bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevational microbial β diversity and community assembly processes in subarctic ponds
Authors: Teittinen Anette , Wang Jianjun , Soininen Janne
Published: August 2023

Knowledge about elevational β diversity patterns and processes is limited for microorganisms, especially in sensitive aquatic ecosystems at high latitudes. Our aim is to investigate elevational β diversity patterns and underlying assembly processes for three biofilm microbial groups in subarctic freshwater ponds.

We sampled 89 ponds covering an elevational gradient from 10 to 1038 m above sea level in subarctic Finland and Norway. The microbial groups studied included benthic diatoms, cyanobacteria, and bacteria (i.e., bacteria other than cyanobacteria). We expected to find elevational distance decay in community similarity, driven primarily by variation in the local environment. We further tested whether the level of β diversity decreased towards higher elevations, and whether the relative influence of deterministic and stochastic processes on community assembly changed along the elevational gradient, with increasing effect of deterministic processes at higher elevations under more extreme environmental conditions. As statistical methods, we used generalised dissimilarity modelling, Mantel tests, and a null model with Raup–Crick dissimilarities.

For all microbial groups, community dissimilarities increased with increasing environmental or elevational distances. The pure effects of environment were significant for all groups, and pH was the most important variable affecting community dissimilarities. Mean community dissimilarities generally decreased with elevation for all microbial groups. The communities were influenced by both deterministic and stochastic processes, the former of which was stronger towards higher elevations. The influence of deterministic processes was strongest for bacteria. Generally, the communities under deterministic control were more similar to each other than expected by chance.

Elevational β diversity patterns of subarctic pond microorganisms primarily reflected environmental effects, showing decreasing β diversity towards high elevations owing to stronger environmental filtering. The relative effects of deterministic or stochastic assembly processes varied among microbial groups, highlighting the need for including multiple groups when studying biodiversity patterns and underlying ecological processes.
Risk of extinction increases towards higher elevations across the world's amphibians
Authors: Guirguis Jacinta , Goodyear Luke E. B. , Finn Catherine , Johnson Jack V. , Pincheira‐Donoso Daniel
Published: August 2023

Aim

Life in mountains is associated with multiple features that increase the risk of demographic collapses in populations – small geographic ranges, short breeding seasons, specialization to harsh climates – leading to the hypothesis that extinction risk is exacerbated in species inhabiting higher elevations. Here, we implement the first test of this hypothesis across the amphibian tree of life – the tetrapods with the largest proportion of montane species, and nature's most threatened animals.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Present.

Major Taxa Studied

Class Amphibia.

Methods

We collated a dataset spanning 8042 species from across all three amphibian orders (Anura, Caudata and Gymnophiona). We preformed phylogenetic logistic regressions to test the predictions that extinction risk increases with elevation, and whether this effect is caused by factors previously hypothesised to drive high‐elevation declines, including restrictions on species' geographic ranges, variation in their life histories and the presence of infectious disease.

Results

Globally, extinction risk increases towards higher elevations. At order‐level, this relationship holds for frogs and salamanders. Even when controlling for geographic range size, life histories and infectious disease, extinction risk increases with elevation for amphibians combined and frogs globally, and in the Americas. In contrast, whereas extinction risk is greater among high‐elevation Eurasian amphibians, this relationship is explained by larger body sizes and lower fecundity.

Main Conclusions

Our analyses indicate that after considering factors previously thought to explain the increase in extinction risk towards higher elevations (e.g., geographic range size, disease), elevation remains a significant predictor of amphibian extinction risk. Given that the only available tests of this hypothesis in other tetrapods (birds and reptiles) conflict with our findings, we suggest that physiological or life‐history features of amphibians may explain this observed phenomenon.
Performance on the iSTEP and 10 m‐ISWT in boys with haemophilia
Authors: Bladen Melanie , Alderson Lucy , Thorpe Nicola , Cortina‐Borja Mario , Main Eleanor
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Boys with haemophilia (BwH) have improved health outcomes. Measures of physical function in haemophilia are not challenging or sensitive enough to reflect physical limitations or guide rehabilitation. To identify meaningful tests, we aimed to: evaluate the performance of BwH on two physical performance measures: iSTEP and 10 m‐ISWT; identify factors which predict performance and compare BwH to their unaffected peers.

Methods

BwH completed both iSTEP and 10 m‐ISWT. Disease severity, age, BMI, HJHS, lower limb muscle torque, time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity, sedentary time, were included as factors to predict performance. Results were compared to unaffected peers.

Results

43 boys median age 10 (10 mild/moderate, 26 severe, 7 inhibitors) were recruited. BwH were less likely to complete the iSTEP and performed less well on the 10 m‐ISWT than age matched peers. Ceiling effects were apparent for iSTEP, but not the 10 m‐ISWT test. Age was the only significant predictor for performance in the iSTEP, with older boys being more likely to achieve a higher level or complete the test. Greater age, lower BMI, milder disease severity and more time spent in MVPA all predicted better performance on the 10 m‐ISWT, with BMI and habitual physical activity a potential rehabilitation focus for underperforming individuals. HJHS and muscle strength did not predict performance on either test.

