bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disclosing the native blueberry rhizosphere community in Portugal—an integrated metagenomic and isolation approach
Authors: Gomes Anicia , Narciso Rodrigo , Regalado Laura , Pinheiro Margarida Cardeano , Barros Filipa , Sario Sara , Santos Conceição , Mendes Rafael J.
Published: June 2023

Backgorund

The production of red fruits, such as blueberry, has been threatened by several stressors from severe periods of drought, nutrient scarcity, phytopathogens, and costs with fertilization programs with adverse consequences. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase this crop’s resilience whilst promoting sustainable agriculture. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) constitute not only a solution to tackle water and nutrient deficits in soils, but also as a control against phytopathogens and as green compounds for agricultural practices.

Methods

In this study, a metagenomic approach of the local fungal and bacterial community of the rhizosphere of Vaccinium corymbosum plants was performed. At the same time, both epiphytic and endophytic microorganisms were isolated in order to disclose putative beneficial native organisms.

Results

Results showed a high relative abundance of Archaeorhizomyces and Serendipita genera in the ITS sequencing, and Bradyrhizobium genus in the 16S sequencing. Diversity analysis disclosed that the fungal community presented a higher inter-sample variability than the bacterial community, and beta-diversity analysis further corroborated this result. Trichoderma spp., Bacillus spp., and Mucor moelleri were isolated from the V. corymbosum plants.

Discussion

This work revealed a native microbial community capable of establishing mycorrhizal relationships, and with beneficial physiological traits for blueberry production. It was also possible to isolate several naturally-occurring microorganisms that are known to have plant growth-promoting activity and confer tolerance to hydric stress, a serious climate change threat. Future studies should be performed with these isolates to disclose their efficiency in conferring the needed resilience for this and several crops.
Measurement of Outdoor and Indoor Background Ionizing Radiation of O.B. Lulu Briggs Health Center, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Bubu A. , Ononugbo C. P.
Published: June 2023

Measurement of outdoor and indoor background ionizing radiation (BIR) of O.B. Lulu Briggs Health Centre in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria was carried out using a well-calibrated Radalert-100 (Radiation meter) and Digilert-200 meters and Global Positioning System (Garmin 765). 30 selected locations were considered. The outdoor and indoor results are as follows respectively, average exposure rates are 0.012±0.001 and 0.013±0.001 mR/h, mean absorbed dose rate (ADR) are 105.6 and 96.28 nGy/h, estimated value of the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) are 0.17 and 0.27 mSv/y and mean excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) are (0.60 and 0.92) x 10-3. The obtained values for BIR in O.B. Lulu Briggs Health Centre are not above the recommended standard limit of 0.013mR/h by International Commission on Radiological protection (ICRP). AEDE that was calculated in the entire O.B. Lulu Briggs Health Centre is within safe values, the ELCR and the ADR estimated were higher than the world permissible values of 0.29 x 10-3 and 84.0 nGy/h respectively. The calculated dose to organs for O.B. Lulu Briggs showed that the testes have the highest organ dose of (0.140667 and 0.218053) mSv/y for outdoor and indoor respectively.
Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Okra Crop (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. Deepika
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Bharose Ram , Thomas Tarence , Toppo Neha
Published: June 2023

Research was conducted by using effective management application of FYM and Azospirillum with inorganic fertilizer with objective to enhance the growth and yield of okra crop. It has been concluded from the trial that the different level of FYM with inorganic fertilizers in the experiment gave the highest value. Effective results were obtained with T9 treatment with combination FYM 20 t ha-1, Azospirillum 2 kg ha-1 with RDF 100: 60: 50 kg hhah ha-1. This treatment result shown best plant height with the most leaves, a high number of branches, a greater number of fruits per plant and highest yield in compared with the control treatment T1­ had the lowest results in all categories. T9 was found to be the best for the improvement of growth and yield of okra therefore, farmers of Prayagraj region can adopt this combination to give the highest yield of Okra.
Effect of Spacing and Nutrition on Soil Nutrient Status and Uptake of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Authors: Abhijithnaik S. , Srinivasappa K. N. , Hanumantharaya B. G. , Gayen Rajshree , Reddy Venugopala , Waghmare Vijay Kumar , Naik S. Abhishek
Published: June 2023

