bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural and molecular characterisation of the Dlg2 haploinsufficiency rat model of genetic risk for psychiatric disorder
Authors: Waldron Sophie , Pass Rachel , Griesius Simonas , Mellor Jack R. , Robinson Emma S. J. , Thomas Kerrie L. , Wilkinson Lawrence S. , Humby Trevor , Hall Jeremy , Dwyer Dominic M.
Published: January 2022

Genetic studies implicate disruption to the DLG2 gene in copy number variants as increasing risk for schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability. To investigate psychiatric endophenotypes associated with DLG2 haploinsufficiency (and concomitant PSD‐93 protein reduction) a novel clinically relevant Dlg2+/− rat was assessed for abnormalities in anxiety, sensorimotor gating, hedonic reactions, social behaviour, and locomotor response to the N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartic acid receptor antagonist phencyclidine. Dlg gene and protein expression were also investigated to assess model validity. Reductions in PSD‐93 messenger RNA and protein were observed in the absence of compensation by other related genes or proteins. Behaviourally Dlg2+/− rats show a potentiated locomotor response to phencyclidine, as is typical of psychotic disorder models, in the absence of deficits in the other behavioural phenotypes assessed here. This shows that the behavioural effects of Dlg2 haploinsufficiency may specifically relate to psychosis vulnerability but are subtle, and partially dissimilar to behavioural deficits previously reported in Dlg2+/− mouse models demonstrating issues surrounding the comparison of models with different aetiology and species. Intact performance on many of the behavioural domains assessed here, such as anxiety and reward processing, will remove these as confounds when continuing investigation into this model using more complex cognitive tasks.
Compound hydroclimatic extremes in a semi‐arid grassland: Drought, deluge, and the carbon cycle
Authors: Hoover David L. , Hajek Olivia L. , Smith Melinda D. , Wilkins Kate , Slette Ingrid J. , Knapp Alan K.
Published: January 2022

Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme events including droughts and large precipitation events or “deluges.” While many studies have focused on the ecological impacts of individual events (e.g., a heat wave), there is growing recognition that when extreme events co‐occur as compound extremes, (e.g., a heatwave during a drought), the additive effects on ecosystems are often greater than either extreme alone. In this study, we assessed a unique type of extreme—a contrasting compound extreme—where the extremes may have offsetting, rather than additive ecological effects, by examining how a deluge during a drought impacts productivity and carbon cycling in a semi‐arid grassland. The experiment consisted of four treatments: a control (average precipitation), an extreme drought (<5th percentile), an extreme drought interrupted by a single deluge (>95th percentile), or an extreme drought interrupted by the equivalent amount of precipitation added in several smaller events. We highlight three key results. First, extreme drought resulted in early senescence, reduced carbon uptake, and a decline in net primary productivity relative to the control treatment. Second, the deluge imposed during extreme drought stimulated carbon fluxes and plant growth well above the levels of both the control and the drought treatment with several additional smaller rainfall events, emphasizing the importance of precipitation amount, event size, and timing. Third, while the deluge's positive effects on carbon fluxes and plant growth persisted for 1 month, the deluge did not completely offset the negative effects of extreme drought on end‐of‐season productivity. Thus, in the case of these contrasting hydroclimatic extremes, a deluge during a drought can stimulate temporally dynamic ecosystem processes (e.g., net ecosystem exchange) while only partially compensating for reductions in ecosystem functions over longer time scales (e.g., aboveground net primary productivity).
Roles of the second messenger c‐di‐GMP in bacteria: Focusing on the topics of flagellar regulation and Vibrio spp.
Authors: Homma Michio , Kojima Seiji
Published: January 2022

Typical second messengers include cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic GMP (cGMP), and inositol phosphate. In bacteria, cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP), which is not used in animals, is widely used as a second messenger for environmental responses. Initially found as a regulator of cellulose synthesis, this small molecule is known to be widely present in bacteria. A wide variety of synthesis and degradation enzymes for c‐di‐GMP exist, and the activities of effector proteins are regulated by changing the cellular c‐di‐GMP concentration in response to the environment. It has been shown well that c‐di‐GMP plays an essential role in pathogenic cycle and is involved in flagellar motility in Vibrio cholerae. In this review, we aim to explain the direct or indirect regulatory mechanisms of c‐di‐GMP in bacteria, focusing on the study of c‐di‐GMP in Vibrio spp. and in flagella, which are our research subjects.
Health technology assessment for gene therapies in haemophilia
Authors: O'Hara Jamie , Neumann Peter J. ,   the International Haemophilia Access Strategy Council
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Gene therapies are poised to become a new therapeutic option for persons with haemophilia (PwH), having begun to show durable efficacy and safety in clinical trials to date. However, value assessment of gene therapies faces challenges from small populations that preclude randomized clinical trials (RCT), ethical considerations when treating a serious genetic disorder with lifelong consequences, and appropriate endpoint selection that captures the full scope of the disorder and its lifelong complications.