Conclusion

Despite the space need to conduct the 10 m‐ISWT, it appears to be a superior performance measure than the iSTEP in BwH and provides clinically meaningful information, which can be interpreted using age‐specific normative reference equations.
Where's the risk? Material weakness detection in advance of financial misstatement discovery
Authors: Calvin Christopher G.
Published: August 2023

This study uses material weakness (MW) disclosures to explore whether auditors systematically assign greater risk to specific financial statements and account types. Auditing Standard 2201 mandates auditors adjust their levels of material weakness detection in response to the risk associated with each control being tested. Using a sample of firm years with financial misstatements, I show that auditors are most likely to detect material weaknesses in advance of misstatement discovery when they relate to the income statement, followed by the balance sheet, and to revenues and assets, relative to other income statement and balance sheet accounts. These results suggest that auditors, on average, assign the greatest level of associated control risk to the income statement, then the balance sheet, and that revenues and assets are the drivers of that assignment.
Co‐product from debittering process of trub (brewing by‐product) as natural antioxidant in processed cheese
Authors: Saraiva Bianka Rocha , Cegudo Ana Carolina Marques , Gibin Mariana Sversut , Da Silva Jéssica Bassi , Sato Francielle , Bruschi Marcos Luciano , Matumoto‐Pintro Paula Toshimi
Published: August 2023

Aqueous extract rich in phenolic compounds and carbohydrates obtained as a co‐product during the trub‐debittering process can be used as a new sustainable ingredient to improve food quality properties. This water‐soluble extract (WE) was used for evaluating its own antioxidant capacity when added to processed cheese at up to 1.00% (w/w); and were also evaluated for total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, FTIR spectroscopy, lipid oxidation, oxidative stability, texture and rheological properties. WE addition increased the antioxidant activity of processed cheese by up to 88.40% and 81.90% for DPPH and ABTS, reduced the product lipid oxidation by up to 54.31% and showed greater oxidative stability (Rancimat) compared to the Control. Samples melting property was not changed, and samples with WE showed a more stable structure after melting. Use of WE showed that it can be used as natural antioxidant in processed cheese, improving its quality and texture properties.
Ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic extraction of orange peel pectin and its characterisation
Authors: Bosch Ryan , Malgas Samkelo
Published: August 2023

Citrus processing waste (CPW) accumulates in vast amounts worldwide during fruit processing and its disposal through landfilling is environmentally damaging. However, CPW is also a renewable source of economically and medically relevant compounds such as pectin. There is a need for new methods of extracting pectin from CPW, as conventional methods are unsustainable. Therefore, this study proposed a new environmentally friendly method, which combines ultrasound cavitation with cellulase preparation, Celluclast) into one extraction procedure (UAE), and compared it to conventional acid extraction. The yield and productivity of each method were measured and the extracts were analysed for composition and structural characteristics. UAE and acid extraction pectin yields (26.9 vs. 22.1%) and productivity (0.10 vs. 0.09%/min) values were comparable. The extracts consisted mainly of galacturonic acid and galactose residues, but the ratio was different for each method; 1: 0.34 and 0.84: 1 for acid and UAE‐extracted pectin, respectively. FTIR was used to estimate the degree of esterification of the pectin extracts; 8% and 55% for acid and UAE‐extracted pectin, respectively. TGA revealed a higher ash content in UAE pectin, while XRD revealed similar degrees of polymer crystallinity. Viscosimetry revealed that the acid pectin had a higher molecular weight (70.22 kDa) compared to UAE pectin (197.78 kDa). In conclusion, the UAE procedure is a viable alternative to acid extraction.
Suitability of corn flour in steamed bread matrices of corn‐wheat composite flour: a thermal, rheological and nutritional approach
Authors: Chen Peixia , Hong Jing , Liu Chong , Zheng Xueling , Tian Xiaohui , Shang Jiaying , Omer Saeed Hamid Saeed
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the thermal, rheological, morphological, and nutritional properties of corn‐wheat composite steamed bread (CWCSB) with different heat treatment methods (steaming, high temperature and high pressure, extrusion) and fermentation methods (yeast and sourdough). The results indicated that sourdough fermentation (SF) improved the textural properties and protein digestibility of CWCSB compared to yeast fermentation (YF). All heat treatments enhanced the elastic behaviour of the dough, with the extrusion method showing a higher G′ value. Both extrusion and steaming treatments resulted in reduced hardness, viscosity, and chewiness of the CWCSB. Due to the flash evaporation effect, a denser dough structure was formed by extrusion, thus reducing enzyme accessibility and resulting in an increased content of slowly digestible starch from 5.09% to 11.21%. In conclusion, extrusion combined with SF could be used as a potential method to improve the suitability of corn flour in steamed bread of corn‐wheat composite flour.
The seductive allure of spatial biology: accelerating new discoveries in the life sciences
Authors: Kulasinghe Arutha , Wood Fiona , Belz Gabrielle
Published: August 2023

