bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of genetic loci in lettuce mediating quantitative resistance to fungal pathogens
Authors: Pink Harry , Talbot Adam , Graceson Abi , Graham Juliane , Higgins Gill , Taylor Andrew , Jackson Alison C. , Truco Maria , Michelmore Richard , Yao Chenyi , Gawthrop Frances , Pink David , Hand Paul , Clarkson John P. , Denby Katherine
Published: June 2022

Key message

We demonstrate genetic variation for quantitative resistance against important fungal pathogens in lettuce and its wild relatives, map loci conferring resistance and predict key molecular mechanisms using transcriptome profiling.

Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) is an important leafy vegetable crop grown and consumed globally. Chemicals are routinely used to control major pathogens, including the causal agents of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) and lettuce drop (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). With increasing prevalence of pathogen resistance to fungicides and environmental concerns, there is an urgent need to identify sources of genetic resistance to B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum in lettuce. We demonstrated genetic variation for quantitative resistance to B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum in a set of 97 diverse lettuce and wild relative accessions, and between the parents of lettuce mapping populations. Transcriptome profiling across multiple lettuce accessions enabled us to identify genes with expression correlated with resistance, predicting the importance of post-transcriptional gene regulation in the lettuce defence response. We identified five genetic loci influencing quantitative resistance in a F6 mapping population derived from a Lactuca serriola (wild relative) × lettuce cross, which each explained 5–10% of the variation. Differential gene expression analysis between the parent lines, and integration of data on correlation of gene expression and resistance in the diversity set, highlighted potential causal genes underlying the quantitative trait loci.
Exposure of intestinal explants to NX, but not to DON, enriches the secretome in mitochondrial proteins
Authors: Soler Laura , Miller Ingrid , Terciolo Chloé , Hummel Karin , Nöbauer Katharina , Neves Manon , Oswald Isabelle P.
Published: June 2022

NX is a type A trichothecene produced by Fusarium graminearum with limited information on its toxicity. NX is structurally similar to deoxynivalenol (DON), only differing by the lacking keto group at C8. Because of the structural similarity of the two toxins as well as their potential co-occurrence in food and feed, it is of interest to determine the toxicity of this new compound. In this study, we compared the protein composition of the extracellular media of pig intestinal explants (secretome) exposed to 10 µM of DON or NX for 4 h compared with controls. The combination of two complementary quantitative proteomic approaches (a gel-based and a gel-free approach) identified 18 and 23 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) for DON and NX, respectively, compared to controls. Functional analysis suggested that, whereas DON toxicity was associated with decreased cell viability and cell destruction, NX toxicity was associated with an enrichment of mitochondrial proteins in the secretome. The presence of these proteins may be associated with the already known ability of NX to induce an intestinal inflammation. Overall, our results indicated that DON- and NX-induced changes in the extracellular proteome of intestinal explants are different. The increased leakage/secretion of mitochondrial proteins by NX may be a feature of NX toxicity.
Large-stepsize integrators for charged-particle dynamics over multiple time scales
Authors: Hairer Ernst , Lubich Christian , Shi Yanyan
Published: June 2022

The Boris algorithm, a closely related variational integrator and a newly proposed filtered variational integrator are studied when they are used to numerically integrate the equations of motion of a charged particle in a mildly non-uniform strong magnetic field, taking step sizes that are much larger than the period of the Larmor rotations. For the Boris algorithm and the standard (unfiltered) variational integrator, satisfactory behaviour is only obtained when the component of the initial velocity orthogonal to the magnetic field is filtered out. The particle motion shows varying behaviour over multiple time scales: fast gyrorotation, guiding centre motion, slow perpendicular drift, near-conservation of the magnetic moment over very long times and conservation of energy for all times. Using modulated Fourier expansions of the exact and numerical solutions, it is analysed to which extent this behaviour is reproduced by the three numerical integrators used with large step sizes that do not resolve the fast gyrorotations.
Correlation of somatostatin receptor PET/CT imaging features and immunohistochemistry in neuroendocrine tumors of the lung: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Rufini Vittoria , Lorusso Margherita , Inzani Frediano , Pasciuto Tina , Triumbari Elizabeth Katherine Anna , Grillo Lucia Rosalba , Locco Filippo , Margaritora Stefano , Pescarmona Edoardo , Rindi Guido
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To correlate somatostatin receptor (SSTR) and proliferative activity profile (SSTR2, SSTR5, Ki-67) at immunohistochemistry (IHC) with SSTR-PET/CT imaging features in a retrospective series of lung neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Proliferative activity by Ki-67 and 18F-FDG-PET/CT parameters (when available) were also correlated.

Methods

Among 551 patients who underwent SSTR-PET/CT with 68Ga-DOTA-somatostatin analogs (SSA) between July 2011 and March 2020 for lung neuroendocrine neoplasms, 32 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NET were included. For 14 of them, 18F-FDG-PET/CT was available. PET/CT images were reviewed by qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses. Immunohistochemistry for SSTR2, SSTR5, and Ki-67 was assessed. Inferential analysis was performed including kappa statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation test.

