bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic alterations in urothelial bladder cancer associated with disease outcomes
Authors: Nunes Francisca Martins , Apolónio Joana Dias , Mota‐Pinto Anabela , Leão Ricardo
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a molecular heterogeneous disease with known genetic distinctive signatures. However, DNA methylation is highly prevalent across a wide range of tumors, suggesting its potential in oncogenesis. Here, we aimed to interrogate the role of nine epigenetic alterations as diagnostic and prognostic markers in BLCA.

Methods

DNA methylation, gene expression, and clinicopathological information were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas data portal. Methylation values and gene expression were assessed to determine their association with normal and malignant tissue. Additionally, we studied the association between methylation values and clinicopathological variables. For the prognostic model, Kaplan–Meier Survival curves were generated. Lastly, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the simultaneous impact of methylation and clinicopathological variables on the risk of tumor progression and survival.

Results

Nine CpG sites' methylation ‐values involved in our study demonstrated different methylation signatures between normal and malignant urothelium. Hypermethylated CpGs were overrepresented in tumor tissue (p < 0.0001). Opposingly, 4 CpG sites showed lower methylation values in tumor samples (p < 0.0001). Cg12743248high and cg17192862low are risk factors for progression‐free survival, whereas cg12374721high (HR:3.003 (1.283–7.030)) also demonstrated to be the most valuable independent risk factor for disease progression and a risk factor for overall survival.

Conclusions

We have identified that methylated cg12374721 shows promise as a diagnostic and independent prognostic marker in BLCA progression.
Splenocytes with fucosylation deficiency promote T cell proliferation and differentiation through thrombospondin‐1 downregulation
Authors: Ko Jung Hwa , Ryu Jin Suk , Oh Jang‐Hee , Oh Joo Youn
Published: November 2023

Fucosylation plays a critical role in cell‐to‐cell interactions and disease progression. However, the effects of fucosylation on splenocytes and their interactions with T cells remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the transcriptome profiles of splenocytes deficient in fucosyltransferase (FUT) 1, an enzyme that mediates fucosylation, and investigate their impact on the proliferation and differentiation of T cells. We analysed and compared the transcriptomes of splenocytes isolated from Fut1 knockout (KO) mice and those from wild‐type (WT) mice using RNA‐seq. Additionally, we examined the effects of Fut1 KO splenocytes on CD4 T cell proliferation and differentiation, in comparison to WT splenocytes, and elucidated the mechanisms involved. The comparative analysis of transcriptomes between Fut1 KO and WT splenocytes revealed that thrombospondin‐1, among the genes related to immune response and inflammation, was the most highly downregulated gene in Fut1 KO splenocytes. The reduced expression of thrombospondin‐1 was further confirmed using qRT‐PCR and flow cytometry. In coculture experiments, Fut1 KO splenocytes promoted the proliferation of CD4 T cells and drove their differentiation toward Th1 and Th17 cells, compared with WT splenocytes. Moreover, the levels of IL‐2, IFN‐γ and IL‐17 were increased, while IL‐10 was decreased, in T cells cocultured with Fut1 KO splenocytes compared with those with WT splenocytes. These effects of Fut1 KO splenocytes on T cells were reversed when thrombospondin‐1 was replenished. Taken together, our results demonstrate that splenocytes with Fut1 deficiency promote CD4 T cell proliferation and Th1/Th17 differentiation at least in part through thrombospondin‐1 downregulation.
RETRACTED: A systematic review of the exercise effects on burn wound healing
Authors: Niumanlan  , Jingming Yan , Hao Qin , Farzan Ramyar , Alizadeh Otaghvar Hamidreza
Published: November 2023

The emerging evidence has indicated the role of microRNAs (miRNA) in various physiological or pathological processes. Also, documents have suggested that exercise, by affecting miRNA regulation, may enhance burn wound healing. The current study aims to systematically review the role of exercise in regulating miRNAs related to burn wound healing to provide potential therapeutic targets. A comprehensive, systematic search was performed in different international electronic databases, such as Embase, PubMed and Google Scholar search engine, Science Direct, ProQuest and Ovid using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings from 2010 to September 2023. The keywords, including ‘exercise’ AND ‘burn wound’ AND ‘microRNA’ and finally, six cases were achieved. Evidence has indicated that exercise may promote the healing of burn wounds by regulating certain miRNAs. Studies have found that exercise regulates the expression of miRNAs such as mir‐155, miR‐21, let‐7a, miR‐146a, miR‐122 and mir‐210 in burn wound tissue, which regulate inflammation and angiogenesis. These findings suggest that miRNAs may play a role in the positive effect of exercise on burn wound healing. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved fully.
Patients' experiences with early rehabilitation in intensive care units: A qualitative study about aspects that influence their participation
Authors: Knutsen Karina , Solbakken Rita , Gallagher Shaun , Müller Ranveig Trondsen , Normann Britt
Published: November 2023

Aim

To explore patients' experiences with early rehabilitation in the intensive care unit and what they perceive to influence their participation.

Design

A qualitative design anchored in phenomenological and hermeneutical traditions utilizing in‐depth interviews.

