bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colec12 and Trail signaling confine cranial neural crest cell trajectories and promote collective cell migration
Authors: McLennan Rebecca , Giniunaite Rasa , Hildebrand Katie , Teddy Jessica M. , Kasemeier‐Kulesa Jennifer C. , Bolanos Lizbeth , Baker Ruth E. , Maini Philip K. , Kulesa Paul M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Collective and discrete neural crest cell (NCC) migratory streams are crucial to vertebrate head patterning. However, the factors that confine NCC trajectories and promote collective cell migration remain unclear.

Results

Computational simulations predicted that confinement is required only along the initial one‐third of the cranial NCC migratory pathway. This guided our study of Colec12 (Collectin‐12, a transmembrane scavenger receptor C‐type lectin) and Trail (tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand, CD253) which we show expressed in chick cranial NCC‐free zones. NCC trajectories are confined by Colec12 or Trail protein stripes in vitro and show significant and distinct changes in cell morphology and dynamic migratory characteristics when cocultured with either protein. Gain‐ or loss‐of‐function of either factor or in combination enhanced NCC confinement or diverted cell trajectories as observed in vivo with three‐dimensional confocal microscopy, respectively, resulting in disrupted collective migration.

Conclusions

These data provide evidence for Colec12 and Trail as novel NCC microenvironmental factors playing a role to confine cranial NCC trajectories and promote collective cell migration.
Testing the context dependence of ant nutrient preference across habitat strata and trophic levels in Neotropical biomes
Authors: Lasmar Chaim J. , Bishop Tom R. , Parr Catherine L. , Queiroz Antônio C. M. , Wilker Icaro , Feitosa Rodrigo M. , Schmidt Fernando A. , Ribas Carla R.
Published: January 2023

Animals are integrated into the wider ecosystem via their foraging and behavior. The compensation hypothesis predicts that animals target their foraging efforts (i) toward nutrients that are scarce in the environment and (ii) toward nutrients that are not present in the usual diet of species, which varies across trophic levels. Understanding how foraging for resources varies locally, such as across habitat strata, and trophic levels will help to elucidate the links between the local environment and communities to the ecological functions that animals mediate. We examined whether the relative resource use of ants varies consistently along a habitat strata gradient and across trophic levels across Neotropical biomes. We placed 4500 baited tubes, each containing one of five liquid resources (sugar, amino acid, lipid, sodium, and distilled water) in one of three habitat strata (subterranean, epigaeic, and arboreal) across 60 transects in Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pampa, and Pantanal biomes. We assessed the relative resource use of all ants across the habitat strata and among two different trophic groups across biomes. The relative preference for sugar increased from subterranean to arboreal strata in all biomes, while the relative preference for lipids decreased at this gradient in five biomes. We also found that in general sugar‐consuming ants foraged more for sugar and less for lipids than predatory ants across biomes. Conversely, we found no consistency across biomes in nutrient preference of amino acid and sodium across habitat strata or trophic levels. Overall, our results indicate sugar limitation in the arboreal stratum and lipid limitation on the ground across biomes and that the trophic level of ants strongly determines their foraging efforts—possibly because ants try to fix their dietary nutrient imbalances. Hence, our findings suggest strong local niche partitioning of sugar and lipid use across habitat strata and trophic levels and that other large spatial scale processes influence the local amino acid and sodium dynamics.
Historical forest disturbance results in variation in functional resilience of seed dispersal mutualisms
Authors: Buono Carmela M. , Lofaso Jesse , Smisko Will , Gerth Carly , Santare John , Prior Kirsten M.
Published: January 2023

Mutualistic interactions provide essential ecosystem functions that contribute to promoting and maintaining diversity in ecosystems. Understanding if functionally important mutualisms are “resilient” (i.e., able to resist or recover) to anthropogenic disturbance is essential for revealing the capacity for diversity to recover. Animal‐mediated seed dispersal supports plant population growth and influences community structure, and disturbance affecting seed dispersal can contribute to low resiliency of plant diversity. Ant–seed dispersal mutualisms are sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, as they rely on one to a few high‐quality dispersal partners. In North American eastern deciduous forests, ants in the genus Aphaenogaster are “keystone dispersers” of understory forbs adapted to dispersal by ants (myrmecochores), which make up more than one‐third of the understory herbaceous community. The majority of forests within this region have regenerated from previous disturbance in the form of clearing for agriculture. Previous studies have revealed that myrmecochore diversity is not resilient to previous clearing. Here, we ask if seed dispersal mutualisms are resilient to historical forest disturbance and if decreases in mutualistic interactions with partners, Aphaenogaster sp., or increases in antagonistic interactions cause degradation of function. In a large‐scale natural experiment (20 sites), we measured seed removal, the abundance of mutualistic partners and other invertebrates interacting with seeds, myrmecochore cover, and diversity, along with ant habitat and forest structure. We found lower and more variable seed removal in secondary forests compared with remnant forests. A path analysis of all forests revealed that the abundance of mutualists was the primary determinant of the variation in seed removal, and that seed damage by antagonists (invasive slugs) negatively affected dispersal and was higher in secondary forests. In a path analysis of remnant forests, the link between mutualist abundance and seed removal was absent, but present in the secondary forest path, suggesting that seed dispersal is more variable and dependent on the mutualist abundance in secondary forests and is stable and high in remnant forests. Our results suggest that functional resilience to disturbance is variable, where seed dispersal is low in some secondary forests and not others. This work provides key insights into the effects of disturbance on mutualistic interactions and how the resilience of critical ecosystem functions impacts the capacity for diversity resiliency.
Concomitant latent pulmonary vascular disease leads to impaired global cardiac performance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Schuster Andreas , Schulz Alexander , Lange Torben , Evertz Ruben , Hartmann Finn , Kowallick Johannes T. , Hellenkamp Kristian , Uecker Martin , Seidler Tim , Hasenfuß Gerd , Backhaus Sören J.
Published: January 2023