Spatial biology is a rapidly developing field which enables the visualization of protein and transcriptomic data while preserving tissue context and architecture. Initially used in discovery, there is growing promise for translational and diagnostic assay developments. Immediate applications are in precision medicine, such as being able to match patients to optimal therapies through better understanding the tumor microenvironment. However, it also has ramifications for many other disciplines (e.g. immunology, cancer, infectious disease and digital pathology). With increasingly massive data sets being generated, data storage, curation, analysis and sharing require more computational approaches and artificial intelligence–powered tools to fully utilize spatial tools. Here, we discuss spatial biology as an important convergent science approach to tackling complex global challenges in areas such as health.
Validating genomic prediction for nitrogen efficiency index and its composition traits of Holstein cows in early lactation
Authors: Chen Y. , Atashi H. , Mota R. R. , Grelet C. , Vanderick S. , Hu H. ,   GplusE Consortium, Gengler N.
Published: August 2023

Nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) is an economically important trait for dairy cows. Recently, we proposed a new N efficiency index (NEI), that simultaneously considers both NUE and N pollution. This study aimed to validate the genomic prediction for NEI and its composition traits and investigate the relationship between SNP effects estimated directly from NEI and indirectly from its composition traits. The NEI composition included genomic estimated breeding value of N intake (NINT), milk true protein N (MTPN) and milk urea N yield. The edited data were 132,899 records on 52,064 cows distributed in 773 herds. The pedigree contained 122,368 animals. Genotypic data of 566,294 SNP was available for 4514 individuals. A total of 4413 cows (including 181 genotyped) and 56 bulls (including 32 genotyped) were selected as the validation populations. The linear regression method was used to validate the genomic prediction of NEI and its composition traits using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and single‐step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). The mean theoretical accuracies of validation populations obtained from ssGBLUP were higher than those obtained from BLUP for both NEI and its composition traits, ranging from 0.57 (MTPN) to 0.72 (NINT). The highest mean prediction accuracies for NEI and its composition traits were observed for the genotyped cows estimated under ssGBLUP, ranging from 0.48 (MTPN) to 0.66 (NINT). Furthermore, the SNP effects estimated from NEI composition traits, multiplied by the relative weight were the same as those estimated directly from NEI. This study preliminary showed that genomic prediction can be used for NEI, however, we acknowledge the need for further validation of this result in a larger dataset. Moreover, the SNP effects of NEI can be indirectly calculated using the SNP effects estimated from its composition traits. This study provided a basis for adding genomic information to establish NEI as part of future routine genomic evaluation programs.
Socioeconomic status and risk for child psychopathology: exploring gene–environment interaction in the presence of gene–environment correlation using extended families in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Badini Isabella , Ahmadzadeh Yasmin , Wechsler Daniel L. , Lyngstad Torkild H. , Rayner Christopher , Eilertsen Espen M. , Zavos Helena M.S. , Ystrom Eivind , McAdams Tom A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with increased risk for emotional and behavioural problems among children. Evidence from twin studies has shown that family SES moderates genetic and environmental influences on child mental health. However, it is also known that SES is itself under genetic influence and previous gene–environment interaction (G×E) studies have not incorporated the potential genetic overlap between child mental health and family SES into G×E analyses. We applied a novel approach using extended family data to investigate the moderation of aetiological influences on child emotional and behavioural problems by parental socioeconomic status in the presence of modelled gene–environment correlation.

Methods

The sample comprised >28,100 children in extended‐family units drawn from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Mothers reported children's emotional and behavioural symptoms. Parents' income and educational attainment were obtained through linkage to administrative register data. Bivariate moderation Multiple‐Children‐of‐Twins‐and‐Siblings (MCoTS) models were used to analyse relationships between offspring outcomes (emotional and behavioural symptom scores) and parental socioeconomic moderators (income rank and educational attainment).

Results

The aetiology of child emotional symptoms was moderated by maternal and paternal educational attainment. Shared environmental influences on child emotional symptoms were greater at lower levels of parents' education. The aetiology of child behavioural symptoms was moderated by maternal, but not paternal, socioeconomic factors. Genetic factors shared between maternal income and child behavioural symptoms were greater in families with lower levels maternal income. Nonshared environmental influences on child behavioural symptoms were greater in families with higher maternal income and education.

Conclusions

Parental socioeconomic indicators moderated familial influences and nonshared environmental influences on child emotional and behavioural outcomes. Maternal SES and child mental health share aetiological overlap such that shared genetic influence was greater at the lower end of the socioeconomic distribution. Our findings collectively highlight the role that family socioeconomic factors play in shaping the origins of child emotional and behavioural problems.
Persistence and effectiveness of guselkumab treatment in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in a non‐interventional real‐world setting: The SPRING study
Authors: Puig L. , Daudén E. , Cuervas‐Mons M. , Novella C. , Guisado C.
Published: August 2023

Background

Guselkumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the IL‐23 pathway with proven efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Objectives

To assess the persistence, effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis in real clinical practice in Spain.

