bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking temperature dependence of fitness effects of mutations to thermal niche adaptation
Authors: Chen Nan , Zhang Quan-Guo
Published: September 2023

Fitness effects of mutations may generally depend on temperature that influences all rate-limiting biophysical and biochemical processes. Earlier studies suggested that high temperatures may increase the availability of beneficial mutations (‘more beneficial mutations’), or allow beneficial mutations to show stronger fitness effects (‘stronger beneficial mutation effects’). The ‘more beneficial mutations’ scenario would inevitably be associated with increased proportion of conditionally beneficial mutations at higher temperatures. This in turn predicts that populations in warm environments show faster evolutionary adaptation but suffer fitness loss when faced with cold conditions, and those evolving in cold environments become thermal-niche generalists (‘hotter is narrower’). Under the ‘stronger beneficial mutation effects’ scenario, populations evolving in warm environments would show faster adaptation without fitness costs in cold environments, leading to a ‘hotter is (universally) better’ pattern in thermal niche adaptation. We tested predictions of the two competing hypotheses using an experimental evolution study in which populations of two model bacterial species, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens, evolved for 2400 generations at three experimental temperatures. Results of reciprocal transplant experiments with our P. fluorescens populations were largely consistent with the ‘hotter is narrower’ prediction. Results from the E. coli populations clearly suggested stronger beneficial mutation effects at higher assay temperatures, but failed to detect faster adaptation in populations evolving in warmer experimental environments (presumably because of limitation in the supply of genetic variation). Our results suggest that the influence of temperature on mutational effects may provide insight into the patterns of thermal niche adaptation and population diversification across thermal conditions.

Abstract

Warmer temperatures may increase the availability of beneficial mutations, or allow beneficial mutations to show stronger beneficial fitness effects.Both scenarios predict faster adaptation in warmer, relative to colder, environments, but have different predictions for thermal niche adaptation across environments: “hotter is narrower” versus “hotter is (universally) better”.
Who uses food barcode scanner apps and why? Exploration of users' characteristics and development of the Food Barcode Scanner App Questionnaire
Authors: Hanras Eva , Chevrier Basilie , Dorard Géraldine , Boujut Emilie
Published: September 2023

Background

Food barcode scanner apps (FBSAs) are increasingly being used to verify food quality. By scanning a product's barcode, they can provide a range of information, including nutritional quality or information on the toxicity of food components. Although they seem to be widely used, no study has yet examined their use in the general population. The objectives of this study were therefore twofold: (a) to identify who the users of FBSA are and (b) to evaluate behaviours and cognitions associated with use of these apps through the development and validation of the Food Barcode Scanner App Questionnaire (FBSAQ).

Method

A total of 1626 women (average age of 37.51 years; SD = 12.67) from the general population were included in this study, with 25.7% reporting themselves as using at least one FBSA. Participants completed questionnaires assessing socio‐demographic and health characteristics, the use of health apps and the FBSAQ, when relevant.

Results

The users of FBSAs did not differ from nonusers in regard to key socio‐demographic characteristics, but they were more likely to use healthcare services and other health apps than nonusers of FBSAs. Psychometric analyses allowed validation of the FBSAQ through three factors: pathological use, dietary concerns and exclusion of unhealthy components.

Conclusion

Data showed that the use of FBSAs can be beneficial for many individuals, as they help with food choices. However, some user may develop more problematic behaviours and have difficulties in not using these apps.
Translation and cultural adaptation of the Standardized Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB) and the Bruxism Screener (BruxScreen): A 12‐step guideline
Authors: Lobbezoo Frank , Ahlberg Jari , Verhoeff Merel C. , Bracci Alessandro , Nykänen Laura , Manfredini Daniele
Published: September 2023

Background

Recently, the Standardized Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB) and the bruxism screener (BruxScreen) have been developed for use in research and clinical settings.

Objective

As to ascertain high‐quality use of both instruments worldwide, it was our aim to develop a guideline for the translation and cultural adaptation of the STAB and the BruxScreen.

Methods and Results

This paper describes a 12‐step guideline for the translation and cultural adaptation of the STAB and the BruxScreen. A format of a translation log is provided as well. Besides, a website has been created for the guidance of translation teams.

Conclusion

Following the 12 steps, new language versions of the STAB and the BruxScreen will be ready for further testing (reliability, validity, responsiveness and interpretability) and, ultimately, application in research and clinics around the world.
Plant neopolyploidy and genetic background differentiate the microbiome of duckweed across a variety of natural freshwater sources
Authors: Anneberg Thomas J. , Turcotte Martin M. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: September 2023

