bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome profiling reveals stress-responsive gene networks in cattle muscles
Authors: Cassar-Malek Isabelle , Pomiès Lise , de la Foye Anne , Tournayre Jérémy , Boby Céline , Hocquette Jean-François
Published: April 2022

In meat-producing animals, preslaughter operations (e.g., transportation, mixing unfamiliar animals, food and water deprivation) may be a source of stress with detrimental effects on meat quality. The objective of this work was to study the effect of emotional and physical stress by comparing the transcriptomes of two muscles (M. longissimus thoracis, LT and M. semitendinosus, ST) in Normand cows exposed to stress (n = 16) vs. cows handled with limited stress (n = 16). Using a microarray, we showed that exposure to stress resulted in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both muscles (62 DEGs in LT and 32 DEGs in ST, of which eight were common transcription factors (TFs)). Promoter analysis of the DEGs showed that 25 cis transcriptional modules were overrepresented, of which nine were detected in both muscles. Molecular interaction networks of the DEGs targeted by the most represented cis modules helped identify common regulators and common targets involved in the response to stress. They provided elements showing that the transcriptional response to stress is likely to (i) be controlled by regulators of energy metabolism, factors involved in the response to hypoxia, and inflammatory cytokines; and (ii) initiate metabolic processes, angiogenesis, corticosteroid response, immune system processes, and satellite cell activation/quiescence. The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to stress induced a core response to stress in both muscles, including changes in the expression of TFs. These factors could relay the physiological adaptive response of cattle muscles to cope with emotional and physical stress. The study provides information to further understand the consequences of these molecular processes on meat quality and find strategies to attenuate them.
Life history and ossification patterns inMiguashaia bureauireveal the early evolution of osteogenesis in coelacanths
Authors: Mondéjar Fernández Jorge , Meunier François J. , Cloutier Richard , Clément Gaël , Laurin Michel
Published: April 2022

The study of development is critical for revealing the evolution of major vertebrate lineages. Coelacanths have one of the longest evolutionary histories among osteichthyans, but despite access to extant representatives, the onset of their weakly ossified endoskeleton is still poorly understood. Here we present the first palaeohistological and skeletochronological study ofMiguashaia bureauifrom the Upper Devonian of Canada, pivotal for exploring the palaeobiology and early evolution of osteogenesis in coelacanths. Cross sections of the caudal fin bones show that the cortex is made of layers of primary bone separated by lines of arrested growth, indicative of a cyclical growth. The medullary cavity displays remnants of calcified cartilage associated with bony trabeculae, characteristic of endochondral ossification. A skeletochronological analysis indicates that rapid growth during a short juvenile period was followed by slower growth in adulthood. Our new analysis highlights the life history and palaeoecology ofMiguashaia bureauiand reveals that, despite differences in size and habitat, the poor endoskeletal ossification known in the extantLatimeria chalumnaecan be traced back at least 375 million years ago.
Early Pleistocene large mammals from Maka’amitalu, Hadar, lower Awash Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Rowan John , Lazagabaster Ignacio A. , Campisano Christopher J. , Bibi Faysal , Bobe René , Boisserie Jean-Renaud , Frost Stephen R. , Getachew Tomas , Gilbert Christopher C. , Lewis Margaret E. , Melaku Sahleselasie , Scott Eric , Souron Antoine , Werdelin Lars , Kimbel William H. , Reed Kaye E.
Published: April 2022