A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of spacing and nutrition on soil nutrient status and Uptake of Broccoli and the investigation was titled "Effect of spacing and nutrition on soil nutrient status and uptake of Broccoli." The experiment consists of 3 limits of spacing i.e., S1 (45x30 cm), S2 (45x45 cm), S3 (60x45 cm) and 3 limits of nutrient i.e., N1 (100 percent recommended dose of nutrients), N2 (75 percent recommended dose of nutrients), N3 (125 percent recommended dose of nutrients). It was designed in FRCBD includes nine treatment combinations with three replications. The analysed experimental data showed that the available nutrient in the soil and nutrient uptake by the plant after harvesting of Broccoli. Increasing the spacing and nutrient levels enhances the soil N, P and K availability and absorbed by the broccoli after harvesting. The maximum availability of N (296.57kg ha-1), P (116.54kg ha-1) and K (72.85kg ha-1) in the soil was found in the S3. The higher availability of N (275.20kg ha-1), P (104.88kg ha-1) and K (71.37kg ha-1) in the soil was shown in the fertilizer limit N3.  The higher N (160.16kg ha-1), P (127.13kg ha-1) and K uptake (65.83kg ha-1) by the Broccoli was reported in the wider level of spacing S3. The maximum N (158.09kg ha-1), P (127.94kg ha-1) and K uptake (65.84kg ha-1) by Broccoli was observed in the nutrient level of N3.
Variação da pressão arterial não se associa com a aptidão física e mobilidade funcional de idosas hipertensas
Authors: Souza Luiz Humberto Rodrigues , Fernandes Raianderson Souza , Fagundes Bruno D’Angeles Alves
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: associar a variação da pressão arterial (PA) com alguns componentes da aptidão física relacionada à saúde e a mobilidade funcional em mulheres idosas hipertensas. Metodologia: foram avaliadas 37 voluntárias com idade entre 61 e 80 anos no Laboratório de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão sobre Envelhecimento (LEPEEn). A PA foi aferida em repouso e 15 minutos após a realização dos testes, na posição sentada. Realizou-se a composição corporal, os testes de força de preensão manual (FPM), sentar-se e levantar da cadeira (SLC), marcha estacionaria (ME), time up and go (TUG), e velocidade da caminhada (VC). Foi utilizada a correlação linear de Pearson para verificar as possíveis associações entre as variáveis. Resultados: a variação (Δ) da PA entre o repouso e a recuperação não apresentou diferença significativa (p > 0,05). A FPM do membro dominante e os desempenhos nos testes TUG e VC foram satisfatórios. Porém, os resultados obtidos nos testes de SLC e ME ficaram ligeiramente abaixo do indicado. Observou-se que o percentual de músculo esquelético foi considerado normal, porém o percentual de gordura e o índice de massa corporal ficaram acima dos valores de referência. Conclusão: é provável que o excesso de gordura tenha influenciado na resposta hipotensora após os testes, corroborando assim, para que não houvesse associação entre as variáveis do estudo.
Perfil reprodutivo de uma população de alta vulnerabilidade
Authors: Damião Nathalie de Paula , Oliveira Francisco Carlos Mouzinho de , Araújo Lucas Moura , Cardoso Melina Aparecida Plastina
Published: June 2023

Introdução: padrões sexuais e reprodutivos são influenciados por fatores biopsicossociais. Dentre esses fatores, há a vulnerabilidade, conceito amplo, complexo e que determina maior atenção das políticas públicas. Objetivo: conhecer o perfil reprodutivo das mulheres que residem em uma área de alta vulnerabilidade na cidade de Curitiba-PR. Metodologia: descritivo, documental de caráter analítico observacional transversal. Coleta e análise de dados das Declarações de Nascidos Vivos (DNV) na Unidade de Saúde do Capanema e análise de dados públicos fornecidos pelo IBGE. Resultados: foram analisados 1199 DNVs, sendo 1011 mulheres com idades entre 13 e 49 anos, compreendidos entre os anos de 2003 a 2018. Foi possível a análise da Taxa de Fecundidade Total (TFT), via de parto, estado civil e escolaridade das parturientes. Discussão: a menor TFT foi apresentada na faixa etária de 13 a 15 anos (1,05 filhos/mulher) e a maior entre 36 a 49 anos (4,47 filhos/mulher). A via de parto vaginal correspondeu a 64% dos partos, enquanto que a via cirúrgica por cesárea aconteceu em 36% dos casos. Em relação à escolaridade, 3% apresentaram-se como analfabetas; 48% possuíam nível fundamental; 40% nível médio completo e 9% possuíam nível superior completo ou incompleto. Houve 0,5% de omissão da que escolaridade no momento do preenchimento dos dados. Os dados coletados sobre o estado civil foram considerados inconclusivos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a Taxa de Fecundidade da população estudada está acima da Taxa de Fecundidade Total projetada para 2015 no Brasil nas faixas etárias acima de 19 anos e da taxa de fecundidade ideal para que haja uma reposição da população segundo o DATASUS (2021). Tais dados podem estar relacionados com a vulnerabilidade da comunidade  em questão, corroborando com estudos que relatam maiores taxas de fecundidade relacionada a menor renda e menor escolaridade.
Morbimortalidade por pneumonia no estado da Bahia no período pré e durante a pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Fernandes Anderson Gonçalves , Andrade Caio Leônidas Oliveira de , Souza Márcio Costa de , Duque Anna Clara Mota
Published: June 2023

Introdução: a pneumonia é uma infecção nos pulmões, provocada pela penetração de microrganismos. Outras infeções respiratórias, incluindo a  SARS-COV-2, podem agravar a clínica do paciente. Por sua vez, esta é uma doença sistêmica, com foco pulmonar que pode gerar complicações respiratórias, dentre elas a pneumonia. Neste seguimento, estudos evidenciam que 15% dos pacientes com COVID-19 podem apresentar pneumonia leve e 5% evoluir para pneumonia grave. Objetivo: comparar a ocorrência de morbimortalidade por pneumonia no Estado da Bahia, no período pré e durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo ecológico, quantitativo, com dados públicos, disponíveis no Sistema Informações em Saúde da plataforma DataSUS/TABNet, referentes ao Estado da Bahia, no período de jan./2018 a dez./2021. Foram selecionados os dados: internamentos, média de internamento, óbitos e taxa de mortalidade. Os dados foram analisados através da estatística descritiva, frequência relativa, e estatística analítica com o teste de frequências relativas U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: o Estado da Bahia, registrou um total de 48 mil internações por pneumonia, com média de taxa de permanência de internamento de 6,4 dias e um total de 8 mil óbitos, com média de taxa de mortalidade de 16,91% ao ano. Observa-se que ocorreu redução nas internações e óbitos, e aumento na taxa de mortalidade por pneumonia, no período estudado (P<0,001). Conclusão: contudo, verificou-se que no Estado da Bahia durante o período da pandemia de COVID-19, ocorreram redução no número de internados e óbitos, e aumento na taxa de mortalidade por pneumonia, comparando-se ao mesmo período pré pandemia.
Enteroparasitoses em uma região da Amazônia ocidental
Authors: Virgilio Lucena Rocha , De Lima Araújo Maria Francisca , Ferreira Teles Stefanie , Da Silva Pereira Emanuel Kristian
Published: June 2023