Whole‐genome duplication has long been appreciated for its role in driving phenotypic novelty in plants, often altering the way organisms interface with the abiotic environment. Only recently, however, have we begun to investigate how polyploidy influences interactions of plants with other species, despite the biotic niche being predicted as one of the main determinants of polyploid establishment. Nevertheless, we lack information about how polyploidy affects the diversity and composition of the microbial taxa that colonize plants, and whether this is genotype‐dependent and repeatable across natural environments. This information is a first step towards understanding whether the microbiome contributes to polyploid establishment. We, thus, tested the immediate effect of polyploidy on the diversity and composition of the bacterial microbiome of the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza using four pairs of diploids and synthetic autotetraploids. Under controlled conditions, axenic plants were inoculated with pond waters collected from 10 field sites across a broad environmental gradient. Autotetraploids hosted 4%–11% greater bacterial taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity than their diploid progenitors. Polyploidy, along with its interactions with the inoculum source and genetic lineage, collectively explained 7% of the total variation in microbiome composition. Furthermore, polyploidy broadened the core microbiome, with autotetraploids having 15 unique bacterial taxa in addition to the 55 they shared with diploids. Our results show that whole‐genome duplication directly leads to novelty in the plant microbiome and importantly that the effect is dependent on the genetic ancestry of the polyploid and generalizable over many environmental contexts.
Learning and the Immediate Use(fulness) of a New Vocabulary Item
Authors: HAUSER ERIC
Published: September 2023

Within the framework of Conversation Analysis for Second Language Acquisition (CA‐SLA), this study uses learning behavior tracking (LBT) (Markee, 2008) with longitudinal data to investigate word learning by one adult second language (L2) user of English. The adult is a first language (L1) user of Japanese with limited proficiency in English. Data are drawn from audio‐recorded conversations‐for‐learning (Kasper, 2004) between this adult and the researcher, an L1 user of English and L2 user of Japanese, across a 7‐month period. The analysis focuses on the learning of the word near and the nonuse of the synonym close. Repair work is found to create opportunities for learning. It is argued that a word is likely to be learned if it is found to be immediately useful. Methodologically, this study shows that CA‐SLA used with longitudinal data can be used to investigate word learning, meeting the criteria developed by Ellis (2010) for showing learning.
Mill and Acton on liberty, nationality and multinational states
Authors: Beaumont Tim
Published: September 2023

Mill's System of Logic (1843) indicates that the definition of ‘nationality’ he offered in Considerations on Representative Government (1861) is not a throwaway comment but a carefully considered causal hypothesis tailored to his politico‐ethological research programme. This matters because Lord Acton's critique of Mill's claim that free institutions are almost impossible in multinational states ignored the definition, thereby obscuring subsequent scholars' vision of the conceptual dimension of this famous dispute. Although Mill struggled in his politico‐ethological endeavour, he was sufficiently confident to judge that, if nationalities seek self‐determination through exclusive control of the state, liberal democratic institutions would be unlikely to emerge in multinational states, let alone survive and prosper. Since Acton's critique presupposed an undemocratic conception of free institutions and a far weaker notion of national self‐determination, it failed to contradict that judgement. Indeed, once their conceptual disagreements are clarified, Acton's empirical analysis can be seen to support it.
What is in store for the tropical forests of Indo‐Australia?
Authors: Utteridge Timothy M. A.
Published: September 2023

This article is a Commentary on Prohaska et al. (2023), 240: 2513–2529.
On the evolution of epigenetics via exaptation: A developmental systems perspective
Authors: Moore David S.
Published: September 2023

Evolution and development are interrelated processes influenced by genomic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Epigenetic processes serve critical roles in development and operate as intermediaries that connect the genome to the rest of the world. Therefore, it is of interest to consider the evolution of epigenetic processes. The developmental systems perspective offers a distinctive, coherent, integrative way to understand the relationships between evolution, epigenetics, development, and the effects of experienced contexts. By adopting this perspective, this paper draws attention to the role of exaptation in the evolution of epigenetics in the RNA world and addresses the role of epigenetics in the later evolution of developmental processes such as cellular differentiation, learning, and memory. In so doing, the paper considers the appearance and functions of epigenetics in evolutionary history—sketching a pathway by which epigenetic processes might have evolved via exaptation and then contributed to the later development and evolution of phenotypes.
Exploring the genetic and functional diversity of Porphyromonas gingivalis long fimbriae
Authors: Meyer Hendrik Leonhard , Abdelbary Mohamed M. H. , Buhl Eva Miriam , Kuppe Christoph , Conrads Georg
Published: September 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathobiont in periodontitis. Its long fimbriae consist of a single anchor (FimB), a varying number of stalk (FimA), and three accessory (tip‐related) proteins (FimC, FimD, and FimE). Based on 133 strains/genomes available, it was our aim to investigate the diversity within FimA and FimB and explain the variety of long fimbriae (super‐)structures. Combining the new forward primer fimAnewF with the established fimAunivR, we were able to amplify and sequence fimA including its leader region covering all genotypes and serotypes for phylogenetic analysis. We designed two primer pairs sensing the presence of an internal stop codon in fimB with an impact on fimbrial length. Finally, we examined fimbrial secondary structures by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The phylogeny of fimA/FimA revealed two new subtypes (IIa and IIb) with specific changes in functional domains and thus adding to the current classification scheme (I, Ib, and II‐V). Regarding evolution, we confirm that Porphyromonas gulae fimA‐type A is closely related to human P. gingivalis strains of cluster Ib and might be its ancestor genotype. A fimB internal stop codon is rare and was found in ATCC 33277 only. Comparing P. gingivalis TEM/SEM pictures of type I ATCC 33277 with type V OMI622 revealed a broad spectrum of fimbrial structures including bundling, cell–cell knotting, and brick–wall formation. In conclusion, FimA forms more distinct subtypes than previously known. The bundling of long fimbriae, a mechanism known from EPEC/EHEC and Salmonella, is proposed and supported by TEM/SEM pictures for the first time here. The role and variations of terminal accessory FimC‐E in superstructure formation and/or (co‐) adhesion should be investigated more closely next.
Lumbar Disc Herniation with Contralateral Symptoms: A Case‐Series of 11 Patients and Literature Review
Authors: Gao Qingyang , Yang Huiliang , Masood Umar , Zhou Chunguang , Cen Ying , Song Yueming
Published: September 2023