The Early Pleistocene was a critical time period in the evolution of eastern African mammal faunas, but fossil assemblages sampling this interval are poorly known from Ethiopia’s Afar Depression. Field work by the Hadar Research Project in the Busidima Formation exposures (~2.7–0.8 Ma) of Hadar in the lower Awash Valley, resulted in the recovery of an earlyHomomaxilla (A.L. 666-1) with associated stone tools and fauna from the Maka’amitalu basin in the 1990s. These assemblages are dated to ~2.35 Ma by the Bouroukie Tuff 3 (BKT-3). Continued work by the Hadar Research Project over the last two decades has greatly expanded the faunal collection. Here, we provide a comprehensive account of the Maka’amitalu large mammals (Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Perissodactyla, Primates, and Proboscidea) and discuss their paleoecological and biochronological significance. The size of the Maka’amitalu assemblage is small compared to those from the Hadar Formation (3.45–2.95 Ma) and Ledi-Geraru (2.8–2.6 Ma) but includes at least 20 taxa. Bovids, suids, andTheropithecusare common in terms of both species richness and abundance, whereas carnivorans, equids, and megaherbivores are rare. While the taxonomic composition of the Maka’amitalu fauna indicates significant species turnover from the Hadar Formation and Ledi-Geraru deposits, turnover seems to have occurred at a constant rate through time as taxonomic dissimilarity between adjacent fossil assemblages is strongly predicted by their age difference. A similar pattern characterizes functional ecological turnover, with only subtle changes in dietary proportions, body size proportions, and bovid abundances across the composite lower Awash sequence. Biochronological comparisons with other sites in eastern Africa suggest that the taxa recovered from the Maka’amitalu are broadly consistent with the reported age of the BKT-3 tuff. Considering the age of BKT-3 and biochronology, a range of 2.4–1.9 Ma is most likely for the faunal assemblage.
Predictive Accuracy of Conventional Clinico-radiological Indicators in Foreign Body Aspirations among Children: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sadiq Shinaz , Binu MK , Aravind CS , Beena SV
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Foreign Body Aspiration (FBA) is a common and serious paediatric emergency condition. A Suspected Foreign Body Aspiration (SFBA) is based on Clinical History (CH), Physical Findings (PF), and Chest Radiograph (RAD/CXR). The predictive accuracy of these factors as indicators of FBA and to perform Rigid Bronchoscopy (RB) based on these factors has been debated. Aim: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of clinical history, physical findings and radiology in SFBA. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on paediatric patients with suspicion of foreign body aspiration, admitted in the Department of Paediatric Surgery at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, between January 2006 and December 2020. Factors in CH, PF, and RAD were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate the predictive accuracy of these factors as indicators for bronchoscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and NPV were calculated for the clinico-radiological indicators in predicting FBA. The association between evidence of FBA and clinico-radiological indicators was evaluated by Pearson Chi-square test; and p-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 458 children (263 males and 195 females) were admitted with SFBA having mean age of 29.49±24.92 months, 389 had confirmed FBA, and 69 had no FBA. The age group of 1-2 years was found to be a statistically significant factor for FBA (p-value=0.03). Foreign Body aspiration Witnessing Event (FBEW) (p-value <0.0001, sensitivity=91%, specificity=31%), choking spell (p-value <0.0001, sensitivity=95%, specificity=25%), acute cough (p-value <0.0001, sensitivity=87%, specificity=46%), tachypnea (p-value <0.0167, sensitivity=89%, specificity=20%), decreased breath sound (p-value <0.0001, sensitivity=92%, specificity=35%), abnormal CXR (p-value <0.0001, sensitivity=94%, specificity=37%) and hyperinflation (p-value <0.0001, sensitivity=95%, specificity=31%) were found to be independent statistically significant factors in FBA. Multivariate analysis showed a PPV of 97% when the aspiration event was witnessed along with abnormal physical and radiological findings. Conclusion: It was observed that assessment of clinico-radiological parameters is valuable in predicting FBA. The indications of RB in SFBA can be safely based on these clinico-radiological parameters.
Estimating Tibia Length: An Anatomical Landmarks Evaluation of Bones and X-ray Radiographs
Authors: Okon Elijah Sunday , Imoh Peter Aniekan , Udo Ekanem Akpan , E. Edet Iboro , O. Oyakhire Micheal
Published: April 2022

The ability to estimate the length of the bone is a major step towards estimating the stature of an individual in forensic investigation of mass fatalities where body parts are dismembered, scattered and mixed up. This is so because researchers have established that long bone length correlates with stature. Nine parameters of the tibia bone were measured using anthropometric board, anthropometric tape and digital caliper. Five of the nine parameters that could be read on anterior-posterior x-ray radiograph of the tibia measured using a transparent meter rule were used in this study. A total of 600 sample of N = 600, (300 right and 300 left bones) and (320 males: right = 160; left = 160; 280 females: right = 140; left 140 radiographs) obtained from Anatomy museums and hospitals in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria were used in this study. No significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean value was found between measurements from the bones and those from the anteroposterior x-ray radiographs. The difference in mean for all variables were seen to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher for males compared to females. Results show that the tibia proximal breadth (TPB), medial-lateral diameter at mid-shaft (MLDM) and tibia distal breadth (TDB) were the best predictors of the length of tibia. Thus, in cases of mass fatalities as could happen in a plane crash or bomb blast, the estimate of the fragmented remains of the tibia, when compared with the estimate from an anti-mortem x-ray radiograph, may reveal the identity of the missing individual.
Agricultural Culture between Perspectives and Production Trends of Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Popescu Lavinia , Sorinela Safta Adela
Published: April 2022