Health technology assessment (HTA) for new haemophilia therapies may require greater flexibility in evidence requirements and recognition of factors that vary across patient populations and health systems, including current standard‐of‐care, gains in survival and health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL), and reduced replacement factor utilization. It will be important for HTAs to consider limitations of RCTs for gene therapy and to consider intra‐patient data as evidence of clinical effectiveness. Despite long‐term clinical trials with up to 8 years of follow‐up, ongoing uncertainties about durability of effect may be informed by extrapolating clinical data out ∼10 years, using different projections of durability. Beyond objective endpoints, such as Petersson scores or annualized bleed rates, health utilities that accompany gene therapy (e.g., mental health, freedom of choice, peace of mind) should be considered in HTA evaluations, particularly for comparisons with low dose or no prophylaxis.

Conclusion

HTAs of gene therapies in haemophilia are encouraged to rise to the challenge of filling evidence gaps and conducting assessments.

KEY POINTS OF CONSIDERATION

It is important for HTA bodies to consider the limitations to conduct randomized controlled trials for gene therapy and to consider intrapatient data as evidence of comparative effectiveness.

Given the uncertainties around the long‐term gene therapy use, clinical trial data should be extrapolated ∼10 years, using scenarios that consider different durations of effect.

The major value drivers in a model, in addition to drug pricing itself, will be based on assumptions about duration of effect and savings/cost offsets from reduced use of replacement therapy.

Assessment methodologies and modelling configurations need to evolve to fully capture the value of gene therapy, including patient meaningful outcomes, in a validated and quantitative fashion.

Regardless of payment system archetype, the intersection between NGOs, the clinical community's voice, HTA willingness to collaborate, and alignment with regulatory acceptance of benefit is critical.

[Correction added on 21 February 2022, after first online publication: the ‘Key Points of Consideration’ have been added in this version.]
Diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and impact of migraine in the US: Results of the OVERCOME (US) study
Authors: Lipton Richard B. , Nicholson Robert A. , Reed Michael L. , Araujo Andre B. , Jaffe Dena H. , Faries Douglas E. , Buse Dawn C. , Shapiro Robert E. , Ashina Sait , Cambron‐Mellott M. Janelle , Rowland John C. , Pearlman Eric M.
Published: January 2022

Objective

The ObserVational survey of the Epidemiology, tReatment and Care of MigrainE (OVERCOME; United States) study is a multicohort, longitudinal web survey that assesses symptomatology, consulting, diagnosis, treatment, and impact of migraine in the United States.

Background

Regularly updating population‐based views of migraine in the United States provides a method for assessing the quality of ongoing migraine care and identifying unmet needs.

Methods

The OVERCOME (US) 2018 migraine cohort involved: (I) creating a demographically representative sample of US adults using quota sampling (n = 97,478), (II) identifying people with active migraine in the past year via a validated migraine diagnostic questionnaire and/or self‐reported medical diagnosis of migraine (n = 24,272), and (III) assessing consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of migraine (n = 21,143). The current manuscript evaluated whether those with low frequency episodic migraine (LFEM; 0–3 monthly headache days) differed from other categories on outcomes of interest.

Results

Among the migraine cohort (n = 21,143), 19,888 (94.1%) met our International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition‐based case definition of migraine and 12,905 (61.0%) self‐reported a medical diagnosis of migraine. Respondents’ mean (SD) age was 42.2 (15.0) years; 15,697 (74.2%) were women. Having at least moderate disability was common (n = 8965; 42.4%) and around half (n = 10,783; 51.0%) had consulted a medical professional for migraine care in the past year. Only 4792 (22.7%) of respondents were currently using a triptan. Overall, 8539 (40.4%) were eligible for migraine preventive medication and 3555 (16.8%) were currently using migraine preventive medication. Those with LFEM differed from moderate and high frequency episodic migraine and chronic migraine on nearly all measures of consulting, diagnosis, and treatment.

