bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ribosome Decision Graphs for the Representation of Eukaryotic RNA Translation Complexity
Authors: Tierney Jack A. S. , Świrski Michał , Tjeldnes Håkon , Mudge Jonathan M. , Kufel Joanna , Whiffin Nicola , Valen Eivind , Baranov Pavel V.
Published: November 2023

The application of ribosome profiling has revealed an unexpected abundance of translation in addition to that responsible for the synthesis of previously annotated protein-coding regions. Multiple short sequences have been found to be translated within single RNA molecules, both within annotated protein-coding and non-coding regions. The biological significance of this translation is a matter of intensive investigation. However, current schematic or annotation-based representations of mRNA translation generally do not account for the apparent multitude of translated regions within the same molecules. They also do not take into account the stochasticity of the process that allows alternative translations of the same RNA molecules by different ribosomes. There is a need for formal representations of mRNA complexity that would enable the analysis of quantitative information on translation and more accurate models for predicting the phenotypic effects of genetic variants affecting translation. To address this, we developed a conceptually novel abstraction that we term Ribosome Decision Graphs (RDGs). RDGs represent translation as multiple ribosome paths through untranslated and translated mRNA segments. We termed the later ‘translons’. Non-deterministic events, such as initiation, re-initiation, selenocysteine insertion or ribosomal frameshifting are then represented as branching points. This representation allows for an adequate representation of eukaryotic translation complexity and focuses on locations critical for translation regulation. We show how RDGs can be used for depicting translated regions, analysis of genetic variation and quantitative genome-wide data on translation for characterisation of regulatory modulators of translation.
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86 is attenuated in hamsters
Authors: Herder Vanessa , Mendonca Diogo Correa , Upfold Nicole , Furnon Wilhelm , Kerr Karen , Ilia Georgios , Allan Jay , Sigal Alex , Patel Arvind H. , Palmarini Massimo
Published: November 2023

SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to risk-assess newly emerged variants in near “real-time” to estimate their potential threat to public health. The recently emerged Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86 raised concerns as it carries a high number of mutations compared to its predecessors. Here, we assessed the virulence of BA.2.86 in hamsters. We compared the pathogenesis of BA.2.86 and BA.2.75, as the latter is one of the most virulent Omicron sub-variants in this animal model. Using digital pathology pipelines, we quantified the extent of pulmonary lesions measuring T cell and macrophage infiltrates, in addition to alveolar epithelial hyperplasia. We also assessed body weight loss, clinical symptoms, virus load in oropharyngeal swabs, and virus replication in the respiratory tract. Our data show that BA.2.86 displays an attenuated phenotype in hamsters, suggesting that it poses no greater risk to public health than its parental Omicron sub-variants.

Article summary line

The newly emerged Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86 is attenuated in hamsters.
Non-muscle myosin II regulates presynaptic actin assemblies and neuronal mechanobiology inDrosophila
Authors: Ermanoska Biljana , Baets Jonathan , Rodal Avital A.
Published: November 2023

Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are evolutionarily ancient, specialized contacts between neurons and muscles. They endure mechanical strain from muscle contractions throughout life, but cellular mechanisms for managing this stress remain unclear. Here we identify a novel actomyosin structure atDrosophilalarval NMJs, consisting of a long-lived, low-turnover presynaptic actin core that co-localizes with non-muscle myosin II (NMII). This core is likely to have contractile properties, as manipulating neuronal NMII levels or activity disrupts its organization. Intriguingly, depleting neuronal NMII triggered changes in postsynaptic muscle NMII levels and organization near synapses, suggesting transsynaptic propagation of actomyosin rearrangements. We also found reduced levels of Integrin adhesion receptors both pre- and postsynaptically upon NMII knockdown, indicating disrupted neuron-muscle connections. Mechanical severing of axons caused similar actin core fragmentation and Integrin loss to NMII depletion, suggesting this structure responds to tension. Our findings reveal a presynaptic actomyosin assembly that maintains mechanical continuity between neurons and muscle, possibly facilitating mechanotransduction at the NMJ via Integrin-mediated adhesion.
Sleep disturbance as a precursor to anxiety, depression, and PTSD among rural Kenyans: a cross-lagged panel analysis from a rural Kenyan interventional cohort
Authors: Goodman Michael L. , Lee Miryoung , Springer Andrew , Schick Vanessa , Vaughan Elizabeth , Markham Christine , Gitari Stanley , Mukiri Fridah
Published: November 2023

Sleep quality is essential to biopsychosocial functioning, yet there remains limited longitudinal research on sleep and mental or social well-being within low- or middle-income countries. This study utilizes longitudinal cohort data from a community-based empowerment program in Meru County, Kenya to assess cross-lagged correlations between sleep disturbance, social support, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress,

Participants (n=373; 92% women; age range 18-86 years) who reported more sleep disturbance at T1 reported significantly more symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD, and significantly less social support at T2 (average 11 weeks later), controlling for all within-time correlations across measures, within-measure correlations across time, and sociodemographic background characteristics.