Aims

The REDUCE‐LAP II trial demonstrated adverse outcomes after interatrial shunt device (IASD) placement in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) attributed to latent pulmonary vascular disease (PVD). We hypothesized that exercise stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging could provide non‐invasive characterization of cardiac and pulmonary physiology for improved patient selection.

Methods and results

The HFpEF‐Stress trial prospectively enrolled 75 patients with exertional dyspnoea and diastolic dysfunction. Patients underwent rest and exercise stress right heart catheterization, echocardiography and CMR imaging. Pulmonary artery and capillary wedge pressures, cardiac index (CI) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were calculated. Latent PVD was defined as increased PVR ≥ 1.74 Wood units during exercise stress. CMR assessed long‐axis strains (LAS) and filling volumes of all cardiac chambers. Right ventricular (RV) function was further quantified by stroke and peak flow volumes. Patients with latent PVD (n = 24) showed lower RV function (rest tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, p = 0.010; stress RV LAS, p < 0.001) compared to patients without (n = 43). During exercise stress, RV stroke and peak flow volumes (p < 0.001) were reduced and led to impaired left atrial filling (p = 0.040) with a strong statistical trend to impaired ventricular (LV) filling (p = 0.098). This subsequently resulted in reduced LV‐CI (p < 0.001) despite preserved LV systolic function (LV LAS p ≥ 0.255). The degree of RV dysfunction during exercise stress best predicted latent PVD (RV peak flow, area under the curve at rest 0.73 vs. stress 0.89, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Latent PVD is a feature of HFpEF and is associated with impaired RV functional reserve, global diastolic filling and LV‐CI. This can be quantified by CMR and used to identify patients likely to benefit from IASD implantation.
HFO‐1234yf as a CF3 Building Block: Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl Quinoline and Chromene Derivatives from Trifluoromethyl‐ynones
Authors: Marsh Thomas G. F. , Santambrogio Alessia , Murray Ben J. , Boulton Lee T. , Aguilar Juan A. , Yufit Dmitry S. , Sandford Graham , Brittain William D. G.
Published: January 2023

Trifluoromethyl ynones derived from the refrigerant gas HFO‐1234yf (2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropene) react with nucleophiles via a Michael‐type addition process and the allenolate intermediate formed reacts intramolecularly with a carbonyl group to form heterocyclic derivatives. Thus, reaction of 2‐amino and 2‐hydroxyl benzaldehyde or ketone substrates with trifluoromethyl ynone derivatives gives trifluoromethyl quinoline and chromene products by a one‐pot tandem ring closing sequence, forming pharmaceutically relevant structures from an inexpensive starting material without the need for transition metals or column chromatography. The 2‐trifluoromethylquinoline products also show unusual fluxional behaviour, which was explored through 2‐D NMR and X‐ray crystallographic studies.
Prognosis of a new episode of low‐back pain in a community inception cohort
Authors: de Campos Tarcisio F. , da Silva Tatiane M. , Maher Christopher G. , Pocovi Natasha C. , Hancock Mark J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Most studies investigating the prognosis of low back pain (LBP) enrol people presenting for care, rather than all people who have an episode of LBP. We aimed to describe the prognosis of an acute episode of LBP in a community inception cohort.

Methods

We used data from two previous studies investigating recurrence of LBP. Participants without current LBP were contacted monthly to assess if they had experienced a new episode of LBP. 366 participants reporting a new episode of LBP were included in the current study. The primary outcome was duration of the new episode of LBP. Secondary outcomes were average and worst pain during the episode and the proportion of participants seeking care.

Results

The median duration of the episode was 5 days (95% CI 3.99 to 6.02). The cumulative probability of recovery was 70.0% (95% CI 65.3 to 74.7) before 1 week, 86.1% (95% CI 82.6 to 89.6) before 3 weeks, 90.9% (95% CI 88.0 to 93.8) before 6 weeks, and 93.5% (95% CI 90.8 to 96.0) before 12 weeks. The mean average pain intensity was 3.7 (SD ± 1.5), and the mean worst pain intensity was 5.6 (SD ± 1.9). The proportion of patients who sought care was 39.5% (95% CI 33.9 to 46.4).

Conclusions

This study found most episodes of LBP recover rapidly and more quickly than typically reported for clinical populations. The worst pain during the episode was typically moderate despite the rapid recovery for most people. Approximately 40% of the participants who experienced an episode of LBP sought care.