Introdução: as parasitoses intestinais são doenças que apresentam um problema de saúde mundial, causando grandes problemas nutricionais, onde sua ocorrência varia de acordo com o clima de cada região e condições socioeconômicas. Regiões que apresentam climas trópicos com umidade, altos índices de chuvas e temperaturas elevadas associadas com a falta de informações sobre as enteroparasitoses merecem atenção. Objetivo: o presente trabalho buscou avaliar os tipos de enteroparasitoses entre os anos de 2018 a 2020 em uma parcela da população de um município da Amazônia Ocidental, mais especificamente, (i) avaliar os tipos de enteroparasitoses que acometem a população entre os períodos de inundação e estiagem; (ii) avaliar a influência das enteroparasitoses em indivíduos de acordo com o gênero e a faixa etária ao longo de três anos. Metodologia: as coletas de dados foram realizadas entre os anos de 2018 a 2020, por meio de análises de planilhas concedidas pelo laboratório de análises clinicas LABSUL. Resultados: foram avaliados 4236 exames de fezes, sendo que apenas 1396 foram positivos para enteroparasitoses. Dos quais a maior parte foi causada por protozoários (58,69%) que acometeram principalmente Mulheres, jovens e crianças nos períodos de inundação. Conclusão: diante disso, os dados demonstraram que as enteroparasitoses acometem com frequência uma parcela da população local. Além de trazer informações que podem reforçar a necessidade da implementação do sistema de saneamento básico, juntamente com campanhas de conscientização populacional a respeito das vias de contaminação e da forma de propagação dessas infecções.
Body morphology and bone age in obese and non-obese girls aged 8 to 15 years old
Authors: Freitas Alex Sander , Silveira Marise Fagundes , Haikal Deseirée Sant Ana , Caldeira Antônio Prates , Rodrigues Vinícius Dias , Monteiro-Júnior Renato Sobral
Published: June 2023

Introduction: childhood obesity is one of the main public health problems worldwide, leading to health status repercussions and growth and maturation process implications in both children and adolescents. Objective: the aim of this study was to verify body morphology and bone age variations in girls with obesity and without obesity. Methodology: this comprises a cross-sectional study conducted with 140 girls aged 8 to 15 years old, 70 with obesity and 70 without obesity. Hip and waist circumferences, body mass, height and and Body Mass Index (BMI) were determined. For maturation status determinations, bone ages were determined by a left wrist and hand radiography employing the Fels method. Results: the findigs indicate significant correlations between nutritional and maturation statuses (r=0.80; p˂0.01). Girls with obesity presented higher weight and BMI values, larger waist and hip circumferences and more advanced bone age compared to girls without obesity (p˂0.01). The same significant differences ​​(p˂0.01) were noted in the contrasting maturational group analysis, where girls presenting advanced maturation always exhibited the highest parameter values. Conclusion: nutritional status is associated to maturation status, and girls with obesity exhibit more advanced bone age than girls without obesity.
A Study on the Estimation Method of Steel Pipe Propulsion Friction Resistance
Authors: Jeoung Yuseung , Heo Gwanghee , Seo Sanggu , Jeon Seunggon , Bang Geonhyeok , Lee Jaehoon
Published: June 2023

This study calculated the steel pipe propulsion friction force required for tunnel excavation. To experimentally estimate the frictional resistance of a steel pipe, a model soil tank was constructed, and the steel pipe propulsion test was conducted under the condition of applying the earth pressure calculated from the field data. To analyze the effect of the earth pressure when the steel pipe was inserted, the section where the load was most generated was selected and a numerical analysis was performed. In the numerical analysis, the shear force was assumed to uniformly act on the entire steel pipe, and consequently, the resistance owing to the overburden load uniformly acted on the entire section. For the model steel pipe, the cross section and thickness of the steel pipe were maintained in a ratio of 1:4 to the actual size according to the law of similarity to which the scale factor was applied for the steel pipe penetration simulation. In the steel pipe propulsion experiment, the frictional resistance of the steel pipe was estimated using the soil analysis of the stratum based on the drilling result of the steel pipe penetration section and using it as the load condition. From the data obtained in the experiment, the frictional resistance trend line according to the overburden load was determined, and the frictional resistance of the steel pipe was calculated using this trend line. Based on these data, the intrusion simulation of the propulsion pipe was performed, and the estimated resistance was compared with the theoretically calculated resistance. Consequently, the error rate was less than 5%, and the proper steel pipe propulsion friction force was derived.
Heatwave Severity and Vulnerability Analysis based on Sensible Temperature Using Urban Big Data Considering Health Inequality
Authors: Park Haekyung , Yoo Yunjoo , Kim Sang-Il
Published: June 2023

