bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucin‐Based Composites for Efficient Mercuric Biosorption
Authors: Gavriely Shira , Richter Shachar , Zucker Ines
Published: April 2022

In this study, the extraordinary biosorption of mucin, a natural glycoprotein with selectivity towards metals in physiological processes, is leveraged to remove heavy metals from wastewater. The authors assess the performance of dissolved mucin for Hg2+ adsorption through studies of kinetics, capacity, and selectivity. The results show that mucin can adsorb more than 124 mg g−1 Hg2+ while exhibiting ultra‐fast kinetics, with an equilibrium reached in a few seconds. The adsorption levels are optimized in pHs higher than 4 and remain almost unchanged in the presence of background ions. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared analyses indicated that the sorption mechanism is dominated by electrostatic interactions and mercuric complexation with mucin's active sites, whereas the undesirable removal via mercuric reduction does not occur. To use mucin in a practical and green fashion for metal adsorption, mucin‐based solid structures, including films, beads, and nanofibers (NFs), are fabricated and assessed. Of these structures, the NFs show the best performance, with an uptake over 109 mg g−1 and a high structural stability over multiple adsorption and regeneration cycles. The findings point to the potential use of mucin as a future green alternative for metal biosorption for environmental applications.
Tuning the Coherent Propagation of Organic Exciton‐Polaritons through Dark State Delocalization
Authors: Pandya Raj , Ashoka Arjun , Georgiou Kyriacos , Sung Jooyoung , Jayaprakash Rahul , Renken Scott , Gai Lizhi , Shen Zhen , Rao Akshay , Musser Andrew J.
Published: April 2022

While there have been numerous reports of long‐range polariton transport at room‐temperature in organic cavities, the spatiotemporal evolution of the propagation is scarcely reported, particularly in the initial coherent sub‐ps regime, where photon and exciton wavefunctions are inextricably mixed. Hence the detailed process of coherent organic exciton‐polariton transport and, in particular, the role of dark states has remained poorly understood. Here, femtosecond transient absorption microscopy is used to directly image coherent polariton motion in microcavities of varying quality factor. The transport is found to be well‐described by a model of band‐like propagation of an initially Gaussian distribution of exciton‐polaritons in real space. The velocity of the polaritons reaches values of ≈ 0.65 × 106m s−1, substantially lower than expected from the polariton dispersion. Further, it is found that the velocity is proportional to the quality factor of the microcavity. This unexpected link between the quality‐factor and polariton velocity is suggested to be a result of varying admixing between delocalized dark and polariton states.
Phylogenomic analyses in Phrymaceae reveal extensive gene tree discordance in relationships among major clades
Authors: Morales‐Briones Diego F. , Lin Nan , Huang Eileen Y. , Grossenbacher Dena L. , Sobel James M. , Gilmore Caroline D. , Tank David C. , Yang Ya
Published: April 2022

Premise

Phylogenomic datasets using genomes and transcriptomes provide rich opportunities beyond resolving bifurcating phylogenetic relationships. Monkeyflower (Phrymaceae) is a model system for evolutionary ecology. However, it lacks a well‐supported phylogeny as a basis for a stable taxonomy and for macroevolutionary comparisons.

Methods

We sampled 24 genomes and transcriptomes in Phrymaceae and closely related families, including eight newly sequenced transcriptomes. We reconstructed the phylogeny using IQ‐TREE and ASTRAL, evaluated gene tree discordance using PhyParts, Quartet Sampling, and a cloudogram, and carried out reticulation analyses using PhyloNet and HyDe. We searched for whole genome duplication (WGD) events using chromosome numbers, synonymous distances, and gene duplication events as evidence.

Results

Most gene trees support the monophyly of Phrymaceae and each of its tribes. Most gene trees also support tribe Mimuleae being sister to Phrymeae + Diplaceae + Leucocarpeae, with extensive gene tree discordance among the latter three. Despite the discordance, the monophyly of Mimulus s.l. is rejected, and no individual reticulation event among the Phrymaceae tribes is well‐supported. Reticulation likely occurred among Erythranthe bicolor and closely related species. No ancient WGD was detected in Phrymaceae. Instead, small‐scale duplications are among potential drivers of macroevolutionary diversification of Phrymaceae.

Conclusions

We show that analysis of reticulate evolution is sensitive to taxon sampling and methods used. We also demonstrate that phylogenomic datasets using genomes and transcriptomes present rich opportunities to investigate gene family evolution and genome duplication events involved in lineage diversification and adaptation.
Artificial amniotic fluid for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies
Authors: Naila Doshina , Sadanand Siddharth , Sussman Dafna
Published: April 2022

