bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functions of LKB1 in neural crest development: The story unfolds
Authors: Thibert Chantal , Lucas Anthony , Billaud Marc , Torch Sakina , Mével‐Aliset Marie , Allard Jordan
Published: March 2023

Neural crest cells (NCCs) are highly motile, multipotent, embryonic cells that delaminate from the dorsal edges of the neural tube. NCCs follow stereotypical long‐range migratory pathways to reach target organs during development, where they give rise to multiple derivatives. The identification of reservoirs of neural crest stem cells that persist to adulthood has recently aroused renewed interest in the biology of NCCs. In this context, several recent studies have demonstrated the essential role of the metabolic kinase LKB1 in NCC establishment. This review surveys how LKB1 governs the formation and maintenance of several neural crest derivatives, including facial bones, melanocytes, Schwann cells, and the enteric nervous system. We also detail the underlying molecular mechanisms that involve downstream effectors of LKB1, in particular the contribution of the AMPK‐mTOR signaling pathway to both polarity and metabolic processes. Collectively, these recent discoveries open promising perspectives for new therapeutic applications for the treatment of neural crest disorders.
Dry season plant water sourcing in contrasting tropical ecosystems of Costa Rica
Authors: Sánchez‐Murillo Ricardo , Todini‐Zicavo Diego , Poca María , Birkel Christian , Esquivel‐Hernández Germain , Chavarría María Marta , Zuecco Giulia , Penna Daniele
Published: March 2023

Tracer‐aided studies to understand plant water uptake sources and dynamics in tropical ecosystems are limited. Here, we report the analysis of dry season source water uptake patterns of five unique ecosystems of Costa Rica across altitudinal (<150–3,400 m asl) and latitudinal (Caribbean and Pacific slopes) gradients: evergreen and seasonal rainforests, cloud forest, Páramo and dry forest. Soil and plant samples were collected during the dry season in 2021. Plant and soil water extractions were conducted using centrifugation. Stem water extracted volume and stem total water content were calculated via gravimetric analysis. Water source contributions were estimated using a Bayesian mixing model. Isotope ratios in soil and stems exhibited a strong meteoric origin. Enrichment trends were only detected in stems and cactus samples within the dry forest ecosystem. Soil profiles revealed nearly uniform isotopic profiles; however, a depletion trend was observed in the Páramo ecosystem below 25 cm. More enriched compositions were reported in cactus samples for extracted water volumes above ~20% (adj. r2 = 0.34, p < 0.01). The most prominent dry season water source in the evergreen rainforest (74.0%), seasonal rainforest (86.4%) and cloud forest (66.0%) corresponded to well‐mixed soil water. In the Páramo ecosystem, recent rainfall produced by trade wind incursions resulted in the most significant water source (61.9%), whereas in the dry forest, mean annual precipitation (38.6%) and baseflow (33.1%) were the dominant sources. The latter highlights the prevalence of distinct water uptake sources between recent cold front rainfall (near‐surface soil storage) to more well‐mixed soil moisture during the dry season, revealing ecohydrological processing previously unknown in this tropical region.
Competition in a changing world: invasive aquatic plant is limited by saltwater encroachment
Authors: McDonald Ashley M. , Martin Charles W. , Adams Carrie R. , Reynolds Laura K.
Published: March 2023

Competitive interactions between native and nonindigenous species occur under conditions of ongoing environmental alterations related to urbanization and climate change, presenting a challenge to understanding invasiveness. Indigenous submerged aquatic vegetation species have been negatively impacted by nutrient enrichment and saltwater intrusion, while simultaneously experiencing a rapid spread in nonindigenous competitors. To better predict future shifts in freshwater macrophyte community dominance, investigations need to consider how these multiscale disturbances influence competitiveness of nonindigenous macrophytes. Using an outdoor greenhouse mesocosm setup for approximately 19 weeks over the course of subtropical winter, we experimentally examined how nutrient enrichment, salinity, and the interaction of both factors influence the competitive interactions between a native macrophyte with moderate salinity tolerance, wild celery (Vallisneria americana), and a highly invasive macrophyte with lower salinity tolerance, hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). We tested the factors of macrophyte composition (hydrilla monoculture, wild celery monoculture, or biculture), salinity (0, 4, or 8), and fertilization (ambient or fertilized) on biomass production, biomass allocation, and morphological metrics as responses to environmental condition and interspecific competition. Fertilizer enhanced wild celery leaf area (more than twofold) and shifted allocation toward aboveground biomass, but did not enhance hydrilla competitiveness. Salinity negatively affected wild celery leaf area (by 7.5%–67.8%) and biomass (by 4%–15%) and also reduced hydrilla belowground biomass production (by 6%–25%) but did not influence competition. An interaction effect of fertilizer and salinity negatively influenced hydrilla growth, however the combined factors did not influence competitive outcomes. The lack of evidence for a competitive advantage by hydrilla in this study demonstrates that salinity exposure sufficiently limits a highly invasive plant's competitive abilities and subsequent suppression of a native species.
Calibrating occupancy to density estimations to assess abundance and vulnerability of a threatened primate in Tanzania
Authors: Greco Ilaria , Paddock Christina Lynette , McCabe Gráinne Michelle , Barelli Claudia , Shinyambala Steven , Mtui Arafat S. , Rovero Francesco
Published: March 2023

