 57 components of SF. The major components of SF extract in the negative model were α, α‐trehalose, DL‐malic acid, D‐ (−)‐fructose and xanthohumol, while in the positive model were oxymatrine, formononetin, (−)‐maackiain and xanthohumol. Interestingly, oxymatrine and xanthohumol could significantly inhibit GBS infection in tilapia. Taken together, these results suggest that SF can inhibit GBS infection in tilapia, and it has potential for the development of anti‐GBS agents.
Amoeba species colonizing the gills of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Swiss aquaculture
Authors: Vannetti Stefania M. , Wynne James W. , English Chloe , Huynh Christine , Knüsel Ralph , de Sales‐Ribeiro Carolina , Widmer Maro , Delalay Gary , Schmidt‐Posthaus Heike
Published: June 2023

Nodular gill disease (NGD) is an infectious condition characterized by proliferative gill lesions leading to respiratory problems, oxygen deficiency and mortality in fish. Globally, NGD primarily impacts freshwater salmonids in intensive aquaculture systems. In recent years, numerous outbreaks of severe gill disease have affected more than half of the larger rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farms in Switzerland, mainly during spring and early summer. Mortality has reached up to 50% in cases where no treatment was administered. Freshwater amoeba are the presumed aetiologic agent of NGD. The gross gill score (GS) categorising severity of gill pathology is a valuable first‐line diagnostic tool aiding fish farmers in identifying and quantifying amoebic gill disease (AGD) in farmed marine salmonids. In this study, the GS was adapted to the NGD outbreak in farmed trout in Switzerland. In addition to scoring disease severity, gill swabs from NGD‐affected rainbow trout were sampled and amoeba were cultured from these swabs. Morphologic and molecular methods identified six amoeba strains: Cochliopodium sp., Naegleria sp., Vannella sp., Ripella sp., Saccamoeba sp. and Mycamoeba sp. However, the importance of the different amoeba species for the onset and progression of NGD still has to be evaluated. This paper presents the first description of NGD with associated amoeba infection in farmed rainbow trout in Switzerland.
Automated sleep staging in people with intellectual disabilities using heart rate and respiration variability
Authors: van den Broek N. , van Meulen F. , Ross M. , Cerny A. , Anderer P. , van Gilst M. , Pillen S. , Overeem S. , Fonseca P.
Published: June 2023

Background

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have a higher risk of sleep disorders. Polysomnography (PSG) remains the diagnostic gold standard in sleep medicine. However, PSG in people with ID can be challenging, as sensors can be burdensome and have a negative influence on sleep. Alternative methods of assessing sleep have been proposed that could potentially transfer to less obtrusive monitoring devices. The goal of this study was to investigate whether analysis of heart rate variability and respiration variability is suitable for the automatic scoring of sleep stages in sleep‐disordered people with ID.

Methods

Manually scored sleep stages in PSGs of 73 people with ID (borderline to profound) were compared with the scoring of sleep stages by the CardioRespiratory Sleep Staging (CReSS) algorithm. CReSS uses cardiac and/or respiratory input to score the different sleep stages. Performance of the algorithm was analysed using input from electrocardiogram (ECG), respiratory effort and a combination of both. Agreement was determined by means of epoch‐per‐epoch Cohen's kappa coefficient. The influence of demographics, comorbidities and potential manual scoring difficulties (based on comments in the PSG report) was explored.

Results

The use of CReSS with combination of both ECG and respiratory effort provided the best agreement in scoring sleep and wake when compared with manually scored PSG (PSG versus ECG = kappa 0.56, PSG versus respiratory effort = kappa 0.53 and PSG versus both = kappa 0.62). Presence of epilepsy or difficulties in manually scoring sleep stages negatively influenced agreement significantly, but nevertheless, performance remained acceptable. In people with ID without epilepsy, the average kappa approximated that of the general population with sleep disorders.

