bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wildlife disease
Authors: Macdonald David W.
Published: September 2023

This chapter assesses the relevance of wildlife diseases to biodiversity conservation, considering HIV, Ebola, SARS, avian influenza, and COVID-19. Wildlife diseases can have major ecological, socio-economic, and health consequences. As such, they prompt intervention, including isolation, habitat modification, and genetic manipulation. The chapter begins by explaining the parameter R0, which is also known as the basic case reproduction number. It then looks at the perturbation effect, vaccination, and rabies, a viral infection generally injected in saliva via a bite that is almost always fatal to people. Finally, the chapter considers how disease intersects with climate change, before discussing the concept of integrated wildlife monitoring.
Human–wildlife conflict
Authors: Macdonald David W.
Published: September 2023

This chapter addresses human–wildlife conflict (HWC), a struggle between conservation and other human interests that emerges when the presence or behaviour of wildlife is at odds with human goals or ideals and a negative impact or interaction ensues. There are three levels of HWC. Level 1 (dispute level) could involve damage by wildlife to crops, livestock, fisheries, game, property, or facilities. Level 2 (underlying conflicts) arises where the visible issues of Level 1 occur against the background of previous unsatisfactory solutions. HWC escalates to Level 3 (identity-based conflict) if underlying issues align with pre-existing socio-political conflicts. The chapter then considers the role of culture and psychology in HWC.
Climate change
Authors: Macdonald David W.
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores how the challenges that biodiversity face are worsened by climate change. Climate change has always been a major driver of adaptation. The biological problem is that humans and other animals find unpredictable and uncontrollable change or extremes stressful, even unmanageable, beyond the behavioural and physiological adaptability of their species. The chapter then details the detrimental effects of global warming, considering El Niño, which describes the warming of sea surface temperature that occurs every few years. Climate change can also cause subtle changes in species populations. Strategies for mitigating climate change include the reduction of carbon emissions and consumption, and the development of alternative ways to generate electricity.
Non-ionizing radiation modeling to predict ambient irradiance in work areas at an indoor cannabis farm
Authors: Chmielinski Maximilian , Yost Michael G , Cohen Martin , Inanici Mehlika , Simpson Christopher D
Published: September 2023

Agricultural workers frequently experience potentially hazardous exposure to non-ionizing radiation from both solar and artificial sources, and measurement of this exposure can be expensive and impractical for large populations. This project develops and evaluates a vegetative radiative transfer model (VRTM) to predict irradiance in a grow room of an indoor cannabis farm. The model uses morphological characteristics of the crop, manufacturer provided lamp emissions data, and dimensional measurements of the grow room and cannabis hedgerows to predict irradiance. A linear regression comparing model predictions with the measurements taken by a visible light spectroradiometer had slopes within 23% of unity and R2 values above 0.88 for visible (400–700 nm), blue (400–500 nm), green (500–600 nm), and red (600–700 nm) wavelength bands. The excellent agreement between the model and the measured irradiance in the cannabis farm grow room supports the potential of using VRTMs to predict irradiance and worker exposure in agricultural settings. Because there is no mechanistic difference between visible and other non-ionizing wavelengths of radiation in regards to mechanisms of radiative transfer, the model developed herein for visible wavelengths of radiation should be generalizable to other radiation bands including infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
Variability in seed salinity tolerance in an island coastal community
Authors: Walsh Seana K , Wolkis Dustin , Abbriano Raffaela M , Barton Kasey E
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Islands, with their long coastlines and increased vulnerability to sea level rise, offer compelling opportunities to investigate the salinity tolerance of coastal plants. Seeds are generally more vulnerable than other plant stages to increased stressors. The aim of this study was to characterize salinity tolerance during germination across a diverse pool of 21 species from 14 plant families found in coastal communities throughout the Hawaiian Islands in order to increase our general understanding of coastal plant ecology for conservation and restoration.

Methods

Seeds of each species were exposed to unfiltered/untreated seawater (35 ppt total salinity) and two salinity treatments (10 and 20 ppt) in which the seawater was diluted with distilled water, and germination percent and timing were compared to seeds in a distilled water control. Non-germinated seeds were then tested for recovery germination. We quantified and compared germination percent, time and recovery among species and across salinity levels and tested for heterogeneity related to seed size, dormancy class, habit and threatened status.

Key Results

Although salinity tolerance varied considerably among species, salinity exposure generally reduced and delayed germination. The greatest effects were detected at higher salinity levels. Recovery germination overall was higher for seeds that had been exposed to higher salinity. None of the factors we explored emerged as predictors of salinity tolerance except seed mass, which tended to enhance germination at higher salinity.