Results

Definitive diagnosis consisted of 26 typical carcinoids-G1 and six atypical carcinoids-G2. Positive SSTR2-IHC was found in 62.5% of samples while SSTR5-IHC positivity was 19.4%. A correlation between SSTR2-IHC and SSTR-PET/CT was found in 24/32 cases (75.0%, p = 0.003): 20 were concordantly positive, 4 concordantly negative. For positive IHC, 100% concordance with SSTR-PET/CT (both positive) was observed, while for negative IHC concordance (both negative) was 33.3%. In 8 cases, IHC was negative while SSTR-PET/CT was positive, even though with low-grade uptake in all but one. A significant correlation between SUVmax values at SSTR-PET/CT and the SSTR2-IHC scores was found, with low SUVmax values corresponding to negative IHC and higher SUVmax values to positive IHC (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This retrospective study showed an overall good agreement between SSTR2-IHC and tumor uptake at SSTR-PET/CT in lung NETs. SSTR-PET/CT SUVmax values can be used as a parameter of SSTR2 density. Within the limits imposed by the relatively small cohort, our data suggest that SSTR2-IHC may surrogate SSTR-PET/CT in selected lung NET patients for clinical decision making when SSTR-PET/CT is not available.
Hamstring tendon autografts and allografts show comparable clinical outcomes and knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients over fifty years old with no signs of osteoarthritis progression
Authors: D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Giorgino Riccardo , Corona Katia , Jaykumar Tarun , Mariani Ilaria , Ursino Nicola , Mangiavini Laura , Vaishya Raju
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare the functional outcomes and osteoarthritis (OA) progression after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with either hamstring autografts or allografts in people over 50.

Methods

The clinical records of two consecutive cohorts of 61 cases in total over 50 years of age, undergoing ACL reconstruction, were included. The first cohort consisted of 29 allografts; the second cohort consisted of 32 autologous hamstring tendon grafts. The cases were evaluated pre- (T0) and post-operatively at six months (T1), 12 months (T2) and 24 months (T3). Clinical examination included the Lachman test, pivot shift test and objective (Objective IKDC [The International Knee Documentation Committee] score) and subjective clinical scores (Subjective IKDC score, Lysholm score and Tegner activity score). The degree of OA was evaluated using the Kellgren-Lawrence system at the time of the final follow-up, compared to the pre-operative condition.

Results

No pre-operative difference was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). No statistical difference was noted between the two groups at each follow-up (p > 0.05). At the final follow-up, both the groups significantly improved statistically in all the clinical and functional scores (p < 0.05). In both groups, one graft re-rupture was noted. No progression of OA was noted in both groups at final follow-up (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The graft choice does not influence the outcomes two years after ACL reconstruction in people over 50; thus, both treatments help in regaining knee stability with no signs of OA progression.

Registration

Researchregistry7539–www.researchregistry.com.
Climate sensitivity of seasonal radial growth in young stands of Mexican conifers
Authors: Pompa-García Marin , Camarero J. Julio , Valeriano Cristina , Vivar-Vivar Eduardo D.
Published: June 2022

Alteration of forest by climate change and human activities modify the growth response of trees to temperature and moisture. Growth trends of young forests with even-aged stands recruited recently when the climate became warmer and drier are not well known. We analyze the radial growth response of young conifer trees (37–63 years old) to climatic parameters and drought stress employing Pearson correlations and the Vaganov-Shashkin Lite (VS-Lite) model. This study uses tree rings of six species of conifer trees (Pinus teocote,Pinus pseudostrobus,Pinus pinceana,Pinus montezumae,Pinus ayacahuite, andTaxodium mucronatum) collected from young forests with diverse growth conditions in northern and central Mexico. Seasonal ring growth and earlywood width (EW) were modeled as a function of temperature and soil moisture using the VS-Lite model. Wet and cool conditions in the previous winter and current spring enhance ring growth and EW production, mainly in sensitive species from dry sites (P. teocote,P. pseudostrobus,P. pinceana, andP. montezumae), whereas the growth of species from mesic sites (P. ayacahuiteandT. mucronatum) shows little responsiveness to soil moisture. InP. ayacahuiteandT. mucronatum, latewood growth is enhanced by warm summer conditions. The VS-Lite model shows that low soil moisture during April and May constrains growth in the four sensitive species, particularly inP. pinceana, the species dominant in the most xeric sites. Assessing seasonal ring growth and combining its response to climate with process-based growth models could complement xylogenesis data. Such framework should be widely applied, given the predicted warming and its impact on young forests.
Business cycle characteristics of Mediterranean economies: a secular trend and cycle dynamics perspective
Authors: Solms Anna , Süssmuth Bernd
Published: June 2022

This study analyzes business cycle characteristics for all 20 major contemporaneous economies bordering the Mediterranean Sea based on annual real gross domestic product series for the period from 1960 to 2019. The region we investigate corresponds to the Mare Internum region of the Imperial Roman Empire during the Nerva-Antonine and early Severan dynasty, i.e., at the time of the maximum extent of the Roman Empire around 100 to 200 CE. The covered area encircles the Mediterranean, including economies now belonging to the European Union as well as acceding countries, Turkey, and the Middle East and North African economies. Using a components-deviation-cycle approach, we assess level trends and relative volatility of output. We also quantify the contribution of various factors to the business cycle variability within a region. We find cyclic commonalities and idiosyncrasies are related to ancient and colonial history and to contemporaneous trade relationships. Caliphate and Ottoman Empire membership as well as colonial rule in the twentieth century and contemporary Muslim share of population are the most promising predictors of business cycle commonalities in the region.
The X-structure/mechanism approach to beneficial nonlinear design in engineering
Authors: Jing Xingjian
Published: June 2022

