bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of dynamic disturbed frequency on rock failure characteristics under triaxial cyclic and multistage unloading confining pressure loads
Authors: Wang Yu , Tang Pufeng , Han Jianqiang , Li Peng
Published: January 2023

This work aims to reveal the influence of disturbed frequency on the failure of deeply buried granodiorite under triaxial cyclic and multistage unloading confining pressure (CMSUCP) conditions. Testing results show that volumetric deformation is obviously influenced by the disturbed frequency. The volumetric strain was characterized as an early dilatancy‐dominant behavior for a sample under low disturbed frequency. The deformation development at the unloading confining pressure stage is larger than at the cyclic loading stage. The hysteresis damping decreases with increasing disturbed frequency indicating that much energy loss occurs due to damage accumulation. A first slow followed by accelerated damage propagation is expressed using a radial irreversible strain‐based damage evolution model. Macro‐meso failure pattern analysis reveals that rock dominant failure changes from mixed tensile‐shear failure to pure shear failure and a transmission from softening to hardening characteristics. It is suggested that failure develops fully for rock subjected to low disturbed frequency.
A surplus no more? Variation in krill availability impacts reproductive rates of Antarctic baleen whales
Authors: Pallin Logan J. , Kellar Nick M. , Steel Debbie , Botero‐Acosta Natalia , Baker C. Scott , Conroy Jack A. , Costa Daniel P. , Johnson Chris M. , Johnston David W. , Nichols Ross C. , Nowacek Doug P. , Read Andrew J. , Savenko Oksana , Schofield Oscar M. , Stammerjohn Sharon E. , Steinberg Deborah K. , Friedlaender Ari S.
Published: January 2023

The krill surplus hypothesis of unlimited prey resources available for Antarctic predators due to commercial whaling in the 20th century has remained largely untested since the 1970s. Rapid warming of the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) over the past 50 years has resulted in decreased seasonal ice cover and a reduction of krill. The latter is being exacerbated by a commercial krill fishery in the region. Despite this, humpback whale populations have increased but may be at a threshold for growth based on these human‐induced changes. Understanding how climate‐mediated variation in prey availability influences humpback whale population dynamics is critical for focused management and conservation actions. Using an 8‐year dataset (2013–2020), we show that inter‐annual humpback whale pregnancy rates, as determined from skin‐blubber biopsy samples (n = 616), are positively correlated with krill availability and fluctuations in ice cover in the previous year. Pregnancy rates showed significant inter‐annual variability, between 29% and 86%. Our results indicate that krill availability is in fact limiting and affecting reproductive rates, in contrast to the krill surplus hypothesis. This suggests that this population of humpback whales may be at a threshold for population growth due to prey limitations. As a result, continued warming and increased fishing along the WAP, which continue to reduce krill stocks, will likely impact this humpback whale population and other krill predators in the region. Humpback whales are sentinel species of ecosystem health, and changes in pregnancy rates can provide quantifiable signals of the impact of environmental change at the population level. Our findings must be considered paramount in developing new and more restrictive conservation and management plans for the Antarctic marine ecosystem and minimizing the negative impacts of human activities in the region.
Carbon for soils, not soils for carbon
Authors: Moinet Gabriel Y. K. , Hijbeek Renske , van Vuuren Detlef P. , Giller Ken E.
Published: January 2023

The role of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration as a ‘win‐win’ solution to both climate change and food insecurity receives an increasing promotion. The opportunity may be too good to be missed! Yet the tremendous complexity of the two issues at stake calls for a detailed and nuanced examination of any potential solution, no matter how appealing. Here, we critically re‐examine the benefits of global SOC sequestration strategies on both climate change mitigation and food production. While estimated contributions of SOC sequestration to climate change vary, almost none take SOC saturation into account. Here, we show that including saturation in estimations decreases any potential contribution of SOC sequestration to climate change mitigation by 53%–81% towards 2100. In addition, reviewing more than 21 meta‐analyses, we found that observed yield effects of increasing SOC are inconsistent, ranging from negative to neutral to positive. We find that the promise of a win‐win outcome is confirmed only when specific land management practices are applied under specific conditions. Therefore, we argue that the existing knowledge base does not justify the current trend to set global agendas focusing first and foremost on SOC sequestration. Away from climate‐smart soils, we need a shift towards soil‐smart agriculture, adaptative and adapted to each local context, and where multiple soil functions are quantified concurrently. Only such comprehensive assessments will allow synergies for land sustainability to be maximised and agronomic requirements for food security to be fulfilled. This implies moving away from global targets for SOC in agricultural soils. SOC sequestration may occur along this pathway and contribute to climate change mitigation and should be regarded as a co‐benefit.
Decolonizing inclusion in performing academia: Trans‐inclusion as phronetic border thinking/doing praxis
Authors: Jammulamadaka Nimruji , Faria Alexandre
Published: January 2023