Methods

Thirteen patients were interviewed from 5 to 29 weeks following discharge from three units, in January–December 2022. Analysed using systematic text condensation and the pattern theory of self. Reporting adhered to consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

Results

Interviews described four main categories: (1) A foreign body, how the participants experienced their dysfunctional and different looking bodies. (2) From crisis to reorientation, the transformation the participants experienced from a state of crisis to acceptance and the ability to look forwards, indicating how bodily dysfunctions are interlinked to breakdowns of the patients' selves and the reorganization process. (3) Diverse expectations regarding activity: ambiguous expectations communicated by the nurses. (4) Nurse–patient: a powerful interaction, highlighting the essential significance of positive expectations and tailored bodily and verbal interaction for rebuilding the patient's outwards orientation.

Conclusion

Outwards orientation and reorganization of the self through a reduction in bodily dysfunctions, strengthening the patients' acceptance of the situation, providing tailored expectations and hands‐on and verbal interaction appear to be fundamental aspects of patient participation in early rehabilitation.

Implications

Insights into patients' perceptions show how dysfunctional bodies cloud individuals' perceptual fields, causing inwards orientation and negative thoughts concerning themselves, their capabilities, environment and future. This knowledge can improve nurses' ability to tailor care to promote optimal recovery for patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

User representative contributed to the design of the study.
Interleukin‐17 alleviates erastin‐induced alveolar bone loss by suppressing ferroptosis via interaction between NRF2 and p‐STAT3
Authors: Bao Jiaqi , Wang Zhongxiu , Yang Yuting , Yu Xufei , Yuan Wenlin , Sun Weilian , Chen Lili
Published: November 2023

Aim

To investigate the relationship between interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), ferroptosis and osteogenic differentiation.

Materials and Methods

We first analysed the changes in ferroptosis‐related molecules in experimental periodontitis models. The effects of erastin, a small‐molecule ferroptosis inducer, and IL‐17 on alveolar bone loss and repair in animal models were then investigated. Primary mouse mandibular osteoblasts were exposed to erastin and IL‐17 in vitro. Ferroptosis‐ and osteogenesis‐related genes and proteins were detected. Further, siRNA, immunofluorescence co‐localization and immunoprecipitation were used to confirm the roles of the nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p‐STAT3), as well as their interaction.

Results

The levels of NRF2, glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 were lower in the ligated tissues than in normal periodontal tissues. Alveolar bone loss in an in vivo experimental periodontitis model was aggravated by erastin and alleviated by IL‐17. In vitro, IL‐17 ameliorated erastin‐inhibited osteogenic differentiation by reversing ferroptosis. Altered NRF2 expression correlated with changes in ferroptosis‐related molecules and osteogenesis. Furthermore, the physical interaction between NRF2 and p‐STAT3 was confirmed in the nucleus. In IL‐17 + erastin‐stimulated osteoblasts, the p‐STAT3–NRF2 complex might actively participate in the downstream transcription of ferroptosis‐ and osteogenesis‐related genes.

Conclusions

IL‐17 administration conferred resistance to erastin‐induced osteoblast ferroptosis and osteogenesis. The possible mechanism may involve p‐STAT3 directly interacting with NRF2.
Long‐term stability of gingival margin and periodontal soft‐tissue phenotype achieved after mucogingival therapy: A systematic review
Authors: Carbone Ana Claudia , Joly Julio Cesar , Botelho João , Machado Vanessa , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Cairo Francesco , Chambrone Leandro
Published: November 2023

Background

The aim of this systematic review was two‐fold: (i) to evaluate the long‐term (≥5 years) stability of the gingival margin position, keratinized tissue width (KTW) and gingival thickness (GT) in sites that underwent root coverage (RC) or gingival augmentation (GA); and (ii) to assess the influence of different local variables on the long‐term stability of dental and gingival tissues.

Materials and Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐RCTs reporting short‐term (i.e., 6–12 months after baseline surgical intervention) and long‐term (≥5 years) follow‐up data after surgical treatment of adult patients presenting single or multiple mucogingival deformities, defined as sites presenting gingival recession defects (GRDs) and/or (KTW) deficiency (i.e., <2 mm), were considered eligible for inclusion. MEDLINE–PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for articles published up to 15 May 2023. Mixed‐effects multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between KTW, type of surgical procedure and time (i.e., independent variables) on the stability of the gingival margin in sites that received RC or GA therapy.

Results

Of the 2569 potentially eligible records, 41 (reporting 40 studies) met the eligibility criteria. Graphical estimates including data from all RC procedures found an upward trend in recession depth (RD) increase over time. Conversely, it was observed that in 63.63% of RC studies and in 59.32% of RC treatment arms KTW increased over time, particularly in sites treated with subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs). Conversely, sites that underwent GA procedures generally exhibited an overall reduction of KTW over time. However, sites treated with free gingival grafts (FGGs) showed a decrease in RD after 10 years of follow‐up. Three main findings derived from the pooled estimates were identified: (i) Gingival margin stability was associated with the amount of KTW present during short‐term assessment (i.e. the greater the KTW at 6–12 months after treatment, the more stable the gingival margin). (ii) The use of autogenous soft‐tissue grafts was associated with lower RD increase over time. (iii) Treatment approaches that contribute to the three‐dimensional enhancement of the gingival phenotype, as clearly demonstrated by FGG, were associated with gingival margin stability.

