bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and transcriptome profiling of spikes reveals the regulation of light regimens on spike growth and fertile floret number in wheat
Authors: Guo Xiaolei , Zhang Zhen , Li Junyan , Zhang Siqi , Sun Wan , Xiao Xuechen , Sun Zhencai , Xue Xuzhang , Wang Zhimin , Zhang Yinghua
Published: January 2024

The spike growth phase is critical for the establishment of fertile floret (grain) numbers in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Then, how to shorten the spike growth phase and increase grain number synergistically? Here, we showed high‐resolution analyses of floret primordia (FP) number, morphology and spike transcriptomes during the spike growth phase under three light regimens. The development of all FP in a spike could be divided into four distinct stages: differentiation (Stage I), differentiation and morphology development concurrently (Stage II), morphology development (Stage III), and polarization (Stage IV). Compared to the short photoperiod, the long photoperiod shortened spike growth and stimulated early flowering by shortening Stage III; however, this reduced assimilate accumulation, resulting in fertile floret loss. Interestingly, long photoperiod supplemented with red light shortened the time required to complete Stages I–II, then raised assimilates supply in the spike and promoted anther development before polarization initiation, thereby increasing fertile FP number during Stage III, and finally maintained fertile FP development during Stage IV until they became fertile florets via a predicted dynamic gene network. Our findings proposed a light regimen, critical stages and candidate regulators that achieved a shorter spike growth phase and a higher fertile floret number in wheat.
Photophobotaxis in the filamentous cyanobacterium Phormidium lacuna: Mechanisms and implications for photosynthesis‐based light direction sensing
Authors: Schwabenland Elina , Jelen Caroline Janine , Weber Nora , Lamparter Tilman
Published: January 2024

Cyanobacterium Phormidium lacuna filaments move from dark to illuminated areas by twitching motility. Time‐lapse recordings demonstrated that this photophobotaxis response was based on random movements with movement reversion at the light–dark border. The filaments in the illuminated area form a biofilm attached to the surface. The wild‐type and the pixJ and cphA mutants were investigated for photophobotaxis at diverse wavelengths and intensities. CphA is a cyanobacterial phytochrome; PixJ is a biliprotein with a methyl‐accepting chemotaxis domain and is regarded as a phototaxis photoreceptor in other species. The cphA mutant exhibited reduced biofilm surface binding. The pixJ mutant was characterized as a negative photophobotaxis regulator and not as a light direction sensor. 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU) blocks electron transfer in PS II. At concentrations of 100 and 1000 μM DCMU, photophobotaxis was inhibited to a greater extent than motility, suggesting that PSII has a role in photophobotaxis. We argue that the intracellular concentrations of regular photoreceptors, including CphA or PixJ, are too small for a filament to sense rapid light intensity changes in very weak light. Three arguments, specific inhibition by DCMU, broad spectral sensitivity, and sensitivity against weak light, support photosynthesis pigments for use as photophobotaxis sensors.
Differential expression of antimicrobial metabolites, phenylpropanoid and phytohormone metabolic pathway genes determines resistance or susceptibility to Ascochyta rabiei in chickpea
Authors: Chandel Surender Singh , Gaikwad Dinesh Subhash , Rathour Rajeev , Dohru Vineet K. , Sirari Asmita , Jha Uday , Parida Swarup , Sharma Kamal Dev
Published: January 2024

Blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei is a major constraint in the productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The mechanisms governing resistance/susceptibility to blight in chickpea are poorly understood. We used a blight‐resistant (HC1) and a blight‐susceptible (GPF2) genotype of chickpea and genes of pathogenesis‐related proteins (PRPs), phenylpropanoid pathway metabolites, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA) and jasmonic acid (JA) to understand the role of these in A. rabiei resistance/susceptibility. The JA, ABA and GA biosynthesis genes of chickpea were retrieved, characterized and gene‐specific primers were used for transcriptional studies. Gene expression revealed that chickpea activated its defences rather quickly and well before initiation of spore germination. In resistant HC1, the majority of the JA, GA and phenylpropanoid pathway genes had peak maxima at 2 h post‐inoculation (hpi) whereas PRPs/defence genes had peak maxima at 24/36 hpi implying that defence to A. rabiei in chickpea is composed of a two‐tier system separated by time: immediately after spore attachment and at or just prior to host penetration. Unlike HC1, susceptible GPF2 was late in activation of defence responses or did not activate them. Another striking difference between HC1 and GPF2 was up‐regulation of ABA biosynthesis genes in inoculated GPF2 and down‐regulation in HC1. This study revealed that phenylpropanoids, PRPs, JA, 8‐(1R,2R)‐3‐oxo‐2‐(Z)‐pent‐2‐enyl cyclopentyl octanoate, (15Z)‐12‐oxophyto‐10,15‐dienoic acid and methyl‐jasmonate govern resistance to A. rabiei in chickpea whereas ABA governs susceptibility.
Influence of berry ripening on susceptibility to Coniella diplodiella infection in grapevine
Authors: Ji Tao , Luca Languasco , Salotti Irene , Li Ming , Rossi Vittorio
Published: January 2024

