bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia trachomatis induces lncRNA MIAT upregulation to regulate mitochondria‐mediated host cell apoptosis and chlamydial development
Authors: Luo Fangzhen , Wen Yating , Zhao Lanhua , Su Shengmei , Zhao Yuqi , Lei Wenbo , Li Zhongyu
Published: December 2021

Chlamydia trachomatis persistent infection is the leading cause of male prostatitis and female genital tract diseases. Inhibition of host cell apoptosis is the key to maintaining Chlamydia survival in vivo, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in its developmental cycle and pathogenesis. However, it is not clear how lncRNAs regulate persistent Chlamydia infection. Here, using a microarray method, we identified 1718 lncRNAs and 1741 mRNAs differentially expressed in IFN‐γ‐induced persistent C. trachomatis infection. Subsequently, 10 upregulated and 5 downregulated differentially expressed lncRNAs were verified by qRT–PCR to confirm the reliability of the chip data. The GO and KEGG analyses revealed that differentially regulated transcripts were predominantly involved in various signalling pathways related to host immunity and apoptosis response. Targeted silencing of three lncRNAs (MIAT, ZEB1‐AS1 and IRF1) resulted in increased apoptosis rates. Furthermore, interference with lncRNA MIAT caused not only an obvious downregulation of the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio but also a marked release of cytochrome c, resulting in a significantly elevated level of caspase‐3 activation. Meanwhile, MIAT was involved in the regulation of chlamydial development during the persistent infection. Collectively, these observations shed light on the enormous complex lncRNA regulatory networks involved in mitochondria‐mediated host cell apoptosis and the growth and development of C. trachomatis.
Advances in the study of CDC42 in the female reproductive system
Authors: Mei Qiaojuan , Li Huiying , Liu Yu , Wang Xiaofei , Xiang Wenpei
Published: December 2021

CDC42 is a member of the Rho‐GTPase family and is involved in a variety of cellular functions including regulation of cell cycle progression, constitution of the actin backbone and membrane transport. In particular, CDC42 plays a key role in the establishment of polarity in female vertebrate oocytes, and essential to this major regulatory role is its local occupation of specific regions of the cell to ensure that the contractile ring is assembled at the right time and place to ensure proper gametogenesis. The multifactor controlled ‘inactivation‐activation’ process of CDC42 also allows it to play an important role in the multilevel signalling network, and the synergistic regulation of multiple genes ensures maximum precision during gametogenesis. The purpose of this paper is to review the role of CDC42 in the control of gametogenesis and to explore its related mechanisms, with the aim of further understanding the great research potential of CDC42 in female vertebrate germ cells and its future clinical translation.
The Implementation of Economic Rules: From the Stability and Growth Pact to the European Semester
Authors: Mariotto Camilla
Published: December 2021

Country‐specific recommendations (CSRs) were introduced by the Stability and Growth Pact and offered guidance to countries in fiscal policies. Coordination was very limited and unsystematic in terms of policies and obligations. In the aftermath of the euro area financial crisis, the European Union reinforces the pre‐existing policy cycle with the European Semester. Why do countries implement CSRs? Are there explanatory differences in their implementation before and after the introduction of the European Semester? We argue that the study of the entire history of the CSRs provides a unique chance to unravel opposite causal mechanisms. Employing an original dataset, we show that, in the first period, electoral proximity reduces implementation. We find also that, if a country is in (out of) the euro area, it is more (less) inclined to adhere to the CSRs as inflation increases. In the European Semester, instead, inflationary pressure and higher costs of enforcement increase implementation.
Adverse clinical outcomes among youths with nonsuicidal self‐injury and suicide attempts: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Bjureberg Johan , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Ohlis Anna , Lichtenstein Paul , D’Onofrio Brian M. , Hellner Clara , Cederlöf Martin
Published: December 2021

Background

More knowledge about risks of clinical outcomes associated with nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts (SAs) is needed to inform risk assessment and intervention.

Methods

Longitudinal cohort study based on 1,855 youths was clinically assessed for NSSI and SA, and followed up (from December, 2011 to December 2013) for the outcomes; diagnosed self‐injury, alcohol/substance use disorder, and psychiatric inpatient care data derived from Swedish registers. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the outcomes were estimated with Cox regressions, and additionally adjusted for the potential effect of sex and the number of clinical assessments. NSSI and SA were treated as time‐varying covariates.

Results

Youths with NSSI had elevated risks of all outcomes, compared with youths without NSSI or SA; the HR was 2.3, 95% confidence interval [1.6, 3.4] for self‐injury, 1.4 [0.9, 2.1] for alcohol/substance use disorder, and 1.3 [1.0, 1.7] for psychiatric inpatient care. Youths with SA displayed higher risks for the outcomes than the NSSI group; the HR was 5.5 [2.4, 12.6] for self‐injury, 2.0 [0.9, 4.4] for alcohol/substance use disorder, and 2.6 [1.5, 4.5] for psychiatric inpatient care. Youths with both NSSI and SA showed similar risks as youths with SA; HR 4.1 [2.0, 8.3] for self‐injury, 2.0 [1.1, 4.1] for alcohol/substance use disorder, but a higher risk of psychiatric inpatient care; HR 5.0 [3.1, 7.9]. All results remained virtually unchanged in the adjusted analyses.