The ability to deal with heatwaves varies depending on age and income. Even if people notice the danger, those who are vulnerable to heatwaves are not able to avoid it. Therefore, the public role is important for their health and life. In addition, considering the increase in heatwaves owing to climate change, the residential environment for vulnerable people needs to be improved. Then, which residential areas should be improved primarily? Are there areas with more severe heatwaves? How large is the difference between areas? Starting with these research questions, we analyzed the severity of heatwaves between residential areas in Seoul based on the summer of 2021. We then classified relatively high and low-temperature regions using space-time pattern mining. We identified hotspot areas that are physical, residential, and economically vulnerable to heatwaves and overlayed them with the classified temperature clusters to assess heatwave vulnerability in Seoul. Based on this assessment, we suggested areas that need priority in terms of improving the residential environment to resolve health inequality caused by heatwaves. We further established that there is a significant difference in the severity of heatwaves between residential areas, and the difference in sensible temperature was approximately 1.7 ℃ higher in the relatively high cluster than in the relatively low cluster. The novelty of this study lies in using sensible temperature, considering both location and time, and suggesting specific areas for improvement by using a higher resolution unit of analysis.
Transition From Mentored to Independent NIH Funding by Gender and Department
Authors: Nguyen Mytien , Panyadahundi Aanya , Olagun-Samuel Christine , Chaudhry Sarwat I. , Desai Mayur M. , Dardik Alan , Boatright Dowin
Published: June 2023

This study uses National Institutes of Health RePORTER data for mentored K awards and R01-equivalent grants to all departments in US schools of medicine to characterize K-award distribution and K-to-R transition by gender and department between 1997 and 2021.
The role of emergency physicians in the fight against health misinformation: Implications for resident training
Authors: Sheng Alexander Y. , Gottlieb Michael , Bautista John Robert , Trueger N. Seth , Westafer Lauren M. , Gisondi Michael A.
Published: June 2023

Emergency physicians on the frontlines of the COVID‐19 pandemic are first‐hand witnesses to the direct impact of health misinformation and disinformation on individual patients, communities, and public health at large. Therefore, emergency physicians naturally have a crucial role to play to steward factual information and combat health misinformation. Unfortunately, most physicians lack the communications and social media training needed to address health misinformation with patients and online, highlighting an obvious gap in emergency medicine training. We convened an expert panel of academic emergency physicians who have taught and conducted research about health misinformation at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA, on May 13, 2022. The panelists represented geographically diverse institutions including Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University, Boston Medical Center, Northwestern University, Rush Medical College, and Stanford University. In this article, we describe the scope and impact of health misinformation, introduce methods for addressing misinformation in the clinical environment and online, acknowledge the challenges of tackling misinformation from our physician colleagues, demonstrate strategies for debunking and prebunking, and highlight implications for education and training in emergency medicine. Finally, we discuss several actionable interventions that define the role of the emergency physician in the management of health misinformation.
Embryonic development of the pelvic girdle and hindlimb skeletal elements in Anilius scytale (Linnaeus, 1758) (Serpentes: Aniliidae)
Authors: Guerra‐Fuentes Ricardo Arturo , de Sousa Romário Gemaque , da Costa Prudente Ana Lúcia
Published: June 2023

Anilius scytale is the sister lineage of all other alethinophidian snakes. Morphology of the hind limb complex in adult A. scytale (Aniliidae) has been documented. We herein, for the first time, describe the embryology of the skeletal elements of its hind limb and pelvic girdle and contextualize the evolution of these structures. We identified pregnant females of A. scytale in the Herpetology Collection of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi and separated 40 embryos. The embryos were sequentially staged using external and internal anatomy, collectively comprising a developmental series representing six stages. We cleared‐stained one specimen of stages 31, 34, 36, and 37. Using the embryological information gleaned from A. scytale, we reinterpret evidence relating to the ossification of the pelvis and hindlimbs. In A. scytale hindlimb buds develop as transient structures that developed before Stage 30 and regresses in subsequent stages. There is no external or internal evidence of the forelimb or scapular girdle. From Stage 31 onwards the ischium, pubis, ilium, femur and zeugopodial cartilages are visible. Pubis and femur ossify towards the end of embryonic life, and cloacal spurs do not develop in the embryo. Skeletal elements of the hindlimb and pelvic girdle develop initially in the ventral zone of the cloaca‐tail region. In subsequent stages the hindlimb and pelvic girdle elements migrate dorsally, with the pubis/ischium positioned medial to the ribs. A similar process may be associated with the achievement of the condition of the pelvic girdle in adults of scolecophidians, pythonids and boids.
Divergent Fluorinations of Vinylcyclopropanes: Ring‐Opening 1,5‐Hydrofluorination and Ring‐Retaining 1,2‐Difluorination
Authors: Yang Shuang , Wu Jun‐Yunzi , Lin Shuang , Pu Meicen , Huang Zhi‐Shu , Wang Honggen , Li Qingjiang
Published: June 2023

Organofluorine compounds have been widely used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material sciences. Reported herein are divergent fluorination reactions of vinylcyclopropanes with different electrophiles, which allow the facile synthesis of homoallylic monofluorides and vicinal‐difluorides through ring‐opening 1,5‐hydrofluorination and ring‐retaining 1,2‐difluorination, respectively. Both protocols feature mild conditions, simple operations, good functional group tolerance, and generally good yields. The practicality of these reactions is demonstrated by their scalability, as well as the successful conversion of the formed homoallylic monofluorides into other complex fluorinated molecules.
Nächster Halt: Terminal 3 – die neue Sky Line‐Bahn am Flughafen Frankfurt
Authors: Holzhausen Wolfgang , Plesmann Stefanie , Celjo Ilma
Published: June 2023