Conclusions

Species responses to salinity exposure indicate high vulnerability of coastal systems to increased salinity stress, and variability among species could lead to shifts in community assembly and composition under sea level rise. These results can help guide coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration management decisions in the face of climate change.
Do root secondary xylem functional traits differ between growth forms in Fabaceae species in a seasonally dry Neotropical environment?
Authors: da Silva Jane Rodrigues , Yule Tamires Soares , Ribas Augusto Cesar de Aquino , Scremin-Dias Edna
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Whole-plant performance in water-stressed and disturbance-prone environments depends on a suitable supply of water from the roots to the leaves, storage of reserves during periods of shortage, and a morphological arrangement that guarantees the maintenance of the plants anchored to the soil. All these functions are performed by the secondary xylem of roots. Here, we investigate whether different growth forms of Fabaceae species from the seasonally dry Neotropical environment have distinct strategies for water transport, mechanical support and non-structural carbon and water storage in the root secondary xylem.

Methods

We evaluated cross-sections of root secondary xylem from species of trees, shrubs and subshrubs. We applied linear models to verify the variability in secondary xylem anatomical traits among growth forms.

Key Results

Secondary xylem with larger vessels and lower vessel density was observed in tree species. Vessel wall thickness, vessel grouping index, potential hydraulic conductivity and cell fractions (vessels, fibres, rays and axial parenchyma) were not statistically different between growth forms, owing to the high interspecific variation within the groups studied.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the variability in anatomical traits of the secondary xylem of the root is species specific. In summary, the cellular complexity of the secondary xylem ensures multiple functional strategies in species with distinct growth forms, a key trait for resource use in an environment with strong water seasonality.
PyDESeq2: a python package for bulk RNA-seq differential expression analysis
Authors: Muzellec Boris , Teleńczuk Maria , Cabeli Vincent , Andreux Mathieu
Published: September 2023

We present PyDESeq2, a python implementation of the DESeq2 workflow for differential expression analysis on bulk RNA-seq data. This re-implementation yields similar, but not identical, results: it achieves higher model likelihood, allows speed improvements on large datasets, as shown in experiments on TCGA data, and can be more easily interfaced with modern python-based data science tools.

Availability and Implementation

PyDESeq2 is released as an open-source software under the MIT license. The source code is available on GitHub at https://github.com/owkin/PyDESeq2 and documented at https://pydeseq2.readthedocs.io. PyDESeq2 is part of the scverse ecosystem.
Multiple nodules with a linear distribution on the palm and wrist
Authors: Li Yiting , Chen Zile , Nie Shu , Wu Zhouwei
Published: September 2023

A 33-year-old woman presented with a 15-year history of multiple asymptomatic subcutaneous nodules on the left palm and wrist, which had slowly enlarged and increased in number. Physical examination showed scattered, nontender, smooth flesh-coloured nodules on the left palm and wrist in a linear distribution.
Global HIV Incidence Analysis and Implications for Affordability Using Long-Acting Cabotegravir Versus Continuous and Event-Driven Oral Preexposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Sharma Ishani , Hill Andrew
Published: September 2023

Background

The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 083/084 trials showed up to 88% increased efficacy of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus continuous oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). However, CAB-LA's high price limits the number of people who can be treated within fixed prevention budgets. Global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention budgets are highly limited, with TDF/FTC widely available as a low-cost generic. In randomized clinical trials, event-driven TDF/FTC has shown similar preventive efficacy to continuous TDF/FTC.

Methods

A systematic review of global HIV incidence studies was conducted. Weighted incidence was calculated in each at-risk population. HIV infection rates were evaluated for 5 prevention strategies, with additional HIV testing, education, and service access costs assumed for each ($18 per person per year). Assumed efficacies were 90% (continuous CAB-LA), 60% (continuous TDF/FTC), and 60% (event-driven TDF/FTC). Using weighted incidence and an assumed 100 000 target population, annual HIV infection rates by population were calculated for each prevention strategy.

Results

Ninety-eight studies in 5 230 189 individuals were included. Incidence per 100 person-years ranged from 0.03 (blood donors) to 3.82 (people who inject drugs). Using the number needed to treat to benefit for each strategy, a mean incidence of 2.6 per 100 person-years in at-risk populations, and a 100 000 target population, current-price continuous CAB-LA cost $949 487 per HIV infection successfully prevented, followed by target-price CAB-LA ($11 453), continuous TDF/FTC ($4231), and event-driven TDF/FTC ($1923).

Conclusions

High prices of CAB-LA limit numbers treatable within fixed budgets. Low-cost event-driven TDF/FTC consistently prevents the most HIV infections within fixed budgets.
AI Chatbots in Clinical Laboratory Medicine: Foundations and Trends
Authors: Yang He S , Wang Fei , Greenblatt Matthew B , Huang Sharon X , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) conversational agents, or chatbots, are computer programs designed to simulate human conversations using natural language processing. They offer diverse functions and applications across an expanding range of healthcare domains. However, their roles in laboratory medicine remain unclear, as their accuracy, repeatability, and ability to interpret complex laboratory data have yet to be rigorously evaluated.

