bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco-evolutionary dynamics of massive, parallel bacteriophage outbreaks in compost communities
Authors: Meijer Jeroen , Skiadas Petros , Rainey Paul B. , Hogeweg Paulien , Dutilh Bas E.
Published: August 2023

Bacteriophages are important drivers of microbial ecosystems, but their influence and dynamics in terrestrial biomes remain poorly understood compared to aquatic and host-associated systems. To investigate this, we analyzed shotgun metagenomics datasets from ten compost-derived microbial communities propagated over 48 weeks. We found that the communities clustered into two distinct types consisting of hundreds of microbial genera, and in one community type identified Theomophage, a lytic bacteriophage representing a newSchitoviridaesubfamily, which accounted for up to 74.3% of the total community metagenome, indicating massive viral outbreaks. We tracked molecular evolution of Theomophage and found that isolated communities were dominated by a single strain that showed little molecular evolution during outbreaks. However, when experimental manipulation allowed phages to migrate between communities, we observed transient coexistence of strains followed by genomic recombination that underpinned replacement of the ancestral strains. Additionally, when Theomophage colonized mesocosms where it was originally absent, new mutations evolved that fixed and spread to other communities. Our study describes the largest bacteriophage outbreak reported to date and reveals the spatial and temporal scales at which terrestrial bacteriophage microdiversity evolves. It also demonstrates that mixing of viral communities, which may be frequent in natural systems, promotes rapid bacteriophage evolution.

Significance Statement

Terrestrial viral ecology and evolution is an active research area, but current knowledge on soil viruses still lags behind that of other biomes, and the terrestrial microbiome harbors untapped viral diversity. This study describes parallel, massive outbreaks of a novel bacteriophage in a 48- week evolution experiment with compost-derived microbial communities. The unprecedented abundance of this bacteriophage highlights the importance of accounting for viral sequences – which may be challenging to identify and annotate – when analyzing community sequence data. Moreover, we show how dispersal accelerates the dynamics of molecular evolution on a timescale of weeks. These results advance understanding of the spatiotemporal scales at which bacteriophage eco-evolutionary dynamics play out in terrestrial biomes.
Cyanobacterial α-carboxysome carbonic anhydrase is allosterically regulated by the Rubisco substrate RuBP
Authors: Pulsford Sacha B. , Outram Megan A. , Förster Britta , Rhodes Timothy , Williams Simon J. , Badger Murray R. , Price G. Dean , Jackson Colin J. , Long Benedict M.
Published: August 2023

Cyanobacterial CO2concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) sequester a globally significant proportion of carbon into the biosphere. Proteinaceous microcompartments, called carboxysomes, play a critical role in CCM function, housing two enzymes to enhance CO2fixation: carbonic anhydrase (CA) and Rubisco. Despite its importance, our current understanding of the carboxysomal CAs found in ɑ-cyanobacteria, CsoSCA, remains limited, particularly regarding the regulation of its activity. Here, we present the first structural and biochemical study of CsoSCA from the cyanobacteriumCyanobium PCC7001. Our results show that theCyanobiumCsoSCA is allosterically activated by the Rubisco substrate ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), and forms a hexameric trimer of dimers. Comprehensive phylogenetic and mutational analyses are consistent with this regulation appearing exclusively in cyanobacterial ɑ-carboxysome CAs. These findings clarify the biologically relevant oligomeric state of α-carboxysomal CAs and advance our understanding of the regulation of photosynthesis in this globally dominant lineage.

One-Sentence Summary

The carboxysomal carbonic anhydrase, CsoSCA, is allosterically activated by the Rubisco substrate RuBP, revealing a novel mechanism controlling key enzyme activity in cyanobacterial α-carboxysomes.
Wolbachiaeffects on thermal preference of naturalDrosophila melanogasterare influenced by host genetic background,Wolbachiatype and bacterial titer
Authors: Strunov Anton , Schoenherr Charlotte , Kapun Martin
Published: August 2023

Temperature plays a fundamental role for the fitness of all organisms. In particular, it strongly affects metabolism and reproduction in ectotherms that have limited physiological capabilities to regulate their body temperature. Ectotherms thus have to maintain thermal homeostasis by behavioral adjustments. The influence of temperature variation on the physiology and behavior of ectotherms is well studied but we still know little about the influence of symbiotic interactions on thermal preference (Tp) of the host. TheWolbachia-Drosophilahost-symbiont system represents an ideal model for addressing these questions. A growing number of studies demonstrated that differentWolbachiatypes can influenceTpin differentDrosophilaspecies, but these results may be confounded by the use of long-termDrosophilalab-strains that may not be representative for natural fly populations. To account for this, we investigated the effect ofWolbachiaonTpin wild-typeD. melanogasterflies recently collected from nature. Consistent with previous data, we found reducedTpcompared to an uninfected control in one of two fly strains infected with the wMelCSWolbachiatype. Additionally, we, for the first time, found thatWolbachiatiter variation influences thermal preference of the host fly. These data indicate that the interaction ofWolbachiaandDrosophilaresulting in behavioral variation is complex and strongly influenced by the genetic background of host and symbiont. Our results further emphasize the necessity for more in-depth studies to better understand the evolutionary significance ofTpvariation influenced byWolbachiain naturalDrosophilapopulations.
Omics driven onboarding of the carotenoid producing red yeastXanthophyllomyces dendrorhousCBS 6938
Authors: Tobin Emma E. , Collins Joseph H. , Marsan Celeste B. , Nadeau Gillian T. , Mori Kim , Lipzen Anna , Mondo Stephen , Grigoriev Igor V. , Young Eric M.
Published: August 2023

