bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping of QTLs for citrus quality traits throughout the fruit maturation process on clementine (Citrus reticulata × C. sinensis) and mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco) genetic maps
Authors: Khefifi Hajer , Dumont Doriane , Costantino Gilles , Doligez Agnès , Brito Anna Carla , Bérard Aurélie , Morillon Raphael , Ollitrault Patrick , Luro François
Published: November 2022

Citrus fruit quality is defined as the combination of physical and chemical traits; some of which may change during the ripening phase, e.g., acidity and sugar content. A clear understanding of their genetic control would be very helpful for marker-assisted breeding programs especially with regard to the juvenile phase and some reproductive features that hamper the selection of improved hybrids. A genetic study was thus performed on the heredity of quality traits and QTL detection based on segregation in a progeny generated from a cross between clementine cv “Commun” (Citrus × reticulata cv clementine) and mandarin cv “Willow leaf” (C. reticulata Blanco). Parental and consensus genetic linkage maps were constructed using 645 SNP and SSR markers. These maps were represented by 10 linkage groups in clementine and 12 linkage groups in mandarin, representing 75% and 58% respectively of the previously published clementine reference map. A total of 16 traits, including fruit mass, equatorial diameter, juice percentage, total soluble solids, acidity, pH, glucose, fructose, sucrose, and citric and malic acid concentrations were evaluated at three maturation dates. High variations indicating transgressive segregation were found for all traits, with normal or close to normal distributions. QTL analysis performed using the multiple QTL model allowed the detection of 34 QTLs on the three maps. QTLs were distributed in different linkage groups and generally detected at only one date of the ripening phase. The percentage of total variation explained ranged from 12 to 37% per QTL. Major QTLs (R2 ≥ 30%) were detected for equatorial diameter, glucose, and fructose (expressed in percentage dry matter) on linkage groups 8 and 9. Co-localization of QTLs controlling correlated and uncorrelated traits were mainly found on linkage groups 2, 4, 8, and 9, particularly between fruit mass and acidity.
Automated elaborate resection planning for bone tumor surgery
Authors: Hill Dave , Williamson Tom , Lai Chow Yin , Leary Martin , Brandt Milan , Choong Peter
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Planning for bone tumor resection surgery is a technically demanding and time-consuming task, reliant on manual positioning of planar cuts in a virtual space. More elaborate cutting approaches may be possible through the use of surgical robots or patient-specific instruments; however, methods for preparing such a resection plan must be developed.

Methods

This work describes an automated approach for generating conformal bone tumor resection plans, where the resection geometry is defined by the convex hull of the tumor, and a focal point. The resection geometry is optimized using particle swarm, where the volume of healthy bone collaterally resected with the tumor is minimized. The approach was compared to manually prepared planar resection plans from an experienced surgeon for 20 tumor cases.

Results

It was found that algorithm-generated hull-type resections greatly reduced the volume of collaterally resected healthy bone. The hull-type resections resulted in statistically significant improvements compared to the manual approach (paired t test, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The described approach has potential to improve patient outcomes by reducing the volume of healthy bone collaterally resected with the tumor and preserving nearby critical anatomy.
Early Childhood Professionals’ Perspectives on Dealing with Trauma of Children
Authors: Berger Emily , O’Donohue Katelyn , La Chinh , Quinones Gloria , Barnes Melissa
Published: November 2022

Childhood trauma is a significant concern in Australia and internationally. Professionals working in the early childhood education sector (i.e., providing early childhood education and care to infants, toddlers, and children from birth to age eight) are positioned to provide valuable support for children affected by trauma. However, there is less research on early childhood professionals’ perspectives and experiences of supporting trauma-exposed children compared to other education professionals (e.g., primary and secondary school teachers). This study explored early childhood professionals’ perspectives and experiences in relation to supporting children exposed to trauma. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 early childhood professionals in Victoria, Australia, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings illustrate that while educators develop valuable skills and experience growth from supporting trauma-exposed children and their families, they also experience emotional distress and challenges. Educators noted that there are limited professional development opportunities to learn about childhood trauma, and limited access to qualified and knowledgeable staff who can help them when supporting these learners. Implications from this study emphasise the importance of designing and delivering trauma-based professional learning opportunities and policies for early childhood educators.
Honderd jaar TSG – Tijdschrift voor Gezondheidswetenschappen
Authors: Huurman Jan G. J.
Published: November 2022