Conclusion

The OVERCOME (US) 2018 cohort revealed slow but steady progress in diagnosis and preventive treatment of migraine. However, despite significant impact among the population, many with migraine have unmet needs related to consulting for migraine, migraine diagnosis, and getting potentially beneficial migraine treatment. Moreover, it demonstrated the heterogeneity and varying unmet needs within episodic migraine.
Interval appendicitis shows histological differences from acute appendicitis and may mimic Crohn disease and other forms of granulomatous appendicitis
Authors: Malvar Grace , Peric Masa , Gonzalez Raul S.
Published: January 2022

Aims

While patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis (AA) often receive surgical intervention shortly after presentation, certain patients may instead receive non‐operative management initially, with appendectomy later. The histology of such interval appendicitis (IA) has only been described in small series. Also, we have noticed a recent increase in the incidence of IA specimens at our institution.

Methods and results

We identified appendectomy specimens in our department during 2018 with available haematoxylin and eosin slides and electronic clinical data, and evaluated multiple histological findings. Cases were then divided into AA and IA, based on clinical history (AA if the patient presented to the hospital within 1 week of symptom onset and underwent appendectomy within 48 h; IA if appendectomy was delayed at least 1 week). Changes between groups were compared. The cohort included 165 cases (125 AA, 40 IA). Findings significantly more common in AA included mucosal acute inflammation, mural acute inflammation and acute serositis. Findings significantly more common in IA included Crohn‐like mural inflammation, mural fibrosis, goblet cell hyperplasia, granulomas, xanthogranulomatous inflammation, haemosiderin‐laden macrophages and granulation tissue. The rate of IA in 2018 (24%) was noticeably higher than in previous years.

Conclusion

Acute inflammatory changes are more common in AA but can remain present in IA. Mural fibrosis, serosal adhesions, haemosiderin‐laden macrophages and granulation tissue suggest IA. Granulomas and xanthogranulomatous inflammation can also be seen in IA, and Crohn‐like mural inflammation is not uncommon. These histological patterns can guide signout and prevent diagnostic errors, particularly when clinical information is unavailable.
Development and validation of a machine learning algorithm–based risk prediction model of pressure injury in the intensive care unit
Authors: Xu Jie , Chen Danxiang , Deng Xiaofang , Pan Xiaoyun , Chen Yu , Zhuang Xiaoming , Sun Caixia
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to establish a machine learning–based scoring nomogram for early recognition of likely pressure injuries in an intensive care unit (ICU) using large‐scale clinical data. A retrospective cohort study design was employed to develop and validate a top‐performing clinical feature panel accessibly in the electronic medical records (EMRs), which was in the mode of a quantifiable nomogram. Clinical factors regarding demographics, admission cause, clinical laboratory index, medical history and nursing scales were extracted as risk candidates. The performance improvement was based on the application of the machine learning technique, comprising logistic regression, decision tree and random forest algorithm with five‐fold cross‐validation (CV) technique. The comprehensive assessment of sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was considered in the evaluation of predictive performance. The receiver operating characteristic curves revealed the top performance for the logistic regression model in respect to machine learning improvement, achieving the highest sensitivity and AUC among three types of classifiers. Compared against the 23‐point Braden scale routinely recorded online, an incorporated nomogram of logistic regression model and Braden scale achieved the best performance with an AUC of 0.87 ± 0.07 and 0.84 ± 0.05 in training and test cohort, respectively. Our findings suggest that the machine learning technique potentiated the limited predictive validity of routinely recorded clinical data on pressure injury development during ICU hospitalisation. Easily accessible electronic records held the potentials to substitute the traditional Braden score in the prediction of pressure injury in intensive care unit. Preoperative prediction of pressure injury facilitates the exemption from the severe consequences.
Experimentally impaired female condition does not affect biliverdin‐based egg colour
Authors: D'Arpa Stefania R. , Redondo Iraida , Gómez‐Llanos Eduardo , Gil Diego , Pérez‐Rodríguez Lorenzo
Published: January 2022