Significance

This study describes the prognosis of an acute episode of LBP in a community inception cohort. This study found the majority of episodes of LBP, in community‐dwelling adults, recover rapidly (median of 5 days) and more quickly than typically reported for clinical populations. The community should be reassured about the favourable prognosis of acute LBP.
Antioxidant activity and phytochemical analysis of fennel seeds and flaxseed
Authors: Noreen Sana , Tufail Tabussam , Bader Ul Ain Huma , Ali Anwar , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Nemat Arash , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal
Published: January 2023

Natural herbs are now receiving more attention due to the growing demand for their antioxidant properties. This study compared flaxseed and fennel seeds for their nutritional composition, bioactive moieties, and antioxidant activity—the study comprised two different phases. According to methods, phase I analyzed flaxseed and fennel seeds for proximate composition, mineral profile, dietary fiber, and amino acid content. In phase II, seeds were extracted using three different solvents, i.e., ethanol 80%, acetone 80%, and distilled water, to probe the total phenolic and flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH and a FRAP in the final phase. Current study revealed that flaxseed had higher protein (17.33 ± 0.02%), fat content (36.76 ± 0.02%), potassium (763.66 ± 4.04 mg/100 g), iron (5.13 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), phosphorus (581.46 ± 4.07 mg/100 g), magnesium (406.60 ± 5.12 mg/100 g), and zinc (3.30 ± 0.49 mg/100 g), respectively. In fennel seed, high dietary fiber (53.2 ± 0.01 g/100 mg), calcium, manganese, and sodium (588.93 ± 7.77, 20.30 ± 0.95, and 57.34 ± 0.33 mg/100 g, respectively) were found. Acetone showed better extraction efficiency than acetone, ethanol, and distilled water. Moreover, acetone flaxseed extract showed higher total phenolic content (84.13 ± 7.73 mgGAE/g), flavonoid content (5.11 ± 1.50 mgQE/g), and FRAP (5031 ± 15.92 μMFe2+/g) than fennel seed extract. This study showed that, among both herbs, flaxseed extract may have pharmacological potential in preventing illnesses and may be suggested for use in the food industry as a natural antioxidant.
The role of FUT8‐catalyzed core fucosylation in Alzheimer's amyloid‐β oligomer‐induced activation of human microglia
Authors: Jin Lee‐Way , di Lucente Jacopo , Ruiz Mendiola Ulises , Tang Xinyu , Zivkovic Angela M. , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Maezawa Izumi
Published: January 2023

Fucosylation, especially core fucosylation of N‐glycans catalyzed by α1‐6 fucosyltransferase (fucosyltransferase 8 or FUT8), plays an important role in regulating the peripheral immune system and inflammation. However, its role in microglial activation is poorly understood. Here we used human induced pluripotent stem cells‐derived microglia (hiMG) as a model to study the role of FUT8‐catalyzed core fucosylation in amyloid‐β oligomer (AβO)‐induced microglial activation, in view of its significant relevance to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). HiMG responded to AβO and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with a pattern of pro‐inflammatory activation as well as enhanced core fucosylation and FUT8 expression within 24 h. Furthermore, we found increased FUT8 expression in both human AD brains and microglia isolated from 5xFAD mice, a model of AD‐like cerebral amyloidosis. Inhibition of fucosylation in AβO‐stimulated hiMG reduced the induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, suppressed the activation of p38MAPK, and rectified phagocytic deficits. Specific inhibition of FUT8 by siRNA‐mediated knockdown also reduced AβO‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines. We further showed that p53 binds to the two consensus binding sites in the Fut8 promoter, and that p53 knockdown abolished FUT8 overexpression in AβO‐activated hiMG. Taken together, our evidence supports that FUT8‐catalyzed core fucosylation is a signaling pathway required for AβO‐induced microglia activation and that FUT8 is a component of the p53 signaling cascade regulating microglial behavior. Because microglia are a key driver of AD pathogenesis, our results suggest that microglial FUT8 could be an anti‐inflammatory therapeutic target for AD.
Prenatal depressive symptoms and childhood development of brain limbic and default mode network structure
Authors: Donnici Claire , Long Xiangyu , Reynolds Jess , Giesbrecht Gerald F. , Dewey Deborah , Letourneau Nicole , Huo Yuankai , Landman Bennett , Lebel Catherine
Published: January 2023

Prenatal depressive symptoms are linked to negative child behavioral and cognitive outcomes and predict later psychopathology in adolescent children. Prior work links prenatal depressive symptoms to child brain structure in regions like the amygdala; however, the relationship between symptoms and the development of brain structure over time remains unclear. We measured maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and acquired longitudinal T1‐weighted and diffusion imaging data in children (n = 111; 60 females) between 2.6 and 8 years of age. Controlling for postnatal symptoms, we used linear mixed effects models to test relationships between prenatal depressive symptoms and age‐related changes in (i) amygdala and hippocampal volume and (ii) structural properties of the limbic and default‐mode networks using graph theory. Higher prenatal depressive symptoms in the second trimester were associated with more curvilinear trajectories of left amygdala volume changes. Higher prenatal depressive symptoms in the third trimester were associated with slower age‐related changes in limbic global efficiency and average node degree across childhood. Our work provides evidence that moderate symptoms of prenatal depression in a low sociodemographic risk sample are associated with structural brain development in regions and networks implicated in emotion processing.
Mechanical Characterization and Single‐Cell Imaging of Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Moreau Alexis , Mukherjee Sampriti , Yan Jing
Published: January 2023