Objective

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common pathology that typically causes unilateral radiculopathy on the same side as herniation, while patients may occasionally present with contralateral symptoms. Owing to the rare incidence of LDH with contralateral symptoms, the pathological mechanism remains unclear and the optimal surgical strategy is a subject of debate. This study aimed to provide new insights into the pathological mechanism of contralateral symptoms and assess the efficacy of ipsilateral hemilaminectomy and discectomy surgery in this population.

Methods

This study was a retrospective, single‐center, clinical case series, including 11 LDH cases with exclusive contralateral symptoms. We searched for LDH cases that were presented at our institution between January 2011 and December 2020. Adult LDH Patients with contralateral radicular pains were included, while those with ipsilateral radiculopathy, lumbar stenosis, foraminal stenosis on the symptomatic side, multilevel disc herniations, scoliosis, and lumbar operation history were excluded. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), clinical features, radiographic images, and other data were collected from the study cohort of 11 cases for further analysis. We also reviewed LDH cases in English literature from 1978 to 2023 to analyze their clinical characteristics and treatment.

Results

The incidence rate of LDH with contralateral symptoms in single‐level LDH cases was 0.32%. The average age of our 11 cases was 49.3 years old, and five of them were female (45.5%). All individuals had single‐level lateral LDH, with six cases (54.5%) located at L4‐5 and five cases (45.5%) located at L5‐S1. Upon admission, patients presented with lower back pain (seven cases, 63.6%), radicular pain (seven cases, 63.6%), hypoesthesia (seven cases, 63.6%), and muscle weakness (one case, 9.1%) on the contralateral side alone. Each case experienced ipsilateral hemilaminectomy and discectomy, and no lateral recess stenosis, hypertrophy of facets or ligaments, and sequestrated discs were found during surgery. All of them have good pain relief with two cases reporting no pain and nine cases reporting only mild pain at the last follow‐up.

Conclusions

Based on the surgical findings of our 11 LDH cases with contralateral symptoms, we hypothesized that the contralateral symptoms might be produced when the nerve root on the contralateral symptomatic side was tightly pulled by the herniated disc via the dural mater. Ipsilateral hemilaminectomy and discectomy surgery effectively and efficiently relieve the symptoms without postoperative complications for these patients.
Ceramic‐on‐Ceramic or Metal‐on‐Polyethylene: The Bearing of Choice after Ceramic Component Fracture in Total Hip Arthroplasty along with Concise Follow‐Up of the Previous Cohort
Authors: Kim Hong Seok , Lee Han Jin , Lee Soong Joon , Yoo Jeong Joon
Published: September 2023

Objective

We previously reported the questionable result of reoperation using metal‐on‐polyethylene (MoP) bearing after the fracture of the ceramic component. After the report, we abandoned the use of MoP; instead, we used ceramic‐on‐ceramic (CoC) bearing. This report aimed to present the outcome of reoperation to CoC bearing after ceramic component failures along with the longer‐term outcome of the previously reported cohort with an MoP bearing.

Results

The mean follow‐up of the MoP cohort was extended from 4.3 years to 8.8 years. Metallosis had occurred in three of nine patients of the previous cohort, which all required re‐reoperations. Two hips from 11 patients with revision to CoC had re‐reoperations due to ceramic liner fracture and non‐union of the osteotomized fragment, respectively. No metallosis and wear occurred in the cohort revised with CoC articulation. Otherwise, there were no adverse changes in radiographs and no impairment in functions.

Methods

We conducted an extended prospective evaluation of a previous cohort consisting of six head fractures and three liner fractures. In this cohort, the patients underwent a bearing change to metal‐on‐polyethylene. Additionally, we retrospectively analyzed 11 cases of third‐generation ceramic bearing fractures, comprising nine head fractures and two liner fractures. These cases were subsequently treated with a bearing change to fourth‐generation CoC. We assessed clinical and radiological outcomes, including complication rates, in both groups.