Conclusions

Youths with NSSI and/or SA had higher risks for subsequent adverse clinical outcomes. These excess risks were more pronounced among youths with SA and youths with both NSSI and SA, and the risk for psychiatric inpatient care was particularly high in youths with both NSSI and SA. Our findings suggest that early interventions for youths with NSSI or SA should not exclusively focus on suicide prevention, but also consider the risk of subsequent alcohol/substance use disorder.
Polygenic risks for joint developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems: findings from the ALSPAC cohort
Authors: Speyer Lydia Gabriela , Neaves Samuel , Hall Hildigunnur Anna , Hemani Gibran , Lombardo Michael Vincent , Murray Aja Louise , Auyeung Bonnie , Luciano Michelle
Published: December 2021

Background

Joint developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems show considerable heterogeneity; however, this can be parsed into a small number of meaningful subgroups. Doing so offered insights into risk factors that lead to different patterns of internalizing/externalizing trajectories. However, despite both domains of problems showing strong heritability, no study has yet considered genetic risks as predictors of joint internalizing/externalizing problem trajectories.

Methods

Using parallel process latent class growth analysis, we estimated joint developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing difficulties assessed across ages 4 to 16 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate a range of demographic, perinatal, maternal mental health, and child and maternal polygenic predictors of group membership. Participants included 11,049 children taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Polygenic data were available for 7,127 children and 6,836 mothers.

Results

A 5‐class model was judged optimal: Unaffected, Moderate Externalizing Symptoms, High Externalizing Symptoms, Moderate Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms and High Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms. Male sex, lower maternal age, maternal mental health problems, maternal smoking during pregnancy, higher child polygenic risk scores for ADHD and lower polygenic scores for IQ distinguished affected classes from the unaffected class.

Conclusions

While affected classes could be relatively well separated from the unaffected class, phenotypic and polygenic predictors were limited in their ability to distinguish between different affected classes. Results thus add to existing evidence that internalizing and externalizing problems have mostly shared risk factors.
Management of immune‐related adverse events in anti‐PD‐1‐treated patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gambichler T. , Scheel C.H. , Reuther J. , Susok L.
Published: December 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown very promising results in the management of patients with inoperable or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). However, ICI can cause a range of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) affecting a multitude of organs including skin, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, heart, lung, kidneys and the nervous system. In principle, clinical management irAEs does not change significantly with respect to the kind of cancer treated with ICI. However, advanced cSCC typically occurs in a clinically challenging patient population typically presenting with advanced age and/or significant comorbidities such as immunosuppression due to haematological malignancies and their respective treatment. Moreover, many patients with advanced cSCC are organ transplant patients taking immunosuppressants. As a consequence use of ICI per se and management of ICI‐induced irAEs generates more complexity and difficulties in patients with cSCC compared to other entities. Here, we provide a brief review on the management of anti‐programmed cell death protein 1‐induced irAEs in patients with cSCC focusing on the characteristic clinical challenges present in this population.
Checkpoint immunotherapy of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in patients suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: divergent outcomes in two men treated with PD‐1 inhibitors
Authors: Jansen P. , Lodde G.C. , Wetter A. , Welt A. , Stuschke M. , Dührsen U. , Stoffels I. , Klode J. , Livingstone E. , Zimmer L. , Roesch A. , Hadaschik E. , Griewank K. G. , Schadendorf D. , Ugurel S.
Published: December 2021

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) numbers among the most common types of skin cancer and is known as one of the cancer entities with the highest mutational burden among all solid tumours. Due to the positive correlation between mutational burden and response rate to inhibitors of the programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1), those inhibitors are considered promising candidates for the systemic therapy of cSCC. Recently, the PD‐1 inhibitors pembrolizumab, nivolumab and cemiplimab demonstrated efficacy in the systemic treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cSCC leading to the approval of cemiplimab by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in 2018 and the EMA (European Medicines Agency) in 2019. Patients with haematological malignancies tend to develop skin cancers of high aggressiveness, enhanced cumulative recurrence rate and higher rates of metastases with subsequent death. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most frequent type of leukaemia in the United States and Europe with the majority of patients older than 50 years of age. This neoplasm predominantly originates from B ‐cells leading to an impaired immune system of the patient. Although CLL is a B‐cell malignancy, studies have also described the involvement of T cells in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease with contradictory findings on the effects of PD‐1 inhibitors in CLL. Due to their underlying hematologic malignancy, these patients have commonly no access to PD‐1 inhibitor trials for treatment of advanced cSCC. We report on two patients with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC. Both patients had been suffering from a CLL for many years without indication for treatment. Despite a potential immunosuppressive state of the patients due to their CLL, both were treated with the PD‐1 inhibitor pembrolizumab resulting in different therapy outcomes.
A digital workflow for accurately and rapidly creating an immediate provisional restoration with natural emergence profile using extracted tooth
Authors: Zhu Jiakang , Xie Chenyang , Wang Yingkai , Yu Haiyang
Published: December 2021

To describe a digital workflow for creating a provisional restoration by using an extracted tooth rapidly, finally fixing the provisional restoration in the targeted position precisely and preserving the natural emergence profile from the time of provisional restoration to final restoration.