Methods

SPRING was a Phase IV, retrospective and non‐interventional study analysing patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis who had initiated guselkumab under clinical practice conditions at least 12 months before inclusion in the study. The primary endpoint was persistence (non‐persistence: discontinuation or interruption ≥90 days). Effectiveness was assessed using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Investigator Global Assessment (IGA). Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and safety were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 284 patients were included between September 2020 and June 2021. The 1‐year probability of persistence was 89.6% (86.1%–93.3%). The 1‐year probability of persistence was also calculated according to prior biologic treatment, being 90.3% for biologic‐naïve patients and 89.5% for patients who received one or more biologic therapies before guselkumab. Additionally, patients were also classified based on the frequency of the administration of guselkumab treatment; the 1‐year probability of persistence was 91.9% in patients receiving guselkumab according to the Summary of Product Characteristics and 89.3% in patients with lengthened intervals of administration. After 1 year, PASI 90 was achieved by 56.4% of patients, IGA 0/1 response and BSA <3% were achieved by 65.5% and 77.8% of patients, respectively, and 65.8% achieved a minimal clinically significant difference (>4‐point reduction) in the DLQI score at 1 year. Twenty‐six adverse reactions (4 of them serious) were reported in 16 patients.

Conclusions

This study suggests that guselkumab has high persistence in real clinical practice in Spain, independently of the previous biologic treatments and changes in the frequency of treatment. Effectiveness and safety are consistent with previously published data.
Biomechanical performance of endocrown and core‐crown restorations: A systematic review
Authors: Lenz Ulysses , Bacchi Atais , Della Bona Alvaro
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess and compare, through a systematic review of the literature, the biomechanical performance of endocrowns and traditional core‐crowns (with and without intracanal post) for the rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth with severe coronal structure damage.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In‐vitro studies comparing endocrowns with (post‐)core‐crown restorations were selected and screened by two independent reviewers. The included studies were submitted to the risk of bias analysis using the RoBDEMAT tool and the biomechanical outcomes were collected for qualitative analysis. The extracted data were presented based on comparative analyses among the included studies.

Results

Thirty‐one studies were included: 9 studies evaluated restorations of molars, 14 for premolars, and 8 studies evaluated anterior restorations. For the majority of the studies, endocrowns showed either similar or greater survival rates under fatigue and monotonic load than (post‐)core‐crown restorations, irrespectively of the tooth. The endocrowns showed more favorable failure patterns than (post‐)core‐crowns, irrespectively of the tooth. Endocrowns produced lower stresses in the restorative material for molars and premolars and in the luting material for premolars than (post‐)core‐crown restorations. The included studies presented adequate information for most items of the RoBDEMAT risk of bias tool.

Conclusion

Endocrowns showed similar or greater biomechanical performance than the traditional (post‐)core‐crown restorations in most of the evaluated studies.

Clinical Significance

This systematic review showed that endocrowns present either similar or greater biomechanical performance than core‐crown restorations for anterior and posterior endodontically treated teeth with severe structural damage.
Specters of excess: Passing and policing in the Malay‐speaking archipelago
Authors: Carruthers Andrew M.
Published: August 2023

Positioned at the island interface of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the east Malaysian state of Sabah bears witness to some of the largest clandestine cross‐border flows across the globe. This article examines what a Royal Commission of Inquiry on Illegal Immigrants in Sabah has called “an insidious problem which has turned out to be an all‐consuming nightmare.” It highlights the situated (meta)semiotic work involved in determining and enforcing the state's seemingly indeterminate and unenforceable borders between citizens and suspected non‐citizens, while also showing how inquiries into migrant illegality are ultimately inquiries into “excess.” It demonstrates how experiences of and orientations to excess take expressive shape in migrants and Malaysians' fashions of speaking and forms of life. It concludes by considering how these transnational dynamics across a sprawling archipelagic region lend a provincializing angle of vision on American(ist) anthropology's own hemispheric parochialism.
Women disproportionately shoulder burdens imposed by the global COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Dinella Lisa M. , Evans Kiameesha , Levinson Jordan A. , Gagnon Samantha
Published: August 2023

The current study focused on how the sudden onset of the pandemic magnified existing inequalities for women in the United States. A total of 2115 participants responded to an online survey regarding pandemic‐related changes to household and childcare responsibilities, employment, mental and physical health and safety, housing, worries and stress, and coping strategies. We employ an intersectionality analytical framework to understand how existing systems of oppression differentially impacted women's lived experiences during the early stages of the pandemic in the United States. Particularly, we investigated how gender, race/ethnicity, and class intersected to impact women's adaptability to the pandemic crisis. We also included motherhood status as a possible variable that may change women's pandemic‐related experiences. Finally, we include women's narrative responses to provide context to their quantitative responses and to help fully represent perspectives that can often be rendered invisible. We leveraged the findings of the current investigation of the impact of the COVID‐19 global pandemic on women's lives to make suggestions for changes that can support women with this and future pandemics and disasters.
Meloidogyne arenaria infecting Matricaria chamomilla in Brazil
Authors: Pazdiora Paulo Cesar , de Ramos Eduarda Kalena Kirsch , Pereira Matheus Martins , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Conce Marianela Conce , de Araujo Filho Jeronimo Vieira
Published: August 2023