In this paper, inspired by Gloria Anzaldúa, we draw upon our embodied experiences as non‐white scholars from different parts of the South to examine our complicity and responsibility for inclusion in performing a Western, neoliberal, diversity‐oriented, globalizing academia such as the United States' Academy of Management. We refer to the dominating practice of inclusion as universalist inclusion (uni‐inclusion), where a hegemonic includer includes diverse subaltern others while blind to colonial differences. We argue that uni‐inclusion has a dark shadow that perpetuates a “you are with us or against us” sentiment of white male superiority and violence, even as it elides the deep connectedness of epistemic, bodily, and material practices in the praxis of performing academia. Drawing upon our embodied and enacted experiences of tenures at Academy of Management as borderland scholars with relational reflexivity, we propose phronetic border thinking/doing praxis for trans‐inclusion as a non‐essentialist possibility of decolonizing inclusion. We share our understanding of how we have enacted border thinking/doing praxis so that it may provide pointers to pluriversalizing academia. Trans‐inclusion is a neologism we suggest to indicate a liberating praxis for all in an era of decolonization and empire where diverse includers beyond self/other dehumanizing binarism engage within an ethics of caring and co‐existence.
Cardia and non‐cardia gastric cancer risk associated with Helicobacter pylori in East Asia and the West: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and estimation of population attributable fraction
Authors: Han Zhongxue , Liu Jing , Zhang Wenlin , Kong Qingzhou , Wan Meng , Lin Minjuan , Lin Boshen , Ding Yuming , Duan Miao , Li Yueyue , Zuo Xiuli , Li Yanqing
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To assess the region‐specific relative risk of cardia/non‐cardia gastric cancer (CGC/NCGC) associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and quantify its contribution to gastric cancer burden using population attributable fraction (PAF).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central databases were searched by two reviewers until April 20, 2022. The association between H. pylori infection and NCGC/CGC was assessed using pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). PAF was calculated using the formula of H. pylori prevalence and the pooled OR.

Results

One hundred and eight studies were included. A significant association was observed between H. pylori infection and NCGC in East Asia (OR, 4.36; 95% CI: 3.54–5.37) and the West (OR, 4.03; 95% CI: 2.59–6.27). Regarding CGC, a significant association was found only in East Asia (OR, 2.86; 95% CI: 2.26–3.63), not in the West (OR, 0.80; 95% CI: 0.61–1.05). For studies with a follow‐up time of ≥10 years, pooled ORs for NCGC and CGC in East Asia were 5.58 (95% CI: 4.08–7.64) and 3.86 (95% CI: 2.69–5.55), respectively. Pooled OR for NCGC was 6.80 (95% CI: 3.78–12.25) in the West. PAFs showed that H. pylori infection accounted for 71.2% of NCGC, 60.7% of CGC in East Asia, and 73.2% of NCGC in the West.

Conclusions

Gastric cancer burden associated with H. pylori infection exhibits important geographical differences. Prolonged follow‐up period could overcome the underestimation of the magnitude of the association between H. pylori infection and CGC/NCGC. Customized strategies for H. pylori screening and eradication should be implemented to prevent gastric cancer.
Implications of differences between point‐of‐care blood gas analyser and laboratory analyser potassium results on hyperkalaemia diagnosis & treatment
Authors: Pradhan Jasmin , Harding Andrew M. , Taylor Simone E. , Lam Que
Published: January 2023

Background

Hyperkalaemia is managed in the emergency department (ED) following measurement of potassium results by blood gas analysers (BGA) or laboratory analysers (LAB).

Aims

To determine the prevalence of clinically significant differences between BGA and LAB potassium results and the impact on ED hyperkalaemia management.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of time‐matched ED BGA and LAB potassium samples from 2019 to 2020 (taken within 15 min, one or both results ≥6.0 mmol/L). Mean differences and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were determined for pairs with one or both results ≥6.0 mmol/L and a separate 500 consecutive sample pairs.

Results

Four hundred eighty‐eight matched BGA and LAB samples met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 201 (41.2%) differed by ≤0.5 mmol/L, 169 (34.6%) included a haemolysed LAB sample, and 12 (2.5%) had an unreportable BGA sample. One hundred six (21.7%) pairs differed by >0.5 mmol/L, and 60/106 (57%) had normal LAB potassium results, but BGA indicated moderate/severe hyperkalaemia (two of these pairs received hyperkalaemia treatment). Of patients with a haemolysed LAB sample, or where pairs differed by >0.5 mmol, 48 were treated with insulin and five (10.4%) experienced hypoglycaemia. Mean differences and LoA for pairs with LAB results <6.0 mmol/L but BGA ≥6.0 mmol/L demonstrated unacceptable agreement, with 18 (25.7%) BGA results exceeding 8.0 mmol/L.