Amniocentesis is the process of retrieving the nutrient‐rich amniotic fluid (AF) that encompasses the growing fetus in order to diagnose fetal diseases and developmental disorders. Currently, it is only performed on pregnant persons at risk and is invasive with the potential for infection and in some cases, miscarriage. A non‐invasive alternative is needed and could be developed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). To develop such MRS sequences, ample testing and training are needed and could be most efficiently conducted on a phantom. We propose a protocol for creating such a synthetic AF phantom for MRS testing and optimization. The proposed AF is validated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) proving it produces spectra comparable to those in the literature. The results from this study can aid in developing a non‐invasive fetal diagnostic tool to replace amniocentesis.
A review of polyethylene‐based carbon fiber manufacturing
Authors: Röding Tim , Langer Jannis , Modenesi Barbosa Thomaz , Bouhrara Mohamed , Gries Thomas
Published: April 2022

Carbon fibers and their composites have attracted much attention in recent years and are being used in an increasing number of industries. However, due to the high production costs of carbon fibers and the complex manufacturing process of composites, their use in large series applications is still limited. The main cost driver in carbon fiber manufacturing is the production of the precursor fiber, with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) being the prevailing feedstock today. Approximately 50% of the production cost of carbon fibers is related to the precursor fiber. For this reason, the use of a new precursor material offers enormous cost‐saving potential. Polyethylene (PE) is a promising alternative to PAN due to its high carbon content, low cost, high availability, and melt processability. This study reviews the research and development activities on PE‐based carbon fibers. The manufacturing of the precursor fiber and its conversion process into a carbon fiber are discussed. The review also provides an overview of published information on concepts for commercial production of PE‐based carbon fibers and various cost models.
Electrolytic water technology based on transformable and amorphous liquid metal electrodes
Authors: Xu Shuo , Xing Zerong , Liu Jing
Published: April 2022

Hydrogen has important values in industrial manufacture, medical health care, and diverse energy application areas. Among the many possible approaches, convenient and safe hydrogen production from water electrolysis has always been a preferred in situ hydrogen supply technology. So far, many of the electrodes thus involved are based on rigid metals or conductive items which may encounter inconvenience or insufficiency sometimes. To achieve targeted release of hydrogen, appropriate administration of suitable flexible hydrogen evolution electrodes is the key. In recent years, gallium‐based liquid metals have emerged in the field of flexible and biological electrodes. Starting from this point, liquid metal is proposed here as a transformable amorphous electrode for hydrogen evolution in electrolytic water which may help mold new conceptual electrolysis and energy utilization ways. The electrochemical performances and flexible behaviors lying behind are investigated and clarified. According to the experiments, the catalytic activity of the liquid metal itself generally is not remarkable, but it would be significantly improved after being composited with certain active materials such as nickel. Further, the controllability, flexibility, and adaptability of liquid metal‐based amorphous materials which are unmatched by other electrode materials were evaluated. Overall, the motions of such shape transformable liquid metal electrodes could be controlled by electric or magnetic fields, and their deformations are compliantly adaptive to different spaces. This might easily expand the area of hydrogen evolution and lead to multisite in situ hydrogen production. The present study demonstrates the value of liquid metals in flexible energy systems and opens up more application possibilities for electrolytic hydrogen production.
Space‐use patterns of green turtles in industrial coastal foraging habitat: Challenges and opportunities for informing management with a large satellite tracking dataset
Authors: Webster Emily G. , Hamann Mark , Shimada Takahiro , Limpus Colin , Duce Stephanie
Published: April 2022

Increasing overlap between anthropogenic activities and wildlife can lead to problematic human–wildlife interactions. To manage these, an understanding of animal space‐use patterns, with sufficient temporal and spatial detail is required. Satellite telemetry can provide such detailed data; however, the cost of tracking units places a significant limitation on sample size.

Satellite tracks for 72 green turtles were consolidated through collaboration with multiple entities over 8 years at seven sites within a large industrial port contributing to an ecological monitoring initiative to minimize impacts of planned developments.

This study aims to determine the minimum number of satellite‐tracked green turtles required to represent spatial distribution patterns in the foraging ground and to evaluate factors underpinning differences in distribution and site fidelity metrics to inform appropriate management strategies.

An autocorrelated kernel density estimator was used to construct 95% utilization distributions for individual turtles during each calendar season. Percentage overlap between pairs of seasonal utilization distributions was calculated as a measure of short‐term site fidelity. Mechanistic range shift analysis was applied to detect significant deviations from range residency behaviour.

Green turtles exhibited spatially confined ranges and remained faithful to their foraging area for periods of up to 260 days. Range size was significantly different between microhabitats and study years. Only 16 individuals (22% of tracked turtles) performed significant range shifts, indicating that occupied areas represent important habitats, and most turtles are unlikely to adjust their space‐use in response to anthropogenic or natural disturbances.

Although this dataset represents an atypically large sample of satellite tracked individuals, representative data were obtained at only two key sites.