Zum Sommerflugplan 2026 wird das neue Terminal 3 am Flughafen Frankfurt in Betrieb gehen. 19 Mio. Fluggäste jährlich werden dann von drei Flugsteigen an‐ und abreisen. Doch wie wird Terminal 3 an die bestehenden Terminals 1 und 2 sowie die Flughafenbahnhöfe angebunden? Die Lösung: die neue Sky Line‐Bahn. Sie bringt künftig bis zu 4000 Reisende pro Stunde und Fahrtrichtung in nur 8 min von Terminal 1 zu Terminal 3. Die Fraport AG baut für die Verbindung je eine neue Station an Terminal 1 und Terminal 3 und erweitert die bestehende Station an Terminal 2. Zwischen Terminal 1 und Terminal 3 legen die vollautomatischen Züge eine Strecke von 5,6 km zurück. Im Nordbereich ist der Fahrweg aufgeständert und wird so in die bestehende Infrastruktur integriert. Entlang der Autobahn 5 verläuft der Fahrweg Mitte ebenerdig, da er in der Einflugschneise liegt. Unter einer Straßenverbindung hindurch fährt die Sky Line‐Bahn im Südbereich dann auf einer hochgelegten Trasse in die neue Station an Terminal 3 ein. Östlich des Terminals 2 wurde bereits ein neues Werkstattgebäude fertig gebaut, dessen Fahrzeughalle in ca. 16 m Höhe zur Wartung der zwölf Fahrzeuge benötigt wird. Mit der Betriebsleitzentrale ist hier auch das Herz der Steuerung und Überwachung der Anlage untergebracht.
Herausforderungen und Perspektiven bei der BIM‐Planung von Brücken – das Beispiel der Geh‐ und Radwegüberführung Riederwald
Authors: Malcher Andreas , Saliba Alain , Wolgast Eric
Published: June 2023

Der geplante Lückenschluss zwischen der A66 und der A661 wird den östlichen Bereich der Stadt Frankfurt am Main in erheblichem Umfang von Lärm und Abgasen entlasten. Um diese Maßnahme realisieren zu können, sind div. Brückenbauten erforderlich. Eine dieser Brücken ist die geplante Geh‐ und Radwegüberführung über die sechsspurige A66. Die von Werner Sobek entworfene Brücke besteht aus einem leicht geschwungenen Mittelteil aus Stahl, welches integral mit ausgerundeten Widerlagern aus Stahlbeton verbunden ist. Die leichte und elegante Konstruktion spannt frei über eine Länge von 53 m bei einer Konstruktionshöhe von nur 1,2 m (l/h = 44). Die Montage der Brücke erfolgt nach Inbetriebnahme des Autobahnabschnitts, den sie überquert. Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes möchte als Auftraggeberin für Infrastrukturprojekte das Building Information Modeling (BIM) von Infrastrukturprojekten gemäß Masterplan des Bundesministeriums für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV) etablieren. Das Brückenbauwerk und die anschließenden Dämme ebenso wie das angrenzende Wellstahlbauwerk wurden deshalb in BIM geplant. Durch die Integration der Fachmodelle „Bauwerk“, „Gelände“, „Verkehrsanlage“ und „Baugrund“ konnten die Schnittstellen zwischen den einzelnen Fachgewerken direkt im 3D‐Modell koordiniert werden. Die von der Autobahn GmbH genutzte Software EPLASS wurde als Plattform für den Datenaustausch verwendet. Als virtueller Projektraum kam die Kollaborationsplattform BIMcollab zum Einsatz.
A method for generating user‐defined circular single‐stranded DNA from plasmid DNA using Golden Gate intramolecular ligation
Authors: Strawn Isabell K. , Steiner Paul J. , Newton Matilda S. , Baumer Zachary T. , Whitehead Timothy A.
Published: June 2023

Construction of user‐defined long circular single stranded DNA (cssDNA) and linear single stranded DNA (lssDNA) is important for various biotechnological applications. Many current methods for synthesis of these ssDNA molecules do not scale to multikilobase constructs. Here we present a robust methodology for generating user‐defined cssDNA employing Golden Gate assembly, a nickase, and exonuclease degradation. Our technique is demonstrated for three plasmids with insert sizes ranging from 2.1 to 3.4 kb, requires no specialized equipment, and can be accomplished in 5 h with a yield of 33%–43% of the theoretical. To produce lssDNA, we evaluated different CRISPR‐Cas9 cleavage conditions and reported a 52 ± 8% cleavage efficiency of cssDNA. Thus, our current method does not compete with existing protocols for lssDNA generation. Nevertheless, our protocol can make long, user‐defined cssDNA readily available to biotechnology researchers.
Scaffold‐based spheroid models of glioblastoma multiforme and its use in drug screening
Authors: Manikandan Ceera , Jaiswal Amit Kumar
Published: June 2023

Among several types of brain cancers, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a terminal and aggressive disease with a median survival of 15 months despite the most intensive surgery and chemotherapy. Preclinical models that accurately reproduce the tumor microenvironment are vital for developing new therapeutic alternatives. Understanding the complicated interactions between cells and their surroundings is essential to comprehend the tumor's microenvironment, however the monolayer cell culture approach falls short. Numerous approaches are used to develop GBM cells into tumor spheroids, while scaffold‐based spheroids provides the opportunity to investigate the synergies between cells as well as cells and the matrix. This review summarizes the development of various scaffold‐based GBM spheroid models and the prospective for their use as drug testing systems.
Facial attractiveness in the eyes of men with high arousal
Authors: Han Shangfeng , Gao Jie , Xing Wenjuan , Zhou Xinyi , Luo Yuejia
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Individuals differ in how they judge facial attractiveness. However, little is known about the role of arousal level and gender differences in individuals’ facial attractiveness judgments.