White rot, caused by the fungus Coniella diplodiella, is an important but poorly studied disease that mainly affects grapevine clusters. White rot control typically involves the repeated application of fungicides, which may be unjustified in some cases given that the key period of berry susceptibility to infection remains unclear and controversial. In this study, germination of C. diplodiella conidia and mycelium growth were investigated on water agar (conidial germination only) and artificial media similar to berry juice at five growth stages from pea‐sized to berries ripe for harvest. On water agar, conidia germinated from 10°C to 35°C (with an optimum of 20–30°C) with >2 h of moisture incubation. Both conidial germination and mycelial growth were higher on agar similar to berry juice at véraison to berry softening than at other stages, with the lowest values detected for the ripe berries. The berries were also artificially inoculated with conidia at the different growth stages, showing that grape clusters were susceptible to infection for a long period, albeit with varying degrees of susceptibility at different stages. This implies that effective disease control requires interventions from early berry development, whenever weather conditions are conducive to infection. Further development of a predictive model accounting for weather conditions and berry susceptibility dynamics would facilitate the dynamic estimation of the disease risk during the grapevine‐growing season and contribute to a risk‐based application of fungicides for white rot control.
Revegetated riparian areas are dominated by weeds, and lack structural diversity and natural recruitment: lessons for restoration practice
Authors: Foley‐Congdon Eliza , Jellinek Sacha , Chee Yung E. , Greet Joe
Published: January 2024

Riparian areas can be highly biodiverse and provide critical ecosystem services. However, they are frequently subject to anthropogenic impacts such as land clearing, agricultural use, and urban development. Restoration of riparian areas via revegetation commonly improves the health of waterways and surrounding areas, but vegetation outcomes are rarely assessed. Our study compared 10 to 14‐year‐old revegetation to remnant vegetation in riparian areas of south‐eastern Australia to determine if species composition, vegetation structure, and ecosystem function (plant recruitment) differed. We also assessed if the amount of surrounding native vegetation, browsers (including deer, rabbits, and macropods), or soil characteristics influenced native woody plant recruitment at revegetated sites. While native and exotic woody species richness did not differ, native woody plants were less abundant and exotic woody plants twice as abundant at revegetated sites. The ground layer of revegetated sites was dominated by weeds, whereas remnant sites largely comprised native herbaceous plants and leaf litter. Tree heights and tree canopy cover were similar in revegetated and remnant areas, although shrubs and ferns were lacking in revegetation. Native woody plant recruitment was lower at revegetated sites and was negatively associated with browser presence. Our results suggest that while revegetation may have similar species richness and tree cover as remnant areas, weeds often dominate and important structural components such as shrubs and ferns, and ecological processes such as plant recruitment, are lacking. Better consideration of all vegetation strata, reduced browsing pressure and weed control are likely to achieve better revegetation outcomes.
Overcoming ecological feedbacks in seagrass restoration
Authors: Unsworth Richard K. F. , Jones Benjamin L. H. , Coals Lucy , Furness Evie , Inman Isabella , Rees Samuel C. , Evans Ally J.
Published: January 2024

Overcoming ecological feedbacks is a major limiting factor reducing the success of many seagrass restoration projects. Negative feedbacks occur when biotic or abiotic conditions of a site are changed sufficiently after the loss of seagrass to prevent its recovery, even after the original stressors are remediated. While negative feedbacks in seagrass restoration are common, there remain limited studies of ways to reduce them and kick‐start the necessary positive feedbacks to promote recovery. We used field and laboratory experiments to investigate key ecological feedbacks in seagrass (Zostera marina) restoration by testing the role of hessian bags and seed burial in reducing seed predation and promoting plant development. We used a double‐hurdle model approach to predict “seagrass emergence success” and “seagrass growth success” across planted field plots. We found that planting seeds in hessian bags and burying them in the sediment improved the likelihood of seeds developing into mature plants. We recorded an average 13‐fold increase in shoot density for seeds planted in buried bags relative to raked furrows. This could be the combined result of reduced predation as well as bags mimicking emergent traits of mature seagrass to withstand physical impacts. We supplement these findings with laboratory evidence that hessian bags provide protection from predation by green shore crabs. Overall, we found a low and variable success rate for seed‐based restoration and indicate other feedbacks in the system beyond those we controlled. However, we show that small methodological changes can help overcome some key feedbacks and improve restoration success.
“Everybody that's here, is legal” white employers' racial ideologies in the workplace and justifications for hiring undocumented Latino laborers
Authors: Salinas Juan L.
Published: January 2024

White employers routinely hire undocumented Latino immigrant workers based on their perceived racializations about their subservience. Researchers have explored how employers racialize Latinos, yet there is less understanding of how white employers justify breaking immigration labor policies. This study analyzes the justifications of both racialized exploitation and organizational decoupling that supports violations of immigration laws. Using in‐depth interviews with 20 white employers, this study explores employer racializations of Latinos, views of whiteness in the workplace, and justifications to hire undocumented immigrants. White employers praise Latinos for their perceived subservience, favor whites for management, and neutralize their own unlawful actions of hiring undocumented laborers. White employers frame themselves as rational, innocent, and virtuous while reinforcing racial stratification and breaking immigration laws. This study provides insights on employer labor practices with implications for labor mobility, migration reform, and racial inequality in the workplace.
The addition of doxycycline to fluoroquinolones for bacterial prophylaxis in autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma
Authors: Guare Emma G. , Hale Cory M. , Sivik Jeffrey , Lehman Erik , Inoue Yoshika , Rakszawski Kevin , Songdej Natthapol , Nickolich Myles , Zheng Hong , Naik Seema , Claxton David , Rybka Witold , Hohl Raymond , Mineishi Shin , Minagawa Kentaro , Paules Catharine I.
Published: January 2024