Bacterial biofilms are structured clusters of bacterial cells embedded in a polymeric matrix and attached to a surface. The extracellular matrix protects the bacteria and allows them to survive in hostile environmental conditions. Biofilms can be both beneficial and harmful in nature, medicine and industry. Here, we summarize recent advances in understanding the mechanics of bacterial biofilms and high‐resolution imaging techniques to visualize and reconstruct biofilms at single‐cell level. A deeper understanding of biofilm architecture and mechanics will potentially lead to new treatment of biofilm‐related infections and new material design enabled by biofilms.
Dyotropic Rearrangements in Organic Solvents, in the Gas Phase, and in Enzyme Catalysis
Authors: Reetz Manfred T.
Published: January 2023

This short historical account outlines how Helmut Schwarz and Manfred T. Reetz first met almost half a century ago and remained personal friends ever since. It began by collaborations on dyotropic rearrangements and other transformations in the gas phase. Although their chemical interests diverged considerably over decades, which are briefly mentioned in this account, both were always driven by curiosity. Another common feature was the fact that they both collaborated with Israeli chemists in various projects up to the present day. They also contributed to the celebration in 2015 commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relationship between Israel and Germany.
The effect of output additionality of public funding support on firm innovation. Evidence from firms of different sizes
Authors: Prencipe Antonio , D'Amico Luciano , Boffa Danilo , Corsi Christian
Published: January 2023

The article aims to study the effect of output additionality of public innovation funding on firm innovation, measured as economic returns of innovation, across firms of different sizes. A panel sample consisting of 4125 Spanish firms observed during years 2009–2014 has been analysed, using a treatment model. Robustness tests have also been used. The findings show the effects of output additionality of innovation funding support for small, medium and large firms, with a greater effect on large firms and a lower effect on medium firms. However, there has a weak effect for very large firms, which do not benefit in terms of output additionality. Since it is relatively easy for large firms to benefit from public support for innovation, some of the resources allocated to them should be passed on to small and medium firms. Medium firms seem to be less inclined to benefit from economies of scales than large firms and may be less affected by public innovation policy given the priority for small firms' development. Small and medium enterprises can benefit further from well‐designed targeting programmes, with a prevalence of demand‐side support measures compared to the supply‐side measures.
Maternal influenza vaccination preferentially boosts hemagglutinin stem‐specific antibody resulting in efficient transplacental transfer of stem‐specific IgG
Authors: Zuber Matthew J. , Stamilio David M. , Holbrook Beth C. , Snively Beverly M. , Jensen Elizabeth T. , Alexander‐Miller Martha A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate hemagglutinin stem‐specific antibody response to the influenza vaccine during pregnancy and its transfer to the infant.

Methods

The authors assessed antibody titers among maternal participants and their paired neonate's cord blood (CB) using enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Fifteen pregnant participants pre‐2019 and post‐2019 seasonal influenza vaccine were compared with 18 prenatally vaccinated participants with paired neonatal CB samples. Total IgG and IgG subclass titers specific for whole vaccine antigens versus recombinant hemagglutinin stem–specific antigen were compared using Wilcoxon exact test.

Results

Hemagglutinin stem–specific IgG was boosted more robustly than whole vaccine titers when comparing postvaccine versus prevaccine log2 IgG ratios (P = 0.04). Hemagglutinin stem–specific IgG titers were boosted postvaccination (prevaccine: 14.5 [95% confidence interval, 13.8–15.2] vs. postvaccine: 16 [95% confidence interval, 15.2–16.8], P = 0.004). While IgG to whole vaccine was similar in neonatal CB and maternal plasma (P = 0.09), hemagglutinin stem–specific IgG concentrated in CB (P = 0.002), which was dominated by IgG1 subclass (analysis of variance P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate the ability of pregnant women to generate a more robust antibody response to the stem region compared with the head region of hemagglutinin with transplacental transfer of IgG.
Barriers to dental care in a rural community
Authors: Castillo Kimberly B. , Echeto Luisa , Schentrup Denise
Published: January 2023

Purpose

A nurse‐led rural practice, Archer Family Health Care, established a partnership with the University of Florida College of Dentistry to improve access to dental care for underserved rural populations. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of this partnership on dental care access and identify perceived barriers patients’ experience in this rural community.

Methods

A qualitative design was used to evaluate if this partnership improved access to dental care and identify care barriers existing in this population. Outcome measures were 1) completed dental visits and 2) a qualitative analysis of patients’ perceived barriers to accessing care if they did not complete their dental appointment.

Results

As a result of this partnership, 118 direct dental referrals were placed. From those referrals, 45 (38%) patients completed their dental appointments, and 73 (62%) patients did not. Twenty‐five patients provided a rationale for not presenting for their appointment. Cited barriers included cost (32%), time (24%), frustration with the referral process (20%), obtaining care at an alternate dental location (12%), fear (7%), and transportation issues (4%).