This study highlights the importance of evaluating clear objectives when sampling animals for satellite telemetry studies to obtain representation of sites, periods of interest, or age and sex cohorts.
American College of Rheumatology Guidance for COVID‐19 Vaccination in Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases: Version 4
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Johnson Sindhu R. , Anthony Donald D. , Arasaratnam Reuben J. , Baden Lindsey R. , Bass Anne R. , Calabrese Cassandra , Gravallese Ellen M. , Harpaz Rafael , Kroger Andrew , Sadun Rebecca E. , Turner Amy S. , Williams Eleanor Anderson , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To provide guidance to rheumatology providers on the use of COVID‐19 vaccines for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

Methods

A task force was assembled that included 9 rheumatologists/immunologists, 2 infectious disease specialists, and 2 public health physicians. After agreeing on scoping questions, an evidence report was created that summarized the published literature and publicly available data regarding COVID‐19 vaccine efficacy and safety, as well as literature for other vaccines in RMD patients. Task force members rated their agreement with draft consensus statements on a 9‐point numerical scoring system, using a modified Delphi process and the RAND/University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method, with refinement and iteration over 2 sessions. Consensus was determined based on the distribution of ratings.

Results

Despite a paucity of direct evidence, statements were developed by the task force and agreed upon with consensus to provide guidance for use of the COVID‐19 vaccines, including supplemental/booster dosing, in RMD patients and to offer recommendations regarding the use and timing of immunomodulatory therapies around the time of vaccination.

Conclusion

These guidance statements are intended to provide direction to rheumatology health care providers on how to best use COVID‐19 vaccines and to facilitate implementation of vaccination strategies for RMD patients.
Comparative efficacy of targeted structural patterns of electroencephalography neurofeedback in children with inattentive or combined attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Wang Feng‐Hua , Sun Li‐Yan , Cui Xiao‐Mei , Zhao He‐Dan , Yang Ling‐Fei , Wang Zheng , Shi Tong‐Kun
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate and compare the effects of three courses of different structural patterns of electroencephalography neurofeedback on predominantly inattentive attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD‐PI) and combined ADHD (ADHD‐CT).

Methods

Thirty‐eight ADHD‐PI and ADHD‐CT children were selected and completed three courses of different structural patterns of electroencephalography neurofeedback according to their ADHD type. Before and after each course, relative power value of electroencephalography, includingθ,β,α, SMR and their ratios (θ/β,θ/α), and eighteen integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA/CPT) quotients were obtained and compared. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, andp < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

After one course,θ, three IVA/CPT quotients in both types and two comprehensive quotients in ADHD‐CT changed significantly (allp < .05). After two courses,θ/α,θ/βand five IVA/CPT quotients in both types,θandαin ADHD‐PI, four comprehensive quotients, and four respond control quotients in ADHD‐CT varied significantly compared to before treatment and after one course (allp < .05). After three courses,α,β,θ,θ/α,θ/βand ten IVA/CPT quotients in both types changed significantly compared to before treatment and after one course (allp < .05). In addition, six IVA/CPT quotients in both types after three courses were significantly higher than those after two courses (allp < .05).

Conclusion

Different structural patterns of electroencephalography neurofeedback targeted for ADHD‐CT and ADHD‐PI were both effective and feasible. Three courses of EEG neurofeedback were most effective.
Dapsone induced hemolysis in a patient with Hansen’s disease and G6PD deficiency: A preventable peril
Authors: Ghorui Arnab Kumar , Patra Pratap Kumar
Published: April 2022

Although under‐reported, hemolytic anemia is common with dapsone‐containing regimen in leprosy. It is prudent to screen for underlying G6PD deficiency in boys before administering dapsone to prevent potentially life‐threatening episode of intravascular hemolysis in children with leprosy.
Purpura fulminans, TEN, and disseminated herpes simplex: An unexpected combination
Authors: Holm Sebastian , Thurfjell Viktoria , Lara‐Valencia Paola , Huss Fredrik
Published: April 2022

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and purpura fulminans (PF) are all rare conditions. A combination of these 3 conditions together with a viral infection is very rare. A 52‐year‐old, previously healthy woman which developed SJS, potentially due to a reaction to CT contrast, although this is still unknown. This developed into TEN on day 10 of the initial admission, the patient scored 3 points on SCORTEN. On day 12 from initial admission, she developed unexpected multiorgan failure and PF. The patient passed away 2 days later, the autopsy demonstrates herpes simplex virus in the bladder and lungs on immunohistological staining. Our clinical case encountered the challenge of differentiating TEN and PF. The microscopic and immunochemical examination confirmed the clinical suspicion of PF but also a disseminated herpes simplex infection. We speculate the clinical route of this case started SJS and TEN, leading to superimposed infection with three different types of bacteria, confirmed in blood cultures, and a disseminated viral infection. The combination of all these diagnoses are very rare, no similar case has been described in adults to the authors’ knowledge. We recommend a prompt diagnosis and early recognition of both bacterial and viral infections to prevent the development of PF.
Infantile Hemangioma of External Auditory Canal
Authors: Alsudays Ali , Albilasi Thamer , Alenezi Mazyad , AlShiha Wala , Bawazir Samir
Published: April 2022

A 14‐month‐old boy who presented with left external auditory canal mass noticed by his parent shortly after birth. Clinically, mass was small, soft and nearly obstructing external auditory meatus. Surgical excision of mass with final histopathological diagnosis confirmed to be hemangioma. Patient followed up for 12 months post‐surgery with no recurrence.
Einfluss des additiven Fertigungsverfahrens auf die Gestalt einer Mikrorektifikationsapparatur
Authors: Grinschek Fabian , Dübal Sören , Klahn Christoph , Dittmeyer Roland
Published: April 2022