Findings are consistent with research across high-income countries, underscoring the need for more contextualized research into sleep behaviors across low- and middle-income countries. Findings may inform interventions to increase mental and social well-being within Kenya.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms of the Onset, Development, and Disappearance Phases of Skin Eruptions in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Seirin-Lee Sungrim , Takahagi Shunsuke , Hide Michihiro
Published: November 2023

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a typical example of an intractable skin disease with no clear cause and significantly affects daily life of patients. Because CSU is a human-specific disease and lacks proper animal model, there are many questions regarding its pathophysiological dynamics. On the other hand, most clinical symptoms of urticaria are notable as dynamic appearance of skin eruptions (wheals). In this study, we explored dynamics of wheal by dividing it into three phases using a mathematical model: onset, development, and disappearance. Our results suggest that CSU onset is critically associated with endovascular dynamics triggered by basophils positive feedback. In contrast, the development phase is regulated by mast cell dynamics via vascular gap formation. We also suggest a disappearance mechanism of skin eruptions in CSU through an extension of the mathematical model using qualitative and quantitative comparisons of wheal expansion data of real patients with urticaria. Our results suggest that the wheal dynamics of the three phases and CSU development are hierarchically related to endovascular and extravascular pathophysiological networks.
Recreating the Biological Steps of Viral Infection on a Bioelectronic Platform to Profile Viral Variants of Concern
Authors: Chao Zhongmou , Selivanovitch Ekaterina , Kallitsis Konstantinos , Lu Zixuan , Pachaury Ambika , Owens Róisín , Daniel Susan
Published: November 2023

Viral mutation rates frequently outpace the development of technologies used to detect and identify harmful variants; for SARS Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), these are called variants of concern (VOC). Given the continual emergence of VOC, there is a critical need to develop platforms that can identify the presence of a virus and readily identify its propensity for infection. We present an electronic biomembrane sensing platform that recreates the multifaceted and sequential biological cues that give rise to distinct SARS-CoV-2 virus host cell entry pathways and reports the progression of entry steps of these pathways as electrical signals. Within these electrical signals, two necessary entry processes mediated by the viral Spike protein, virus binding and membrane fusion, can be distinguished. Remarkably, we find that closely related VOC exhibit distinct fusion signatures that correlate with trends reported in cell-based infectivity assays, allowing us to report quantitative differences in fusion characteristics among them that inform their infectivity potentials. This cell-free biomimetic infection platform also has a virus-free option that equally reports infectivity potential of the Spike proteins. We used SARS-CoV-2 as our prototype, but we anticipate that this platform will extend to other enveloped viruses and cell lines to quantifiably explore virus/host interactions. This advance should aid in faster determination of entry characteristics and fusogenicities of future VOC, necessary for rapid response.
Pre-processing of paleogenomes: Mitigating reference bias and postmortem damage in ancient genome data
Authors: Koptekin Dilek , Yapar Etka , Vural Kıvılcım Başak , Sağlıcan Ekin , Altınışık N. Ezgi , Malaspinas Anna-Sapfo , Alkan Can , Somel Mehmet
Published: November 2023

Ancient DNA analysis is subject to various technical challenges, including bias towards the reference allele (“reference bias”), postmortem damage (PMD) that confounds real variants, and limited coverage. Here, we conduct a systematic comparison of alternative approaches against reference bias and against PMD. To reduce reference bias, we either (a) mask variable sites before alignment or (b) align the data to a graph genome representing all variable sites. Compared to alignment to the linear reference genome, both masking and graph alignment effectively remove allelic bias when using simulated or real ancient human genome data, but only if sequencing data is available in FASTQ or unfiltered BAM format. Reference bias remains indelible in quality-filtered BAM files and in 1240K-capture data. We next study three approaches to overcome postmortem damage: (a) trimming, (b) rescaling base qualities, and (c) a new algorithm we present here,bamRefine, which masks only PMD-vulnerable polymorphic sites. We find that bamRefine is optimal in increasing the number of genotyped loci up to 20% compared to trimming and in improving accuracy compared to rescaling. We propose graph alignment coupled with bamRefine to minimise data loss and bias. We also urge the paleogenomics community to publish FASTQ files.
Molecular and Cellular Context Influences SCN8A Variant Function
Authors: Vanoye Carlos G. , Abramova Tatiana V. , DeKeyser Jean-Marc , Ghabra Nora F. , Oudin Madeleine J. , Burge Christopher B. , Helbig Ingo , Thompson Christopher H. , George Alfred L.
Published: November 2023

Pathogenic variants inSCN8A, which encodes the voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel NaV1.6, are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including epileptic encephalopathy. Previous approaches to determineSCN8Avariant function may be confounded by the use of a neonatal-expressed alternatively spliced isoform of NaV1.6 (NaV1.6N), and engineered mutations to render the channel tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistant. In this study, we investigated the impact ofSCN8Aalternative splicing on variant function by comparing the functional attributes of 15 variants expressed in two developmentally regulated splice isoforms (NaV1.6N, NaV1.6A). We employed automated patch clamp recording to enhance throughput, and developed a novel neuronal cell line (ND7/LoNav) with low levels of endogenous NaVcurrent to obviate the need for TTX-resistance mutations. Expression of NaV1.6N or NaV1.6A in ND7/LoNav cells generated NaVcurrents that differed significantly in voltage-dependence of activation and inactivation. TTX-resistant versions of both isoforms exhibited significant functional differences compared to the corresponding wild-type (WT) channels. We demonstrated that many of the 15 disease-associated variants studied exhibited isoform-dependent functional effects, and that many of the studiedSCN8Avariants exhibited functional properties that were not easily classified as either gain- or loss-of-function. Our work illustrates the value of considering molecular and cellular context when investigatingSCN8Avariants.
Multivariate links between the developmental timing of adversity exposure and white matter tract integrity in adulthood
Authors: Sisk Lucinda M. , Keding Taylor J. , Cohodes Emily M. , McCauley Sarah , Pierre Jasmyne C. , Odriozola Paola , Kribakaran Sahana , Haberman Jason T. , Zacharek Sadie J. , Hodges H. R. , Caballero Camila , Gold Gillian , Huang Audrey Y. , Talton Ashley , Gee Dylan G.
Published: November 2023