Samenvatting

Op 1 januari 2023 is het honderd jaar geleden dat het eerste nummer van TSG verscheen. Het blad was primair het orgaan van de verenigingen van schoolartsen en artsen voor armenzorg. De gekozen titel Tijdschrift voor Sociale Geneeskunde was een bewijs dat de term ‘sociale geneeskunde’ in Nederland de huidige inhoud kreeg. Voor die tijd werden andere termen voor dit vakgebied gebruikt. TSG groeide uit tot het orgaan van het gehele praktijk- en wetenschapsgebied, zeker na de oprichting van de overkoepelende Algemeene Nederlandsche Vereeniging voor Sociale Geneeskunde (ANVSG) in 1930. Gedurende de bezettingsjaren 1940–1945 functioneerden ANVSG en TSG ogenschijnlijk onverstoord door, in tegenstelling tot de Nederlandse Maatschappij tot bevordering der Geneeskunst (NMG), die vooral de vereniging van en voor curatieve artsen was. Na 1945 volgden de bloeijaren van de sociale geneeskunde, met vestiging van meerdere leerstoelen en de erkenning van de afzonderlijke vakken als geneeskundig specialismen. TSG profiteerde van deze ontwikkeling. Aan deze ontwikkeling kwam begin jaren tachtig van de vorige eeuw een eind. De ANVSG slaagde er niet meer in de afzonderlijke takken te verenigen, mede omdat de dominante positie van artsen in het veld van de public health onder druk kwam te staan. De ‘g’ van ‘geneeskunde’ werd ‘gezondheidszorg, en TSG ging daarin mee. Alle inspanningen ten spijt kon de ANVSG zichzelf niet meer overeind houden, en daarom werd in 1985 tot opheffing besloten. Om de continuïteit van TSG te waarborgen werd een nieuwe vereniging opgericht, de Vereniging voor Volksgezondheid en Wetenschap (V&W). Deze constructie hield ruim dertig jaar stand, totdat ook V&W in 2017 werd opgeheven. TSG was inmiddels weer omgedoopt, tot Tijdschrift voor Gezondheidswetenschappen. Onder die titel bleef het in druk verschijnen tot en met december 2018. Sindsdien is het een online en open access-publicatie.
Reservoir properties and petrophysical analysis of the Late Miocene Abu Madi Formation in the Abu Qir Bay Area, West Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Edress N. A. A. , Abdel-Rasoul M. , Abo-Senna H. H.
Published: November 2022

The Abu Qir Bay area is on the offshore western part of the Nile Delta. It is divided into three fields namely: North Abu Qir, Abu Qir, and West Abu Qir. The main reservoir in the Abu Qir Bay area is Abu Madi Formation, which represents the Miocene rocks. The current uses conducting advanced conventional petrophysical techniques for determining the reservoir properties of the Abu Madi Formation. The wireline log data is commencing four wells drilled in the study area namely: North Abu Qir-7x, West Abu Qir-1x, Abu Qir-1x, and Abu Qir-13x). The interpreted lithologic data of the studied wire-line logs shows that the Abu Madi Formation’s main lithology consists of sandstone interbedded with some amounts of shale and thin lamina of limestone and anhydrite. Based on the interpreted well logging records, the Abu Madi Formation can be subdivided into three members: The Upper, Middle, and Lower Abu Madi members. The main target is the Upper Abu Madi members with shale volume varying from 8 to 12% with an average of 10%. The Middle Abu Madi member which is considered the second target has a shale volume ranging from 9.5 to 13.5% with an average of 11.5%. The thickness of the Abu Madi Formation ranges in the four drilled wells varies between 67.61 and 167.63 m with an average of 117 m. The petrophysical evaluation displays two important pay zones, and they belong to the Upper and the Middle Abu Madi members. The average porosity and hydrocarbon saturation values of both members indicate that Abu Madi is a very good reservoir. The southwestern area near West Abu Qir-1x well was found a good place for any upcoming appraisal, particularly for the upper Abu Madi reservoir future development.
Global COVID-19 case fatality rates influenced by inequalities in human development and vaccination rates
Authors: Nuhu Kaamel , Humagain Kamal , Alorbi Genevieve , Thomas Sabena , Blavos Alexis , Placide Vierne
Published: November 2022

Aim

COVID-19 has exerted distress on virtually every aspect of human life with disproportionate mortality burdens on older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions. Variations in COVID-19 incidence and case fatality rates (CFRs) across countries have incited a growing research interest regarding the effect of social factors on COVID-19 case-loads and fatality rates. We investigated the effect of population median age, inequalities in human development, healthcare capacity, and pandemic mitigation indicators on country-specific COVID-19 CFRs across countries and regions.

Subject and methods

Using population secondary data from multiple sources, we conducted a cross-sectional study and used regional analysis to compare regional differences in COVID-19 CFRs as influenced by the selected indicators.

Results

The analysis revealed wide variations in COVID-19 CFRs and the selected indicators across countries and regions. Mean CFR was highest for South America at 1.973% (± 0.742) and lowest for Oceania at 0.264% (± 0.107), while the Africa sub-region recorded the lowest scores for pandemic preparedness, vaccination rate, and other indicators. Population Median Age [0.073 (0.033 0.113)], Vaccination Rate [−3.3389 (−5.570.033 −1.208)], and Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) [−0.014 (−0.023 −0.004)] emerged as statistically significant predictors of COVID-19 CFR, with directions indicating increasing Population Median Age, higher inequalities in human development and low vaccination rate are predictive of higher fatalities from COVID-19.

