bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the genetic connectivity and temporal stability of the blue and red shrimp Aristeus antennatus: a case study of spawning females’ grounds in the Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Agulló Melania , Heras Sandra , García-Marín José-Luis , Vera Manuel , Abras Alba , Planella Laia , Roldán María Inés
Published: April 2022

The blue and red shrimp Aristeus antennatus has been intensively exploited by trawling fishery in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Implementation of an adequate management plan needs complete genetic data of the non-spawning and spawning grounds of the species. During the reproductive period, the species forms spawning aggregations in the middle slope, mainly constituted of mature females carrying spermatophores. Seven spawning females’ grounds in the Western Mediterranean Sea from Gulf of Lions (France) to Cabo de Palos (Spain) were sampled during two consecutive years, 2016 and 2017. This study assessed for the first time the levels of genetic diversity within spawning grounds, the genetic divergence among them and estimated the degree of temporal genetic stability using multilocus genotyping. Our results showed a high connectivity of the spawning females’ grounds that remains stable during the two analysed years, explained by passive larval dispersal, together with juveniles and adults’ migration. We advise that a future management plan for A. antennatus fishery should consider the Mediterranean Subarea GSA6 as a single unit, but it should be combined with local monitoring in order to ensure the sustainable exploitation of the populations.
What do propositions explain? Inflationary vs. deflationary perspectives and the case of singular propositions
Authors: García-Carpintero Manuel , Palmira Michele
Published: April 2022

In this paper we take up the question of the explanatory significance of the notion of propositional content. Our first goal is to disentangle two types of approach: According to what we callinflationism, propositions should be taken seriously enough to expect explanatory payoffs from them. The alternativedeflationaryapproach rejects this claim. Our second goal is to explore the inflationism vs. deflationism contrast in depth by focusing on the distinction between singular and general propositions. We argue that inflationism fails and outline a variety of deflationism that offers the best prospects for explaining the singular/general divide.
The good, the bad and the insignificant—assessing concept functions for conceptual engineering
Authors: Jorem Sigurd
Published: April 2022

Many theorists of conceptual engineering appeal to the functions, roles, purposes or aims of concepts to articulate how conceptual engineering ought to be done. The functional approach to conceptual engineering is well-motivated: It promises a good account of the limits of revision, and of what makes some concept good. In this paper, I raise a problem for the functional approach which concerns the existence ofharmfulandmethodologically insignificantconcept functions. I examine whether we can deal with these problematic functions by adopting a technical notion of function. I thus review the prospects for using the notions of a contextually stable function, of a designed function, of a proper function, and of a system function as our operative notion of function. None of them help us resolve the problem. On this basis, I argue that advocates of the functional approach should be committed to a comparatively weak claim, according to which functions must be assessed case-by-case, and that we are best served by employing an unsophisticated notion of function, according to which the function of a concept just is something the concept is used for.
Integrating Pore-Scale Flow MRI and X-ray μCT for Validation of Numerical Flow Simulations in Porous Sedimentary Rocks
Authors: Karlsons K. , de Kort D. W. , Alpak F. O. , Dietderich J. , Freeman J. J. , Appel M. , Mantle M. D. , Sederman A. J. , Gladden L. F.
Published: April 2022

Single-phase fluid flow velocity maps in Ketton and Estaillades carbonate rock core plugs are computed at a pore scale, using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) simulations performed directly on three-dimensional (3D) X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) images (≤ 7 µm spatial resolution) of the core plugs. The simulations are then benchmarked on a voxel-by-voxel and pore-by-pore basis to quantitative, 3D spatially resolved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) flow velocity maps, acquired at 35 µm isotropic spatial resolution for flow of water through the same rock samples. Co-registration of the 3D experimental and simulated velocity maps and coarse-graining of the simulation to the same resolution as the experimental data allowed the data to be directly compared. First, the results are demonstrated for Ketton limestone rock, for which good qualitative and quantitative agreement was found between the simulated and experimental velocity maps. The flow-carrying microstructural features in Ketton rock are mostly larger than the spatial resolution of the µCT images, so that the segmented images are an adequate representation of the pore space. Second, the flow data are presented for Estaillades limestone, which presents a more heterogeneous case with microstructural features below the spatial resolution of the µCT images. Still, many of the complex flow patterns were qualitatively reproduced by the LBM simulation in this rock, although in some pores, noticeable differences between the LBM and MRI velocity maps were observed. It was shown that 80% of the flow (fractional summed z-velocities within pores) in the Estaillades rock sample is carried by just 10% of the number of macropores, which is an indication of the high structural heterogeneity of the rock; in the more homogeneous Ketton rock, 50% of the flow is carried by 10% of the macropores. By analysing the 3D MRI velocity map, it was found that approximately one-third of the total flow rate through the Estaillades rock is carried by microporosity—a porosity that is not captured at the spatial resolution of the µCT image.
Gesund durch Gemeinschaft – Gemeinschaftsverpflegung im Kindergarten und ihre mehrdimensionalen Effekte auf die Gesundheit von Kindern
Authors: Wapp Karina , Schnabel Florian
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Der Gemeinschaftsverpflegung in Kindergärten als verhältnispräventive Maßnahme wird oft eine bedeutende Rolle im Kampf gegen kindliches Übergewicht beigemessen. Dabei steckt in ihr viel mehr Potenzial für die kindliche Entwicklung als die bloße Einflussnahme auf den Ernährungsstatus. Mit dem vorliegenden Beitrag wird der Frage nachgegangen, welche Bedeutung die Gemeinschaftsverpflegung für die Entwicklung des kindlichen Ernährungsverhaltens hat und welche Rolle dabei insbesondere die soziale Dimension des Essens spielt.