Methods

We used resting‐state electroencephalogram (EEG) to investigate this issue. A total of 48 men (aged 22.5 ± 3.03 years [mean ± SD], range: 18–30 years) and 27 women (aged 20.3 ± 2.03 years [mean ± SD], range: 18–25 years) participated in the experiment. After the EEG was collected, participants were instructed to complete a facial attractiveness judgment task. Connectome‐based predictive modeling was used to predict individual judgment of facial attractiveness.

Results

Men with high arousal judged female faces as more attractive (M = 3.85, SE = 0.81) than did men with low arousal (M = 3.33, SE = 0.81) and women (M = 3.24, SE = 1.02). Functional connectivity of the alpha band predicted judgment of female facial attractiveness in men but not in women. After controlling for the age and variability, the prediction effect was still significant.

Conclusion

Our results provide neural evidence for the enhancement of the judgment of facial attractiveness in men with high arousal levels, which supports the hypothesis that individuals’ spontaneous arousal contributes to variations in facial attractiveness preferences.
An overview of equity‐driven and social justice‐oriented leadership in community colleges
Authors: Hartman Catherine , Burmicky Jorge
Published: June 2023

In this chapter, we discuss the significance of social justice and equity in community college leadership. By examining the intersections between social justice and equity, we sought to understand the role that community college leaders play in applying these approaches. To contextualize our discussion, we outlined key challenges that community college leaders face in developing and implementing these equity‐driven and social justice‐oriented practices. This chapter serves as an introduction to the New Directions in Community Colleges volume dedicated to operationalizing and applying equity and social justice‐driven leadership in community colleges.
Transforming developmental education at community colleges through equity‐minded leadership
Authors: Hernández Susana H. , McKinney Lyle , Burridge Andrea , O'Brien Catherine A.
Published: June 2023

The corequisite support model is a promising developmental education reform effort that is helping students transition into college‐level coursework more quickly. The purpose of this chapter is to shed light on the critical leadership that has enhanced student success in corequisite courses and hold promise in enhancing equity within developmental education. The findings presented in this chapter are based on data from a multi‐year, mixed‐methods research project conducted at Urban Community College (UCC, a pseudonym) in Texas. We utilize equity‐mindedness as a framework for understanding and operationalizing critical leadership at the community college. We focused not on students’ academic abilities, but what faculty and administrative leaders are actively doing to support students in corequisite courses. We specifically draw attention to the exceptional leadership practices of faculty as instructors and administrators who are effective at facilitating success among racially minoritized students and students from low‐income families who are placed in developmental education.
Institutional responses to state policy: Using student voice to prioritize equity
Authors: Jeffers Misti R. , Collom Gresham D. , Cooper Ashton R.
Published: June 2023

This chapter aims to extend conversations around educational equity by emphasizing the role of community college contexts as a mediator between policy reform and student experience. Narratives of Tennessee (TN) Reconnect Grant recipients indicate that community college contexts related to advising and student support services and enrollment, transfer, and financial aid structures stand out as critical aspects for how TN Reconnect students engage once on campus. We pose recommendations for community colleges and community college leaders to better serve their adult students.
Effect of Reaction Conditions on the Coprecipitation of Ni(OH)2 for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tynjälä Pekka , Laine Petteri , Välikangas Juho , Kauppinen Toni , Lassi Ulla
Published: June 2023

Electrochemical performance of cathode active materials (CAMs) is dependent on the properties of coprecipitated precursors (pCAMs). This is a sensitive process affected by several reaction parameters such as temperature, pH, concentration of reactants, agitation rate, and residence time. In this paper, the effect of parameters influencing the particle size growth and the physical properties, such as particle morphology and tapped density, was studied in the coprecipitation of Ni(OH)2. Formation of a homogeneous population with narrow particle size distribution was observed, followed by a more heterogeneous population of dense particles. Ammonia concentration and residence time had significant effects on particle size growth and morphology, but agitation rate also had an impact.
Coarse‐grained simulations of von Willebrand factor adsorption to collagen with consequent platelet recruitment
Authors: Tsyu Noel G. , Belyaev Aleksey V.
Published: June 2023