Plants of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae), well‐known medicinal species, showing root galls, were collected in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Based on morphological (perineal patterns and males), morphometric (males) and esterase phenotypes (Est A2), we identified the infecting nematode as the root‐knot nematode M. arenaria. Under greenhouse conditions, four M. chamomilla plants were inoculated with about 1000 specimens obtained from the isolate. We observed about 207 ± 72 nematodes g−1 of roots, confirming its pathogenicity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of M. arenaria parasitizing M. chamomilla in Brazil and elsewhere.
Idiopathic hypersomnia years after the diagnosis
Authors: Šonka Karel , Feketeová Eva , Nevšímalová Soňa , Horvat Eszter Maurovich , Příhodová Iva , Dostálová Simona , Galušková Karolína , Milata Martin , Bušková Jitka , Susta Marek
Published: August 2023

Little attention has been paid to the long‐term development of idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms and idiopathic hypersomnia comorbidities. The aim of this study was to describe the general health of patients with idiopathic hypersomnia years after the initial diagnosis, focusing on current subjective hypersomnolence and the presence of its other possible causes. Adult patients diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia ≥ 3 years ago at sleep centres in Prague and Kosice were invited to participate in this study. A total of 60 patients were examined (age 47.3 ± SD = 13.2 years, 66.7% women). In all participants, their hypersomnolence could not be explained by any other cause but idiopathic hypersomnia at the time of diagnosis. The mean duration of follow‐up was 9.8 + 8.0 years. Fifty patients (83%) reported persisting hypersomnolence, but only 33 (55%) had no other disease that could also explain the patient's excessive daytime sleepiness and/or prolonged sleep. In two patients (3%), the diagnosis in the meantime had changed to narcolepsy type 2, and 15 patients (25%) had developed a disease or diseases potentially causing hypersomnolence since the initial diagnosis. Complete hypersomnolence resolution without stimulant treatment lasting longer than 6 months was reported by 10 patients (17%). To conclude, in a longer interval from the diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia, hypersomnolence may disappear or may theoretically be explained by another newly developed disease, or the diagnosis may be changed to narcolepsy type 2. Thus, after 9.8 years, only 55% of the examined patients with idiopathic hypersomnia had a typical clinical picture of idiopathic hypersomnia without doubts about the cause of the current hypersomnolence.
Longitudinal relations between interpartner aggression and internalizing symptoms among couples: The moderating role of sleep
Authors: Kelly Ryan J. , Gillis Brian T. , El‐Sheikh Mona
Published: August 2023

Recipients of interpartner aggression often experience internalizing symptoms. However, individual differences exist, and elucidation of factors that attenuate or exacerbate risk are needed to explicate relations and better inform interventions aimed at reducing mental health sequelae of interpartner aggression. Sleep problems compromise coping abilities and are known to exacerbate risk for mental health problems in the context of family risk. We examined whether sleep problems moderated the extent to which the recipients of interpartner aggression experience internalizing symptoms over time. At the first wave, 194 couples participated (M age [women] = 41.81 years, SD = 5.85; M age [men] = 43.75 years, SD = 6.74; 71% White/European American, 26% Black/African American, 3% other race/ethnicity). Two years later, couples returned for a second wave. Psychological and physical forms of interpartner aggression were measured using self‐ and partner‐reports. Sleep duration (minutes) and sleep quality (efficiency) were derived using actigraphy, and subjective sleep/wake problems were also assessed. Individuals self‐reported on their own internalizing symptoms. After controlling for autoregressive effects, sleep moderated the extent to which the recipients of interpartner aggression experienced internalizing symptoms longitudinally. Lower sleep efficiency and more subjective sleep/wake problems among women exacerbated the extent to which interpartner aggression forecasted their internalizing symptoms. Lower sleep efficiency among men magnified relations between interpartner aggression and their internalizing symptoms. Findings help understand the multiplicative influence that family risk and sleep problems have on mental health over time.
A sleep stage estimation algorithm based on cardiorespiratory signals derived from a suprasternal pressure sensor
Authors: Cerina Luca , Overeem Sebastiaan , Papini Gabriele B. , van Dijk Johannes P. , Vullings Rik , van Meulen Fokke , Ross Marco , Cerny Andreas , Anderer Peter , Fonseca Pedro
Published: August 2023