Methoden

Angewandt wurde ein qualitativer Forschungsansatz. Es wurden 10 leitfadengestützte Interviews mit Elementarpädagoginnen geführt und anschließend anhand der Inhaltsanalyse nach Lamnek und Krell ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Aufgrund der verstärkten Inanspruchnahme gewann die Gemeinschaftsverpflegung in Kindergärten in den letzten Jahren an Bedeutung. Im Zuge der Analyse zeigte sich deutlich, dass das gemeinsame Essen im Kindergarten weit mehr bietet als die Befriedigung des Hungergefühls. Tägliche Lernerfahrungen, das Ermöglichen von Gemeinschaftserlebnissen und die Stärkung der eigenen Persönlichkeit gehören ebenso zu den positiven Nebeneffekten der Gemeinschaftsverpflegung wie die Vermittlung von gesundheitsförderlichen Verhaltensweisen. Somit beeinflusst das Essen in der Gemeinschaft die Gesundheit von Kindern auf mehreren Ebenen.

Schlussfolgerung

Für die Entwicklung einer gesunden Lebenswelt ist die Behandlung der Gemeinschaftsverpflegung in Bildungseinrichtungen als wesentliche Rahmenbedingung unter Berücksichtigung der sozialen und gesundheitsförderlichen Dimension unerlässlich.
Wie nehmen Eltern und pädagogische Fachkräfte die Kompetenzen ihrer Kinder wahr?
Authors: Schmitt Monja , Nusser Lena , Lorenz Christian
Published: April 2022

Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass die Fähigkeit zur genauen Einschätzung von Personenmerkmalen sehr unterschiedlich ausgeprägt sein kann. Insbesondere im Vorschulbereich sind adäquate Einschätzungen von Kompetenzen wichtig, da die frühe Bildung Grundstein für die weitere Entwicklung von Kindern darstellt. In unserem Beitrag gehen wir deshalb auf Basis von Daten der Startkohorte 2 des Nationalen Bildungspanels (NEPS) der Frage nach, wie Eltern und pädagogische Fachkräfte in Kindertageseinrichtungen die Kompetenzen von Kindern einschätzen. Es zeigt sich, dass sowohl Eltern als auch pädagogische Fachkräfte die sprachlichen und mathematischen Kompetenzen der Kinder überschätzen, wobei die Elterneinschätzungen deutlicher vom objektiv erhobenen Maß abweichen. Weiterhin weisen unsere Befunde zum einen darauf hin, dass die Eltern Kompetenzunterschiede zwischen Kindern mit unterschiedlichen Merkmalen für den Bereich Sprache erkennen, während dies für den Bereich Mathematik weniger gelingt. Zum anderen nehmen die pädagogischen Fachkräfte den Zusammenhang zwischen Kompetenzen und Geschlecht und Alter korrekt wahr, während sie herkunftsbedingte Unterschiede je nach Kompetenz über- oder unterschätzen.
The fMRI correlates of visuo-spatial abilities: sex differences and gender dysphoria
Authors: Gavazzi Gioele , Fisher Alessandra Daphne , Orsolini Stefano , Bianchi Andrea , Romani Alessia , Giganti Fiorenza , Giovannelli Fabio , Ristori Jiska , Mazzoli Francesca , Maggi Mario , Viggiano Maria Pia , Mascalchi Mario
Published: April 2022

The contribution of brain regions to visuospatial abilities according to sex differences and gender identity is inconsistently described. One potential explaining factor may be the different tasks employed requiring a variable load of working memory and other cognitive resources. Here we asked to 20 cis and 20 transgender participants to undergo functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging during performance of a judgement line of orientation test that was adapted to explore the basic visuospatial processing while minimizing the working memory load. We show that V1 activation may be viewed as a brain area with enhanced activation in males, regardless of participants’ gender identity. On its turn, gender identity exclusively influences the visuospatial processing of extrastriate visual areas (V5) in women with gender dysphoria. They showed enhanced V5 activation and an increased functional connectivity between V5 and V1. Overall our neuroimaging results suggest that the basic visuospatial abilities are associated with different activations pattern of cortical visual areas depending on the sex assigned at birth and gender identity.
Long-Term Diabetes Improvement After Duodenal Exclusion in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats Is Associated with Prevention of Strain-Specific Pancreatic Remodeling and Increased Beta Cell Proliferation
Authors: Seifert Gabriel , Malyi Ambrus , Bronsert Peter , Plohmann Sven , Kesselring Rebeccca , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Marjanovic Goran , Fink Jodok Matthias , Laessle Claudia
Published: April 2022

Background

Response to metabolic surgery is heterogeneous and the metabolic states that underpin weight loss and metabolic improvement are still unclear. In this study, we investigate parameters of post-bariatric fasting glucoregulation and leverage artificial intelligence-assisted whole-slide image analyses to characterize associated immunohistologic features of the pancreas.