A multimeric glycoprotein of blood plasma—Von Willebrand factor (VWF)—mediates platelet adhesion to the fibrillar collagen of the subendothelial matrix if the blood vessel walls are damaged. The adsorption of VWF to collagen is thus essential for the initial stages of platelet hemostasis and thrombosis, as it plays a role of a molecular bridge between the injury and platelet adhesion receptors. Biomechanical complexity and sensitivity to the hydrodynamics are inherent in this system, therefore, modern computational methods supplement experimental studies of biophysical and molecular mechanisms that underlie platelet adhesion and aggregation in the blood flow. In the present paper, we propose a simulation framework for the VWF‐mediated platelet adhesion to a plane wall with immobilized binding sites for VWF under the action of shear flow. VWF multimers and platelets are represented in the model by particles connected by elastic bonds and immersed in a viscous continuum fluid. This work complements the scientific field by taking into account the shape of a flattened platelet, but keeping a compromise between the detail of the description and the computational complexity of the model.
Robust immunity to influenza vaccination in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients following reconstitution of humoral and adaptive immunity
Authors: Zhang Wuji , Rowntree Louise C , Muttucumaru Ramona , Damelang Timon , Aban Malet , Hurt Aeron C , Auladell Maria , Esterbauer Robyn , Wines Bruce , Hogarth Mark , Turner Stephen J , Wheatley Adam K , Kent Stephen J , Patil Sushrut , Avery Sharon , Morrissey Orla , Chung Amy W , Koutsakos Marios , Nguyen Thi HO , Cheng Allen C , Kotsimbos Tom C , Kedzierska Katherine
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in high‐risk populations. Although current vaccination regimens are the best method to combat annual influenza disease, vaccine efficacy can be low in high‐risk groups, such as haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.

Methods

We comprehensively assessed humoral immunity, antibody landscapes, systems serology and influenza‐specific B‐cell responses, together with their phenotypes and isotypes, to the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) in HSCT recipients in comparison to healthy controls.

Results

Inactivated influenza vaccine significantly increased haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titres in HSCT recipients, similar to healthy controls. Systems serology revealed increased IgG1 and IgG3 antibody levels towards the haemagglutinin (HA) head, but not to neuraminidase, nucleoprotein or HA stem. IIV also increased frequencies of total, IgG class‐switched and CD21loCD27+ influenza‐specific B cells, determined by HA probes and flow cytometry. Strikingly, 40% of HSCT recipients had markedly higher antibody responses towards A/H3N2 vaccine strain than healthy controls and showed cross‐reactivity to antigenically drifted A/H3N2 strains by antibody landscape analysis. These superior humoral responses were associated with a greater time interval after HSCT, while multivariant analyses revealed the importance of pre‐existing immune memory. Conversely, in HSCT recipients who did not respond to the first dose, the second IIV dose did not greatly improve their humoral response, although 50% of second‐dose patients reached a seroprotective HAI titre for at least one of vaccine strains.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates efficient, although time‐dependent, immune responses to IIV in HSCT recipients, and provides insights into influenza vaccination strategies targeted to immunocompromised high‐risk groups.
Translational Bioethics and Public Input
Authors: Evans John H.
Published: June 2023

Translational science is justified as advancing the public's interests but has no mechanism for determining these interests. Standard social science approaches would produce either unrepresentative descriptions or a cacophony of data not easily condensed into a concrete conclusion about moving forward with a translational‐science project. Here, I propose that the simplifying and structuring ethics employed by institutional review boards (IRBs) be used to create social science reports of the four to six most prominent values or principles of the public regarding a biotechnology. A board of bioethicists would weigh and balance these values to conclude whether the public supports a given translational‐science innovation.
A few good reasons to use nanobodies for cancer treatment
Authors: Jumapili Neema Ahishakiye , Zivalj Maida , Barthelmess Romina Mora , Raes Geert , De Groof Timo W. M. , Devoogdt Nick , Stijlemans Benoît , Vincke Cécile , Van Ginderachter Jo A.
Published: June 2023

mAbs have been instrumental for targeted cancer therapies. However, their relatively large size and physicochemical properties result in a heterogenous distribution in the tumor microenvironment, usually restricted to the first cell layers surrounding blood vessels, and a limited ability to penetrate the brain. Nanobodies are tenfold smaller, resulting in a deeper tumor penetration and the ability to reach cells in poorly perfused tumor areas. Nanobodies are rapidly cleared from the circulation, which generates a fast target‐to‐background contrast that is ideally suited for molecular imaging purposes but may be less optimal for therapy. To circumvent this problem, nanobodies have been formatted to noncovalently bind albumin, increasing their serum half‐life without majorly increasing their size. Finally, nanobodies have shown superior qualities to infiltrate brain tumors as compared to mAbs. In this review, we discuss why these features make nanobodies prime candidates for targeted therapy of cancer.
A New Epigenetic Crosstalk: Chemical Modification Information Flow
Authors: Lee Hongwoo , Park Young‐Joon , Seo Pil Joon
Published: June 2023

Central dogma is the most fundamental hypothesis in the field of molecular biology and explains the genetic information flow from DNA to protein. Beyond residue‐by‐residue transmission of sequential information, chemical modifications of DNA, RNA, and protein are also relayed in the course of gene expression. Here, this work presents recent evidence supporting bidirectional interplay between chromatin modifications and RNA modifications. Furthermore, several RNA modifications likely affect chemical modifications of proteins. The relay of chemical modifications occurs co‐transcriptionally or co‐translationally, ensuring crosstalk among chemical modifications at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels. Overall, this work proposes a hypothetical framework that represents transmission of chemical modification information among chromatin, RNA, and proteins.
Small extracellular vesicles derived from human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells cultured in a new chemically‐defined contaminate‐free media exhibit enhanced biological and therapeutic effects on human chondrocytes in vitro and in a mouse osteoarthritis model
Authors: Hanai Hiroto , Hart David A. , Jacob George , Shimomura Kazunori , Ando Wataru , Yoshioka Yusuke , Ochiya Takahiro , Nakagawa Shinicihi , Nakamura Masato , Okada Seiji , Nakamura Norimasa
Published: June 2023