Conclusions

Potentially significant discordance may occur between BGA and LAB potassium results. Clinicians need to be aware of factors impacting both analytical methods' accuracy (such as poor venepuncture or sample handling, (K) EDTA interference) and undetectable haemolysis with BGA measurements. We recommend BGA hyperkalaemia be confirmed with LAB results using a non‐haemolysed sample where time permits.
Tailoring solid‐state synthesis routes for high confidence production of phase pure, low impedance Al‐LLZO
Authors: Heywood Stephen , Lessmeier Matt , Driscoll David , Sofie Stephen
Published: January 2023

Lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) garnet is a solid‐state lithium ion conducting electrolyte promising all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSB) with high charge rates and good energy density due to its chemical stability against lithium metal anodes. LLZO has a high room temperature Li ion conductivity of ∼0.1–1 mS/cm in its cubic phase, but the stability of the cubic phase and ionic conductivity are highly sensitive to lithium stoichiometry. Stabilizing agents such as aluminum oxide and excess lithium are needed to preserve the cubic phase and compensate for lithium volatility. With the range of the end LLZO products spanning powders, porous membranes to dense membranes combined with sintering/calcination that often exceeds 1000°C, it is challenging to maintain an ideal lithium content given its high volatility from a single base powder. This study was designed to elucidate the sensitivities of aluminum doped LLZO powder synthesis and processing along its path to being utilized in a ceramic‐manufacturing optimized ASSB. By utilizing thermogravimetric analysis in conjunction with in situ X‐ray diffraction analysis of solid‐state LLZO synthesis, it was discovered that the sensitivity of the LLZO cubic phase to lithium volatility can be reduced via early incorporation of excess lithium carbonate during initial phase formation in direct combination with controlled surface‐to‐volume ratios of the powders. Isostatically pressed powders of our LLZO sintered at 1100°C for 2 h showed RT ionic conductivity of 0.3–0.4 mS/cm measured via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and an improvement in microstructural uniformity with lowered porosity. The improved suppression of lithium volatilization has important implications for the scalable production of LLZO powders and assembly of ASSBs.
Changes in genomic inbreeding and diversity over half a century in Swedish Red and Swedish Holstein dairy cattle
Authors: Eriksson Susanne , Strandberg Erling , Johansson Anna M.
Published: January 2023

Swedish Red (SR) and Swedish Holstein (SH) are the dominating commercial dairy cattle breeds in Sweden. Both breeds have undergone substantial changes during the last half century due to intensive selection for breeding goal traits, but also resulting from increased international exchange of breeding animals and genetic drift. The aim of this study was to learn more about changes in genomic diversity and inbreeding in these two breeds over time. Therefore, semen samples from old bulls were genotyped using the 150K Genomic Profiler SNP array and combined with 50K SNP array genotype data, obtained for more recent bulls from the Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation. Different measures of level of homozygosity, genomic inbreeding, relatedness and changes in allele frequency were estimated for bulls born during different time periods from the 1950s until 2020. In total, more than 33,000 SNPs for 9737 SR and 5041 SH bulls were included in the analysis using PLINK v1.9. The results showed higher average homozygosity for SR than for SH bulls up to around 2000, but the difference was very small after that. The average inbreeding coefficients based on deviation from expected homozygosity as well as on runs of homozygosity decreased until the early 1980s in both breeds, whereafter they started to increase again for SH, but stayed more stable for SR. From the 1990s onwards, SH displayed higher average inbreeding coefficients than SR. In the last studied birth year group (2015–2020), the mean inbreeding coefficient based on runs of homozygosity was 5.9% for SH and 3.7% for SR. A principal component analysis showed a pattern of genetic relationships related to the birth year period of the bulls, illustrating the gradual change of the genetic material within each breed. The change in allele frequency over time was generally larger for SH than for SR. The results show that the inbreeding level was higher half a century ago than at present, and the inbreeding levels were lower than in some other studied populations. Still, the increase seen for inbreeding coefficients and homozygosity, especially in SH during recent years, should be considered in future breeding strategies.
The relationship between individual characteristics and practice behaviour within an adaptive arithmetic learning program
Authors: Hilz Anna , Guill Karin , Roloff Janina , Aldrup Karen , Köller Olaf
Published: January 2023

Background

Although research on mathematics learning programs has taken off in recent years, little is known about how different person characteristics are related to practice behaviour with such programs. When implementing a mathematics learning program in the classroom, it might be important to know whether students with specific characteristics need more encouragement to make use of this learning opportunity.

Objectives

Using a supply‐use model, we analysed the predictive power of students' cognitive characteristics (prior mathematics knowledge), personality traits (conscientiousness), motivational‐affective characteristics (mathematics self‐concept and mathematics anxiety), and family background characteristics (socioeconomic status and migration background) for practising with an adaptive arithmetic learning program.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from 203 fifth graders from seven non‐academic‐track schools in Germany. Practice behaviour, measured by completed tasks in the learning program, was recorded weekly for every student over a period of 22 weeks.

Results and Conclusions

The results of our multilevel analyses showed that mathematics anxious students practised less with the program. We did not find any relationship with the other characteristics.

Takeaways

Our results suggest that mathematics anxious students need more encouragement when practising with a mathematics learning program; otherwise, they do not get the chance to benefit from the use.
Understanding the evolution of cognitive engagement with interaction levels in online learning environments: Insights from learning analytics and epistemic network analysis
Authors: Guo Liming , Du Junlei , Zheng Qinhua
Published: January 2023

Background

There is a strong association between interactions and cognitive engagement, which is crucial for constructing new cognition and knowledge. Although interactions and cognitive engagement have attracted extensive attention in online learning environments, few studies have revealed the evolution of cognitive engagement with interaction levels.