Background

Bacterial prophylaxis with a fluoroquinolone (FQ) during autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is common, although not standardized among transplant centers. The addition of doxycycline (doxy) to FQ prophylaxis was previously linked to reduced neutropenic fever and bacteremia in multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergoing ASCT although several confounders were present. We compared the incidence of neutropenic fever and bacteremia between MM patients variably receiving prophylaxis with FQ alone and FQ‐doxy during ASCT.

Methods

Systematic retrospective chart review of MM patients who underwent ASCT between January 2016 and December 2021. The primary objective was to determine the effect of bacterial prophylaxis on neutropenic fever and bacteremia within 30 days of ASCT. Multivariable logistic regression for neutropenic fever and univariate logistic regression for bacteremia accounted for differences in subject characteristics between groups.

Results

Among 341 subjects, 121 received FQ and 220 received FQ‐doxy for prophylaxis. Neutropenic fever developed in 67 (55.4%) and 87 (39.5%) subjects in the FQ and FQ‐doxy groups, respectively (p = .005). Bacteremia was infrequent, with 5 (4.1%) and 5 (2.3%) cases developing in the FQ and FQ‐doxy groups, respectively (p = .337). Among Gram‐negative bacteremia events, 7/7 Escherichia coli strains were FQ‐resistant, and 5/7 were ceftriaxone‐resistant.

Conclusion

The FQ‐doxy prophylaxis group had fewer cases of neutropenic fever than the FQ group, however, there was no significant difference in bacteremia. High rates of antibiotic resistance were observed. An updated randomized controlled trial investigating appropriate prophylaxis for ASCT in the context of current oncology standards and changing antimicrobial resistance rates is warranted.

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The role of BIM and GIS in HS2 historic environment data management, an overview of HS2 Phase 1, UK
Authors:   HS2 Ltd, Aryankhesal Fred Farshid
Published: January 2024

The HS2 historic environment programme undertaken for Phase One of HS2 between London and the West Midlands has resulted in a substantial digital archive, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. According to the BIM (Building Information Modelling) approach, HS2 historic environment assets are considered as part of the construction assets, alongside the other disciplines assets such as highways, bridges, tunnels, and fencing. The GIS and spatial data play the role of a glue to demonstrate the interrelationship and hierarchy between archaeological assets, recording their location and geometry. Designating a unique asset ID (UAID) to each archaeological asset, and joining them to their attributes table and relating documents, creates a relationship between historic environment assets GIS data and their respective non-GIS data. According to HS2 digital engineering with BIM approach, HS2 historic environment core and primary assets have been identified, which the hierarchical order of them is as follows: Location Specific Written Scheme of Investigation (LS-WSI) and Project Plans (PPs) as core assets, and Written Scheme of Investigation Interventions (WSI-Interventions), Archaeological Features, and Archaeological Objects as historic environment primary assets. Such an efficient, transparent, and readable asset data structure provides a lasting and valuable legacy for the lifecycle of the project digital data. Four different systems combine to form the digital legacy of the project, which complement the physical archive. These four systems are: HS2 Asset Information Management System (AIMS) and GIS systems, as well as Online Access to the Index of Archaeological Investigations (OASIS), and supporting digital data curated with the Archaeological Data Service (ADS) systems. As significant parts of the programme legacy, HS2's historic environment physical and digital archive establish an unprecedented opportunity for knowledge creation.
Visualising Heritage: using 3D immersive technologies to innovate, document and communicate rich narratives for HS2
Authors:   University of Bradford, Sparrow Thomas , Bain Kate ,   Headland Archaeology, Kimber Mike ,   Headland Archaeology, Wilson Andrew S. ,   https://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue65/7/
Published: January 2024

The University of Bradford has established wide-ranging skillsets and capabilities as Visualising Heritage that have been built around expertise with 3D imaging for human bioarchaeology and for contextual understanding of archaeological sites, landscapes, heritage structures and associated artefacts. This paper reflects upon how these have been put to use during enabling works for HS2 and also the potential of this work for analysis, public engagement and legacy. The main focus of this paper covers 3D digital documentation of the world's first railway roundhouse designed by Robert Stephenson at Birmingham Curzon Street, together with immersive content that helps to tell the story of its discovery and exposure. We discuss 3D modelling that helps to link both to the original architectural drawings and to the broader narratives for understanding changes to the design of the building during its working life. We also contextualise its place within the historic environment relative to the Principal Building – the original Curzon Street terminus for the London and Birmingham Railway, the Eagle and Tun public house and the former Park Street Cemetery. As HS2 embarks upon the post-excavation phase, we also discuss the potential that recent investment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council in 'Capabilities for Human Bioarchaeology and Digital Collections' offers, building upon our pioneering 3D work at the object scale with 'Digitised Diseases', to bring within reach the potential for high throughput digital capture. This streamlines high fidelity 3D capture for key human bioarchaeology exemplars as legacy assets that would otherwise be lost to future study as they are destined for reburial.
Mechanical Properties of Doped Solder SAC-Q for High Strain Rate Testing at Extreme Surrounding Temperatures for 6 Months of Isothermal Aging
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Mehta Vishal , Suhling Jeff , Blecker Ken
Published: January 2024

