bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethylene precisely regulates anthocyanin synthesis in apple via a module comprising MdEIL1, MdMYB1, and MdMYB17
Authors: Wang Shuo , Li Li-Xian , Zhang Zhen , Fang Yue , Li Dan , Chen Xue-Sen , Feng Shou-Qian
Published: February 2022

Ethylene regulates anthocyanin synthesis in ripening apple fruit via the antagonistic activities of the R2R3-MYB repressors and activators. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains unknown. In this study, ethylene significantly induced the expression of the R2R3-MYB gene MdMYB17 in apple fruit. Moreover, MdMYB17 was revealed to be an important repressor of anthocyanin synthesis. Specifically, MdMYB17 binds directly to the promoters of the ethylene-induced genes MdMYB1 and MdEIL1, which encode positive regulators of anthocyanin synthesis, and represses their expression. Additionally, MdMYB1 and MdEIL1 bind to the MdMYB17 promoter to activate its expression. Thus, MdMYB17, MdMYB1, and MdEIL1 form a regulatory module that controls the expression of the corresponding genes. MdMYB17 interacts with MdEIL1. The interaction between MdMYB17 and MdEIL1 attenuates the regulatory effects of MdMYB17 on MdMYB1 and MdEIL1 as well as the regulatory effects of MdEIL1 on MdMYB17. Overall, our results reveal the molecular mechanisms by which MdMYB17, MdMYB1, and MdEIL1 finely mediate ethylene-regulated anthocyanin synthesis in apple fruit.
Fruit transpiration drives interspecific variability in fruit growth strategies
Authors: Rossi Federica , Manfrini Luigi , Venturi Melissa , Corelli Grappadelli Luca , Morandi Brunella
Published: February 2022

Fruit growth is a complex mechanism resulting from biochemical and biophysical events leading water and dry matter to accumulate in the fruit tissues. Understanding how fruits choose their growth strategies can help growers optimizing their resource management for a more sustainable production and a higher fruit quality. This paper compares the growth strategies adopted by different fruit crops, at different times during the season and relates their fruit surface conductance to key physiological parameters for fruit growth such as phloem and xylem inflows as well transpiration losses. Our results show how fruits capacity to transpire (determined by their surface conductance) is a key driver in determining the growth strategy adopted by a species and explains the inter-species variability existing among different crops. Indeed, fruits change their surface conductance depending on the species and the phenological stage. This has an impact on the fruit’s ability to lose water due to transpiration, affecting fruit pressure potential and increasing the force with which the fruit is able to attract xylem and phloem flows, with a considerable impact on fruit growth rate.
Comparative genomics analysis of bHLH genes in cucurbits identifies a novel gene regulating cucurbitacin biosynthesis
Authors: Xu Yuanchao , Zhang Huimin , Zhong Yang , Jiang Naiyu , Zhong Xiaoyun , Zhang Qiqi , Chai Sen , Li Hongbo , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: February 2022

The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors (TFs) participate in a variety of biological regulatory processes in plants, and have undergone significant expansion during land plant evolution by gene duplications. In cucurbit crops, several bHLH genes have been found to be responsible for agronomic traits such as bitterness. However, the characterization of bHLH genes across the genomes of cucurbit species has not been reported, and how they have evolved and diverged remains largely unanswered. Here we identified 1,160 bHLH genes in seven cucurbit crops and performed a comprehensive comparative genomics analysis. We determined orthologous and paralogous bHLH genes across cucurbit crops by syntenic analysis between or within species. Orthology and phylogenetic analysis of the tandem-duplicated bHLH genes in the Bt cluster, which regulate the biosynthesis of cucurbitacins, suggest that this cluster is derived from three ancestral genes after the cucurbit-common tetraploidization event. Interestingly, we identified a new conserved cluster paralogous to the Bt cluster that includes two tandem bHLH genes, and the evolutionary history and expression profiles of these two genes in the new cluster suggest the involvement of one gene (Brp) in the regulation of cucurbitacin biosynthesis in roots. Further biochemical and transgenic assays in melon hairy roots supported the function of Brp. This study provides useful information for further investigating the functions of bHLH TFs and novel insights into the regulation of cucurbitacin biosynthesis in cucurbit crops and other plants.
Diversity and conservation of plant small secreted proteins associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Hu Xiao-Li , Zhang Jin , Kaundal Rakesh , Kataria Raghav , Labbé Jesse L , Mitchell Julie C , Tschaplinski Timothy J , Tuskan Gerald A , Cheng Zong-Ming (Max) , Yang Xiaohan
Published: February 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS) is widespread mutualistic association between plants and fungi, which plays an essential role in nutrient exchange, enhancement in plant stress resistance, development of host, and ecosystem sustainability. Previous studies have shown that plant small secreted proteins (SSPs) are involved in beneficial symbiotic interactions. However, the role of SSPs in the evolution of AMS has not been well studied yet. In this study, we performed computational analysis of SSPs in 60 plant species and identified three AMS-specific ortholog groups containing SSPs only from at least 30% of the AMS species in this study and three AMS-preferential ortholog groups containing SSPs from both AMS and non-AMS species, with AMS species containing significantly more SSPs than non-AMS species. We found that independent lineages of monocot and eudicot plants contained genes in the AMS-specific ortholog groups and had significant expansion in the AMS-preferential ortholog groups. Also, two AMS-preferential ortholog groups showed convergent changes, between monocot and eudicot species, in gene expression in response to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. Furthermore, conserved cis-elements were identified in the promoter regions of the genes showing convergent gene expression. We found that the SSPs, and their closely related homologs, in each of three AMS-preferential ortholog groups, had some local variations in the protein structural alignment. We also identified genes co-expressed with the Populus trichocarpa SSP genes in the AMS-preferential ortholog groups. This first plant kingdom-wide analysis on SSP provides insights on plant-AMS convergent evolution with specific SSP gene expression and local diversification of protein structures.
Tea plant–legume intercropping simultaneously improves soil fertility and tea quality by changing Bacillus species composition
Authors: Huang Zhi , Cui Chunhong , Cao Yajun , Dai Jinghui , Cheng Xiaoyue , Hua Shaowei , Wang Wentao , Duan Yu , Petropoulos Evangelos , Wang Hui , Zhou Lixiang , Fang Wanping , Zhong Zengtao
Published: February 2022