Content

This review provides an overview of the history of chatbots, two major chatbot development approaches, and their respective advantages and limitations. We discuss the capabilities and potential applications of chatbots in healthcare, focusing on the laboratory medicine field. Recent evaluations of chatbot performance are presented, with a special emphasis on large language models such as the Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer in response to laboratory medicine questions across different categories, such as medical knowledge, laboratory operations, regulations, and interpretation of laboratory results as related to clinical context. We analyze the causes of chatbots’ limitations and suggest research directions for developing more accurate, reliable, and manageable chatbots for applications in laboratory medicine.

Chatbots, which are rapidly evolving AI applications, hold tremendous potential to improve medical education, provide timely responses to clinical inquiries concerning laboratory tests, assist in interpreting laboratory results, and facilitate communication among patients, physicians, and laboratorians. Nevertheless, users should be vigilant of existing chatbots’ limitations, such as misinformation, inconsistencies, and lack of human-like reasoning abilities. To be effectively used in laboratory medicine, chatbots must undergo extensive training on rigorously validated medical knowledge and be thoroughly evaluated against standard clinical practice.
A qualitative study of mothers’ experiences adopting deaf or hard-of-hearing children
Authors: Rosenzweig Elizabeth A , Smolen Elaine R , Hartman Maria , Powell Brynne , Alruwaili Thekra
Published: September 2023

The current study presents the results of a qualitative investigation into the perspectives of mothers who have adopted children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Nine mothers, recruited via convenience and snowball sampling, participated in semi-structured interviews via videoconference technology. The interviews were transcribed and coded for thematic analysis. Parent perspectives on the following topics were analyzed: motivation, reaction to identification, communication and technology decisions, language, services pre- and post-adoption, others’ reactions, expectations, race and ethnicity, and attachment and adjustment. Based on thematic analysis of the participants’ responses, key themes and implications for professional practice are proposed.
Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: expect the unexpected—a case report
Authors: Skov Jens Kæstel , Ladefoged Bertil , Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt
Published: September 2023

Background

General interest and incidence are increasing in wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) in recent time. As patient population increases, further knowledge of the management of the frequently encountered interacting cardiac comorbidities is requested to improve treatment of ATTRwt patients.

Case summary

A 73-year-old male ATTRwt patient presented to the outpatient clinic (Day 0) with dyspnoea, leg swelling, and palpitations. At diagnosis, 3 years prior to presentation, he exhibited only minor signs of ATTRwt. At Day 0, clinical examination revealed atrial fibrillation and mild peripheral oedema. Anticoagulant and symptomatic treatment with beta-blocker and diuretics was initiated, and the patient was planned for sub-acute direct cardioversion, and the patient was discharged with a Holter monitor to outpatient care. At Day 7, analysis of the monitoring demonstrated spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm and, unexpectedly, episodes of high-rate self-remittent sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and frequent ventricular ectopic beats. At Day 8, a sub-acute coronary angiography was performed which revealed a significant proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis which was treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and subsequently an internal defibrillator was implanted. Following visits at 1- and 3-month post-PCI at the outpatient clinic revealed no VT and suppression of ventricular ectopic beats.

Discussion

The case illustrates some of the frequently encountered cardiac comorbidities (e.g. atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia, and ischaemic heart disease) associated with ATTRwt. A high level of suspicion is warranted to identify treatable cardiac conditions [atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular (AV) block, and ischaemic heart disease] and to uncover potentially fatal cardiac conditions in patients with ATTRwt.
The political economy of financing traditional vaccines and vitamin A supplements in six African countries
Authors: Nonvignon Justice , Aryeetey Genevieve Cecilia , Adjagba Alex , Asman Jennifer , Sharkey Alyssa , Hasman Andreas , Pallas Sarah W , Griffiths Ulla Kou
Published: September 2023

Vaccines and vitamin A supplementation (VAS) are financed by donors in several countries, indicating that challenges remain with achieving sustainable government financing of these critical health commodities. This qualitative study aimed to explore political economy variables of actors’ interests, roles, power and commitment to ensure government financing of vaccines and VAS. A total of 77 interviews were conducted in Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Governments and development partners had similar interests. Donor commitment to vaccines and VAS was sometimes dependent on the priorities and political situation of the donor country. Governments’ commitment to financing vaccines was demonstrated through policy measures, such as enactment of immunization laws. Explicit government financial commitment to VAS was absent in all six countries. Some development partners were able to influence governments directly via allocation of health funding while others influenced indirectly through coordination, consolidation and networks. Government power was exercised through multiple systemic and individual processes, including hierarchy, bureaucracy in governance and budgetary process, proactiveness of Ministry of Health officials in engaging with Ministry of Finance, and control over resources. Enablers that were likely to increase government commitment to financing vaccines and VAS included emerging reforms, attention to the voice of citizens and improvements in the domestic economy that in turn increased government revenues. Barriers identified were political instability, health sector inefficiencies, overly complicated bureaucracy, frequent changes of health sector leadership and non-health competing needs. Country governments were aware of their role in financing vaccines, but only a few had made tangible efforts to increase government financing. Discussions on government financing of VAS were absent. Development partners continue to influence government health commodity financing decisions. The political economy environment and contextual factors work together to facilitate or impede domestic financing.
Deconstructing the Eviction Protections Under the Revised European Social Charter: A Systematic Content Analysis of the Interplay Between the Right to Housing and the Right to Property
Authors: Nic Shuibhne Emma N , Bruijn L Michelle , Vols Michel
Published: September 2023