Objectives

The study aims to automatically identify learners' interactions and cognitive engagement and then analyse the evolution of learners' cognitive engagement with interaction levels and during different stages of online learning.

Methods

The participants of the study were learners who participated in an online open course. Their text data from discussion forums on five learning themes were collected. Data were analysed using text mining and ENA.

Results

Learners' cognitive engagement in online learning was related to interaction levels. As learners' online interaction levels changed from surface to deep, cognitive engagement levels changed from low to high. With the continuous occurrence of deep interactions, cognitive feedback became more complex. At the social–emotional interaction level, although learners' cognitive engagement levels began to change from low to high, complex cognitive feedback was still insufficient. In addition, the analysis of the evolution of cognitive engagement during different stages of online learning showed that learners' patterns of cognitive engagement changed significantly as the learning process continued, from initially dynamic and complex to a stable development pattern.

Implications

The results of the study are of theoretical significance and practical guidance for further understanding the relationship between online interaction levels and cognitive engagement as well as the process of online collaborative knowledge exploration, construction, and even connectivity.
Adjunctive locally and systemically delivered antimicrobials during surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: A systematic review
Authors: Teughels Wim , Seyssens Lorenz , Christiaens Véronique , Temmerman Andy , Castro Ana B. , Cosyn Jan
Published: January 2023

Aim

To answer the following PICOS question: “In patients with peri‐implantitis, what is the efficacy of surgical therapy with adjunctive systemic or local antimicrobials, in comparison with surgical therapy alone, in terms of pocket probing depth reduction, as assessed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with at least 6 months of follow‐up?”

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted. Reduction in mean probing pocket depth (PPD) was the primary outcome. Secondary clinical outcomes were changes in suppuration (%), changes in bleeding on probing (BOP) (%), marginal bone level changes (mm), disease resolution (%), and implant/prosthesis loss (%). Patient‐reported outcome measures, possible adverse effects, and oral‐health‐related quality of life were also extracted if such data were available.

Results

Four RCTs assessing the use of locally (two RCTs) and systemically (two RCTs) administered antimicrobial adjuncts to surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis, with 6–36‐month follow‐up, were included. Because of the substantial heterogeneity of interventions between the studies, meta‐analysis could not be performed. A reduction in the mean PPD was observed following all the involved surgical treatments, irrespective of the addition of antimicrobials. Except for the effect of systemic antimicrobials on marginal bone level changes and local antimicrobials on BOP, the effect of systemic and local antimicrobials was equivocal for all secondary outcome measures.

Conclusions

Based on the limited available evidence, the adjunctive use of the currently tested systemic or local antimicrobials during surgical therapy, in comparison with surgical therapy alone, in patients with peri‐implantitis does not seem to improve the clinical efficacy. With regard the use of systemic antimicrobials, only 50% of the cases showed disease resolution after 1 year. There is a lack of studies that consider the sole use of local antimicrobials. Therefore, their true effect remains unclear.
Periodontitis and low cognitive performance: A population‐based study
Authors: Marruganti Crystal , Baima Giacomo , Aimetti Mario , Grandini Simone , Sanz Mariano , Romandini Mario
Published: January 2023

Aim

To study the epidemiological association between periodontitis and low cognitive performance among older adults, within a representative sample of the U.S. population.

Materials and Methods

Data from 2086 older adults (≥60 years old), representative of 77.1 million people, were retrieved from the NHANES 2011‐2014 database. Periodontitis cases were identified and classified according to the AAP/CDC criteria (mild, moderate, and severe). Cognitive function was assessed through the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD), the animal fluency test (AFT), the digit symbol substitution test (DSST), and the global cognition score. The lowest non‐survey weighted quartile for each cognitive test was defined as low cognitive performance. Simple and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

Moderate and severe periodontitis were significantly associated with a low DSST performance (OR = 1.66 and OR = 2.97, respectively). Each millimetre increase in mean CAL was associated with a lower AFT (OR = 1.44), DSST (OR = 1.86), and global cognition (OR = 1.50) performance.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest the existence of an independent association between periodontitis and low cognitive performance among older adults (≥60 years old).
Neuroinflammation related to the blood–brain barrier and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in a pre‐clinical model of periodontal diseases and depression in rats
Authors: Martín‐Hernández David , Martínez María , Robledo‐Montaña Javier , Muñoz‐López Marina , Virto Leire , Ambrosio Nagore , Marín Maria José , Montero Eduardo , Herrera David , Sanz Mariano , Leza Juan C. , Figuero Elena , García‐Bueno Borja
Published: January 2023

Aim

To explore the potential mechanisms of neuroinflammation (microglia, blood–brain barrier [BBB] permeability, and the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate [S1P] pathways) resulting from the association between periodontitis and depression in rats.

Materials and Methods

This pre‐clinical in vivo experimental study used Wistar rats, in which experimental periodontitis (P) was induced by using oral gavages with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Then, a chronic mild stress (CMS) model was implemented to induce a depressive‐like behaviour, resulting in four groups: P with CMS (P+CMS+), P without CMS (P+CMS−), CMS without P (P−CMS+), and control (P−CMS−). After harvesting brain samples, protein/mRNA expression analyses and fluorescence immunohistochemistry were performed in the frontal cortex (FC). Results were analysed by ANOVA.