It has been proposed that blue‐green egg coloration is a condition‐dependent female sexual trait that may modify paternal care in a post‐mating sexual selection scenario. This pattern may arise because the pigment responsible for eggshell colouration (biliverdin) may be a costly and limited resource, whose availability is linked to female health state. Thus, it can be predicted that females whose condition is compromised should be constrained in their capacity to deposit biliverdin in the eggshell, thus producing paler clutches. To test this hypothesis, we performed a handicapping experiment by clipping some feathers of female spotless starlings before egg laying and measuring the colour of their clutches. We expected the handicapping treatment to increase flying costs, impairing female overall condition and resulting in paler clutches. Our experiment was successful in lowering the weight gain of handicapped with respect to control females. However, in contrast to our expectations, we found no effect of the treatment on eggshell colouration. Eggshell colour varied along the laying order, with initial eggs of the laying sequence being relatively paler than the rest of the clutch, but this pattern was not different between experimental groups. Despite a very similar methodology, our results differ from a previous study on the same species and offer no support to the post mating sexual selected hypothesis, questioning the general applicability of the sexual selection role of eggshell coloration.
Beyond habitat: effects of conspecific and heterospecific aggregation on the spatial structure of a wetland nesting bird community
Authors: Šálek Miroslav , Sládeček Martin , Kubelka Vojtěch , Mlíkovský Jiří , Storch David , Šmilauer Petr
Published: January 2022

Nest location is a key factor influencing reproductive success in birds, and habitat choice is considered the main way in which birds select nest sites. Less attention has been devoted to the demand for proximity to other bird nests, which can provide additional profit, namely defense against predators. Here we analyzed the contributions of habitat, and conspecific and heterospecific aggregation to the spatial arrangement of breeding birds in a model bird community. We surveyed a pristine Siberian wetland bird community with the aim to locate all bird territories or nests, in 1993 and 2013. Habitat explained much of the nest site choice, but the nests were aggregated both intra‐ and inter‐specifically more than the spatial pattern of the habitat could explain. In particular, ducks, grebes and some waders bred nearby the most abundant active nest defenders, such as gulls and terns. Heterospecific associations were particularly pronounced in 2013, when the community was impoverished and one common active defender (white‐winged black tern Chlidonias leucopterus) was replaced by a less numerous but aggressive predator (Mongolian gull Larus mongolicus). The results suggest that spatial pattern in bird nests may be influenced by the (dis)appearance of one or a few species, which can play a role as umbrella or predator species. Integration of factors supporting the breeding of umbrella species, such as gulls, may became key targets for comprehensive conservation measures in large wetlands.
Invasion dynamics and potential future spread of sea spurge across Australia’s coastal dunes
Authors: Giulio Silvia , Cao Pinna Luigi , Carboni Marta , Marzialetti Flavio , Acosta Alicia Teresa Rosario , Garbolino Emmanuel , Jucker Tommaso
Published: January 2022

Aim

Invasive species provide an opportunity to study biogeography in action, allowing us to observe how species adapt and fill their environmental niche when introduced to new ecological settings. Here we use sea spurge—a foredune specialist plant species native to Europe which has recently spread across Australia’s southern coasts—as a model system to explore species' environmental niches adaptations and potential for future spread following introduction outside their native range.

Location

Europe and Australia.

Taxon

Sea spurge, Euphorbia paralias, Euphorbiaceae.

Methods

We compiled presence‐absence data of E. paralias from >190,000 vegetation surveys in the native and invaded range. We combined presence‐absence data with information on climate, soil, coastal morphology and human pressure, to test whether E. paralias’ environmental niche has shifted following invasion and used species distributions models (SDMs) to map its invasion potential under current and future climatic conditions.

Results

The environmental niche of E. paralias has shifted since reaching Australia, expanding into areas further away from people, closer to the shoreline and with higher temperatures. SDMs revealed that alongside broad‐scale gradients in temperature and rainfall, the distribution of E. paralias is also constrained by soil substrate and dune morphology—highlighting the importance of these fine‐scale drivers in shaping invasion dynamics in coastal environments. Moreover, SDMs suggest that future expansion in Australia will result from continued niche filling, not changes in climatic suitability.