Conclusion

We recommend the latest CoC as the bearing of choice in reoperation after the fracture of ceramic components. In the case of an MoP bearing after the ceramic component fracture, the risk of metallosis seemed high in the early postoperative period.
An overview of local anesthetics in over‐the‐counter products
Authors: Kalajian Tyler A. , Cannella Joseph A. , Vasudevan Ananya , Mizelle Jack , Rendon Luis F. , Nozari Ala , Ortega Rafael
Published: September 2023

Over‐the‐counter (OTC) local anesthetics have historically been used to alleviate pain in several common conditions including toothache and sore throat. With a rise in chronic conditions and an aging population, there has been an increase in associated chronic pain‐related disorders. Individuals with chronic pain often seek OTC treatments for quick and accessible pain relief. There are several common OTC local anesthetics, including benzocaine, lidocaine, and dibucaine, which are readily available to patients in several formulations. In order to appropriately advise patients on the use of local anesthetics, it is important to understand their key characteristics, including the mechanism of action, clinical properties, pharmacokinetics, clinical applications, and adverse reactions, which may occur.
Sense of agency and its disturbances: A systematic review targeting the intentional binding effect in neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Moccia Lorenzo , di Luzio Michelangelo , Conte Eliana , Modica Marco , Ambrosecchia Marianna , Ardizzi Martina , Lanzotti Pierluigi , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Janiri Delfina , Di Nicola Marco , Janiri Luigi , Gallese Vittorio , Sani Gabriele
Published: September 2023

Sense of agency (SoA) indicates a person's ability to perceive her/his own motor acts as actually being her/his and, through them, to exert control over the course of external events. Disruptions in SoA may profoundly affect the individual's functioning, as observed in several neuropsychiatric disorders. This is the first article to systematically review studies that investigated intentional binding (IB), a quantitative proxy for SoA measurement, in neurological and psychiatric patients. Eligible were studies of IB involving patients with neurological and/or psychiatric disorders. We included 15 studies involving 692 individuals. Risk of bias was low throughout studies. Abnormally increased action‐outcome binding was found in schizophrenia and in patients with Parkinson's disease taking dopaminergic medications or reporting impulsive‐compulsive behaviors. A decreased IB effect was observed in Tourette's disorder and functional movement disorders, whereas increased action‐outcome binding was found in patients with the cortico‐basal syndrome. The extent of IB deviation from healthy control values correlated with the severity of symptoms in several disorders. Inconsistent effects were found for autism spectrum disorders, anorexia nervosa, and borderline personality disorder. Findings pave the way for treatments specifically targeting SoA in neuropsychiatric disorders where IB is altered.
Feedback processing in cognitive and motor tasks: A meta‐analysis on the feedback‐related negativity
Authors: Faßbender Laura , Krause Daniel , Weigelt Matthias
Published: September 2023

For motor learning, the processing of behavioral outcomes is of high significance. The feedback‐related negativity (FRN) is an event‐related potential, which is often described as a correlate of the reward prediction error in reinforcement learning. The number of studies examining the FRN in motor tasks is increasing. This meta‐analysis summarizes the component in the motor domain and compares it to the cognitive domain. Therefore, a data set of a previous meta‐analysis in the cognitive domain that comprised 47 studies  was reanalyzed and compared to additional 25 studies of the motor domain. Further, a moderator analysis for the studies in the motor domain was conducted. The FRN amplitude was higher in the motor domain than in the cognitive domain. This might be related to a higher task complexity and a higher feedback ambiguity of motor tasks. The FRN latency was shorter in the motor domain than in the cognitive domain. Given that sensory information can be used as an external feedback predictor prior to the presentation of the final feedback, reward processing in the motor domain may have been faster and reduced the FRN latency. The moderator variable analysis revealed that the feedback modality influenced the FRN latency, with shorter FRN latencies after bimodal than after visual feedback. Processing of outcome feedback seems to share basic principles in both domains; however, differences exist and should be considered in FRN studies. Future research is motivated to scrutinize the effects of bimodal feedback and other moderators within the motor domain.
On the interconnected nature of risk and responsibility in the research and development of new and emerging technologies
Authors: Malakar Yuwan , Lacey Justine
Published: September 2023

Risk analysis of new and emerging technologies requires innovative approaches that are agile, exploratory, and can accommodate broad stakeholder engagement and perspectives. Existing theories of risk governance and responsible innovation suggest that operationalizing guiding principles for engagement such as inclusion and reflection may provide a useful approach to the risk analysis of these technologies. Yet, methodologies to systematically assess how we might operationalize such guiding principles in risk analysis are limited in existing risk research. We contribute to filling this gap by demonstrating a practical methodology for examining and documenting how research and development (R&D) professionals operationalize inclusion and reflection in risk analysis and what value this provides to risk analysis in the R&D context. We use the Australian nanotechnology R&D sector as our case study, interviewing 28 experts to examine how R&D professionals have operationalized inclusion and reflection into their risk analysis practices, generating three findings. First, we describe how our research design enables the successful translation of theory into a methodology that supports an empirical assessment of the integration of these guiding principles into risk analysis practice. Second, we argue that successfully and systematically integrating inclusion and reflection in risk analysis fosters a wider understanding and identification of risk through the activation of multi‐actor and multi‐institutional stakeholder engagement processes. Third, we outline how this research depicts the outward‐facing and introspective nature of risk analysis.
Cognitive Dissonance and the Maintenance of a Positive Self‐Concept among Interracially Partnered Whites
Authors: Lambert‐Swain Ainsley
Published: September 2023