The tea plant is an economically important crop in China, but long-term monoculture and substantial chemical nitrogen fertilizer input cause soil acidification, which in turn affects the nutrient supply and tea quality. Intercropping has drawn more attention in tea gardens because this pattern is expected to improve soil fertility and tea quality and change the soil microbial community composition. However, the roles of some key microorganisms in rhizosphere soils have not been well characterized. Here, a “soybean in summer and smooth vetch in winter” strategy was used in a tea garden to investigate the effects of intercropped legumes on soil fertility, tea quality, and potential changes in beneficial bacteria such as Bacillus. Our data showed that when soybeans were turned into the soil, the intercropping system exhibited higher soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), tea quality indices, and expression of the Camellia sinensis glutamine synthetase gene (CsGS). Notably, intercropping significantly affected the bacterial communities, decreasing the relative abundance of Bacillus but increasing its absolute abundance. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BM1 was isolated from intercropped soil and showed outstanding plant growth-promoting (PGP) properties when co-inoculated with rhizobia. In winter, intercropping with smooth vetch had a beneficial effect on soil properties and tea quality. Co-inoculation with strain BM1 and Rhizobium leguminosarum Vic5 on smooth vetch (Vicia villosa) produced huge improvements in SOM, TN, and tea leaf quality, which were accompanied by the highest level of amino acids and the lowest levels of polyphenols and caffeine (p < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that intercropping with some legumes in the tea garden is a strategy that increases SOM, TN, and tea quality, and the optional use of some PGP Bacillus species produces an amplification effect.
An analysis of classical multidimensional scaling with applications to clustering
Authors: Little Anna , Xie Yuying , Sun Qiang
Published: February 2022

Classical multidimensional scaling is a widely used dimension reduction technique. Yet few theoretical results characterizing its statistical performance exist. This paper provides a theoretical framework for analyzing the quality of embedded samples produced by classical multidimensional scaling. This lays a foundation for various downstream statistical analyses, and we focus on clustering noisy data. Our results provide scaling conditions on the signal-to-noise ratio under which classical multidimensional scaling followed by a distance-based clustering algorithm can recover the cluster labels of all samples. Simulation studies confirm these scaling conditions are sharp. Applications to the cancer gene-expression data, the single-cell RNA sequencing data and the natural language data lend strong support to the methodology and theory.
Contracting scars from fibrin drops
Authors: Robinson Stephen , Parigoris Eric , Chang Jonathan , Hecker Louise , Takayama Shuichi
Published: February 2022