The current decline of mammals worldwide makes quantitative population assessments crucial, especially for range‐restricted and threatened species. However, robust abundance estimations are challenging for elusive or otherwise difficult to detect species. Alternative metrics requiring only presence/absence data, that is, occupancy, are possible but calibration with independent density estimates should be foreseen, although rarely performed. Here, we calibrated density estimates from acoustic surveys to occupancy estimates from camera‐trapping detections to derive the abundance of the endangered Sanje mangabey (Cercocebus sanjei) across its entire range in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. We found marked occupancy–density relationships for the two forest blocks where this primate occurs and used them to derive spatially explicit density estimates. Occupancy increased in montane forest zones at mid‐elevation but decreased slightly with proximity to forest borders. We predicted an average density (±SE) of 0.26 ± 0.05 groups/km2 in the national park and 0.24 ± 0.06 in the nature reserve. Accordingly, and given the much larger area of the reserve, the average predicted individual abundance was 1555 ± 325 and 2471 ± 571 in the national park and nature reserve, respectively. We found higher density and abundance in the nature reserve compared with previous studies. Given the past disturbance and poorer protection in the nature reserve relative to the national park, our results instill optimism for the status of the species, although occupancy analysis highlighted the potential vulnerability of this primate to human disturbance. Our approach appears valuable for spatially explicit density estimations of elusive species, and provides robust assessments of vulnerability and identification of priority areas for conservation of threatened populations.
Point‐scale habitat and weather patterns influence the distribution of regal fritillaries in the central United States
Authors: Post van der Burg Max , MacDonald Garrett , Hefley Trevor , Glassberg Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Conservationists and scientists throughout the world consider butterflies important indicators of broadscale factors affecting global biodiversity. And like other facets of biodiversity, declines in many butterfly populations appear related to human activities, and the potential of their extinction could jeopardize key ecosystem services. The regal fritillary (Argynnis idalia), a butterfly associated with tall‐ and mixed‐grass prairies in the United States, is a species currently being considered for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. As with many butterflies, a paucity of data makes evidence‐based assessments of their population and distributional status difficult. Citizen science data provide one possible source of broadscale information about this species, but using these data is not simple because of spatial scaling and sampling bias problems. Here, we developed a model to analyze a data set from the citizen science program called the Fourth of July Butterfly Count (4JC) to make inferences about regal fritillary abundance in the Great Plains and Midwest regions of the United States. More specifically, we aimed to determine the extent to which grassland fragmentation, spring weather conditions, or other spatial factors were correlated with the intensity of use within 4JC survey areas. Our findings indicated that regal fritillaries used locations surrounded by grassland and with minimal forest cover. We included smoothing spline terms in our model, which indicated other sources of spatial structuring in these data. It is possible that these additional sources of variation could reflect variation in habitat quality. We also found that local averaged spring weather variables indicated that regal fritillary abundance varied over a wider range of precipitation conditions, but a narrower range of temperature conditions. Further analyses indicated that a systematic increase in temperature from climate change could lead to a pronounced northward shift in the regal fritillary's distribution. These findings have implications for the development of a recovery plan, since such a plan will need to outline a strategy that accounts for a range of patch sizes whose quality appears to vary spatially, as well as address numerous uncertainties about the future.
Native diversity contributes to composition heterogeneity of exotic floras
Authors: Chen Pengdong , Shen Changchao , Ren Jie , Qin Wenchao , Yi Jiahui , Guan Shuping , Tao Zhibin , Huang Wei , Siemann Evan
Published: March 2023