Transcriptomics is a powerful approach for functional genomics and systems biology, yet it can also be used for genetic part discovery. Genetic part discovery has never been more necessary, as advances in synthetic biology increase the number of tractable organisms that need tunable gene expression for genetic circuits and metabolic pathways. Therefore, approaches are needed to assess a tractable organism and obtain a convenient set of genetic parts to support future research. Here, we describe a genomic and transcriptomic approach to derive a modular integrative part library with constitutive and regulated promoters in the basidiomycete yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous CBS 6938. X. dendrorhous is currently the sole biotechnologically relevant organism in the Tremellomycete family - it produces large amounts of astaxanthin, especially under oxidative stress and exposure to light. Particularly for this yeast, there are not large libraries of parts from related organisms that could be transferred. They must be derived. To do this, a contiguous genome was first obtained through combined short read and long read sequencing. Then, differential gene expression (DGE) analysis using transcriptomics was performed, comparing oxidative stress and exposure to different wavelengths of light. This revealed a set of putative light-responsive regulators that mediate a complex survival response to ultraviolet (UV) where X. dendrorhous upregulates aromatic amino acid and tetraterpenoid biosynthesis and downregulates central carbon metabolism and respiration. The DGE data was then used to derive 26 constitutive and regulated gene expression elements from the genome. The gene expression elements were designed to be compatible with a new modular cloning system for X. dendrorhous which includes integration sites, terminators, selection markers, and reporters. Each element was characterized by luciferase assay of an integrated gene expression cassette. Notably, a novel promoter from a hypothetical gene that has 9-fold activation upon UV exposure was characterized. This study defines an advanced modular genetic part collection for engineering the basidiomycete X. dendrorhous CBS 6938 while simultaneously discovering potential targets for increasing tetraterpenoid biosynthesis. Further, it demonstrates that -omics-to-parts workflows can simultaneously provide useful genomic data and advance genetic tools for nonconventional microbes, particularly those without a related model organism. This approach will be broadly useful in current efforts to engineer diverse microbes.

KEY POINTS

Omics-to-parts can be applied to non-model organisms for rapid “onboarding”.

26 promoters native toX. dendrorhouswere identified.

Omics revealed unique photobiology inX. dendrorhous.
Monitoring of drought stress and transpiration rate using proximal thermal and hyperspectral imaging in an indoor automated plant phenotyping platform
Authors: Mertens Stien , Verbraeken Lennart , Sprenger Heike , De Meyer Sam , Demuynck Kirin , Cannoot Bernard , Merchie Julie , De Block Jolien , Vogel Jonathan , Bruce Wesley , Nelissen Hilde , Maere Steven , Inzé Dirk , Wuyts Nathalie
Published: August 2023

Background

Thermography is a popular tool to assess plant water use behavior, as plant temperature is influenced by transpiration rate, and is commonly used in field experiments to detect drought stress. Its application in indoor automated phenotyping platforms is still limited and mainly focuses on differences in plant temperature between genotypes or treatments, instead of estimating stomatal conductance or transpiration rate. In this study, the transferability of commonly used thermography analysis protocols from the field to greenhouse phenotyping platforms was evaluated. In addition, the added value of combining thermal infrared (TIR) with hyperspectral imaging to monitor drought effects on plant transpiration rate (E) was evaluated.

Results

The sensitivity of commonly used TIR indices to detect drought-induced and genotypic differences in water status was investigated in eight maize inbred lines in the automated phenotyping platform PHENOVISION. Indices that normalized plant temperature for vapor pressure deficit and/or air temperature at the time of imaging were most sensitive to drought and could detect genotypic difference in the plants’ water use behavior. However, these indices were not strongly correlated to stomatal conductance and E. The canopy temperature depression index, the crop water stress index and the simplified stomatal conductance index were more suitable to monitor these traits, and were consequently used to develop empirical E prediction models by combining them with hyperspectral indices and/or environmental variables. Different modeling strategies were evaluated including single index-based, machine learning and mechanistic models. Model comparison showed that combining multiple thermal infrared indices in a random forest model can improve E prediction accuracy, and that the contribution of the hyperspectral data is limited when multiple indices are used. However, the empirical models trained on one genotype were not transferable to all eight inbred lines.