Die additive Fertigung eröffnet auch in der Verfahrenstechnik neue Möglichkeiten. In der Entwicklung kompakter Rektifikationsapparate sind Vorteile für die Herstellung ebenso wie für die Trennleistung denkbar. Der Designprozess für kompakte, fertigungsgerechte Mikrorektifikationsapparate für zwei Metall‐3D‐Druck‐Verfahren wird gezeigt: Binder‐Jetting (BJT/M) und pulverbettbasiertes Schmelzen von Metallen mittels Laser (PBF‐LB/M). Restriktionen der Verfahren, z. B. in Bezug auf Überhänge und die Entpulverungs‐ und Sinterschritte, werden erklärt. Die erste Charakterisierung der gedruckten Teile zeigt, dass die Entwürfe vielversprechend sind.
Longitudinal Patterns of Microbial Communities in the Water Diversion Rivers of South‐to‐North Water Diversion Project
Authors: Cai Wei , Huang Qiuyun , Li Huiyu , Cheng Haomiao , Li Yi , Hu Jian
Published: April 2022

Water diversion rivers are the fundamental transport lines in water diversion projects. The changeable hydrological and physicochemical conditions lead to significant changes in biogeographical characteristics of microbial communities within river catchments. This study gives an insight into longitudinal patterns of the composition and diversity characteristics of microbial communities in water diversion rivers in the East Route of the South‐to‐North Water Diversion Project using 16S rRNA sequencing. A total of 937 743 microbial sequence reads are obtained and classified into 9178 distinct operational taxonomic units, belonging to 48 phyla and 424 genera, respectively. Along the water diversion line, obvious distribution characteristics of microbial communities could be observed in Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Exiguobacterium, CL500‐29_marine_group, Acinetobacter, and Cloacibacterium. The relative abundance of both Actinobacteria and CL500‐29_marine_group increases from the upper rivers in the northern region to the lower rivers in the southern region, while Firmicutes and Exiguobacterium show the opposite trend. Higher microbial diversity is found in the upper rivers of the water diversion line than in the lower rivers. Externally, redundant analysis indicated the spatial shift in microbial community is largely shaped by ammonium, total nitrogen, conductivity, and total phosphorus. Internally, longitudinal construction of the microbial community is mainly affected by species replacement.
Theconcave–convexeffects of environmental, social and governance onhigh‐techfirm value: Quantile regression approach
Authors: Wu Kun‐Shan , Chang Bao‐Guang
Published: April 2022

This study aims to investigate the nonlinear relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) and firm value (FV). The sample includes 38 Taiwan Stock Exchange listed high‐tech firms with ESG disclosure between 2005 and 2020. Quantile regression estimation results indicate there is a nonlinear concave–convex ESG‐FV relationship, which is also verified by theU‐test. Furthermore, there is a different relationship between the individual ESG pillars and FV. The nexus between the environmental and social pillars and FV are concave–convex, whereas the governance pillar has no significant effect on FV. The model in this research offers a valuable analytical framework for exploring sustainability reporting as a driver of performance in the high‐tech industry. Overall, we highlight Taiwan's high‐tech firms should ensure that both the costs and benefits of the ESG performance for maintaining sustainable development and stakeholder engagement.
Role of lncSLCO1C1 in gastric cancer progression and resistance to oxaliplatin therapy
Authors: Xiao Yu‐Feng , Li Bo‐Sheng , Liu Jing‐Jing , Wang Su‐Min , Liu Jiao , Yang Huan , Hu Yi‐Yang , Gong Chun‐Li , Li Ji‐Liang , Yang Shi‐Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is one of the most deadly diseases due to tumour metastasis and resistance to therapy. Understanding the molecular mechanism of tumour progression and drug resistance will improve therapeutic efficacy and develop novel intervention strategies.

Methods

Differentially expressed long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in clinical specimens were identified by LncRNA microarrays and validated in different clinical cohorts by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), in situ hybridisation and bioinformatics analysis. Biological functions of lncRNA were investigated by using cell proliferation assays, migration assays, xenograft tumour models and bioinformatics analysis. Effects of lncSLCO1C1 on GC cell survival were assessed by comet assays and immunofluorescence assays. Underlying molecular mechanisms were further explored by using a number of technologies including RNA pull‐down, mass spectrometry analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, co‐immunoprecipitation, miRNA sequencing, luciferase reporter assays and molecular modelling.