Variation in species composition among sites (beta diversity) is generally thought to be driven by environmental filtering and dispersal limitation, but the role of biotic interactions has not been sufficiently addressed. Specifically, the early species in a local community may contribute to subsequent beta diversity patterns. Exotic assemblages within native communities provide a unique opportunity to study biotic interaction mechanisms. In this study, we conducted a field survey of plants over an approximately 1800‐km transect in the middle and lower Yangtze River valley in China to study how native communities influence exotic beta diversity. The survey included 459 plots in 51 local plant communities with 40 exotic species and 103 co‐occurring native species. We also investigated how 11 environmental factors involving climate conditions, soil properties, and human activity regulate the interaction between native and exotic plants. The results showed that native diversity (Shannon–Wiener index) increased exotic beta diversity. Environmental conditions, especially monthly minimum temperature, influenced exotic beta diversity indirectly through native diversity rather than directly. Our results suggest that lower native diversity driven by environmental conditions, especially warmer temperatures, led to a decrease in composition heterogeneity of the exotic flora. Our results will help to incorporate biotic interactions into the framework of beta diversity mechanisms for local community assembly.
Improved hepatitis delta virus genome characterization by single molecule full‐length genome sequencing combined with VIRiONT pipeline
Authors: Charre Caroline , Regue Hadrien , Dény Paul , Josset Laurence , Chemin Isabelle , Zoulim Fabien , Scholtes Caroline
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection confers a greater risk for accelerated liver disease progression. Full‐length characterization of HDV genome is necessary to understand pathogenesis and treatment response. However, owing to its high variability and tight structure, sequencing approaches remain challenging. Herein, we present a workflow to amplify, sequence, and analyze the whole HDV genome in a single fragment. Sequencing was based on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies long‐read sequencing followed by a turnkey analysis pipeline (VIRiONT, VIRal in‐house ONT sequencing analysis pipeline) that we developed and make available online for free. For the first time, HDV genome was successfully amplified and full‐length sequenced in a single fragment, allowing accurate subtyping from 30 clinical samples. High variability of edition, a crucial step in viral life cycle, was found among samples (from 0% to 59%). Additionally, a new subtype of HDV genotype 1 was identified. We provide a complete workflow for assessment of HDV genome at full‐length quasispecies resolution overcoming genome assembly issues and helping to identify modifications throughout the whole genome. This will help a better understanding of the impact of genotype/subtype, viral dynamics, and structural variants on HDV pathogenesis and treatment response.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of kidney tissues in some severe and fatal cases of COVID‐19
Authors: Ly Hinh
Published: March 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection can lead to diverse clinical manifestations and pathologies that involve multiple organs. Even though the disease severity is manifested mainly in the respiratory tract, which is the primary target of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, acute kidney injury in the form of acute tubular necrosis has also been noted in some COVID‐19 cases. It is not entirely clear whether renal cells can be infected by the virus that might be involved in acute kidney disorder. In a recent publication by Radovic and colleagues, that has been selected as the editor's choice paper published in the Journal of Medical Virology, the authors provided strong histopathological and immunofluorescence evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and tissue injury of renal parenchymal and tubular epithelial cells, which strongly suggest an active viral replication in the kidney of some severe and fatal COVID‐19 cases, and to a lesser extent, a potential role for innate immune cells in viral infection and renal disease pathogenesis.
The clinical predictors of and vaccine protection against severe influenza infection in children
Authors: Tsai Chu‐Fei , Liu Yun‐Chung , Chang Tu‐Hsuan , Wu En‐Ting , Chang Luan‐Yin
Published: March 2023

Influenza infection in children causes a tremendous global burden. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical predictors of severe influenza among children. We retrospectively included hospitalized children who had laboratory‐confirmed influenza infection and were admitted to a medical center in Taiwan between 2010 and 2018. Severe influenza infection was defined as needing intensive care. We compared demographics, comorbidities, vaccine status and outcomes between patients with severe and nonsevere infection. There were 1030 children hospitalized for influenza infection: 162 patients needed intensive care and 868 patients did not. Multivariable analysis revealed that an age below 2 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22–4.95), underlying cardiovascular disease (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.04–3.25), neuropsychological (aOR 4.09, 95% CI 2.59–6.45) or respiratory disease (aOR 3.87, 95% CI 1.42–10.60), patchy infiltrates (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.29–4.93), pleural effusion (aOR 6.56, 95% CI 1.66–25.91), and invasive bacterial coinfection (aOR 21.89, 95% CI 2.19–218.77) were significant clinical predictors of severe disease, whereas severe infection was less likely in individuals who had received influenza and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.91; aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.23–0.51, respectively). The most significant risk factors associated with severe influenza infection were an age under 2 years, comorbidities (cardiovascular, neuropsychological, and respiratory diseases), patchy infiltrates or effusion shown on chest X‐rays, and bacterial coinfections. The incidence rate of severe disease was significantly lower in those who had received influenza vaccines and PCVs.
Viral detection from negative mumps cases with respiratory symptoms in Gwangju, South Korea in 2021
Authors: Mun Jeongeun , Kim Sun‐Hee , Park Jung wook , Park Ji‐Su , Park Su Jung , Lee Seung Hun , Seo Jin Jong , Chung Yoon‐Seok
Published: March 2023

Mumps is the second‐most reported infectious disease in South Korea; however, due to the low pathogen confirmation rate in laboratory diagnoses, we proposed a method for reevaluating the high incidence rate via the laboratory verification of other viral diseases. In 2021, 63 cases of pharyngeal or cheek mucosal swabs of suspected mumps cases in Gwangju, South Korea, were assessed for causative pathogens using massive simultaneous pathogen testing. More than one respiratory virus was detected in 60 cases (95.2%), 44 (73.3%) of which were codetected. Human rhinovirus was detected in 47 cases, followed by human herpesvirus (HHV)6 in 30; HHV4 (17), human bocavirus (17), HHV5 (10), and human parainfluenza virus 3 (6) were also detected. Our findings suggest the need for further investigations on the pathogenesis of diseases mimicking mumps, which are considered to aid with appropriate public health responses, treatment, and the prevention of infectious disease outbreaks.
Bactericidal potential of different size sericin‐capped silver nanoparticles synthesized by heat, light, and sonication
Authors: Summer Muhammad , Tahir Hafiz Muhammad , Ali Shaukat , Abaidullah Rimsha , Mumtaz Shumaila , Nawaz Saira , Azizullah
Published: March 2023