Results

CMS exposure increased the number of microglia (an indicator of neuroinflammation) in the FC. In the combined model (P+CMS+), there was a decrease in the expression of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens‐1 [ZO‐1], occludin) and an increase in intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), suggesting a more severe disruption of the BBB. The enzymes and receptors of S1P were also differentially regulated.

Conclusions

Microglia, BBB permeability, and S1P pathways could be relevant mechanisms explaining the association between periodontitis and depression.
Nocardia seriolae mediates liver granulomatous chronic inflammation in Micropterus salmoides through pyroptosis
Authors: Zhou Zheng‐Yang , Bai Shang‐Jie , Lu Chen‐Wang , Yang Bin , Wang Jun , Lian Sheng , Jian Zheng‐Ran , Wang Er‐Long , Wang Gao‐Xue , Liu Tao
Published: January 2023

Granulomatous diseases caused by Nocardia seriously endanger the health of cultured fish. These bacteria are widely distributed, but prevention and treatment methods are very limited. Chronic granulomatous inflammation is an important pathological feature of Nocardia infection. However, the molecular mechanisms of granuloma formation and chronic inflammation are still unclear. Constructing a granuloma infection model of Nocardia is the key to exploring the pathogenesis of the disease. In this study, we established a granuloma model in the liver of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and assessed the infection process of Nocardia seriolae at different concentrations by analysing relevant pathological features. By measuring the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors and a pyroptosis‐related protein, we revealed the close relationship between pyroptosis and chronic inflammation of granulomas. We further analysed the immunofluorescence results and the expression of pyroptosis‐related protein of macrophage infected by N. seriolae and found that N. seriolae infection induced macrophage pyroptosis in vitro. These results were proved by flow cytometry analysis of infection experiment in vivo. Our results indicated that the pyroptosis effect may be the key to inducing chronic inflammation in the fish liver and further mediating granuloma formation. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism underlying chronic inflammation of granulomas and developed research ideas for understanding the occurrence and development of granulomatous diseases in fish.
Extraction kinetics and physicochemical characteristics of Colombian propolis
Authors: Barrientos‐Lezcano Juan C. , Gallo‐Machado Jacobo , Marin‐Palacio Luz D. , Builes Santiago
Published: January 2023

Propolis, a resinous matter collected by Apis mellifera bees from exudates of plants, exhibits different biological properties, such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant activities. Standardization of the extraction of their bioactive compounds is a complex issue in particular for rural regions in developing countries due to the need for specialized equipment and personnel. Herein, kinetic extractions by maceration over 7 days were compared with ultrasound and supercritical fluids extractions in terms of the polyphenolic content obtained. Ultrasound showed the fastest kinetic extraction for each propolis without affecting the antioxidant activity. Supercritical fluids showed the lowest polyphenolic content recovery and no selectivity for antioxidant activity, in agreement with the solubility predictions. The main difference among the extraction methods was the extraction time required to reach the equilibrium concentration. No significant differences in selectivity were observed for the different methods. The antioxidant activity remained almost constant with the extraction method and extraction time, indicating similar extraction kinetics for the extracted polyphenols. We found that the physicochemical characteristics and UV‐vis spectra could be used as predictors of the polyphenolic contents for the studied samples.

Practical Application

Even though most of the beneficial properties to the human health of the propolis extracts depend largely on the compounds present in the matrix and their extractability, the evaluation of these compounds and their biological activities might be costly and time‐consuming for beekeepers, particularly in developing countries. Also, the extraction method and the extraction time are important decisions that significantly affect the economics of the propolis production process. The main difference among extraction methods was the extraction time required to reach equilibrium and no significant differences in selectivity were observed for the different methods. Moreover, it was found that simple parameters such as ash and moisture can be used as predictors of the polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the propolis, and they can provide important information about the handling during harvest, transport, and storage of the propolis.
Estimation of Panel Data Models with Mixed Sampling Frequencies*
Authors: Yang Yimin , Jia Fei , Li Haoran
Published: January 2023

Standard panel models usually assume that data are available at the same frequency. Occasionally, researchers might work with variables sampled at different frequencies. A common practice is to aggregate all variables to the same frequency by an equal weighting scheme. We show that such a simple aggregation scheme results in biases for common estimators. We propose a data‐driven method to determine weights for aggregation. We further demonstrate that, in contrast with single‐frequency panel models, the Mundlak device and the Chamberlain's approach lead to different estimators for panels with mixed sampling frequencies. The proposed estimators have satisfying finite sample performances in various simulation designs. As an empirical illustration, we apply the new method to the estimation of the effects of temperature fluctuations on economic growth. The empirical evidence shows that the temperature shocks mainly work through the level effect instead of the growth effect for poor countries.
Contrasting responses of early‐ and late‐season plant phenophases to altered precipitation
Authors: Lu Chunyan , Zhang Juanjuan , Min Xueting , Chen Jianghui , Huang Yixuan , Zhao Hongfang , Yan Tao , Liu Xiang , Wang Hao , Liu Huiying
Published: January 2023