Conclusion

Regional differences in COVID-19 CFR may be influenced by underlying differences in sociodemographic and pandemic mitigation indicators. Populations with wide social inequalities, increased population Median Age and low vaccination rates are more likely to suffer higher fatalities from COVID-19.
Necessary but Illegitimate: On Democracy's Secrets
Authors: Mokrosinska Dorota
Published: November 2022

Transparency has become the constant refrain of democratic politics. However, executive branch officials consistently seek to insulate their activities from public scrutiny. A recurrent rationale presents secrecy as a necessary measure called for in circumstances in which the basic interests of the state are at stake. The purpose of this paper is to normatively assess the appeals to the necessity of executive secrecy in democratic governance. The paper fleshes out two ways in which the necessity argument has been framed. It argues that an appeal to necessity fails to confer political and/or legal authority on the state's resort to secrecy because necessity escapes normative codification both in the moral and legal domain (“necessity knows no law”). Drawing a distinction between legitimacy and vindication, it argues, however, that even though a state resorting to secrecy acts beyond its democratic authority, this action may be vindicated.
Aging Among Persons with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Barak Yoram , Greco Philippa , Glue Paul
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Understanding how persons with serious mental illness (SMI) age is crucial. We compared the aging of persons with SMI with that of older adults from the general population in a large community sample focusing on demographic and clinical variables: cognitive performance, dementia, and diabetes. Participants were New Zealanders 65 years and older who completed the international Resident Assessment Instrument (interRAI). Data from 10,361 participants (mean age 80.4 years, 55.5% female) were analyzed. 258 of them were persons with SMI (mean age 73.0, 57.0% female). Persons with SMI were significantly younger than those from the general population. InterRAI assessments showed no clinical differences. Significantly, more persons with SMI were living alone and without a partner. Older community-dwelling persons with SMI exhibited onset of frailty at a younger age.
Surface Roughness Variation Across Polar Ice Deposit Boundaries on Mercury
Authors: Deutsch Ariel N. , Colaprete Anthony , Heldmann Jennifer L. , Elphic Richard C. , Cannon Kevin M.
Published: November 2022

We analyze the surface roughness of five north polar craters on Mercury using 125 m/pixel Mercury Laser Altimeter data. Each crater hosts a polar deposit (PD) with a low‐reflectance surface. The PDs have distinct geologic contacts, enabling an analysis of roughness across deposit boundaries onto ice‐free portions of the host craters' floors. The low‐reflectance surfaces in Angelou, Despréz, and Ensor collocate with radar‐bright signatures consistent with the presence of several‐meters‐thick water‐ice deposits beneath their low‐reflectance surfaces. Subdued roughness in these three craters is consistent with the superposition of several meters of ice. The difference between roughness on and off their low‐reflectance surfaces is within one standard deviation (SD) of the results, but is found to be statistically significant, as indicated by K‐S and Mann‐U Whitney tests, and meaningful, as indicated by Cohen's d tests. There is no meaningful difference in Jiménez and Josetsu, two craters that lack strong radar‐bright signatures, consistent with the hypothesis that they do not host substantial water ice beneath their low‐reflectance surfaces and thus not all of Mercury's available cold traps are occupied by water ice. Analyzing the roughness of polar craters may provide insight into the presence/absence of thick volatile deposits, but higher‐resolution topography would be helpful given the high SD associated with roughness. Finally, we identify subdued roughness along three PDs that may be related to thick lag deposit margins or enhanced diffusive mixing along deposit edges. Roughness may provide new insight into surface characteristics of the ices and inform surface evolution models.
Evidence for Amorphous Sulfates as the Main Carrier of Soil Hydration in Gale Crater, Mars
Authors: David G. , Dehouck E. , Meslin P.‐Y. , Rapin W. , Cousin A. , Forni O. , Gasnault O. , Lasue J. , Mangold N. , Beck P. , Maurice S. , Wiens R. C. , Berger G. , Fabre S. , Pinet P. , Clark B. C. , Smith J. R. , Lanza N. L.
Published: November 2022

Understanding the genesis of Martian soils is important to constrain the hydrogeologic history of the planet. Soils have the potential to record paleoenvironmental conditions, through the nature of secondary minerals formed during weathering. In situ X‐ray diffraction analyses in Gale crater have revealed that about one third of each soil sample is composed of amorphous materials containing hydrated phases. Here, we use the geochemical data from the ChemCam instrument to investigate the nature and origin of the hydrated amorphous phases. We report for the first time with ChemCam clues for the presence of sulfates within the amorphous component of soils. We show that sulfates are the main carrier of the soil hydration and possibly explain the nature of hydrogen and sulfur measured from orbit. These sulfates and the apparent lack of significant Al‐bearing weathering products are consistent with a model of soil formation including weathering of olivine in water‐limited acidic conditions.
Enhanced Role of Convection in Future Hourly Rainfall Extremes Over South Korea
Authors: Lee Donghyun , Min Seung‐Ki , Park In‐Hong , Ahn Joong‐Bae , Cha Dong‐Hyun , Chang Eun‐Chul , Byun Young‐Hwa
Published: November 2022

A convection‐permitting regional climate model (CPRCM) with 2.5 km resolution has been simulated over South Korea for current and future conditions, and the role of convection in the scaling of hourly extreme precipitation (EP) with temperature is examined. It is found that the CPRCM can reproduce the observed super Clausius‐Clapeyron (C‐C) scaling for hourly EP. Precipitation type estimated based on the convective available potential energy reveals the important role of convection in the super C‐C scaling. Fraction of convective rainfall events increases rapidly with temperature, and the contribution of convection becomes dominant in future simulations under high‐emission scenarios. In the late 21st century, as temperature ranges shift to warmer conditions, unprecedented hourly extreme rainfall events are projected to occur particularly during the late summer season. Future changes in hourly extreme events are found to be affected much by boundary conditions from different global climate models.
Sediment Pickup Rate in Bare and Vegetated Channels
Authors: Xu Yuan , Li Danxun , Nepf Heidi
Published: November 2022