This paper describes a microscale fibroplasia and contraction model that is based on fibrin-embedded lung fibroblasts and provides a convenient visual readout of fibrosis. Cell-laden fibrin microgel drops are formed by aqueous two-phase microprinting. The cells deposit extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules such as collagen while fibrin is gradually degraded. Ultimately, the cells contract the collagen-rich matrix to form a compact cell-ECM spheroid. The size of the spheroid provides the visual readout of the extent of fibroplasia. Stimulation of this wound-healing model with the profibrotic cytokine TGF-β1 leads to an excessive scar formation response that manifests as increased collagen production and larger cell-ECM spheroids. Addition of drugs also shifted the scarring profile: the FDA-approved fibrosis drugs (nintedanib and pirfenidone) and a PAI-1 inhibitor (TM5275) significantly reduced cell-ECM spheroid size. Not only is the assay useful for evaluation of antifibrotic drug effects, it is relatively sensitive; one of the few in vitro fibroplasia assays that can detect pirfenidone effects at submillimolar concentrations. Although this paper focuses on lung fibrosis, the approach opens opportunities for studying a broad range of fibrotic diseases and for evaluating antifibrotic therapeutics.
Characterization of body composition and liver epigenetic markers during periods of negative energy balance and subsequent compensatory growth in postpubertal beef bulls
Authors: Moura Felipe H , Fonseca Mozart A , Macias-Franco Arturo , Archilia Evandro C , Batalha Isadora M , Pena-Bello Camilo A , Silva Aghata E M , Moreira Gabriel M , Schütz Luis F , Norris Aaron B
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to characterize the effects of dietary restriction and subsequent re-alimentation on body composition and hepatic gene expression of epigenetic markers of DNA methylation, RNA m6A methylation, and histone acetylation in the liver of postpubertal beef bulls. Twelve Angus × Hereford crossbred bulls (n = 6, 23 ± 0.55 mo [young bulls], 558 ± 6.1 kg; and n = 6, 47 ± 1.2 mo [mature bulls], 740 ± 30.5 kg) were submitted to two dietary regimes per offering of the same hay: low plane of nutrition (90 d) and compensatory growth (90 d). Each animal acted as its own control and were fed Beardless wheat (Triticum aestivum) hay and mineral mix during the trial. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 following a pre-post repeated measures design. Bulls in negative energy balance (NEB) decreased (P < 0.001) empty body weight (EBW; 23.1% [−139.1 kg]), empty body fat (EBF; 39.8% [−85.4 kg]), and empty body protein (EBP; 14.9% [−13.5 kg]) and fully recovered at the end of the trial. Body fat accounted for 77.1% of daily changes in body energy status, whereas body protein accounted for only 22.9% (P < 0.001). Relative abundance of epigenetic markers transcripts was analyzed via qPCR. Bulls at NEB tended (P ≤ 0.097) to increase gene expression of epigenetic markers of RNA m6A methylation (METTL14, VIRMA, and WTAP) and increased (P ≤ 0.050) the gene expression of epigenetic markers of DNA methylation (DNMT3A) and histone-acetylation (SIRT3 and SIRT7). Young bulls had a tendency (P ≤ 0.072) of higher RNA m6A methylation, VIRMA, and WTAP than mature bulls. Effect of diet × age interaction was not detected (P ≥ 0.137) for METTL14, VIRMA, WTAP, DNMT3A, SIRT3, or SIRT7. Younger bulls tended to have greater RNA m6A methylation levels than mature bulls, indicating that, while contemporaneously fed the same diet during periods of undernourishment followed by compensatory growth, age has an impact on this epigenetic mechanism. In conclusion, metabolic status seems to carry a greater impact on regulating bovine hepatic epigenetic mechanisms that modulate gene transcription, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, than on epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene translation, such as RNA m6A methylation. During periods of undernourishment followed by compensatory growth, body fat pools appear to change more dynamically and are easily detected having a greater impact on epigenetic markers that modulate hepatic gene transcription rather than translation.
Aorto-cavitary fistula: a rare case of Enterobacter cloacae infective endocarditis complicated by aortic root abscess and fistula to the right ventricle
Authors: Tan Charis , Wales Kathryn M , Huynh Annie , Huang Linna , De Boer Madeleine , Bannon Paul G , Bayfield Matthew S
Published: February 2022

Enterobacter cloacae are a rare cause of infective endocarditis (IE). We present an interesting case of a 51-year-old intravenous drug user with E. cloacae IE of a prosthetic aortic valve and a fistula into the right ventricle. He underwent surgical repair and 6 weeks of intravenous meropenem.
Surface modification of ZnIn2S4 layers to realize energy-transfer-mediated photocatalysis
Authors: Sun Xianshun , Luo Xiao , Jin Sen , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Hui , Shao Wei , Wu Xiaojun , Xie Yi
Published: February 2022

Photocatalytic selective aerobic oxidation reactions are crucial in designing advanced organic intermediates, but suffer from low conversion efficiency. Hence, activating O2 to create suitable reactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen (1O2), can significantly increase the yield of desired products. Herein, using ZnIn2S4 nanosheets as a model system, we build a surface-modified theoretical structure, where a surface-covered non-conductive macromolecular chain, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), is bound to ZnIn2S4 and influences the O2 adsorption process. PVP on the surface significantly changes the electronic structure and suppresses electron conduction of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets. Therefore, abundantly photogenerated and long-lived species transfer their energy to physically absorbed O2 to efficiently generate 1O2, which can oxidize sulphides into their corresponding sulphoxides. For sulphoxidation of different sulphides, surface modification brings a 3–9-fold increase in conversion efficiency and high selectivities ≥98%. This study provides a feasible way of boosting 1O2-generation-related photocatalytic reactions.
Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 Is Associated With a Lower Viral Load and Likelihood of Systemic Symptoms
Authors: Bramante Carolyn T , Proper Jennifer L , Boulware David R , Karger Amy B , Murray Thomas , Rao Via , Hagen Aubrey , Tignanelli Christopher J , Puskarich Michael , Cohen Ken , Liebovitz David M , Klatt Nichole R , Broedlow Courtney , Hartman Katrina M , Nicklas Jacinda , Ibrahim Sherehan , Zaman Adnin , Saveraid Hanna , Belani Hrishikesh , Ingraham Nicholas , Christensen Grace , Siegel Lianne , Sherwood Nancy E , Fricton Regina , Lee Sam , Odde David J , Buse John B , Huling Jared D
Published: February 2022

Background

Data conflict on whether vaccination decreases severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load. The objective of this analysis was to compare baseline viral load and symptoms between vaccinated and unvaccinated adults enrolled in a randomized trial of outpatient coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment.