In various industries, including automobile industry, oil and gas, aerospace, and medical technology, electronic components are subjected to significant strain during shocks, vibrations, and drop conditions. Electronic components of this type are frequently subjected to extreme temperatures ranging from –65 °C to 200 °C. These electronic equipment are frequently subjected to strain rates of 1 to 100 sec−1 in sensitive conditions. SAC-Q, SAC-R, Innolot, and other doped SAC solder alloys have recently been introduced to electronic components and packages. SAC-Q refers to the addition of Bi to the Sn-Ag-Cu composition. The mechanical characteristic results and statistics for lead-free solder alloys are particularly important for increasing electronic package stability and high-temperature storage and strain rates. Furthermore, the mechanical characteristics of solder alloys can be dramatically altered owing to thermal aging, which causes microstructure alteration. For high-temperature aging for longer durations and testing at extremely low to very high working temperatures, SAC-Q solder alloy data is not available. The SAC-Q solder material was tested and studied at working temperatures ranging from −65 °C to 200 °C, with strain rates of up to 75 sec−1, for this study. A comparison was also done with the SAC305 solder, which had been thermally aged and tested under identical conditions. Isothermal aging specimens were kept at 100 °C for up to 180 days following manufacturing and reflowing when tensile studies were conducted at various operating temperatures. This study develops and describes stress–strain curves for a wide variety of strain rates and test temperatures. In addition, the test results and data collected were matched to the Anand viscoplasticity model, and Anand constants were calculated by estimating high strain rate behavior throughout a wide range of operating temperatures and stress levels. In addition, for BGA package assembly with PCB, FE analysis was performed for drop/shock events. For varied aging circumstances of SAC-Q solder ball joints, hysteresis stress–strain curves and plastic work density curves are generated.
Modeling of Average Nusselt Number by Machine Learning and Interpolation Techniques
Authors: Pekmen Geridonmez Bengisen
Published: January 2024

In this study, an important heat transfer, fluid flow parameter, and average Nusselt number Nu¯ are statistically modeled by using the data obtained from a numerical process. The two-dimensional, time-dependent dimensionless equations of natural convection (NC) flow either in the absence or in the presence of a uniform inclined magnetic field (MF) are numerically solved by using global radial basis function (RBF) method in spatial derivatives and the second-order backward differentiation formula (BDF2) in time derivatives. Numerical simulations are performed in a set of combined dimensionless problem parameters. A dataset with inputs Rayleigh number Ra, Prandtl number Pr, and output Nu¯ in the absence of MF and a dataset with inputs Ra, Pr, Hartmann number Ha, inclination angle γ, and output Nu¯ in the presence of inclined uniform MF are saved. The obtained data are separated into train and test sets. Then, Nu¯ is first modeled by Neural Networks (NN). Second, interpolation is also examined. In terms of mean squared error (MSE) metric, NN outputs give the best goodness of fit results compared to curve fitting on test data. On the other side, it is shown that interpolation is also an alternative for modeling. This modeling issue enables one to get the desired result without making heavy numerical calculations many times.
The Axial Compressive Response of Thin, Elastic, Polygonal Shells
Authors: Tiwari Vishwa Mohan , D’Mello Royan J. , Vijayachandran Avinkrishnan Ambika , Waas Anthony M.
Published: January 2024

Thin-walled cylindrical shell structures are revisited with the objective of increasing the axial load-carrying capacity. By using the postbuckling reserve of rectangular plates, polygonal shells are studied, which combines the response of a plate-like structure with a shell-like structure. These “plate-shells” are shown to be imperfection insensitive for a range of polygonal shell designs. Furthermore, their collapse load exceeds the corresponding load for a circular cylindrical shell. These results are a significant departure from the well-known imperfection sensitivity in the axial compressive response of cylindrical shells.
Synthesis of CuO/polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites using Macaranga indica leaves extract as hydrogen gas sensor
Authors: Chalawadi Shivaprasad , Pujar Malatesh S. , Bhajantri Rajashekhar F.
Published: January 2024

In this study, we describe the fabrication of hydrogen gas sensors in the form of nanocomposites containing metal oxides such as copper oxide (CuO), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and polyaniline (PANI) using a green synthesis method. We used Macaranga indica (M. indica) leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent to prepare copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs). The sample was analyzed using various techniques to determine its physicochemical, morphological, and elemental composition. The XRD data showed that the sample is a CuO/PANI/MWCNT nanocomposite by the best match with the reported data. SEM images revealed a uniform distribution of MWCNTs and spherical CuO nanoparticles of 30–40 nm throughout the CNT network. EDX confirmed that the prepared sample is a pure and inline combination of Cu, O, C, and N. Due to the presence of bioactive elements and PANI, we observed 17% and 25% weight loss for CuO and CuO/PANI/MWCNTs. It was found that this combination of materials can detect H2 gas in concentrations ranging from 110 to 2 ppm at temperatures of 200 and 250 °C. As H2 concentration increased, sensitivity varied from 5% to 20%, but response and recovery times were about 290 and 500 s, respectively, for 40 ppm H2 gas. A logistic function fit to Ra/Rg versus H2 was performed using Y = A2 + (A1 − A2)/(1 + (x/x0)p). The energy bands among the CuO/PANI/MWCNT heterointerfaces were used to demonstrate enhanced H2 gas-sensing properties.
Receptor-associated kinases control the lipid provisioning program in plant–fungal symbiosis
Authors: Ivanov Sergey , Harrison Maria J.
Published: January 2024