Early-life adversity is pervasive worldwide and represents a potent risk factor for increased mental health burden across the lifespan. However, there is substantial individual heterogeneity in associations between adversity exposure, neurobiological changes, and mental health problems. Accounting for key features of adversity such as the developmental timing of exposure may clarify associations between adversity, neurodevelopment, and mental health. The present study leverages sparse canonical correlation analysis to characterize modes of covariation between age of adversity exposure and the integrity of white matter tracts throughout the brain in a sample of 107 adults. We find that adversity exposure during middle childhood (ages 5-6 and 8-9 in particular) is consistently linked with alterations in white matter tract integrity, such that tracts supporting sensorimotor functions display higher integrity in relation to adversity exposure while tracts supporting cortico-cortical communication display lower integrity. Further, latent patterns of tract integrity linked with adversity experienced across preschool age and middle childhood (ages 4-9) were associated with trauma-related symptoms in adulthood. Our findings underscore that adversity exposure may differentially affect white matter in a function- and developmental-timing specific manner and suggest that adversity experienced between ages 4-9 may shape the development of global white matter tracts in ways that are relevant for adult mental health.
Conserved 5-methyluridine tRNA modification modulates ribosome translocation
Authors: Jones Joshua D. , Franco Monika K. , Tardu Mehmet , Smith Tyler J. , Snyder Laura R. , Eyler Daniel E. , Polikanov Yury , Kennedy Robert T. , Niederer Rachel O. , Koutmou Kristin S.
Published: November 2023

While the centrality of post-transcriptional modifications to RNA biology has long been acknowledged, the function of the vast majority of modified sites remains to be discovered. Illustrative of this, there is not yet a discrete biological role assigned for one the most highly conserved modifications, 5-methyluridine at position 54 in tRNAs (m5U54). Here, we uncover contributions of m5U54 to both tRNA maturation and protein synthesis. Our mass spectrometry analyses demonstrate that cells lacking the enzyme that installs m5U in the T-loop (TrmA inE. coli, Trm2 inS. cerevisiae) exhibit altered tRNA modifications patterns. Furthermore, m5U54 deficient tRNAs are desensitized to small molecules that prevent translocationin vitro.This finding is consistent with our observations that, relative to wild-type cells,trm2Δ cell growth and transcriptome-wide gene expression are less perturbed by translocation inhibitors. Together our data suggest a model in which m5U54 acts as an important modulator of tRNA maturation and translocation of the ribosome during protein synthesis.
Genetically stable kill-switch using “demon and angel” expression construct of essential genes
Authors: Kato Yusuke , Mori Hirotada
Published: November 2023

Genetic instability of synthetic genetic devices is a key obstacle for practical use. This problem is particularly critical in kill-switches for conditional host killing. Here, we propose a genetically stable kill-switch based on a “demon and angel” expression construct of a toxic essential gene. The kill-switch conditionally overexpresses the toxic essential gene. Additionally, the identical essential gene is deleted in the genome. The essential gene is expressed at a low level to maintain host survival in the OFF state and kills the host by the overexpression in the ON state. The single expression construct is responsible for both killing the hosts and maintaining viability, reducing the emergence of loss-of-function mutants. We constructed the kill-switch using the toxic essential gene encoding tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase,tyrS, inEscherichia coli. The bacteria harboring the kill-switch were conditionally suicidal over 300 generations. Toxic overexpression of essential genes has also been found in other organisms, suggesting that the “demon and angel” kill switch is scalable to various organisms.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Maximal independence and symmetry in crystal chemistry of natural tectosilicates
Authors: Moreira de Oliveira Jr Montauban , Eon Jean-Guillaume
Published: November 2023

Löwenstein's avoidance rule in aluminosilicates is reinterpreted on the basis of the fourth Pauling rule. It is shown that avoidance of Si–O–Si bridges may account for avoidance of Al–O–Al bridges. In view of this interpretation, it is proposed that the most favourable distributions of cations entering in substitution of silicon in the framework are associated to maximal independent sets of the respective 3-periodic nets. Among all possible solutions, only those with maximal symmetry are realized. The applicability of the concept is demonstrated for a few natural tectosilicates, which have been analysed through the prism of their labelled quotient graph.
What affects consumers' choice behaviour towards organic food restaurants? By applying organic food consumption value model
Authors: Ray Arghya , Das Biswadip , She Long
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Although there is a rising demand for organic food restaurants (OFRs), limited studies have attempted at understanding the drivers of customers' intention to visit OFRs. There is also a need to examine customers' choice behaviour in the context of OFRs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has assessed the effect of consumption values (functional, emotional, epistemic, conditional, quality and social) on the intention to visit OFRs by utilizing 1863 online customer reviews about different Indian OFRs (Study 1) and 205 survey-based responses of Indian customers (Study 2).