Present study was aimed to assess the bactericidal potential of sericin‐capped silver nanoparticles (Se‐AgNPs) synthesized by heat, light, and sonication. Se‐AgNPs were characterized by size analyzer, UV spectrophotometry, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Average size of Se‐AgNPs synthesized by heat, light and sonication was 53.60, 78.12, and 7.49 nm, respectively. All (10) bacterial strains were exposed to Se‐AgNPs prepared from different methods to compare their antibacterial potentials. Largest zone of inhibition (13 ± 1.15 mm) was observed for sonication‐based nanoparticles (NPs) against Klebseilla pneumoniae while the smallest zone of light assisted NPs against Serratia rubidaea (5 ± 1 mm). Bacterial strains were also exposed to different concentrations (0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) of Se‐AgNPs which showed largest zone (12 ± 1 mm) of inhibition for 0.4% of Se‐AgNPs against Protius mirabilis and smallest zone (5 ± 1.154 mm) for 0.3% of Se‐AgNPs against Escherichia coli. Furthermore, effect of different temperatures (5°C, 37°C, and 60°C) and pH (3, 7, and 12) on the efficacy and stability of Se‐AgNPs was also evaluated against different bacterial strains. Sonication mediated NPs showed highest bactericidal results against K. pneumoniae (F3,8 = 6.154; p = 0.018) with smallest size NPs (7.49 nm) while lowest bactericidal results against S. rubidaea (5 ± 1 mm) were shown with largest size (78.12 nm) NPs prepared by natural light. These variations of bactericidal activities of NPs with difference size endorse that the Se‐AgNPs with smallest size have highest antibacterial activity than larger size NPs. Moreover, Se‐AgNPs maintain their bactericidal potency at wide range of temperature and pH, hence seemed stable.
Interpreting the risk analysis index of frailty in the context of surgical oncology
Authors: Estock Jamie L. , Schlegel Cameron , Shinall Myrick C. , Varley Patrick , Youk Ada O. , Hoehn Richard , Hall Daniel E.
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) accurately predicts adverse postoperative outcomes but the inclusion of cancer status in the RAI has raised two key concerns about its suitability for use in surgical oncology: (1) the potential over classification of cancer patients as frail, and (2) the potential overestimation of postoperative mortality for patients with surgically curable cancers.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis to assess the RAI's power to appropriately identify frailty and predict postoperative mortality in cancer patients. We assessed discrimination for mortality and calibration across five RAI models—the complete RAI and four variants that removed different cancer‐related variables.

Results

We found that the presence of disseminated cancer was a key variable driving the RAI's power to predict postoperative mortality. The model including only this variable [RAI (disseminated cancer)] was similar to the complete RAI in the overall sample (c = 0.842 vs. 0.840) and outperformed the complete RAI in the cancer subgroup (c = 0.736 vs 0.704, respectively, p < 0.0001, Max R2 = 19.3% vs. 15.1%, respectively).

Conclusion

The RAI demonstrates somewhat less discrimination when applied exclusively to cancer patients, but remains a strong predictor of postoperative mortality, especially in the setting of disseminated cancer.
Topology‐Dependent pH‐Responsive Actuation and Shape Memory Programming for Biomimetic 4D Printing
Authors: Pan Houwen Matthew , Goto Atsushi
Published: March 2023

Biomimetic actuators are critical components of bionics research and have found applications in the fields of biomedical devices, soft robotics, and smart biosensors. This paper reports the first study of nanoassembly topology‐dependent actuation and shape memory programming in biomimetic 4D printing. Multi‐responsive flower‐like block copolymer nanoassemblies (vesicles) are utilized as photocurable printing materials for digital light processing (DLP) 4D printing. The flower‐like nanoassemblies enhance thermal stability, attributed to their surface loop structures on the shell surfaces. Actuators prepared from these nanoassemblies display topology‐dependent bending in response to pH and temperature‐programmable shape memory properties. Biomimetic octopus‐like soft actuators are programmed with multiple actuation patterns, large bending angles (≈500°), excellent weight‐to‐lift ratios (≈60), and moderate response time (≈5 min). Thus, nanoassembly topology‐dependent and shape‐programmable intelligent materials are successfully developed for biomimetic 4D printing.
Insights into Neurodegeneration in Parkinson's Disease from Single‐Cell and Spatial Genomics
Authors: Kamath Tushar , Macosko Evan Z.
Published: March 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is pathologically defined by the death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons within the pars compacta of the substantia nigra. To date, the cause of this multifaceted disease remains largely unclear, which may contribute in part to a current lack of disease‐modifying therapies. Recent advances in single‐cell and spatial genomic profiling tools have provided powerful new ways to measure cellular state changes in brain diseases. Here, we describe how these tools have offered insight into these complex disorders and highlight a recently performed comprehensive study of DA neuron susceptibility in PD. The data generated by this recent work provide evidence for the role of specific pathways and common genetic variants resulting in the loss of a critical DA subtype in PD. We conclude by outlining a set of basic and translational opportunities that arise from those data and insights gathered from this work. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Performance of three reanalyses in simulating the water table elevation in different shallow unconfined aquifers in Central Italy
Authors: Cerlini Paolina Bongioannini , Silvestri Lorenzo , Meniconi Silvia , Brunone Bruno
Published: March 2023