Main conclusions

Despite its impressive dispersal ability, E. paralias has not yet reached equilibrium in its invaded range and is likely to continue to expand its distribution in Australia regardless of climate change. E. paralias’ key to success has been its ability to suit novel environments. We provide one of the first examples of how to leverage distribution data and SDMs to test hypotheses about niche conservatism and expansion in coastal dune invasive plant species.
Single ring isolation for atrial fibrillation ablation: Impact of the learning curve
Authors: Thiyagarajah Anand , Mahajan Rajiv , Iwai Shinsuke , Gupta Aashray , Linz Dominik , Chim Ivana , Emami Mehrdad , Kadhim Kadhim , O'Shea Catherine , Middeldorp Melissa E. , Lau Dennis H. , Sanders Prashanthan
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Although single ring isolation is an accepted strategy for undertaking pulmonary vein (PV) and posterior wall isolation (PWI) during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, the learning curve associated with this technique as well as procedural and clinical success rates have not been widely reported.

Methods and Results

Prospectively collected data from 250 consecutive patients undergoing de novo AF ablation using single ring isolation. PWI was achieved in 212 patients (84.8%) and PV isolation without PWI was achieved in 37 patients (14.4%). Thirty‐one cases (12.4%) demonstrated inferior line sparing where PWI was achieved without a continuous posterior wall inferior line. A learning curve was observed, with higher rates of PWI (98% last 50 vs. 82% first 50 cases, p = .016), higher rates of inferior line sparing (20% last 50 vs. 8% first 50 cases, p = .071) and lower ablation times (43.8 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 34.6–57.0 min) last 50 versus. 96.5 min (IQR: 80.8–115.8 min) first 50 cases; p < .001). Three (1.3%) major procedure‐related complications were observed. Twelve‐month, single‐procedure freedom from atrial arrhythmia without drugs was 70.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.5%–77.7%) and 60.0% (95% CI: 50.2%–68.4%) for paroxysmal and persistent/longstanding persistent AF. Twelve‐month multi‐procedure freedom from atrial arrhythmia was 92.2% (95%CI: 85.6%–95.9%) and 85.6% (95%CI: 77.2%–91.0%) for paroxysmal and persistent/longstanding persistent AF.

Conclusion

Employing a single ring isolation approach, PWI can be achieved in most cases. There is a substantial learning curve with higher rates of PWI, reduced ablation times, and higher rates of inferior line sparing as procedural experience grows. Long‐term freedom from arrhythmia is comparable to other AF ablation techniques.
Enhanced effect of recombinant adenoviruses co‐expression of ING4 and OSM on anti‐tumour activity of laryngeal cancer
Authors: Cheng Fuwei , Zhao Shuangping , Li Jiachen , Niu Yuyu , Huang Haiping , Yang Jicheng , Ma Shiyin , Liu Jisheng , Sun Peng
Published: January 2022

The inhibitor of growth family member 4 (ING4) is one of the ING family genes, serves as a repressor of angiogenesis or tumour growth and suppresses loss of contact inhibition. Oncostatin M (OSM) is a multifunctional cytokine that belongs to the interleukin (IL)‐6 subfamily with several biological activities. However, the role of recombinant adenoviruses co‐expressing ING4 and OSM (Ad‐ING4‐OSM) in anti‐tumour activity of laryngeal cancer has not yet been identified. Recombinant Ad‐ING4‐OSM was used to evaluate their combined effect on enhanced anti‐tumour activity in Hep‐2 cells of laryngeal cancer in vivo. Moreover, in vitro function assays of co‐expression of Ad‐ING4‐OSM were performed to explore impact of co‐expression of Ad‐ING4‐OSM on biological phenotype of laryngeal cancer cell line, that is Hep‐2 cells. In vitro, Ad‐ING4‐OSM significantly inhibited the growth, enhanced apoptosis, altered cell cycle with G1 and G2/M phase arrest, and upregulated the expression of P21, P27, P53 and downregulated survivin in laryngeal cancer Hep‐2 cells. Furthermore, in vivo functional experiments of co‐expressing of Ad‐ING4‐OSM demonstrated that solid tumours in the nude mouse model were significantly suppressed, and the co‐expressing Ad‐ING4‐OSM showed a significant upregulation expression of P21, P53, Bax and Caspase‐3 and a downregulation of Cox‐2, Bcl‐2 and CD34. This study for the first time demonstrated the clinical value and the role of co‐expressing Ad‐ING4‐OSM in biological function of laryngeal cancer. This work suggested that co‐expressing Ad‐ING4‐OSM might serve as a potential therapeutic target for laryngeal cancer patients.
Completing Banking Union? The Role of National Deposit Guarantee Schemes in Shifting Member States' Preferences on the European Deposit Insurance Scheme
Authors: Tümmler Mario
Published: January 2022