Findings

Findings show an overall positive sentiment towards OFRs. Results of Study 1 and Study 2 reveal that functional, quality, social and emotional values have a significant impact on customers' OFR visit intention. Interestingly, Study 2 found that epistemic values have an insignificant impact on customers' visit intention.

Practical implications

Study findings suggest that the OFR management need to provide a better ambience, and good quality organic food in OFRs. Additionally, managers of OFRs can train their staff to be well mannered, cooperative and sincere.

Originality/value

The study on OFRs is still in its nascent stage. The findings of this study will thus provide academicians and policy makers an idea of the consumption values that affect customers' intention to visit OFRs.
Mass development of aquatic plants: Effects of contrasting management scenarios on a suite of ecosystem services
Authors: Vermaat Jan E. , Thiemer Kirstine , Immerzeel Bart , Schneider Susanne C. , Sebola Keneilwe , Coetzee Julie , Petruzzella Antonella , Motitsoe Samuel N. , Baldo Mathieu , Misteli Benjamin , Thiébaut Gabrielle , Hilt Sabine , Köhler Jan , Harpenslager Sarah F.
Published: November 2023

Dense beds of aquatic plants are often perceived as nuisance and therefore mechanically removed, often at substantial cost. Such removal, however, may affect a range of ecosystem functions and consequently also the ecosystem services that benefit society.

We studied five cases: River Otra (Norway), River Spree (Germany), Lake Kemnade (Germany), Lake Grand‐Lieu (France) and Hartbeespoort Dam (South Africa). In all, nuisance aquatic plant growth is managed, but dominant species, geographic setting and major societal uses are different. We quantified 12 final ecosystem services as flows per area and year in biophysical and monetary terms. Quantified services were food and fodder production, commercial fisheries, hunting and gathering wild products, hydropower production, drinking and irrigation water production, flood prevention, carbon sequestration, active and passive recreation and biodiversity conservation (nonuse).

These services were related to aquatic plant cover via a range of ecosystem functions, and the effects were estimated of three plant removal regimes on the relative importance of the quantified ecosystem services and on the total sum of the monetary estimates (total economic value, TEV). The three removal regimes were ‘maximum removal’, ‘current practice’ and ‘do nothing’.

In all five cases, TEV was dominated by different forms of recreation. TEV was highest for Lake Kemnade, where visitor densities were highest. TEV was most sensitive to the different management regimes in Lake Kemnade, because a threshold in aesthetic appreciation was passed in the ‘do‐nothing’ regime, and in Hartbeespoort Dam, because of the effect on boating and angling. In the other cases, the different removal regimes had little effect on the estimated TEV.

Synthesis and applications. Since recreation dominated the estimated societal benefits in the studied ecosystems, also where provision of hydropower, drinking water or irrigation water were relevant, effects on recreation should be a core consideration in the management of nuisance aquatic plants. Furthermore, aquatic plant management strategies will benefit from taking into account the differences in perceived nuisance among different categories of recreative users before engaging in costly removal.
Early‐life impairments, chronic health conditions, and income mobility
Authors: Gugushvili Alexi , Dokken Therese , Grue Jan , Finnvold Jon Erik
Published: November 2023

Individuals who have congenital conditions or become disabled early in life tend to have poorer educational and occupational outcomes than non‐disabled individuals. Disability is known to be a complex entity with multiple causations, involving, inter alia, physiological, social, economic, and cultural factors. It is established that social factors can influence educational and occupational attainment for disabled people, and current disability policy in many countries, particularly in the Global North, stress the importance of equality of opportunity. However, there is a scarcity of research that explores the specific degrees to which advanced welfare states contribute to the equalization of life chances for individuals with early‐life impairments and chronic health conditions. In this study, we use a Norwegian sample of high‐quality register data on individuals with vision loss, hearing loss, physical impairment, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and Down syndrome diagnosed early in life and compare their intergenerational income mobility trajectories with a random sample drawn from the country's entire population. We find that individuals' early‐life diagnoses are linked to significantly worse income outcomes in adulthood than what is observed among the general population. We conclude that even in one of the most advanced egalitarian welfare states, such as Norway, much remains to be done to equalize life chances for individuals with early‐life impairments and chronic health conditions.
Sleeve gastrectomy with one anastomosis bipartition versus one anastomosis gastric bypass: A pilot study
Authors: Qin Xiaoguang , Mao Zhongqi , Lee Wei‐Jei , Zhang Min , Chen Shu‐Chun , Chen Jung‐Chien , Wu Guoqiang , Zhou Xiaoqing , Wei Tiantian , Huang Yan
Published: November 2023

Background

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a new recognized metabolic surgery, but the problem that we cannot screen the excluded stomach is a troubling issue in China. The emergence of sleeve gastrectomy plus one anastomosis bipartition (SG + OAB) makes us see a hope to solve this problem.