This article analyzes the narratives of 40 partners in white/non‐white interracial relationships about their experiences navigating race across racially homogenous spaces. Both partners of color and white partners constructed rural areas, the South, and suburbs as racially hostile areas they avoided when possible. When discussing the white settings couples frequented socially, however, the narratives of partners of color and white partners diverged. Whereas partners of color characterized these settings as marked by more subtle racism, white partners characterized them as progressive and non‐racist. However, white partners unwittingly contradicted this as they recounted recurrent instances of interpersonal racism. Cognitive dissonance theory posits when individuals' beliefs and/or behaviors are threatening to their self‐concept, they will engage in activities to maintain a positive conception of themselves. Using cognitive dissonance theory as a guiding framework, this article suggests the inconsistencies in whites' narratives reflect a cognitive dissonance in which white partners' self‐concept as progressive and non‐racist is threatened by their association with whites who engage in racist rhetoric. Consequently, white partners dismiss, rationalize, and/or minimize the racism they encounter in order to maintain a positive conception of other whites, and thereby themselves.
Predicting tibial plateau angles following four different types of cranial closing wedge ostectomy
Authors: Moreira Luis R. , Sparks Tim , Ogden Daniel M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate how tibial long axis (TLA) shift affects the postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) in four cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO) techniques.

Study design

In silico study.

Sample population

A total of 15 client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Computed tomography (CT) scans of 15 client‐owned dogs were reviewed using an open‐source 3D computer graphics editor. Each computer‐generated 3D tibia model underwent a CCWO, with cranial cortex alignment, in 10° increments up to 70° using each of the four previously described techniques. The TLA shift, TPA and mechanical tibial length (mTL) were calculated, using trigonometry, for each model. Equations for predicting final TPA were generated with linear regression.

Results

A total of 433 3D computer generated tibial models were analyzed. With each technique, the TPA varied in a linear fashion within the studied range of wedge angles. The TLA shift and tibial shortening magnitude varied between the four different CCWO techniques, with maximum mTL reduction of ranging from 7.5% to 40.9%. All predicted TPAs using the generated equations were within the target range of 4–6°.

Conclusion

A linear relationship between ostectomy wedge angle and TPA correction was observed in this study, which allowed for generation of accurate corrective equations.

Clinical significance

These results allow extrapolation of the wedge angle required to reach a postoperative TPA of 5°, by considering the TLA shift. The use of the generated corrective equations may thus increase CCWO planning precision.
Effects of Ketone Monoester and Bicarbonate Co-Ingestion on Cycling Performance in WorldTour Cyclists
Authors: Ramos-Campo Domingo Jesús , López-Román Francisco Javier , Pérez-Piñero Silvia , Ortolano Raquel , Abellán-Ruiz María Salud , Molina Pérez de los Cobos Enrique , Luque-Rubia Antonio Jesús , Van Elslande Dag , Ávila-Gandía Vicente
Published: September 2023

The present randomized study investigated the effect of acute supplementation of 800 mg/kg of ketone monoester ingestion (KE) or placebo (PL) and 210 mg/kg of NaHCO3 co-ingestion on cycling performance of WorldTour cyclists during a road cycling stage simulation. Twenty-eight cyclists participated in the study (27.46 ± 4.32 years; 1.80 ± 0.06 m; 69.74 ± 6.36 kg). Performance, physiological, biochemical, and metabolism outcomes, gut discomfort, and effort perceived were assessed during a road cycling simulation composed of an 8-min time-trial (TT) performance + 30-s TT + 4.5 hr of outdoor cycling + a second 8-min TT + a second 30-s TT. Greater absolute and relative mean power during the first 8-min TT (F = 5.067, p = .033, , F = 5.339, p = .029, , respectively) was observed after KE than after PL (KE: 389 ± 34, PL: 378 ± 44 W, p = .002, d = 0.294 and KE: 5.60 ± 0.42, PL: 5.41 ± 0.44 W/kg, p = .001, d = 0.442). Additionally, greater concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate blood concentration (F = 42.195, p < .001, ) was observed after KE than after PL during the first steps of the stage (e.g., after warm-up KE: 1.223 ± 0.642, PL: 0.044 ± 0.058 mM, p < .001, d = 2.589), although the concentrations returned to near baseline after 4.5 hr of outdoor cycling. Moreover, higher values of anion gap were observed (F = 2.333, p = .026, ) after KE than after PL ingestion, after the warm-up and after the first 8-min and 30-s TT. Additionally, lower concentrations of were reported in the KE condition after warm-up and after the first 8-min and 30-s TT. During the initial phase of the stage simulation, acute supplementation with KE + NaHCO3 co-ingestion enhanced 8-min TT cycling performance (3.1%) in WorldTour cyclists with a concomitant hyperketonaemia.
Acceptability and Preliminary Efficacy Testing of a Web-Based Coach Development Program Addressing Gender Essentialism Among Coaches of Adolescent Girls
Authors: Goorevich Anna , Boucher Courtney , Schneider Jekaterina , Silva-Breen Hannah , Matheson Emily L. , Tinoco Aline , LaVoi Nicole M.
Published: September 2023