Understanding the influence of vegetation on flow and sediment transport is essential to wetland protection and restoration projects. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the sediment pickup (or entrainment) over bare and vegetated beds with model vegetation (i.e., cylinder arrays) of different solid volume fractions, , and diameters, . For the vegetated beds, measured pickup rate was closely correlated with turbulent kinetic energy, , and ‐based model developed for bare channels significantly underestimated the pickup rate measured in vegetated channels. Building on previous theoretical analyses and observations, this study proposed two ‐based predictions for pickup rate that include the impact of both bed‐ and vegetation‐generated turbulence. The new models improve the prediction of pickup rate within vegetated regions.
The Relationship Between Nitrate and Potential Density in the Ocean South of 30°S
Authors: Xu Dan , Wang Tao , Xing Xiaogang , Bian Changwei
Published: November 2022

As a main source of nitrate for the pycnocline in the global ocean, the ocean south of 30°S plays a pivotal role in the global marine biogeochemical cycle. Nitrate in the pycnocline often shows a more stable relationship with density than with depth. Hence, it is important to understand the nitrate structure and its relationship with density in the ocean south of 30°S. In the present study, the nitrate‐density relationship and the mechanisms for its variability are studied based on the data from more than 60,000 profiles. Through analysis, we find that nitrate is approximately linearly correlated with potential density in the nitracline, except for the western boundary current zones. The upper bounds of the nitracline depend on the mixed layer and euphotic layer depth. The lower bounds are related to the depth of maximum nitrate, which mainly vary meridionally with sharp changes near the Subantarctic Front. The diapycnal gradients of nitrate also show meridional variability, with large magnitudes corresponding to thick Subantarctic Mode Water, low diapycnal mixing in the nitracline, and high biological uptake in the euphotic layer. The nitrate‐density relationship can be applied to predict nitrate concentrations based on the observed temperature and salinity profiles and support some detailed studies on the physical‐biogeochemical interactions. Two examples show that the predicted nitrate data could help better resolve the effects of ocean circulations and mesoscale eddies on nitrate than the existing observed nitrate profiles.
A Mars 2020 Perseverance SuperCam Perspective on the Igneous Nature of the Máaz Formation at Jezero Crater and Link With Séítah, Mars
Authors: Udry A. , Ostwald A. , Sautter V. , Cousin A. , Beyssac O. , Forni O. , Dromart G. , Benzerara K. , Nachon M. , Horgan B. , Mandon L. , Clavé E. , Dehouck E. , Gibbons E. , Alwmark S. , Ravanis E. , Wiens R. C. , Legett C. , Anderson R. , Pilleri P. , Mangold N. , Schmidt M. , Liu Y. , Núñez J. I. , Castro K. , Madariaga J. M. , Kizovski T. , Beck P. , Bernard S. , Bosak T. , Brown A. , Clegg S. , Cloutis E. , Cohen B. , Connell S. , Crumpler L. , Debaille V. , Flannery D. , Fouchet T. , Gabriel T. S. J. , Gasnault O. , Herd C. D. K. , Johnson J. , Manrique J. A. , Maurice S. , McCubbin F. M. , McLennan S. , Ollila A. , Pinet P. , Quantin‐Nataf C. , Royer C. , Sharma S. , Simon J. I. , Steele A. , Tosca N. , Treiman A. ,   the SuperCam team
Published: November 2022

The Máaz formation consists of the first lithologies in Jezero crater analyzed by the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. This formation, investigated from Sols (Martian days) 1 to 201 and from Sols 343 to 382, overlies the Séítah formation (previously described as an olivine‐rich cumulate) and was initially suggested to represent an igneous crater floor unit based on orbital analyses. Using SuperCam data, we conducted a detailed textural, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the Máaz formation and the Content member of the Séítah formation. We conclude that the Máaz formation and the Content member are igneous and consist of different lava flows and/or possibly pyroclastic flows with complex textures, including vesicular and non‐vesicular rocks with different grain sizes. The Máaz formation rocks exhibit some of the lowest Mg# (=molar 100 × MgO/MgO + FeO) of all Martian igneous rocks analyzed so far (including meteorites and surface rocks) and show similar basaltic to basaltic‐andesitic compositions. Their mineralogy is dominated by Fe‐rich augite to possibly ferrosilite and plagioclase, and minor phases such as Fe‐Ti oxides and Si‐rich phases. They show a broad diversity of both compositions and textures when compared to Martian meteorites and other surface rocks. The different Máaz and Content lava or pyroclastic flows all originate from the same parental magma and/or the same magmatic system, but are not petrogenetically linked to the Séítah formation. The study of returned Máaz samples in Earth‐based laboratories will help constrain the formation of these rocks, calibrate Martian crater counting, and overall, improve our understanding of magmatism on Mars.
A functional eEF2K-eEF2 pathway in the NAc is critical for the expression of cocaine-induced psychomotor sensitisation and conditioned place preference
Authors: Beiser Tehila , Lisniansky Elvira , Weitz Moriya , Bingor Alexey , Grad Etty , Rosenblum Kobi , Thornton Claire , Yaka Rami
Published: November 2022