Conclusions

The extent of apical migration of the gingival margin appears to be directly related to the amount of KTW and GT upon tissue maturation. Interventions involving the use of autogenous grafts, either SCTG or FGG, are associated with greater short‐term KTW gain and lower RD increase over time.
A new snake eel species of the genus Ophichthus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal, with the taxonomic account of Ophichthus chilkensis
Authors: Kodeeswaran Paramasivam , Kathirvelpandian Ayyathurai , Mohapatra Anil , Ajith Kumar Thipramalai Thangappan Pillai , Sarkar Uttam Kumar
Published: November 2023

A new species of the ophichthid eel of the family Ophichthidae is described based on five specimens collected from the Mudasalodai fish landing center, off Cuddalore coast, southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal. Ophichthus naevius sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having a unique color pattern: dorsal body with numerous dense dark spots or patches, ventral body pale yellowish green, dorsal‐fin origin just before pectoral‐fin tip, vertebral formula: 12–14/52–53/134–138, and teeth on jaw uniserial and pointed. The study also reports the range extension and molecular evidence of Ophichthus chilkensis from South India. Molecular analyses were performed for both species, and their phylogenetic relationship suggests that the new species exhibits 10.2% genetic divergence with its congener Ophichthus sangjuensis, followed by Ophichthus brevicaudatus (10.4%), and Ophichthus sp. 1 (11.8%) also forms the closest clade in both Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood (ML) tree. Similarly, according to the topology of the ML tree, the species O. chilkensis forms a clade with Ophichthus sp. 5, Ophichthus remiger, Ophichthus frontalis, Ophichthus sp. 6, and Ophichthus rex, suggesting that it would be the genetically closest congener.
The circular economy growth machine: A critical perspective on “post‐growth” and “pro‐growth” circularity approaches
Authors: Schultz Felix Carl , Pies Ingo
Published: November 2023

This forum article contributes to the prospering debate in the circular economy (CE) community discussing whether—and to what extent—the CE is reconcilable with economic growth. Within this discourse about a functional CE, there exist two contesting perspectives. One argues in favor of pro‐growth circularity, the other in favor of post‐growth circularity. The aim of this article is to develop a line of argumentation that helps in reconciliating the two seemingly antagonistic perspectives. Toward that end, this article applies the method of “practical syllogism” that is well known in moral philosophy, since it can enlighten how normative and positive arguments can be structured to enable the formulation of well‐justified moral conclusions. With the help of this interdisciplinary impulse, the article aims at detecting logical errors in current reasoning and fostering discursive learning processes. The ensuing arguments provide vital implications on the macro level by highlighting four critical elements to facilitate a CE transition, namely an intensive growth trajectory, an internalization of negative externalities through creating (missing) markets, an institutional encouragement of spreading positive externalities, and a diffusion of rents from innovation to society by taking the profit motive into service for enabling sustainability goals. Complementarily, the article provides implications on the micro level by highlighting the necessity to develop supplementary management competencies, namely governance competence to realize argumentative clarification and governance competence to (re‐)configurate institutional structures. This article may serve as an incubator to ease new ways of thinking into academia and practice.
Development of the arterial roots and ventricular outflow tracts
Authors: Anderson Robert H. , Lamers Wouter H. , Hikspoors Jill P. J. M. , Mohun Timothy J. , Bamforth Simon D. , Chaudhry Bill , Eley Lorraine , Kerwin Janet , Crosier Moira , Henderson Deborah J.
Published: November 2023

The separation of the outflow tract of the developing heart into the systemic and pulmonary arterial channels remains controversial and poorly understood. The definitive outflow tracts have three components. The developing outflow tract, in contrast, has usually been described in two parts. When the tract has exclusively myocardial walls, such bipartite description is justified, with an obvious dogleg bend separating proximal and distal components. With the addition of non‐myocardial walls distally, it becomes possible to recognise three parts. The middle part, which initially still has myocardial walls, contains within its lumen a pair of intercalated valvar swellings. The swellings interdigitate with the distal ends of major outflow cushions, formed by the remodelling of cardiac jelly, to form the primordiums of the arterial roots. The proximal parts of the major cushions, occupying the proximal part of the outflow tract, which also has myocardial walls, themselves fuse and muscularise. The myocardial shelf thus formed remodels to become the free‐standing subpulmonary infundibulum. Details of all these processes are currently lacking. In this account, we describe the anatomical changes seen during the overall remodelling. Our interpretations are based on the interrogation of serially sectioned histological and high‐resolution episcopic microscopy datasets prepared from developing human and mouse embryos, with some of the datasets processed and reconstructed to reveal the specific nature of the tissues contributing to the separation of the outflow channels. Our findings confirm that the tripartite postnatal arrangement can be correlated with the changes occurring during development.
Virtual reality used to distract children and young people with long‐term conditions from pain or pruritus: A scoping review using PAGER
Authors: Singleton Heidi , Mahato Preeti , Arden‐Close Emily , Thomas Sarah , Ersser Steven , Holley Debbie , Yang Xiaosong , Roberts Amanda
Published: November 2023

Aims and Objectives

To map out the primary research studies relating to how virtual reality (VR) has been used to distract children and young people with long‐term conditions from pain or pruritus.