Gender essentialism in coaching discourses often goes unnoticed by coaches yet promotes gender stereotypes. Currently, no coach development program addresses gender essentialism. This study tested the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a novel web-based coaching intervention comprising seven self-led modules, aimed at reducing gender essentialism among coaches. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 102 coaches of adolescent girls across multiple sports. Coaches were randomized into the intervention condition (n = 54) or a waitlist control condition (n = 48). Both intervention and control group participants completed a baseline self-assessment prior. Intervention group participants undertook Coaching HER Foundation modules over 2 weeks and completed a postintervention self-assessment. Control group coaches completed the postintervention assessment without completing the Coaching HER Foundation modules. Based on the data, coaches found the intervention easy to follow, relevant, applicable, and enjoyable. Efficacy analyses illustrated the intervention group reported lower levels of gender essentialism at postintervention compared with the control group. Study results must be considered in relation to the small sample size and high attrition rate (72%). Study findings will inform intervention optimizations based on participant feedback, after which Coaching HER Foundation will be made freely available within a wider coach education and training framework.
The History and Future of Neuromusculoskeletal Biomechanics
Authors: Lloyd David G. , Jonkers Ilse , Delp Scott L. , Modenese Luca
Published: September 2023

The Executive Council of the International Society of Biomechanics has initiated and overseen the commemorations of the Society’s 50th Anniversary in 2023. This included multiple series of lectures at the ninth World Congress of Biomechanics in 2022 and XXIXth Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics in 2023, all linked to special issues of International Society of Biomechanics’ affiliated journals. This special issue of the Journal of Applied Biomechanics is dedicated to the biomechanics of the neuromusculoskeletal system. The reader is encouraged to explore this special issue which comprises 6 papers exploring the current state-of the-art, and future directions and roles for neuromusculoskeletal biomechanics. This editorial presents a very brief history of the science of the neuromusculoskeletal system’s 4 main components: the central nervous system, musculotendon units, the musculoskeletal system, and joints, and how they biomechanically integrate to enable an understanding of the generation and control of human movement. This also entails a quick exploration of contemporary neuromusculoskeletal biomechanics and its future with new fields of application.
Use of next-generation sequencing to detect mutations associated with antiviral drug resistance in cytomegalovirus
Authors: Streck Nicholas T. , Espy Mark J. , Ferber Matthew J. , Klee Eric W. , Razonable Raymund R. , Gonzalez Dimitri , Sayada Chalom , Heaton Phillip R. , Chou Sunwen , Binnicker Matthew J.
Published: September 2023

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised hosts, including transplant recipients. Antiviral prophylaxis or treatment is used to reduce the incidence of CMV disease in this patient population; however, there is concern about increasing antiviral resistance. Detection of antiviral resistance in CMV was traditionally accomplished using Sanger sequencing of
UL54
and
UL97
genes, in which specific mutations may result in reduced antiviral activity. In this study, a novel next-generation sequencing (NGS) method was developed and validated to detect mutations in
UL54
/
UL97
associated with antiviral resistance. Plasma samples (
n
= 27) submitted for antiviral resistance testing by Sanger sequencing were also analyzed using the NGS method. When compared to Sanger sequencing, the NGS assay demonstrated 100% (27/27) overall agreement for determining antiviral resistance/susceptibility and 88% (22/25) agreement at the level of resistance-associated mutations. The limit of detection of the NGS method was determined to be 500 IU/mL, and the lower threshold for detecting mutations associated with resistance was established at 15%. The NGS assay represents a novel laboratory tool that assists healthcare providers in treating patients who are infected with CMV harboring resistance-associated mutations and who may benefit from tailored antiviral therapy.
The Bacteroidetes Q-rule and glutaminyl cyclase activity increase the stability of extracytoplasmic proteins
Authors: Szczęśniak Katarzyna , Veillard Florian , Scavenius Carsten , Chudzik Kamila , Ferenc Kinga , Bochtler Matthias , Potempa Jan , Mizgalska Danuta
Published: September 2023

In Gram-negative didermal species of the phylum Bacteroidetes, the majority of pre(pro)proteins exported across the cell membrane via the Sec system follow the Q-rule: a glutamine residue immediately downstream of a leader peptide is exposed as the new amino terminus by type I signal peptidases and converted to a pyroglutamate (also called oxyproline) residue by an inner membrane-associated glutaminyl cyclase (QC). Here, we show that the QC from
Porphyromonas gingivalis
is essential for growth in laboratory culture conditions. The lethal phenotype of QC deletion could not be rescued by an inactive variant of the enzyme, but it was rescued by QC orthologues from other species, despite their drastically lower activity toward a fluorescent reporter substrate. Replacement of glutamine after the signal peptide by an asparagine residue in selected QC substrates did not affect
P. gingivalis
viability but reduced the abundance of these proteins. Our data show that glutaminyl cyclization stabilizes
P. gingivalis
proteins, presumably protecting them from degradation by aminopeptidases. Loss of this protection is tolerated in individual substrates, but the complete loss in all Q-rule substrates is lethal, even in the absence of pressure from a host immune system.