Clinical considerations

The use of extracted tooth as an immediate provisional restoration is an effective method for preserving the shape of the emergence profile. However, the existing methods for creating a provisional restoration by using natural tooth are time‐consuming and there is no reliable method to precisely attach tooth to temporary abutment. This case demonstrates a new method for using patient's natural tooth as an immediate provisional restoration under a sequence of guides, which significantly reduces the chair‐side time and inconvenience for clinicians and patients. Immediate provisional restoration contributes to preserving the soft tissue architecture after post‐extraction implant placement, especially when using the patient's tooth as a provisional restoration. Digital technology can help to improve the chair‐side clinical efficiency of dentist.

Clinical significance

Maintaining the natural soft tissue architecture is a huge challenge in dental implantology. Use of the extracted tooth as a provisional restoration is likely to achieve an optimal outcome. And digital technology is helpful to the efficiency and accuracy of treatment.
Effectiveness and color stability of bleaching techniques on blood‐stained teeth: An in vitro study
Authors: Gaidarji Bruna , Perez Bibiana Gabardo , Ruiz‐López Javier , Pérez María M. , Durand Letícia Brandão
Published: December 2021

Objective

Evaluate the effectiveness and color stability of bleaching techniques on blood‐stained teeth.

Material and Methods

The teeth were stained by blood and allocated to groups: walking bleach, inside/outside, and in‐office bleaching. L*, a*, b*, C*, h° color coordinates were measured using a clinical spectrophotometer at baseline, weekly (T1‐T2‐T3), and at 1‐week (T4), 6‐months (T5), and 1‐year (T6) follow‐up evaluations. , , and were calculated between sequential evaluation timepoints and between baseline and each evaluation timepoint. Color coordinates and WID differences in each timepoint and technique were analyzed by Wilcoxon Signed Rank, Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann–Whitney U test, respectively. , , and were interpreted by color visual thresholds.

Results

The techniques presented a significant increase in L* and WID and, a significant decrease in a* and b* until the completion of treatments. Statistical differences between the techniques for a*, b* and WID were observed from T1 until T3. All techniques demonstrated excellent effectiveness for , , and between baseline and each evaluation and follow‐up timepoints. However, at T6, it was possible to identify a rebound effect for all techniques.

Conclusions

All bleaching techniques presented excellent effectiveness. The stability of the whitening produced was maintained for 6 months.

Clinical Significance

Effective whitening of blood‐stained teeth was achieved using walking bleach (sodium perborate), inside/outside (hydrogen peroxide ‐ 7.5%) and in‐office techniques (hydrogen peroxide ‐ 35%). The bleaching techniques were effective after the completion of the treatments. A slight rebound was observed at 1 year follow‐up.
Body condition of returning Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. correlates with scale δ13C and δ15N content deposited at the last marine foraging location
Authors: Feeney Rory , Trueman Clive N. , Gargan Patrick G. , Roche William K. , Shephard Samuel
Published: December 2021

Patterns of feeding and growth of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. in the marine environment are critical to understanding how observed declines in recruitment may reflect warming or other oceanic drivers. The isotopic composition of scales can provide insight into differences in marine feeding location and possibly temperature regime. The authors used archived scale samples to measure δ13C and δ15N deposited in the scales of one sea‐winter (1SW) salmon during their last season of growth at sea before they returned to five Irish rivers. δ13C values were related statistically to observed salmon body condition (Fulton’s K), and fish with higher δ13C values tended to show significantly better condition. In contrast, δ15N values were negatively related to body condition. There was no important effect on condition of length at smolt migration, and the effect of duration of marine residence varied among rivers. It is likely that δ13C values partly reflected ambient ocean temperature and recent marine feeding environment before return migration, such that the observed relationship between higher δ13C values and increased body condition may express an advantage for adult fish feeding in warmer, potentially closer, waters. If greater body condition influences fitness, then a changing temperature regime in the Northeast Atlantic may drive shifts in salmon survival and reproduction. This study provides evidence that there is spatial and trophic variation at sea between salmon from rivers of origin that are located relatively close to each other, with potential consequences for body condition and, consequently, fitness and life history; this suggests that salmon populations from geographically proximate rivers within regions may exhibit differential responses to ocean‐scale climatic changes across the Northeast Atlantic.
A novel synaptopathy‐defective synaptic vesicle protein trafficking in the mutant CHMP2B mouse model of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Clayton Emma L. , Bonnycastle Katherine , Isaacs Adrian M. , Cousin Michael A. , Schorge Stephanie
Published: December 2021

Mutations in the ESCRT‐III subunit CHMP2B cause frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and lead to impaired endolysosomal trafficking and lysosomal storage pathology in neurons. We investigated the effect of mutant CHMP2B on synaptic pathology, as ESCRT function was recently implicated in the degradation of synaptic vesicle (SV) proteins. We report here that expression of C‐terminally truncated mutant CHMP2B results in a novel synaptopathy. This unique synaptic pathology is characterised by selective retention of presynaptic SV trafficking proteins in aged mutant CHMP2B transgenic mice, despite significant loss of postsynaptic proteins. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis of primary cortical cultures from transgenic CHMP2B mice revealed a significant increase in the number of presynaptic endosomes, while neurons expressing mutant CHMP2B display defective SV recycling and alterations to functional SV pools. Therefore, we reveal how mutations in CHMP2B affect specific presynaptic proteins and SV recycling, identifying CHMP2B FTD as a novel synaptopathy. This novel synaptopathic mechanism of impaired SV physiology may be a key early event in multiple forms of FTD, since proteins that mediate the most common genetic forms of FTD all localise at the presynapse.