Water table elevation is a key feature for identifying the groundwater behaviour. Accordingly, appropriate measurements—in terms of both frequency and spatial distribution—play a crucial role for capturing the aquifer response to recharge and withdrawals. However, numerical models simulating the main features of the behaviour of the water table elevation may help groundwater management, as an additional tool. In this article, soil moisture data from three well‐established global reanalyses (ERA5, CFS, and JRA‐55) are used for evaluating the flux in the vadose zone towards shallow unconfined aquifers, , in the Umbria region (central Italy). Then, according to the methodology proposed in Bongioannini Cerlini et al. (2021), where for the considered aquifers most of the recharge derives from the unsaturated zone, is used for simulating the water table evolution in time. With the aim of assessing which reanalysis is the most appropriate in simulating the evolution of groundwater levels, the properties of the correspondent land surface models (LSM) are examined, as they provide . For the considered aquifers, the analysis of the performance of the selected reanalyses confirms the validity of the proposed approach. Moreover, it points out the crucial role of the spreading of the water table elevation with respect to its mean value, as a significant parameter for selecting the most adequate reanalysis to use. In addition, the role in the LSM of the explored soil depth, hydraulic conductivity curve, and spatial resolution is highlighted. These results, in line with recent literature on the performance of the reanalyses, suggest to extend future work to other regions of the world.
Incidence, features, and outcome of disease relapse after COVID‐19 vaccination in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Nagy‐Vincze Melinda , Béldi Tibor , Szabó Katalin , Vincze Anett , Miltényi‐Szabó Balázs , Varga Zsófia , Varga József , Griger Zoltán
Published: March 2023

Introduction/Aims

Vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is relatively safe in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM); however, myositis flares following vaccination have been poorly studied. We aimed to evaluate the frequency, features, and outcomes of disease relapses in patients with IIM following COVID‐19 vaccination.

Methods

A cohort of 176 IIM patients were interviewed after the third wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic and followed prospectively. Relapses were determined using the disease state criteria and the outcome of the flares with myositis response criteria, calculating the total improvement score (TIS).

Results

A total of 146 (82.9%) patients received a vaccination, 17/146 (11.6%) patients had a relapse within 3 mo, and 13/146 (8.9%) patients within 1 mo. The relapse rate of unvaccinated patients was 3.3%. Three months after the post‐vaccination relapses, 70.6% of the patients (12/17) achieved an improvement of disease activity (average TIS score: 30 ± 15.81; seven minor, five moderate, and zero major improvements). Six months after flares improvement was detected in 15/17(88.2%) of relapsed patients (average TIS score: 43.1 ± 19.53; 3 minimal, 8 moderate, and 4 major). Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that the active state of myositis at the time of injection (p < .0001; odds ratio, 33; confidence interval, 9–120) was significantly associated with the occurrence of a relapse.

Discussion

A minority of the vaccinated IIM patients had a confirmed disease flare after COVID‐19 vaccination and the majority of the relapses improved after individualized treatment. An active disease state at the time of vaccination probably contributes to the increased risk of a post vaccination myositis flare.
Relationships between leadership behaviour of nurse managers and nurses' levels of job satisfaction and compassion fatigue during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Taskiran Eskici Gulcan , Uysal Kasap Ece , Gumus Emel
Published: March 2023

Aim

To reveal the relationships between the leadership behaviour of nurse managers and nurses' levels of job satisfaction and compassion fatigue during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design and Methods

This descriptive and cross‐sectional study was performed with 353 nurse professionals participating from 32 cities across Turkey. The data were collected online between August and November 2020 by using the introductory information form, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Leadership Behaviour Questionnaire and Compassion Fatigue subdimension of the Professional Quality of Life Scale. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were followed in the study.