Conclusions

Using analysis of heart rate and respiration variability, sleep stages can be estimated in people with ID. This could in the future lead to less obtrusive measurements of sleep using, for example, wearables, more suitable to this population.
Identification of predictive biomarkers for diagnosis and radiation sensitivity of uterine cervical cancer using wide‐targeted metabolomics
Authors: Hishinuma Eiji , Shimada Muneaki , Matsukawa Naomi , Li Bin , Motoike Ikuko N. , Hagihara Tatsuya , Shigeta Shogo , Tokunaga Hideki , Saigusa Daisuke , Kinoshita Kengo , Koshiba Seizo , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: June 2023

Aim

Uterine cervical cancer (UCC) is the fourth most common cancer in women, responsible for more than 300 000 deaths worldwide. Its early detection, by cervical cytology, and prevention, by vaccinating against human papilloma virus, greatly contribute to reducing cervical cancer mortality in women. However, penetration of the effective prevention of UCC in Japan remains low. Plasma metabolome analysis is widely used for biomarker discovery and the identification of cancer‐specific metabolic pathways. Here, we aimed to identify predictive biomarkers for the diagnosis and radiation sensitivity of UCC using wide‐targeted plasma metabolomics.

Methods

We analyzed 628 metabolites in plasma samples obtained from 45 patients with UCC using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The levels of 47 metabolites were significantly increased and those of 75 metabolites were significantly decreased in patients with UCC relative to healthy controls. Increased levels of arginine and ceramides, and decreased levels of tryptophan, ornithine, glycosylceramides, lysophosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylcholine were characteristic of patients with UCC. Comparison of metabolite profiles in groups susceptible and non‐susceptible to radiation therapy, a treatment for UCC, revealed marked variations in polyunsaturated fatty acid, nucleic acid, and arginine metabolism in the group not susceptible to treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the metabolite profile of patients with UCC may be an important indicator for distinguishing these patients from healthy cohorts, and may also be useful for predicting sensitivity to radiotherapy.
The TCD hyperemia index to detect vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Kim Yongwoo , Mehta Amit , Nair Reshmi , Felbaum Daniel R. , Mai Jeffrey C. , Armonda Rocco A. , Chang Jason J.
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Elevated mean flow velocity (MFV) on transcranial Doppler (TCD) is used to predict vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Hyperemia should be considered when observing elevated MFV. Lindegaard ratio (LR) is commonly used but does not enhance predictive values. We introduce a new marker, the hyperemia index (HI), calculated as bilateral extracranial internal carotid artery MFV divided by initial flow velocity.

Methods

We evaluated SAH patients hospitalized ≥7 days between December 1, 2016 and June 30, 2022. We excluded patients with nonaneurysmal SAH, inadequate TCD windows, and baseline TCD obtained after 96 hours from onset. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the significant associations of HI, LR, and maximal MFV with vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Receiver operating characteristic analyses were employed to find the optimal cutoff value for HI.

Results

Lower HI (odds ratio [OR] 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01‐0.68), higher MFV (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01‐1.05), and LR (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.44‐2.85) were associated with vasospasm and DCI. Area under the curve (AUC) for predicting vasospasm was 0.70 (95% CI 0.58‐0.82) for HI, 0.87 (95% CI 0.81‐0.94) for maximal MFV, and 0.87 (95% CI 0.79‐0.94) for LR. The optimal cutoff value for HI was 1.2. Combining HI <1.2 with MFV improved positive predictive value without altering the AUC value.

Conclusions

Lower HI was associated with a higher likelihood of vasospasm and DCI. HI <1.2 may serve as a useful TCD parameter to indicate vasospasm and DCI when elevated MFV is observed, or when transtemporal windows are inadequate.
Application of titanium 3D‐printed double‐sleeve guide for zygomatic implants: A technique report
Authors: Mao Yupu , Li Xiaoban , Wang Qingfu , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2023

The unique anatomical structure of the atrophic edentulous maxilla limits the placement of endosteal root form dental implants without bone grafting and augmentation. Surgical placement of zygomatic implants in an optimal position remains challenging. This technique report illustrates a novel digital guide technology, including the design workflow, application method, and indications for assisting with the placement of zygomatic implants using a bone‐supported titanium double‐sleeve guide. In addition, when the implant body reaches the zygomatic bone following an intra‐sinus path, including ZAGA type 0 and ZAGA type 1 cases, a matching window osteotomy surgical guide is used to locate the lateral window boundary and protect the sinus membrane. With this technique, the surgical procedure is simplified, and the precision of guided zygomatic implant placement is improved.
Stressful life events, oral health, and barriers to dental care during pregnancy
Authors: Testa Alexander , Jackson Dylan B. , Simon Lisa , Ganson Kyle T. , Nagata Jason M.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Poor oral health during pregnancy poses risks to maternal and infant well‐being. However, limited research has documented how proximate stressful life events (SLEs) during the prenatal period are associated with oral health and patterns of dental care utilization.