This article analyses the eviction protections provided by the Revised European Social Charter by conducting a systematic content analysis of the European Committee on Social Rights’ (ECSR) Conclusions and Decisions on Articles 16 and 31. The findings reveal that the ECSR has established nine consistent eviction protections throughout its jurisprudence. Additionally, this article examines how the ECSR considers the right to property within the context of evictions, revealing additional eviction protections inconsistently applied by the ECSR that addresses the conflict between the right to housing and property. To provide insight into how the ECSR could address the conflict more directly, this paper compares the ECSR’s approach with that adopted by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN CESCR). Ultimately, this study concludes that the UN CESCR engages with the right to property in the context of evictions more directly than the ECSR.
Multicountry Review of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype Distribution Among Adults With Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Grant Lindsay R , Begier Elizabeth , Theilacker Christian , Barry Rachid , Hall-Murray Cassandra , Yan Qi , Pope Veneta , Pride Michael W , Jodar Luis , Gessner Bradford D
Published: September 2023

Background

Nonbacteremic community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading presentation of severe pneumococcal disease in adults. Serotype-specific urinary antigen detection (UAD) assay can detect serotypes causing pneumococcal CAP, including nonbacteremic cases, and guide recommendations for use of higher valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).

Methods

Adult CAP serotype distribution studies that used both Pfizer UADs (UAD1, detects PCV13 serotypes; UAD2, detects PCV20 non-PCV13 serotypes plus 2, 9N, 17F, and 20) were identified by review of an internal study database and included if results were published. The percentages of all-cause radiologically confirmed CAP (RAD + CAP) due to individual or grouped (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20) serotypes as detected from culture or UAD were reported.

Results

Six studies (n = 2, United States; n = 1 each, Germany, Sweden, Spain, and Greece) were included. The percentage of RAD + CAP among adults ≥18 years with PCV13 serotypes equaled 4.6% to 12.9%, with PCV15 serotypes 5.9% to 14.5%, and with PCV20 serotypes 7.8% to 23.8%. The percentage of RAD + CAP due to PCV15 and PCV20 serotypes was 1.1–1.3 and 1.3–1.8 times higher than PCV13 serotypes, respectively.

Conclusions

PCV13 serotypes remain a cause of RAD + CAP among adults even in settings with pediatric PCV use. Higher valency PCVs among adults could address an important proportion of RAD + CAP in this population.
Differential Induction of Interferon-Stimulated Genes by Cell-Based Versus Egg-Based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccines in Children During the 2018–2019 Season
Authors: Martin Judith M , Moehling Geffel Krissy , Ortiz Marianna A , Rajasundaram Dhivyaa , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Zimmerman Richard K , Alcorn John F
Published: September 2023

Background

Cell-based quadrivalent-inactivated influenza vaccine has been shown to have higher vaccine effectiveness than traditional egg-based quadrivalent-inactivated influenza vaccine. This is observed despite similar levels of serum hemagglutinin antibodies induced by each vaccine.

Methods

In this study, we examine peripheral immune activation after egg-based or cell-based influenza vaccination in a clinical trial in children. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, and ribonucleic acid was sequenced from 81 study participants (41 Fluzone, egg based and 40 Flucelvax, cell based) pre- and 7 days postvaccination. Seroconversion was assessed by hemagglutinin inhibition assay. Differential gene expression was determined and pathway analysis was conducted.

Results

Cell-based influenza vaccine induced greater interferon-stimulated and innate immune gene activation compared with egg-based influenza vaccine. Participants who seroconverted had increased interferon-signaling activation versus those who did not seroconvert.

Conclusions

These data suggest that cell-based influenza vaccine stimulates immune activation differently from egg-based influenza vaccine, shedding light on reported differences in vaccine effectiveness.
Measuring Human Immunodeficiency Virus Reservoirs: Do We Need to Choose Between Quantity and Quality?
Authors: Roux Hélène , Chomont Nicolas
Published: September 2023

The persistence of latent viral genomes in people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the main obstacle to a cure for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Viral reservoirs can be defined as cells harboring HIV genomes that have the ability to produce infectious virions. Precise quantification of the cellular reservoirs of HIV is challenging because these cells are rare, heterogeneous, and outnumbered by a larger number of cells carrying defective genomes. In addition, measuring the inducibility of these proviruses requires functional assays and remains technically difficult. The recent development of single-cell and single-viral genome approaches revealed additional layers of complexity: the cell subsets that harbor proviruses are heterogeneous and their ability to be induced is variable. A substantial fraction of intact HIV genomes may be permanently silenced after years of ART, revealing the underappreciated importance of induction assays. As such, a simple approach that would assess simultaneously the genetic intactness and the inducibility of the reservoir is still lacking. In this study, we review recent advances in the development of methods to quantify and characterize persistently infected cells, and we discuss how these findings can inform the design of future assays aimed at measuring the size of the intact and inducible HIV reservoir.
Recent advances on research into high-speed railway noise
Authors: Sheng Xiaozhen , Zhang Shumin , Xiao Xinbiao , He Yuan
Published: September 2023