Nonlinearity can take an important and critical role in engineering systems, and thus cannot be simply ignored in structural design, dynamic response analysis, and parameter selection. A key issue is how to analyze and design potential nonlinearities introduced to or inherent in a system under study. This is a must-do task in many practical applications involving vibration control, energy harvesting, sensor systems, robotic technology, etc. This paper presents an up-to-date review on a cutting-edge method for nonlinearity manipulation and employment developed in recent several years, named as the X-structure/mechanism approach. The method is inspired from animal leg/limb skeletons, and can provide passive low-cost high-efficiency adjustable and beneficial nonlinear stiffness (high static & ultra-low dynamic), nonlinear damping (dependent on resonant frequency and/or relative vibration displacement), and nonlinear inertia (low static & high dynamic) individually or simultaneously. The X-structure/mechanism is a generic and basic structure/mechanism, representing a class of structures/mechanisms which can achieve beneficial geometric nonlinearity during structural deflection or mechanism motion, can be flexibly realized through commonly-used mechanical components, and have many different forms (with a basic unit taking a shape like X/K/Z/S/V, quadrilateral, diamond, polygon, etc.). Importantly, all variant structures/mechanisms may share similar geometric nonlinearities and thus exhibit similar nonlinear stiffness/damping properties in vibration. Moreover, they are generally flexible in design and easy to implement. This paper systematically reviews the research background, motivation, essential bio-inspired ideas, advantages of this novel method, the beneficial nonlinear properties in stiffness, damping, and inertia, and the potential applications, and ends with some remarks and conclusions.
MethodViz: designing and evaluating an interactive learning tool for scientific methods – visual learning support and visualization of research process structure
Authors: Boström Lena , Sjöström Mårten
Published: June 2022

In this study, we focussed on designing and evaluating a learning tool for the research process in higher education. Mastering the research process seems to be a bottleneck within the academy. Therefore, there is a great need to offer students other ways to learn this skill in addition to books and lectures. The MethodViz tool supports ubiquitous aspects of the research process in their scientific works higher education students follow. Moreover, the tool facilitates and structures the process interactively. In this paper, we describe the creation process of the artefact and examine the characteristics and scope of MethodViz alongside the traits and ideas of design science research. The evaluation’s results are encouraging and show that MethodViz has the potential to improve students’ learning achievements.
Dapagliflozin Alleviates Coxsackievirus B3-induced Acute Viral Myocarditis by Regulating the Macrophage Polarization Through Stat3-related Pathways
Authors: Yan Pengcheng , Song Xiaoning , Tran Joanne , Zhou Runfa , Cao Xinran , Zhao Gang , Yuan Haitao
Published: June 2022

Abstract—

Viral myocarditis (VMC), which is most prevalently caused by Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection, is a serious clinical condition characterized by cardiac inflammation. Dapagliflozin, a kind of sodium glucose co-transporters 2(SGLT-2) inhibitor, exhibited protective effects on plenty of inflammatory diseases, while its effect on viral myocarditis has not been studied. Recently, we found the protective effect of dapagliflozin on VMC. After CVB3 infection, dapagliflozin and STATTIC (a kind of stat3 inhibitor) were given to Balb/c male mice for 8 days, and then the severity of myocarditis was assessed. Our results indicated that dapagliflozin significantly alleviated the severity of viral myocarditis, elevated the survival rate, and ameliorated cardiac function. Besides, dapagliflozin can decrease the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, dapagliflozin can inhibit macrophages differentiate to classically activated macrophages (M1) in cardiac tissue and activate the Stat3 signal pathway which is reported to promote polarization of the alternatively activated macrophage (M2). And STATTIC can reverse these changes caused by dapagliflozin. In conclusion, we found that dapagliflozin treatment increased anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization and reduced cardiac injury following VMC via activating Stat3 signal pathway.
Making a Difference: A Review and Auto-Ethnographic Account of Applying Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) in Policing
Authors: Jones J. K. , Turner M. J.
Published: June 2022

The current article provides a review and auto-ethnographic account of the application of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) in a police setting. After reviewing literature that explores the application of both REBT in policing to date, the focus will then turn to a reflection of the personal experiences of applying the principles of REBT theory in the context of policing. This commentary will highlight the broad applicability of REBT across the many challenging facets of policing. From stress management and resilience enhancement to optimal performance and team cohesion, this article posits that REBT theory provides an accessible foundational framework on which individuals, teams, groups, and systems can perform effectively. The nuanced application of the approach in the face of exposure to traumatic events and cultural challenges within policing will also be discussed.
International migration of researchers and gender imbalance in academia—the case of Norway
Authors: Wendt Kaja , Gunnes Hebe , Aksnes Dag W.
Published: June 2022