The mutualistic association between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi requires intracellular accommodation of the fungal symbiont and maintenance by means of lipid provisioning. Symbiosis signaling through lysin motif (LysM) receptor-like kinases and a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase DOES NOT MAKE INFECTIONS 2 (DMI2) activates transcriptional programs that underlie fungal passage through the epidermis and accommodation in cortical cells. We show that two
Medicago truncatula
cortical cell–specific, membrane-bound proteins of a CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE-LIKE (CKL) family associate with, and are phosphorylation substrates of, DMI2 and a subset of the LysM receptor kinases.
CKL1
and
CKL2
are required for AM symbiosis and control expression of transcription factors that regulate part of the lipid provisioning program. Onset of lipid provisioning is coupled with arbuscule branching and with the REDUCED ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA 1 (RAM1) regulon for complete endosymbiont accommodation.
Directed evolution of enzymatic silicon-carbon bond cleavage in siloxanes
Authors: Sarai Nicholas S. , Fulton Tyler J. , O’Meara Ryen L. , Johnston Kadina E. , Brinkmann-Chen Sabine , Maar Ryan R. , Tecklenburg Ron E. , Roberts John M. , Reddel Jordan C. T. , Katsoulis Dimitris E. , Arnold Frances H.
Published: January 2024

Volatile methylsiloxanes (VMS) are man-made, nonbiodegradable chemicals produced at a megaton-per-year scale, which leads to concern over their potential for environmental persistence, long-range transport, and bioaccumulation. We used directed evolution to engineer a variant of bacterial cytochrome P450
BM3
to break silicon-carbon bonds in linear and cyclic VMS. To accomplish silicon-carbon bond cleavage, the enzyme catalyzes two tandem oxidations of a siloxane methyl group, which is followed by putative [1,2]-Brook rearrangement and hydrolysis. Discovery of this so-called siloxane oxidase opens possibilities for the eventual biodegradation of VMS.
Designing policy for Earth’s urban future
Authors: Espey Jessica , Keith Michael , Parnell Susan , Schwanen Tim , Seto Karen C.
Published: January 2024

Global impacts of cities must be better conveyed to multilateral organizations
Characterization and heterologous reconstitution of
Taxus
biosynthetic enzymes leading to baccatin III
Authors: Jiang Bin , Gao Lei , Wang Haijun , Sun Yaping , Zhang Xiaolin , Ke Han , Liu Shengchao , Ma Pengchen , Liao Qinggang , Wang Yue , Wang Huan , Liu Yugeng , Du Ran , Rogge Torben , Li Wei , Shang Yi , Houk K. N. , Xiong Xingyao , Xie Daoxin , Huang Sanwen , Lei Xiaoguang , Yan Jianbin
Published: January 2024

Paclitaxel is a well known anticancer compound. Its biosynthesis involves the formation of a highly functionalized diterpenoid core skeleton (baccatin III) and the subsequent assembly of a phenylisoserinoyl side chain. Despite intensive investigation for half a century, the complete biosynthetic pathway of baccatin III remains unknown. In this work, we identified a bifunctional cytochrome P450 enzyme [taxane oxetanase 1 (TOT1)] in
Taxus mairei
that catalyzes an oxidative rearrangement in paclitaxel oxetane formation, which represents a previously unknown enzyme mechanism for oxetane ring formation. We created a screening strategy based on the taxusin biosynthesis pathway and uncovered the enzyme responsible for the taxane oxidation of the C9 position (T9αH1). Finally, we artificially reconstituted a biosynthetic pathway for the production of baccatin III in tobacco.
Erratum to: Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Immunity of Parasitic Leeches
Authors: Kaygorodova I. A.
Published: January 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0012496623050022
Erratum to: Long-Chain Alkylphenol Biodegradation Potential of Soil Ascomycota
Authors: Kuzikova I. L. , Medvedeva N. G.
Published: January 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0012496623050058
Erratum to: Tegument Ultrastructure and Morphology of the Capsule Surrounding the Tetrathyridia of the Genus Mesocestoides Vaillant, 1863 in the Liver of the Root Vole
Authors: Pospekhova N. A. , Kusenko K. V.
Published: January 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S001249662305006X
Erratum to: Distinguishing the Formation of Typhoon Forerunner Waves Propagating over the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan
Authors: Dolgikh G. I. , Budrin S. S. , Shvets V. A. , Yakovenko S. V.
Published: January 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X23060041
Erratum to: Formation of Trachytes from Wangtian’e Volcanic Neck of the Changbaishan Area (Northeast China) as a Result of Tholeiitic Magma Crystal Fractionation
Authors: Andreeva O. A. , Andreeva I. A. , Usoltseva A. I. , Yarmolyuk V. V. , Kovalchuk E. V. , Averin A. A. , Ji J.-Q. , Zhou X.
Published: January 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X23060089
Erratum to: Bauxites of the Tatarka Deposit (Yenisei Ridge, Russia): The First Evidence of a Contact-Karst Origin
Authors: Boeva N. M. , Slukin A. D. , Makarova M. A. , Shipilova E. S. , Melnikov Ph. P. , Vnuchkov D. A. , Zhegallo E. A. , Zaitseva L. V. , Bortnikov N. S.
Published: January 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X23060090
Erratum to: Energy of Tornadoes and Landspouts
Authors: Golitsyn G. S. , Chernokulsky A. V. , Vazaeva N. V.
Published: January 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X23060120
Erratum to: Correlation of Short-Period Wave Disturbances of the Peak Electron Density of the F2 Layer and the Total Electron Content in the Ionosphere
Authors: Perevalova N. P. , Ratovsky K. G. , Zherebtsov G. A. , Yasyukevich A. S.
Published: January 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X23060156
Iron overload in patients with Crohn’s disease with short bowel syndrome who received long-term parenteral nutrition with trace elements
Authors: Shimodaira Yosuke , Fukuda Sho , Takahashi So , Iijima Katsunori
Published: January 2024