The climate paradigm of agriculture under the Common Agricultural Policy shows that current working practices together with environmental innovations and the elimination of chemical fertilizers are catalysts for a European agriculture that has the potential to become less harmful to the environment. Research seeks to extract a set of factors that can lead to the natural imbalance of plants. The development of an agricultural crop offers a new way on the general perception between need and consumption, the intersection being governed by the general cyclical and regenerative purpose in symbiosis with the environment. Thus, the change of environment generates direct effects in terms of production, farmers adapting production to the response of crops to climate, especially on plant protection, taking into account the effects of climate change. Environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources, vulnerabilities related to fertilizer application techniques are current individualized concerns in the development of areas. The excessive and intrusive development generated by soil development and loss, causes degradation of the environment and society and the reorientation of methods applied to plant protection to protect the biosphere has returned today. Climate change involves the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the adaptation of agricultural systems and, in our opinion, these are closely linked to the use of different types of plant protection. Analyzes indicate that the products chemicals that are used to control diseases in agricultural crops are growing in the highlighted agricultural areas. This research uses the theories of empirical analysis, the role of research and studies has shown an important factor in reducing the carbon footprint can be highlighted from the perspective of the production load and implicitly of plant protection products used. The novelty of this research indicates that agricultural practices for the application of plant protection have a response to climate change and due to atmospheric pressure. During the research, values were found that contribute to the development of the agricultural sector as part of the economy, Studies have shown effect of the climate being a factor not to be neglected in agricultural techniques. The research question is how climate change regulations influence the vision of the Common Agricultural Policy and climate change from the perspective of adapting to the needs imposed by sustainability. The main objective of the paper is to highlight the main levers of agricultural sustainability in accordance with the requirements of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Mushroom Consumption as a Proactive Approach for Improving Human Health: A Review
Authors: Nihal Aniket
Published: April 2022

Mushrooms have been considered as a therapeutic food due to its high nutritional and medicinal properties. It is a good source of proteins and carbohydrates and also contain essential vitamins like vitamin B complexes, C, A, D and E; essential as well as non-essential amino acids; and valuable minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, potassium, copper, phosphorous and cobalt which play a vital role in stimulating immune function and improving metabolism, and thus, beneficial for human health. Various extracts and biologically active compounds such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, terpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, phenolics, cordycepin and cordycepic acid from fruitbodies of different mushroom species showed beneficial effects in the treatment of many human diseases including life-threatening disease like respiratory illness, tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancers, microbial infection and also showed positive effect against HIV, influenza A virus, hepatitis B virus and herpes simplex virus type 1. This review describes the importance of White button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju), Paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea), Milky mushroom (Calocybe indica), Termitarium mushroom (Termitomyces spp.), Rugra mushroom (Astraeus hygrometricus), Cordyceps mushroom (Cordyceps militaris) and Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) so that, people include mushroom in their diet to make themselves healthy and strong enough to fight against infections caused by foreign substance (antigens) like bacteria and virus.
Effect of Weed Management on Weed Growth, Performance, Profitability and Economics of Wheat in Transitional Plain of Luni Basin
Authors: Lal Bijarnia Arjun , Yadav P. C. , Godara A. S. , Saresh N. V. , Meena D. M. , Lal Boori Sohan
Published: April 2022

A experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Keshwana, Jalore under arid climate conditions in Rabi season during 2018-19 with the object of effect of herbicide on weed, wheat growth, yield and economics. The data shows that the treatment 2,4 D @ 0.5 kg ha-1 at 35 DAS+ hand hoeing 45 DAS recorded lower dry matter of weeds at harvest  (18.3 g), maximum growth, spike length (8.5 cm), No. of spikelet (17), No. of seeds per spike (54.7), seed yield (40.1 q) and Straw yield (59.1 q) of wheat, and at par with the treatment Metsulfuron 4 g ha-1 35 DAS + hand hoeing 45 DAS.  The treatment 2,4 D @ 0.5 kg ha-1 at 35 DAS+ hand hoeing 45 DAS also produced the maximum gross return (Rs 117763 ), net return (Rs 70886 ) and B:C ratio (2.51).
Genetic Appraisal of Wheat Progenies for Grain Yield and Yield Attributing Traits
Authors: Anu . , Singh Vikram , Janghel D. K. , Kiran . , Neeru . , Yadav Satender
Published: April 2022

The present investigation was carried out in F3 and F4 progenies of wheat to study gene interactions and its attributing traits during the Rabi season of 2014-15 and 2015-16. The crop was grown in research area of Wheat and Barley Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Most of the traits were studied positively skewed and were being governed by several genes indicating quantitative inheritance. Skewness and kurtosis indicated dominance based complementary gene interaction involving large number of genes having decreasing effect in the inheritance of plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike, 1000 grain weight and biological yield per plant in both the progenies However, duplicate interaction was observed for grain length, number of spikelets per spike, grain yield per plant and harvest index in both the progenies, hence, genetic gain will be rapid under mild selection. Grain yield per plant and associated traits showed platykurtic distribution indicated the involvement of few genes in inheritance of these traits. This indicates that selection could be practiced for these component traits to increase grain yield per plant. Hence, as a concluding remark based on measures of shape in both F3 and F4, progenies directional selection will effectively enhance the performance of these yield attributing traits.
Assessment of RBC Folate and Serum Vitamin B12 Levels in Pakistani Women of Reproductive Age Group: An Approach towards Prevention of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Nazir Iram , Wadood Maeesa , Nazir Sadia , Rizwan Muhammad , Ayub Muhammad Adil , Nasir Syeda Shabana
Published: April 2022

Background: Folate and Vitamin B12 are important micronutrients necessary for fetal growth and development. Deficiencies of these vitamins in women of reproductive age results in adverse pregnancy outcome.

Objective: To determine red blood cell folate and serum Vitamin B12 levels in apparently healthy women of reproductive age group.