Objectives

By comparing the efficacy of the two surgical methods, to evaluate whether SG + OAB surgery can solve the dilemma faced by OAGB that the excluded stomach cannot be screened.

Methods

A retrospective study to compare the patients who underwent OAGB and SG + OAB was conducted. The main outcome measures were (1) operation risk, (2) weight loss, and (3) diabetes remission at 6 months.

Results

This study was conducted in the bariatric/metabolic surgical center. From November 2021 to February 2022, a total of 30 patients with obesity who received SG + OAB surgery were recruited. Another matched 60 patients undergoing OAGB were recruited as control group. There was no difference in preoperative age (32.15 ± 9.02 vs. 34.47 ± 7.22; p = .224), female ratio (83% vs. 85%; p = .837), and BMI (36.18 ± 5.30 vs. 34.68 ± 5.58; p = .217) between the two groups. OAGB had a shorter mean operation time (121.67 ± 20.41 vs. 143.50 ± 25.07 min; p < .001) and a lower intraoperative blood loss (21.92 ± 12.35 vs. 32.43 ± 22.01 mL; p = .005), but a longer postoperative flatus passage (2.13 ± 0.43 vs. 1.87 ± 0.43 days; p = .007) compared with the SG + OAB group. Two patients (6.7%) developed major surgical complication in SG + OAB group but no major complication developed in OAGB group. At 6 months after surgery, SG + OAB had a higher %total weight loss than OAGB (31.05 ± 3.12 vs. 28.14 ± 5.43%; p = .015), but diabetes remission rate was similarly high in both groups.

Conclusions

SG + OAB operation had a non‐inferior or even better weight loss than OAGB, with a similar glycemic control efficacy. However, the high complication rate of SG + OAB is the major drawback that needs attention.
Antitumor and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from the seaweed Durvillaea antarctica
Authors: Roberto T. Abdala Díaz , Virginia Casas‐Arrojo , Ángeles Arrojo‐Agudo María , Casimiro Cárdenas García , Claudia Pérez Manríquez , Eduardo Uribe , Félix Álvarez‐Gómez , Nathalie Korbee , Félix L. Figueroa , Sergey Dobretsov
Published: November 2023

The present study was carried out to determine the antitumor and antioxidant activities of the seaweed Durvillaea antarctica. Extraction and purification of polysaccharides from D. antarctica were performed. They were characterized by FT‐IR and GC–MS, identifying isomers of arabinose, fucose, mannose, and galactose. The antioxidant capacity of polysaccharides was analyzed using the ABTS method (14.3 ± 0.5 μmol TE g−1 PS) and the DPPH method (21.82 ± 0.32 μmol TE g−1 PS). The antitumor capacity of polysaccharides was studied by MTT colorimetric assays in human leukemia, colon, breast, and lung cancer cell lines, obtaining the lowest IC50 in colon cancer (19.99 μg mL−1). In the line of healthy human gingival fibroblasts (HGF‐1), an IC50 of 444.39 μg mL−1 was obtained. Flow cytometry in the HL60 cell line showed that polysaccharides at concentrations higher than IC50 inhibited cell proliferation, demonstrating a possible antitumor capacity in vitro. In the proteomic analysis with HGF‐1, nine proteins involved in different biological processes were identified. In conclusion, polysaccharides from D. antarctica could be considered powerful nutraceuticals, mainly against colon cancer.
Cyber victimization with increasing digitization during the COVID‐19 pandemic and coping strategies used by adolescents
Authors: Hendekci Ayla , Albayrak Eda , Şimşek Nuray
Published: November 2023

Pandemics, a current and important public health problem, can increase the risk of cyberbullying. Especially in adolescence, knowledge about coping with this type of victimization is limited. This study aimed to reveal the cyberbullying victimization experiences of adolescents with the increased digitalization during the pandemic and the coping strategies they employed. The study is a descriptive and cross‐sectional study. The research sample consists of adolescents (n = 344). The data were collected online using Personal Information Form, Cyber Victim Scale, and Coping with Cyberbullying Scale. The mean Cyber Victim Scale score of the adolescents was 21.97 ± 5.83, and the mean Coping with Cyberbullying Scale score was 63.33 ± 9.06. It was found that the increase in the frequency of Internet use, the change in the purpose of Internet use during the pandemic, and the sharing of the negative experiences with others negatively affect cyber victimization (p < 0.05). In today's world where digitalization is increasing, it is recommended to provide interdisciplinary trainings to adolescents, to include families in various trainings with school–family cooperation, and to receive support from nurses in this process.
Polyethylene terephthalate cap‐based bioreactors for combined domestic and dye wastewater treatment
Authors: Radeef Ahmed Y. , Mohammed Alwalid K. , Salih Ali B. , Najim Aya A.
Published: November 2023