Around 42,000 km high-speed railways are in operation in China with a maximum speed of 350 km/h. Trains which can run at 400 km/h are also under development. To control both train pass-by and train interior noise, huge resources have been put into research on high-speed railway noise, and the authors of this paper and their teams have been involved in several key projects. This paper is to summarise some of the advances achieved in these projects by covering the following topics: measurement results and characteristics of high-speed railway pass-by noise; analyses on source contribution to pass-by noise based on microphone array measurement; modelling of high-speed rolling, aerodynamic, and viaduct bridge noise; prediction of the vibro-acoustic behaviour of car-body with poro-elastic media; analyses of vibration transmission in the suspension/bogie system; statistical energy analysis-based prediction of train interior noise. Open problems and potential technologies for controlling high-speed railway noise are also discussed.
Using a chat-based informed consent tool in large-scale genomic research
Authors: Savage Sarah K , LoTempio Jonathan , Smith Erica D , Andrew E Hallie , Mas Gloria , Kahn-Kirby Amanda H , Délot Emmanuèle , Cohen Andrea J , Pitsava Georgia , Nussbaum Robert , Fusaro Vincent A , Berger Seth , Vilain Eric
Published: September 2023

Objective

We implemented a chatbot consent tool to shift the time burden from study staff in support of a national genomics research study.

Materials and Methods

We created an Institutional Review Board-approved script for automated chat-based consent. We compared data from prospective participants who used the tool or had traditional consent conversations with study staff.

Results

Chat-based consent, completed on a user’s schedule, was shorter than the traditional conversation. This did not lead to a significant change in affirmative consents. Within affirmative consents and declines, more prospective participants completed the chat-based process. A quiz to assess chat-based consent user understanding had a high pass rate with no reported negative experiences.

Conclusion

Our report shows that a structured script can convey important information while realizing the benefits of automation and burden shifting. Analysis suggests that it may be advantageous to use chatbots to scale this rate-limiting step in large research projects.
Time for a Gut Check: A Qualitative Study of Proposed Interventions to Address Gender Inequality in Gastroenterology
Authors: Sharma Sowmya , Mathias Holly , Jones Emma , Heisler Courtney , Rohatinsky Noelle , Novak Kerri , Leung Yvette , Fowler Sharyle , Kaczur Melaine , Targownik Laura , Jones Jennifer L
Published: September 2023

Background

Gender inequalities persist in medicine, particularly in some speciality fields where fewer women are employed. Although previous research has suggested potential interventions to broadly address gender inequality in medicine, no research has focused on interventions in the field of gastroenterology. The purpose of this research was to engage women in the field of gastroenterology in Canada, to identify interventions with potential to be effective in addressing gender inequality.

Methods

A World Café was hosted in 2019 to discuss gender inequality and interventions in gastroenterology. Twelve women employed in the field of gastroenterology (i.e. physicians, nurses, research staff, and trainees) were purposively recruited and participated in the event. The discussion rounds were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematic analyses was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s principles.

Results

Three key themes identifying potential interventions to address gender inequality in gastroenterology were generated: (1) Education; (2) Addressing institutional structures and polices; and 3) Role modelling and mentorship. Participants indicated that interventions should target various stakeholders, including both women and men in gastroenterology, young girls, patients, and administrators.

Conclusion

Many of the interventions identified by participants correspond with existing research on interventions in general medicine, suggesting that institutional changes can be made for maximum effectiveness. Some novel interventions were also identified, including publicizing instances of gender parity and supporting interventions across the educational and professional lifecourse. Moving forward, institutions must assess their readiness for change and evaluate existing policies, programs, and practices for areas of improvement.
What a tangled web it weaves: auxin coordination of stem cell maintenance and flower production
Authors: Smith Elizabeth Sarkel , Nimchuk Zachary L
Published: September 2023

Robust agricultural yields require consistent flower production throughout fluctuating environmental conditions. Floral primordia are produced in the inflorescence meristem, which contains a pool of continuously dividing stem cells. Daughter cells of these divisions either retain stem cell identity or are pushed to the SAM periphery, where they become competent to develop into floral primordia after receiving the appropriate signal. Thus, flower production is inherently linked to regulation of the stem cell pool. The plant hormone auxin promotes flower development throughout its early phases and has been shown to interact with the molecular pathways regulating stem cell maintenance. Here, we will summarize how auxin signaling contributes to stem cell maintenance and promotes flower development through the early phases of initiation, outgrowth, and floral fate establishment. Recent advances in this area suggest that auxin may serve as a signal that integrates stem cell maintenance and new flower production.
The umbilical cord of finite model theory
Authors: Gurevich Yuri
Published: September 2023