Background

Pharmacologic treatment of chronic pain and pruritus may have side effects; hence, non‐invasive non‐pharmacological treatments are being sought.

Design

The scoping review followed the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute, PAGER framework and PRISMA‐ScR checklist. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Registration on 14 February 2022 https//doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/K2R93.

Methods

Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched. Data were extracted from primary research studies published between 2000 and 2022 involving children and adolescent populations (<21 years) with a long‐term condition that had an element of enduring pruritus and/or pain.

Results

Of 464 abstracts screened, 35 full‐text papers were assessed with 5 studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Three main themes emerged from the included studies: (1) Improvements in pain and daily functioning; (2) positive perceptions of VR and (3) accessibility and feasibility of VR. No papers were found on the effect of VR on alleviating pruritus.

Conclusion

VR is feasible, acceptable, and safe for children and adolescents with chronic pain in a range of long‐term conditions and offers promise as an adjunctive treatment for improving chronic pain and quality of life. No studies were identified that targeted pruritis or measured pruritis outcomes; thus, the effects of VR for pruritis are unknown. There is a need for rigorously designed, randomised controlled trials to test the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of VR interventions for chronic pain and pruritis in children and adolescents. The use of the PAGER (Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for Practice and Research Recommendations) framework for scoping reviews helped to structure analysis and findings and identify research gaps.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

VR interventions offer promise in improving chronic pain related to long‐term conditions.
The long‐run evolution of global real wages
Authors: de Zwart Pim
Published: November 2023

This article reviews the literature on comparative real wages in history that has emerged over the past two decades. Research has shown that unskilled men's real wages were higher in England and the Low Countries than in other parts of Europe and Asia from about 1720. Yet 18th‐ and 19th‐century real wages were even higher in the northern American colonies than they were in the European leaders, while those in Latin America were somewhere in the middle of the global wage ladder. This comparative picture is drawn on the basis of unskilled male day wages and various recent contributions focused on specific countries and time periods noting the variation in wage levels and trends for different groups of workers across urban and rural areas and labor contracts, varying days of labor per year, and the crucial and changing contributions of other family members. The latest research also highlights new ways to compute comparative cost‐of‐living indices. Building new datasets to take these issues into account in a new global comparative picture of long‐run real wages is a major area for future research.
Unobserved Worker Quality and Inter‐Industry Wage Differentials*
Authors: Ge Suqin , Macieira João
Published: November 2023

This study quantitatively assesses two alternative explanations for inter‐industry wage differentials: worker heterogeneity in the form of unobserved quality and firm heterogeneity in the form of a firm's willingness to pay (WTP) for workers' productive attributes. Building on hedonic models of differentiated product demand, we develop an empirical hedonic model of labor demand and apply a two‐stage nonparametric procedure to recover worker and firm heterogeneities. In the first stage we recover unmeasured worker quality by estimating market‐specific hedonic wage functions nonparametrically. In the second stage we infer each firm's WTP parameters for worker attributes by using first‐order conditions from the demand model. We apply our approach to quantify inter‐industry wage differentials on the basis of individual data from the NLSY79 and find that worker quality accounts for approximately two thirds of the inter‐industry wage differentials.
Do municipal unions improve cost efficiency for the social function? A quasi‐experimental endogenous stochastic frontier approach
Authors: Vidoli Francesco , Quintiliani Fabio , Ivaldi Giorgio , Marinuzzi Giorgia , Porcelli Francesco , Tortorella Walter
Published: November 2023

Homogeneous national policies can generate heterogeneous effects on the territory. This paper aims to verify the impact of the entry of single Italian municipalities into an inter‐municipal association on the unitary costs of the social services supplied to the local communities. Panel cost stochastic frontier model in the presence of endogeneity has been introduced based on two pillars: a counterfactual setting to verify the aggregation effects concerning a set of similar municipalities and the use of a cost efficiency estimation methodology which considers the endogeneity of output with respect to cost. The results of our analysis show that the effects of adopting associated forms of service delivery can be very multifaceted and diversified according to the typology and the degree of implementation of the Municipal Union itself. The analysis sheds light on the effects of municipalities' organisational choices, addressing the consolidation of small municipalities not in binary terms but also—and above all—suggesting that it is the type of union that impacts the possibility of convergence towards greater cost efficiency.
Population Health Management Tools to Support School‐Based Oral Health Partnerships and Address Disparities
Authors: Zokaie Tooka , Valencia Alejandra , Kaste Linda M , Peters Karen
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Dental caries (cavities) experience is prevalent in US children, and national data show rates to be increasing among young children. Disparities are found for those in the low‐income and non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx groups. Use of caries prevention, specifically dental sealants, is low, even among school‐based programs.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEORY

A population health management (PHM) framework may support targeted school‐based case management to reduce oral health disparities. PHM‐oriented tools were applied to a school‐based oral health intervention and developed into a conceptual model. From 2014 to 2019, Chicago‐based Oral Health Forum (OHF) developed a case management intervention in schools, utilizing PHM tools. Through programmatic and school‐based partnerships, the PHM tools informed intervention to incorporate community‐based organizations, case management staffing, oral health education, targeted community outreach, and Community Dental Health Coordinators' training.