In the current study, a sequencing batch reactor (SBR), a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) and a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) were designed and used to treat actual samples of combined domestic and dye (Congo red) wastewaters over a 10‐hour cycle. A new application of reusing plastic bottle caps in the SBBR and MBBR was examined. In the SBR, maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of up to 66% ± 3% was achieved after nine cycles of operation. In the SBBR, a rapid increase in COD removal efficiency was observed during the first cycle, with a noticeable improvement in performance in subsequent cycles, eventually reaching a maximum COD removal efficiency of 77% ± 3%. In the MBBR, maximum COD removal of up to 88% ± 3% was achieved after nine cycles of operation. The biodegradation occurred during two phases in the SBR and SBBR, as an anaerobic phase in the first 2 hours and then as an aerobic phase in the last 8 hours of operation; the MBBR operated in the fully saturated aerobic phase for 10 hours. Of the three reactors used, results for the MBBR in the fully aerobic condition by using polyethylene terephthalate caps as a biocarrier, demonstrated the optimum conditions under which to treat and biodegrade Congo red at all concentration in each cycle. The maximum removal efficiency, which equalled 99% ± 1%, was recorded at an optimal concentration of 50 mg/L. Additionally, five kinetic models were proposed to assess microbial growth activity, and the results demonstrated the elimination of toxic effects when using polyethylene terephthalate caps as biocarriers in the MBBR. The laboratory experiments were consistent with the Monod model.
Endoscopist‐related factors affecting adenoma detection during colonoscopy: Data from the J‐SCOUT study
Authors: Kawamura Takuji , Sekiguchi Masau , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Mizuguchi Yasuhiko , Horiguchi Go , Toyoizumi Hirobumi , Kato Masayuki , Kobayashi Kiyonori , Sada Miwa , Oda Yasushi , Yokoyama Akira , Utsumi Takahiro , Tsuji Yosuke , Ohki Daisuke , Takeuchi Yoji , Shichijo Satoki , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Matsuda Koji , Teramukai Satoshi , Kobayashi Nozomu , Matsuda Takahisa , Saito Yutaka , Tanaka Kiyohito
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Colonoscopy withdrawal times are associated with the adenoma detection rate (ADR). However, the relationship between ADR and cecal insertion time has been inadequately characterized. We aimed to evaluate endoscopist‐related factors involved in the ADR, including the average individual colonoscopy insertion and withdrawal times.

Methods

This observational study used a colonoscopy database with pathology data from routine clinical practice in Japanese institutions. The odds ratios (OR) of endoscopist‐related factors related to ADRs were examined using a generalized linear mixed model.

Results

Of the 186,293 colonoscopies performed during the study period, 47,705 colonoscopies by 189 endoscopists in four hospitals were analyzed for ADR. The overall ADR was 38.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 37.8, 38.7). Compared to endoscopists with mean cecal insertion times of <5 min, the OR of ADR for those with mean cecal insertion times of 5–9, 10–14, and ≥15 min were 0.84 (95% CI 0.71, 0.99), 0.68 (95% CI 0.52, 0.90), and 0.45 (95% CI 0.25, 0.78), respectively. Compared to endoscopists with mean withdrawal times of <6 min, the OR of ADR for those with mean withdrawal times of 6–9, 10–14, and ≥15 min were 1.38 (95% CI 1.03, 1.85), 1.48 (95% CI 1.09, 2.02), and 1.68 (95% CI 1.04, 2.61), respectively. There were no significant differences in ADRs by endoscopist specialty, gender, or the total number of examinations performed.

Conclusion

Individual mean colonoscopy insertion time was associated with ADR and might be considered as a colonoscopy quality indicator as well as withdrawal time.
Deciphering microbiomes dozens of meters under our feet and their edaphoclimatic and spatial drivers
Authors: He Haoran , Zhou Jingxiong , Wang Yunqiang , Jiao Shuo , Qian Xun , Liu Yurong , Liu Ji , Chen Ji , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Brangarí Albert C. , Chen Li , Cui Yongxing , Pan Haibo , Tian Renmao , Liang Yuting , Tan Wenfeng , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Fang Linchuan
Published: November 2023

Microbes inhabiting deep soil layers are known to be different from their counterpart in topsoil yet remain under investigation in terms of their structure, function, and how their diversity is shaped. The microbiome of deep soils (>1 m) is expected to be relatively stable and highly independent from climatic conditions. Much less is known, however, on how these microbial communities vary along climate gradients. Here, we used amplicon sequencing to investigate bacteria, archaea, and fungi along fifteen 18‐m depth profiles at 20–50‐cm intervals across contrasting aridity conditions in semi‐arid forest ecosystems of China's Loess Plateau. Our results showed that bacterial and fungal α diversity and bacterial and archaeal community similarity declined dramatically in topsoil and remained relatively stable in deep soil. Nevertheless, deep soil microbiome still showed the functional potential of N cycling, plant‐derived organic matter degradation, resource exchange, and water coordination. The deep soil microbiome had closer taxa–taxa and bacteria–fungi associations and more influence of dispersal limitation than topsoil microbiome. Geographic distance was more influential in deep soil bacteria and archaea than in topsoil. We further showed that aridity was negatively correlated with deep‐soil archaeal and fungal richness, archaeal community similarity, relative abundance of plant saprotroph, and bacteria–fungi associations, but increased the relative abundance of aerobic ammonia oxidation, manganese oxidation, and arbuscular mycorrhizal in the deep soils. Root depth, complexity, soil volumetric moisture, and clay play bridging roles in the indirect effects of aridity on microbes in deep soils. Our work indicates that, even microbial communities and nutrient cycling in deep soil are susceptible to changes in water availability, with consequences for understanding the sustainability of dryland ecosystems and the whole‐soil in response to aridification. Moreover, we propose that neglecting soil depth may underestimate the role of soil moisture in dryland ecosystems under future climate scenarios.
Make First: Exploring Methods to Deliver Anti‐Racist and Anti‐Ableist Craft Learning
Authors: Dennington Zoe , Goozee Rebecca ,   Crafts Council
Published: November 2023