IMPORTANCE

Exclusively in the Bacteroidetes phylum, most proteins exported across the inner membrane via the Sec system and released into the periplasm by type I signal peptidase have N-terminal glutamine converted to pyroglutamate. The reaction is catalyzed by the periplasmic enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QC), which is essential for the growth of
Porphyromonas gingivalis
and other periodontopathogens. Apparently, pyroglutamyl formation stabilizes extracytoplasmic proteins and/or protects them from proteolytic degradation in the periplasm. Given the role of
P. gingivalis
as the keystone pathogen in periodontitis,
P. gingivalis
QC is a promising target for the development of drugs to treat and/or prevent this highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease leading to tooth loss and associated with severe systemic diseases.
Genome sequence of cluster A15
Gordonia terrae
bacteriophage Nebulosus
Authors: Doyle Veronica , Giftos Gabriella , Kugler Strix , Melanson Andrew , Needham Dominic , Raber Ryleigh , Solomon Justin , Webster Apple , Neely Melody , Molloy Sally
Published: September 2023

The temperate
Gordonia
phage Nebulosus was isolated from soil on
Gordonia terrae
and is a siphovirus. The genome is 52,175 bp in length, has 62% GC content, and encodes 96 protein-coding genes. Nebulosus encodes a partitioning system, ParABS, which is likely involved in lysogeny maintenance.
Generation of Giant Magnetic Fields in a Hollow Mesoscale Sphere
Authors: Minin O. V. , Zhou S. , Minin I. V.
Published: September 2023

The superresonance effect for a hollow dielectric sphere is numerically simulated with the Mie theory. It is shown for the first time that weakly dissipative mesoscale spheres with an air-filled cavity exhibit a high-order Fano resonance related to internal Mie modes. Superresonance in a hollow sphere is achieved by the accurate choice of the cavity radius, while for a monolithic dielectric sphere, it is ensured by the accurate choice of the outer diameter of the particle under study. In this case, the relative intensities of the resonance peaks in the optical range for both magnetic and electric fields near the sphere poles can have enormous values of 106−107, if the magnetic field magnitude exceeds that of the electric field by a factor larger than 15 for the hollow sphere with a Mie size parameter about 40.
Possible Search for Majorana Neutrinos at Future Lepton Colliders
Authors: Antonov E. , Drutskoy A. , Dubinin M.
Published: September 2023

We discuss the process $${{\ell }^{ + }}{{\ell }^{ - }} \to N{{W}^{ \pm }}{{\ell }^{ \mp }}$$, where N is a heavy Majorana neutrino and $$\ell = e,\mu $$. Large cross sections are expected for these processes at high center-of-mass energies, which can be reached at future lepton–lepton colliders. The Monte Carlo simulation of the studied processes is produced within the framework of the seesaw type-I model, where the Majorana neutrinos (or heavy neutral leptons, HNL), are introduced in the standard leptonic sector. Recently the possibility to search for the direct HNL production was studied in the $${{\ell }^{ + }}{{\ell }^{ - }} \to N{{\nu }_{\ell }}$$ process with the subsequent decay $$N \to {{W}^{ \pm }}{{\ell }^{ \mp }}$$. In this paper we investigate an alternative process $${{\ell }^{ + }}{{\ell }^{ - }} \to N{{W}^{ \pm }}{{\ell }^{ \mp }} \to {{W}^{ \pm }}{{W}^{ \pm }}{\kern 1pt} {{\ell }^{ \mp }}{\kern 1pt} {{\ell }^{ \mp }}$$ with the lepton number violation by two units. The similar processes appear in collisions with the same-sign beams, $${{e}^{ - }}{{e}^{ - }} \to N{{W}^{ - }}{\kern 1pt} {{e}^{ - }} \to {{W}^{ - }}{\kern 1pt} {{W}^{ - }}{\kern 1pt} {{e}^{ + }}{\kern 1pt} {{e}^{ - }}$$ or $${{\mu }^{ + }}{{\mu }^{ + }}$$$$ \to $$$$N{{W}^{ + }}{\kern 1pt} {{\mu }^{ + }} \to {{W}^{ + }}{\kern 1pt} {{W}^{ + }}{\kern 1pt} {{\mu }^{ + }}{\kern 1pt} {{\mu }^{ - }}$$. The cross sections of the processes under consideration are enhanced by the soft photon exchange in the t-channel. We calculate the cross sections for the signals and potential Standard Model backgrounds for the $${{e}^{ + }}{{e}^{ - }}$$ beam collisions at the 1 TeV center-of-mass energy and the $${{\mu }^{ + }}{{\mu }^{ - }}$$ collisions at 3 and 10 TeV. Due to the diagrams with soft t-channel photons and respective interference the promptly emitted leptons are produced in the direction close to the corresponding beam. These leptons will be lost in the beam pipe or badly measured by forward detectors. However, the signal events can be well separated from backgrounds using the rest of the event containing the $$WW\ell $$ particles. Finally, the expected upper limits on the mixing parameters $${{\left| {{{V}_{{\ell N}}}} \right|}^{2}}$$ as a function of M(N) are calculated.
Controlling the Angular Divergence of Terahertz Radiation Generated by Single-Color Filaments Using Phase Optical Elements
Authors: Pushkarev D. V. , Rizaev G. E. , Kosareva O. G. , Seleznev L. V.
Published: September 2023