Results

Nurses mostly stated their managers as employee‐oriented and change‐oriented leaders. Nurses' intrinsic and overall satisfaction was high, extrinsic satisfaction was low and their compassion fatigue was at a critical level during the pandemic. According to nurses' personal and professional characteristics, there were significant differences in job satisfaction, compassion fatigue and change‐oriented leadership scores. When nurse managers exhibit employee‐oriented leadership behaviour, nurses' compassion fatigue decreases and job satisfaction increases.
Subsistence and animal management at Iron Age sites of Quanshuigou and Dumuduebudege in western Xinjiang, China
Authors: Lin Minghao , Song Yanbo , Han Jianye , Chen Xiaolu , Gu Xiaolei
Published: March 2023

Xinjiang sits in the northwesternmost part of China and played an active role in facilitating the flow of technologies, cultivars, and livestock long before the Silk Road. While mixed pastoralism was developed in neighboring Central Asia, the local lifeways in Xinjiang, as well as the possible interactions in‐between these regions, have still not been fully understood. Here, we conduct zooarchaeological analyses at two Iron Age sites of Quanshuigou and Dumuduebudege in western Xinjiang, to clarify the local subsistence and animal management strategies. Our results reveal that sheep/goats were the most exploited animals in this region, followed by horses and cattle in the managed herd. Apart from meat and marrow, renewable secondary products such as wool and milk might also be used, suggesting an intensive livestock exploitation managed by the local pastoral communities. Such mixed pastoralism not only continues throughout the Iron Age but also is visible today in Xinjiang, demonstrating its profound and lasting influence for nomadic groups in this region.
Development and validation of a CT‐based radiomics signature for identifying high‐risk neuroblastomas under the revised Children's Oncology Group classification system
Authors: Wang Haoru , Xie Mingye , Chen Xin , Zhu Jin , Ding Hao , Zhang Li , Pan Zhengxia , He Ling
Published: March 2023

Background

To develop and validate a radiomics signature based on computed tomography (CT) for identifying high‐risk neuroblastomas.

Procedure

This retrospective study included 339 patients with neuroblastomas, who were classified into high‐risk and non‐high‐risk groups according to the revised Children's Oncology Group classification system. These patients were then randomly divided into a training set (n = 237) and a testing set (n = 102). Pretherapy CT images of the arterial phase were segmented by two radiologists. Pyradiomics package and FeAture Explorer software were used to extract and process radiomics features. Radiomics models based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machine (SVM) were constructed, and the area under the curve (AUC), 95% confidence interval (CI), and accuracy were calculated.

Results

The optimal LDA, LR, and SVM models had 11, 12, and 14 radiomics features, respectively. The AUC of the LDA model in the training and testing sets were 0.877 (95% CI: 0.833–0.921) and 0.867 (95% CI: 0.797–0.937), with an accuracy of 0.823 and 0.804, respectively. The AUC of the LR model in the training and testing sets were 0.881 (95% CI: 0.839–0.924) and 0.855 (95% CI: 0.781–0.930), with an accuracy of 0.823 and 0.804, respectively. The AUC of the SVM model in the training and testing sets were 0.879 (95% CI: 0.836–0.923) and 0.862 (95% CI: 0.791–0.934), with an accuracy of 0.827 and 0.804, respectively.

Conclusions

CT‐based radiomics is able to identify high‐risk neuroblastomas and may provide additional image biomarkers for the identification of high‐risk neuroblastomas.
Scalable growth models for time‐series multispectral images
Authors: Anche Mahlet T. , Morales Nicholas , Kaczmar Nicholas S. , Santantonio Nicholas , Gore Michael A. , Robbins Kelly R.
Published: March 2023

Vegetation indices (VIs) are produced as a combination of different reflectance bands that are captured by multispectral images (MSIs). These indices, such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), are reported to be proxy indicators of photosynthetic activity, plant canopy biomass, and leaf area index. To determine the utility of using VI derived from MSI to model plant growth, random regression (RR) models with linear splines and different orders of Legendre polynomials were applied to data collected (years 2019 and 2020) as part of the Genome‐to‐Fields initiative. Growth curves of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids were modeled using both NDVI and cumulative NDVI (cNDVI) phenotypes. Due to the difference in MSI recording dates, and sparse overlap in hybrids between years, all the analyses were nested within a year. Results indicate that RR models using Legendre polynomials provide a robust and scalable method for modeling growth curves using phenotypes extracted from MSI; however, RR models using linear splines showed inconsistent convergence. Growth curves estimated using NDVI and cNDVI showed low‐to‐moderate heritability (0.11–0.44) and a range of genetic correlations (−0.15 to 0.97) with grain yield. This study demonstrates the utility of MSI for modeling genetic growth trends, with the best modeling results obtained when using Legendre polynomials and cNDVI.
Monomer and dimer structures of cytochrome bo3 ubiquinol oxidase from Escherichia coli
Authors: Guo Yirui , Karimullina Elina , Emde Tabitha , Otwinowski Zbyszek , Borek Dominika , Savchenko Alexei
Published: March 2023