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Comparison of teledermatological examinations with conventional office visits in management of acne vulgaris: A review of current literature
Authors: Bodle Lukas , Hunger Robert E. , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza
Published: December 2021

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease in the world, particularly affecting adolescents and young adults. Telemedicine has grown rapidly in the past few years and represents a new simplification in modern medicine. The aim of this literature review is to provide an overview of acne vulgaris in teledermatology and to identify the differences between teledermatological examinations and face‐to‐face consultations. For this purpose, a systematic literature search of the PubMed database was performed, up to the end of 2019. The content of 109 studies matching the keywords acne, acne vulgaris, teledermatology, telehealth, or telemedicine was screened, and 13 studies were systematically reviewed and compared. The analysis of the studies shows that patients living in remote areas benefit greatly from online visits since it is less time consuming and financially favorable, which is also associated with higher patient satisfaction. In addition, the satisfaction of doctors, the main safety concerns of patients, and a brief insight into telemedicine in other specialties are discussed. Taking the results of the different studies into account, the conclusion is that telemedicine is well accepted and often even desired by most patients and will likely become a very important part of modern medicine in the future.
Comparison of pressure injury risk assessment outcomes using a structured assessment tool versus clinical judgement: A systematic review
Authors: Lovegrove Josephine , Ven Saroeun , Miles Sandra J. , Fulbrook Paul
Published: December 2021

Background

Whilst performing a pressure injury risk assessment is not in itself preventive, risk status identification is critical to inform the judicious implementation of prevention strategies. Risk assessment is mostly undertaken using a structured tool informed by clinical judgement, though there is a perception that use of clinical judgement alone may be sufficient.

Objectives

Within acute hospital settings, to identify differences in outcomes (risk status, preventive interventions) following nursing assessment of pressure injury risk when using a structured assessment tool compared to clinical judgement.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

EBSCO CINAHL Complete, EBSCO MEDLINE Complete, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid EMBASE.

Methods

Primary research relevant to the objectives was eligible for inclusion. Databases were searched in February 2021 (limits: date 2010–2020, English language, adults). Two reviewers undertook the review process, with a third as arbitrator. Appraisal was undertaken using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Included studies are synthesised narratively. Reporting is in accordance with the PRISMA Statement.

Results

Five moderate to high‐quality studies were included. Synthesis was limited by heterogeneity. Several risk assessment tools and methods of clinical judgement were used. Three studies reported pressure injury risk status using both assessment approaches, but in only one did nurses undertake both. Risk status, as identified by each method, varied and was sometimes contradictory. Three studies reported some elements of preventive intervention prescription and/or implementation following risk assessment, but comparison between approaches was limited.

Conclusions

Some research suggests that risk status varies across different methods of pressure injury risk assessment, but it is unclear what impact this has on preventive intervention use. Risk status was not well linked to preventive interventions. Research is warranted to examine the influence that each approach to risk assessment alone and combined has on identified risk and preventive intervention prescription and implementation.

Registration

A protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021224747).
Ultrasonographic study of fetal mandibular markers during the first trimester in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Hezhou , Zhu Zhengfeng
Published: December 2021

Aim

To establish reference ranges for fetal mandibular markers in low‐risk singleton pregnancies between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in a Chinese population.

Methods

The inferior facial angle (IFA), transverse, and anteroposterior diameters of the mandible, and mandibular length were measured at 11–13 + 6 weeks of gestation. The utility of these sonographic markers for detecting micrognathia was explored in seven fetuses.

Results

In healthy fetuses at 11–13 + 6 weeks, there were linear correlations between gestational age and the transverse (Y = −15.615 + 1.987X, r = 0.718, p < 0.001) and anteroposterior (Y = −8.557 + 1.101X, r = 0.581, p < 0.001) diameters of the mandible; mean ratio of the anteroposterior: transverse diameters of the mandible decreased with gestational age (Y = 0.603–0.003X, r = 0.018, p = 0.755); there was a positive correlation between crown rump length and mandibular length (mandible length = 0.861 + 0.137*crown rump length; r = 0.723, p < 0.001); and there was a positive correlation between crown rump length and IFA (r = 0.234, p < 0.05). Reference ranges were: mean ratio of anteroposterior diameter: transverse diameter of the mandible 0.56; mean mandibular length 9.05 mm; and median IFA 66.5°. The values for these mandibular markers in seven cases of fetal micrognathia were outside the normal range.