Female representation among students and graduates in higher education is growing internationally. This is a promising trend for achieving gender balance in top positions in academia. But there is still a long way to go, as women accounted for 26 per cent in top positions at European higher education institutions in 2018. In this article, we examine the influence of international recruitment of researchers on the gender balance—or the lack of gender balance—in Norwegian academia. We draw on data from the Norwegian Register of Research personnel, linked with population statistics from Statistics Norway. These data show that 38 per cent of the researchers at Norwegian higher education institutions in 2018 were born abroad. The share of foreign full professors has increased from 16 per cent in 2001 to 27 per cent in 2018, while for postdocs there has been an increase from 31 to 69 per cent. In terms of overall gender composition, a higher percentage of the foreign-born researchers are male compared with the native Norwegians. The incidence of international recruitment differs significantly across academic fields and is particularly prevalent in engineering. This is also the field where the gender balance is most skewed generally. Taking these variables into account, we conclude that international migration is not among the factors contributing to the gender imbalance in Norwegian academia. In fact, international recruitment has contributed positively to the gender balance in Norway in the majority of the fields analysed.
A dual-functional sulfone biscompound containing 1,2,3-triazole moiety for decolorization and disinfection of contaminated water
Authors: Radwan Emad K. , Rashdan Huda R. M. , Hemdan Bahaa A. , Koryam Asmaa A. , El-Naggar Mehrez E.
Published: June 2022

Water decontamination from toxic dyes and pathogenic microorganisms is critical for life on Earth. Herein, we report the synthesis of sulfone biscompound containing 1,2,3-triazole moiety and evaluation of its dye decolorization and biocidal and disinfection efficiencies. The decolorization efficiency was tested under different experimental conditions, while the biocidal action was examined against various types of waterborne pathogens, and the disinfection of some pathogenic microbes was executed in artificially contaminated water. The findindgs illustrated that the solution initial pH (pHi) affected the decolorization efficiency significantly. About complete removal of 10 mg/L malachite green (MG) dye was achieved after 10 min using 3 g/L of the sulfone biscompound at pHi6. The pseudo-second-order equation suited the adsorption kinetics accurately, while the equilibrium data was suited by Langmuir isotherm model. Electrostatic, n–π, and π–π interactions brought about the adsorption of MG onto the sulfone biscompound. The biocidal results indicated that the sulfone biscompound had a powerful antibacterial potential against the tested bacterial species. Likewise, the distinction trail revealed that after 70–90 min of direct contact with an effective dose, the tested pathogens could be completely eliminated (6-log reduction). Overall, the newly synthesized sulfone biscompound can efficiently remove cationic dyes and disinfect contaminated water.
Key challenges and approaches to addressing barriers in forest carbon offset projects
Authors: Pan Chunyu , Shrestha Anil , Innes John L. , Zhou Guomo , Li Nuyun , Li Jinliang , He Yeyun , Sheng Chunguang , Niles John-O. , Wang Guangyu
Published: June 2022

Forest carbon offset (FCO) projects play an increasingly important role in mitigating climate change through market mechanisms in both compliance and voluntary markets. However, there are challenges and barriers to developing an FCO project, such as carbon leakage and cost-effectiveness. There have been few attempts to summarize and synthesize all types and aspects of existing challenges and possible solutions for FCO projects. This paper systematically reviews and discusses the current challenges involved in developing FCO projects, and then draws on the experience and lessons of existing projects to show how those challenges were addressed in world-leading voluntary carbon standards, namely the Verified Carbon Standard, the American Carbon Registry, the Climate Action Reserve, and Plan Vivo. These voluntary markets have rich experience in FCO projects and are responsible for a significant share of the market. From the 53 publications used in this analysis, three broad thematic categories of challenges emerged. These were related to methodology, socio-economic implications, and implementation. Methodological challenges, particularly additionality, permanence, and leakage, were the focus of 46% of the selected research papers, while socio-economic challenges, including transaction, social, and opportunity costs, were addressed by 35%. The remaining 19% of the research articles focused on implementational challenges related to monitoring, reporting, and verification. Major voluntary standards adequately addressed most of the methodological and implementational barriers by adopting various approaches. However, the standards did not adequately address socio-economic issues, despite these being the second most frequently discussed theme in the papers analyzed. More research is clearly needed on the socio-economic challenges involved in the development of FCO projects. For the development of high-quality forestry carbon offset projects, there are many challenges and no simple, universal recipe for addressing them. However, it is crucial to build upon the current science and move forward with carbon projects which ensure effective, long-term carbon sinks and maximize benefits for biodiversity and people; this is particularly important with a growing public and private interest in this field.
Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s Disease: a Self-Sustained Loop
Authors: Arena G. , Sharma K. , Agyeah G. , Krüger R. , Grünewald A. , Fitzgerald J. C.
Published: June 2022

Purpose of Review

Neuroinflammation plays a significant role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) etiology along with mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired proteostasis. In this context, mechanisms related to immune response can act as modifiers at different steps of the neurodegenerative process and justify the growing interest in anti-inflammatory agents as potential disease-modifying treatments in PD. The discovery of inherited gene mutations in PD has allowed researchers to develop cellular and animal models to study the mechanisms of the underlying biology, but the original cause of neuroinflammation in PD is still debated to date.