In 2021 the Crafts Council launched its national education programme, Craft School, alongside the pedagogical framework Make First. Both Craft School and Make First were a culmination of decades of learning, experience, and research from staff at the Crafts Council and are underpinned by anti‐racist and anti‐ableist learning methodologies. Through this we hoped to work towards methodologies for equal and equitable access to craft education, by considering flexible approaches to delivering and participating in craft activities across different key stages. This paper outlines the Make First approach and some indications of its impact on teachers and learners, as well as exploring some of the challenges and areas for further development as we continue to build anti‐racist and anti‐ableist approaches to craft education.
Evaluating the effects of tannic acid on rabbit growth performance, digestibility, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology and caecal fermentation and microbiota
Authors: Yang Kai , Chen Yuxin , Wang Kun , Li Zhenxin , Ji Meinan , Li Fangfang , Han Limei
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with tannic acid (TA) on the growth performance, digestibility, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology and the caecal fermentation and microbiota in rabbits. A total number of 120 Ira rabbits (30 days of age) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatment groups: TA 0 (control), TA 0.75, TA 1.5 and TA 3, administered basal diets with 0, 0.75, 1.5 and 3 g TA/kg of feed for 28 days. Compared to the control group, dietary 3 g TA/kg inclusion decreased the average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the digestibility among the groups (p > 0.05). Serum total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in the 3 g/kg TA group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the concentration of propionic acid and butyric acid in the 3 g/kg TA group. The addition of TA had no effect on villus height and crypt depth of small intestine (p > 0.05). The 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing results showed that at the phylum level, dietary 3 g/kg TA increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes in the caecum of rabbits (p < 0.05). Based on the results, dietary TA is effective in antioxidant capacity of rabbits, improving caecal fermentation and optimizing the caecal microflora. However, the appropriate dosage supplementation of TA in rabbits needs further research.
Acute adrenal necrosis in a young female cat
Authors: Manson Rebecca A. , Hammond Tara N. , Callahan Clark Julie E.
Published: November 2023

Case Description

An 18‐month‐old spayed female domestic short haired cat was presented for poor appetite, lethargy, exaggerated swallowing, and regurgitation 2 weeks after endoscopic retrieval of gastric foreign material.

Clinical Findings

The cat was quiet with tacky mucous membranes on physical examination. Point‐of‐care blood testing identified mild azotemia, moderate hypercalcemia, and a sodium‐to‐potassium ratio of 26. An ultrasound examination the next day identified moderate to marked bilateral adrenomegaly. Cytology of a fine needle aspirate of the adrenal glands was consistent with necrosis and associated inflammation. Hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed by a confirmatory adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test.

Treatment and Outcome

The cat normalized both clinically and biochemically after treatment with prednisolone and desoxycorticosterone pivalate.

Clinical Relevance

Acute adrenal necrosis has been well documented in human medicine after anesthetic events. To our knowledge, hypoadrenocorticism caused by cytologically confirmed acute adrenal necrosis has not been previously reported in dogs and cats.
Bureaucratic professionalization and cabinet management: How civil servants in presidential democracies are treated differently
Authors: Lee Don S.
Published: November 2023

How does bureaucratic structure shape presidential strategy in managing top executive posts? The comparative literature on cabinet formation focuses heavily on presidential legislative strategy, largely overlooking the administrative dimension of cabinet management. This article fills this gap by examining how bureaucratic professionalization shapes the president's strategy in distributing and managing cabinet posts. We argue that as bureaucracies become more autonomous via professionalization, ministers from the bureaucracy are more likely to be central players in presidential cabinet management. Our analysis of original data on 1538 ministers' cabinet careers from 26 presidential administrations in four Asian democracies shows that bureaucrats are more likely to receive and retain cabinet posts in key policy areas as bureaucratic professionalization increases, whereas they are less likely to do so with decreasing bureaucratic professionalization. This finding suggests that presidential cabinet management follows a different set of rules according to the level of bureaucratic professionalization.
Niñas, niños y adolescentes en el posconflicto colombiano: derecho y realidades
Authors: Arango García Linda Karina , Arias María Alexandra , Dávila Mateus Paul , Díaz Quintero Jhon Erik , Gutiérrez Martha Lucía , Macana Gutiérrez Nataly , Mejía-Medina Felipe , Menjura Roldán Ingrith Tatiana , Ortiz Hernández Mateo , Reyes Lili Johana , Reyes Fernández Natalia
Published: November 2023