Methodology: The study was conducted in Baqai medical university, Karachi. Apparently healthy volunteer women (N=196) between ages of 15 and 49 years residing in different areas of Karachi were selected after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cut off values for defining Vitamin B12 deficiency, marginal insufficiency and folate insufficiency were <203 pg/mL, 203-299 pg/mL, and <400 ng/mL, respectively. Analysis of red blood cell folate and serum vitamin B12 levels was done after complete blood count and peripheral smear morphology.

Results: The mean serum vitamin B12 and red blood cell folate levels were 233.69 ± 54.10 pg/mL and 540.34 ± 54.04 ng/mL. Percent values of Vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal insufficiency were 42% and 46%. All of the study participants had red blood cell folate levels >400 pg/mL. A significant negative association was present between age and serum vitamin B12 levels.

Conclusion: Low serum levels of vitamin B12 in women of reproductive age group can be considered an important etiologic factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes especially neural tube defects. The need is to asses pre-conceptional level of vitamin B12 and to implement public health program especially food fortification to improve vitamin B12 status.
Broad‐Band Visible‐Light Excitable Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Via Polymer Site‐Isolated Dye Aggregates
Authors: Nie Xiancheng , Du Jiajun , Huang Wenhuan , Wang Tao , Wang Xiao , Chen Biao , Zhang Xuepeng , Zhang Guoqing
Published: April 2022

Organic room‐temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials are useful in optical imaging and sensing technologies. However, most organic phosphors, including red‐light emitting dyes, exhibit unusually large Stokes shifts, and require excitation with ultraviolet radiation, the high energy of which can induce substantial photo damage. Here a design concept of using dihydroxy‐functionalized naphthalenediimide (NDI, λabs < 400 nm) is demonstrated to initiate ring‐opening polymerizations of L‐lactide (PLA) and ε‐caprolactone (PCL), resulting in a linear polymer NDI‐PLA2/NDI‐PCL2. With the right combination of substituents, the design simultaneously realizes broadband visible light absorption (λabs = 450–650 nm) and near‐infrared RTP (λRTP = 700 nm) with millisecond‐long lifetimes. Polymer site isolations of the aggregation‐prone NDI phosphors may prevent aggregation‐caused quenching of RTP common in bulk, by forming various microscopic ground‐state aggregates, which exhibit triplet‐emitting states lower than that of the individual phosphor. The method can potentially be expanded onto other molecular RTP systems.
Multiposition Controllable Gate WS2/MoS2 Heterojunction Phototransistor and Its Applications in Optoelectronic Logic Operation and Emulation of Neurotransmission
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Wang Liming , Yang Maolong , Lin Dongdong , Wang Bo , Zhang Ningning , Jiang Zuimin , Liu Maliang , Zhu Zhangming , Hu Huiyong
Published: April 2022

Better control of the channel is crucial to improve the performance of existing electron devices. A phototransistor with a specifically designed dual‐gate structure based on a vertical van der Waals heterojunction of WS2 and MoS2 is proposed. The top gate modulates the carrier transport in WS2 at the top of the heterojunction, whereas the back gate can simultaneously control the carrier transport in both MoS2 and WS2 regions located on either side of the heterojunction. Therefore, the rectification ratio of the WS2/MoS2 heterojunction can be modified from approximately 1 to above 104. A very low subthreshold swing of 47 mV dec−1 is obtained. Optoelectronic characterization shows that the responsivity and detectivity are as high as 167.8 A W−1 and 5.8 × 1012 Jones at 532 nm, respectively, which are attributed to the combined modulation effect of the WS2/MoS2 heterojunction and additional homojunction in WS2. Moreover, a logic operation between electronic and optical signals can be performed by utilizing only one multiposition controllable gate phototransistor. In addition, the capability of this dual‐gate phototransistor to emulate information transmission in neuromorphic architectures is presented. These results demonstrate the potential of this approach for the development of next‐generation optoelectronic devices.
EU regulation of genetically modified microorganisms in light of new policy developments: Possible implications for EU bioeconomy investments
Authors: Wesseler Justus , Kleter Gijs , Meulenbroek Marthe , Purnhagen Kai P.
Published: April 2022

Many developments in the bioeconomy depend on the use of genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs). GMMs are used in bioreactors to convert biomass into food, feed, and energy products. The recent judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union on gene editing technologies has affected the use of GMMs. A heated debate has started on whether and under what circumstances GMMs should be considered genetically modified organisms. This kind of decision is extremely relevant, as it will have a strong effect on the innovation of sustainable supply chains in the bioeconomy. The question has been raised as to whether the regulatory policies on GMMs can be justified from a sustainability perspective and, in particular, whether they do not endanger the European Green Deal, the flagship policy strategy of the new European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen. This contribution will first provide an overview of GMMs and their importance for the development of the bioeconomy, followed by a theoretical framework for assessing investments in GMMs. The third part of the article includes a discussion of four scenarios for regulating GMMs in the future, derived from the EU legal environment. The potential implications of the scenarios are assessed by linking them with the benefits and costs of investments in GMMs, following a modified version of the model presented in Purnhagen and Wesseler (2019). The results show that reforms based on the current EU legal environment do not look very promising to further support the use of GMMs. This has important implications for reaching the objectives of the Green Deal, as more radical legal changes are needed for the success of the initiative.
Strategic planning oriented to circular business models: A decision framework to promote sustainable development
Authors: Puglieri Fabio Neves , Salvador Rodrigo , Romero‐Hernandez Omar , Escrivão Filho Edmundo , Piekarski Cassiano Moro , de Francisco Antonio Carlos , Ometto Aldo Roberto
Published: April 2022