Conclusions

Evaluations of fetal mandibular markers during first trimester ultrasound screening may contribute to the early detection and diagnosis of micrognathia. We recommend obtaining a subjective impression of the mandible on the mid‐sagittal view routinely used to measured nuchal translucency, followed by targeted objective measurements on the mid‐sagittal and axial views in suspected cases.
Looking ahead in anger: The effects of foreign migration on youth resentment in England
Authors: Denti Daria
Published: December 2021

Figures are showing that ethno‐cultural issues are increasingly related to most school bullying incidents happening lately. While many theoretical arguments and empirical investigations scrutinize the effects of foreign migration on hostile behaviors enacted by the adult population, there is insufficient evidence on the effects of immigration on youth. This paper provides evidence by exploiting the shock from migration that occurred in the UK after the 2004 European Union Enlargement to estimate the magnitude and the directionality of the effect exerted by the resulting inflow of migrants on school bullying. Multilevel logit, generalized estimating equations, and control function with two‐stage residual inclusion are used on a novel data set containing spatially fine‐grained observations on school bullying across the UK. Findings highlight a relevant effect of the shock from migration in triggering bullying, which is robust to the accounting for potential endogeneity with respect to immigrants' location choice. The role of existing language barriers as a channel for the effect of the migration shock is also scrutinized, to find that they increase its effect.
Purple eggplant and zucchini color, mechanical properties, mastication, and sensory perception influenced by boiling and grilling
Authors: Ilic Jovan , Tomasevic Igor , Djekic Ilija
Published: December 2021

The present study investigated the influence of boiling and grilling deployed at 15, 30, and 45 min on selected eggplant and zucchini qualities. The colorants present in these vegetables contribute to their attractive appearance while presenting health‐benefit components. This study shows that boiling and grilling differently affected the color properties of the eggplant and zucchini flesh and skin, leading to discoloration. However, the multifactorial mechanisms behind this phenomenon are not yet fully uncovered. Both boiling and grilling caused softening in examined vegetables within cooking prolongation, but different effects were observed. In the case of grilling, large‐ and small‐deformation mechanical parameters established higher values. Thus, grilling produced firmer samples, which was further projected on mastication and dynamic sensory perception. Although there was limited differentiation in mastication parameters, it was observable that grilled products were more mastication‐demanding. The number of chews and consumption time provided most of the information and established higher values for short‐time cooking treatments and grilling. As a consequence, samples that had longer in‐oral exposure times were perceived as bitter (eggplant) or sweet (zucchini). Oppositely, boiled vegetables were juicier. Regardless of the type of vegetable or cooking method, the shortest cooking treatments resulted in products dominantly perceived as firm.
Contribution of a ZIP‐family protein to manganese uptake and infective endocarditis virulence in Streptococcus sanguinis
Authors: Puccio Tanya , Kunka Karina S. , An Seon‐Sook , Kitten Todd
Published: December 2021

Streptococcus sanguinis is an important cause of infective endocarditis. In strain SK36, the ABC‐family manganese transporter, SsaACB, is essential for virulence. We have now identified a ZIP‐family protein, TmpA, as a secondary manganese transporter. A tmpA mutant had no phenotype, but a ΔssaACB ΔtmpA mutant was more attenuated for serum growth and for virulence in a rabbit model than its ΔssaACB parent. The growth of both mutants was restored by supplemental manganese, but the ΔssaACB ΔtmpA mutant required twenty‐fold more and accumulated less. Although ZIP‐family proteins are known for zinc and iron transport, TmpA‐mediated transport of either metal was minimal. While ssaACB appears ubiquitous in St. sanguinis, tmpA was present in a majority of strains and a mntH gene encoding an NRAMP‐family transporter was identified in relatively few, including VMC66. As in SK36, deletion of ssaACB greatly diminished VMC66 endocarditis virulence and serum growth, and deletion of tmpA from this mutant diminished virulence further. Virulence was not significantly altered by deletion of mntH from either VMC66 or its ΔssaACB mutant. This and the accompanying paper together suggest that SsaACB is of primary importance for endocarditis virulence while secondary transporters TmpA and MntH contribute to growth under differing conditions.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of high doses of ubiquinol in healthy adults
Authors: Mitsui Jun , Matsukawa Takashi , Tanaka Masaki , Saito‐Sato Naoko , Nakamoto Fumiko Kusunoki , Yasuda Tsutomu , Naruse Hiroya , Matsukawa Miho Kawabe , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Nagase Midori , Yamamoto Yorihiro , Kuzuyama Haruko , Wada Ikue , Ga Toshio , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Moritoyo Takashi , Tsuji Shoji
Published: December 2021

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an intractable neurodegenerative disease. Higher frequencies of carriers of the V393A variant in COQ2 and lower levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in body tissues have been reported in patients with MSA than in healthy controls. On the basis of the hypothesis that CoQ10 supplementation may slow the progression of MSA, we have been developing CoQ10 as an investigational drug for MSA.

Methods

A single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 1 study of ubiquinol in healthy adult male volunteers was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to groups that orally receive 900, 1200, and 1500 mg of ubiquinol or placebo daily for 14 days. Safety was assessed by examining the frequency and severity of adverse events. The levels of ubiquinol in plasma and total CoQ10 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cerebrospinal fluid were investigated.