Methods

Data come from 13 states that included questions on SLEs, oral health, and dental care utilization in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for the years 2016–2020 (n = 48,658). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between levels of SLE (0, 1–2, 3–5, or 6+) and a range of (1) oral health experiences and (2) barriers to dental care during pregnancy while controlling for socio‐demographic and pregnancy‐related characteristics.

Results

Women with more SLEs in the 12 months before birth—especially six or more—reported worse oral health experiences, including not having dental insurance, not having a dental cleaning, not knowing the importance of caring for teeth and gums, needing to see a dentist for a problem, going to see a dentist for a problem, and unmet dental care needs. Higher levels of SLEs were also associated with elevated odds of reporting barriers to dental care.

Conclusions

SLEs are an essential but often understudied risk factor for poor oral health, unmet dental care needs, and barriers to dental care services. Future research is needed to understand better the mechanisms linking SLEs and oral health.
Mutations in the CYP27B1 gene cause vitamin D dependent rickets in pugs
Authors: Rohdin Cecilia , Wang Chao , Brander Gustaf , Rondahl Veronica , Karlsson Åsa , Friling Lisa , Fischetti Anthony , Meadows Jennifer , Häggström Jens , Jäderlund Karin Hultin , Ljungvall Ingrid , Lindblad‐Toh Kerstin
Published: June 2023

Rickets is a disorder of bone development and can be the result of either dietary or genetic causes. Here, related pugs from 2 litters were included. Three pugs had clinical signs including, lameness, bone deformities, and dyspnea. One other pug was found dead. Radiographs of 2 affected pugs, 5 and 6 months old, showed generalized widening, and irregular margination of the physes of both the appendicular and the axial skeleton with generalized decrease in bone opacity and bulbous swelling of the costochondral junctions. Two pugs had low serum calcium and 1,25 (OH)2D3 concentrations. Test results further indicated secondary hyperparathyroidism with adequate concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. Necropsy revealed tongue‐like projections of cartilage extending into the metaphysis consistent with rickets, loss of metaphyseal mineralization and lung pathology. Vitamin D‐dependent rickets was diagnosed. A truncating mutation in the 1α‐hydroxylase gene (CYP27B1) was identified by genome sequence analysis of the pugs with VDDR type 1A. Vitamin D‐dependent rickets type 1A can occur in young pugs, and if left untreated is a life‐threatening condition. Early medical intervention can reverse clinical signs and should be instituted as soon as possible.
Serum uric acid and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Balabandian Mohammad , Salahi Sarvenaz , Mahmoudvand Behnaz , Esmaeilzadeh Mahla , Hashemi Seyedeh Melika , Nabizadeh Fardin
Published: June 2023

Background

Numerous studies attempted to fully understand the association between serum uric acid (UA) and Parkinson's disease. Due to the contradictory results, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the association between UA and PD.

Methods

We conducted a literature search in the electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. We included all studies comparing serum uric acid in PD patients and control subjects.

Results

After the screening, 30 studies met our inclusion criteria and entered our systematic review and meta‐analysis. The mean difference (MD) of UA between PD and control using a random‐effect model was −00.49 (95% CI −0.65, −0.33).

Conclusion

Our results suggests that serum levels of UA are significantly lower in patients with PD than in healthy subjects. However, further studies are needed to clarify the association of geographic region, PD progression, and PD treatment with UA serum levels.
Characterization of the chloroplast genome of Dalbergia latifolia (Fabaceae) and its phylogenetic relationship with other Dalbergia species
Authors: Dasgupta Progya , Senthilkumar Shanmugavel , Barthwal Santan , Sasidharan K. R. , Ghosh Dasgupta Modhumita
Published: June 2023

Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. has high economic and ecological value owing to its durable timber characteristics. In the present study, a near complete chloroplast (Cp) genome of D. latifolia was assembled from leaf transcriptome data using reference‐based assembly. The Cp genome was 158 966 bp long and contained 116 genes, including 32 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs and 80 protein coding genes. Microsatellite analysis revealed the presence of 315 SSRs in the Cp genome. In a phylogenetic tree constructed using the complete Cp genomes of 27 species of Dalbergia, D. latifolia clustered with D. cochinchinensis and D. obtusifolia. The highly resolved tree grouped the species from Africa and South America and separated D. assamica and D. balansae as distinct species. Dalbergia barienesis, sometime considered a synonym of D. oliveri, was resolved as the sister of D. oliveri but showed significant divergence from D. barienesis. The newly generated Cp genome is a resource much needed to accelerate phylogenomic and evolutionary studies in D. latifolia. It will also facilitate development of super barcodes for timber forensics.
A new species, Roscoea stenophylla (Zingiberaceae), endemic to Hengduan Mountains, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Fan Yong‐Li , Fu Yuanxiang , Xu Haoyu , Wang Mengxi , Su Qin , Zhang Guanxiang , Li Yue , Zhang Guangyuan , Zhang Zhi‐Qiang , Li Qing‐Jun
Published: June 2023

Roscoea stenophylla Y. L. Fan, a new species of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) from Yunnan, China, is described. It morphologically resembles R. schneideriana (Loesener) Cowley in leaf shape, individual size, inflorescence shape and floral color, but is significantly distinguished by longer and narrower leaves, longer corolla tubes, reflexed labellum, inflated and not hooked stigma, and anther bent into a semicircle (U type) without inflation at the end of the connective spurs.
Pollinators limit seed production in an early blooming rare plant: evidence of a mismatch between plant phenology and pollinator emergence
Authors: Handley Joy C. , Tronstad Lusha M.
Published: June 2023

The reproductive ecology of rare plants is seldom studied, yet the persistence of plant populations depends on successful mutualisms with pollinators. As atmospheric temperatures rise, phenology of plants and pollinators may become mismatched. We investigated the reproduction of Trifolium barnebyi (Barneby's clover), a mat‐forming perennial endemic to central Wyoming, USA, that grows in the crevices of sandstone bedrock. Our objectives were to evaluate a method for monitoring changes in cover as well as assess the pollination and seed‐set of T. barnebyi. We established five monitoring transects using a divided frame to estimate percent cover. We conducted seed‐set experiments at three locations to measure self‐pollination and the degree to which pollinating insects limited seed production. We used vane traps and bee bowls to capture pollinators, and examined pollen carried on bees. Percent cover along transects declined over the four year period and was associated with spring precipitation. Trifolium barnebyi did not self‐pollinate and relied on pollinators to produce seeds. The number and mass of viable seeds per flower, and the number of bees captured increased as the season progressed, indicating that more and larger seeds were made when more pollinators were present. Blooming of T. barnebyi ranged between April and June, depending on the microhabitat the plant lived in, and we observed much higher seed production in later‐blooming plants. Pollen from T. barnebyi was primarily carried by Andrena bees, although we found smaller amounts of pollen on seven other bee genera. A mismatch in timing between blooming and pollinating insect emergence could limit seed production in T. barnebyi if plants bloom earlier over time and bee emergence does not follow the same phenology. Rare plants can be pollinated by rare pollinators showing that conserving these pollinators is crucial for rare plants and early blooming species may be higher at risk.
Hechtia kruseana and Hechtia rosamariae (Bromeliaceae; Hechtioideae), two new species from Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐Cárdenas Rodrigo Alejandro , Espejo‐Serna Adolfo , López‐Ferrari Ana Rosa , Siekkinen Andrew
Published: June 2023

Recent botanical explorations carried out in the Guerrero state for the project Bromeliaceae of Mexico led to the discovery of two new species, both endemic to Guerrero: Hechtia kruseana and H. rosamariae. The new taxa are compared with the morphologically similar: H. anarosae, H. caulescens, H. jaliscana and H. stenopetala. Hechtia kruseana differs from these by the diameter of the rosettes (50–60 cm) and by the length of the staminate and pistillate inflorescences (190–275 cm). Hechtia rosamariae differs from morphologically related species by the size of floral bracts (1.5–2.0 × 0.7–1.0 mm) and the length of the petals (3.0–3.2 mm) of staminate flowers; by the length (2.3–2.6 mm) and shape (ovate) of the sepals, and width of the petals (1.7–2.0 mm) of pistillate flowers. Morphological descriptions, images, and a map showing the distribution of the described taxa are included, as well as an identification key for all the species of Hechtia present in Guerrero.
The evolution of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis in the Late Cretaceous is a key driver of explosive diversification in Agaricomycetes
Authors: Sato Hirotoshi
Published: June 2023

Ectomycorrhizal (EcM) symbiosis, a ubiquitous plant–fungus interaction in forests, evolved in parallel in fungi. Why the evolution of EcM fungi did not necessarily increase ecological opportunities for explosive diversification remains unclear. This study aimed to reveal the driving mechanism of the evolutionary diversification in the fungal class Agaricomycetes, specifically by testing whether the evolution of EcM symbiosis in the Late Cretaceous increased ecological opportunities.