CONCLUSIONS

Through a PHM framework, school‐based oral health partnerships targeting high‐need children was implemented. Use of PHM tools in school‐based health programs should be considered in other high caries schools.
First report of coffee leaf spot caused by Curvularia geniculata
Authors: Nam Hyo Song , Park Hyeon‐Seok , Kim Young Cheol
Published: November 2023

During May and June 2021, the commercially grown coffee, variety SL34, grown commercially, developed necrotic, irregularly shaped spots on 1–5% of leaves. These plants were under greenhouse culture in the area of Goheung in South Korea (34°47′N, 127°46′E). The leaf spots, often observed at leaf margins, changed with time from reddish‐brown coloration to dark brown lesions with yellow halos. Morphological and molecular analysis confirmed the fungus from the lesions as Curvularia geniculata. The pathogenicity of the fungal isolate was verified by Koch's postulates on coffee plants grown under greenhouse conditions. These findings support that C. geniculata causes leaf spot disease in coffee plants and, to our knowledge, is the first time this disease has been reported in the world.
Locations of COVID‐19 vaccination provision: Urban‐rural differences
Authors: Ryan Grace W. , Kahl Amanda R. , Callaghan Don , Kintigh Bethany , Askelson Natoshia M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Our goal was to compare locations of COVID‐19 vaccine provision in urban and rural communities over the course of the pandemic.

Methods

We used the Iowa Immunization Registry Information System (IRIS) to identify the organizations providing COVID‐19 vaccines (eg, pharmacies, public health departments, and medical providers). Proportions of first‐dose vaccines by organization type and patient census‐based statistical area were generated. We calculated Chi‐square tests to assess differences among metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncore communities.

Findings

IRIS data revealed that 64% (n = 2,043,251) of Iowans received their first COVID‐19 vaccine between December 14, 2020, and December 31, 2022. For metropolitan‐dwelling individuals, most first doses were administered at pharmacies (53%), with similar trends observed for micropolitan (49%) and noncore (42%) individuals. The second most common location for metropolitan individuals was medical practices (17%); public health clinics and departments were the second most common provider for micropolitan (26%) and noncore (33%) individuals. These trends shifted over time. In December 2020, hospitals were the most common vaccine provider for everyone, but by December 2022, medical providers were the most common source for metropolitan individuals, and pharmacies were most common for micropolitan and noncore individuals.

Conclusions

Trends in the type of vaccine provider differentiated metropolitan residents from micropolitan and noncore residents. For the latter groups, local public health departments played a more significant role. Across all groups, pharmacists emerged as a critical vaccine provider. Our findings can be used to plan for seasonal vaccine campaigns as well as potential future mass vaccination campaigns.
Complexity of fungal polyketide biosynthesis and function
Authors: Stroe Maria C. , Gao Jia , Pitz Michael , Fischer Reinhard
Published: November 2023

Where does one draw the line between primary and secondary metabolism? The answer depends on the perspective. Microbial secondary metabolites (SMs) were at first believed not to be very important for the producers because they are dispensable for growth under laboratory conditions. However, such compounds become important in natural niches of the organisms, and some are of prime importance for humanity. Polyketides are an important group of SMs with aflatoxin as a well‐known and well‐characterized example. In Aspergillus spp., all 34 afl genes encoding the enzymes for aflatoxin biosynthesis are located in close vicinity on chromosome III in a so‐called gene cluster. This led to the assumption that most genes required for polyketide biosynthesis are organized in gene clusters. Recent research, however, revealed an enormous complexity of the biosynthesis of different polyketides, ranging from individual polyketide synthases to a gene cluster producing several compounds, or to several clusters with additional genes scattered in the genome for the production of one compound. Research of the last decade furthermore revealed a huge potential for SM biosynthesis hidden in fungal genomes, and methods were developed to wake up such sleeping genes. The analysis of organismic interactions starts to reveal some of the ecological functions of polyketides for the producing fungi.
Effect of surface ligands on the photoinduced electron transfer rate and efficiency in ZnO quantum dots and graphene oxide assemblies
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Adnan , Mubeen Muhammad , Mukhtar Maria , Sumreen Poshmal , Naz Bushra , Aydın Firdevs , Asil Demet , Iqbal Azhar
Published: November 2023