Precipitation is a key driver of plant phenology in addition to temperature and photoperiod. Although a few studies have explored phenological responses to altered precipitation, the general patterns of sequential phenophase responses and their potential drivers remain elusive. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis of the responses of ten phenophases to altered precipitation from 63 manipulative experiments. We show that early‐season (leaf out, first flowering, last flowering and first fruiting) and late‐season phenophases (last fruiting and leaf colouring) shifted in opposite directions with precipitation changes. Advanced early‐season phenophases and delayed late‐season phenophases led to extensions of the reproductive phase and growing season with precipitation increases. Similarly, delayed leaf out and advanced leaf colouring resulted in a shorter length of the growing season with precipitation decreases. We further found that the responses of phenophases were less pronounced in wetter regions than in drier regions, regardless of the precipitation increase or decrease treatments. In addition, the phenophase responses were mediated by the seasons when the precipitation changes were imposed. For instance, early‐season phenophases were more responsive to winter or spring precipitation increases, but late‐season phenophases were only significantly affected by spring–autumn precipitation increases. These findings will help improve the forecasts of plant phenological responses to precipitation changes and will assist in the incorporation of precipitation representations into next‐generation phenological models.
Mid‐ to Long‐term Follow‐up of Severe Acetabular Bone Defect after Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Impaction Bone Grafting and Metal Mesh
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhu Kechao , Dai Huiyong , Zhang Xianlong , Wang Qiaojie , Wang Qi
Published: January 2023

Objective

In revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), reconstruction of severe acetabular bone defect continues to be problematic for orthopedic surgeons. This study reports the mid‐ to long‐term survivorship, radiological outcomes, and complications of impaction bone grafting (IBG) and metal mesh with a cemented acetabular component in the reconstruction of severe acetabular bone defects in revision THA.

Methods

This retrospective consecutive study included 26 patients (29 hips: type II B, four; type II C, three; type III A, 10; and type III B, 12) who underwent revision THA, which was performed using IBG and metal mesh, between 2007 and 2014 in our institution. All patients were followed up regularly for clinical and radiographical assessments. Migration and loosening of prosthesis graft integration and complications were observed and analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

At the time of revision, 75.9% of the hips (22 hips) were classified as type III bone defects. The average follow‐up period was 9.4 ± 2.8 (range, 2.4–14.0) years. Of the 29 hips, four hips (13.8%) were assessed as clinical failures; at the last follow‐up, two had undergone re‐revision THA, and two had not been scheduled for re‐revision THA despite radiological failure of the acetabular component. Among them, three clinical failures (10.3%) were due to aseptic loosening, and one (3.4%) was due to infection. Radiographic evaluation showed bone graft integration in all hips during the follow‐up. The Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis revealed an acetabular reconstruction survival rate of 86.5% (95% confidence interval, 61.4%–95.7%) at 10 years.

Conclusion

IBG and metal mesh with a cemented acetabular component for revision THA is an effective technique for treating severe acetabular bone defects, with effective mid‐ to long‐term outcomes due to the solid reconstruction of the acetabular bone defect and restoration of the hip rotation center.
Macrophages in juvenile pig testis: Link with increase in Sertoli cells induced by oestradiol suppression
Authors: Kang Soyeon , Berger Trish
Published: January 2023

Macrophage presence and location were evaluated in juvenile boar testes at the end of the first wave of Sertoli cell proliferation. Macrophage presence was compared in littermate boars treated with letrozole, a treatment which extended this first wave of proliferation beyond the sampling timepoint. Macrophages were identified as the CD68 positive cells following immunohistochemical labelling of paraffin sections and parenchymal macrophages enumerated. Macrophages present in a layer beneath the tunica albuginea received a score based on density and thickness of this layer. Density within the testicular parenchyma was highly variable in vehicle‐treated boars (>100‐fold) and did not differ from that observed in the letrozole‐treated littermates. However, the macrophage layer beneath the tunica albuginea was denser and thicker in the letrozole‐treated animals than in their vehicle‐treated littermates. This suggests that macrophages might be involved in the letrozole‐induced prolongation of Sertoli cell proliferation.
Anti‐protease levels in cystic fibrosis are associated with lung function, recovery from pulmonary exacerbations and may be gender‐related
Authors: Essilfie Ama‐Tawiah , Houston Neralee , Maniam Pramila , Hartel Gunter , Okano Satomi , Reid David W.
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective

Neutrophil elastase (NE), is an important host defence against lung pathogens. Maintaining a homeostatic balance between proteases such as NE and anti‐proteases such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), is important to prevent tissue damage. In the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung, elevated protease levels and impaired anti‐protease defences contribute to tissue destruction.

Methods

We assessed lung function and sputum SLPI and NE levels fromPseudomonas aeruginosainfected and non‐infected CF patients (median age 20 years at recruitment) during different phases of clinical disease. Healthy, never smokers served as healthy controls (HC). Sputum total cell counts (TCC) and colony forming units ofP. aeruginosawere also determined in each sputum sample.