Niñas, niños y adolescentes en el posconflicto colombiano es el resultado de un conjunto de investigaciones que contribuyen a la construcción de paz y aportan al debate público sobre la importancia de las niñas, niños y adolescentes como sujetos de derechos y miembros de una sociedad reconciliada. El libro desarrolla una mirada analítica, reflexiva, propositiva y crítica de los marcos normativos, de las políticas, de la pedagogía en el posconflicto y de la gestión pública para la reparación integral de los niñas, niños y adolescentes víctimas. Los análisis presentados integran aportes de diferentes disciplinas (la teología, las tic, la pedagogía, las ciencias jurídicas, entre otras) que, unidos a estudios de caso y testimonios de líderes comunitarios sobre infancia y adolescencia, dan una innovadora perspectiva diferencial sobre la construcción de paz, la reconciliación y la reparación integral para superar las asimetrías territoriales.
Chemical vapor deposition of amorphous boron carbide coatings from mixtures of trimethylboron and triethylboron
Authors: Souqui Laurent , Högberg Hans , Pedersen Henrik
Published: November 2023

Amorphous BxC films were deposited from the coreaction of triethylboron (TEB) and trimethylboron (TMB) at 700 °C in H2. We observed that combining both precursors allows us to balance their deposition kinetics and yields higher growth rates. Quantitative analysis by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that a wide range of B/C ratios between 0.7 and 4.1 could be obtained by varying the TEB:TMB ratio. Raman spectroscopy was used to assess the bonding in the films that gradually evolved from a structure similar to that of a-B, to a mixture of half-icosahedra embedded in a carbon matrix to a graphitic structure, as the carbon content increased. The addition of TMB in the gas phase was found to result in a decrease in elasticity and hardness but an improved adhesion, resulting in complex crack patterns upon cleaving, such as sinusoidal cracks and loops. On the one hand, the incorporation of carbon from TMB leads to an increasing contribution of the softer carbon matrix, to the detriment of polyhedral B–C structures, which in turn decreases Young’s modulus and hardness. On the other hand, it suggests that near the film-substrate interface, the presence of the carbon matrix affords a high density of strong carbon-based bonds, resulting in improved adhesion and preventing delamination of the coatings.
The application of dual clumped isotope thermometer (Δ47 and Δ48) to the understanding of dolomite formation
Authors: Lu Chaojin , Swart Peter K.
Published: November 2023

Although several studies have shown the possibility of kinetic isotopic effects during the precipitation of carbonates using the dual clumped isotope proxy (Δ47 and Δ48), this approach has not yet been applied to the study of dolomite. We present Δ47 and Δ48 values of two types of Cenozoic Bahamian dolomites formed by distinctly different mechanisms. One dolomite, present in a core drilled on the island of San Salvador, is believed to have formed from normal seawater in the open system, while the other, taken from the Clino core drilled on the margin of the Great Bahama Bank, was precipitated associated with microbial sulfate reduction in the closed system. The Δ48-derived temperatures of San Salvador dolomites are consistent with their Δ47-temperatures, which are in turn close to the expected value of normal seawater. In contrast, dolomites from Clino show slightly elevated Δ47-derived temperatures (~15 °C higher than the expected) and significantly increased Δ48-temperatures (~145 °C) that are positively correlated with the sulfur isotopes of carbonate associated sulfate, in excess of +30‰. Such an association suggests a non-equilibrium process driven by microbial sulfate reduction, which elevates the alkalinity and depresses the pH of dolomitizing fluids. Notably, the greater amplitude of disequilibrium in Δ48 relative to Δ47 values demonstrates the sensitivity of the Δ48 proxy to kinetic isotope effects in dolomite. Conclusively, this study shows the potential of the dual clumped isotope proxy to identify microbial-mediated dolomitization in modern and ancient records.
Cohort profile: the U-BIRTH study on peripartum depression and child development in Sweden
Authors: Tu Hsing-Fen , Fransson Emma , Kunovac Kallak Theodora , Elofsson Ulf , Ramklint Mia , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The current U-BIRTH cohort (Uppsala Birth Cohort) extends our previous cohort Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition (BASIC), assessing the development of children up to 11 years after birth. The U-BIRTH study aims to (1) assess the impact of exposure to peripartum mental illness on the children’s development taking into account biological and environmental factors during intrauterine life and childhood; (2) identify early predictors of child neurodevelopmental and psychological problems using biophysiological, psychosocial and environmental variables available during pregnancy and early post partum.

Participants

All mothers participating in the previous BASIC cohort are invited, and mother–child dyads recruited in the U-BIRTH study are consecutively invited to questionnaire assessments and biological sampling when the child is 18 months, 6 years and 11 years old. Data collection at 18 months (n=2882) has been completed. Consent for participation has been obtained from 1946 families of children having reached age 6 and from 698 families of children having reached age 11 years.

Findings to date

Based on the complete data from pregnancy to 18 months post partum, peripartum mental health was significantly associated with the development of attentional control and gaze-following behaviours, which are critical to cognitive and social learning later in life. Moreover, infants of depressed mothers had an elevated risk of difficult temperament and behavioural problems compared with infants of non-depressed mothers. Analyses of biological samples showed that peripartum depression and anxiety were related to DNA methylation differences in infants. However, there were no methylation differences in relation to infants’ behavioural problems at 18 months of age.

Future plans

Given that the data collection at 18 months is complete, analyses are now being undertaken. Currently, assessments for children reaching 6 and 11 years are ongoing.