Recent evidence links synaptic plasticity and mRNA translation, via the eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) and its only known substrate, eEF2. However, the involvement of the eEF2 pathway in cocaine-induced neuroadaptations and cocaine-induced behaviours is not known. Knock-in (KI) mice and shRNA were used to globally and specifically reduce eEF2K expression. Cocaine psychomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference were used to evaluate behavioural outcome. Changes in eEF2 phosphorylation were determined by western blot analyses. No effect was observed on the AMPA/NMDA receptor current ratio in the ventral tegmental area, 24 h after cocaine injection in eEF2K-KI mice compared with WT. However, development and expression of cocaine psychomotor sensitization were decreased in KI mice. Phosphorylated eEF2 was decreased one day after psychomotor sensitization and returned to baseline at seven days in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of WT mice, but not in eEF2K-KI mice. However, one day following cocaine challenge, phosphorylated eEF2 decreased in WT but not KI mice. Importantly, specific targeting of eEF2K expression by shRNA in the NAc decreased cocaine condition place preference. These results suggest that the eEF2 pathway play a role in cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference.
Cutaneous melanoma, prostate-specific antigen testing and the subsequent risk of prostate cancer diagnosis: a prospective analysis of the 45 and Up Study
Authors: Egger Sam , Smith David P. , Patel Manish I. , Kimlin Michael G. , Armstrong Bruce K. , Nair-Shalliker Visalini
Published: November 2022

Background

The association between cutaneous melanoma and subsequent risk of prostate cancer (PC) was examined in a large population-based cohort study.

Methods

Male participants in the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study (Australia) were recruited between 2006 and 2009. Questionnaire data and linked administrative health data from the Centre for Health Record Linkage and Services Australia identified melanomas diagnosed between 1/1/1994 and 12 months before Study recruitment (i.e., between 2005 and 2008), incident PCs, primary healthcare utilisation and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Men were excluded from the current analyses if they had a recorded PC or other cancer diagnosis other than melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer prior to recruitment. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) adjusting for PSA-testing frequency before PC diagnosis.

Results

Of 96,548 eligible men, 1899 were diagnosed with melanoma during the melanoma diagnosis period and 3677 incident PC diagnosed during follow-up (latest date 31/12/2013). Men with melanoma diagnosis had increased risk of a subsequent PC diagnoses (vs. no melanoma; fully adjusted HR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.09–1.60). There was weak evidence of higher risks of a subsequent PC diagnosis for men diagnosed with more than one melanoma compared to men diagnosed with only one melanoma (p = 0.077), and if first melanoma diagnosis was 10 to 15 years before Study recruitment (fully adjusted HR = 2.05; 95% CI [1.35, 3.12]).

Conclusion

Melanoma diagnosis was associated with increased risk of subsequent PC diagnosis, after adjusting for PSA testing and primary healthcare utilisation. While our ability to adjust for PC screening reduced risk of detection bias, we acknowledge that residual confounding from increased medical surveillance after melanoma diagnoses cannot be entirely ruled out.
Genome-wide identification of disease-causing copy number variations in 450 individuals with anorectal malformations
Authors: Fabian Julia , Dworschak Gabriel C. , Waffenschmidt Lea , Schierbaum Luca , Bendixen Charlotte , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie , Sivalingam Sugirthan , Buness Andreas , Schwarzer Nicole , Boemers Thomas M. , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Neser Jörg , Leonhardt Johannes , Kosch Ferdinand , Weih Sandra , Gielen Helen Maya , Hosie Stuart , Kabs Carmen , Palta Markus , Märzheuser Stefanie , Bode Lena Marie , Lacher Martin , Schäfer Frank-Mattias , Stehr Maximilian , Knorr Christian , Ure Benno , Kleine Katharina , Rolle Udo , Zaniew Marcin , Phillip Grote , Zwink Nadine , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Reutter Heiko , Hilger Alina C.
Published: November 2022

Anorectal malformations (ARM) represent a spectrum of rare malformations originating from a perturbated development of the embryonic hindgut. Approximately 60% occur as a part of a defined genetic syndrome or within the spectrum of additional congenital anomalies. Rare copy number variations (CNVs) have been associated with both syndromic and non-syndromic forms. The present study represents the largest study to date to explore the contribution of CNVs to the expression of ARMs. SNP-array-based molecular karyotyping was applied in 450 individuals with ARM and 4392 healthy controls. CNVs were identified from raw intensity data using PennCNV. Overlapping CNVs between cases and controls were discarded. Remaining CNVs were filtered using a stringent filter algorithm of nine filter steps. Prioritized CNVs were confirmed using qPCR. Filtering prioritized and qPCR confirmed four microscopic chromosomal anomalies and nine submicroscopic CNVs comprising seven microdeletions (del2p13.2, del4p16.2, del7q31.33, del9p24.1, del16q12.1, del18q32, del22q11.21) and two microduplications (dup2p13.2, dup17q12) in 14 individuals (12 singletons and one affected sib-pair). Within these CNVs, based on their embryonic expression data and function, we suggest FOXK2, LPP, and SALL3 as putative candidate genes. Overall, our CNV analysis identified putative microscopic and submicroscopic chromosomal rearrangements in 3% of cases. Functional characterization and re-sequencing of suggested candidate genes is warranted.
In situ generation of micrometer-sized tumor cell-derived vesicles as autologous cancer vaccines for boosting systemic immune responses
Authors: Guo Yuxin , Wang Shao-Zhe , Zhang Xinping , Jia Hao-Ran , Zhu Ya-Xuan , Zhang Xiaodong , Gao Ge , Jiang Yao-Wen , Li Chengcheng , Chen Xiaokai , Wu Shun-Yu , Liu Yi , Wu Fu-Gen
Published: November 2022