Conclusion

This project suggests that specific interventions may increase opportunities for dental care in rural areas however barriers continue to exist that may impact that access.
Game‐based learning in dental education
Authors: Nguyen Linh M. , Le Cynthia , Lee Vivien D.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The incorporation of interactive elements using technology increases student enjoyment and classroom learning effectiveness. This study investigated the usage of an online gamification platform in the dental school environment and compared game‐based learning attitudes among students in different stages of their 4‐year training program.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among dental medicine students in Years: 1 (Y1), 2 (Y2), 3 (Y3), and 4 (Y4) at a US‐based dental school. The 11‐item survey explored student perceptions on the effects of playing the Kahoots quiz game, using the 5‐point Likert scale. Responses among male and female students were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test, with responses of students in different years of dental school analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

Average student age was 25 (range 20–45 years) upon starting dental school. Of 206 study participants, n = 129 (63%) were males and n = 74 (36%) females, n = 70 (34.0%) were Y1; n = 52 (25.2%), Y2; n = 48 (23.3%), Y3; and n = 36 (17.5%), Y4. Males tried harder to answer game questions than females (p = 0.027). Compared to students in the upper 3 years, the Y1 students reported that they tried harder to win (p = 0.002), the games held (p = 0.002) and motivated them to pay attention (p < 0.001), helped them understand (p = 0.021) and to retain lecture concepts (p = 0.010), and aided in the preparation for exams (p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Dental students in all stages of their 4‐year training programs, especially Y1 students, reported positive perceptions of gamified learning and believed that it was helpful in identifying difficult concepts and motivating them to study.
Influence of female reproductive state and of fishing‐capture stress on the oxygen uptake rate of a viviparous elasmobranch
Authors: Finotto Licia , Walker Terence I. , Reina Richard D.
Published: January 2023

In animals discarded after a fishing capture event, the elicited stress response necessary to ensure their survival is energetically costly. This energy is diverted from other important biological activities, including growth and reproduction, possibly impairing them. Given that elasmobranchs are among the most threatened vertebrate groups, estimating capture‐induced energetic changes and comparing these variations to the energy requirements of pregnancy maintenance is necessary. In pregnant southern fiddler rays (Trygonorrhina dumerilii), we measured changes in oxygen uptake rate (ṀO2; a proxy for metabolic rate and energy usage) in response to trawling simulation and air exposure, and estimated the oxygen requirements of sustaining late‐term pregnancy and embryos. ṀO2 was measured in pregnant females, before (prestress ṀO2) and after trawling simulation (after‐capture ṀO2), and again after females gave birth (postpartum ṀO2). After‐capture ṀO2 was 31.7% lower than ṀO2 measured in minimally stressed females, suggesting a reduction in energy expenditure. This reduction is likely triggered by an initially excessive energetic investment in the stress response, and is aimed at shutting down nonessential activities to redirect energy to processes fundamental for survival. Prestress ṀO2 was 78.5% higher than postpartum ṀO2. Capture simulation decreased ṀO2 to values similar to those observed postpartum, suggesting a capture‐induced reduction in oxygen and energy allocation to pregnancy and embryonic respiration, which could be associated with reproductive impairments. These data, by better estimating the impact of capture and discard on energetic requirements and reproductive fitness, may support the introduction of area and/or seasonal closures to fishing.
Surveillance, isolation and genomic characterization of Pteropine orthoreovirus of probable bat origin among patients with acute respiratory infection in Malaysia
Authors: Tee Kok Keng , Chan Po Qhuan , Loh Alson Mun‐Khin , Singh Sarbhan , Teo Chee How , Iyadorai Thevambiga , Chook Jack Bee , Ng Kim Tien , Takebe Yutaka , Chan Kok Gan , Sam I‐Ching , Voon Kenny
Published: January 2023

Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV), an emerging bat‐borne virus, has been linked to cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in humans. The prevalence, epidemiology and genomic diversity of PRV among ARI of unknown origin were studied. Among 632 urban outpatients tested negative for all known respiratory viruses, 2.2% were PRV‐positive. Patients mainly presented with moderate to severe forms of cough, sore throat and muscle ache, but rarely with fever. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that over 90% of patients infected with the Melaka virus (MelV)‐like PRV, while one patient infected with the Pulau virus previously found only in fruit bats. Human oral keratinocytes and nasopharyngeal epithelial cells were susceptible to clinical isolates of PRV, including the newly isolated MelV‐like 12MYKLU1034. Whole genome sequence of 12MYKLU1034 using Nanopore technique revealed a novel reassortant strain. Evolutionary analysis of the global PRV strains suggests the continuous evolution of PRV through genetic reassortment among PRV strains circulating in human, bats and non‐human primate hosts, creating a spectrum of reassortant lineages with complex evolutionary characteristics. In summary, the role of PRV as a common etiologic agent of ARI is evident. Continuous monitoring of PRV prevalence, pathogenicity and diversity among human and animal hosts is important to trace the emergence of novel reassortants.
The case fatality rate of COVID‐19 during the Delta and the Omicron epidemic phase: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Kisong , Cho Kyuyeon , Song Junmin , Rahmati Masoud , Koyanagi Ai , Lee Seung Won , Yon Dong Keon , Il Shin Jae , Smith Lee
Published: January 2023