Methods

Baseline data from the first 433 sequential participants enrolling into the COVID-OUT trial were analyzed. Adults aged 30–85 with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 were eligible within 3 days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test and <7 days of symptoms. Log10 polymerase chain reaction viral loads were normalized to human RNase P by vaccination status, by time from vaccination, and by symptoms.

Results

Two hundred seventy-four participants with known vaccination status contributed optional nasal swabs for viral load measurement: median age, 46 years; median (interquartile range) BMI 31.2 (27.4–36.4) kg/m2. Overall, 159 (58%) were women, and 217 (80%) were White. The mean relative log10 viral load for those vaccinated <6 months from the date of enrollment was 0.11 (95% CI, –0.48 to 0.71), which was significantly lower than the unvaccinated group (P = .01). Those vaccinated ≥6 months before enrollment did not differ from the unvaccinated with respect to viral load (mean, 0.99; 95% CI, –0.41 to 2.40; P = .85). The vaccinated group had fewer moderate/severe symptoms of subjective fever, chills, myalgias, nausea, and diarrhea (all P < .05).

Conclusions

These data suggest that vaccination within 6 months of infection is associated with a lower viral load, and vaccination was associated with a lower likelihood of having systemic symptoms.
A large amount of microscopic precipitates are inevitably injected during infusion therapy without an in-line filter
Authors: Shimoyama Shinya , Takahashi Daisuke , Arai Syuhei , Asami Yuji , Nakajima Kimiko , Ikeda Kentaro , Takizawa Takumi , Kobayashi Tomio
Published: February 2022

Infusion route problems can have a significant impact on hemodynamics in children with severe heart failure. Here, we report the case of a 13-year-old girl with dilated cardiomyopathy. Her condition fluctuated due to frequent occlusion of the central venous catheter (CVC) route. However, a quick check revealed no apparent abnormalities in the CVC, infusion route, in-line filter or infusion pump. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that dobutamine and heparin had crystallized and that the in-line filter membrane was occluded. This case emphasizes the importance of proper infusion route management in pediatric patients with severe heart failure. Even drugs that are used daily may form microscopic crystals at several concentrations and administration rates. Without an in-line filter, microscopic particles are injected into the body, and there is no evidence that the injected crystals do not cause permanent damage.
Left ventricular aneurysm as long-term complication of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: is it still a benign disease?—case report
Authors: Elzieny Ali A
Published: February 2022

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is considered a benign syndrome that presented by transient characteristic left ventricular dysfunction with a variety of wall-motion abnormalities that resolve completely after few weeks. In this report, a 67-year-old female—who was diagnosed by Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after emotional stress 2 years ago—presented by shortness of breath that associated with palpitation and chest pain. Echocardiogram showed paradoxical septal motion with aneurysmal anterior septal walls. Myocardial perfusion imaging reveled no perfusion defects suggestive of ischemia. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging reveled outpouching aneurysm of anterior septal wall with no delayed gadolinium enhancement. Heart team had recommended medical therapy. Patient was improved at follow-up visits. In conclusion, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be reconsidered as benign disease with short- and long-term outcome and complications.
Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery in a middle-aged woman with COVID-19.
Authors: Parsa Amir Farhang Zand , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza , Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , Houshmand Golnaz
Published: February 2022

Cardiovascular involvement is commonly described in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), where myocardial injury can be caused by exacerbation of the underlying disease and de novo cardiovascular involvement, including myocarditis, stress cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction. There was a drop in acute coronary syndrome admission rates worldwide as collateral damage of the COVID-19 pandemic as patients were reluctant to seek appropriate care. We presented a 47-year-old woman with acute heart failure and COVID-19 pneumonia. She had a history of typical prolonged chest pain 2 weeks before but no coronary risk factors. The electrocardiogram was consistent with late presentation myocardial infarction. Focused echocardiography showed severe left ventricle systolic dysfunction. She was medically treated for both pneumonia and heart failure. Coronary angiography showed no flow-limiting lesion. Cardiac magnetic resonance in the recovery phase revealed subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement in the left anterior descending territory compatible with myocardial infarction.
Diabetic ketoacidosis-associated gangrenous ischaemic colitis masquerading as acute pancreatitis and differentiated using computed tomography
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroaki , Jiang Shi-Xu
Published: February 2022

Diagnosis of an acute abdomen during an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is crucial for providing appropriate treatments and obtaining favourable outcomes, but may be difficult due to its considerable overlap with multiple intra-abdominal diseases in terms of clinical course and laboratory findings. In this study, we presented a case showing signs of an acute abdomen with sharp rises in serum pancreatic biochemical markers during the treatment of DKA with pyelonephritis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed to confirm the onset of acute pancreatitis; however, pneumatosis intestinalis and poor enhancement of the rectal wall were detected, indicating the presence of rectal infarction. Hartmann’s procedure was immediately performed, and histological examination of the resected specimen revealed gangrenous ischaemic colitis. The present case highlights DKA as a risk factor of ischaemic colitis and the role of contrast-enhanced CT in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen in hyperglycaemic crisis.
NSTEMI with total left circumflex occlusion: how the N-wave might help (case report)
Authors: Alsagaff Mochamad Yusuf , Wardhani Louisa Fadjri Kusuma , Pratanu Iswanto , Kartikasari Dian Paramita , Doevendans Pieter A
Published: February 2022