Cancer vaccine, which can promote tumor-specific immunostimulation, is one of the most important immunotherapeutic strategies and holds tremendous potential for cancer treatment/prevention. Here, we prepare a series of nanoparticles composed of doxorubicin- and tyrosine kinase inhibitor-loaded and hyaluronic acid-coated dendritic polymers (termed HDDT nanoparticles) and find that the HDDT nanoparticles can convert various cancer cells to micrometer-sized vesicles (1.6−3.2 μm; termed HMVs) with ~100% cell-to-HMV conversion efficiency. We confirm in two tumor-bearing mouse models that the nanoparticles can restrain tumor growth, induce robust immunogenic cell death, and convert the primary tumor into an antigen depot by producing HMVs in situ to serve as personalized vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, the HDDT-healed mice show a strong immune memory effect and the HDDT treatment can realize long-term protection against tumor rechallenge. Collectively, the present work provides a general strategy for the preparation of tumor-associated antigen-containing vesicles and the development of personalized cancer vaccines.
Tiger sharks support the characterization of the world’s largest seagrass ecosystem
Authors: Gallagher Austin J. , Brownscombe Jacob W. , Alsudairy Nourah A. , Casagrande Andrew B. , Fu Chuancheng , Harding Lucy , Harris S. David , Hammerschlag Neil , Howe Wells , Huertas Antonio Delgado , Kattan Sami , Kough Andrew S. , Musgrove Andre , Payne Nicholas L. , Phillips Adrian , Shea Brendan D. , Shipley Oliver N. , Sumaila U. Rashid , Hossain Mohammad S. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: November 2022

Seagrass conservation is critical for mitigating climate change due to the large stocks of carbon they sequester in the seafloor. However, effective conservation and its potential to provide nature-based solutions to climate change is hindered by major uncertainties regarding seagrass extent and distribution. Here, we describe the characterization of the world’s largest seagrass ecosystem, located in The Bahamas. We integrate existing spatial estimates with an updated empirical remote sensing product and perform extensive ground-truthing of seafloor with 2,542 diver surveys across remote sensing tiles. We also leverage seafloor assessments and movement data obtained from instrument-equipped tiger sharks, which have strong fidelity to seagrass ecosystems, to augment and further validate predictions. We report a consensus area of at least 66,000 km2 and up to 92,000 km2 of seagrass habitat across The Bahamas Banks. Sediment core analysis of stored organic carbon further confirmed the global relevance of the blue carbon stock in this ecosystem. Data from tiger sharks proved important in supporting mapping and ground-truthing remote sensing estimates. This work provides evidence of major knowledge gaps in the ocean ecosystem, the benefits in partnering with marine animals to address these gaps, and underscores support for rapid protection of oceanic carbon sinks.
Genomic insights into local adaptation and future climate-induced vulnerability of a keystone forest tree in East Asia
Authors: Sang Yupeng , Long Zhiqin , Dan Xuming , Feng Jiajun , Shi Tingting , Jia Changfu , Zhang Xinxin , Lai Qiang , Yang Guanglei , Zhang Hongying , Xu Xiaoting , Liu Huanhuan , Jiang Yuanzhong , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Liu Jianquan , Mao Kangshan , Wang Jing
Published: November 2022

Rapid global climate change is posing a substantial threat to biodiversity. The assessment of population vulnerability and adaptive capacity under climate change is crucial for informing conservation and mitigation strategies. Here we generate a chromosome-scale genome assembly and re-sequence genomes of 230 individuals collected from 24 populations for Populus koreana, a pioneer and keystone tree species in temperate forests of East Asia. We integrate population genomics and environmental variables to reveal a set of climate-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms, insertion/deletions and structural variations, especially numerous adaptive non-coding variants distributed across the genome. We incorporate these variants into an environmental modeling scheme to predict a highly spatiotemporal shift of this species in response to future climate change. We further identify the most vulnerable populations that need conservation priority and many candidate genes and variants that may be useful for forest tree breeding with special aims. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating genomic and environmental data to predict adaptive capacity of a key forest to rapid climate change in the future.
Shaping contactless radiation forces through anomalous acoustic scattering
Authors: Stein Matthew , Keller Sam , Luo Yujie , Ilic Ognjen
Published: November 2022

Waves impart momentum and exert force on obstacles in their path. The transfer of wave momentum is a fundamental mechanism for contactless manipulation, yet the rules of conventional scattering intrinsically limit the radiation force based on the shape and the size of the manipulated object. Here, we show that this intrinsic limit can be broken for acoustic waves with subwavelength-structured surfaces (metasurfaces), where the force becomes controllable by the arrangement of surface features, independent of the object’s overall shape and size. Harnessing such anomalous metasurface scattering, we demonstrate complex actuation phenomena: self-guidance, where a metasurface object is autonomously guided by an acoustic wave, and tractor beaming, where a metasurface object is pulled by the wave. Our results show that bringing the metasurface physics of acoustic waves, and its full arsenal of tools, to the domain of mechanical manipulation opens new frontiers in contactless actuation and enables diverse actuation mechanisms that are beyond the limits of traditional wave-matter interactions.
Towards highly efficient NIR II response up-conversion phosphor enabled by long lifetimes of Er3+
Authors: Yin Xiumei , Xu Wen , Zhu Ge , Ji Yanan , Xiao Qi , Dong Xinyao , He Ming , Cao Baosheng , Zhou Na , Luo Xixian , Guo Lin , Dong Bin
Published: November 2022