The Escherichia coli cytochrome bo3 ubiquinol oxidase is a four‐subunit heme‐copper oxidase that serves as a proton pump in the E. coli aerobic respiratory chain. Despite many mechanistic studies, it is unclear whether this ubiquinol oxidase functions as a monomer, or as a dimer in a manner similar to its eukaryotic counterparts—the mitochondrial electron transport complexes. In this study, we determined the monomeric and dimeric structures of the E. coli cytochrome bo3 ubiquinol oxidase reconstituted in amphipol by cryogenic electron microscopy single particle reconstruction (cryo‐EM SPR) to a resolution of 3.15 and 3.46 Å, respectively. We have discovered that the protein can form a dimer with C2 symmetry, with the dimerization interface maintained by interactions between the subunit II of one monomer and the subunit IV of the other monomer. Moreover, the dimerization does not induce significant structural changes in the monomers, except the movement of a loop in subunit IV (residues 67–74).
Quality of life in patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy compared with those who underwent low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy
Authors: Nakai Yasushi , Tanaka Nobumichi , Asakawa Isao , Hori Shunta , Miyake Makito , Yamaki Kaori , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Inoue Takeshi , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: March 2023

Background

To compare the quality of life (QOL) in patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) or low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (LDR‐BT) for prostate cancer.

Methods

We enrolled patients who underwent LDR‐BT (LDR‐BT alone [n = 540] or LDR‐BT plus external beam radiation therapy [n = 428]) and RARP (n = 142). QOL was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC), Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and 8‐item Short Form (SF‐8) health survey. The two groups were compared using propensity score matching analysis.

Results

At 24 months after treatment, the number of patients with worsened urinary QOL in the urinary domain of EPIC compared with baseline was 78/111 (70%) and 63/137 (46%) in the RARP and LDR‐BT groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In the urinary incontinence and function domain, this number was higher in the RARP group versus the LDR‐BT group. However, in the urinary irritative/obstructive domain, the number of patients with improved urinary QOL at 24 months compared with baseline was 18/111 (16%) and 9/137 (7%), respectively (p = 0.01). Regarding the SHIM score, sexual domain of EPIC, and mental component summary of SF‐8, there were more number of patients with worsened QOL in the RARP group than in the LDR‐BT group. In the EPIC bowel domain, the number of patients with worsened QOL was lower in the RARP group versus the LDR‐BT group.

Conclusion

The differences in QOL observed between patients treated with RARP and LDR‐BT could assist in treatment selection for prostate cancer.
Postoperative functional and cancer control evaluation of conventional and Retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: Comparison of selected cases by propensity score matching
Authors: Kadono Yoshifumi , Nohara Takahiro , Kawaguchi Shohei , Kadomoto Suguru , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Iijima Masashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: March 2023

Aim

Although many reports have shown that Retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RS‐RARP) is effective for postoperative urinary continence, the postoperative voiding status and sexual function associated with this technique have not yet been adequately compared with those associated with conventional RARP (C‐RARP). In this study, the lower urinary tract function, erectile function, and cancer control after C‐RARP and RS‐RARP were compared chronologically.

Materials and methods

We selected 50 cases of C‐RARP and RS‐RARP each by propensity score matching and evaluated them over time using various questionnaires. Urinary continence recovery rates and biochemical recurrence (BCR)‐free survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared between the two groups using the log‐rank test.

Results

When urinary continence was defined as 0 pads per day, 0 pads per day + 1 security linear, or ≤1 pad per day, the postoperative improvement in urinary continence was better with RS‐RARP over the course of up to 1 year for all definitions. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form total scores and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores were better in the postoperative RS‐RARP group. There were no significant differences in the International Prostate Symptom Score total score, QOL score, and erectile hardness score between the two groups during the observation period. The BCR‐free survival did not differ significantly between the two groups

Conclusions

Postoperative urinary continence was better in the RS‐RARP group than in the C‐RARP group; however, the voiding function, erectile function, and cancer control did not differ significantly.
Magnolia officinalis L. bark extract and respiratory diseases: From traditional Chinese medicine to western medicine via network target
Authors: Fontana Riccardo , Mattioli Laura Beatrice , Biotti Giulia , Budriesi Roberta , Gotti Roberto , Micucci Matteo , Corazza Ivan , Marconi Peggy , Frosini Maria , Manfredini Stefano , Buzzi Raissa , Vertuani Silvia
Published: March 2023

The understanding of the use of Magnolia officinalis L. (Magnoliaceae) as a possible dietary supplement for supporting the treatment of airway pathologies might be of clinical interest. Two commercially available bark extracts (M. officinalis extract [MOE]) were characterized by quantitation in honokiol and magnolol content by means of high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. MOE effects, as well as those of the reference compounds per se, on some targets connected to airway pathologies (antibacterial‐ and lung and trachea relaxing‐ activities) were investigated. Results showed that MOE possessed interesting antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. This was accompanied by a spasmolytic and antispasmodic activity, possibly owing to its ability to concurrently modulate different targets such as H1‐, β2‐ and muscarinic receptors and l‐type calcium channels involved in bronchodilation. All these effects were directly related to the MOE content in honokiol and magnolol. In conclusion, the properties of MOE highlighted here strongly encourage its application as dietary supplement in the treatment of airway diseases.
Homoplantaginin attenuates high glucose‐induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis through promoting autophagy via the AMPK/TFEB pathway
Authors: Fan Lili , Zhang Xueying , Huang Yihai , Zhang Baobao , Li Wenjing , Shi Qingru , Lin Yining , Wu Feihua
Published: March 2023