A rise and/or fall in troponin level is an indication of type 1 or 2 myocardial infarct. A 62-year-old male physician presented to emergency room with chest discomfort followed by thought to be normal electrocardiogram (ECG) and normal echocardiography results. His serial hs-troponin test showed remarkable escalation three hours from the initial (107 ng/l into 4.978 ng/l), suggesting a high-risk non-ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). An early invasive procedure was performed, showing acute total occlusion (TO) in the obtuse marginal 1 branch. We retrospectively reviewed our examination to diagnose better the presence of TO in NSTEMI patients presented with non-diagnostic examination. Our evaluation showed a minor change in the form of an ‘N-wave’ pattern on the ECG, which was not yet an established guideline criterion for prompt angiography. Although ECG pattern is often normal in LCx occlusion, recent study shows the presence of ‘N-wave’ ECG pattern in 10% of NSTEMI cases following TO at LCx.
Outcome of patient with myasthenia gravis with the use of immunotherapy in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Williams Sarah , Liang Christina , Guminski Alexander , Hruby George , Chan David
Published: February 2022

We report on a 79-year-old man diagnosed with localized Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) who also had acetylcholine receptor antibody (Ach-R-Ab)-positive myasthenia gravis (MG) controlled on prednisolone, mycophenolate and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). His MCC was initially treated with radiation, followed by chemotherapy on metastatic recurrence. Chemotherapy initially stabilized the disease, but he experienced significant fatigue and his disease progressed within 3 months. After careful consideration of the risk of a myasthenic crisis, he was commenced on avelumab. He had initial partial response, though he ultimately developed progressive disease which led to a decision for best supportive care at 10 months post starting immunotherapy. Importantly, as per spirometry, his MG remained stable throughout immunotherapy. We present the current case to demonstrate that MG should not be viewed as an absolute contraindication to immunotherapy in scenarios where there are limited alternate therapeutic options.
Cellular localization of Arabidopsis EARLY FLOWERING3 is responsive to light quality
Authors: Ronald James , Su Chen , Wang Lei , Davis Seth J
Published: February 2022

Circadian clocks facilitate the coordination of physiological and developmental processes to changing daily and seasonal cycles. A hub for environmental signaling pathways in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) circadian clock is the evening complex (EC), a protein complex composed of EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), ELF4, and LUX ARRYTHMO (LUX). Formation of the EC depends on ELF3, a scaffold protein that recruits the other components of the EC and chromatin remodeling enzymes to repress gene expression. Regulating the cellular distribution of ELF3 is thus an important mechanism in controlling its activity. Here, we determined that the cellular and sub-nuclear localization of ELF3 is responsive to red (RL) and blue light and that these two wavelengths have apparently competitive effects on where in the cell ELF3 localizes. We further characterized the RL response, revealing that at least two RL pathways influence the cellular localization of ELF3. One of these depends on the RL photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB), while the second is at least partially independent of phyB activity. Finally, we investigated how changes in the cellular localization of ELF3 are associated with repression of EC target-gene expression. Our analyses revealed a complex effect whereby ELF3 is required for controlling RL sensitivity of morning-phased genes, but not evening-phased genes. Together, our findings establish a previously unknown mechanism through which light signaling influences ELF3 activity.
Perceptive and affective impairments in emotive eye-region processing in alexithymia
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Goerlich Katharina S , Xu Pengfei , Luo Yue-jia , Aleman André
Published: February 2022

Alexithymia is characterized by impairments in emotion processing, frequently linked to facial expressions of emotion. The eye-region conveys information necessary for emotion processing. It has been demonstrated that alexithymia is associated with reduced attention to the eyes, but little is known regarding the cognitive and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying emotive eye-region processing in alexithymia. Here, we recorded behavioral and electrophysiological responses of individuals with alexithymia (ALEX; n = 25) and individuals without alexithymia (NonALEX; n = 23) while they viewed intact and eyeless faces with angry and sad expressions during a dual-target rapid serial visual presentation task. Results showed different eye-region focuses and differentiating N1 responses between intact and eyeless faces to anger and sadness in NonALEX, but not in ALEX, suggesting deficient perceptual processing of the eye-region in alexithymia. Reduced eye-region focus and smaller differences in frontal alpha asymmetry in response to sadness between intact and eyeless faces were observed in ALEX than NonALEX, indicative of impaired affective processing of the eye-region in alexithymia. These findings highlight perceptual and affective abnormalities of emotive eye-region processing in alexithymia. Our results contribute to understanding the neuropsychopathology of alexithymia and alexithymia-related disorders.
Effects of host and pathogenicity on mutation rates in avian influenza A viruses
Authors: Kim Gwanghun , Shin Hyun Mu , Kim Hang-Rae , Kim Yuseob
Published: February 2022