Results

Compared to HC, sputum SLPI was significantly reduced and NE increased in all CF subjects whether infected withP. aeruginosaor not, but the presence ofP. aeruginosaworsened these parameters. Females with chronicP. aeruginosainfection had significantly lower sputum SLPI levels than males (p < 0.001). Higher sputum SLPI levels were associated with a significantly reduced rate of longitudinal decline in FEV1% predicted (p < 0.05). Antibiotic treatment inP. aeruginosa‐infected patients significantly decreased sputum TCC and increased SLPI levels, which positively correlated with improved lung function.

Conclusion

Airway SLPI is deficient in CF, which appears more marked inP. aeruginosa‐infected female patients. Importantly, a reduced anti‐protease to protease ratio is associated with accelerated lung function decline. Treatment of an exacerbation is accompanied by partial recovery of anti‐protease defences and significant improvement in lung function, an important clinical outcome.
Nintedanib in Asian patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases: Results from the INBUILD trial
Authors: Inoue Yoshikazu , Wells Athol U. , Song Jin Woo , Xu Zuojun , Kitamura Hideya , Suda Takafumi , Okamoto Masaki , Müller Heiko , Coeck Carl , Rohr Klaus B. , Kolb Martin , Brown Kevin K.
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective

In the INBUILD trial in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), nintedanib reduced the rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) with an adverse event profile characterized mainly by gastrointestinal events. We analysed the effects of nintedanib in the subset of Asian subjects.

Methods

Subjects with fibrosing ILDs other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who had shown progression of ILD at any time within the prior 24 months despite management deemed appropriate in clinical practice were randomized to receive nintedanib or placebo. We analysed the rate of decline in FVC (ml/year) over 52 weeks in all Asian subjects and in Asian subjects with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)‐like fibrotic pattern on high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT).

Results

One hundred sixty‐four subjects in the INBUILD trial were of Asian race. The rate of decline in FVC (ml/year) over 52 weeks in this subgroup was −116.8 in the nintedanib group and −207.9 in the placebo group (difference: 91.0 [95% CI: 8.1, 173.9]; nominal p = 0.03). In Asian subjects with a UIP‐like fibrotic pattern on HRCT, the rate of decline in FVC (ml/year) over 52 weeks was −130.1 in the nintedanib group and −224.2 in the placebo group (difference: 94.1 [5.5, 182.7]; nominal p = 0.04). Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 19.0% of the nintedanib group and 13.8% of the placebo group.

Conclusion

In Asian patients with progressive fibrosing ILDs, nintedanib reduced the rate of decline in FVC with adverse events that were manageable for most patients.
Core social motives explain responses to collective action issues
Authors: Geiger Nathaniel , Brick Cameron
Published: January 2023

Managing collective action issues such as pandemics and climate change requires major social and behavioral change. Dominant approaches to addressing these issues center around information provision and financial incentives to shift behavior, yet, these approaches are rarely effective without integrating insights from psychological research on motivation. By accurately characterizing human motives, social scientists can identify when and why individuals engage, and facilitate behavior change and public engagement. Here, we use the core social motives model to sort social psychological theories into five fundamental social motives: to Belong, Understand, Control, self‐Enhance, and Trust. We explain how each motive can improve or worsen collective action issues, and how this framework can be further developed towards a comprehensive social psychological perspective to collective action issues.
The ‘normal’ adjustment of oxygen delivery to small muscle mass exercise is not optimized for muscle contractile function
Authors: Drouin Patrick J. , Liu Taylor , Lew Lindsay A. , McGarity‐Shipley Ellen , Tschakovsky Michael E.
Published: January 2023

Oxygen delivery is viewed as tightly coupled to demand in exercise below critical power because increasing oxygen delivery does not increase . However, whether the ‘normal’ adjustment of oxygen delivery to small muscle mass exercise in the heavy intensity domain is optimal for excitation–contraction coupling is currently unknown. In 20 participants (10 female), a remote skeletal muscle (i.e. tibialis anterior) metaboreflex was (Hyperperfusion condition) or was not (Control condition) activated for 4 min during both force of contraction (experimental model 1) and muscle activation‐targeted (experimental model 2) rhythmic forearm handgrip exercise. Analysis was completed on the combined data from both experimental models. After 30 s of remote skeletal muscle metaboreflex activation, mean arterial blood pressure, forearm blood flow and muscle oxygenation were increased and remained increased until metaboreflex discontinuation. While oxygen delivery was elevated, the muscle activation to force of contraction ratio was improved. Upon metaboreflex discontinuation, forearm oxygen delivery and the muscle activation and force of contraction ratio rapidly (within 30 s) returned to control levels. These findings demonstrate that (a) the metaboreflex was effective at increasing forearm muscle oxygen delivery and oxygenation, (b) the muscle activation to force of contraction ratio was improved with increased oxygen delivery, and (c) in the heavy exercise intensity domain, the normal matching of oxygen delivery to metabolic demand is not optimal for muscle excitation–contraction coupling. These results suggest that the nature of vasoregulation in exercising muscle is such that it does not support optimal perfusion for excitation–contraction coupling.

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Key points

Oxygen delivery is viewed as tightly coupled to demand in exercise below critical power because increasing oxygen delivery does not increase the rate of oxygen uptake.