Automatic estimation of sleep structure is an important aspect in moving sleep monitoring from clinical laboratories to people's homes. However, the transition to more portable systems should not happen at the expense of important physiological signals, such as respiration. Here, we propose the use of cardiorespiratory signals obtained by a suprasternal pressure (SSP) sensor to estimate sleep stages. The sensor is already used for diagnosis of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) conditions, but besides respiratory effort it can detect cardiac vibrations transmitted through the trachea. We collected the SSP sensor signal in 100 adults (57 male) undergoing clinical polysomnography for suspected sleep disorders, including sleep apnea syndrome, insomnia, and movement disorders. Here, we separate respiratory effort and cardiac activity related signals, then input these into a neural network trained to estimate sleep stages. Using the original mixed signal the results show a moderate agreement with manual scoring, with a Cohen's kappa of 0.53 in Wake/N1–N2/N3/rapid eye movement sleep discrimination and 0.62 in Wake/Sleep. We demonstrate that decoupling the two signals and using the cardiac signal to estimate the instantaneous heart rate improves the process considerably, reaching an agreement of 0.63 and 0.71. Our proposed method achieves high accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity across different sleep staging tasks. We also compare the total sleep time calculated with our method against manual scoring, with an average error of −1.83 min but a relatively large confidence interval of ±55 min. Compact systems that employ the SSP sensor information‐rich signal may enable new ways of clinical assessments, such as night‐to‐night variability in obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
Density effects on a tropical copepod Acartia sp.: Implications as live feed in aquaculture
Authors: Pham Hung Quoc , Van Bui Canh , Doan Nam Xuan , Dinh Khuong V.
Published: August 2023

Calanoid copepods Acartia species are major live feeds for the early stages of economically important marine fish in hatcheries in Southeast Asian countries. However, rearing Acartia copepods at high densities to increase productivity remains a major challenge. To address the issue, we conducted two experiments on (1) Acartia sp. nauplii (1000, 3000, 6000, 9000, 12,000, and 15,000 individuals L−1) and (2) adults (1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 individuals L−1). We assessed key parameters for biomass production: development, survival, and egg and nauplii production. In general, increased density resulted in longer development time, lowered survival and egg and nauplii production but did not affect the size of adult males and females. Despite survival to adulthood decreasing at higher stocking nauplii densities, the number of surviving adults was highest at a stocking density of 12,000 individuals L−1. Egg and nauplii production was very low which may be the result of high predation. The total eggs and nauplii harvested were highest at the lowest adult density. These results are essential for the biomass production of Acartia sp. in central Vietnam.
Individual and population‐level variation in susceptibility to temperature in early life history stages of giant kelp
Authors: Kurman Melissa D. , terHorst Casey
Published: August 2023

Because foundation species create structure in a community, understanding their ecological and evolutionary responses to global change is critical for predicting the ecological and economic management of species and communities that rely on them. Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is a globally distributed foundation species with seasonal fluctuations in abundance in response to local nutrient levels, storm intensity, and ocean temperatures. Here we examine genetic variation in individual and population‐level responses of early life history stages (zoospore settlement, survival, and gametogenesis) to increased temperatures to determine the potential for natural selection on temperature‐tolerant individuals that would allow adaptation to a changing climate. We collected fertile M. pyrifera sporophyll blades from three sites along the California coast (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Monterey Bay) and induced zoospore release in the lab. Spores settled on microscope slides at three treatment temperatures (16, 20, and 22°C), matured for 21 days, and were imaged weekly to determine settlement, survival, and maturation success. On average, individuals from all sites showed lower rates of settlement and maturation in response to increasing temperature. However, the magnitude of the responses to temperature varied among populations. Survival tended to increase with temperature in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara populations but decreased with increasing temperature for the Monterey Bay population. We observed little genetic variation in temperature responses among individuals within sites, suggesting little scope for evolution within populations to increase the resilience of M. pyrifera populations to warming ocean temperatures and predicted declines in kelp abundance. Yet sufficient dispersal among populations could allow for adaptation of early life history traits among populations via evolutionary rescue of declining populations.
The mystery remains: How do potyviruses move within and between cells?
Authors: Xue Mingshuo , Arvy Nathalie , German‐Retana Sylvie
Published: August 2023

The genus Potyvirus is considered as the largest among plant single‐stranded (positive‐sense) RNA viruses, causing considerable economic damage to vegetable and fruit crops worldwide. Through the coordinated action of four viral proteins and a few identified host factors, potyviruses exploit the endomembrane system of infected cells for their replication and for their intra‐ and intercellular movement to and through plasmodesmata (PDs). Although a significant amount of data concerning potyvirus movement has been published, no synthetic review compiling and integrating all information relevant to our current understanding of potyvirus transport is available. In this review, we highlight the complexity of potyvirus movement pathways and present three potential nonexclusive mechanisms based on (1) the use of the host endomembrane system to produce membranous replication vesicles that are targeted to PDs and move from cell to cell, (2) the movement of extracellular viral vesicles in the apoplasm, and (3) the transport of virion particles or ribonucleoprotein complexes through PDs. We also present and discuss experimental data supporting these different models as well as the aspects that still remain mostly speculative.
Arabidopsis Tubby domain‐containing F‐box proteins positively regulate immunity by modulating PI4Kβ protein levels
Authors: Thulasi Devendrakumar Karen , Copeland Charles , Adamchek Christopher , Zhong Xionghui , Huang Xingchuan , Gendron Joshua M. , Li Xin
Published: August 2023

The Tubby domain, named after the TUBBY protein in mice, binds to phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate. Arabidopsis has 11 Tubby domain‐containing proteins referred to as Tubby‐Like Proteins (TLPs). Of the 11 TLPs, 10 possess the N‐terminal F‐box domain, which can interact with SKP‐like proteins and form SKP1‐Cullin‐F‐box E3 ligase complexes. Although mice TUBBY has been extensively studied, plant TLPs' functions are scarcely detailed.