The second near-infrared (NIR II) response photon up-conversion (UC) materials show great application prospects in the fields of biology and optical communication. However, it is still an enormous challenge to obtain efficient NIR II response materials. Herein, we develop a series of Er3+doped ternary sulfides phosphors with highly efficient UC emissions under 1532 nm irradiation. β-NaYS2:Er3+achieves a visible UC efficiency as high as 2.6%, along with high brightness, spectral stability of lights illumination and temperature. Such efficient UC is dominated by excited state absorption, accompanied by the advantage of long lifetimes (4I9/2, 9.24 ms;4I13/2, 30.27 ms) of excited state levels of Er3+, instead of the well-recognized energy transfer UC between sensitizer and activator. NaYS2:Er3+phosphors are further developed for high-performance underwater communication and narrowband NIR photodetectors. Our findings suggest a novel approach for developing NIR II response UC materials, and simulate new applications, eg., simultaneous NIR and visible optical communication.
Fault mechanism analysis and diagnosis for closed-loop drive system of industrial robot based on nonlinear spectrum
Authors: Chen Lerui , Wen Shengjun , Wang Haiquan , Hu Heyu
Published: November 2022

To solve the problem of nonlinear characteristics neglecting and fault mechanism analysis lacking in fault diagnosis research, a new method of fault mechanism analysis and diagnosis based on nonlinear spectrum is proposed. Firstly, based on the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) model of robot, the first 4-order spectrums based on nonlinear output frequency response function (NOFRF) in different states are obtained by batch calculation method. Secondly, the high-frequency spectrum distribution rule of NOFRF spectrum in different states are analyzed. Finally, in the closed-loop simulation environment of robot, the identification method based on data-driven is adopted for NOFRF spectrum calculation to verify power loss fault of PMSM. Meanwhile, the fault diagnosis experiment is also carried out. The experimental results indicate that the key characteristics distribution rule of NOFRF spectrums in the real environment is consistent with the theoretical analysis results, and compared with the traditional fault feature extraction methods by output signal, the diagnosis with fault feature of NOFRF spectrum for industrial robot closed-loop drive system has the highest accuracy, which verifies the validity of NOFRF spectrum as the fault feature.
Physiological status and anatomical severity factors associated with child versus adult bicyclist fatalities based on a national trauma dataset
Authors: Ishii Wataru , Hitosugi Masahito , Kandori Kenji , Miyaguni Michitaro , Iizuka Ryoji
Published: November 2022

Bicyclists still account for the majority of child deaths in traffic accidents, despite a gradual decrease in incidence. Therefore, we investigated factors associated with child and adult bicyclist fatalities. In this retrospective study, we used data from a national hospital-based database, the Japan Trauma Data Bank. Data from 2004 to 2019 were obtained for child cyclists (5–18 years; n = 4832) and adult cyclists (26–45 years; n = 3449). In each age group, physiological variables, outcomes, and injury severity were compared between fatal and non-fatal cases. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with fatality. In adults, fatality was associated with lower values for body temperature, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score for the neck and upper extremities, and with higher values for respiratory rate, heart rate, focused assessment with sonography for trauma positivity rate, and AIS scores for the head, chest, and abdomen. In children, fatality was associated with lower values for body temperature and the Glasgow Coma Scale score, and with higher values for the AIS chest score. These findings point to factors associated with bicyclist fatalities and may help in the development of effective strategies to reduce these fatalities.
Prevalence and characteristics of dry eye disease in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nagino Ken , Sung Jaemyoung , Oyama Genko , Hayano Motoshi , Hattori Nobutaka , Okumura Yuichi , Fujio Kenta , Akasaki Yasutsugu , Huang Tianxiang , Midorikawa-Inomata Akie , Fujimoto Keiichi , Eguchi Atsuko , Hurramhon Shokirova , Miura Maria , Ohno Mizu , Hirosawa Kunihiko , Morooka Yuki , Murakami Akira , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Inomata Takenori
Published: November 2022

We investigated and characterized the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant studies between January 1, 1979 and March 10, 2022. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Study-specific estimates were combined using the DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model. Prevalence of subjective DED symptoms in patients with PD and mean differences in blink rate, corneal thickness, tear film breakup time, and tear secretion volume on Schirmer test I were compared to those in controls. Of 383 studies, 13 (1519 patients with PD) and 12 were included in qualitative and quantitative syntheses, respectively. Meta-analysis revealed a 61.1% prevalence of subjective DED symptoms in PD and that, compared with controls, patients with PD had significantly lower blink rate, thinner corneal thickness, shorter tear film breakup time, and lower tear secretion volumes on Schirmer test I, without and with anesthesia.
Cytokines help suggest aplastic anemia with pulmonary bacterial or co-fungal infection
Authors: Zhang Jinping , Yang Zefeng , Hu Peng , Guan Xin , Zhang Chaoran , Zou Yunlian , Li Huiyuan , Yang Tonghua , Cao Yue , Zhao Renbin , Li Zengzheng
Published: November 2022