Results

Thirty‐two participants provided informed consent to participate in this study. No clinically relevant changes in standard laboratory tests, physical examination, vital signs, or electrocardiogram attributable to ubiquinol administration were observed in any groups. The trough of plasma ubiquinol levels after repeated administration for 14 days reached a steady state, and the plasma ubiquinol levels in the 1500 mg/day‐administered group tended to be the highest.

Conclusions

High‐dose ubiquinol supplementation was shown to be safe and tolerated when administered orally to healthy adult males at a maximum dosage of 1500 mg/day for 14 days (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry number, UMIN000016695).
A plastidial retrograde signal potentiates biosynthesis of systemic stress response activators
Authors: Zeng Liping , Wang Jin‐Zheng , He Xiang , Ke Haiyan , Lemos Mark , Gray William M. , Dehesh Katayoon
Published: December 2021

Plants employ an array of intricate and hierarchical signaling cascades to perceive and transduce informational cues to synchronize and tailor adaptive responses. Systemic stress response (SSR) is a recognized complex signaling and response network quintessential to plant’s local and distal responses to environmental triggers; however, the identity of the initiating signals has remained fragmented.

Here, we show that both biotic (aphids and viral pathogens) and abiotic (high light and wounding) stresses induce accumulation of the plastidial‐retrograde‐signaling metabolite methylerythritol cyclodiphosphate (MEcPP), leading to reduction of the phytohormone auxin and the subsequent decreased expression of the phosphatase PP2C.D1.

This enables phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases 3/6 and the consequential induction of the downstream events ultimately, resulting in biosynthesis of the two SSR priming metabolites pipecolic acid and N‐hydroxy‐pipecolic acid.

This work identifies plastids as a major initiation site, and the plastidial retrograde signal MEcPP as an initiator of a multicomponent signaling cascade potentiating the biosynthesis of SSR activators, in response to biotic and abiotic triggers.
Forest system hydraulic conductance: partitioning tree and soil components
Authors: Binks Oliver , Cernusak Lucas A. , Liddell Michael , Bradford Matt , Coughlin Ingrid , Carle Hannah , Bryant Callum , Dunn Elliot , Oliveira Rafael , Mencuccini Maurizio , Meir Patrick
Published: December 2021

Soil–leaf hydraulic conductance determines canopy–atmosphere coupling in vegetation models, but it is typically derived from ex‐situ measurements of stem segments and soil samples. Using a novel approach, we derive robust in‐situ estimates for whole‐tree conductance (ktree), ‘functional’ soil conductance (ksoil), and ‘system’ conductance (ksystem, water table to canopy), at two climatically different tropical rainforest sites.

Hydraulic ‘functional rooting depth’, determined for each tree using profiles of soil water potential (Ψsoil) and sap flux data, enabled a robust determination of ktree and ksoil. ktree was compared across species, size classes, seasons, height above nearest drainage (HAND), two field sites, and to alternative representations of ktree; ksoil was analysed with respect to variations in site, season and HAND.

ktree was lower and changed seasonally at the site with higher vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and rainfall; ktree differed little across species but scaled with tree circumference; rsoil (1/ksoil) ranged from 0 in the wet season to 10× less than rtree (1/ktree) in the dry season.

VPD and not rainfall may influence plot‐level k; leaf water potentials and sap flux can be used to determine ktree, ksoil and ksystem; Ψsoil profiles can provide mechanistic insights into ecosystem‐level water fluxes.
Modulation of plant plasma membrane structure by exogenous fatty acid hydroperoxide is a potential perception mechanism for their eliciting activity
Authors: Deboever Estelle , Van Aubel Géraldine , Rondelli Valeria , Koutsioubas Alexandros , Mathelie‐Guinlet Marion , Dufrene Yves F. , Ongena Marc , Lins Laurence , Van Cutsem Pierre , Fauconnier Marie‐Laure , Deleu Magali
Published: December 2021

Oxylipins are lipid‐derived molecules that are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and whose functions in plant physiology have been widely reported. They appear to play a major role in plant immunity by orchestrating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hormone‐dependent signalling pathways. The present work focuses on the specific case of fatty acid hydroperoxides (HPOs). Although some studies report their potential use as exogenous biocontrol agents for plant protection, evaluation of their efficiency in planta is lacking and no information is available about their mechanism of action. In this study, the potential of 13(S)‐hydroperoxy‐(9Z, 11E)‐octadecadienoic acid (13‐HPOD) and 13(S)‐hydroperoxy‐(9Z, 11E, 15Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid (13‐HPOT), as plant defence elicitors and the underlying mechanism of action is investigated. Arabidopsis thaliana leaf resistance to Botrytis cinerea was observed after root application with HPOs. They also activate early immunity‐related defence responses, like ROS. As previous studies have demonstrated their ability to interact with plant plasma membranes (PPM), we have further investigated the effects of HPOs on biomimetic PPM structure using complementary biophysics tools. Results show that HPO insertion into PPM impacts its global structure without solubilizing it. The relationship between biological assays and biophysical analysis suggests that lipid amphiphilic elicitors that directly act on membrane lipids might trigger early plant defence events.
Experimental Evaluation of Tension and Shear Responses of Material Discontinuities in Origami-Based Sheet Metal Bending
Authors: Ablat Muhammad Ali , Alafaghani Ala’aldin , Sun Jian-Qiao , Qattawi Ala
Published: December 2021