Recent Findings

Cell autonomous alterations in neuronal cells, including mitochondrial damage and protein aggregation, could play a role, but recent findings also highlighted the importance of intercellular communication at both local and systemic level. This has given rise to debate about the role of non-neuronal cells in PD and reignited intense research into the gut-brain axis and other non-neuronal interactions in the development of the disease. Whatever the original trigger of neuroinflammation in PD, what appears quite clear is that the aberrant activation of glial cells and other components of the immune system creates a vicious circle in which neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation nourish each other.

In this review, we will provide an up-to-date summary of the main cellular alterations underlying neuroinflammation in PD, including those induced by environmental factors (e.g. the gut microbiome) and those related to the genetic background of affected patients. Starting from the lesson provided by familial forms of PD, we will discuss pathophysiological mechanisms linked to inflammation that could also play a role in idiopathic forms. Finally, we will comment on the potential clinical translatability of immunobiomarkers identified in PD patient cohorts and provide an update on current therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming or preventing inflammation in PD.
Hyperoxia is Dose-Dependently Associated with an Increase of Unfavorable Outcomes in Ventilated Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Grensemann Jörn , Mader Marius Marc-Daniel , Westphal Manfred , Kluge Stefan , Czorlich Patrick
Published: June 2022

Background

Adequate oxygenation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is imperative. However, hyperoxia increases formation of reactive oxygen species and may be associated with a dose-dependent toxicity. We postulated a threshold for arterial partial pressure of oxygen (paO2) above which toxicity effects precipitate and sought to study the effects on 30-day mortality, favorable outcome at discharge and at 3 months, and delayed cerebral ischemia.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center cohort study, patients with SAH and mechanical ventilation > 72 h were included. Oxygen integrals were calculated above the following thresholds: 80, 100, 120, and 150 mm Hg and time-weighted mean paO2. All calculations were done from admission to end of day 1, day 3, and day 14. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, duration of ventilation, and Hunt and Hess grade. Time-weighted mean paO2 was categorized by quartiles. Favorable outcome was defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 and 5.

Results

From November 2010 to February 2021, 282 of 549 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Odds ratios for 30-day mortality increased dose dependently and were as follows: 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.11; p = 0.001) for each 1 mm Hg per day above 80 mm Hg; 1.16 (95% CI 1.07–1.27), above 100 mm Hg; 1.36 (95% CI 1.15–1.61), above 120 mm Hg; and 1.59 (95% CI 1.22–2.08), above 150 mm Hg (all p < 0.001) at day 14. For favorable outcome at 3 months, odds ratios were 0.96 (95% CI 0.92–0.99) for each 1 mm Hg per day above 80 mm Hg; 0.90 (95% CI 0.84–0.98), above 100 mm Hg; 0.83 (95% CI 0.72–0.97), above 120 mm Hg; and 0.77 (95% CI 0.61–0.97), above 150 mm Hg (all p < 0.05). For time-weighted mean paO2, lowest 30-day mortality and highest favorable outcome at 3 months were found in the second quartile (78–85 mm Hg). Thirty-day mortality increased above 93 mm Hg (fourth quartile), with an odds ratio of 3.4 (95% CI 1.4–8.4, p = 0.007). Odds ratios for favorable outcome at 3 months were 0.28 (95% CI 0.12–0.69), 0.27 (95% CI 0.11–0.67), and 0.24 (95% CI 0.10–0.59) for the first, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively (all p < 0.01). No significant association was found at day 1 and day 3, for favorable outcome at discharge, or for delayed cerebral ischemia.

Conclusions

Integrals above the defined paO2 thresholds were dose-dependently associated with an increase in mortality in ventilated patients with SAH. When we considered time-weighted mean paO2, unfavorable outcomes and 30-day mortality were more frequent both below and above a certain range. Unfavorable outcomes increased in paO2 ranges usually defined as normoxia. This emphasizes the necessity to further characterize oxygenation thresholds in ventilated patients with SAH in prospective clinical studies.
Sequence-specific 1H, 13C and 15N backbone NMR assignments for the N-terminal IgV-like domain (D1) and full extracellular region (D1D2) of PD-L1
Authors: Walker Kayleigh , Waters Lorna C. , Kelly Geoff , Muskett Frederick W. , Carr Mark D.
Published: June 2022

The co-inhibitory immune checkpoint interaction between programmed cell death-protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) serves to regulate T-cell activation, promoting self-tolerance. Over-expression of PD-L1 is a mechanism through which tumour cells can evade detection by the immune system. Several therapeutic antibodies targeting PD-L1 or PD-1 have been approved for the treatment of a variety of cancers, however, the discovery and development of small-molecule inhibitors of PD-L1 remains a challenge. Here we report comprehensive sequence-specific backbone resonance assignments (1H, 13C, and 15N) obtained for the N-terminal IgV-like domain of PD-L1 (D1) and the full two domain extracellular region (D1D2). These NMR assignments will serve as a useful tool in the discovery of small-molecule therapeutics targeting PD-L1 and in the characterisation of functional interactions with other protein partners, such as CD80.
Breaches of integrity in teacher administration in Ghana
Authors: Kwarteng Joseph Tufuor
Published: June 2022