As coronavirus variants are constantly occurring, we tried to understand more about the omicron and delta variants that have hit the world. We provided dynamic information on the case fatality rate (CFR) of the Omicron variant over time and to compare it with that of the Delta variant through meta‐analysis. Twenty‐four countries were selected by submission counts, submission dates, and confirmed cases. We defined the Delta or the Omicron epidemic period for individual countries as when each variant is over 90%. We further analyzed the Omicron period by dividing it into the initial plateau, increasing, and decreasing phases according to the number of newly confirmed daily cases. Finally, the meta‐analysis examined the summary and between‐study heterogeneity. The CFR of COVID‐19 during the Omicron epidemic was lower than that during the Delta epidemic (odds ratio [OR]: 0.252, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.205−0.309). The CFR of COVID‐19 during the initial plateau phase of Omicron was higher than during other phases. (OR: 1.962, 95% CI 1.607−2.397). The CFR of COVID‐19 during the increasing phase was lower than during the decreasing phases (OR: 0.412, 95% CI 0.342–0.498). The Omicron variant had lower CFR compared to the Delta variant, and the initial plateau phase had higher CFR compared to the noninitial phases. These results can help establish global health policies for COVID‐19 in the future.
Bone‐ACL‐bone allograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Short‐term evaluation in a rabbit model with microcomputed tomography
Authors: Liu Yulei , Deng Xiang‐Hua , Havasy Janice , Green Samuel , Piacentini Alexander , Chen Daoyun , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: January 2023

The standard grafts used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are tendon, either patellar tendon, hamstring, or quadriceps. However, the microstructure and composition of tendon differs from ligament. Ideally, the ACL would be replaced with the same tissue. To evaluate the incorporation of a bone‐ACL‐bone (B‐ACL‐B) graft for ACL reconstruction, we performed a controlled laboratory study in a rabbit model with microcomputed tomography (μCT). Forty‐six New Zealand white rabbits were used, with 17 donor rabbits to harvest bilateral B‐ACL‐B allografts and 29 rabbits undergoing unilateral ACL reconstruction with B‐ACL‐B allograft. Knee specimens were collected for biomechanical testing (n = 14) at 4 and 8 weeks and for μCT analysis (n = 15) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Gross inspection and μCT examination confirmed bone blocks in the appropriate anatomic position. Biomechanical tests revealed no difference in mean load‐to‐failure force for B‐ACL‐B allografts between 4 and 8 weeks. Progressive healing occurred between the bone block and the tunnel as demonstrated by a gradual increase on average bone‐volume fraction and total mineral density (TMD) in both femoral and tibial tunnels. Remodeling of the bone block was evidenced by a significant decrease in TMD of both tibial and femoral bone blocks. This is a report of a novel rabbit B‐ACL‐B allograft reconstruction model demonstrating early signs of graft remodeling and incorporation. Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrates ACL reconstruction using an anatomically matched ACL allograft, rather than a tendon graft, may be possible based on early findings in this lapine model.
Relative motion between the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and subsynovial connective tissue is time dependent
Authors: Kociolek Aaron M. , Keir Peter J.
Published: January 2023

The subsynovial connective tissue is an integral component of flexor tendon gliding in the carpal tunnel, which is strained during longitudinal tendon displacement. We tested the effects of repetition frequency and finger load on flexor tendon function throughout active finger movement. Eleven participants performed metacarpophalangeal joint flexion/extension of the long finger cyclically at three repetition frequencies (0.75, 1.00, 1.25 Hz) and two finger loads (3.5, 7 N). Relative displacement between the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and subsynovial connective tissue was assessed as the shear‐strain index with color ultrasound throughout the entire time history of finger flexion and extension. In addition, long finger joint angles were measured with electrogoniometry while flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor digitorum muscle activities were measured with fine‐wire electromyography to characterize the finger movements. The shear‐strain index increased with greater finger flexion (p = 0.001), representing higher relative displacement between tendon and subsynovial connective tissue; however, no changes were observed throughout finger extension. The shear‐strain index also increased with higher repetition frequencies (p = 0.013) and finger loads (p = 0.029), further modulating time‐dependent effects during finger flexion versus extension. Using ultrasound, we characterized the time‐dependent response of the shear‐strain index, in vivo, providing valuable data on flexor tendon function during active finger movement. Our results infer greater subsynovial connective tissue strain and shear during repetitive and forceful finger movements. Future research characterizing time‐dependent effects in carpal tunnel syndrome patients may further elucidate the relations between subsynovial connective tissue function, damage, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Clinical profile of idiopathic angioedema based on severity and treatment response is independent of the presence of concomitant wheals
Authors: Soegiharto Reineke , Alizadeh Aghdam Mehran , Knulst Andre C. , Röckmann Heike
Published: January 2023

Background

Idiopathic angioedema varies in disease severity and treatment response, possibly due to different pathophysiological mechanisms. The presence of wheals is an indicator for histamine‐mediated angioedema. Idiopathic angioedema patients are treated in accordance with chronic spontaneous urticaria guidelines. Little is known about treatment effectiveness in idiopathic angioedema patients without wheals in comparison to idiopathic angioedema patients with concomitant wheals.