Results

LncSLCO1C1 was highly upregulated in GC tissue samples and associated with GC patients’ poor overall survival. Overexpression of lncSLCO1C1 promoted proliferation and migration, whereas decreased lncSLCO1C1 expression produced the opposite effects. lncSLCO1C1 also mediated tumour resistance to chemotherapy with oxaliplatin by reducing DNA damage and increasing cell proliferation. Despite sequence overlapping between lncSLCO1C1 and PDE3A, alternations of PDE3A expression had no effect on the GC cell progression, indicating that lncSLCO1C1, not PDE3A, related with the progression of GC cells. Mechanistically, lncSLCO1C1 serves as a scaffold for the structure‐specific recognition protein 1 (SSRP1)/H2A/H2B complex and regulates the function of SSRP1 in reducing DNA damage. Meanwhile, lncSLCO1C1 functions as a sponge to adsorb miR‐204‐5p and miR‐211‐5p that target SSRP1 mRNA, and thus increases SSRP1 expression. Patients with high expressions of both lncSLCO1C1 and SSRP1 have poor overall survival, highlighting the role of lncSLCO1C1 in GC progression.

Conclusions

LncSLCO1C1 promotes GC progression by enhancing cell growth and preventing DNA damage via interacting and scaffolding the SSRP1/H2A/H2b complex and absorbing both miR‐211‐5p and miR‐204‐5p to increase SSRP1 expression.
Clinical application of CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: From rationale to ratios
Authors: Bouwman Femke H. , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Johnson Sterling C. , Chen Xiaochun , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Paquet Claire , Ritchie Craig , Bozeat Sasha , Quevenco Frances‐Catherine , Teunissen Charlotte
Published: April 2022

Biomarker testing is recommended for the accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using illustrative case narratives we consider how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker tests may be used in different presentations of cognitive impairment to facilitate timely and differential diagnosis, improving diagnostic accuracy, providing prognostic information, and guiding personalized management in diverse scenarios. Evidence shows that (1) CSF ratios are superior to amyloid beta (Aβ)1‐42 alone; (2) concordance of CSF ratios to amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) is better than Aβ1‐42 alone; and (3) phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)/Aβ1‐42 ratio is superior to p‐tau alone. CSF biomarkers are recommended for the exclusion of AD as the underlying cause of cognitive impairment, diagnosis of AD at an early stage, differential diagnosis of AD in individuals presenting with other neuropsychiatric symptoms, accurate diagnosis of AD in an atypical presentation, and for clinical trial enrichment.

Highlights

 

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker testing may be underused outside specialist centers.

CSF biomarkers improve diagnostic accuracy, guiding personalized management of AD.

CSF ratios (amyloid beta [Aβ]1‐42/Aβ1‐40 and phosphorylated tau/Aβ1‐42) perform better than single markers.

CSF ratios produce fewer false‐negative and false‐positive results than individual markers.

CSF biomarkers should be included in diagnostic work‐up of AD and mild cognitive impairment due to AD.
Coastal infrastructure alters behavior and increases predation mortality of threatened Puget Sound steelhead smolts
Authors: Moore Megan E. , Berejikian Barry A.
Published: April 2022

Fundamental movements of migratory species can be substantially influenced by marine habitat disruptions caused by coastal infrastructure. The Hood Canal Bridge (HCB) spans the northern outlet of Hood Canal in the Salish Sea, extends 4.6 m (15 ft) underwater, and forms a partial barrier for steelhead migrating from Hood Canal to the Pacific Ocean. Spatial mark–recapture survival models using acoustic telemetry data indicate that only 49% (2017; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 40%–58%) and 56% (2018; 95% CI = 48%–65%) of the steelhead smolts encountering the HCB survived past the bridge and 7 km to the next array. We studied fine‐scale movements of more than 300 steelhead smolts to understand how migration behavior was affected across the entire length of the HCB and to quantify spatial and temporal patterns of mortality. Individually coded acoustic telemetry transmitters implanted in juvenile steelhead were used in conjunction with an extensive array of acoustic receivers surrounding the HCB to obtain approximations of the path each steelhead took as they encountered the bridge structure. Steelhead survival past the HCB appeared unaffected by tidal stage, population‐of‐origin, approach location, current velocity, or time of day, but was influenced by week of bridge encounter. Behavioral data from transmitters with temperature and depth sensors ingested by predators are consistent with high levels of marine mammal predation. This study confirms the considerable impact of the HCB on Endangered Species Act‐listed steelhead smolt survival, and provides detailed information on the behavior of steelhead smolts and their predators at the HCB for use in planning recovery actions.
Plant–soil feedbacks help explain plant community productivity
Authors: Forero Leslie E. , Kulmatiski Andrew , Grenzer Josephine , Norton Jeanette
Published: April 2022