Materials and Methods

We performed either loop duodeno-jejunostomy (DJOS) with exclusion of 1/3 of total intestinal length, loop duodeno-ileostomy with exclusion of 2/3 of total intestinal length (DiOS), or a sham operation on 8-week-old male obese ZDF rats. Six months post-operative, we measured blood metabolites and hormones. Subsequently, pancreatic and intestinal tissue was removed, formalin fixed, and paraffin embedded. Immunohistologic (IHC) analyses included proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to visualize the proliferation fraction and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX 1) as a measure of pancreatic cell differentiation. For IHC quantification, all slides were digitalized and analyzed using QuPath. All analyzed slides were reviewed by two independent pathologists for correctness.

Results

DJOS and DiOS were associated with preserved fasting insulin production compared to sham. Histopathologic evaluation showed significantly higher numbers of beta cells and specifically of clustered cell organization in DJOS and DiOS compared to sham. Cell proliferation (PCNA) was significantly elevated in DJOS and DiOS compared to sham.

Conclusion

In this interventional model of bariatric surgery in severe genetic diabetes, we demonstrate post-operative histologic and immunohistologic features of the pancreas associated with improved fasting glucose homeostasis.

Graphical abstract
Episodic Migraine and Older Adults
Authors: Riggins Nina , Ehrlich Annika
Published: April 2022

Purpose of Review

Migraine is and continues to be a significant medical issue in older adults. Migraine can have different characteristics in older adults and specific diagnostic and treatment considerations need to be applied when managing headache and migraine in this population, which is increasing in both size and diversity. Contrary to widely held beliefs, migraine may not improve in older women following menopause and can have new onset in older age. The purpose of this review is to give an update on the diagnosis and treatment of episodic migraine in older adults.

Recent Findings

As the population ages, migraine in older adults will become a more significant public health issue. Migraine in older adults can present with different clinical symptoms than in a younger population and is primarily a diagnosis of exclusion in older adults. Migraine treatment considerations for older adults should include comorbidities and medication interactions. Recent findings suggest there are medications that should be avoided when treating seniors with migraine.

The purpose of this review is to give an update on the most important aspects regarding the diagnosis and treatment of headache and migraine in older adults. In addition, recommendations will be made concerning medications that need careful consideration when prescribing to seniors.
Interleukin-1 Mediates Ischemic Brain Injury via Induction of IL-17A in γδ T Cells and CXCL1 in Astrocytes
Authors: Schädlich Ines Sophie , Vienhues Jonas Heinrich , Jander Alina , Piepke Marius , Magnus Tim , Lambertsen Kate Lykke , Clausen Bettina Hjelm , Gelderblom Mathias
Published: April 2022

As a prototypical proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1) exacerbates the early post-stroke inflammation, whereas its neutralization is protective. To further investigate the underlying cell-type-specific IL-1 effects, we subjected IL-1 (α/β) knockout (Il1−/−) and wildtype (WT) littermate mice to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and assessed immune cell infiltration and cytokine production in the ischemic hemisphere by flow cytometry 24 h and 72 h after stroke. Il1−/− mice showed smaller infarcts and reduced neutrophil infiltration into the ischemic brain. We identified γδ T cells and astrocytes as target cells of IL-1 signaling-mediated neutrophil recruitment. First, IL-1-induced IL-17A production in γδ T cells in vivo, and IL-17A enhanced the expression of the main neutrophil attracting chemokine CXCL1 by astrocytes in the presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in vitro. Second, IL-1 itself was a potent activator of astrocytic CXCL1 production in vitro. By employing a novel FACS sorting strategy for the acute isolation of astrocytes from ischemic brains, we confirmed that IL-1 is pivotal for Cxcl1 upregulation in astrocytes in vivo. Our results underscore the pleiotropic effects of IL-1 on immune and non-immune cells within the CNS to mount and amplify the post-stroke inflammatory response.
Electrical properties of sedimentary microfacies and depositional environment deduced from core analysis of the syn-rift sediments, Northwestern shore of Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Aziz Emad A. Abd El , Gomaa Mohamed M.
Published: April 2022

The present work is based mainly on core rock samples investigation of CSS-38 well, northwest of Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The cores cover the whole the South Gharib Formation (upper Miocene). The stratigraphic succession of the Gulf of Suez includes three mega units, recorded from old to young as pre-rift, syn-rift, and post-rift sediments. The syn-rift sediments from old to young are Nukhul, Rudies, Kareem, Belayim Equivalent, South Gharib, and Zeit. The core samples reveal that South Gharib Formation is not a good reservoir. It consists of sulphate-rich beds with few carbonates intercalation, laminated dolomitic limestone and marly limestone. Patchy oil staining is detected in the thin streaks and basal laminated dolomitic limestone. The microfacies are found to be evaporites, carbonates, calcareous marl, and calcareous claystone. Evaporites microfacies are considered the most frequent microfacies. Gypsum and anhydrite are generally represented by nearly equal distribution with parallel variation in content. The core samples differentiated South Gharib Formation into seven zones of depositional environment; they are arranged from base to top as shallow sub-tidal, shallow lagoonal, intertidal, shallow lagoonal, intertidal, shallow lagoonal, and supra-tidal Sabkha cycles. Some samples from South Gharib Formation were measured electrically. We will try to highlight interrelations between electrical (conductivity, permittivity, and impedance) and petrophysical properties with petrography and mineral composition. Electrical properties were measured with a frequency range from 10 Hz to 100 kHz. The dielectric constant decreases with increasing frequency and increases with increasing conductor content (up to percolation threshold). The conductivity increases with the increase in conductor content and with increasing frequency. Many parameters can combine to affect electrical properties. The present research is a trial to relate the surface to subsurface measurements.
Conspiracy on Cato Street
Authors: Gatrell Vic
Published: April 2022