Conclusion

Overall, this study demonstrates that existing TIR indices can be used to monitor drought stress and develop E prediction models in an indoor setup, as long as the indices normalize plant temperature for ambient air temperature or relative humidity.
Cell-Specific Disruptions in the Basolateral Amygdala-Accumbens Pathway of Fragile X mouse
Authors: Giua Gabriele , Lassalle Olivier , Chavis Pascale , Manzoni Olivier J.
Published: August 2023

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the inactivation of theFMR1gene, is one of the most common causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with FXS and ASD often have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaving in a socially appropriate way. The specific neuronal circuits and synaptic dysfunctions involved in social deficits in FXS are not yet fully understood. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) to accumbens core (NAcC) pathway is central to normal social behavior, and we investigated the functionality of this pathway in a novel mouse model of FXS (Fmr1−/y::Drd1a-tdTomato). We used optogenetics to distinguish synapses between BLA neurons and spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in the NAcC. We found that the BLA-NAcC connection in FXS mice displayed heightened synaptic strength along with specific alterations in synaptic plasticity. In FXS, enhanced AMPA and NMDA postsynaptic currents elevated BLA-D2 SPN synaptic strength, while BLA-D1 SPNs’ increased firing probability occurred without altered transmission. This results in an overall increase in postsynaptic integration in both D1 and D2 SPN BLA-NAcC pathways compared to WT littermates. Further, the absence of FMRP leads to a specific deficit in long-term depression for BLA-D1 SPNs connections. The neurobiological changes identified in this study may underlie the susceptibility to stressors, socio-communicative difficulties, and altered reward-related processes that are characteristic of FXS pathology.
Urban tourism destination image: a bibliometric visualization review
Authors: Guo Xin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically visualize the structure and trends from 2005 to 2021, which will help scholars gain a deeper appreciation for existing studies and grasp future research possibilities and directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is bibliometric, using VOSviewer and CiteSpace to analyze 765 journal articles and reviews from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases over the past 16 years.

Findings

There is considerable interest in urban tourism destination image (U-TDI), partly because of the role of image in promoting the economic development of urban tourism and the associated benefits to stakeholders. Most research output concerns China, the USA, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK); research in the USA context has had a particularly wide range of influence. Highly cited journals play a crucial role, while subject structure, key articles and high-frequency keywords indicate popular topics, sub-themes and development trends. Drawing on these findings, the authors identify four topics that deserve further study.

Originality/value

This systematic review will enhance understanding of U-TDI research and inform future research directions as well as highlighting the need to explore destination image in greater depth, it guides policymakers in the tourism industry seeking to develop city image.
The relationship between the ecologisation of farms and total factor productivity: A continuous treatment analysis
Authors: Baráth Lajos , Fertő Imre
Published: July 2023

The European Green Deal aims to mitigate the environmental impact of food production while improving the income of primary producers and strengthening the EU's competitiveness. We examine how the degree of ecologisation affects farms' total factor productivity (TFP). Our analysis combines a random‐parameter stochastic production frontier model with a composite indicator and a dose–response function approach. Results show a monotonically decreasing relationship between ecologisation and expected TFP level. On average, a one‐step increase in the degree of ecologisation results in a 12% decrease in TFP. However, the results indicate a non‐linear relationship. Three regions of the dose–response function can be distinguished; associated with high, medium and low degrees of ecologisation. In a region with a low degree of ecologisation, farms can increase the degree of ecologisation without reducing TFP. Both efficiency and technological differences contribute to these differences, but the main reason is technological. With increasing ecologisation, farm technology becomes more ‘land using’. Therefore, farms can increase their TFP and degree of ecologisation simultaneously by using land‐saving technologies or through sustainable intensification.
Perspectives on contingency management for alcohol use and alcohol‐associated conditions among people in care with HIV
Authors: Cohen Shawn M. , DePhilippis Dominick , Deng Yanhong , Dziura James , Ferguson Tekeda , Fucito Lisa M. , Justice Amy C. , Maisto Stephen , Marconi Vincent C. , Molina Patricia , Paris Manuel , Rodriguez‐Barradas Maria C. , Simberkoff Michael , Petry Nancy M. , Fiellin David A. , Edelman E. Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Background

Contingency management (CM) is an evidence‐based approach for reducing alcohol use; however, its implementation into routine HIV primary care‐based settings has been limited. We evaluated perspectives on implementing CM to address unhealthy alcohol use and associated conditions for people with HIV in primary care settings.

Methods

From May 2021 to August 2021, we conducted two focus groups with staff involved in delivering the intervention (n = 5 Social Workers andn = 4 Research Coordinators) and individual interviews (n = 13) with a subset of participants involved in the multi‐siteFinancial Incentives, Randomization, and Stepped Treatment (FIRST)trial. Qualitative data collection and analyses were informed by thePromoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Service (PARIHS)implementation science framework, includingevidence(perception of CM),context(HIV primary care clinic and CM procedures), andfacilitation(feasibility outside the research setting).