Plant productivity often increases with species richness, but the mechanisms explaining this diversity–productivity relationship are not fully understood. We tested if plant–soil feedbacks (PSF) can help to explain how biomass production changes with species richness. Using a greenhouse experiment, we measured all 240 possible PSFs for 16 plant species. At the same time, 49 plant communities with diversities ranging from one to 16 species were grown in replicated pots. A suite of plant community growth models, parameterized with (PSF) or without PSF (Null) effects, was used to predict plant growth observed in the communities. Selection effects and complementarity effects in modeled and observed data were separated. Plants created soils that increased or decreased subsequent plant growth by 25% ± 10%, but because PSFs were negative for C3 and C4 grasses, neutral for forbs, and positive for legumes, the net effect of all PSFs was a 2% ± 17% decrease in plant growth. Experimental plant communities with 16 species produced 37% more biomass than monocultures due to complementarity. Null models incorrectly predicted that 16‐species communities would overyield due to selection effects. Adding PSF effects to Null models decreased selection effects, increased complementarity effects, and improved correlations between observed and predicted community biomass. PSF models predicted 26% of overyielding caused by complementarity observed in experimental communities. Relative to Null models, PSF models improved the predictions of the magnitude and mechanism of the diversity–productivity relationship. Results provide clear support for PSFs as one of several mechanisms that determine diversity–productivity relationships and help close the gap in understanding how biodiversity enhances ecosystem services such as biomass production.
Intestinal homeostasis and inflammation: Gut microbiota at the crossroads of pancreas–intestinal barrier axis
Authors: Zhang Zhongwei , Tanaka Izumi , Pan Zhen , Ernst Peter B , Kiyono Hiroshi , Kurashima Yosuke
Published: April 2022

The pancreas contains exocrine glands, which release enzymes (e.g., amylase, trypsin, and lipase) that are important for digestion and islets, which produce hormones. Digestive enzymes and hormones are secreted from the pancreas into the duodenum and bloodstream, respectively. Growing evidence suggests that the roles of the pancreas extend to not only the secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones but also to the regulation of intestinal homeostasis and inflammation (e.g., mucosal defense to pathogens and pathobionts). Organ crosstalk between the pancreas and intestine is linked to a range of physiological, immunological, and pathological activities, such as the regulation of the gut microbiota by the pancreatic proteins and lipids, the retroaction of the gut microbiota on the pancreas, the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatic diseases. We herein discuss the current understanding of the pancreas–intestinal barrier axis and the control of commensal bacteria in intestinal inflammation.
Multiple sclerosis: Immunopathological heterogeneity and its implications
Authors: Engelhardt Britta , Comabella Manuel , Chan Andrew
Published: April 2022

MS is the most common autoimmune demyelinating disease of the CNS. For the past decades, several immunomodulatory disease‐modifying treatments with multiple presumed mechanisms of action have been developed, but MS remains an incurable disease. Whereas high efficacy, at least in early disease, corroborates underlying immunopathophysiology, there is profound heterogeneity in clinical presentation as well as immunophenotypes that may also vary over time. In addition, functional plasticity in the immune system as well as in the inflamed CNS further contributes to disease heterogeneity. In this review, we will highlight immune‐pathophysiological and associated clinical heterogeneity that may have an implication for more precise immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies in MS.
Comparing randomized controlled trials of outpatient family‐based or inpatient multimodal treatment followed by outpatient care in youth with anorexia nervosa: Differences in populations, metrics, and outcomes
Authors: Haas Verena , Nadler Janine , Crosby Ross D. , Madden Sloane , Kohn Michael , Le Grange Daniel , Gonçalves Ana Sofia Oliveira , Hebebrand Johannes , Correll Christoph U.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Various approaches exist to treat youth with anorexia nervosa (AN). Family‐based treatment (FBT) has never been compared to long inpatient, multimodal treatment (IMT) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The aim of this study was to compare data on body weight trajectories, change in eating disorder psychopathology, hospital days and treatment costs in RCTs delivering FBT or IMT.

Method

Review of RCTs published between 2010 and 2020 in youth with AN, delivering FBT or IMT.

Results

Four RCTs delivering FBT (United States, n = 2; Australia, n = 2), one RCT delivering Family Therapy for AN (United Kingdom) and two RCTs delivering IMT (France, n = 1; Germany, n = 1) were identified from previous meta‐analyses. The comparison of studies was limited by (1) significant differences in patient baseline characteristics including pretreated versus non‐pretreated patients, (2) use of different psychometric and weight measures and (3) different initial velocity of weight recovery. Minimal baseline and outcome reporting standards for body weight metrics and nature/dose of interventions allowing international comparison are needed and suggestions to developing these standards are presented.

Discussion

An RCT should investigate, whether FBT is a viable alternative to IMT, leading to comparable weight and psychopathology improvement with less inpatient time and costs.
Staff perceptions of the consequences of COVID‐19 on quality of dementia care for residents in Ontario long‐term care homes
Authors: Kirkham Julia , Shorey Carrie L. , Iaboni Andrea , Quirt Hannah , Grigorovich Alisa , Astell Arlene , Lin Esther , Maxwell Colleen J.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic necessitated extensive infection control measures in long‐term care (LTC) and had a significant impact on staffing and services. Anecdotal reports indicate that this negatively affected LTC residents' quality of care and wellbeing, but there is scarce evidence on the effects of COVID‐19 on quality of dementia care in LTC.

Methods

From December 2020 to March 2021, we conducted a cross‐sectional online survey among staff who worked in LTC homes in Ontario, Canada. Survey questions examined staffs' perceptions of the impact of COVID‐19 on dementia quality of care during the initial wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (beginning 1 March 2020).