Model theory was born and developed as a part of mathematical logic. It has various application domains but is not beholden to any of them. A priori, the research area known as finite model theory would be just a part of model theory but it didn’t turn out that way. There is one application domain, relational database management, that finite model theory had been beholden to during a substantial early period when databases provided the motivation and were the main application target for finite model theory. Arguably, finite model theory was motivated even more by complexity theory. But the subject of this paper is how relational database theory influenced finite model theory. This is NOT a scholarly history of the subject with proper credits to all participants. My original intent was to cover just the developments that I witnessed or participated in. The need to make the story coherent forced me to cover some additional developments.
Veterans Affairs’ Whole Health System of Care for Transitioning Service Members and Veterans
Authors: Gantt Cynthia J , Donovan Nancy , Khung Maureen
Published: September 2023

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched an organization-wide transformation to a Whole Health System of Care that will ideally begin at the time of transition from active duty through the end of a Veteran’s life. A brief history and overview of the Whole Health approach are provided along with selected evaluation results and planned initial actions as a result of the Total Force Fitness–Whole Health Summit held in March 2022. More work is required to strengthen the natural linkages between the Department of Defense’s Total Force Fitness and Veterans Affairs’ Whole Health approach to care. The Total Force Fitness–Whole Health collaboration is a model of whole-person care for the nation.
Total Force Fitness Standardization: Leveraging Policy and Metrics to Inform and Accelerate Implementation
Authors: Stepanenko Bryan A , Givens Melissa
Published: September 2023

Total Force Fitness (TFF) metrics inform leaders at every level as they develop and evaluate policies, practices, and programs that enable soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, guardians, and operators to achieve human performance optimization in all eight domains as defined by the TFF framework. The Standardization Workgroup was a facilitated discussion breakout session among a group of uniquely informed and engaged attendees who were invited to be part of the TFF summit that was hosted in Bethesda, Maryland, on September 14 and 15, 2021. The Standardization Workgroup explored the 2018 TFF shift in perspective to consider human performance optimization in the context of a military unit’s fitness for missions and identified several challenges, opportunities, and action items for improving the implementation and sustainment of TFF throughout the services. Key opportunities and recommendations synthesized from the workgroup discussion include the following: Creating true ownership of TFF by an entity with authority and engagement across the services; creating divisions of labor and assigning champion organizations with distinct areas of responsibility related to metric development, data accessibility, line-leader decision support, and data-driven policy and program review; leveraging and expanding the use of data repositories, secure data clouds, and artificial intelligence platforms to support a robust and integrated learning health and performance system; and prioritizing the operational line-leader stakeholder engagement at every stage of metric development and refinement as they are ultimately responsible for and have direct influence over the fitness of the individual service member and readiness to deploy of the military unit.
What drives the variance of galaxy spectra?
Authors: Sharbaf Zahra , Ferreras Ignacio , Lahav Ofer
Published: September 2023

We present a study aimed at understanding the physical phenomena underlying the formation and evolution of galaxies following a data-driven analysis of spectroscopic data based on the variance in a carefully selected sample. We apply principal component analysis (PCA) independently to three subsets of continuum-subtracted optical spectra, segregated into their nebular emission activity as quiescent, star-forming, and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We emphasize that the variance of the input data in this work only relates to the absorption lines in the photospheres of the stellar populations. The sample is taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) in the stellar velocity dispersion range 100–150 km s−1, to minimize the ‘blurring’ effect of the stellar motion. We restrict the analysis to the first three principal components (PCs) and find that PCA segregates the three types with the highest variance mapping SSP-equivalent age, along with an inextricable degeneracy with metallicity, even when all three PCs are included. Spectral fitting shows that stellar age dominates PC1, whereas PC2 and PC3 have a mixed dependence of age and metallicity. The trends support – independently of any model fitting – the hypothesis of an evolutionary sequence from star formation to AGN to quiescence. As a further test of the consistency of the analysis, we apply the same methodology in different spectral windows, finding similar trends, but the variance is maximal in the blue wavelength range, roughly around the 4000 Å break.
ZEB1 promotes non-homologous end joining double-strand break repair
Authors: Genetta Thomas L , Hurwitz Joshua C , Clark Evan A , Herold Benjamin T , Khalil Shadi , Abbas Tarek , Larner James M
Published: September 2023

Repair of DSB induced by IR is primarily carried out by Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ), a pathway in which 53BP1 plays a key role. We have discovered that the EMT-inducing transcriptional repressor ZEB1 (i) interacts with 53BP1 and that this interaction occurs rapidly and is significantly amplified following exposure of cells to IR; (ii) is required for the localization of 53BP1 to a subset of double-stranded breaks, and for physiological DSB repair; (iii) co-localizes with 53BP1 at IR-induced foci (IRIF); (iv) promotes NHEJ and inhibits Homologous Recombination (HR); (v) depletion increases resection at DSBs and (vi) confers PARP inhibitor (PARPi) sensitivity on BRCA1-deficient cells. Lastly, ZEB1’s effects on repair pathway choice, resection, and PARPi sensitivity all rely on its homeodomain. In contrast to the well-characterized therapeutic resistance of high ZEB1-expressing cancer cells, the novel ZEB1-53BP1-shieldin resection axis described here exposes a therapeutic vulnerability: ZEB1 levels in BRCA1-deficient tumors may serve as a predictive biomarker of response to PARPis.
Structural basis of transcriptional activation by the OmpR/PhoB-family response regulator PmrA
Authors: Lou Yuan-Chao , Huang Hsuan-Yu , Yeh Hsin-Hong , Chiang Wei-Hung , Chen Chinpan , Wu Kuen-Phon
Published: September 2023