Vascular endothelial cell (VEC) injury is a key factor in the development of diabetic vascular complications. Homoplantaginin (Hom), one of the main flavonoids from Salvia plebeia R. Br. has been reported to protect VEC. However, its effects and mechanisms against diabetic vascular endothelium remain unclear. Here, the effect of Hom on VEC was assessed using high glucose (HG)‐treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells and db/db mice. In vitro, Hom significantly inhibited apoptosis and promoted autophagosome formation and lysosomal function such as lysosomal membrane permeability and the expression of LAMP1 and cathepsin B. The antiapoptosis effect of Hom was reversed by autophagy inhibitor chloroquine phosphate or bafilomycin A1. Furthermore, Hom promoted gene expression and nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB). TFEB gene knockdown attenuated the effect of Hom on upregulating lysosomal function and autophagy. Moreover, Hom activated adenosine monophosphate‐dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited the phosphorylation of mTOR, p70S6K, and TFEB. These effects were attenuated by AMPK inhibitor Compound C. Molecular docking showed a good interaction between Hom and AMPK protein. Animal studies indicated that Hom effectively upregulated the protein expression of p‐AMPK and TFEB, enhanced autophagy, reduced apoptosis, and alleviated vascular injury. These findings revealed that Hom ameliorated HG‐mediated VEC apoptosis by enhancing autophagy via the AMPK/mTORC1/TFEB pathway.
Childbirth in Bhutan: A study on the use of neuraxial analgesia for labor pain
Authors: Yoezer Tenzin , Gyeltshen Dawa , Tshering Jampel
Published: March 2023

Background

The practice of neuraxial labor analgesia (NLA) as a mode of pain relief was introduced in Bhutan in 2016 despite it being in practice for more than five decades. There is a lack of data on NLA in Bhutan. Therefore, this study describes the use of NLA and its outcome over 4 years in Bhutan.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. The data were obtained from the Anesthesia Department, medical records, admission forms, and birth‐registers. A total of 524 women were included. Data were recorded using 2021 Microsoft Excel version 16.57 (22011101) and analyzed using Epi Info 7.2.5.0. Categorical data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Continuous data were summarized using mean and standard deviation.

Results

The incidence of NLA usage was 3.5% (524/15,119). Most women were between 21 and 30 years (67.2%). Modes of delivery following NLA were spontaneous vaginal delivery, cesarean section, and assisted vaginal delivery 63.4%, 18.4%, and 18.3%, respectively. Non‐reassuring fetal status (37.5%) and failed progression of labor (36.5%) were the leading indications of cesarean section. The primary reason for assisted vaginal delivery was poor maternal effort (55.2%). Neonates of the mother who received neuraxial analgesia had neonatal jaundice in 8%, neonatal intensive care unit admission in 0.76%, and Apgar score less than 7 in 5.1% and 0.2% at 1 and 5‐min, respectively, after birth.

Conclusion

Although NLA is safe for both mothers and babies, its use is low in Bhutan. The probable reason for the low incidence could be a shortage of anesthesiologists, cultural beliefs, and lack of awareness. The Ministry of Health and the Department of Anesthesia should work together to improve the service.
Can self‐compassion help us better understand the impact of pulmonary hypertension on those with the condition and their carers? A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Rawlings Gregg H. , Novakova Barbora , Armstrong Iain , Thompson Andrew R.
Published: March 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can have a multifaced impact both on the affected individual and close family members. However there are relatively few studies that have sought to identify potential protective factors. Individual differences in ability to be self‐compassionate are known to be implicated in adjustment in other long‐term conditions and are now featuring in the provision of care for a number of conditions. This is a cross‐sectional study that investigated the relationship between self‐compassion, demographic, PH‐related information, and measures of psychosocial functioning in adults with PH (n = 65) and caregivers (n = 29). Individuals with PH and caregivers of someone with PH completed self‐report measures on demographic and clinical factors, anxiety, depression, self‐compassion, and in those with PH, health‐related quality of life, and in carers, caregiver burden. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses. Surprisingly, participants with PH and caregivers did not significantly differ on rates of depression (p = 0.19) or anxiety (p = 0.57) with both scoring relatively high. Components of self‐compassion were associated with psychological functioning in both individuals and caregivers. Greater self‐compassion was associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and greater health‐related quality of life in individuals with PH and lower burden in caregivers. More specifically, multiple regression analyses revealed after controlling for age, gender, and duration of PH, self‐compassion was a significant predictor of anxiety and depression in people with PH, and of anxiety and caregiver burden in carers. These findings add to the evidence base indicating that there can be a range of burdens experienced by both people living with PH and their wider families. Further, this study uniquely suggests that psychological and supportive interventions that seek to build self‐compassion may be useful to develop and test in this clinical group.