On the night of 23 February 1820, twenty-five impoverished craftsmen assembled in an obscure stable in Cato Street, London, with a plan to massacre the whole British cabinet at its monthly dinner. The Cato Street Conspiracy was the most sensational of all plots aimed at the British state since Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It ended in betrayal, arrest, and trial, and with five conspirators publicly hanged and decapitated for treason. Their failure proved the state's physical strength, and ended hopes of revolution for a century. Vic Gatrell explores this dramatic yet neglected event in unprecedented detail through spy reports, trial interrogations, letters, speeches, songs, maps, and images. Attending to the 'real lives' and habitats of the men, women, and children involved, he throws fresh light on the troubled and tragic world of Regency Britain, and on one of the most compelling and poignant episodes in British history.
Feeding preference of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on different date palm cultivars and host biochemical responses to its infestation
Authors: Manzoor Mujahid , Yang Lei , Wu Shaoying , El-Shafie Hamadttu , Haider Muhammad Saleem , Ahmad Jam Nazeer
Published: April 2022

To counter the insect infestation, plants respond with wide-ranging and highly dynamic biochemical reactions. Of these, the anti-oxidative activity is poorly understood. The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver), one of the most widespread pests in Pakistan, prefers to infest date palm Phoenix dactylifera. Our present study investigated the feeding preference of RPW to 11 different date palm cultivars and the results suggested that the Hillawi cultivar was most preferred. Greater infestation rate, fecundity and hatching rate were also recorded from Hillawi and Mozawati than other cultivars. No significant decreases were observed in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophylls and carotenoids of RPW-infested Hillawi cultivar over un-infested control. In contrast, the contents of enzymatic antioxidants including phenols, proline, hydrogen peroxide, anthocyanin, malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid and glycine betaine showed a drastic increase after RPW infestation, and there was enhanced superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activities. Furthermore, we recorded the increase of total protein and sugar contents in RPW-infested date palms. These findings offer valuable insight into the antioxidative molecular mechanism of date palms under RPW attack and may contribute to the breeding of insect-resistant crops.
Heart Transplants, Legislating Death, and Disruptive Anti-Apartheid Advocacy
Authors: Terretta Meredith
Published: April 2022

In December 1967, South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard astonished the world by becoming the first to successfully transplant a human heart. In the months that followed, a French Anti-Apartheid Committee proposed an international law to prohibit the harvest of prisoners' organs as French activists combined human rights and legal strategies to question the legality and ethics of Barnard's success. From a South Africa eager to present itself as modern and technologically advanced came an attempt to legislate use of organs from “living donors” in unspecified “authorized institutions.” In physicians' professional discussion of donor selection at an international heart transplantation symposium that Barnard convened in Cape Town, capital punishment figured as a proxy for race. Moving between South Africa, France and the United States, this article examines anti-apartheid activism, legislative innovation, and heart surgeons' attempts to normalize cerebral death and increase donors that followed the medical breakthrough in Cape Town, South Africa. It contributes to human rights history by showing how the French Anti-Apartheid Committee drew on transnational advocacy networks and legal strategies that predated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing collective over individual rights, deploying strategies of rupture, and actively pursuing a racially conscious, anticolonial solidarity.
Non-surgical treatment of congenital left ventricle to coronary sinus fistula and Wolf–Parkinson–White
Authors: Minocha Prashant K. , Saharan Sunil , Chun Anne , Presti Salvatore , Cecchin Frank , Argilla Michael
Published: April 2022

Congenital left ventricle to coronary sinus fistula is a rare entity. We report a case of an infant with prenatal finding of left ventricle to right atrial shunt. The anatomy was defined by multi-modality imaging. Baseline electrocardiogram was notable for a Wolff–Parkinson–White pattern. He underwent successful catheter device closure of the left ventricle to coronary sinus fistula. The patient developed supraventricular tachycardia and underwent successful ablation of the accessory pathway.
Introduction: marginalisation in law, policy and society
Authors: Gurnham David
Published: April 2022

Introducing our Special Issue on marginalisation, this paper considers some of the challenges that this topic poses for legal scholars. The paper identifies that these challenges arise principally from the ambivalence of ‘marginalisation’ itself: at once an idea so broad that it arguably underpins the bulk of legal research (and socio-legal research in particular), but at the same time an idea that in practice too often quickly gives way to various other neighbouring ones: disadvantage, discrimination, disempowerment, exclusion, inequality, silencing, stigmatisation, victimisation and so on. This paper considers this ambivalence and traces etymological roots (and routes) by which we understand the margin, the marginalised and marginalisation.
Exorcism and children: balancing protection and autonomy in the legal framework
Authors: García Oliva Javier
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the current legal framework in relation to minors who are the recipients of exorcism. Such individuals are ordinarily doubly marginalised, by virtue of their membership of a minority religious or cultural community and their disempowered position as children. This piece aims to assess whether the current arrangements strike an appropriate balance between respecting personal and collective autonomy, as well as protecting vulnerable young people, paying particular attention to the impact of their intersectional position and multiple marginalising factors at play. It seeks to define exorcism and emphasise the very diverse settings in which it arises within twenty-first-century England and Wales. It examines proposals being made for a blanket prohibition in relation to children, considering both the desirability and viability of a ban. It also highlights that exorcism is not the only context in which religious minors will find themselves in a position of multiple marginalisation, and explores what debates in this area might reveal about the wider operation of Article 9 and the ECHR.
Digitale frühe Bildung in der fachschulischen Qualifizierung
Authors: Kaul Ina
Published: April 2022