Objective

To describe the disease severity profile in patients with angioedema of unknown cause in relation to prophylactic treatment and the presence or absence of concomitant wheals.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, all records of angioedema patients visiting the outpatient clinic of the UMC Utrecht between January 2015 and March 2020 were screened. Patients with idiopathic angioedema, including those with concomitant wheals, were included. Attack frequency, patient‐reported disease control and attack treatment as indicator for severity were analysed in relation to prophylactic treatment at follow‐up and outcomes were compared between patients with and without concomitant subordinary wheals.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐six patients were included: 95% (139/236) with angioedema only and 41% (97/236) with angioedema and concomitant subordinary wheals. No prophylactic treatment was prescribed in 27% (64/236), with well‐controlled disease in 86% (25/29) of patients. Antihistamine monotherapy was used in 59% (139/236) of patients and resulted in well‐controlled disease in 68% (62/92). Add‐on treatment was prescribed in 14% (33/236) of patients, omalizumab in 9% (22/236) specifically, with complete response in 38% (6/16) of patients and low attack frequency in another 18% (3/16). Difficult‐to‐treat disease was seen in 8% (18/236), with no response to a fourfold dose of antihistamines or omalizumab. All findings were independent from the presence of concomitant wheals.

Conclusion

Angioedema is well manageable in the majority of patients without prophylactic therapy or antihistamine monotherapy, but a substantial proportion does not respond to antihistamines and/or omalizumab. Treatment response was independent of the presence or absence of concomitant wheals.
Variations in reproduction and age structure in the North American river otter in North Carolina, USA
Authors: Sanders Charles W. , Stewart Dennis L. , Pacifici Krishna , Hess George R. , Olfenbuttel Colleen , DePerno Christopher S.
Published: January 2023

Historically, the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis; otter) was distributed across North Carolina, USA, but populations were decimated by the early 1900s. Otter trapping was prohibited in 1938, reopened in 1947, and gradually expanded until it was opened statewide in 2005. Between 1986 and 1992, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Great Smoky Mountains National Park released 404 otters to restore populations in western North Carolina. Our objective was to determine if the age structure and reproductive rates of otters throughout North Carolina shifted from 1978 to 2018 between remnant and reintroduced populations. During the 1978–1980 (period 1; Coastal Plain) and the 2009–2013 and 2014–2016 (period 2; statewide) trapping seasons, we collected 1,439 otter carcasses from licensed trappers, fur buyers, and wildlife damage control agents throughout the 3 Furbearer Management Units (FMUs) and 14 river basins in North Carolina. We conducted necropsies, used cementum annuli of the lower canine for age analysis, and counted corpora lutea and fetuses for fecundity estimates. Age distributions for all otters were skewed toward the younger age classes and did not differ between collection periods. During period 1, adults in the Coastal Plain had higher corpora lutea counts than during period 2, whereas Coastal Plain yearlings and juveniles had higher numbers of corpora lutea during period 2. During period 2, corpora lutea counts differed among FMUs; counts in the Mountain FMU (x̄ = 2.56) were higher than in the Coastal Plain FMU (x̄ = 1.62) or the Piedmont FMU (x̄ = 1.91). Within the Coastal Plain FMU and pooling all age classes, fecundity increased by 45% from period 1 to period 2. Adult fecundity in the Coastal Plain FMU declined 16% from period 1 to period 2, while juveniles and yearlings began reproducing between the periods, indicating that reproduction has shifted to younger age classes between 1978 and 2018.
Experimental kinetic study of the reactions between OH radicals and three 2‐butenes over the temperature range 220–370 K and pressure range 0.67–40 kPa (5–300 Torr)
Authors: Orkin Vladimir L. , Khamaganov Victor G. , Kurylo Michael J.
Published: January 2023

Gas phase reactions between OH radicals and three 2‐Butenes were studied using a flash photolysis resonance‐fluorescence technique over the temperature range 220–370 K and total gas pressures of 0.67 kPa (5 Torr) to 40 kPa (300 Torr). Measured rate constants exhibited weak negative temperature dependences. Most studies were carried out in argon, but some test experiments employed helium or nitrogen as the bath gas. Rate constants of OH reactions with cis‐2‐butene and trans‐2‐butene were found to exhibit a pressure dependence at room temperature and above. Kinetic parameters and describing termolecular rate constants in Ar bath gas were derived for both reactions and can be used to calculate rate constants at the Earth's atmospheric conditions. The high‐pressure limiting rate constants are , cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and , cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for OH addition reactions with cis‐2‐butene and trans‐2‐butene, respectively. Their rate constants at 1 atm (760 Torr, 101 kPa) pressure can be represented as kZ(T, 1 atm) = 5.93 × 10−11 × (T/298)−1.61 × exp ( − 17/T), cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and kE(T, 1 atm) = 6.75 × 10−11 × (T/298)−1.64 × exp ( − 16/T), cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The rate constant of the OH addition reaction with 2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐butene was found to be pressure independent under our conditions and can be represented as kTME(T) = 14.08 × 10−11 × (T/298)−1.714 × exp ( − 95.7/T), cm3 molecule−1 s−1 with kTME (298 K) = (10.21 ± 0.30) × 10−11, cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Complementary measurements of IR absorption spectra of cis‐2‐butene and trans‐2‐butene were done between 500 and 3300 cm−1. They are presented in Supporting Information.
Photonic Spin‐Hall Effect at Generic Interfaces
Authors: Ling Xiaohui , Zhang Zan , Dai Zhiping , Wang Zhiteng , Luo Hailu , Zhou Lei
Published: January 2023