Human small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASC) have been reported to suppress the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in animal studies and subsequently, translation of this potential to assess their clinical efficacy is anticipated. However, fabrication protocols for sEVs to eliminate potential contamination by culture medium‐derived components need to be established prior to their clinical use. The purpose of the present studies was to elucidate the influence of medium‐derived contaminants on the biological effects of sEVs, and to establish isolation methods for sEVs using a new clinical grade chemically‐defined media (CDM). The quantity and purity of ASC‐derived sEVs cultured in four different CDMs (CDM1, 2, 3 and 4) were evaluated. The concentrates of the four media incubated without cells were used as the background (BG) control for each set of sEVs. The biological effect of sEVs fabricated in the four different CDMs on normal human articular chondrocytes (hACs) were evaluated in vitro using a variety of methodological assessments. Finally, the sEVs with the highest purity were tested for their ability to suppress the progression of knee OA mouse model. Analysis of the BG controls revealed that CDM1‐3 contained detectable particles, while there was no visible contamination of culture media‐derived components detected with CDM4. Accordingly, the sEVs fabricated with CDM4 (CDM4‐sEVs) exhibited the highest purity and yield. Notably, the CDM4‐sEVs were the most efficient in promoting the cellular proliferation, migration, chondrogenic differentiation, and anti‐apoptotic activity of hACs. Furthermore, CDM4‐sEVs significantly suppressed the osteochondral degeneration in vivo model. Small EVs derived from ASCs cultured in a CDM without detectable contaminants demonstrated enhanced biological effects on hACs and the progression of OA. Thus, sEVs isolated with CDM4 most optimally meet the requirements of efficacy and safety for assessment in their future clinical applications.
Deep Learning‐Based Multiparametric MRI Model for Preoperative T‐Stage in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wei Yaru , Wang Haojie , Chen Zhongwei , Zhu Ying , Li Yingfa , Lu Beichen , Pan Kehua , Wen Caiyun , Cao Guoquan , He Yun , Zhou Jiejie , Pan Zhifang , Wang Meihao
Published: June 2023

Background

Conventional MRI staging can be challenging in the preoperative assessment of rectal cancer. Deep learning methods based on MRI have shown promise in cancer diagnosis and prognostication. However, the value of deep learning in rectal cancer T‐staging is unclear.

Purpose

To develop a deep learning model based on preoperative multiparametric MRI for evaluation of rectal cancer and to investigate its potential to improve T‐staging accuracy.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

After cross‐validation, 260 patients (123 with T‐stage T1‐2 and 134 with T‐stage T3‐4) with histopathologically confirmed rectal cancer were randomly divided to the training (N = 208) and test sets (N = 52).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE), T2‐weighted imaging (T2W), and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Assessment

The deep learning (DL) model of multiparametric (DCE, T2W, and DWI) convolutional neural network were constructed for evaluating preoperative diagnosis. The pathological findings served as the reference standard for T‐stage. For comparison, the single parameter DL‐model, a logistic regression model composed of clinical features and subjective assessment of radiologists were used.

Statistical Tests

The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the models, the Fleiss' kappa for the intercorrelation coefficients, and DeLong test for compare the diagnostic performance of ROCs. P‐values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The Area Under Curve (AUC) of the multiparametric DL‐model was 0.854, which was significantly higher than the radiologist's assessment (AUC = 0.678), clinical model (AUC = 0.747), and the single parameter DL‐models including T2W‐model (AUC = 0.735), DWI‐model (AUC = 0.759), and DCE‐model (AUC = 0.789).

Data Conclusion

In the evaluation of rectal cancer patients, the proposed multiparametric DL‐model outperformed the radiologist's assessment, the clinical model as well as the single parameter models. The multiparametric DL‐model has the potential to assist clinicians by providing more reliable and precise preoperative T staging diagnosis.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
A 4‐Arm PEG‐Thiodepsipeptide Precursor Enables Gelatinase‐Promoted Hydrogel Formation
Authors: Folikumah Makafui Y. , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas , Neffe Axel T.
Published: June 2023

In situ hydrogelation of injectable precursors upon biological stimulus is relevant to generate hydrogels under mild conditions and, potentially, at a biological side of interest. Here, it is shown that hydrolytic enzymes can be used to initiate the formation of covalent hydrogel networks, realizing a cleavage‐leading‐to‐gelation strategy. For this purpose, a two‐component system is used, consisting of a 4‐arm polyethylene glycol‐thiodepsipeptide conjugate, PEG4TDPo containing the matrix metalloproteinases MMP‐2‐ and MMP‐9‐cleavable Ac‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly#SLeu‐Leu‐Gly‐ thiodepsipeptide sequence releasing a thiol upon hydrolysis, and a maleimide functionalized 4‐armed PEG (PEG4MAL). PEG4TDPo is synthesized in a PEG‐functionalization protocol involving convergent and divergent synthetic steps without the need for rigorous purification procedures. In a fluorometric assay, it is shown that the construct is in fact cleaved by both investigated MMPs. PEG4TDPo in the presence of 10 wt.% PEG4MAL formed hydrogels upon addition of MMP‐2 or ‐9 with average gelation times of 28 and 40 min, respectively, as is investigated by rheology. The much faster gelation times compared to the enzyme‐free system showed the specific input of the enzymatic reactions. The MMP‐assisted activation and crosslinking strategy can potentially become useful by targeting tissues showing an increased expression of MMPs, such as cancers, or to detect MMPs.