Apart from biocompatibility, ZnO quantum dots (QDs) are considered to be an efficient luminescence material due to their low cost and high redox potential. Here, we report the synthesis of ZnO QDs by using five different functionalizing ligands like mercaptoacetic acid (MAA), 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), octadecene (ODE), ethylene glycol (EG), and oleyl amine (OLA) and fabricate their assemblies with graphene oxide (GO). We investigate the role of functionalizing ligands as a surface modifier of ZnO QDs for their attachment to GO. The steady‐state photoluminescence (SSPL) and time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) analyses demonstrate the photoluminescence (PL) quenching of ZnO QDs in ZnO QDs‐GO assembly. The highest reduction in PL intensity is observed with ZnO QDs‐GO assembly with EG as a surface functionalizing ligand. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis confirms the feasibility of charge transfer from ZnO QDs to the GO. The maximum (79.43%) charge transfer efficiency (ECT) is observed in the case of ZnO‐MAA‐GO as compared to other assemblies. This means the thiol group‐containing ligands facilitate charge transfer as compared to hydroxyl and amine group ligands. This leads to the conclusion that charge transfer in ZnO QDs‐GO assemblies depends strongly on the nature of surface ligands.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals the beneficial effects of salt priming on enhancing defense responses in upland cotton under successive salt stress
Authors: Nazir Mian Faisal , Chen Baojun , Umer Muhammad Jawad , Sarfraz Zareen , Peng Zhen , He Shoupu , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Wang Jingjing , Li Hongge , Pan Zhaoe , Hu Daowu , Song Meizhen , Du Xiongming
Published: November 2023

Priming‐mediated stress tolerance in plants stimulates defense mechanisms and enables plants to cope with future stresses. Seed priming has been proven effective for tolerance against abiotic stresses; however, underlying genetic mechanisms are still unknown. We aimed to assess upland cotton genotypes and their transcriptional behaviors under salt priming and successive induced salt stress. We pre‐selected 16 genotypes based on previous studies and performed morpho‐physiological characterization, from which we selected three genotypes, representing different tolerance levels, for transcriptomic analysis. We subjected these genotypes to four different treatments: salt priming (P0), salt priming with salinity dose at 3‐true‐leaf stage (PD), salinity dose at 3‐true‐leaf stage without salt priming (0D), and control (CK). Although the three genotypes displayed distinct expression patterns, we identified common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under PD enriched in pathways related to transferase activity, terpene synthase activity, lipid biosynthesis, and regulation of acquired resistance, indicating the beneficial role of salt priming in enhancing salt stress resistance. Moreover, the number of unique DEGs associated with G. hirsutum purpurascens was significantly higher compared to other genotypes. Coexpression network analysis identified 16 hub genes involved in cell wall biogenesis, glucan metabolic processes, and ribosomal RNA binding. Functional characterization of XTH6 (XYLOGLUCAN ENDOTRANSGLUCOSYLASE/HYDROLASE) using virus‐induced gene silencing revealed that suppressing its expression improves plant growth under salt stress. Overall, findings provide insights into the regulation of candidate genes in response to salt stress and the beneficial effects of salt priming on enhancing defense responses in upland cotton.
A characteristic of olfactory function in four types of dementia and non‐dementia subjects using smell identification test
Authors: Yamashita Yuuji , Shoji Yoshihisa , Yanagimoto Hiroko , Morita Kiichiro , Kodama Hideya , Tsuruhisa Yuuki , Ookawa Junji
Published: November 2023

Background

For those outpatients who were consulted for memory loss, the Japanese version of University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT‐J) was performed to examine olfactory function. In the same way, the revised version of Hasegawa Dementia Scale, Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating and brain magnetic resonance imaging were used to investigate the cognitive function. In the present study, we evaluated the olfactory function of elderly subjects, including those with dementia, by means of UPSIT‐J and we examined their characteristics.

Methods

The characteristics of dementia as Alzheimer type group (AD.G), mixed type group (MixD.G), vascular type group (VaD.G), dementia with Lewy bodies group (DLB.G) and the groups which had no dementia as low score group (LS.G), high score group (HS.G), and healthy group (H.G), were examined.

Results

The numbers of olfactory discriminating scores (nODS) were significantly lower in all the dementia groups than in all the LS.G, HS.G and the H.G. No significant difference was observed in nODS between AD.G and DLB.G. The rate of nODS with less than five scores were as follows: AD.G (80.1%), MixD.G (91.5%), VaD.G (63.1%), DLB.G (89.6%), LS.G (50.8%), HS.G (18.6%), H.G (15.6%). A significant positive correlation was found between nODS and Hasegawa Dementia Scale and Mini Mental State Examination scores (r = 0.567, r = 0.532, respectively), which was significant negatively correlated for Clinical Dementia Rating (r = −0.578). A significant negative correlation was observed between nODS and Z score of voxel‐based specific regional analysis for Z score of Alzheimer's disease (VSRAD) (r = 0.463).