In this study, we show that the Arabidopsis Tubby‐like protein 6 (TLP6) and its redundant homologs, TLP1, TLP2, TLP5, and TLP10, positively regulate Arabidopsis immune responses. Furthermore, in an immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry analysis to search for ubiquitination substrates of the TLPs, we identified two redundant phosphoinositide biosynthesis enzymes, phosphatidylinositol 4‐kinase β proteins (PI4Kβs), PI4Kβ1 and PI4Kβ2, as TLP interactors.

Importantly, TLP6 overexpression lines fully phenocopy the phenotypes of the pi4kβ1,2 mutant, while TLP6 overexpression also leads to increased PI4Kβ2 ubiquitination and reduction in its protein level in a proteasome‐dependent manner. Most significantly, TLP6 overexpression does not further enhance the autoimmunity of the pi4kβ1,2 double mutant, supporting the hypothesis that TLP6 targets the PI4Kβs for ubiquitination and degradation.

Thus, our study reveals a novel mechanism where TLPs promote plant immune responses by modulating the PI4Kβs protein levels.
Persulfidation maintains cytosolic G6PDs activity through changing tetrameric structure and competing cysteine sulfur oxidation under salt stress in Arabidopsis and tomato
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Shi Cong , Hu Yanfeng , Ma Ying , Yi Yuying , Jia Honglei , Li Fali , Sun Haotian , Li Tian , Wang Xiuyu , Li Tianjinhong , Li Jisheng
Published: August 2023

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenases (G6PDs) are essential regulators of cellular redox. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a small gasotransmitter that improves plant adaptation to stress; however, its role in regulating G6PD oligomerization to resist oxidative stress remains unknown in plants.

Persulfidation of cytosolic G6PDs was analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). The structural change model of AtG6PD6 homooligomer was built by chemical cross‐linking coupled with mass spectrometry (CXMS). We isolated AtG6PD6C159A and SlG6PDCC155A transgenic lines to confirm the in vivo function of persulfidated sites with the g6pd5,6 background.

Persulfidation occurs at Arabidopsis G6PD6 Cystine (Cys)159 and tomato G6PDC Cys155, leading to alterations of spatial distance between lysine (K)491‐K475 from 42.0 Å to 10.3 Å within the G6PD tetramer. The structural alteration occurs in the structural NADP+ binding domain, which governs the stability of G6PD homooligomer. Persulfidation enhances G6PD oligomerization, thereby increasing substrate affinity. Under high salt stress, cytosolic G6PDs activity was inhibited due to oxidative modifications. Persulfidation protects these specific sites and prevents oxidative damage.

In summary, H2S‐mediated persulfidation promotes cytosolic G6PD activity by altering homotetrameric structure. The cytosolic G6PD adaptive regulation with two kinds of protein modifications at the atomic and molecular levels is critical for the cellular stress response.
Effects of yoga on physical and psychological health among community‐dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ko Ka‐yan , Kwok Zoe Ching Man , Chan Helen Yue‐Lai
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To synthesise and critically appraise the quality of existing evidence about the effects of yoga on physical and psychological outcomes among older adults.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Participants

Participants aged 60 and above.

Measurements

Nine English and two Chinese electronic bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE OvidSP, PsycINFO, AMED, EMBASE, Global Health, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Hyread and WanFang databases, were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) of yoga on physical and psychological outcomes among older adults were included. Meta‐analysis was conducted for outcomes studied in three or more studies, otherwise narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

Fifteen studies were included for review. The results of meta‐analysis after sensitivity analysis showed that yoga significantly improved balance (SMD = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.48–1.14, p < .001, II2 = 59%), flexibility (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.07–0.68, p = .020, II2 34%), muscle strength (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.18–0.79, p = .002, I2 43%) and depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.09–0.91, p = .01, I2 0%). There was insufficient data for meta‐analysis on gait and other psychological outcomes. Narrative synthesis suggested that yoga has positive effects on reducing anxiety, but its effects on improving gait and reducing stress among older adults were inconclusive.

Conclusion

The results of this review supported the beneficial effects of yoga on physical outcomes among older adults, but the heterogeneity across studies was relatively high. Evidence related to the effect on psychological outcomes was limited.
Associations between systemic melatonin and human myopia: A systematic review
Authors: Hussain Azfira , Gopalakrishnan Aparna , Scott Hannah , Seby Chris , Tang Victoria , Ostrin Lisa , Chakraborty Ranjay
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Experimental models have implicated the role of melatonin circadian rhythm disruption in refractive error development. Recent studies have examined melatonin concentration and its diurnal patterns on refractive error with equivocal results. This systematic review aimed to summarise the literature on melatonin circadian rhythms in myopia.