Circular economy principles are usually dissociated from strategic planning practices, and there seems to be no guidance on how to decide on competitive strategies to establish circular business models. Therefore, this article aimed to propose a strategic planning decision framework oriented to circular business models (SPDF‐CBM) and test it by conducting a case study of a Brazilian company from the cosmetic sector. The SPDF‐CBM framework comprises five stages: (A) circular trends analysis; (B) circular vision and goals definition; (C) current circular business status; (D) competitive strategy for a circular economy definition; and (E) competitive strategies for a circular economy prioritization. Based on a number of tools to assist going through Stages A, B, and C, businesses get to know their current circular status and define their desired future state. In Stages D and E, businesses define their competitive strategy and spot circular business models (and strategies) they can pursue. After testing the proposed framework in a Brazilian startup from the cosmetic sector, results from SPDF‐CBM suggested that the startup pursues a competitive strategy based on differentiation and a CBM aimed at promoting renewable options. It was also pointed out that other CBMs in decreasing degree of fit with the business were maximizing material and energy efficiency, extending resource value and product life, pursuing sufficiency, and delivering functionality rather than ownership. By using the SPDF‐CBM framework, organizations can increase both their competitiveness and circularity at the same time.
Ex vivo anchored PD‐L1 functionally prevent in vivo renal allograft rejection
Authors: Luo Zihuan , Liao Tao , Zhang Yannan , Zheng Haofeng , Sun Qipeng , Han Fei , Ma Maolin , Ye Yongrong , Sun Qiquan
Published: April 2022

Organ transplantation is the optimal treatment for patients with end‐stage diseases. T cell activation is a major contributing factor toward the trigger of rejection. Induction therapy with T cell depleting agent is a common option but increases the risk of severe systemic infections. The ideal therapy should precisely target the allograft. Here, we developed a membrane‐anchored‐protein PD‐L1 (map‐PD‐L1), which effectively anchored onto the surface of rat glomerular endothelial cells (rgEC). The expression of PD‐L1 increased directly with map‐PD‐L1 concentration and incubation time. Moreover, map‐PD‐L1 was even stably anchored to rgEC at low temperature. Map‐PD‐L1 could bind to PD‐1 and significantly promote T cell apoptosis and inhibited T cell activation. Using kidney transplantation models, we found that ex vivo perfusion of donor kidneys with map‐PD‐L1 significantly protected grafts against acute injury without using any immunosuppressant. We found map‐PD‐L1 could reduce T cell graft infiltration and increase intragraft Treg infiltration, suggesting a long‐term effect in allograft protection. More importantly, modifying donor organs in vitro was not only safe, but also significantly reduced the side effects of systemic application. Our results suggested that ex vivo perfusion of donor organ with map‐PD‐L1 might provide a viable clinical option for organ‐targeted induction therapy in organ transplantation.
Full color 3D printing of anatomical models
Authors: Tan Liwen , Wang Zengtao , Jiang Hongxin , Han Bing , Tang Jing , Kang Chengfeng , Zhang Na , Xu Yifa
Published: April 2022

We propose an effective method for manufacturing human anatomical specimens in response to the shortage of cadaver specimens and the poor simulation results of anatomical specimen substitutes. Digital human data with high precision were used to create digital models and corresponding mapped textures. Different materials were chosen to print the digital models with full‐color and multimaterial 3D‐printing technology based on the histological characteristics of the anatomical structures. Anatomy experts and surgeons were then invited to compare the 3D printed models with authentic anatomical specimens in terms of morphological appearance, anatomical detail, and textural properties. The skull, brain, hand muscles, blood vessels and nerves of the hand, and the deep structure of the head and face were printed. The skull model used hard material, and the brain and hand muscles models used flexible and hard materials combined. The blood vessels, nerves of the hand, and the superficial and deep structure of the head and face used transparent materials, revealing the small vessels and nerves in the interior. In all the models, there were no significant differences from anatomical specimens in morphological appearance and anatomical detail. They also affected vision and touch in the same way as authentic specimens in the textural properties of color, roughness, smoothness, and fineness. Full‐color and multi‐material 3D printed anatomical models have the same visual and tactile properties as anatomical specimens and could serve to complement or supplement them in anatomy teaching to compensate for the shortage of cadavers.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism influence on lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Pękala Przemysław A. , Jasińska Małgorzata , Taterra Dominik , Skoczen Katelyn M. , Jarosz Agata , Konopka Tomasz , Loukas Marios , Walocha Jerzy A. , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A. , Lis Grzegorz
Published: April 2022