Conclusion

nODS showed a significant correlation between cognitive function tests and brain atrophy level. These results indicate that UPSIT‐J is considered a psycho‐physiological index useful for the diagnosis and early detection of dementia.
Using teacher and student noticing to understand engagement in secondary mathematics lessons
Authors: Mohammad Mirzaei Amanda , Jansen Amanda , Headrick Lorna , Middleton James
Published: November 2023

We investigated what high school mathematics teachers and their students noticed about students’ mathematical engagement to develop a framework for teachers’ and students’ noticing of mathematical engagement. This framework offers clarity about the complexity of engagement, and it includes three elements: evaluations of the valence of engagement (whether students were engaged or disengaged), descriptions of dimensions of engagement (affective, behavioral, cognitive, instrumental, social, or relatedness), and features of engagement (interpretations of what took place in the classroom to support or constrain students’ engagement). We interviewed 30 sets of high school mathematics teachers and focus groups of their students and asked them to reflect on students’ engagement during a videotaped lesson from their classrooms. Results illustrate cases of how noticing of engagement between teachers and students can be shared (or not), from strongly shared (agreement on all three elements in the framework), partially shared (agreement on two elements), and minimally shared (agreement on one element). Cases of partially and minimally shared noticing of engagement suggest opportunities for teachers to learn about their students’ perspectives or how to communicate with students about their intentions for engaging them.
Improved production of the antidiabetic metabolite montbretin A in Nicotiana benthamiana: discovery, characterization, and use of Crocosmia shikimate shunt genes
Authors: Kruse Lars H. , Sunstrum Frederick G. , Garcia Daniela , López Pérez Guillermo , Jancsik Sharon , Bohlmann Joerg , Irmisch Sandra
Published: November 2023

The plant‐specialized metabolite montbretin A (MbA) is being developed as a new treatment option for type‐2 diabetes, which is among the ten leading causes of premature death and disability worldwide. MbA is a complex acylated flavonoid glycoside produced in small amounts in below‐ground organs of the perennial plant Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora). The lack of a scalable production system limits the development and potential application of MbA as a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical. Previous efforts to reconstruct montbretin biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana (Nb) resulted in low yields of MbA and higher levels of montbretin B (MbB) and montbretin C (MbC). MbA, MbB, and MbC are nearly identical metabolites differing only in their acyl moieties, derived from caffeoyl‐CoA, coumaroyl‐CoA, and feruloyl‐CoA, respectively. In contrast to MbA, MbB and MbC are not pharmaceutically active. To utilize the montbretia caffeoyl‐CoA biosynthesis for improved MbA engineering in Nb, we cloned and characterized enzymes of the shikimate shunt of the general phenylpropanoid pathway, specifically hydroxycinnamoyl‐CoA: shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (CcHCT), p‐coumaroylshikimate 3′‐hydroxylase (CcC3′H), and caffeoylshikimate esterase (CcCSE). Gene expression patterns suggest that CcCSE enables the predominant formation of MbA, relative to MbB and MbC, in montbretia. This observation is supported by results from in vitro characterization of CcCSE and reconstruction of the shikimate shunt in yeast. Using CcHCT together with montbretin biosynthetic genes in multigene constructs resulted in a 30‐fold increase of MbA in Nb. This work advances our understanding of the phenylpropanoid pathway and features a critical step towards improved MbA production in bioengineered Nb.
Acute and prolonged competing effects of activation history on human motor unit firing rates during contractile impairment and recovery
Authors: Zero Alexander M. , Fanous Jacob , Rice Charles L.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inducing post‐activation potentiation (PAP) during prolonged low‐frequency force depression (PLFFD) on motor unit (MU) firing rates. In 10 participants, grouped firing rates of 3027 MUs from the tibialis anterior were recorded with tungsten microelectrodes. Baseline MU firing rates at 25% isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were ∼14 Hz. A 1 min dorsiflexion MVC reduced torque and maximal MU firing rates (36 Hz) by 49% and 52%, respectively. Following task completion, firing rates at 25% of baseline MVC torque and torque in response to electrically evoked (single twitch, 10 Hz and 50 Hz) stimulation were assessed before and after a 5 s MVC (to induce PAP) every 10 min for 60 min. From 10 to 60 min after task completion, the torque ratios (twitch:50 Hz and 10:50 Hz) were depressed (∼30%) relative to baseline (P < 0.001), indicating PLFFD; and firing rates were higher by ∼15% relative to baseline (P < 0.001). This occurred despite recovery of MVC rates (∼99%) and torque (∼95%) by 10 min (P > 0.3). Inducing PAP during PLFFD increased both low to high torque ratios (twitch and 10:50 Hz) by ∼200% and ∼135%, respectively (P < 0.001) and firing rates were ∼18% lower relative to PLFFD rates (P < 0.001), despite a speeding of evoked contractile properties (P = 0.001). Thus, firing rates appear strongly matched to alterations in torque, rather than contractile speed when modified by contractile history, and lower rates during PAP may be a mechanism to mitigate effects of PLFFD. The effect of activation history on contractile function demonstrates acute compensatory responses of motoneuron output.

image

Key points

Prolonged low frequency force depression (PLFFD) following a sustained 1 min isometric maximal voluntary contraction causes an increase in submaximal mean motor unit (MU) firing rates.

Inducing post‐activation potentiation (PAP) during PLFFD, however, causes a reduction in mean submaximal MU firing rates to a level below those at baseline.

The mean firing rate reduction during PAP occurs despite a speeding of evoked contractile properties and thus firing rates are more strongly matched to alterations in torque, rather than contractile speed when modified by various contractile histories.