PmrA, an OmpR/PhoB-family response regulator, triggers gene transcription responsible for polymyxin resistance in bacteria by recognizing promoters where the canonical-35 element is replaced by the pmra-box, representing the PmrA recognition sequence. Here, we report a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of a bacterial PmrA-dependent transcription activation complex (TAC) containing a PmrA dimer, an RNA polymerase σ70 holoenzyme (RNAPH) and the pbgP promoter DNA. Our structure reveals that the RNAPH mainly contacts the PmrA C-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD) via electrostatic interactions and reorients the DBD three base pairs upstream of the pmra-box, resulting in a dynamic TAC conformation. In vivo assays show that the substitution of the DNA-recognition residue eliminated its transcriptional activity, while variants with altered RNAPH-interacting residues resulted in enhanced transcriptional activity. Our findings suggest that both PmrA recognition-induced DNA distortion and PmrA promoter escape play crucial roles in its transcriptional activation.
Mental health and vitality predict spinal pain in healthcare workers
Authors: Espin A , Núñez-Cortés R , Irazusta J , Rodriguez-Larrad A , Torres-Unda J , Vinstrup J , Jakobsen M D , Andersen L L
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite extensive investigation of ergonomic risk factors for spinal pain in healthcare workers, limited knowledge of psychological risk factors exists.

Aims

To assess the prospective association of mental health and vitality with development of spinal pain in healthcare workers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out involving 1950 healthcare workers from 19 hospitals in Denmark. Assessments were done at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Mental health and vitality were measured using the Short Form-36 Health Survey, while spinal pain intensity was measured using a 0–10 scale in the low-back, upper-back and neck, respectively. Cumulative logistic regressions adjusted for several confounding factors were applied, reporting risk estimates as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Using good mental health as reference, moderate (but not poor) mental health at baseline was associated with increased pain intensity in the low-back (OR: 1.41 [95% CI: 1.21–1.77]), upper-back (OR: 1.63 [95% CI: 1.31–2.02]) and neck (OR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.07–1.61]) at 1-year follow-up. Likewise, using high vitality as reference, both moderate and low vitality at baseline were associated with increased pain intensity in the low-back (OR: 1.54 [95% CI: 1.22–1.94] and OR: 2.34 [95% CI: 1.75–3.12], respectively), upper-back (OR: 1.72 [95% CI: 1.34–2.23] and OR: 2.46 [95% CI: 1.86–3.25], respectively) and neck (OR: 1.66 [95% CI: 1.34–2.06] and OR: 2.06 [95% CI: 1.61–2.63], respectively) at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Compared to healthcare workers with good mental health and high vitality, those with moderate mental health and low/moderate vitality, respectively, were more likely to increase spinal pain intensity at 1-year follow-up. These components should also be considered in the prevention of spinal pain in healthcare workers.
Discovery of a molecular cloud possibly associated with the youngest Galactic SNR G1.9+0.3
Authors: Enokiya Rei , Sano Hidetoshi , Filipović Miroslav D , Alsaberi Rami Z E , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Oka Tomoharu
Published: September 2023

The youngest known Galactic supernova remnant (SNR) G1.9+0.3 has high-velocity supernova shock beyond 10000 km s−1, and it is considered to be one of the major candidates of a PeVatron. Despite these outstanding properties, the surrounding interstellar matter of this object is poorly understood. We investigated the interstellar gas toward G1.9+0.3 using the 12CO(J = 3−2) data with the angular resolution of 15″ obtained by the CHIMPS2 survey by the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, and discovered three individual clouds at −1, 7, and 45 km s−1. From its morphological and velocity structures, the −1 km s−1 cloud, having the largest velocity width >20 km s−1 and located at the distance of the Galactic Center, is possibly associated with the SNR. The associated cloud shows a cavity structure both in space and velocity and coincides well with the SNR. We found that the associated cloud has higher column densities toward three bright, radio synchrotron-emitted rims where the radial expansion velocity of the supernova shock is decelerated, and the cloud is faint in the other parts of the SNR. This is the first direct evidence indicating that the highly anisotropic expansion of G1.9+0.3 observed by previous studies results from the deceleration by the interaction between the supernova shock and surrounding dense interstellar medium.
Spatiotemporal distribution of reactive oxygen species production, delivery, and use in Arabidopsis root hairs
Authors: Kuběnová Lenka , Haberland Jan , Dvořák Petr , Šamaj Jozef , Ovečka Miroslav
Published: September 2023