Recent Findings

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Central, LILACS, Cochrane and Medline databases were searched for papers between January 2010 and December 2022 using defined search terms. Seven studies measured melatonin and circadian rhythms in three biological fluids (blood serum, saliva and urine) in both myopes and non‐myopes. Morning melatonin concentrations derived from blood serum varied significantly between studies in individuals aged 10–30 years, with a maximum of 89.45 pg/mL and a minimum of 5.43 pg/mL using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The diurnal variation of salivary melatonin was not significantly different between myopes and emmetropes when measured every 4 h for 24 h and quantified with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Significantly elevated salivary melatonin concentrations were reported in myopes compared with emmetropes, aged 18–30 years when measured hourly from evening until their habitual bedtime using liquid chromatography. However, the relationship between dim light melatonin onset and refractive group was inconsistent between studies. The 6‐sulphatoxymelatonin concentration derived from overnight urine volume, measured using a double antibody radioimmunoassay, was found to be significantly lower in myopes (29.17 pg/mL) than emmetropes (42.51 pg/mL).

The role of melatonin concentration and rhythm in myopia has not been studied extensively. This systematic review confirms conflicting findings across studies, with potential relationships existing. Future studies with uniform methodological approaches are required to ascertain the causal relationship between melatonin dysregulation and myopia in humans.
Natural polymorphisms in ZmIRX15A affect water‐use efficiency by modulating stomatal density in maize
Authors: Zhang Kun , Xue Ming , Qin Feng , He Yan , Zhou Yuyi
Published: August 2023

Stomatal density (SD) is closely related to crop drought resistance. Understanding the genetic basis for natural variation in SD may facilitate efforts to improve water‐use efficiency. Here, we report a genome‐wide association study for SD in maize seedlings, which identified 18 genetic variants that could be resolved to seven candidate genes. A 3‐bp insertion variant (InDel1089) in the last exon of Zea mays (Zm) IRX15A (Irregular xylem 15A) had the most significant association with SD and modulated the translation of ZmIRX15A mRNA by affecting its secondary structure. Dysfunction of ZmIRX15A increased SD, leading to an increase in the transpiration rate and CO2 assimilation efficiency. ZmIRX15A encodes a xylan deposition enzyme and its disruption significantly decreased xylan abundance in secondary cell wall composition. Transcriptome analysis revealed a substantial alteration of the expression of genes involved in stomatal complex morphogenesis and drought response in the loss‐of‐function of ZmIRX15A mutant. Overall, our study provides important genetic insights into the natural variation of leaf SD in maize, and the identified loci or genes can serve as direct targets for enhancing drought resistance in molecular‐assisted maize breeding.
Unfolded protein response pathway in leishmaniasis: A review
Authors: Edirisinghe Nimesha Madhushani , Manamperi Nuwani Harshamali , Wanasinghe Vishmi Samudika , Karunaweera Nadira
Published: August 2023

Alteration in the physiological state of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to the specific response known as unfolded protein response (UPR) or ER stress response. The UPR is driven by three sensor proteins, namely: Inositol‐Requiring Enzyme 1, Protein Kinase RNA‐like ER kinase and Activating Transcription Factor 6 to restore ER homeostasis. Pathogenic infection can initiate UPR activation; some pathogens can subvert the UPR to promote their survival and replication. Many intracellular pathogens, including Leishmania, can interact and hijack ER for their survival and replication, triggering ER stress and subsequently ER stress response. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ER stress response in infections with the Leishmania species.
Pupil size tracks cue–trace interactions during episodic memory retrieval
Authors: Siefert Elizabeth M. , He Mingjian , Festa Elena K. , Heindel William C.
Published: August 2023

Our ability to remember past events requires not only storing enduring engrams or memory traces of these events, but also successfully reactivating these latent traces in response to appropriate cues at the time of retrieval—a process that has been termed ecphory. However, relatively little is known about the processes that facilitate the dynamic interactions between retrieval cues and stored memory traces that are critical for successful recognition and recollection. Recently, an intriguing link between pupil dilation and recognition memory has been identified, with studied items eliciting greater pupil dilation than unstudied items during retrieval. However, the processes contributing to this “pupillary old/new effect” remain unresolved, with current explanations suggesting that it reflects the strength of the underlying memory trace. Here, we explore the novel hypothesis that the pupillary old/new effect does not index memory strength alone, but rather reflects the facilitation of cue–trace interactions during episodic memory retrieval that may be supported by activity within the pupil‐linked locus coeruleus‐noradrenergic (LC‐NA) arousal system. First, we show that the magnitude of pupil dilation is influenced by the degree of overlap between cue and trace information. Second, we find that the magnitude of pupil dilation reflects the amount of study contextual information reinstated during retrieval. These findings provide a novel framework for understanding the pupillary old/new effect, and identify a potential role for the LC‐NA system in recognition memory retrieval.