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag nimmt die fachschulische Ausbildung von Erziehern und Erzieherinnen zum Gegenstand, um Rahmendokumente wie Curricula und Schulbücher mit Blick auf die Thematik der digitalen frühen Bildung hin zu untersuchen. Es zeigt sich, dass die Darstellungen am Begriff der Medienkompetenz und des Bildungsbereiches Medien orientiert sind, wohingegen Digitalisierung und Mediatisierung kaum bzw. unterkomplex und zuweilen simplifizierend referiert werden.
A Comparison of Linear Solvers for Resolving Flow in Three‐Dimensional Discrete Fracture Networks
Authors: Greer S. Y. , Hyman J. D. , O’Malley D.
Published: April 2022

We compare various methods for resolving steady flow within three‐dimensional discrete fracture networks, including direct methods, Krylov subspace methods with and without preconditioning, and multi‐grid methods. We compared the performance of the methods based on compute times and scaling of the solution as a function of the number of grid nodes and log‐variance of the hydraulic aperture. The methods are applied to three test cases: (a) variable density of networks with a truncated power‐law distribution of fracture lengths, (b) a fixed network composed of monodisperse fracture sizes but varied permeability/aperture heterogeneity, (c) and a network based on field site in Nevada, US. We chose these cases to allow us to study the impact of the mesh size and flow properties, as well as to demonstrate our conclusions on a large‐scale, realistic problem (more than 40 million mesh nodes). A direct solution using Cholesky factorization outperformed other methods for every example but was closely followed in performance by some algebraic multigrid (AMG) preconditioned Krylov subspace methods. Among the Krylov methods, conjugate gradients (CG) with an AMG preconditioner performs the best. Generally, Cholesky factorization is recommended, but CG with an AMG preconditioner may be suitable for very large problems beyond 40 million nodes where the entire linear system cannot reside in memory.
Internal light source for deep photodynamic therapy
Authors: Li Buhong , Lin Li
Published: April 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for deep-seated lesion is seriously hindered by the limited depth of visible light penetration. Most recently, researchers have designed a genetically-encoded NanoLuc-miniSOG with internal light source for self-excitation, which is highly beneficial for deep PDT.
Linking transcriptional dynamics of CH4-cycling grassland soil microbiomes to seasonal gas fluxes
Authors: Täumer Jana , Marhan Sven , Groß Verena , Jensen Corinna , Kuss Andreas W , Kolb Steffen , Urich Tim
Published: April 2022

Soil CH4 fluxes are driven by CH4-producing and -consuming microorganisms that determine whether soils are sources or sinks of this potent greenhouse gas. To date, a comprehensive understanding of underlying microbiome dynamics has rarely been obtained in situ. Using quantitative metatranscriptomics, we aimed to link CH4-cycling microbiomes to net surface CH4 fluxes throughout a year in two grassland soils. CH4 fluxes were highly dynamic: both soils were net CH4 sources in autumn and winter and sinks in spring and summer, respectively. Correspondingly, methanogen mRNA abundances per gram soil correlated well with CH4 fluxes. Methanotroph to methanogen mRNA ratios were higher in spring and summer, when the soils acted as net CH4 sinks. CH4 uptake was associated with an increased proportion of USCα and γ pmoA and pmoA2 transcripts. We assume that methanogen transcript abundance may be useful to approximate changes in net surface CH4 emissions from grassland soils. High methanotroph to methanogen ratios would indicate CH4 sink properties. Our study links for the first time the seasonal transcriptional dynamics of CH4-cycling soil microbiomes to gas fluxes in situ. It suggests mRNA transcript abundances as promising indicators of dynamic ecosystem-level processes.
Pulse transit time-estimated blood pressure: a comparison of beat-to-beat and intermittent measurement
Authors: Hoshide Satoshi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Tsuchida Fumihiro , Mizuno Hiroyuki , Teragawa Hiroki , Kasai Takatoshi , Koito Hitoshi , Ando Shin-ichi , Watanabe Yoshihiko , Takeishi Yasuchika , Kario Kazuomi
Published: April 2022