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a multifaceted pathology that is the main morphological cause of lower back pain. This study aimed to determine the link between the vitamin D receptor gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and degenerative processes of the lumbar spine. The complete lumbar spinal columns were collected from 100 Caucasian cadavers via ventral dissection. The specimens for the histological analysis were harvested from the L5/S1 IVDs and endplates. Then, the tissues were cut into slices, inserted into paraffin blocks, and stained. The histology was evaluated according to the Boos' protocol. Moreover, TaqI(rs731236), FokI(rs2228570), and ApaI(rs7975232) genotyping were performed. Lastly, the histological scores for different genotypes were analyzed. The overall Boos' score in the study group was 12.49. It consisted of a mean IVD score of 7.46 and endplate score of 5.39. The determination of the SNPs was successful in 99 specimens and had a distribution of all alleles in accordance with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No significant differences in overall histological degeneration scores were found between samples from donors with different genotypes. However, in subgroup analysis of specific regions on the IVD, the significant difference was found in posterior inner anulus fibrosus for ApaI. The results of this study suggest that one must be careful when interpreting the results of the clinical and/or radiological studies on vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and lumbar spine degeneration risk, because such a relationship, if present, is likely to be very subtle.
Associations of systemic inflammation markers with identification of pulmonary nodule and incident lung cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Tian Ting , Lu Jing , Zhao Wei , Wang Zhongming , Xu Hai , Ding Yuqing , Guo Wen , Qin Pei , Zhu Wenfang , Song Ci , Ma Hongxia , Zhang Qun , Shen Hongbing
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII), easily accessible systemic inflammation response parameters, were reported to associate with poor lung cancer prognosis. However, research on the effects of these markers on the risk of positive nodules (PNs) and lung cancer is limited.

Methods

Participants in this retrospective study were those who had their first computed tomography (CT) screening at Jiangsu Province Hospital's Health Promotion Center between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2020. We identified PNs (≥6 mm in diameter) from free text of CT reports and lung cancer from medical records. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to assess the association between NLR, PLR, or SII and PNs or lung cancer.

Results

The detected rate of PNs was 9.60% among the 96,476 participants. Age, smoking and body mass index were possible influencing factors for PNs. We observed linear dose‐effect relationship between NLR, PLR, or SII and PNs (pnon‐linear > 0.05). Compared with low quintile, participants with top quintiles of NLR, PLR or SII had an increased risk of PNs, with the adjusted ORs of 1.19 (1.11–1.28), 1.11 (1.04–1.19) or 1.11 (1.03–1.18), respectively. Meanwhile, NLR showed the U‐shaped relationship with lung cancer, with adjusted ORs of 1.40 (1.08–1.81) comparing highest NLR quintile to the third quintile. The high PLR and SII showed significantly associated with lung cancer with adjusted ORs of 1.29 (0.99–1.68) and 1.35 (1.04–1.74) comparing to the lowest quintile.

Conclusions

The high levels of systemic inflammation markers were associated with the risk of positive pulmonary nodules and lung cancer, which suggested systemic immune response may be an important pre‐clinical feature for the early identification of diseases.
Social resilience of indigenous community on the border: Belief and confidence in anticipating the spread of COVID‐19 through the Besamsam custom in the Dayak community
Authors: Fatmawati  , Dewantara Jagad Aditya
Published: April 2022

The Dayak indigenous community has belief and confidence in taking a stance and taking actions towards a situation and circumstances that affect their social life. This belief is based on their customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation until now. The Dayak traditional custom is a form of social resilience for the community on the border to anticipate the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, which has become a problem in all aspects of community lives. Despite facing various issues and difficulties in dealing with the pandemic, the indigenous Dayak community in Indonesia has managed to survive and resolve these problems. In dealing with the social impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Salako Dayak indigenous community on the Indonesia‐Malaysia border carried out a traditional ritual called Besamsam. The indigenous Salako Dayak community believes this ritual boosts the social and psychological resilience of the Salako Dayak indigenous community. The research findings showed that the Besamsam ritual had changed people's beliefs about lifestyle, behaviour and perceptions in dealing with the COVID‐19 pandemic. The Besamsam ritual can specifically affect the community's personalities, attitudes and actions towards the spread of COVID‐19. Indigenous peoples have become easier to organize, dynamic, empowered, resilient, motivated to meet their needs, and capable of facing various challenges and social problems during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. These findings prove that indigenous communities psychologically have strong confidence in their customary beliefs rather than cautionary advice from outside their community. The social impact of the Besamsam custom can serve as a model of awareness and a driving force for indigenous peoples' elements to work cooperatively to break the chain of COVID‐19 spread.
Mapping the vocal circuitry of Alston's singing mouse with pseudorabies virus
Authors: Zheng Da‐Jiang , Okobi Daniel E. , Shu Ryan , Agrawal Rania , Smith Samantha K. , Long Michael A. , Phelps Steven M.
Published: April 2022