Crohn’s disease patients often need regular home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for intestinal failure due to multiple intestinal resections. Trace elements are necessary for long-term HPN but the requirement volume of iron is undetermined. We describe three patients with Crohn’s disease with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who had iron overload as a result of long-term HPN including iron. Serum ferritin level was significantly decreased through depleting intravenous iron administration in all cases. One patient needed regular insulin injection and phlebotomy for diabetes mellitus due to hemochromatosis, and intravenous iron administration had a significant impact on the patient’s health. Long-term routine intravenous iron administration should be cautious in SBS patients to avoid the overload.
Unusual case of intraosseous primary intracranial malignant melanoma
Authors: Guarrera Brando , Coati Irene , Giarletta Mario
Published: January 2024

Primary intracranial malignant melanoma (PIMM) represents 0.07% of central nervous system tumours; clinical behaviour and prognosis are not well documented. Preoperative diagnosis of PIMM is complex and it could be easily misdiagnosed, especially with malignant meningioma.

We are reporting a case of a man with a history of rapidly arising motor slowing associated with urinary incontinence, presenting with mild convergent strabismus caused by paralysis in abduction in the right eye. A brain CT showed a lesion compatible with malignant spheno-orbital meningioma, and the patient underwent gross total resection. Intraoperatively, the blackish lesion infiltrated and eroded the bone; it was placed externally on the dura mater with a mild reaction and without attachment. Histological examination confirmed PIMM.

Intraosseous localisation of PIMM has been observed in the basic bone structure of the oral cavity. We report the first intraosseous spheno-orbital PIMM case and present an embryological theory about how this unusual tumour can develop.
Double microvascular free flap reconstruction for bilateral lower extremity injury in a paediatric patient
Authors: Chandrasekar Shruthi , Tiwari Raja , Ganesan Karthick , Singhal Maneesh
Published: January 2024

Many challenges have been described by microsurgeons in paediatric free flaps. With the advancement in microsurgical expertise, it is now possible to achieve excellent results. We present a case of a female child with car-tyre friction injury of bilateral feet with associated extradural haemorrhage who underwent emergency bilateral anterolateral thigh flap. A secondary tendon reconstruction of the left foot was performed at 6 months. No complications were observed in the postoperative period after both procedures and good functional recovery was achieved at 1 year follow-up. The problems unique to this case were the presence of head injury and bilateral extremity injury in the paediatric patient. The technical details of planning, execution, difficulties and recommendations to minimise the risk in such cases are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case report of bilateral lower limb paediatric emergency free flap with associated head injury.
Cardiac calcified amorphous tumour: an unusual aetiology for recurrent cardioembolic strokes
Authors: Sharma Rishi , Annam Saketh , Guler Mehmet , Ali Bilal , Hussein Haitham
Published: January 2024

We report an elderly woman with vascular risk factors and recurrent cardioembolic strokes in whom the stroke aetiology was finally ascertained to be a calcified amorphous tumour of the heart after repeated negative investigations for embolic aetiology over 2 years. This report discusses the clinical and imaging characteristics of calcified amorphous tumours of the heart with emphasis of recent advances in cardiac imaging.
Antenatal myomectomy of huge pedunculated fibroid
Authors: Parton Julia Rhian , Arshad Ilyas
Published: January 2024

A female patient in her 20s presented at 10 weeks of pregnancy with abdominal pain. She was known to have a 17-cm fibroid a year ago, which, on repeat imaging, was found to have increased in size to 29 cm. A 12-cm increase in size over a year therefore led to concerns that it would increase in pregnancy, causing risk of thrombosis, decrease in venous return, miscarriage, fibroid torsion, fibroid necrosis, preterm labour and uterine rupture. Following a multidisciplinary team review with obstetricians, neonatologists, gynaecologists and radiologists, the patient opted to proceed with an open myomectomy at 14 weeks gestation, which was performed successfully. The pregnancy continued uneventfully until term when she delivered a healthy girl infant at 38+2 weeks via an elective caesarean section.
Alirocumab-associated unilateral posterior uveitis
Authors: Inegbedion Ehinomen Sarah , Azzopardi Matthew , Inessa Tracey , Chong Yu Jeat
Published: January 2024