Pulse transit time (PTT), which refers to the travel time between two arterial sites within the same cardiac cycle, has been developed as a novel cuffless form of continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in BP parameters, including BP variability, between those assessed by beat-to-beat PTT-estimated BP (eBPBTB) and those assessed by intermittent PTT-estimated BP at fixed time intervals (eBPINT) in patients suspected of having sleep disordered breathing (SDB). In 330 patients with SDB (average age, 66.8 ± 11.9 years; 3% oxygen desaturation index [ODI], 21.0 ± 15.0/h) from 8 institutes, PTT-estimated BP was continuously recorded during the nighttime. The average systolic eBPBTB, maximum systolic and diastolic eBPBTB, standard deviation (SD) of systolic and diastolic eBPBTB, and coefficient variation (CV) of systolic and diastolic eBPBTB were higher than the respective values of eBPINT (all P < 0.05). Bland–Altman analysis showed a close agreement between eBPBTB and eBPINT in average systolic BP and SD and CV of systolic BP, while there were disagreements in both minimum and maximum values of eBPBTB and eBPINT in patients with high systolic BP (P < 0.05). Although systolic BP variability incrementally increased according to the tertiles of 3%ODI in both eBPBTB and eBPINT (all P < 0.05), there was no difference in this tendency between eBPBTB and eBPINT. In patients with suspected SDB, the difference between eBPBTB and eBPINT was minimal, and there were disagreements regarding both the minimum and maximum BP. However, there were agreements in regard to the index of BP variability between eBPBTB and eBPINT.
Compartmentalized metabolism supports midgestation mammalian development
Authors: Solmonson Ashley , Faubert Brandon , Gu Wen , Rao Aparna , Cowdin Mitzy A. , Menendez-Montes Ivan , Kelekar Sherwin , Rogers Thomas J. , Pan Chunxiao , Guevara Gerardo , Tarangelo Amy , Zacharias Lauren G. , Martin-Sandoval Misty S. , Do Duyen , Pachnis Panayotis , Dumesnil Dennis , Mathews Thomas P. , Tasdogan Alpaslan , Pham An , Cai Ling , Zhao Zhiyu , Ni Min , Cleaver Ondine , Sadek Hesham A. , Morrison Sean J. , DeBerardinis Ralph J.
Published: April 2022

Mammalian embryogenesis requires rapid growth and proper metabolic regulation1. Midgestation features increasing oxygen and nutrient availability concomitant with fetal organ development2,3. Understanding how metabolism supports development requires approaches to observe metabolism directly in model organisms in utero. Here we used isotope tracing and metabolomics to identify evolving metabolic programmes in the placenta and embryo during midgestation in mice. These tissues differ metabolically throughout midgestation, but we pinpointed gestational days (GD) 10.5–11.5 as a transition period for both placenta and embryo. Isotope tracing revealed differences in carbohydrate metabolism between the tissues and rapid glucose-dependent purine synthesis, especially in the embryo. Glucose’s contribution to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle rises throughout midgestation in the embryo but not in the placenta. By GD12.5, compartmentalized metabolic programmes are apparent within the embryo, including different nutrient contributions to the TCA cycle in different organs. To contextualize developmental anomalies associated with Mendelian metabolic defects, we analysed mice deficient in LIPT1, the enzyme that activates 2-ketoacid dehydrogenases related to the TCA cycle4,5. LIPT1 deficiency suppresses TCA cycle metabolism during the GD10.5–GD11.5 transition, perturbs brain, heart and erythrocyte development and leads to embryonic demise by GD11.5. These data document individualized metabolic programmes in developing organs in utero.
A joint NCBI and EMBL-EBI transcript set for clinical genomics and research
Authors: Morales Joannella , Pujar Shashikant , Loveland Jane E. , Astashyn Alex , Bennett Ruth , Berry Andrew , Cox Eric , Davidson Claire , Ermolaeva Olga , Farrell Catherine M. , Fatima Reham , Gil Laurent , Goldfarb Tamara , Gonzalez Jose M. , Haddad Diana , Hardy Matthew , Hunt Toby , Jackson John , Joardar Vinita S. , Kay Michael , Kodali Vamsi K. , McGarvey Kelly M. , McMahon Aoife , Mudge Jonathan M. , Murphy Daniel N. , Murphy Michael R. , Rajput Bhanu , Rangwala Sanjida H. , Riddick Lillian D. , Thibaud-Nissen Françoise , Threadgold Glen , Vatsan Anjana R. , Wallin Craig , Webb David , Flicek Paul , Birney Ewan , Pruitt Kim D. , Frankish Adam , Cunningham Fiona , Murphy Terence D.
Published: April 2022

Comprehensive genome annotation is essential to understand the impact of clinically relevant variants. However, the absence of a standard for clinical reporting and browser display complicates the process of consistent interpretation and reporting. To address these challenges, Ensembl/GENCODE1and RefSeq2launched a joint initiative, the Matched Annotation from NCBI and EMBL-EBI (MANE) collaboration, to converge on human gene and transcript annotation and to jointly define a high-value set of transcripts and corresponding proteins. Here, we describe the MANE transcript sets for use as universal standards for variant reporting and browser display. The MANE Select set identifies a representative transcript for each human protein-coding gene, whereas the MANE Plus Clinical set provides additional transcripts at loci where the Select transcripts alone are not sufficient to report all currently known clinical variants. Each MANE transcript represents an exact match between the exonic sequences of an Ensembl/GENCODE transcript and its counterpart in RefSeq such that the identifiers can be used synonymously. We have now released MANE Select transcripts for 97% of human protein-coding genes, including all American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Secondary Findings list v3.0 (ref.3) genes. MANE transcripts are accessible from major genome browsers and key resources. Widespread adoption of these transcript sets will increase the consistency of reporting, facilitate the exchange of data regardless of the annotation source and help to streamline clinical interpretation.
Biomechanical modeling of actively controlled rectus extraocular muscle pulleys
Authors: Wei Qi , Mutawak Bassam , Demer Joseph L.
Published: April 2022