Vocalizations are often elaborate, rhythmically structured behaviors. Vocal motor patterns require close coordination of neural circuits governing the muscles of the larynx, jaw, and respiratory system. In the elaborate vocalization of Alston's singing mouse (Scotinomys teguina) each note of its rapid, frequency‐modulated trill is accompanied by equally rapid modulation of breath and gape. To elucidate the neural circuitry underlying this behavior, we introduced the polysynaptic retrograde neuronal tracer pseudorabies virus (PRV) into the cricothyroid and digastricus muscles, which control frequency modulation and jaw opening, respectively. Each virus singly labels ipsilateral motoneurons (nucleus ambiguus for cricothyroid, and motor trigeminal nucleus for digastricus). We find that the two isogenic viruses heavily and bilaterally colabel neurons in the gigantocellular reticular formation, a putative central pattern generator. The viruses also show strong colabeling in compartments of the midbrain including the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and the parabrachial nucleus, two structures strongly implicated in vocalizations. In the forebrain, regions important to social cognition and energy balance both exhibit extensive colabeling. This includes the paraventricular and arcuate nuclei of the hypothalamus, the lateral hypothalamus, preoptic area, extended amygdala, central amygdala, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Finally, we find doubly labeled neurons in M1 motor cortex previously described as laryngeal, as well as in the prelimbic cortex, which indicate these cortical regions play a role in vocal production. The progress of both viruses is broadly consistent with vertebrate‐general patterns of vocal circuitry, as well as with circuit models derived from primate literature.
A highly feasible, reliable, and fully remote protocol for mobile app‐based cognitive assessment in cognitively healthy older adults
Authors: Thompson Louisa I. , Harrington Karra D. , Roque Nelson , Strenger Jennifer , Correia Stephen , Jones Richard N. , Salloway Stephen , Sliwinski Martin J.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The early detection of cognitive impairment is one of the most important challenges in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. The use of brief, short‐term repeated test sessions via mobile app has demonstrated similar or better reliability and validity compared to standard in‐clinic assessments in adult samples. The present study examined adherence, acceptability, and reliability for a remote, app‐based cognitive screening protocol in healthy older adults.

Methods

Cognitively unimpaired older adults (N = 52, ages 60–80) completed three brief cognitive testing sessions per day within morning, afternoon, and evening time windows, for 8 consecutive days using a mobile app‐based cognitive testing platform. Cognitive tasks assessed visual working memory, processing speed, and episodic memory.

Results

Participants completed an average of 93% (M = 22.3 sessions, standard deviation = 10.2) of the 24 assigned sessions within 8 to 9 days. Average daily adherence ranged from 95% of sessions completed on day 2 to 88% of sessions completed on day 8. There was a statistically significant effect of session time on adherence between the morning and afternoon sessions only F (1, 51) = 9.15, P  = .004, η p 2   = 0.152, with fewer afternoon sessions completed on average. The within‐person reliabilities of average scores, aggregated across all 24 sessions, were exceptionally high, ranging from 0.89 to 0.97. Performance on the episodic memory task was positively and significantly associated with total score and word list recall score on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. In an exit survey, 65% of participants reported that they “definitely” would complete the sessions again.

Discussion

These findings suggests that remote, mobile app–based cognitive testing in short bursts is both highly feasible and reliable in a motivated sample of cognitively normal older adults. Limitations include the limited diversity and generalizability of the sample; this was a largely White, highly educated, and motivated sample self‐selected for AD research.
Plasma p217+tau versus NAV4694 amyloid and MK6240 tau PET across the Alzheimer's 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 I. , Ward Larry , Robertson Jo , Martins Ralph N. , Masters Colin L. , Villemagne Victor L. , Fripp Jurgen , Kolb Hartmuth C. , Rowe Christopher C.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

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

Methods

Plasma p217+tau levels were compared to 18F‐NAV4694 amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET) and 18F‐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 2‐fold in Aβ+ CU and 3.5‐fold in Aβ+ CI. In Aβ− the p217+tau levels did not differ significantly between CU and CI. P217+tau correlated with Aβ centiloids P = .67 (CI, P = .64; CU, P = .45) and tau SUVRMT P = .63 (CI, P = .69; CU, P = .34). Area under curve (AUC) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia versus Aβ− CU was 0.94, for AD dementia versus other dementia was 0.93, for Aβ+ versus Aβ− PET was 0.89, and for tau+ versus tau− PET was 0.89.