Origami-based sheet metal (OSM) bending uses the origami concept to form three-dimensional (3D) structures from a two-dimensional (2D) sheet by performing a series of bending operations. The OSM bending relies on material discontinuity (MD) lines to perform the bending operation during which the MDs are subjected to tension and shear load. Even though OSM bending is a process that is simple, cost-effective, and easy to integrate into mass production, the understanding of the OSM bending mechanics is limiting its wide application. Particularly, the deformation behavior of MDs under tension and shear load remains unknown. Hence, this study investigates the response of MDs to these loads using the standard tensile and shear tests. From these tests, the critical values for two different ductile fracture criteria (DFC) models are determined, and the possibility of a failure occurring in OSM bending can be predicted using the DFC models and the critical values. Results show that the load-bearing capability of the MDs is related to change in the effective cross-sectional area of an MD. The tensile and shear tests can provide a technique to predict failure in OSM bending. The results also show that the self-contact that can occur under shear load influences the maximum shear force and the accuracy of failure prediction.
Bulls in a China Shop: Narcissism, Intragroup Conflict, and Task Cohesion
Authors: Boulter Matt W. , Hardy James , Roberts Ross , Woodman Tim
Published: December 2021

When given opportunities for personal glory in individual settings, people high in narcissism excel. However, less is known about narcissists’ influence in team contexts. Across two studies (utilizing cross-sectional and two-wave longitudinal designs) involving 706 athletes from 68 teams in total, we tested a conceptual model linking narcissism to task cohesion, via intragroup conflict, moderated by narcissistic group composition. We tested a new sports-oriented measure of intragroup conflict using Bayesian estimation and evaluated our theorizing using a multilevel conditional indirect effect hybrid model. Across both studies, we found that narcissism influenced perceptions of task cohesion via process conflict only, with a negative influence at low narcissistic group composition that was weakened (Study 1) or nullified (Study 2) at high narcissistic team composition. Collectively, these findings offer the first example of how narcissism influences task cohesion in team settings and the contextual effects of narcissistic group composition.
Application of the Multi-Process Action Control Model to Predict Physical Activity During Late Adolescence
Authors: Kwan Matthew Y.W. , Brown Denver M.Y. , Dutta Pallavi , Haider Imran , Cairney John , Rhodes Ryan E.
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to apply the Multi-Process Action Control model to examine how the additions of regulatory and reflexive processes predict physical activity (PA) behaviors among adolescents. Our sample included 1,176 Grade 11 students (Mage = 15.85 ± 0.38) recruited from a large school board in Southern Ontario. Participants completed a questionnaire including measures of self-reported PA and PA cognitions derived from the Multi-Process Action Control model. Results found the reflective process explaining 16.5% of the variance in PA, with the additions of regulatory and reflexive processes significantly improving the explained variance by 5.1% and 8.2%, respectively. Final models revealed coping planning (estimate = 45.10, p = .047), identity (estimate = 55.82, p < .001), and habit (estimate = 64.07, p < .001) as significant predictors of PA. Findings reinforce the need for integrative models to better understand PA, with coping planning, habit formation, and development of an active identity to be salient targets for intervention during adolescence.
Addressing the Complexity of Violence Against Women in Sport: Using the World Café Method to Inform Organizational Response
Authors: Forsdike Kirsty , Fullagar Simone
Published: December 2021

In this article, we discuss the process and outcomes arising from a unique collaboration involving researchers and professionals to explore key gaps and challenges in sport organizations’ responses to violence against women. Using the World Café method in a 1-day research forum in Victoria, Australia, we brought together state sport organizations, violence against women organizations, and multidisciplinary researchers to reflect upon the multiple contexts that shape violence against women in community sport. Drawing together insights from feminist research and a socioecological perspective, this article contributes to sport management scholarship by using an innovative methodology for collaborative knowledge sharing and creation to explore the challenges and opportunities for organizational action to address violence against women. We advance a gendered lens for understanding how power relations shape sport management practice contexts as well as future research into organizational thinking, research, and responses to violence against women.
Comment on “A Middle Pleistocene
Homo
from Nesher Ramla, Israel”
Authors: Marom Assaf , Rak Yoel
Published: December 2021

Hershkovitz
et al
. (Reports, 25 June 2021, p. 1424) conclude that the Nesher Ramla (NR) fossils represent a distinctive
Homo
paleodeme that played a role as a source population for Neanderthals. However, the highly diagnostic features of the Neanderthal mandible—clearly displayed by the NR fossils—are largely overlooked. Our analyses indicate that the NR fossils represent simply a Neanderthal.
Programming a quantum phase of matter
Authors: Bartlett Stephen D.
Published: December 2021

The ability to measure long-range entanglement may enable robust quantum memory
Room-temperature mid-infrared detectors
Authors: Gordon Reuven
Published: December 2021