The reductions in firing rates during PAP may mitigate the effects of PLFFD during voluntary contractions.

These results demonstrate that firing rates are highly responsive to opposing influences on the contractile state and can make rapid compensatory rate adjustments dependent on the active state of the muscle.
Multifrequency matched-field source localization based on Wasserstein metric for probability measures
Authors: Zhu Qixuan , Sun Chao , Li Mingyang
Published: November 2023

Matched-field processing (MFP) for underwater source localization serves as a generalized beamforming approach that assesses the correlation between the received array data and a dictionary of replica vectors. In this study, the processing scheme of MFP is reformulated by computing a statistical metric between two Gaussian probability measures with the cross-spectral density matrices (CSDMs). To achieve this, the Wasserstein metric, a widely used notion of metric in the space of probability measures, is employed for developing the processor to attach the intrinsic properties of CSDMs, expressing the underlying optimal value of the statistic. The Wasserstein processor uses the embedded metric structure to suppress ambiguities, resulting in the ability to distinguish between multiple sources. In this foundation, a multifrequency processor that combines the information at different frequencies is derived, providing improved localization statistics with deficient snapshots. The effectiveness and robustness of the Wasserstein processor are demonstrated using acoustic simulation and the event S5 of the SWellEx-96 experiment data, exhibiting correct localization statistics and a notable reduction in ambiguity. Additionally, this paper presents an approach to derive the averaged Bartlett processor by evaluating the Wasserstein metric between two Dirac measures, providing an innovative perspective for MFP.
The Effects of Optical Flow Perturbations on Standing Balance in People With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Elie Olivia S. , Franz Jason R. , Selgrade Brian P.
Published: November 2023

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that causes balance deficits, even in early stages. Evidence suggests that people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) rely more on vision to maintain balance, and challenging balance with optical flow perturbations may be a practical screening for balance deficits. Whether these perturbations affect standing balance in PwMS is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how optical flow perturbations affect standing balance in PwMS. We hypothesized that perturbations would cause higher variability in PwMS compared with matched controls during standing and that standing balance would be more susceptible to anterior–posterior (A–P) perturbations than medial–lateral (M–L) perturbations. Thirteen PwMS and 13 controls stood under 3 conditions: unperturbed, M–L perturbation, and A–P perturbations. A–P perturbations caused significantly higher A–P trunk sway variability in PwMS than controls, although both groups had similar center-of-pressure variability. Both perturbations increased variability in A–P trunk sway and center of pressure. Trunk variability data supported the hypothesis that PwMS were more susceptible to optical flow perturbations than controls. However, the hypothesis that A–P perturbations would affect balance more than M–L perturbations was partially supported. These results suggest potential for optical flow perturbations to identify balance deficits in PwMS.
Commensal protists in reptiles display flexible host range and adaptation to ectothermic hosts
Authors: Gerrick Elias R. , DeSchepper Leila B. , Mechler Claire M. , Joubert Lydia-Marie , Dunker Freeland , Colston Timothy J. , Howitt Michael R.
Published: November 2023

The eukaryome of mammals contains parabasalid protists that dramatically affect host immune function and health. However, the prevalence and diversity of parabasalids in wild reptiles and the consequences of captivity on these symbiotic protists are unknown. Reptiles are ectothermic, which expose their microbiomes to temperature fluctuations such as those driven by climate change. Thus, conservation efforts for threatened reptile species may benefit from understanding how shifts in temperature and captive breeding influence the microbiota, including parabasalids, to impact host fitness and disease susceptibility. Here, we surveyed intestinal parabasalids in wild reptiles from across three continents and compared these to captive animals. Reptiles harbor surprisingly few species of parabasalids compared to mammals, but these protists exhibited a flexible host range, suggesting specific adaptations to reptilian social structures and microbiota transmission. Furthermore, reptile-associated parabasalids are adapted to wide temperature ranges and survive colder temperatures significantly better than human-associated parabasalids. Colder temperatures altered the protist transcriptomes, causing increased expression of genes associated with detrimental interactions with their hosts. Our findings establish that parabasalids are widely distributed in the microbiota of both wild and captive reptiles and highlight how these protists respond to temperature fluctuations encountered in their ectothermic hosts.

IMPORTANCE

Environmental factors like climate change and captive breeding can impact the gut microbiota and host health. Therefore, conservation efforts for threatened species may benefit from understanding how these factors influence animal microbiomes. Parabasalid protists are members of the mammalian microbiota that can modulate the immune system and impact susceptibility to infections. However, little is known about parabasalids in reptiles. Here, we profile reptile-associated parabasalids in wild and captive reptiles and find that captivity has minimal impact on parabasalid prevalence or diversity. However, because reptiles are cold-blooded (ectothermic), their microbiotas experience wider temperature fluctuation than microbes in warm-blooded animals. To investigate whether extreme weather patterns affect parabasalid-host interactions, we analyzed the gene expression in reptile-associated parabasalids and found that temperature differences significantly alter genes associated with host health. These results expand our understanding of parabasalids in this vulnerable vertebrate group and highlight important factors to be taken into consideration for conservation efforts.