Results

There were a total of 227 survey respondents; more than half reported both worsened overall quality of care (51.3%) and worsening of a majority of specific quality of care measures (55.5%). Measures of cognitive functioning, mobility and behavioural symptoms were most frequently described as worsened. Medical and allied/support staff had the highest odds of reporting overall worsened quality of care, while specialized behavioural care staff and those with more experience in LTC were less likely to. LTC home factors including rural location and smaller size, staffing challenges, higher number of outbreaks and less COVID‐19 preparedness were associated with increased odds of perceived worsening of quality of dementia care outcomes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions and related effects such as inadequate staffing may have contributed to poor quality of care and outcomes for those with dementia in LTC.
New Findings on Unconsented Intimate Exams Suggest Racial Bias and Gender Parity
Authors: Bruce Lori , Hannikainen Ivar R. , Earp Brian D.
Published: April 2022

Testimony from hundreds of medical students and numerous physicians and scholars suggests that unconsented intimate exams (UIEs) are unlikely to be rare, isolated incidents. However, much is unknown about the frequency of these exams and the circumstances in which they take place. The Community Bioethics Forum, founded and chaired by one of the authors of this commentary, is a consultative group of diverse community members who provide insights on law and policy to policy‐makers and medical associations. Connecticut legislators asked the CBF to provide their views on proposed “explicit consent” legislation, and during those discussions, concerning narratives emerged about members’ (and their loved ones’) personal experiences with UIEs.

To gain greater clarity on the demographic patterns and frequency of UIEs, we conducted the first national survey on UIEs. Data from this survey suggest that UIEs may occur under a broader range of circumstances than addressed by most law and policy. The survey resulted in nearly the exact same rate of affirmative responses between males and females in answer to whether they had received a UIE within the past five years. The survey results also showed evidence of racial disparity. Additional research is needed to understand the nature of UIEs.
BeforeThe Birth of Bioethics: James M. Gustafson at Yale
Authors: Shulman Kaiulani S. , Fins Joseph J.
Published: April 2022

In the 1960s, tucked away at Yale Divinity School, there was a remarkable confluence of bioethics scholars under the tutelage of James M. Gustafson. His students were Jim Childress, Albert R. Jonsen, Tom Beauchamp, LeRoy Walters, Jim Drane, and Stanley Hauerwas, among others. Jonsen later recalled, “That little group was really the beginning of scholarly bioethics.” Yet despite Gustafson’s influence on the founding generation of bioethics scholars and his prominence as a leading mid‐century Christian theologian, his legacy in bioethics is unsecured. This is an unfortunate omission, as Gustafson’s contributions to bioethics were not limited to the classroom. In 1969, he brought Paul Ramsey to Yale to deliver the Lyman Beecher Lectures, a collection of talks that would coalesce into Ramsey’sThe Patient as Person.Gustafson also advised Daniel Callahan as Callahan and Willard Gaylin founded The Hastings Center, on whose founding board of directors Gustafson later served. Through archival research and interviews with Gustafson’s former students and colleagues, we recount his biography, consider his pedagogy, and examine the theological pragmatism that informed his engagement with his students and his intellectual commitments before the birth of bioethics. By reviewing Gustafson’s contributions to the nascent field of bioethics, we seek to understand why his legacy has been forgotten and to introduce him to a new generation of bioethics scholars.
Industry Technicians Embedded in Clinical Teams: Impacts on Medical Knowledge
Authors: Howard Mark , Hutchinson Katrina
Published: April 2022

Advances in implantable medical devices have increased the role for industry‐employed allied professionals (IEAPs) in providing training and support during surgical procedures and follow‐up care. The effect of these changes on the organization of medical knowledge and the sharing of information remains largely unexplored. Recent work in social epistemology and the conceptualizing of implantable medical device companies as part of a knowledge‐based industry provide a framework for engaging with this issue. In this article, we argue that the insertion of industry technicians into hospitals diminishes epistemically valuable knowledge‐sharing practices. This is in part a result of health care professionals’ increased dependence on IEAPs, who control access to knowledge about devices, limiting opportunities both for independent learning and for dialogic education practices through which participants work toward a common goal. Ultimately, we claim that overdependence on the IEAP as expert undermines a basic social value regarding knowledge sharing for everyone’s benefit.
Representative‐negotiated i‐deals for people with disabilities
Authors: Ho Jennifer A. , Bonaccio Silvia , Connelly Catherine E. , Gellatly Ian R.
Published: April 2022