Mutation is the primary determinant of genetic diversity in influenza viruses. The rate of mutation, measured in an absolute time-scale, is likely to be dependent on the rate of errors in copying RNA sequences per replication and the number of replications per unit time. Conditions for viral replication are probably different among host taxa, potentially generating the host specificity of the viral mutation rate, and possibly between highly and low pathogenic (HP and LP) viruses. This study investigated whether mutation rates per year in avian influenza A viruses depend on host taxa and pathogenicity. We inferred mutation rates from the rates of synonymous substitutions, which are assumed to be neutral and thus equal to mutation rates, at four segments that code internal viral proteins (PB2, PB1, PA, NP). On the phylogeny of all avian viral sequences for each segment, multiple distinct subtrees (clades) were identified that represent viral subpopulations, which are likely to have evolved within particular host taxa. Using simple regression analysis, we found that mutation rates were significantly higher in viruses infecting chickens than domestic ducks and in those infecting wild shorebirds than wild ducks. Host dependency of the substitution rate was also confirmed by Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. However, we did not find evidence that the mutation rate is higher in HP than in LP viruses. We discuss these results considering viral replication rate as the major determinant of mutation rate per unit time.
Examining the Impact of Chronic Pain on Information Processing Behavior: An Exploratory Eye-tracking Study
Authors: Alrefaei Doaa , Sankar Gaayathri , Nia Javad Norouzi , Djamasbi Soussan , Strong Diane
Published: February 2022

Chronic pain is a multifaceted complex experience that is often captured with self-reported measures. While subjective self-reported measures capture pain from a patient’s point of view, they are limited in information richness. Collecting eye movements when completing self-reported subjective pain measures provides valuable insight about information processing and decision behavior. This information can improve the information richness of self-reported pain measures by providing a broader view of an individual’s pain experience. How people process information and make decisions when completing pain measures can also help to investigate the cognitive-evaluative aspects of chronic pain, which in turn can provide insight for developing eye-tracking biomarkers of chronic pain, and by doing so help develop smart clinician support technologies. Our preliminary results show that people with chronic pain expended significantly more cognitive effort than their pain-free counterparts when completing three self-reported pain measures that are widely used in clinical settings. These results are promising because they suggest that eye movements may serve as valuable information to accompany self-reported pain scores and thus enable effective assessment and management of chronic pain. The results also suggest that eye movements may serve as suitable biomarkers of chronic pain.
Antibiotic utilization pattern in burn patients admitted at tertiary hospital: A retrospective study
Authors: Thapa Prakriti , Bista Durga , Baidya Pankaj , Giri Piyush
Published: February 2022

Burn patients are at high risk for nosocomial infection. Antibiotics are the key drugs for the treatment of infections. Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics increase both bacterial resistance and the cost of treatment. The introduction of correct and rational use of antibiotics appears to be impossible without having the knowledge of the current situation of antibiotic consumption. So, the study was conducted to know the current situation of antibiotic utilization pattern in burn patients.

Methods

A Retrospective review of medical records was done to analyze the utilization pattern of antibiotics. The data were collected from Kirtipur hospital from June 2018 to May 2019. All the admitted patients irrespective of age, gender who were prescribed antibiotics and presented within three days of burn were included in the study. Patients admitted for less than 24hrs of a time were excluded from the study.

Results

A total of 249 reviewed case records came under inclusion criteria. Among them 51.8% were female and 48.2% were male. Mostly affected age group was 15-29 years (34.5%). Flame burn (51.8%) was the main cause of the burn. The majority had second-degree burn and 36.90% had 0-10% burn. Third-generation cephalosporin, ceftriaxone had the highest DDD/100BD (19.05). The most frequently used antibiotics were ceftriaxone, cefazolin, and piperacillin+tazobactam. DU90% comprises 12 antibiotics out of 30 antibiotics. The average number of antibiotics prescribed was 2.12 with a range of 1 to 7.

Conclusions

This study revealed the trend of antibiotic utilization pattern in burn patients. Third-generation cephalosporin, ceftriaxone was the most prescribed antibiotic. Regular antibiotic consumption using DDD methodology is needed for regular monitoring of antibiotic consumption so that timely intervention can be made and this study can be used as a baseline study.
Utilizing multi-objective decision support tools for protected area selection
Authors: Voskamp Alke , Fritz Susanne A. , Köcke Valerie , Biber Matthias F. , Brockmeyer Timo Nogueira , Bertzky Bastian , Forrest Matthew , Goldstein Allie , Henderson Scott , Hickler Thomas , Hof Christian , Kastner Thomas , Lang Stefanie , Manning Peter , Mascia Michael B. , McFadden Ian , Niamir Aidin , Noon Monica , O’Donell Brian , Opel Mark , Schwede Georg , West Peyton , Schenck Christof , Böhning-Gaese Katrin
Published: February 2022