The Active Pulley Hypothesis (APH) is based on modern functional anatomical descriptions of the oculomotor plant, and postulates behaviors of the orbital pulleys proposed to be positioned by the extraocular muscles (EOMs). A computational model is needed to understand this schema quantitatively. We developed and evaluated a novel biomechanical model of active horizontal rectus pulleys. The orbital (OL) and global (GL) layers of the horizontal rectus EOMs were implemented as separate musculoskeletal strands. Pulley sleeves were modeled as tube-like structures receiving the OL insertion and suspended by elastic strands. Stiffnesses and orientations of pulley suspensions were determined empirically to limit horizontal rectus EOM side-slip while allowing anteroposterior pulley travel. Independent neural drives of the OL greater than GL were assumed. The model was iteratively refined in secondary gazes to implement realistic behavior using the simplest mechanical configuration and neural control strategy. Simulated horizontal rectus EOM paths and pulley positions during secondary gazes were consistent with published MRI measurements. Estimated EOM tensions were consistent with the range of experimentally measured tensions. This model is consistent with postulated bilaminar activity of the EOMs, and the separate roles of the GL in ocular rotation, and OL in pulley positioning.
Update on prevalence of Babesia canis and Rickettsia spp. in adult and juvenile Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in the area of Poland (2016–2018)
Authors: Dwużnik-Szarek Dorota , Mierzejewska Ewa Julia , Kiewra Dorota , Czułowska Aleksandra , Robak Anna , Bajer Anna
Published: April 2022

Ornate dog tick,Dermacentor reticulatusis an important vector ofBabesia canis,andRickettsiaspp. and other pathogens of veterinary and public health interest. The current study is the first to investigate the long-term changes in prevalence of these pathogens in expanding tick populations in Central Europe. Molecular techniques (PCR, sequencing) were applied for the detection of pathogen DNA in adult (n = 2497) and juvenile ticks (1096 larvae and 410 nymphs). DNA ofRickettsiaspp. was identified in 35% of adults and 12.6% of juvenile ticks. DNA ofB. caniswas detected in 3% of adult ticks and only in ticks from the Eastern region (regional prevalence 6%). As previously, noB. canis-positive ticks were found in Western Poland, including ticks from Wrocław area (n = 298). DNA ofB. caniswas identified in 0.33% of juvenile ticks (in 3 pools of larvae and 2 nymphs) from the Eastern region. In the current study we confirmed high occurrence ofR. raoultiiin adults ticks from all four zones and relatively high prevalence ofB. canisin the Eastern population ofD. reticulatus, corresponding well with high incidence of canine babesiosis in this area of Poland. Finally, we confirmedR. raoultiiandB. canisinfection in all life stages ofD. reticulatusticks.
Machine learning model from a Spanish cohort for prediction of SARS-COV-2 mortality risk and critical patients
Authors: Reina Reina Alejandro , Barrera José M. , Valdivieso Bernardo , Gas María-Eugenia , Maté Alejandro , Trujillo Juan C.
Published: April 2022

Patients affected by SARS-COV-2 have collapsed healthcare systems around the world. Consequently, different challenges arise regarding the prediction of hospital needs, optimization of resources, diagnostic triage tools and patient evolution, as well as tools that allow us to analyze which are the factors that determine the severity of patients. Currently, it is widely accepted that one of the problems since the pandemic appeared was to detect (i) who patients were about to need Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and (ii) who ones were about not overcome the disease. These critical patients collapsed Hospitals to the point that many surgeries around the world had to be cancelled. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide a Machine Learning (ML) model that helps us to prevent when a patient is about to be critical. Although we are in the era of data, regarding the SARS-COV-2 patients, there are currently few tools and solutions that help medical professionals to predict the evolution of patients in order to improve their treatment and the needs of critical resources at hospitals. Moreover, most of these tools have been created from small populations and/or Chinese populations, which carries a high risk of bias. In this paper, we present a model, based on ML techniques, based on 5378 Spanish patients’ data from which a quality cohort of 1201 was extracted to train the model. Our model is capable of predicting the probability of death of patients with SARS-COV-2 based on age, sex and comorbidities of the patient. It also allows what-if analysis, with the inclusion of comorbidities that the patient may develop during the SARS-COV-2 infection. For the training of the model, we have followed an agnostic approach. We explored all the active comorbidities during the SARS-COV-2 infection of the patients with the objective that the model weights the effect of each comorbidity on the patient’s evolution according to the data available. The model has been validated by using stratified cross-validation with k = 5 to prevent class imbalance. We obtained robust results, presenting a high hit rate, with 84.16% accuracy, 83.33% sensitivity, and an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.871. The main advantage of our model, in addition to its high success rate, is that it can be used with medical records in order to predict their diagnosis, allowing the critical population to be identified in advance. Furthermore, it uses the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD 9-CM) standard. In this sense, we should also emphasize that those hospitals using other encodings can add an intermediate layer business to business (B2B) with the aim of making transformations to the same international format.
Comparison of device-based therapy options for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a simulation study
Authors: Granegger Marcus , Gross Christoph , Siemer David , Escher Andreas , Sandner Sigrid , Schweiger Martin , Laufer Günther , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: April 2022