The study examines one type of breaches of integrity, namely using one’s authority in public office for personal gain (Hallak J & Poisson M. Corrupt schools, corrupt universities: what can be done? 2007), in the administration of teachers in Ghana. It was executed using an embedded mixed methods design with a population of 667 teachers employed by the Ghana Education Service (GES). A sample of 270 respondents was chosen by simple random sampling for the study. The questionnaire containing open-ended and closed-ended items was administered to the respondents. Data generated by the close-ended items were analysed using frequencies and percentages and data obtained from the open-ended items were analysed in themes. The study found that integrity breaches were prevalent in GES and occurred under the watch of superior officers in the service. It was more pronounced in teachers’ requests for upgrading and promotion, and salary processing. Victims did not report the act because they believed nothing would happen and because they fear victimisation. Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD) coordinators and Human Resource Managers at the district and regional levels of GES were found to be the most corrupt officers in the service. It is recommended that character references on GES staff be sought; the processing of salaries, transfer, upgrading, promotion, among others, at the GES offices should be automated; and effective whistleblower hotlines should be instituted.
Die Studien- und Berufswahlmotive von Grundschullehramtsstudierenden im internationalen Vergleich
Authors: Scharfenberg Jonas , Weiß Sabine , Hellstén Meeri , Keller-Schneider Manuela , Sava Simona , Kiel Ewald
Published: June 2022

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Studien- und Berufswahlmotive von Studierenden des Grundschullehramts aus Deutschland, der Schweiz, Schweden, Rumänien und China auf Grundlage der STeaM/I-Datensätze, vergleicht sie mit den Motiven von Lehramtsstudierenden für weiterführende Schulen und setzt sie in den Kontext mit länderspezifischen strukturellen Bedingungen und Berufsbildern. Ausgehend von einem Vergleich intrinsischer, extrinsischer und pragmatischer Motive zeigen sich länderspezifische Unterschiede. Insgesamt zeigen intrinsische Motive die höchsten Ausprägungen, wobei dem chinesischen Motivprofil mit einer verhältnismäßig niedrigen intrinsischen und einer verhältnismäßig hohen pragmatischen Motivation eine Sonderrolle zukommt. Während die deutschen Befragten neben intrinsischen auch verhältnismäßig hohe extrinsische Motive aufweisen, die sich mit den Vorteilen einer Verbeamtung in Beziehung bringen lassen, messen schwedische Befragte insbesondere der gesellschaftlichen Relevanz und Schweizer Studierende biographischen Erfahrungen sowie dem Motiv des Lehramts als Traumberuf eine im Vergleich zu den anderen Ländern jeweils besonders hohe Bedeutung zu. Demgegenüber fallen die schulartspezifischen Unterschiede sowohl länderübergreifend als auch länderspezifisch gering aus. Während die generellen schulartspezifischen Tendenzen bisherige Forschung bestätigen, zeigen sich im Ländervergleich Relativierungen, etwa hinsichtlich der geringeren Rolle fachlicher Motive für Grundschullehramtsstudierende. Die Ergebnisse geben Hinweise auf den Einfluss struktureller Bedingungen innerhalb der einzelnen Untersuchungsländer auf die Studien- und Berufswahl von Lehramtsstudierenden – etwa hinsichtlich Gehaltsstruktur oder Fachlichkeit der Ausbildung – und lassen Implikationen auf die Professionalisierung von Lehrkräften zu, etwa hinsichtlich der Notwendigkeit, biographische Erlebnisse als Motivation für die Berufswahl angemessen zu reflektieren.
Fighting Tuberculosis in Africa: The Current Situation Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Uwishema Olivier , Badri Rawa , Onyeaka Helen , Okereke Melody , Akhtar Samaa , Mhanna Melissa , Zafar Bilal , Zahabioun Amirsaman , Said Khanafi A. , Tovani-Palone Marcos Roberto
Published: June 2022

Globally, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading infectious causes of mortality, with around 4000 deaths daily. Since the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Africa, the region has experienced a lapse in responses directed at TB control, because the priority has shifted to interventions aimed at managing COVID-19. In addition to an unprecedented burden on the region’s already overburdened health systems, another major public health concern is the clinical similarities between COVID-19 and TB, making TB diagnosis increasingly challenging, which may lead to poor prognosis, especially in people with TB and COVID-19 co-infection. A likely implication is that TB patients may stop attending health-care facilities due to fear of contracting or being diagnosed with COVID-19 or to avoid being stigmatized, invariably resulting in a disruption in their access to health-care services. Therefore, massive global support should be provided for TB endemic countries to respond synergistically and strongly to the thousands of TB cases as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Curves of maximal moduli on K3 surfaces
Authors: Chen Xi , Gounelas Frank
Published: June 2022

We prove that if X is a complex projective K3 surface and

$g>0$

, then there exist infinitely many families of curves of geometric genus g on X with maximal, i.e., g-dimensional, variation in moduli. In particular, every K3 surface contains a curve of geometric genus 1 which moves in a nonisotrivial family. This implies a conjecture of Huybrechts on constant cycle curves and gives an algebro-geometric proof of a theorem of Kobayashi that a K3 surface has no global symmetric differential forms.
Las lucrativas redes de tráfico de mujeres de México y Centroamérica para el comercio sexual en Estados Unidos
Authors: Izcara Palacios Simón Pedro
Published: June 2022