The establishment and maintenance of protected areas (PAs) is viewed as a key action in delivering post-2020 biodiversity targets. PAs often need to meet multiple objectives, ranging from biodiversity protection to ecosystem service provision and climate change mitigation, but available land and conservation funding is limited. Therefore, optimizing resources by selecting the most beneficial PAs is vital. Here, we advocate for a flexible and transparent approach to selecting protected areas based on multiple objectives, and illustrate this with a decision support tool on a global scale. The tool allows weighting and prioritization of different conservation objectives according to user-specified preferences, as well as real-time comparison of the selected areas that result from such different priorities. We apply the tool across 1347 terrestrial PAs and highlight frequent trade-offs among different objectives, e.g., between species protection and ecosystem integrity. Outputs indicate that decision makers frequently face trade-offs among conflicting objectives. Nevertheless, we show that transparent decision-support tools can reveal synergies and trade-offs associated with PA selection, thereby helping to illuminate and resolve land-use conflicts embedded in divergent societal and political demands and values.
Narratives of the convalescent plasma donor in a Peruvian social security hospital.: motivations, fears, expectations and experiences
Authors: Matassini Eyzaguirre Silvana M. , Yapa Christian Villanueva , Chunga Ausberto Chunga , Soto Arturo Sagastegui , Neyra Vera Ibeth Melania , Ordoñez Suly Soto , Román Martina Guillermo , Miranda Martin Oyanguren , Soto-Becerra Percy , Hurtado Roca Leda Yamileé , Maguiña Jorge L. , Vladimir Araujo-Castillo Roger
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To know and explore from convalescent plasma donator’s voices the experience in the blood donation process at a Peruvian social security hospital.

Methods

Qualitative study with a phenomenological design. The investigation was carried out in 01 hospitals of the social security of Peru. Semi-structured interviews were carried out.

Results

Eleven donors of convalescent plasma were interviewed. The main motivations for donating were being able to contribute to national research and supporting patients affected by COVID-19. Fears focus on the possible risk of contagion within the hospital. Donors emphasised the attention and support of health personnel alongside the donation procedure. The main expectations and suggestions point towards greater dissemination of donation campaigns with special emphasis on safety. Likewise, an improvement in the time of the donation procedure (from enrolment to the extraction of convalescent plasma), and the implementation of friendly spaces to encourage future blood donation campaigns were highlighted.

Conclusions

The experience of the convalescent plasma donors was positive. However, improvements must be made in terms of processes and infrastructure to ensure future successful blood donation campaigns.
Using agent-based modeling to compare corrective actions for Listeria contamination in produce packinghouses
Authors: Barnett-Neefs Cecil , Sullivan Genevieve , Zoellner Claire , Wiedmann Martin , Ivanek Renata
Published: February 2022

The complex environment of a produce packinghouse can facilitate the spread of pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes in unexpected ways. This can lead to finished product contamination and potential foodborne disease cases. There is a need for simulation-based decision support tools that can test different corrective actions and are able to account for a facility’s interior cross-contamination dynamics. Thus, we developed agent-based models of Listeria contamination dynamics for two produce packinghouse facilities; agents in the models represented equipment surfaces and employees, and models were parameterized using observations, values from published literature and expert opinion. Once validated with historical data from Listeria environmental sampling, each model’s baseline conditions were investigated and used to determine the effectiveness of corrective actions in reducing prevalence of agents contaminated with Listeria and concentration of Listeria on contaminated agents. Evaluated corrective actions included reducing incoming Listeria, modifying cleaning and sanitation strategies, and reducing transmission pathways, and combinations thereof. Analysis of Listeria contamination predictions revealed differences between the facilities despite their functional similarities, highlighting that one-size-fits-all approaches may not always be the most effective means for selection of corrective actions in fresh produce packinghouses. Corrective actions targeting Listeria introduced in the facility on raw materials, implementing risk-based cleaning and sanitation, and modifying equipment connectivity were shown to be most effective in reducing Listeria contamination prevalence. Overall, our results suggest that a well-designed cleaning and sanitation schedule, coupled with good manufacturing practices can be effective in controlling contamination, even if incoming Listeria spp. on raw materials cannot be reduced. The presence of water within specific areas was also shown to influence corrective action performance. Our findings support that agent-based models can serve as effective decision support tools in identifying Listeria-specific vulnerabilities within individual packinghouses and hence may help reduce risks of food contamination and potential human exposure.
Plasma p217+tau vs NAV4694 amyloid and MK6240 tau PET across the Alzheimer continuum
Authors: Doré Vincent , Doecke James D. , Saad Ziad S. , Triana-Baltzer Gallen , Slemmon Randy , Krishnadas Natasha , Bourgeat Pierrick , Huang Kun , Burnham Samantha , Fowler Christopher , Rainey-Smith Stephanie R. , Bush Ashley , Ward Larry , Robertson Jo , Martins Ralph N. , Masters Colin L. , Villemagne Victor L. , Fripp Jurgen , Kolb Hartmuth C. , Rowe Christopher C.
Published: February 2022

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated a new Simoa plasma assay for phosphorylated tau at aa217 enhanced by additional ptau sites (p217+tau).

METHODS

Plasma p217+tau levels were compared to18F-NAV4694 amyloid-beta (Aβ) PET and18F-MK6240 tau PET in 174 cognitively impaired (CI) and 223 cognitively unimpaired (CU) participants.

RESULTS

Compared to Aβ-CU, the plasma levels of p217+tau increased two-fold in Aβ+ CU and 3.5-fold in Aβ+ CI. In Aβ-the p217+tau levels did not significantly differ between CU, MCI or dementia. P217+tau correlated with Aβ centiloids ρ=0.67 (CI 0.64; CU 0.45) and tau SUVRMTρ=0.63 (CI 0.69; CU 0.34). Area under curve (AUC) for AD vs Aβ-CU was 0.94, for AD vs other dementia was 0.93, for Aβ+ vs Aβ– PET was 0.89 and for tau+ vs tau-PET was 0.89.