Although substantial research has been devoted to describing the challenges people with disabilities face in the workplace, much less attention has been focused on the processes that can bring about change. This article explores a proactive process, representative‐negotiated idiosyncratic work arrangements (i‐deals), that can create the conditions for long‐term employment for people with disabilities. Specifically, we explored the factors associated with the development and success of representative‐negotiated i‐deals for people with disabilities. Using focus groups and interviews with employers and job developers, we identified nine factors and two prevailing conditions that explain the contexts in which representative‐negotiated i‐deals will be successful. In doing so, we identified the negotiation stage during which these factors and prevailing conditions influence the i‐deals negotiation process. Representative‐negotiated i‐deals offer insights into how employees with disabilities can find more meaningful work. Together, these findings underscore how the representative i‐deals negotiation process is only viable if the facilitating factors are present and supported, while the absence of these factors can hinder and lead to failure.
Metabolic Switch Under Glucose Deprivation Leading to Discovery of NR2F1 as a Stimulus of Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Lee Eugene , Park Seo-Young , Moon Jae-Yeon , Ko Ji-Yun , Kim Tae Kyung , Im Gun-Il
Published: April 2022

Poor survival of grafted cells is the major impediment of successful cell-based therapies for bone regeneration. Implanted cells undergo rapid death in an ischemic environment largely because of hypoxia and metabolic stress from glucose deficiency. Understanding the intracellular metabolic processes and finding genes that can improve cell survival in these inhospitable conditions are necessary to enhance the success of cell therapies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate changes of metabolic profile in glucose-deprived human bone marrow stromal/stem cells (hBMSCs) through metabolomics analysis and discover genes that could promote cell survival and osteogenic differentiation in a glucose-deprived microenvironment. Metabolomics analysis was performed to determine metabolic changes in a glucose stress metabolic model. In the absence of glucose, expression levels of all metabolites involved in glycolysis were significantly decreased than those in a glucose-supplemented state. In glucose-deprived osteogenic differentiation, reliance on tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA)-predicted oxidative phosphorylation instead of glycolysis as the main mechanism for energy production in osteogenic induction. By comparing differentially expressed genes between glucose-deprived and glucose-supplemented hBMSCs, NR2F1 (Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F Member 1) gene was discovered to be associated with enhanced survival and osteogenic differentiation in cells under metabolic stress. Small, interfering RNA (siRNA) for NR2F1 reduced cell viability and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs under glucose-supplemented conditions whereas NR2F1 overexpression enhanced osteogenic differentiation and cell survival of hBMSCs in glucose-deprived osteogenic conditions via the protein kinase B (AKT)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. NR2F1-transfected hBMSCs significantly enhanced new bone formation in a critical size long-bone defect of rats compared with control vector-transfected hBMSCs. In conclusion, the results of this study provide an understanding of the metabolic profile of implanted cells in an ischemic microenvironment and demonstrate that NR2F1 treatment may overcome this deprivation by enhancing AKT and ERK regulation. These findings can be utilized in regenerative medicine for bone regeneration. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Ultrasonic multimodality imaging features and the classification value of nonpuerperal mastitis
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Yao Minghua , Li Xin , Shao Sihui , Chen Jing , Li Gang , Jia Chao , Wu Rong
Published: April 2022

Objective

To explore the value of ultrasonic multimodality imaging for characterizing nonpuerperal mastitis (NPM) lesions and feasibility of distinguishing different subtypes.

Methods

Thirty‐eight NPM lesions were assessed using conventional ultrasonography (US), strain elastography (SE), and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The lesions were confirmed pathologically and classified as granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM), plasma cell mastitis (PCM), or nonspecific mastitis (NSM). Furthermore, diagnostic indicators were evaluated. The diagnostic performances of the modalities were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The overall morphological features on US differed significantly between the GLM and PCM groups (p = 0.002). Lesion size (≤10 mm) (p = 0.003) and mean SE score (p = 0.001) differed significantly between the PCM and NSM groups. The frequent NPM characteristic on CEUS was hyperenhancement with (or without) increased lesion size; intergroup differences were not significant. Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System > 3 was considered to indicate malignancy; accordingly, the accuracy of US alone, US with CEUS, and US with SE was 10.5%, 21.1%, and 65.8%, respectively. Moreover, the AUC for US with SE for classifying GLM and PCM was 0.616.

Conclusion

CEUS cannot accurately classify NPM subtypes, while US and SE are valuable for classification.
Light and scanning electron microscopy observations on morphological diversity of Rosaceae stigma and its taxonomic significance
Authors: Ren Simin , Lu Xiaojian , Hu Ziming , Liu Jiaxi
Published: April 2022

The stigma morphology can provide a reference for exploring plant systematics and pollination biology. In this study, we observed the stigma morphological characteristics of Rosaceae in Beijing urban area in detail using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The stigma of Rosaceae is entire or bilobed and mostly baculate, crateriform, cristate, discoid, or flattened. The stigma surface may have irregular, strongly raised ridges; or flat without papillae; or composed of densely or loosely arranged papillary cells. Surface ornamentation includes fossulate, psilate, psilate‐striate, rugulate, scabrate, striate, and striate‐rugulate. There are similarities in stigma morphology among genera and differences in stigma morphology among species within genera. The stigma shape supports the view of molecular systematic classification, that is, the former subfamilies Maloideae, Prunoideae, and Spiraeoideae are grouped into subfamily Amygdaloideae.

Research Highlights

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to provide high‐quality figures for observing stigma morphology.

The data on the morphological diversity of stigma were provided to further explore the systematics and pollination biology of Rosaceae.