Although the photonic spin‐Hall effect (PSHE) at optical interfaces has been widely studied in past years, its physical origin remains obscure. Here, through studying the scatterings of circularly polarized beams obliquely incident on a series of junctions linking two homogenous optical media, how the physical origin of the PSHE evolves as the interface changes from a slowly varying junction to a step‐like sharp one is explored. Beams transmitted through a generic interface consist of two modes, a spin‐maintained normal mode carrying a spin‐redirection Berry (SRB) phase and a spin‐flipped abnormal mode exhibiting a Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase. Under linear‐polarization incidence, a spin‐polarized beam transmitted through each junction is generally an interference of normal and abnormal modes corresponding to two different incident circular polarizations, and thus the resulting PSHE is dictated by the interplay and competition between two effects dictated by SRB and PB phases, respectively. Shrinking the interfacial region can increase the strength of the abnormal mode, making the measured PSHE change from the SRB‐dominated one to the PB‐dominated one. The results establish a unified framework to understand the PSHE at generic interfaces, offering practical ways to control the PSHE by “designing” the abnormal scatterings on optical interfaces.
Deposition of biomimetic biocompatible oxides on metallic glass surface by electro‐discharge coating process
Authors: Aliyu A. A. , Abdul‐Rani A. M. , Al‐Amin M. , Hastuty S. , Razak M. A. , Ali S. , Danish M. , Rubaiee S. , Bin Mahfouz A. , Hamza A. N.
Published: January 2023

Bulk metallic glass demonstrates superior mechanical properties and excellent bio‐mechanical stability compared to routinely used biomaterials like titanium, cobalt‐chromium, stainless steel, et cetera. However, the metallic glass surface do not easily adhere to the leaving tissues due to native bio‐inert oxide layer, which have poor wear resistance and low hardness. In this current study an innovative method for surface coating of bulk metallic glass by mixing hydroxyapatite powder during electro‐discharge machining has been employed. A biomimetic nano‐porous bio‐ceramic layer of oxides and carbides was deposited on metallic glass surface. The modified surface integrity and composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, and x‐ray diffraction characterization techniques. The characterization results confirmed the formation of a natural bone‐like nano‐porous surface topography on the metallic glass surface using a novel hydroxyapatite‐mixed electro‐discharge coating process. In addition, a favourable surface chemistry in the form of bioceramic carbides (zirconium carbide, titanium carbide) and zirconium oxide layers, was achieved.
Microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of high velocity oxy fuel thermal spray coating: A review
Authors: Sharma R. K. , Das R. K. , Kumar S. R.
Published: January 2023

Iron alloy based amorphous coating materials have enormous potential in wide range of applications such as petrochemical, aerospace, ocean, and electronic communications due to their better mechanical properties, chemical properties, magnetic properties and tribological properties. The industrial applications of coating are increasing rapidly due to many advancements in the material development and coating deposition techniques. The present paper reviewed the recent progresses in deposition technologies, development of new high order alloys and composite based coating materials. In this regard, change in microstructure, elemental composition, mechanical and tribological properties on performance of iron alloy based coating properties were presented. It can be concluded that the tribological properties of coating is dependent on pre‐coating and post‐coating factors. Pre‐coating factors include coating deposition techniques, coating layer thickness and coating parameters such as spray distance, oxygen flow rate etc. Post‐coating factors include microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness and adhesion strength. Therefore, multi‐criteria decision making techniques can be the best approach to find the optimum formulation of coating materials to achieve desired set of objectives under the conflicting criteria.
Angiopoietin‐like protein 3 promotes colorectal cancer progression and liver metastasis partly via the mitogen‐activated protein kinase 14 pathway
Authors: Wang Yuexia , Yi Yi , Pan Shengli , Zhang Yuhao , Fu Jun , Wu Xiaolin , Qin Xianju
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and liver metastasis represents a considerable challenge during CRC treatment. Aberrant expression of angiopoietin‐like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) has been reported in several human cancer types. However, the function and mechanism of ANGPTL3 in CRC remain unclear. In this study, we first explored ANGPTL3 expression profiles in CRC datasets from ONCOMINE and in local samples from patients with CRC. We then elucidated the function of ANGPTL3 via knockdown and overexpression experiments. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to investigate the biological function and associated molecular mechanisms of ANGPTL3 in CRC oncogenesis and development. Finally, a xenograft model of liver metastasis was used to determine the role of ANGPTL3 in CRC metastasis. Our findings indicated that ANGPTL3 expression was upregulated in human CRC tissues, with high ANGPTL3 expression significantly correlated with poor survival of patients with CRC. ANGPTL3 overexpression promoted the proliferation and migration of CRC cells partially through mitogen‐activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), while ANGPTL3 silencing had the opposite effect. Moreover, ANGPTL3 downregulation suppressed tumor growth and liver metastasis in xenograft mice. Collectively, the results presented here indicate that ANGPTL3 promotes cell proliferation and liver metastasis partly via MAPK14, suggesting that ANGPTL3 plays a tumor‐promoting role in CRC progression and thus may represent a therapeutic target for CRC treatment.