Discussion

Plasma p217+tau levels elevate early in the AD continuum and correlate well with Aβ and tau PET.
Evolution of increased competitive ability may explain dominance of introduced species in ruderal communities
Authors: Hierro José L. , Eren Özkan , Čuda Jan , Meyerson Laura A.
Published: April 2022

The evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis encapsulates the importance of evolution and ecology for biological invasions. According to this proposition, leaving specialist herbivores at home frees introduced plant species from investing limited resources in defense to instead use those resources for growth, selecting for individuals with reduced defense, enhanced growth, and, consequently, increased competitive ability. We took a multispecies approach, including ancestral and non‐native populations of seven weeds, as well as seven coexisting local weeds, to explore all three predictions (i.e., lower defense, greater growth, and better ability to compete in non‐native than ancestral populations), the generality as an invasion mechanism for a given system, and community‐level consequences of EICA. We assessed plant defenses by conducting herbivory trials with a generalist herbivore. Therefore, finding that non‐native populations are better defended than ancestral populations would lend support to the shifting defense (SD) hypothesis, an extension of EICA that incorporates the observation that introduced species escape specialists, but encounter generalists. We also manipulated water additions to evaluate how resource availability influences competition in the context of EICA and plant plasticity in our semiarid system. We found that non‐native populations of one study species, Centaurea solstitialis, were better defended, grew faster, and exerted stronger suppression on locals than ancestral populations, offering support to EICA through the SD hypothesis. The other species also displayed variation in trait attributes between ancestral and non‐native populations, but they did not fully comply with the three predictions of EICA. Notably, differences between those populations generally favored the non‐natives. Moreover, non‐native populations were, overall, superior at suppressing locals relative to ancestral populations under low water conditions. There were no differences in plasticity among all three groups. These results suggest that evolutionary change between ancestral and non‐native populations is widespread and could have facilitated invasion in our system. Additionally, although trading growth for shifted defense does not seem to be the main operational path for evolutionary change, it may explain the dominance of some introduced species in ruderal communities. Because introduced species dominate communities in disturbed environments around the world, our results are likely generalizable to other systems.
Bioinspired sensor system for health care and human‐machine interaction
Authors: Xue Jiangtao , Zou Yang , Deng Yulin , Li Zhou
Published: April 2022

Bioinspired sensor system leads the development of new generation sensor technology with remarkable features like ultra‐sensitivity, low‐power consumption and self‐adaptability. With the help of bioinspired sensor systems, human perception can be quantified and machines can be endowed with specific perception. As an emerging technology, bioinspired sensor system has been widely used in various fields such as industrial, medical, food safety, military and robotic. This review summarizes the recent process of bioinspired sensor system. First, three bionic strategies are defined as bionic materials, bionic structures, and functional bionic according to the sources of bionic inspiration. Second, bioinspired sensor systems with different working mechanisms are summarized and classified into piezoresistive, capacitive, triboelectric, piezoelectric, and other types. Afterward, for applications, the representative works of bioinspired sensor system for health care and human‐machine interaction are focused and introduced, respectively. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of bioinspired sensor system are also discussed.

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How have Cretan rivers responded to late Holocene uplift? A multi‐millennial, multi‐catchment field experiment to evaluate the applicability of Schumm and Parker's (1973) complex response model
Authors: Macklin Mark G. , Booth Jonathan , Brewer Paul A. , Tooth Stephen , Duller Geoff A.T.
Published: April 2022

‘Complex response’ (Schumm, 1973, Geomorphic thresholds and complex response of drainage systems. In Morisawa, M. (ed.), Fluvial Geomorphology. Binghamton: New York State University Publications: 299‐310) describes situations in which a single event triggers a series of progressively damped morphological and sedimentary adjustments within a catchment. Schumm and Parker's (1973, Implications of complex response of drainage systems for Quaternary alluvial stratigraphy. Nature 243: 99–100) classic stream table experiment of drainage system development showed that one baselevel fall event could result in formation of two sets of paired river terraces that need not be related to additional external (e.g., climate) influences. Despite its enduring popularity in fluvial geomorphology, large‐scale and long‐term field evaluations of Schumm and Parker's complex response model are very limited. Here, we report on a multi‐millennial, multi‐catchment field experiment in south‐western Crete where a high‐magnitude earthquake (estimated magnitude 8.3–8.5) on 21 July 365 ce resulted in up to 9 m of instantaneous uplift over a land area exceeding 6000 km2. Geomorphological, sedimentological, and chronological investigations were used to investigate the erosional and depositional histories in three catchments with outlets uplifted by the 365 ce event. These catchments were compared with the Anapodaris catchment in south central Crete where baselevel was not significantly affected by the earthquake. Although all uplifted catchments experienced valley floor incision, this occurred hundreds of years after 365 ce during a period of wetter climate. The number and age of trunk stream incision and aggradation phases are similar in both uplifted and non‐uplifted catchments, indicating that river responses following the 365 ce uplift event have not followed complex response trajectories in the form documented by Schumm and Parker (1973). This finding highlights the need for rigorous evaluation of other catchment or river response concepts, including through the combined use of laboratory experimental results, field data, and geochronology. In an era of rapid environmental change, characterizing and anticipating catchment and river system response increasingly will depend on a healthy interplay between different investigative approaches.