DISCUSSION

Plasma p217+tau levels elevate early in the AD continuum and correlate well with Aβ and tau PET.

Research in Context

Systematic review: The authors reviewed the literature using PubMed, meeting abstracts and presentations. Plasma phospho-tau measures compare well to PET and post-mortem across the continuum of AD but accuracy varies across ptau target sites and assay methods. There are no reports comparing PET to plasma assays targeting multiple sites of tau phosphorylation as typically found in AD. The p217+tau assay targets p217 with binding enhanced by phosphorylation at additional sites such as aa212.

Interpretation: Plasma p217+tau elevates early and correlates with both Aβ and tau as measured by PET indicating that tau phosphorylation is an early event in AD and occurs with Aβ deposition. Plasma p217+tau measurement should assist both selection for trials and diagnosis of AD.

Future directions: Further validation studies, head-to-head comparison to other assays, assessing the influence of co-morbidities and the ability to measure change in brain Aβ and tau levels are required.
Steroid Treatment Balance According To The Lymphocyte / White Blood Cells Ratio In COVID-19 Patients, A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Arslan Ferhat , Mert Ali , Bayram Mehmet , Ankaralı Handan , Vahaboglu Haluk
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Progressive respiratory failure is the main cause of clinical worsening in Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. The decision to intubate during the follow-up of COVID-19 patients is critical because of high mortality rates.

Methods

We analyzed the COVID-19 related intubation and in-hospital mortality risk factors of patients admitted to two tertiary hospitals.

Results

Of the 275 patients included in the study, 44 (16%) were intubated, while 30 of them were patients (53%, 30/56) who had previously received steroid therapy. In 23 patients (77%) who received steroid therapy and were intubated, antiviral therapy was started in the first 6 days and Lymphocyte / White blood cells (LYM/WBC) ratios were lower than 0.18. The LYM/WBC ratio was found to be less than 0.12 in 14 patients who were intubated but did not receive steroid treatment before. 30(11%) of the patients included in the study died. While the number of deaths among those who did not receive steroid treatment was 10 (5%), it was 20 (36%) among the patients who did. Among in these 20 patients, it was observed that all 9 people who started antiviral treatment before 3 days, who were over 57 years old and whose oxygen saturation result was moderate or severe, died.

Conclusions

We think that the use of steroids in early period may be detrimental in rapidly progressive patients with lymphopenia that may be an independent marker of immune dysregulation.

Box-ED Section

What is already known on the study topic?

Progressive respiratory failure is the main cause of clinical worsening in COVİD-19 patients. Corticosteroid treatment has remarkable favourable effect on the prognosis.

What is the conflict on the issue? Has it importance for readers?

Corticosteroids is immunosupresive drug that have also nonspesific antienflammatory effect. Clinicians must consider multiple parameters such as patient status, disease period and existence of bacterial superinfection when to start corticosteroid treatment at bedside.

How is this study structured?

We conducted a retrospective study to analyze risk factors COVID-19 related intubation two cohorts. This study included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 induced pneumonia from March 21 to Apr 23,2020, at two university hospitals located on distinct sides of Istanbul province in Turkey.

What does this study tell us?

We think that the use of steroids in early period may be detrimental in rapidly progressive patients with lymphopenia that may be an independent marker of immune dysregulation
Forensic Alcohol Calculations in transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming hormonal treatment
Authors: Maskell Peter D , Sang Katherine J C , Heymsfield Steven B , Shapses Sue , de Korompay Alanna
Published: February 2022

There are an increasing number of individuals undergoing gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) to treat gender dysphoria. Forensic alcohol calculations require knowledge of the sex of the individual but this may disadvantage trans people as research has demonstrated that there are physiological changes in individuals who are undergoing GAHT.

Using previously published studies on total body water (TBW) in cis individuals and the known changes in lean body mass and hematocrit in trans individuals, it is possible to revise the rubric for the estimation of TBW in trans individuals. We propose these revised equations are used for transgender individuals. When using these revised rubrics, we determined that for trans women the use of the cis male (sex at birth) anthropometric TBW equation only gives a small underestimation of TBW (0.9%) compared to the underestimation (−17.7%) of TBW using the cis female (affirmed gender) TBW equation. For trans men the use of gender at birth (cis female) TBW equation gives the largest disadvantage, underestimating TBW by -10.8 % compared to the affirmed gender (cis male) TBW equation that over estimates TBW by 6.6 %. For this reason, we recommend that if the sex at birth of an individual is not known or disclosed, any forensic alcohol calculations in the report are made assuming that the gender declared by the individual is their sex at birth.

HIGHLIGHTS

Large number of people taking gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) around the world

Total body water is altered in individuals taking GAHT

Forensic alcohol calculation results are affected by GAHT

Recommended that in an individual undergoing GAHT revised Watson equation used

Forensic alcohol reports state assumption that individual is cis (unless sex at birth is known)