A man in his mid-40s who had been recently started on alirocumab (a human monoclonal antibody which inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) due to his strong familial cardiovascular risk and refractory hypercholesterolaemia presented with a few-hour history of acute-onset left-sided blurred vision. The best-corrected visual acuities were 6/6 bilaterally and slit-lamp examination was normal. However, optical coherence tomography revealed serous subretinal fluid in the left macula. Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging and fundus autofluorescence, along with a set of blood tests, did not reveal any alternative causes. A diagnosis of alirocumab-associated uveitis was diagnosed. Alirocumab was stopped and he was followed up in uveitis clinic. Within 4 months following alirocumab cessation, the subretinal fluid resolved completely. This case report emphasises the importance of early multidisciplinary team involvement, since novel therapeutic agents can have unexpected adverse events.
Performance outcomes from a DMEK peeling and preparation wet lab
Authors: Parekh Mohit , Wallace Alexander George , Airaldi Matteo , Ruzza Alessandro , Ferrari Stefano , Romano Vito , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) preparation performance of trainee surgeons in an ex vivo human donor cornea DMEK wet lab simulation setting.

Methods

Human donor corneoscleral rims unsuitable for transplantation were obtained from Moorfields Lions Eye Bank. At the wet lab, graft stripping was performed by scoring the peripheral endothelium. The trypan blue positive cells (TBPC) and cell density (cells/mm2—reticule count) were counted manually before and after stripping. The procedural time, peripheral and central tears and complete peel-off were also recorded and analysed.

Results

Eight trainee surgeons attended the wet lab each attempting three DMEKs. Between the first and last attempts a significant decrease was seen in the procedural time (17.6 min vs 10.6 min (p<0.05)) and the TBPC % (12.9% vs 3.8% (p<0.05)). The percentage of tears peripherally and centrally also reduced between the first and the last trials (50% vs 13% (p=0.2226) and 38% vs 0% (p=0.1327)). A significant correlation was found between longer peeling times and higher TBPC % (p<0.001) with a 0.7% endothelial mortality increase for each additional minute required to complete the peel.

Conclusions

DMEK wet labs provide a controlled risk-free learning opportunity for trainee surgeons to improve confidence and competence. Wet labs improve the success rate of DMEK graft preparation as well as flatten the learning curve. This emphasises the importance of continued support for the expansion of this valuable learning resource, promoting wider uptake of DMEK surgery.
Strategies for healthcare professionals to identify and assist migrant children at risk of labour exploitation or trafficking
Authors: Greenbaum Jordan , Torres Melissa I M , Nguyen Phuong T , Coverdale John H , Gordon Mollie R
Published: January 2024

Increasingly large numbers of children and youth are migrating across international borders with many seeking employment in both formal and informal work sectors. These young people are at high risk of exploitation. Healthcare professionals need to be able to recognise vulnerable patients and advocate for their protection and safety, yet there is a paucity of literature that provides guidance on how to accomplish this. The goal of this paper is to provide guidance to clinicians on identifying and assisting migrant paediatric patients at risk of being exploited in the work sector, including conducting a risk assessment and making decisions about mandatory reporting. First, the best interest of the youth within their cultural context should be examined respecting their desires and goals, as well as immediate and longer-term physical health, mental health and safety issues. Second, clinicians should consider the best interest of the family, with attention to varying socioeconomic and psychosocial conditions including acculturation, immigration challenges, as well as cultural norms and values. Third, the situation must be evaluated within the legal framework of the host country regarding child labour, exploitation and trafficking. Cultural humility, open-mindedness, the active engagement of patients and families and an understanding of child labour within cultural contexts and legal statutes will empower healthcare professionals to identify and support patients at risk of exploitation in work settings. These recommendations serve to prioritise the best interests of vulnerable working migrant children and youth. The healthcare and migration systems of the USA will be used as a case for exploration.
Who tests for lead and why? A 10-year analysis of blood lead screening, follow-up and CNS outcomes in a statewide US healthcare system
Authors: Reuben Aaron , Ward Ralph , Rothbaum Alex O , Cornelison Vickey L , Huffman Sarah , McTeague Lisa M , Schmidt Michael G , Specht Aaron J , Kilpatrick Dean G
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aims to determine (1) which providers in US healthcare systems order lead tests, why and at what frequency and (2) whether current patient population lead levels are predictive of clinical outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective medical record study of all blood lead tests in the Medical University of South Carolina healthcare system 2012–2016 and consequent evidence of central nervous system (CNS)-related disease across a potential 10-year window (2012–2022).