Although aplastic anemia (AA) does not come under the category of blood malignant diseases, the infection that frequently occurs in this bone marrow failure can make it worse. Pulmonary infection is the most prevalent but limiting clinical diagnosis. To find biomarkers predicting bacterial or bacterial-combined fungal infections in the lungs, we reviewed 287 AA medical records including 151 without any infection, 87 with pure pulmonary bacterial infection, and 49 with bacterial and fungal infection were reviewed. There were substantial changes in IL-17F, IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels between the non-infected and lung bacterial infection groups (P < 0.05). Further, a significant variation in IL-17A, TNF-β, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-22, and IL-12p70, between the uninfected group and the pulmonary bacterial and fungal infection group (P < 0.05) was observed. The results further revealed significant differences in TNF-β, IL-12p70, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 between the pulmonary bacterial infection group and the fungal infection group (P < 0.05). Moreover, by calculating ROC and cut-off values, we determined that IL-6 (AUC = 0.98, Cut-off = 14.28 pg/ml, P = 0.0000) had a significant advantage than other cytokines, body temperature (AUC = 0.61, P = 0.0050), PCT (AUC = 0.57, P = 0.0592), and CRP (AUC = 0.60, P = 0.0147) in the detection of lungs bacterial infections. In addition, IL-6 (AUC = 1.00, Cut-off = 51.50 pg/ml, P = 0.000) and IL-8 (AUC = 0.87, Cut-off = 60.53 pg/ml, P = 0.0000) showed stronger advantages than other cytokines, body temperature (AUC = 0.60, P = 0.0324), PCT (AUC = 0.72, Cut-off = 0.63 ng/ml, P = 0.0000) and CRP (AUC = 0.79, Cut-off = 5.79 mg/l, P = 0.0000) in distinguishing bacteria from fungi. This may suggest that IL-8 may play a role in differentiating co-infected bacteria and fungi. Such advantages are repeated in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and very severe aplastic anemia (VSAA).In conclusion, aberrant IL-6 elevations in AA patients may predict the likelihood of bacterial lung infection. The concurrent increase of IL-6 and IL-8, on the other hand, should signal bacterial and fungal infections in patients.These findings may help to suggest bacterial or fungal co-infection in patients with AA (Focus on VSAA and SAA).
Excess suicide attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and social disparities in South Korea
Authors: Min Jieun , Oh Jieun , Kim Soo In , Kang Cinoo , Ha Eunhee , Kim Ho , Lee Whanhee
Published: November 2022

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on suicide remains unclear and might differ according to individuals’ socioeconomic characteristics. We aimed to investigate excess suicide attributable to COVID-19 in South Korea, stratified by the outbreak period and individual characteristics. We obtained daily time-series suicide mortality data for January 2017–December 2020 from the Korea National Statistics Office and performed a two-stage interrupted time-series analysis. We estimated excess suicide in 16 regions of Korea using a quasi-Poisson time-series regression model and pooled the region-specific estimates using a mixed-effects multivariate meta-analysis model in the first and second stages, respectively. From February 18 to December 31, 2020, suicide decreased by 9.5% [95% empirical confidence interval (eCI): 3.8%, 15.6%] compared to the number expected from the pre-pandemic period. The decrease in excess suicide risk from the initial pandemic was pronounced during the pandemic’s first and third waves. Further, we found that the decrease in suicide was more evident in individuals who were male [11.7% (95% eCI: 5.5%, 18.0%)], middle-aged [13.7% (95% eCI: 7.8%, 19.6%)], highly educated [12.6% (95% eCI: 6.4%, 19.4%)], and married [13.6% (95% eCI: 8.0%, 20.3%)] than in the general population, based on the point estimates. Our results provide timely evidence to establish public health policies for suicide prevention and suggest the prioritization of resource allocation for mental health of individuals based on individual characteristics.
Health risk of consuming Sphoeroides spp. from the Navachiste Lagoon complex due to its trace metals and organochlorine pesticides content
Authors: Muñoz-Armenta Gabriela , Pérez-González Ernestina , Rodríguez-Meza Guadalupe Durga , González-Ocampo Hector Abelardo
Published: November 2022

The Navachiste complex (NAV) is impacted by neighbored human activities and is located in the southwestern coastal zone of the Gulf of California. The study determines the trace metal (TM) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) health risk content in the edible tissue of Sphoeroides spp. from NAV. The daily intakes (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were calculated. Twenty OCP and seven TM were detected. Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were above MRLs. The γ‒Chlordane was the most frequent OCP. The highest average concentration was for α‒HCH, followed by γ‒chlordane. With the high ratios of γ‒HCH, p, p′‒ DDD and p, p′‒DDD, and the absence of p, p′‒ DDT, the higher ratios for dieldrin and endrin than for aldrin, α‒ chlordane, γ‒chlordane, heptachlor, and heptachlor epoxide indicates historical contamination. In contrast, the residual products of methoxychlor, endosulfan, and its isomers indicate endosulfan's recent use. The TM EDI, THQ > 1 (at 120 g day−1), and the ILCR (> 1 × 10–6) were above minimum levels, showing a high-risk potential for cancer development in the long term.