Results

Several major themes were identified. Regarding theevidence, participants lacked prior experience with CM, but the intervention was well received and, by some, perceived to lead to lasting behavior change. Regarding the clinicalcontextfor the reward schedule, the use of biochemical testing, specifically fingerstick phosphatidylethanol testing, and the reward process were perceived to be engaging and gratifying for both staff and patients. Participants indicated that the intervention was enhanced by its co‐location within the HIV clinic. Regardingfacilitation, participants suggested addressing the intervention's feasibility for non‐research use, simplifying the reward structure, and rewarding non‐abstinence in alcohol use.

Conclusions

Among patients and staff involved in a clinical trial, CM was viewed as a helpful, positive, and feasible approach to addressing unhealthy alcohol use and related conditions. To enhance implementation, future efforts may consider simplified approaches to the reward structure and expanding rewards to non‐abstinent reductions in alcohol consumption.
Star CEOs and ESG performance in China: An integrated view of role identity and role constraints logics
Authors: Li Mengyao , Huang Min , Wang Dong , Li Xiaobo
Published: July 2023

This study seeks to shed light on the effect of star CEOs on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of Chinese firms. Relying on the theoretical perspective of role identity and role constraints, we analyze data from 1222 Chinese firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2006 to 2019. The results analyzed using the ordinary least squares estimate method reveal a positive effect of star CEOs' extreme confidence and legitimacy pressure mechanisms on ESG performance. We also find that this positive relationship is negatively moderated by higher organizational slack but strengthened by a lower level of regional marketization, as the degree of firms' dependence on external stakeholders' resources differs significantly. Additionally, this study finds that ESG activities are less likely to be associated with firm performance if star CEOs pursue them to satisfy their need for star status. These findings supplement the early tests of the influence mechanism of star CEOs on organization‐level results and expand the context discussion of role identity and role constraints theory in the Chinese institutional environment.
Three‐dimensional morphological analysis of the human spleen and its surrounding organs during the early fetal period
Authors: Utsunomiya Natsuko , Nakano Shiori , Katsube Motoki , Yamada Shigehito
Published: August 2023

The spleen has variations in its morphology and is considered to acquire a defined shape in the third month of gestation. However, few studies have investigated spleen development during the first 3 months of fetal life. This study aimed to determine the three‐dimensional (3D) morphogenesis of the spleen during the third month of gestation. In this study, 30 fetal specimens (crown–rump length [CRL]: 22–103 mm) were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging analysis. We manually segmented the spleen, stomach, and adrenal gland, reconstructed 3D models, and analyzed the volume and shape of these organs. The results showed that the variation in spleen size was large compared to that in other organs. Spleen morphology was classified into six types based on the number of splenic surfaces as follows: two‐faced, three‐faced, four‐faced, five‐faced, ovoid, and irregular. Two‐faced spleens were only observed in small specimens, whereas three‐ and four‐faced spleens were observed in larger specimens. We also revealed that the number of fetal splenic surfaces increased as CRL enlarged. Additionally, 3D models indicated that some specimens formed their splenic surfaces without contact with the adjacent organs. This suggested that the splenic surface may be caused not only by pressure from the faced organs but also by an intrinsic program. This study may provide a better understanding of the normal development of the spleen during the early fetal period, and may potentially assist future studies in investigating congenital morphological anomalies of the spleen.
Relevance of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale subitems for best revascularization therapy in minor stroke patients with large vessel occlusion: An observational multicentric study
Authors: Palazzo Paola , Padlina Giovanna , Dobrocky Tomas , Strambo Davide , Seners Pierre , Mechtouff Laura , Turc Guillaume , Rosso Charlotte , Almiri William , Antonenko Kateryna , Laksiri Nadia , Sibon Igor , Detante Olivier , Mordasini Pasquale , Michel Patrik , Heldner Mirjam R. ,   MINOR STROKE Collaborators
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

The best management of acute ischemic stroke patients with a minor stroke and large vessel occlusion is still uncertain. Specific clinical and radiological data may help to select patients who would benefit from endovascular therapy (EVT). We aimed to evaluate the relevance of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) subitems for predicting the potential benefit of providing EVT after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT; “bridging treatment”) versus IVT alone.

Methods

We extracted demographic, clinical, risk factor, radiological, revascularization and outcome data of consecutive patients with M1 or proximal M2 middle cerebral artery occlusion and admission NIHSS scores of 0–5 points, treated with IVT ± EVT between May 2005 and March 2021, from nine prospectively constructed stroke registries at seven French and two Swiss comprehensive stroke centers. Adjusted interaction analyses were performed between admission NIHSS subitems and revascularization modality for two primary outcomes at 3 months: non‐excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 2–6) and difference in NIHSS score between 3 months and admission.

Results

Of the 533 patients included (median age 68.2 years, 46% women, median admission NIHSS score 3), 136 (25.5%) initially received bridging therapy and 397 (74.5%) received IVT alone. Adjusted interaction analysis revealed that only facial palsy on admission was more frequently associated with excellent outcome in patients treated by IVT alone versus bridging therapy (odds ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.24–0.91; p = 0.013). Regarding NIHSS difference at 3 months, no single NIHSS subitem interacted with type of revascularization.