Successful therapy of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a major unmet clinical need. Device-based treatment approaches include the interatrial shunt device (IASD), conventional assist devices pumping blood from the left ventricle (LV-VAD) or the left atrium (LA-VAD) towards the aorta, and a valveless pulsatile assist device with a single cannula operating in co-pulsation with the native heart (CoPulse). Hemodynamics of two HFpEF subgroups during rest and exercise condition were translated into a lumped parameter model of the cardiovascular system. The numerical model was applied to assess the hemodynamic effect of each of the four device-based therapies. All four therapy options show a reduction in left atrial pressure during rest and exercise and in both subgroups (> 20%). IASDs concomitantly reduce cardiac output (CO) and shift the hemodynamic overload towards the pulmonary circulation. All three mechanical assist devices increase CO while reducing sympathetic activity. LV-VADs reduce end-systolic volume, indicating a high risk for suction events. The heterogeneity of the HFpEF population requires an individualized therapy approach based on the underlying hemodynamics. Whereas phenotypes with preserved CO may benefit most from an IASD device, HFpEF patients with reduced CO may be candidates for mechanical assist devices.
Venice as a paradigm of coastal flooding under multiple compound drivers
Authors: Ferrarin Christian , Lionello Piero , Orlić Mirko , Raicich Fabio , Salvadori Gianfausto
Published: April 2022

Full comprehension of the dynamics of hazardous sea levels is indispensable for assessing and managing coastal flood risk, especially under a changing climate. The 12 November 2019 devastating flood in the historical city of Venice (Italy) stimulated new investigations of the coastal flooding problem from different perspectives and timescales. Here Venice is used as a paradigm for coastal flood risk, due to the complexity of its flood dynamics facing those of many other locations worldwide. Spectral decomposition was applied to the long-term 1872–2019 sea-level time series in order to investigate the relative importance of different drivers of coastal flooding and their temporal changes. Moreover, a multivariate analysis via copulas provided statistical models indispensable for correctly understanding and reproducing the interactions between the variables at play. While storm surges are the main drivers of the most extreme events, tides and long-term forcings associated with planetary atmospheric waves and seasonal to inter-annual oscillations are predominant in determining recurrent nuisance flooding. The non-stationary analysis revealed a positive trend in the intensity of the non-tidal contribution to extreme sea levels in the last three decades, which, along with relative sea-level rise, contributed to an increase in the frequency of floods in Venice.
AKR1C3 expression in T acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma for clinical use as a biomarker
Authors: Reddi Deepti , Seaton Brandon W. , Woolston David , Aicher Lauri , Monroe Luke D. , Mao Zhengwei J. , Harrell Jill C. , Radich Jerald P. , Advani Anjali , Papadantonakis Nikolaos , Yeung Cecilia C. S.
Published: April 2022

To investigate aldo–keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) expression in T and B acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL) patients. Three commercial antibodies were evaluated for AKR1C3 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining performance: Polyclonal Thermofisher scientific (Clone#PA523667), rabbit monoclonal Abcam [EPR16726] (ab209899) and Sigma/Millipore anti-AKR1C3 antibody, mouse monoclonal, clone NP6.G6.A6, purified from hybridoma cell culture. Initial optimization was performed on cell line controls: HCT116 (negative control); genetically modified cell line HCT116 with AKR1C3 overexpression; Nalm and TF1 cell lines. Twenty normal bone marrows from archival B and T-ALL patient samples were subsequently examined. AKR1C3 expression levels in these samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Protein Wes and quantitative RT-PCR. Sigma/Millipore Anti-AKR1C3 antibody (mouse monoclonal, clone NP6.G6.A6) showed higher specificity compared to rabbit polyclonal antibody by immunohistochemistry. H-score was used to quantify percent of nuclear immunoreactivity for AKR1C3 with varying disease involvement. T-ALL samples had a higher H-score (172–190) compared to B-ALL cases (H-score, 30–160). The AKR1C3 expression in peripheral blood by Protein Wes and RT-qPCR showed concordance in relapsed/refractory and/or minimal residual T-ALL cases. Sigma/Millipore Anti-AKR1C3 antibody and mouse monoclonal, clone NP6.G6.A6 can be used to aid in AKR1C expression of T-ALL and in cases of relapsed/refractory and/or minimal residual disease.
Association between 24-h movement guidelines and cardiometabolic health in Chilean adults
Authors: Riquelme Ricardo , Rezende Leandro F. M. , Marques Adilson , Drenowatz Clemens , Ferrari Gerson
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to examine the association between meeting 24-h movement guidelines and cardiometabolic health in Chilean adults. We used cross-sectional data of 2618 adults from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was defined as ≥ 600 MET-min/week of physical activity; ≤ 8 h/day of sitting time; and 7 to 9 h/day of sleep duration. Cardiometabolic health indicators were body mass index, waist circumference, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and risk of cardiovascular disease in a 10-year period. Meeting none out of three 24-h movement guidelines (vs all three) was associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.45 to 1.89), high waist circumference (1.65; 1.40 to 1.90), hypertension (2.88; 2.23 to 3.53), type 2 diabetes (1.60; 1.26 to 1.94), metabolic syndrome (1.97; 1.54 to 2.40) and risk of cardiovascular disease (1.50; 1.20, 1.80). Meeting one guideline (vs three) was associated with higher odds of five of out seven cardiometabolic indicators. Our study found that the composition of movement behaviors within a 24-h period may have important implications for cardiometabolic health.