The historical character transitions of trophic state and fruitbody form were estimated based on phylogenies inferred from fragments of 89 single‐copy genes. Moreover, five analyses were used to estimate the net diversification rates (speciation rate minus extinction rate).

The results indicate that the unidirectional evolution of EcM symbiosis occurred 27 times, ranging in date from the Early Triassic to the Early Paleogene. The increased diversification rates appeared to occur intensively at the stem of EcM fungal clades diverging in the Late Cretaceous, coinciding with the rapid diversification of EcM angiosperms. By contrast, the evolution of fruitbody form was not strongly linked with the increased diversification rates.

These findings suggest that the evolution of EcM symbiosis in the Late Cretaceous, supposedly with coevolving EcM angiosperms, was the key drive of the explosive diversification in Agaricomycetes.
HSP90 in morphogenesis: taking the heat and keeping the dark
Authors: Somers David E.
Published: June 2023

This article is a Commentary on Zeng et al. (2023), 239: 1253–1265.
The role of fish feces for nutrient cycling on coral reefs
Authors: Schiettekatte Nina M. D. , Casey Jordan M. , Brandl Simon J. , Mercière Alexandre , Degregori Sam , Burkepile Deron , Van Wert Jacey C. , Ghilardi Mattia , Villéger Sébastien , Parravicini Valeriano
Published: June 2023

Consumers play an important role in biogeochemical cycles through the consumption and release of essential elements such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Indeed, a large proportion of consumed elements are released into the environment in inorganic (i.e. excretion) or organic form (i.e. egestion). On coral reefs, fishes represent the bulk of consumer biomass and thus play a key role in the recycling of nutrients. In recent years, excretion rates have been studied intensively, but less is known about the rate and quality of coral reef fish egestion. In this study, we quantify the elemental contents of fish feces, estimate absorption efficiencies and compare egestion and excretion rates for 51 coral reef fish species. We show that elemental concentrations decrease remarkably little from food to feces. This is due to extremely low absorption efficiencies, resulting in the egestion of large amounts of energy and nutrients. Moreover, we show that while the quality of fish feces varies across trophic guilds, it remains highly variable within trophic guilds. Finally, we demonstrate that the release of N and P through egestion outweighs the amount of nutrients recycled through excretion. Our study highlights the need to incorporate animal egestion into assessments of ecosystem functioning and food web structure.
Trained immunity in the pathogenesis of vitiligo
Authors: Post Nicoline F. , Ginski Greta , Peters Rens , Van Uden Nathalie O. P. , Bekkenk Marcel W. , Wolkerstorfer Albert , Netea Mihai G. , Luiten Rosalie M.
Published: June 2023

Vitiligo is caused by an autoimmune reaction against melanocytes leading to melanocyte loss. The cause of vitiligo is an interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Both the adaptive immune system—through cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and melanocyte specific antibodies—and the innate immune system are involved in these immune processes in vitiligo. While recent data stressed the importance of innate immunity in vitiligo, the question remains why vitiligo patients' immune response becomes overly activated. Could a long‐term increase in innate memory function, described as trained immunity after vaccination and in other inflammatory diseases, play a role as an enhancer and continuous trigger in the pathogenesis of vitiligo? After exposure to certain stimuli, innate immune system is able to show an enhanced immunological response to a secondary trigger, indicating a memory function of the innate immune system, a concept termed trained immunity. Trained immunity is regulated by epigenetic reprogramming, including histone chemical modifications and changes in chromatin accessibility that cause sustained changes in the transcription of specific genes. In responses to an infection, trained immunity is beneficial. However, there are indications of a pathogenic role of trained immunity in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, with monocytes presenting features of a trained phenotype, resulting in increased cytokine production, altered cell metabolism through mTOR signaling, and epigenetic modifications. This hypothesis paper focusses on vitiligo studies that have shown these indications, suggesting the involvement of trained immunity in vitiligo. Future studies focusing on metabolic and epigenetic changes in innate immune cell populations in vitiligo could help in elucidating the potential role of trained immunity in vitiligo pathogenesis.
Identifying the structure of within‐team variance in ratings of team constructs
Authors: Schmidt Joseph A. , Dunlop Patrick D. , O'Neill Thomas A.
Published: June 2023