Conclusions

This retrospective multicenter analysis found that NIHSS subitems at admission had little value in predicting patients who might benefit from bridging therapy as opposed to IVT alone. Further research is needed to identify better markers for selecting EVT responders with minor strokes.
Analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis B virus
Authors: Zheng Litao
Published: July 2023

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is considered one of the main driving forces in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Human HBV is a partially double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus consisting of approximately 3.2 kbp. HBV predominantly infects hepatocytes via the receptor sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) and coreceptor hepatic proteoglycan. The replication of HBV in hepatocytes leads to apoptosis while simultaneously leading to cirrhosis and cancer. Although the integration of dsDNA into the hepatocyte genome seems to be the main cause of mutation, since the discovery of their function, viral proteins have been shown to regulate the P53 pathway or P13K/AKT pathway to prevent host cell apoptosis, causing uncontrolled proliferation of liver cells leading to the formation of solid tumours. The most common treatments involve nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated interferon‐alpha (PegIFN‐α). NA treatment has been found to be effective for the majority of patients and induces few side effects. Nevertheless, the rate of seroconversion is relatively low. PegIFN treatment is contraindicated during pregnancy and leads to a higher morbidity rate, but the seroconversion rate is high. Since medicines and vaccines have been developed, the incidence and mortality of HBV related to HCC have profoundly decreased compared to those in 2000. This review investigates what can be the potential mechanism that HBV can cause HBV and the treatment used in chronic and acute infection.
Histological characteristics of exercise‐induced skeletal muscle remodelling
Authors: Su Qihang , Li Jie , Huang Jingbiao , Cai Qiuchen , Xue Chao , Huang Chenglong , Chen Liyang , Li Jun , Li Dandan , Ge Hengan , Cheng Biao
Published: July 2023

This study aims to analyse the pathological features of skeletal muscle injury repair by using rats to model responses to different exercise intensities. Eighty‐four rats were randomly divided into five groups for treadmill exercise. The short‐term control, low‐intensity, medium‐intensity and high‐intensity groups underwent gastrocnemius muscle sampling after 6, 8 and 12 weeks of exercise. The long‐term high‐intensity group underwent optical coherence tomography angiography and sampling after 18 weeks of exercise. RNA sequencing was performed on the muscle samples, followed by the corresponding histological staining. Differentially expressed genes were generally elevated at 6 weeks in the early exercise stage, followed by a decreasing trend. Meanwhile, the study demonstrated a negative correlation between time and the gene modules involved in vascular regulation. The modules associated with muscle remodelling were positively correlated with exercise intensity. Although the expression of many genes associated with common angiogenesis was downregulated at 8, 12 and 18 weeks, we found that muscle tissue microvessels were still increased, which may be closely associated with elevated sFRP2 and YAP1. During muscle injury‐remodelling, angiogenesis is characterized by significant exercise time and exercise intensity dependence. We find significant differences in the spatial distribution of angiogenesis during muscle injury‐remodelling, which be helpful for the future achievement of spatially targeted treatments for exercise‐induced muscle injuries.
Silencing of the MEG3 gene promoted anti‐cancer activity and drug sensitivity in glioma
Authors: Degirmenci Zehra , Unver Sena , Kilic Turker , Avsar Timucin
Published: August 2023

Aberrant expression of MEG3 has been shown in various cancers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of MEG3 on glioma cells and the use of potential chemotherapeutics in glioma by modulating MEG3 expression. Cell viability, migration and chemosensitivity were assayed. Cell death was evaluated in MEG3 overexpressing and MEG3 suppressed cells. MEG3 expression was compared in patient‐derived glioma cells concerning IDH1 mutation and WHO grades. Silencing of MEG3 inhibited cell proliferation and reduced cell migration while overexpression of MEG3 promoted proliferation in glioma cells. MEG3 inhibition improved the chemosensitivity of glioma cells to 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) but not to navitoclax. On the other hand, there is no significant effect of MEG3 expression on temozolamide (TMZ) treatment which is a standard chemotherapeutic agent in glioma. Suppression of the MEG3 gene in patient‐derived oligodendroglioma cells also showed the same effect whereas glioblastoma cell proliferation and chemosensitivity were not affected by MEG3 inhibition. Further, as a possible cell death mechanism of action apoptosis was investigated. Although MEG3 is a widely known tumour suppressor gene and its loss is associated with several cancer types, here we reported that MEG3 inhibition can be used for improving the efficiency of known chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. We propose that the level of MEG3 should be evaluated in the treatment of different glioma subtypes that are resistant to effective drugs to increase the potential effective drug applications.
Associations of polyneuropathy with risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular disease events stratified by diabetes status
Authors: Kim Kyuho , Lee Su‐Nam , Ahn Yu‐Bae , Ko Seung‐Hyun , Yun Jae‐Seung
Published: July 2023

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the association of polyneuropathy (PN) with all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality and with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events stratified by diabetes status.