Two independent groups designed nanoantennas for detecting mid-infrared light
In Other Journals
Authors: Hines Pamela J. , Ray L. Bryan , Alderton Gemma , Zahn Laura M. , Grocholski Brent , Osborne Ian S. , Smith H. Jesse
Published: December 2021

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Deep brain stimulation takes new aim at depression
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: December 2021

Case studies spotlight personalized approaches to tweaking brain circuits
A particulate saponin/TLR agonist vaccine adjuvant alters lymph flow and modulates adaptive immunity
Authors: Silva Murillo , Kato Yu , Melo Mariane B. , Phung Ivy , Freeman Brian L. , Li Zhongming , Roh Kangsan , Van Wijnbergen Jan W. , Watkins Hannah , Enemuo Chiamaka A. , Hartwell Brittany L. , Chang Jason Y. H. , Xiao Shuhao , Rodrigues Kristen A. , Cirelli Kimberly M. , Li Na , Haupt Sonya , Aung Aereas , Cossette Benjamin , Abraham Wuhbet , Kataria Swati , Bastidas Raiza , Bhiman Jinal , Linde Caitlyn , Bloom Nathaniel I. , Groschel Bettina , Georgeson Erik , Phelps Nicole , Thomas Ayush , Bals Julia , Carnathan Diane G. , Lingwood Daniel , Burton Dennis R. , Alter Galit , Padera Timothy P. , Belcher Angela M. , Schief William R. , Silvestri Guido , Ruprecht Ruth M. , Crotty Shane , Irvine Darrell J.
Published: December 2021

An adjuvant composed of saponin and a TLR4 agonist acts by enhancing lymph flow and antigen entry into lymph nodes.
Full Genome Sequence of a
Methanomassiliicoccales
Representative Enriched from Peat Soil
Authors: Weil Micha , Hoff Katharina J. , Meißner Walter , Schäfer Fabian , Söllinger Andrea , Wang Haitao , Hagenau Lisa , Kuss Andreas W. , Urich Tim
Published: December 2021

The full genome of a
Methanomassiliicoccales
strain, U3.2.1, was obtained from enrichment cultures of percolation fen peat soil under methanogenic conditions, with methanol and hydrogen as the electron acceptor and donor, respectively. Metagenomic assembly of combined long-read and short-read sequences resulted in a 1.51-Mbp circular genome.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Desulfovibrio
sp. Strain CSMB_222, Isolated from Coal Seam Formation Water
Authors: McLeish Andrew G. , Greenfield Paul , Midgley David J. , Paulsen Ian T.
Published: December 2021

Subsurface coal seams contain microbial consortia with various taxa, each with a different role in the degradation of coal organic matter. This study presents the sequenced and annotated genome of
Desulfovibrio
sp. strain CSMB_222, a bacterium isolated from eastern Australian coal seams.
Petrology and volcanology of the Mesoproterozoic igneous rocks of the Saint Francois Mountains terrane, southeast Missouri, USA
Authors: Michelfelder* Gary S.
Published: December 2021

The Saint Francois Mountains are the physiographic expression of the central part of the Ozark Dome of southeastern Missouri. The mountains are made up of a quaquaversal-dipping series of Paleozoic units cored by the Mesoproterozoic-aged rocks of the broader Saint Francois Mountains terrane. The Saint Francois Mountains terrane lies within the Eastern Granite-Rhyolite province along the eastern margin of Laurentia and contains at least four mapped caldera complexes (Eminence, Lake Killarney, Butler Hill, and Taum Sauk), associated volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks, and four distinct types of intrusive units. The Mesoproterozoic rocks represent two major pulses of magmatic activity: (1) an older 1.48–1.45 Ga episode of caldera-forming volcanism and associated subvolcanic to massif-type granitic intrusions; and (2) a younger 1.33–1.28 Ga episode of bimodal intrusions. Volcanism included primarily high-silica rhyolite and volcaniclastic sediments associated with caldera-forming volcanism with lesser amounts of basalt and basaltic andesite that formed as flows and subvolcanic intrusions. The older (ca. 1.4 Ga) intrusive rocks can be divided into three broad categories: (1) granite massifs including the Butler Hill/Breadtray massif-type granites, (2) caldera ring–type granites such as the Silvermine Granite, and (4) mafic- to intermediate-composition intrusive rocks such as the Silver Mines Mafic Series. The younger (ca. 1.3 Ga) bimodal intrusions are represented by the highly evolved felsic Graniteville-types granites and the gabbros of the Skrainka Mafic Group.

This field guide provides an overview of the magmatic history of the Mesoproterozoic rocks exposed in the eastern Saint Francois Mountains. Field-trip stops are divided into two days, highlighting well-known stops and lesser-known localities that illustrate the magmatic activity of one the premier igneous locations in the midcontinent region. The field trip is focused on two main areas. Day 1 focuses on the rhyolite sequence and associated caldera-forming eruption of the Taum Sauk caldera. Day 2 focuses on the volcanic rocks and granitic intrusions related to the Butler Hill caldera and ends with a visit to one of the youngest granitoids in the terrane, the Graniteville Granite. The field guide presents a summary of the volcanic history and petrogenesis of the Saint Francois Mountains rhyolites and granites.