La mayor parte de las mujeres traficadas para el comercio sexual por la frontera suroeste de Estados Unidos proceden de México y Centroamérica. Esta investigación, fundamentada en una metodología cualitativa, que incluye entrevistas en profundidad con cincuenta y dos traficantes de mujeres y ochenta y seis dueños de negocios de prostitución en México, analiza los vínculos entre los diferentes actores involucrados en el tráfico de mujeres de México y Centroamérica para el comercio sexual en Estados Unidos. Concluimos que estos actores ocupan lugares estratégicos dentro de una cadena de mando que tiene el propósito de proporcionar a los patrones estadounidenses una remesa ininterrumpida de mujeres. Los traficantes reclutan y transportan mujeres, mientras que los dueños de centros nocturnos de Estados Unidos se benefician de la explotación de la prostitución. Asimismo, esta actividad depende de la participación de madrotas y padrotes mexicanos, que reclutan y dan cobijo a mujeres en tránsito al norte.
Adaptación lingüística de los estudiantes transnacionales provenientes de Estados Unidos en un contexto fronterizo
Authors: Vargas Valle Eunice D.
Published: June 2022

Con el retorno reciente de los migrantes mexicanos, miles de estudiantes con experiencia escolar en Estados Unidos se incorporaron a las escuelas mexicanas. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la adaptación lingüística de estos estudiantes en una ciudad con alto retorno, Tijuana, México. Se utiliza metodología mixta que comprende el análisis de la Encuesta de Migración e Integración Escolar 2017, así como treinta y seis entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas a estudiantes transnacionales en 2018 y 2019. Los hallazgos sugieren un proceso paulatino de aprendizaje del español y pérdida del inglés a mayor tiempo en México desde el último arribo, así como la existencia de competencias lingüísticas desiguales según la socialización escolar en cada país, el país de identificación cultural y nacimiento, el capital económico, social y cultural de los hogares, y los apoyos de maestros y compañeros. Se requieren políticas públicas que favorezcan el bilingüismo en las escuelas de ambos países.
The benthic foraminiferal response to the mid-Maastrichtian event in the NW-European chalk sea of the Maastrichtian type area
Authors: Vancoppenolle Iris , Vellekoop Johan , Doubrawa Monika , Kaskes Pim , Sinnesael Matthias , Jagt John W.M. , Claeys Philippe , Speijer Robert P.
Published: June 2022

The mid-Maastrichtian carbon isotope event (MME), dated at ∼69 Ma, reflects a perturbation of the global carbon cycle that, in part, correlates with the enigmatic global extinction of ‘true’ (i.e., non-tegulated) inoceramid bivalves. The mechanisms of this extinction event are still debated.

While both the inoceramid extirpation and MME have been recorded in a variety of deep-sea sites, little is known about their expression in epicontinental chalk seas. In order to study the shallow-marine signature of the MME in this epicontinental shelf sea, we have generated quantitative foraminiferal assemblage data for two quarries (Hallembaye, NE Belgium; ENCI, SE Netherlands) in the Maastrichtian type area, complemented by a species-specific benthic δ13C record. In contrast to deep-sea records, no significant changes in benthic foraminiferal assemblages and benthic foraminiferal accumulation rates are observed across the MME in the type-Maastrichtian area. At the Hallembaye quarry, the otherwise rare endobenthic species Cuneus trigona reaches a transient peak abundance of 33.3% at the onset of the MME, likely caused by a local transient change in organic matter flux to the seafloor. Nevertheless, high and near-constant species evenness shows that neither oxygen nor organic matter flux was limited across the extinction level or during the MME. Benthic foraminiferal data from the uppermost part of the studied section, above the MME, indicate a significant increase in food supply to the seafloor. Decreased amounts of terrigenous elements across this interval document a lesser riverine or aeolian influx, which means that the increased benthic productivity is linked to a different origin. Potentially, the continuous precipitation of chalk under nutrient-poor conditions in the Late Cretaceous chalk sea was enabled by efficient nutrient recycling in the water column. In shallower depositional settings, nutrient recycling took place closer to the seafloor, which allowed more organic matter to reach the bottom. These results provide insights in the importance of nutrient cycling for biological productivity in the NW-European chalk sea.
Adding corn meal into mixed elephant grass–butterfly pea legume silages improves nutritive value and dry matter recovery
Authors: Costa E. R. , Mello A. C. L. , Guim A. , Costa S. B. M. , Abreu B. S. , Silva P. H. F. , Silva V. J. , Simões Neto D. E.
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study was to describe and explain the effect of adding corn meal (CM) on losses, fermentation characteristics and nutritional value of silages from two elephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] genotypes (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and IRI-381) mixed with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) legume. The forage was harvested at 75 days of regrowth from elephant grass plots intercropped with butterfly pea legume and ensiled with or without CM at 5% of dry matter (DM) content. Greater gas losses (12 g/kg) and pH (4.2) were observed in the Taiwan A-146 2.37 + butterfly pea silages. The greatest crude protein content was observed in the ‘Taiwan A-146 2.37’ + butterfly pea silage added with CM (116 g/kg). Silages with additive and those containing IRI-381 had a greater acid detergent fibre content (367 and 366 g/kg, respectively). CM increased the silage DM (221 g/kg), remaining water-soluble carbohydrates contents (26 g/kg) and in vitro digestibility of DM. The aerobic stability was maintained until 45 h after opening the silos. All silages presented a good fermentative profile and were not affected by the relatively large proportion of butterfly pea (>34%) in the ensiled mass as indicated by the reduced contents of butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen. CM reduces total losses, increases DM recovery and improves the nutritional value of silages from mixed elephant grass–butterfly pea legume.
Incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in former Q fever patients as compared to the Dutch population, 2020–2021
Authors: den Boogert Elisabeth Maria , de Lange Marit M. A. , Wielders Cornelia C. H. , Rietveld Ariene ,   RIVM COVID-19 Surveillance and Epidemiology Team, Knol Mirjam J. , van Gageldonk-Lafeber Arianne B.
Published: June 2022