Researchers frequently assume some degree of consensus among team members' perceptions when aggregating individual survey responses to the team level. Literature reviews have routinely found, however, substantial within‐team variance in referent‐shift consensus measures of team constructs and that team member agreement is often lower than desired. To enhance our understanding of the structure of within‐team variance, using a sample of 20,183 individuals in 4,313 teams, we explored the proportion of variance attributable to different sources (response acquiescence, positivity bias, and rater variance specific to each construct) for five team constructs. We also examined the extent to which within‐team variance changed over time with a subsample of 3,720 individuals in 731 teams. The results indicated that constructs thought to be more observable, including role clarity and monitoring goal progress, appeared to be less prone to idiosyncratic perceiver effects and that the processes were widely experienced by all team members. Conversely, relationship conflict showed higher levels of within‐team variance and team consensus actually decreased over time. These findings indicate that perceptions of relationship conflict are influenced by the individual differences of team members and that conflict may be restricted to dyads or subgroups within teams. Overall, the findings indicate that stable perceiver effects and processes that are limited to a small proportion of team members may have a stronger influence on ratings of some team constructs than previously thought. We conclude with suggestions for theory development, team construct measurement, and advice to understand processes that lead to consensus in perceptions of team constructs.
The mouse model of chronic asthma: Airway remodelling and disease exacerbation by somatic antigen of Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Ghabdian Sara , Parandeh Shirvan Sima , Maleki Mohsen , Borji Hassan
Published: June 2023

There is now sufficient evidence to support an inverse association between helminth infection and secreted products with allergic/autoimmune disorders. Accordingly, several experimental studies have shown that Echinococcus granulosus infection and hydatid cyst compounds are able to suppress immune responses in allergic airway inflammation. This is the first study on effects of somatic antigens of E. granulosus on chronic allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. Mice in OVA group were intraperitoneally (IP) sensitized with OVA/Alum. Subsequently, were challenged by nebulizing of OVA 1%. The treatment groups received somatic antigens of protoscoleces on the specified days. Mice in PBS group were received PBS in both sensitization and challenge. The effects of somatic products on development of chronic allergic airway inflammation were evaluated by examining histopathological changes, the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage, cytokines production in the homogenized lung tissue, and total antioxidant capacity in serum. Our findings show that the co‐administration of somatic antigens of protoscoleces simultaneously with the development of asthma intensifies allergic airway inflammation. The identification of effective components involved in exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation manifestations will be a crucial approach to understanding the mechanism of these interactions.
The evolution of systematic evidence reviews: Past and future developments and their implications for policy analysis
Authors: Lemire Sebastian , Peck Laura R. , Porowski Allan
Published: June 2023

Evidence reviews are widely used to summarize findings from existing studies and, as such, are an important base for policy analysis. Over the past 50 years, three waves of evidence reviews have emerged: (1) the meta‐analysis wave, (2) the mixed‐methods synthesis wave, and (3) the core components wave. The present article first describes these waves and reflects on the benefits and limitations of each wave in the context of policy analysis. Informed by this historical account, the article then identifies and discusses three trends that are likely to influence future directions of evidence reviews: (1) using data science tools, (2) embedding an equity focus, and (3) translating research into practice. The concluding discussion connects these developments to public policy, identifying how evidence from systematic evidence reviews informs—or could better inform—policy decisions.

Related Articles

Nunes Silva, Carlos. 2012. “Policy and Evidence in a Partisan Age: The Great Disconnect—By Paul Gary Wyckoff.” Politics & Policy 40(3): 541–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00363.x.

Sinclair, Thomas A. P. 2006. “Previewing Policy Sciences: Multiple Lenses and Segmented Visions.” Politics & Policy 34(3): 481–504. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2006.00025.x.