Results

Across 4 years, 9726 lead tests resulted for 7181 patients (49.0% female; 0–94 years), representing 0.2% of the hospital population. Most tests were for young (76.6%≤age 3) and non-Hispanic black (47.2%) and Hispanic (26.7%) patients. A wide variety of providers ordered tests; however, most were ordered by paediatrics, psychiatry, internal medicine and neurology. Lead levels ranged from ≤2.0 µg/dL (80.8%) to ≥10 µg/dL (0.8%; max 36 µg/dL). 201 children (3.1%) had initial lead levels over the reference value for case management at the time (5.0 µg/dL). Many high level children did not receive follow-up testing in the system (36.3%) and those that did often failed to see levels fall below 5.0 µg/dL (80.1%). Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic patients were more likely to see lead levels stay high or go up over time. Over follow-up, children with high lead levels were more likely to receive new attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder diagnoses and new psychiatric medications. No significant associations were found between lead test results and new CNS diagnoses or medications among adults.

Conclusions

Hospital lead testing covers a small portion of patients but includes a wide range of ages, presentations and provider specialities. Lack of lead decline among many paediatric patients suggests there is room to improve provider guidance around when to test and follow-up.
Nerve biopsy in T-cell lymphoma with neurolymphomatosis: where and when
Authors: Pipis Menelaos , Jaunmuktane Zane , Marafioti Teresa , Brandner Sebastian , Smith Elaine C , D'Sa Shirley , Lunn Michael P , Cwynarski Kate , Fialho Doreen , Shah Sachit , Fuller Geraint N , Reilly Mary M
Published: January 2024

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are rare heterogeneous haematological malignancies that may also involve peripheral nerves in a very small subset of cases. We report a patient with a diagnostically challenging cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and multifocal mononeuropathies in whom a targeted nerve biopsy identified lymphomatous infiltration of nerves and expedited combination treatment with chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant. She showed an excellent response with a complete metabolic response on positron emission tomography imaging and significant clinical improvement, maintained 5 years post-treatment.
Organic-soluble cytosine derivatives for studying base-pair interactions in nonaqueous solution
Authors: Wang Zi , Tamminga Morgan T. , Winiarz Paul , Wisner James A. , Hudson Robert H.E.
Published: January 2024

The presence of higher order G-quadruplex-DNA (G4) structures in human cells in guanine-rich DNA sequences has been well established. In cases of G4 helicase impairment or G4 stabilization via association with G4 ligands, it has been determined that arrest and/or termination of DNA transcription/replication occurs because these structures act as physical barriers to both helicase and polymerase mobility along the DNA. Truncation of transcription or replication may result in the loss of genetic material expression leading to disorders. To ameliorate G4-induced barriers, agents that destabilize or “unwind” the quadraplex structures are sought. Earlier work has shown that the cytosine analogue phenylpyrrolocytosine has potential G4-destabilizing ability. It was hypothesized that the unwinding activity was related to its ability to base pair with guanosine. To facilitate the design and evaluation of the hydrogen bonding ability of cytosine analogues, solubility in aprotic, and low-polarity solvents, e.g., deutero-chloroform (CDCl3), is needed; then, determination of association constants ( Ka) with guanine via 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) will be possible. Herein, we report on the synthesis of three new chloroform-soluble, cytosine analogues: N1-cyclohexylmethyl-7-phenylimidazolocytosine, N1-cyclohexylmethyl-7-(6-(methoxycarbonyl)pyridin-2-yl)imidazolocytosine, and N1-cyclohexylmethyl-7-(6-carbamoylpyridin-2-yl)imidazolocytosine. We further report the binding interactions of each of these analogues with the guanosine derivative 2′,3′,5′- O-tris( tert-butyldimethylsilyl)guanosine through the use of both ITC and 1H NMR titration experiments in chloroform and compare the binding to persilyated ribo-cytidine.
Evolution of structure functions in momentum space
Authors: Lappi Tuomas , Mäntysaari Heikki , Paukkunen Hannu , Tevio Mirja
Published: January 2024

We formulate the momentum-space Dokshitzer–Gribov–Lipatov-Altarelli–Parisi (DGLAP) evolution equations for structure functions measurable in deeply inelastic scattering. We construct a six-dimensional basis of structure functions that allows for a full three flavor structure and thereby provides a way to calculate perturbative predictions for physical cross sections directly without unobservable parton distribution functions (PDFs) and without the associated scheme dependence. We derive the DGLAP equations to first non-zero order in strong coupling

$$\alpha _\textrm{s}$$

α
s

, but the approach can be pursued to arbitrary order in perturbation theory. We also numerically check our equations against the conventional PDF formulation.
Measuring hadronic Higgs boson branching ratios at future lepton colliders
Authors: Knobbe Max , Krauss Frank , Reichelt Daniel , Schumann Steffen
Published: January 2024

We present a novel strategy for the simultaneous measurement of Higgs-boson branching ratios into gluons and light quarks at a future lepton collider operating in the Higgs-factory mode. Our method is based on template fits to global event-shape observables, and in particular fractional energy correlations, thereby exploiting differences in the QCD radiation patterns of quarks and gluons. In a constrained fit of the deviations of the light-flavour hadronic Higgs-boson branching ratios from their Standard Model expectations, based on an integrated luminosity of $$5\,\text {ab}^{-1}$$

5

ab

-
1

, we obtain $$68\%$$

68
%

confidence level limits of $$\mu _{gg}=1 \pm 0.05$$

μ

gg

=
1
±
0.05

and $$\mu _{q\bar{q}}<21$$

μ

q

q

¯

<
21

.