We have experimentally obtained two-dimensional distributions of terahertz radiation generated by one or four filaments formed by phase optical elements in air. It has been demonstrated that the use of the phase mask reduces the propagation angles of terahertz beam by approximately one and a half times, which is due to the interference of terahertz radiation from four sources. The use of the Dammann grating slightly enlarges these angles.
Clinical value of placental examination for paediatricians
Authors: Cromb Daniel , Hall Megan , Story Lisa , Shangaris Panicos , Al-Adnani Mudher , Rutherford Mary A , Fox Grenville F , Gupta Neelam
Published: September 2023

The placenta contains valuable clinical information that is linked to fetal development, neonatal morbidity and mortality, and future health outcomes. Both gross inspection and histopathological examination of the placenta may identify intrinsic or secondary placental lesions, which can contribute directly to adverse neonatal outcomes or indicate the presence of an unfavourable intrauterine environment. Placental examination therefore forms an essential component of the care of high-risk neonates and at perinatal post-mortem examination. In this article, we describe the clinical value of placental examination for paediatricians and perinatal clinicians. We discuss common pathological findings on general inspection of the placenta with photographic examples and provide an overview of the placental pathological examination, including how to interpret key findings. We also address the medico-legal and financial implications of placental examinations and describe current and future clinical considerations for clinicians in regard to placental examination.
Double capsular tension rings in cataracts with large subluxations
Authors: Raj Amit , Kumar Amit , Sinha Upasna , Nishant Prateek
Published: September 2023

Management of subluxated cataracts is challenging, especially in cases with more than 5 clock hours of subluxation. Capsular bag stabilising devices are of utmost importance in these cases. We report two cases of post-traumatic lens subluxation of more than 6 clock hours, in which the bag was stabilised intraoperatively using two capsular tension rings (CTRs) placed diametrically opposite to each other, in place of the conventional Cionni ring. Slow phacoemulsification was done followed by intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Postoperatively, the IOLs were found to be well centred. Also, the use of two CTRs maintains the shape of the capsular bag and prevents lens epithelial cell migration and capsular cocontraction.
OHVIRA syndrome: hysteroscopy and intraoperative sonography – a value addition in the management
Authors: Dora Arun Kumar , Choudhury Satish , Halder Ajay , Kaur Manpreet
Published: September 2023

We report a postpubertal case of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome who presented with dysmenorrhoea and light menstrual flow. Imaging modalities confirmed the diagnosis after which vaginal septal incision and drainage was performed. In addition, we also performed vaginoscopy using hysteroscope, both preincision and postincision and drainage, to visualise the vagina and to exclude any communication between two hemivaginas. Completeness of drainage was ensured by performing intraoperative sonography. In a few instances, communication (fistula or microperforation) between the two hemivaginas would result in spontaneous haematocolpos decompression, mimicking normal menstrual flow and often delaying diagnosis. The role of direct visualisation under hysteroscopy should be emphasised in such cases. We postulate that hysteroscopy and intraoperative sonography may aid in better diagnostic and therapeutic management in such cases.
Validating the rigour of adaptive methods of economic evaluation
Authors: Chauhan Akashdeep Singh , Sharma Deepshikha , Mehndiratta Abha , Gupta Nidhi , Garg Basant , Kumar Amneet P , Prinja Shankar
Published: September 2023

Background

There has been a lot of debate on how to ‘generalise’ or ‘translate’ findings of economic evaluation (EE) or health technology assessment (HTA) to other country contexts. Researchers have used various adaptive HTA (aHTA) methods like model-adaptation, price-benchmarking, scorecard-approach, etc., for transferring evidence from one country to other. This study was undertaken to assess the degree of accuracy in results generated from aHTA approaches specifically for EE.

Methods

By applying selected aHTA approaches, we adapted findings of globally published EE to Indian context. The first-step required identifying two interventions for which Indian EE (referred to as the ‘Indian reference study’) has been conducted. The next-step involved identification of globally published EE. The third-step required undertaking quality and transferability check. In the fourth step, outcomes of EE meeting transferability standards, were adapted using selected aHTA approaches. Lastly, adapted results were compared with findings of the Indian reference study.

Results

The adapted cost estimates varied considerably, while adapted quality-adjusted life-years did not differ much, when matched with the Indian reference study. For intervention I (trastuzumab), adapted absolute costs were 11 and 6 times higher than the costs reported in the Indian reference study for control and intervention arms, respectively. Likewise, adapted incremental cost and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were around 3.5–8 times higher than the values reported in the Indian reference study. For intervention II (intensity-modulated radiation therapy), adapted absolute cost was 35% and 12% lower for the comparator and intervention arms, respectively, than the values reported in the Indian reference study. The mean incremental cost and ICER were 2.5 times and 1.5 times higher, respectively, than the Indian reference study values.

Conclusion

We conclude that findings from aHTA methods should be interpreted with caution. There is a need to develop more robust aHTA approaches for cost adjustment. aHTA may be used for ‘topic prioritisation’ within the overall HTA process, whereby interventions which are highly cost-ineffective, can be directly ruled out, thus saving time and resources for conducting full HTA for interventions that are not well studied or where evidence is inconclusive.