Surveillance data shows a geographical overlap between the early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the past Q fever epidemic (2007–2010) in the Netherlands. We investigated the relationship between past Q fever and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in 2020/2021, using a retrospective matched cohort study.

In January 2021, former Q fever patients received a questionnaire on demographics, SARS-CoV-2 test results and related hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. SARS-CoV-2 incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in former Q fever patients and standardised incidence ratios (SIR) to compare to the age-standardised SARS-CoV-2 incidence in the general regional population were calculated.

Among 890 former Q fever patients (response rate: 68%), 66 had a PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of these, nine (14%) were hospitalised and two (3%) were admitted to ICU. From February to June 2020 the SARS-CoV-2 incidence was 1573/100 000 (95% CI 749–2397) in former Q fever patients and 695/100 000 in the general population (SIR 2.26; 95% CI 1.24–3.80). The incidence was not significantly higher from September 2020 to February 2021.

We found no sufficient evidence for a difference in SARS-CoV-2 incidence or an increased severity in former Q fever patients vs. the general population during the period with widespread SARS-CoV-2 testing availability (September 2020–February 2021). This indicates that former Q fever patients do not have a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Effects of EGF and melatonin on gene expression of cumulus cells and furtherin vitroembryo development in bovines
Authors: Cordova A. , Miranda M. S. , King W. A. , Mastromonaco G. F.
Published: June 2022

Despite previous research demonstrating the benefits of including growth factors and antioxidants to maturation medium to support embryo production, to date the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and melatonin (Mel) on oocyte competency has not been studied. This study supplementedin vitromaturation (IVM) medium with EGF (10 ng/ml) and Mel (50 ng/ml) alone, or in combination, and evaluated cumulus cell (CC) gene expression and the development and quality of parthenogenetic blastocysts. No differences in CC gene expression levels indicative of developmental potential were found among the treatment groups. Antioxidant geneCuZnSODwas significantly (P< 0.05) decreased in CCs from the Mel group. Moreover, blastocyst rates on day 7 were significantly increased in EGF or Mel (P< 0.05), but not EGF+Mel. Significant decrease (P< 0.05) inGPX1,CuZnSOD,SLC2A1andHSPA1A(P= 0.07) mRNA levels was observed in blastocysts from the Mel group.OCT4gene expression was significantly increased (P< 0.05) in EGF+Mel and confirmed using immunofluorescence. Our results indicate that, despite the lack of changes of competence-related genes in CCs, IVM medium supplemented with Mel improved the culture environment sufficiently, resulting in improved blastocysts. Moreover, EGF and Mel combined during maturation increasedOCT4gene and protein expression in blastocysts, indicating its potential for stem cells.
Improved embryonic development and utilization rates with EmbryoScope: a within-subject comparison versus a benchtop incubator
Authors: Setti Amanda Souza , Braga Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira , Vingris Livia , Iaconelli Assumpto , Borges Edson
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate whether, in consecutive intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, embryonic development in an incubator with a time-lapse imaging (TLI) system is better than the previous one obtained in a benchtop incubator (G-185) with similar cultivation characteristics. The study was of a retrospective within-subject design, in which each cycle served as its own control. Data were obtained via the chart review of patients undergoing ICSI in a private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization (IVF) centre who fulfilled the following criteria: second ICSI attempt in which embryos were cultured in a TLI incubator system (TLI group, n = 71), preceded by a first ICSI attempt in which embryos were cultured in a benchtop incubator (Control group, n = 71). Embryonic development up to the fifth day of development, oocyte utilization rate (OUR; transferred embryos plus frozen embryos per total number of retrieved oocytes) and embryo utilization rate (EUR; transferred embryos plus frozen embryos per normally fertilized oocyte) were compared between the groups. There were significant differences in the day 2 non-cleavage rate, day 5 embryo rate, blastocyst development rate, frozen blastocyst rate, OUR, and EUR, in favour of the TLI group. Embryonic development, frozen blastocyst rate, OUR and EUR in the second ICSI cycle were significantly improved when the culture was performed in the EmbryoScope, compared with those rates obtained with culture in a G-185 in the first ICSI cycle of the same patients. The results may also lead to higher cumulative pregnancy outcomes following embryo thawing and transfer.