Smith‐Walter, Aaron, Holly L. Peterson, Michael D. Jones, and Ashley Nicole Reynolds Marshall. 2016. “Gun Stories: How Evidence Shapes Firearm Policy in the United States.” Politics & Policy 44(6): 1053–88. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12187.
Effects of store fixture shape at retail checkout: Evidence from field and online studies
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Zhang Ke , Li Shibo , Koenitz Damien
Published: June 2023

Previous research from both marketing and operations management has shown that servicescape design, as an effective retail operations strategy, can significantly influence consumers’ purchases. We extend this literature by investigating how fixture shape, an important environmental factor that has received little attention in previous studies, can influence consumer purchase intentions at retail checkout. Findings from a field study and three online experiments consistently suggest that tower‐shaped fixtures, in comparison to other conventional fixtures, can increase checkout purchase intentions. Moreover, the proposed effect is driven by the increased visual attention to products when displayed on tower fixtures. We also identify consumers’ information processing style (i.e., more vs. less reliant on visual processing) as a theoretically relevant moderator. Specifically, customers who rely more heavily on visual information processing are more susceptible to the influence of a tower fixture than those who rely less on visual information processing. Through this research, we contribute novel insights to the understanding of display fixtures and retail operation management. This study augments the design task from product shape to fixture shape for manufacturers, and sheds light on retailer merchandising strategy as well as retail space management at checkout.
The sex determination gene of Populus deltoides, PdFERR, interacts with ERF96 to promote the development of female flower organs
Authors: Lu Jing , Yang Yonghua , Yin Tongming
Published: June 2023

The female‐specifically expressed response regulator (PdFERR) gene in Populus deltoides, a sex determination gene (an orthologous gene of ARR17 in Populus tremula), was found to promote femaleness in heterologous expression lines of Arabidopsis. None of the genes in the Arabidopsis genome seem to be orthologous to PdFERR. Although originating from two evolutionarily distant plants, the dioecious poplar FERR might promote femaleness in the hermaphroditic Arabidopsis through an evolutionary consistent regulatory pathway. However, there is no molecular evidence to support this viewpoint. In this study, to identify the shared downstream orthologous gene of PdFERR, we used yeast two‐hybrid assay to screen potential interactors of PdFERR in Arabidopsis. We identified the ethylene response factor 96 (AtERF96) and confirmed the interaction via in vivo and in vitro assays. The ERF96 orthologous gene in P. deltoides was also experimentally confirmed to interact with PdFERR. PdFERR could then promote femaleness in poplar or Arabidopsis through interactions with ERF96, which provide a new perspective for understanding the PdFERR gene regulating sex differentiation.
USP8 mitigates cognitive dysfunction of mice with sepsis‐associated encephalopathy
Authors: Zhang Leshi , Liu Jiangzheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a serious complication of sepsis which results from neuroinflammation and could lead to cognitive dysfunction. Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 8 (USP8) is involved in cognitive dysfunction. This study investigated the mechanism by which USP8 plays a role in cognitive dysfunction of SAE mice.

Methods

The SAE models were established by performing cecal ligation and puncture in the mice. Subsequently, a series of tests and procedures were conducted to assess the cognitive dysfunction and pathological impairment of mice, including the Morris water maze test, Y‐maze test, open field test, tail suspension test, fear conditioning test, and haematoxylin–eosin staining. The levels of USP8 and Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in brain tissues of mice were detected. In order to determine the effects of USP8 or YY1 on cognitive function, SAE mice were injected with an adenovirus‐packaged vector that had overexpressed levels of USP8 or YY1 short hairpin RNA. The binding of USP8 to YY1 and the ubiquitination level of YY1 were analyzed using immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination experiments. Lastly, chromatin immunoprecipitation was carried out to analyze enrichment of YY1 on the USP8 promoter.

Results

In SAE models, USP8 and YY1 were downregulated and cognitive functions were impaired. USP8 overexpression upregulated YY1 and attenuated the brain histopathological damage and cognitive dysfunction in SAE mice. USP8 upregulated YY1 protein level through deubiquitination, while YY1 was enriched on the USP8 promoter and activated USP8 transcription. The effects of USP8 overexpression on SAE mice was reversed secondary to YY1 silencing.

Conclusion

USP8 upregulated YY1 protein level through deubiquitination and YY1 activated USP8 transcription, and USP8‐YY1 feedback loop attenuated cognitive dysfunction in SAE mice, which could potentially serve as a novel theoretical foundation for the management of SAE.