Materials and Methods

This prospective cohort study used the UK Biobank. Polyneuropathy was defined based on nurse‐led interviews or ICD codes for polyneuropathy. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association of polyneuropathy with clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 459,127 participants were included in the analysis. Polyneuropathy was significantly associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, and with CVD events even after adjusting for CVD risk factors across all diabetes statuses. Metabolic parameters HbA1c, waist circumference, BMI and the inflammatory parameter C‐reactive protein showed significant mediation effects for the association between polyneuropathy and CVD. Adherence to a favorable lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality regardless of polyneuropathy status.

Conclusions

Polyneuropathy was associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, and with CVD events in subjects with diabetes or prediabetes, even those having normal glucose tolerance. This study suggests the importance of polyneuropathy as a risk factor for death and highlights the necessity of early diagnosis and lifestyle intervention for those with type 2 diabetes and polyneuropathy.
Housing relocation does not have to induce a significant stress response in captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Broche Nelson , Gris Vanessa , Suda‐Hashimoto Naoko , Mouri Keiko , Miyabe‐Nishiwaki Takako , Suzuki Juri , Huffman Michael A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Previous studies suggest that housing relocation may be stressful for captive non‐human primates. Our study investigated the stress levels of Japanese macaques during a housing relocation by measuring their daily fecal cortisol metabolites, which are often used as an indicator of stress.

Methods

Ten adult Japanese macaques, single‐housed for research purposes, were relocated to a new facility. Fecal samples were collected daily for 7 days. Cortisol metabolite concentrations were determined via enzyme immunoassay.

Results

No significant differences in cortisol metabolite levels were found in 7 days, but concentration levels showed that the highest median was associated to the relocation day.

Conclusions

The minimal cortisol metabolite increase suggests that there was a slight activity increase in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Techniques encouraging cooperation of the monkeys, the short time duration of the relocation, and consistency in the environment may have contributed to the minimal stress levels observed.
Preventive dental care utilization and dental caries for Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents in Oregon
Authors: Imani Kimia , Mancl Lloyd A. , Hill Courtney M. , Chi Donald L.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between preventive dental care utilization and untreated dental caries for Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents and to determine if the relationship is moderated by chronic conditions (CC).

Methods

This analysis was based on 2015–2016 Medicaid claims files and survey data collected from adolescents ages 12–18 years enrolled in Oregon Medicaid, who received a dental screening between December 2015 and December 2016 (n = 240). To assess the relationship between preventive dental care utilization and untreated dental caries (defined as decayed tooth surfaces), prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated using log‐linear regression models. We also tested for an interaction between preventive dental care utilization and CC.

Results

About 60.4% of adolescents utilized preventive dental care, 21.7% had CC, and 29.6% had ≥1 decayed tooth surfaces. There were no significant differences in untreated dental caries between adolescents who did and did not utilize preventive dental care (PR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.33–1.60; p = 0.43). There was not a significant interaction between preventive dental care utilization and CC (p = 0.65). Preventive dental care utilization was not significantly associated with untreated dental caries for adolescents with CC (PR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.10–2.65; p = 0.42) nor among adolescents without CC (PR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.33–1.91; p = 0.61).

Conclusions

Preventive dental care was not shown to be associated with lower untreated dental caries for Medicaid‐enrolled adolescents or those with CC. Future work that is adequately powered should continue to elucidate this relationship in Medicaid enrollees.
Assessing global trends in Mars magma compositions using ground truth
Authors: McSween Harry Y. , Head James W. , Rogers A. Deanne , Schmidt Mariek E.
Published: July 2023

Global magmatic trends inferred from gamma‐ray, visible/near‐infrared, and thermal infrared spectrometers on Mars‐orbiting spacecraft have been used to constrain planetary petrogenetic processes and global thermal evolution models. Inferred magmatic trends include temporal variations in the relative proportions of low‐Ca and high‐Ca pyroxenes, and in the abundances of potassium (and total alkalis), silica, FeO* (total iron expressed as FeO), and thorium. These patterns are evaluated for consistency with the compositions of surface igneous rocks of different ages analyzed by Mars rovers and of martian meteorites. Trends of decreasing low‐Ca pyroxene/total pyroxene ratios and of decreasing potassium (and total alkalis), with time are generally supported by surface rock analyses. However, significant differences in the GRS‐measured silica in Amazonian volcanoes and in martian meteorites of equivalent age result from contamination by silica‐rich dust and are problematic for a silica trend. Comparison of FeO* in Noachian and Amazonian surface data shows no decrease. An inferred temporal trend in thorium is in conflict with the complex enrichment and depletion patterns of incompatible trace elements in martian meteorites of various ages. A dearth of analyses of Hesperian‐age surface rocks precludes a firm evaluation of inferred Noachian‐Hesperian trends and Hesperian‐Amazonian trends, but abundant Noachian rocks and a few Hesperian rocks at rover sites, and Amazonian martian meteorites, collectively representing at least 16 surface locations, afford useful comparisons with orbital remote‐sensing data.
Dot‐ELISA based on recombinant Hypodermin C of Przhevalskiana silenus for field diagnosis of goat warble fly infestation
Authors: Yadav Vikas , Rafiqi Shafiya Imtiaz , Yadav Anish , Kushwaha Anand , Godara Rajesh , Katoch Rajesh , Panadero‐Fontán Rosario
Published: August 2023

Goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) is an economically important myiasis caused by larvae of Przhevalskiana silenus (Diptera, Oestridae), prevalent in countries of the Mediterranean Basin and Indian subcontinent. GWFI is characterized by the presence of subcutaneous warbles at the lumbar and sacral region of dorsum in the infested animal. The early larval instars (L1 and L2) remain inaccessible to physical detection due to their small size and subcutaneous presence thus causing hindrance in the diagnosis. The objective of present study was to develop a field applicable early diagnostic intervention for GWFI monitoring and prophylactic management for effective control of the disease. Recombinant Hypodermin C (rHyC) antigen of P. silenus was expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified protein was used for optimizing dot‐ELISA in a checkerboard titration using goat warble fly infested serum as known positive. The optimized assay was further tested for lower temperature (18°C) and incubation time (30 min). The optimized assay was assessed for inter‐rater reliability and field samples. The optimized conditions require 188 ng of protein/dot, 1:800 dilution of serum sample, 1:4000 dilution of anti‐goat IgG conjugate and 5% skim milk powder in phosphate buffer saline as blocking buffer. The assay was found to have a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 97.3% and 95.8%, respectively. The inter‐rater reliability of dot ELISA with rHyC indirect ELISA was found to be almost perfect with a Cohen's kappa index of 0.973. Further testing at ambient temperature (18°C) and shorter incubation steps (30 min) supported suitability of the assay for field diagnosis of GWFI. The present study provides the first report of a sensitive and specific dot‐ELISA for early diagnosis of GWFI which is rapid and cost effective. The test may provide an effective field applicable tool for sustainable control of GWFI.
When you need to dive in the deep end—Transplanting SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR+ recipients
Authors: Zavala Sofia , DeLaurentis Clare , Aaron Justin G. , Miko Benjamin A. , Fox Alyson N. , Bergelson Michael , DeVore Adam , Segovia Maria Cristina , Wolfe Cameron R. , Pereira Marcus R.
Published: August 2023

There is an ongoing need to understand whether transplantation during acute Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can be performed safely, especially when urgent transplant is required. We collected retrospective data of all consecutive non‐lung transplant recipients who had a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the day of planned deceased donor organ implantation. Data were collected from two large transplant centers from 01/01/2022 to 02/01/2023. Demographics, details regarding COVID‐19 infection, waitlist priority, and details regarding transplantation were obtained. A descriptive analysis was performed. A total of 12 patients were identified: 7 renal, 4 liver, and 1 heart transplant recipient. All 12 patients were vaccinated for COVID‐19. Ten were asymptomatic outpatients found positive on admission and transplanted immediately. Two were in‐patients with mild COVID‐19 symptoms and were reactivated on the waitlist following 3 days of remdesivir when no progression to severe COVID‐19 occurred. Most patients (10/12) received remdesivir posttransplant. No complications attributed to COVID‐19 were noted nor were any secondary family or healthcare worker infections observed. All recipients were managed with special isolation precautions befitting their potentially infectious state. Standard induction therapy was used in all recipients. After a median follow up period of 143 days (interquartile range: 96–201 days), 3 episodes of rejection were documented, 2/7 renal recipients experienced delayed graft function, and 2/4 liver recipients required renal replacement therapy. Graft and patient survival were 100%. Transplantation can safely proceed in select, minimally symptomatic, non‐lung recipients with a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR at the time of transplant.

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AXR1 modulates trichome morphogenesis through mediating ROP2 stability in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Lu , Niu Linyu , Ji Ke , Wang Yali , Zhang Chi , Pan Mi , Wang Wenjia , Schiefelbein John , Yu Fei , An Lijun
Published: July 2023

Cell differentiation and morphogenesis are crucial for the establishment of diverse cell types and organs in multicellular organisms. Trichome cells offer an excellent paradigm for dissecting the regulatory mechanisms of plant cell differentiation and morphogenesis due to their unique growth characteristics. Here, we report the isolation of an Arabidopsis mutant, aberrantly branched trichome 3–1 (abt3‐1), with a reduced trichome branching phenotype. Positional cloning and molecular complementation experiments confirmed that abt3‐1 is a new mutant allele of Auxin resistant 1 (AXR1), which encodes the N‐terminal half of ubiquitin‐activating enzyme E1 and functions in auxin signaling pathway. Meanwhile, we found that transgenic plants expressing constitutively active version of ROP2 (CA‐ROP2) caused a reduction of trichome branches, resembling that of abt3‐1. ROP2 is a member of Rho GTPase of plants (ROP) family, serving as versatile signaling switches involved in a range of cellular and developmental processes. Our genetic and biochemical analyses showed AXR1 genetically interacted with ROP2 and mediated ROP2 protein stability. The loss of AXR1 aggravated the trichome defects of CA‐ROP2 and induced the accumulation of steady‐state ROP2. Consistently, elevated AXR1 expression levels suppressed ROP2 expression and partially rescued trichome branching defects in CA‐ROP2 plants. Together, our results presented a new mutant allele of AXR1, uncovered the effects of AXR1 and ROP2 during trichome development, and revealed a pathway of ROP2‐mediated regulation of plant cell morphogenesis in Arabidopsis.
Comparison of three methods of tonometry in horses presented for ophthalmic disease
Authors: Latham Emily , Scherrer Nicole M. , Stefanovski Darko
Published: August 2023

Objective

To compare the measurement of intraocular pressure in horses with clinical ocular disease using three tonometry devices.