Whether the ‘normal’ adjustment of oxygen delivery in small muscle mass exercise below critical power is optimal for excitation–contraction coupling is not known.

Here we show in humans that increasing oxygen delivery above ‘normal’ improves excitation–contraction coupling.

These results suggest that, in the heavy exercise intensity domain, the ‘normal’ matching of oxygen delivery to metabolic demand is not optimal for muscle excitation–contraction coupling.

Therefore, the nature of vasoregulation in exercising muscle is such that it does not support optimal perfusion for excitation–contraction coupling.
Antiviral Approaches against Influenza Virus
Authors: Kumari Rashmi , Sharma Suresh D. , Kumar Amrita , Ende Zachary , Mishina Margarita , Wang Yuanyuan , Falls Zackary , Samudrala Ram , Pohl Jan , Knight Paul R. , Sambhara Suryaprakash
Published: January 2023

Preventing and controlling influenza virus infection remains a global public health challenge, as it causes seasonal epidemics to unexpected pandemics. These infections are responsible for high morbidity, mortality, and substantial economic impact.
Tryptophan Availability during Persistence of Chlamydia trachomatis Directly Impacts Expression of Chlamydial Cell Division Proteins
Authors: Riffaud Camille M. , Rucks Elizabeth A. , Ouellette Scot P.
Published: January 2023

Chlamydia
is an obligate intracellular pathogen with a highly reduced genome devoid of major stress response genes like
relA
and
spoT
, which mediate the stringent response. Interestingly, as an intracellular bacterium dependent on its host for nutrients and as a tryptophan (Trp) auxotroph,
Chlamydia
is very sensitive to Trp starvation, which is induced
in vivo
by the host cytokine interferon-γ.
Evolving a New Electron Transfer Pathway for Nitrogen Fixation Uncovers an Electron Bifurcating-Like Enzyme Involved in Anaerobic Aromatic Compound Degradation
Authors: Lewis Nathan M. , Sarne Abigail , Fixen Kathryn R.
Published: January 2023

There is increasing evidence that protein electron carriers like Fd evolved to form specific partnerships with select electron donors and acceptors to keep native electron transfer pathways insulated from one another. This makes it challenging to integrate a Fd-dependent pathway such as biological nitrogen fixation into non-nitrogen-fixing organisms and provide the high-energy reducing power needed to fix nitrogen.
Massive Accumulation of Strontium and Barium in Diplonemid Protists
Authors: Pilátová Jana , Tashyreva Daria , Týč Jiří , Vancová Marie , Bokhari Syed Nadeem Hussain , Skoupý Radim , Klementová Mariana , Küpper Hendrik , Mojzeš Peter , Lukeš Julius
Published: January 2023

We have identified that diplonemids, an abundant group of marine planktonic protists, accumulate conspicuous amounts of Sr
2+
and Ba
2+
in the form of intracellular barite and celestite crystals, in concentrations that greatly exceed those of the most efficient Ba/Sr-accumulating organisms known to date. We propose that diplonemids are potential players in Ba
2+
/Sr
2+
cycling in the ocean and have possibly contributed to sedimentary rock formation over long geological periods.
Complete Genome Sequence of the
Microbacterium
Bacteriophage Chako
Authors: Milhaven Mark , Cai Lindsey , Cherian Sanjana , Johnson Kamalei , Salas Perez Kevin , Blanco Madison , Garg Aman , Lobatos Jackelyn , Mitra Corinne , Strasser Maria , Harms Robert , Pfeifer Susanne P.
Published: January 2023

We characterized the complete genome sequence of Chako, an obligate lytic bacteriophage with siphovirus morphology from subcluster EA1 that infects
Microbacterium foliorum
NRRL B-24224. Its 41.6-kb genome contains 62 putative protein-coding genes and is highly similar to that of bacteriophage HanSolo (99.26% nucleotide identity).
Combination of 2-
tert
-Butyl-1,4-Benzoquinone (TBQ) and ZnO Nanoparticles, a New Strategy To Inhibit Biofilm Formation and Virulence Factors of Chromobacterium violaceum
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Chang Zengyan , Chang Xiaosa , Li Junjian , Glebe Ulrich , Jia Ai-Qun
Published: January 2023

The combination of ZnO-NPs and TBQ (ZnO-TBQ) can compete with the inducer
N
-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (C
10
-HSL) by binding to CviR and downregulate genes related to the CviI/CviR system to interrupt the QS system of
C. violaceum
ATCC 12472. The downstream genes responding to
cviR
were also downregulated so that virulence factors and biofilm formation were inhibited.
Synthesis of a Novel Lantibiotic Using Mutacin II Biosynthesis Apparatus
Authors: Biswas Saswati
Published: January 2023

In this study, we report for the first time that
Streptococcus mutans
can be used as a host to produce various nonnative lantibiotics. We showed that in the T8 strain, we could produce bioactive lacticin 481 and nukacin ISK-1, both of which are homologs of mutacin II, using T8’s modification and secretion apparatus. Similarly, we also synthesized a novel bioactive lantibiotic, which we named nukacin Spp. 2.