Fluorescent selective probes for reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection in living cells are versatile tools for the documentation of ROS production in plant developmental or stress reactions. We employed high-resolution live-cell imaging and semiquantitative analysis of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) stained with CM-H2DCFDA, CellROX Deep Red, and Amplex Red for functional characterization of the spatiotemporal mode of ROS production, delivery, and utilization during root hair formation. Cell viability marker fluorescein diacetate served as a positive control for dye loading and undisturbed root hair tip growth after staining. Using a colocalization analysis with subcellular molecular markers and two root hair mutants with similar phenotypes of nonelongating root hairs, but with contrasting reasons for this impairment, we found that: (i) CM-H2DCFDA is a sensitive probe for ROS generation in the cytoplasm, (ii) CellROX Deep Red labels ROS in mitochondria, (iii) Amplex Red labels apoplastic ROS and mitochondria and shows high selectivity to root hairs, (iv) the root hair defective 2-1 (rhd2-1) mutant with nonfunctional NADPH oxidase RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG PROTEIN C/ROOT HAIR-DEFECTIVE 2 (AtRBOHC/RHD2) has a low level of CM-H2DCFDA-reactive ROS in cytoplasm and lacks Amplex Red-reactive ROS in apoplast, and (v) the ACTIN2-deficient deformed root hairs1-3 (der1-3) mutant is not altered in these aspects. The sensitivity of CellROX Deep Red was documented by discrimination between larger ROS-containing mitochondria and small, yet ROS-free premature mitochondria in the growing tip of root hairs. We characterized spatial changes in ROS production and compartmentalization induced by external ROS modulators, ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, and ionophore valinomycin. This dynamic and high-resolution study of ROS production and utilization opens opportunities for precise speciation of particular ROS involved in root hair formation.
The school counselor’s role in addressing ACEs: an intervention strategy
Authors: Prasetya Yovian Yustiko , Setiawan Dedy , Si Suwarjo M , Aditama Mint Husen Raya , Selfiardy Syafrida
Published: September 2023

Children growing up with unemployed parents may be at higher risk of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The role of school counselors in identifying and providing services to children at risk of ACEs is important. In addition, the intervention strategy is expected to bridge the role between schools and the government in overcoming the risks of ACEs in the community.
Abstract 4 Excellent Event-Free-Survival and Immunoglobulin Independence for Patients with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Transplanted with Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells
Authors: Ubico Erin Morales , MacMath Derek , Omer Bilal , Doherty Erin , Llaurador Gabriela , Sasa Ghadir , Salem Baheyeldin , Khaled Yassine , Steffin David , Craddock John , George Anil , Brenner Malcolm , Heslop Helen , Bhar Saleh , Forbes Lisa , Nicholas Sarah , Noroski Lenora , Rider Nicholas , Chinn Ivan , Seeborg Filiz , Chinen Javier , Davis Carla , Pena Amanda , Wan Tao , Wu Mengfen , Shaver Kristen , Krance Robert , Martinez Caridad
Published: September 2023

Introduction

An HLA matched related donor (MRD) is the preferred donor source for performing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) (Heimall 2017). However, many patients lack an MRD and thus an alternative donor, must be used. In these situations, an umbilical cord blood (UCB) represents a promising stem cell source (Gragert 2014, Martinez 2022).

Objectives

The primary outcome of interest was one-year event free survival (EFS) and the secondary outcome was time to immunoglobulin therapy independence based on donor source.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with SCID who underwent HSCT at Texas Children’s Hospital from 2003 to 2021 were included. EFS was defined as survival 365 days post-transplant without additional transplant, stem cell “top-off”, or donor lymphocyte infusion. The date of last immunoglobulin infusion was recorded to track time to immunoglobulin therapy independence.

Results

A total of 67 patients were included in the cohort. One-year EFS was 74.25% for all patients using the Kaplan-Meier method. When stratified by donor/stem cell source, EFS was 88.94% for UCB, 72.92% for MRD, 60.00% for URD, and 41.67% for haplo. There was statistical significance in EFS between URD UCB and the haploidentical group (p = 0.0006).

The median time to IVIG independence was 8.6 months for all patients, 7.3 months for UCB, 23.4 months for URD, 26.6 months for haplo, and 32.5 months for MRD. When stratified by donor/stem cell source, cumulative incidence analysis showed UCB patients achieved Immunoglobulin independence earlier when compared to all other groups (UCB vs haplo p = 0.0335, UCB vs MRD p = 0.0012, UCB vs URD p = 0.0488).

Discussion

This single-center cohort of 67 patients demonstrates excellent survival for SCID patients undergoing HSCT, confirming prior studies (Pai 2014, Heimall 2017). EFS was highest in patients treated with an UCBT. In our analysis of immune reconstitution, we found that SCID patients transplanted with UCB, had a significantly shorter time to IVIG independence compared to other stem cell donors/sources. Given the high survival of UCB patients and this robust immune reconstitution, UCB may represent the best alternative stem cell source for SCID patients without a MRD option.