Animals Studied

A total of fifty horses were presented to the New Bolton Center Ophthalmology Service.

Procedure

Intraocular pressure was taken on 50 client‐owned horses (100 eyes) using the TonoVet, TonoVet Plus and Tono‐Pen Avia tonometers. Clinical equine patients included were presented to New Bolton Center for ophthalmic examination. Auriculopalpebral blocks were performed but horses were unsedated.

Results

All three tonometers were found to have strong agreement among them. The strongest agreement was between the TonoVet and the TonoVet Plus with the TonoVet on average 1.330 mmHg less than the TonoVet Plus (standard deviation 4.388 mmHg). This was followed by the TonoVet and the Tono‐Pen Avia Vet with the TonoVet on average 2.531 mmHg greater than the Tono‐Pen Avia Vet (standard deviation 4.124 mmHg). The weakest agreement was between the TonoVet Plus and the Tono‐Pen Avia with the TonoVet Plus on average 3.854 mmHg greater than the Tono‐Pen Avia (standard deviation 4.724 mmHg).

Conclusions

All three tonometers showed strong agreement, however, the TonoVet and the TonoVet Plus carried the strongest agreement with the TonoVet Plus having slightly higher measurements overall compared with the TonoVet. Due to small variations between devices, it is recommended that the same device be used for serial measurements of intraocular pressure. However, all three devices are appropriate to use in horses presented for ophthalmic evaluation.
A general approach to transversal versions of Dirac‐type theorems
Authors: Gupta Pranshu , Hamann Fabian , Müyesser Alp , Parczyk Olaf , Sgueglia Amedeo
Published: July 2023

Given a collection of hypergraphs with the same vertex set, an ‐edge graph is a transversal if there is a bijection such that for each . How large does the minimum degree of each need to be so that necessarily contains a copy of that is a transversal? Each in the collection could be the same hypergraph, hence the minimum degree of each needs to be large enough to ensure that . Since its general introduction by Joos and Kim (Bull. Lond. Math. Soc. 52 (2020) 498–504), a growing body of work has shown that in many cases this lower bound is tight. In this paper, we give a unified approach to this problem by providing a widely applicable sufficient condition for this lower bound to be asymptotically tight. This is general enough to recover many previous results in the area and obtain novel transversal variants of several classical Dirac‐type results for (powers of) Hamilton cycles. For example, we derive that any collection of graphs on an ‐vertex set, each with minimum degree at least , contains a transversal copy of the th power of a Hamilton cycle. This can be viewed as a rainbow version of the Pósa–Seymour conjecture.
A dilation theoretic approach to approximation by inner functions
Authors: Alpay Daniel , Bhattacharyya Tirthankar , Jindal Abhay , Kumar Poornendu
Published: July 2023

Using results from the theory of operators on a Hilbert space, we prove approximation results for matrix‐valued holomorphic functions on the unit disc and the unit bidisc. The essential tools are the theory of unitary dilation of a contraction and the realization formula for functions in the unit ball of . We first prove a generalization of a result of Carathéodory. This generalization has many applications. A uniform approximation result for matrix‐valued holomorphic functions which extend continuously to the unit circle is proved using the Potapov factorization. This generalizes a theorem due to Fisher. Approximation results are proved for matrix‐valued functions for whom a naturally associated kernel has finitely many negative squares. This uses the Krein–Langer factorization. Approximation results for ‐contractive meromorphic functions where induces an indefinite metric on are proved using the Potapov–Ginzburg theorem. Moreover, approximation results for holomorphic functions on the unit disc with values in certain other domains of interest are also proved.
Generalized Polish spaces at regular uncountable cardinals
Authors: Agostini Claudio , Motto Ros Luca , Schlicht Philipp
Published: July 2023

In the context of generalized descriptive set theory, we systematically compare and analyze various notions of Polish‐like spaces and standard ‐Borel spaces for an uncountable (regular) cardinal satisfying . As a result, we obtain a solid framework where one can develop the theory in full generality. We also provide natural characterizations of the generalized Cantor and Baire spaces. Some of the results obtained considerably extend previous work from Coskey and Schlicht (Fund. Math. 232 (2016) 227–248), Galeotti (Ph.D. thesis, Universität Hamburg, 2019), and Lücke and Schlicht (Israel J. Math. 209 (2015) 421–461), and answer some questions contained therein.