The gridlock on the European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS), the missing pillar of the banking union, is most commonly attributed to moral hazard concerns on the side of Germany. However, Member State preferences on EDIS cannot be understood solely based on concerns over pre‐emptive risk reduction. Instead, banking sector interests connected to the institutional setup and legal status of national deposit guarantee schemes (DGSs) have also informed these preferences. This article examines the development of preference formation on EDIS for the cases of Germany, Italy and France after the initial 2015 proposal failed. National preferences on the institutional setup of EDIS have become more aligned with a reinsurance system that maintains existing DGS. Hence, current trajectories point to a discussion over how national DGSs are to be linked in a reinsurance system, instead of a discussion about whether it should be abandoned or not.
Impact of newly diagnosed diabetes on coronavirus disease 2019 severity and hyperglycemia
Authors: Uchihara Masaki , Bouchi Ryotaro , Kodani Noriko , Saito Sho , Miyazato Yusuke , Umamoto Kotaro , Sugimoto Hirofumi , Kobayashi Michi , Hikida Sayaka , Akiyama Yutaro , Ihana‐Sugiyama Noriko , Ohsugi Mitsuru , Tanabe Akiyo , Ueki Kohjiro , Takasaki Jin , Hojo Masayuki , Kajio Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Aims/Introduction

Diabetes is associated with poor clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, the impact of newly diagnosed diabetes on prognosis has not been clarified. The objective of this study was to show the features and outcome of COVID‐19 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes in Japan.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 62 patients with diabetes hospitalized for COVID‐19 between 1 April and 18 August 2021 at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo, Japan. We evaluated the worst severity of COVID‐19 and plasma blood glucose levels in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes or pre‐existing diabetes.

Results

This study included 62 confirmed COVID‐19 patients with diabetes, including 19 (30.6%) patients with newly diagnosed diabetes and 43 (69.4%) patients with pre‐existing diabetes. Patients with newly diagnosed diabetes significantly progressed to a critical condition more frequently during hospitalization than patients with pre‐existing diabetes (52.6% vs 20.9%, P = 0.018). In addition, patients with newly diagnosed diabetes had significantly higher average plasma blood glucose levels for the first 3 days after admission than those with pre‐existing diabetes.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the proportion of COVID‐19 patients who are newly diagnosed with diabetes is high, and they have an increased risk of developing severe disease than those with pre‐existing diabetes. It might be advisable that at the point of COVID‐19 diagnosis, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels be assessed in all patients.
Drying kinetics, performance, and quality assessment for banana slices using heat pump–assisted drying system (HPADS)
Authors: Kushwah Anand , Kumar Anil , Gaur Manoj Kumar
Published: January 2022

In the present work, fresh banana slices were dehydrated at various drying air temperatures (35, 40, and 45°C) using novel heat pump–assisted drying system (HPADS) operating in a close loop. Drying air temperature significantly influences the drying time; as the drying temperature increases, drying time is reduced linearly. Increase in slice thickness of the sample increases drying time. Verma et al.'s model was considered to select the best fit model and describe the actual data. Effective moisture diffusivity varied from 1.05 × 10−10 to 1.56 × 10−10 m2/s at temperatures 35 and 45°C, respectively. Arrhenius equation was used to correlate the dependency of moisture diffusivity with temperature and activation energy found to be 42.58 kJ/mol. Water activity (Aw) varied from 0.750 to 0.577 at temperatures 35 and 45°C, respectively. Hence, for Aw < 0.6 at 45°C drying temperature, micro‐organisms can no longer extract water for their growth, and enzymes become inactive. Specific moisture removal ratio and coefficient of performance of system were found to be 0.230 kg/kWh and 3.168, correspondingly, at maximum temperature (45°C). Therefore, a developed novel HPADS is recommended for small farmers and cottage industries.

Practical Applications

It is more reliable to dry agricultural products with high moisture content inside the novel heat pump assisted drying system. The developed drying system is recommended for small farmers or cottage industries. This study will be constructive for further research work on such drying systems.
Efficacy of ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with autologous platelet‐rich plasma versus ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser and placebo in the treatment of striae gravidarum: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Preclaro Ivan Arni C. , Tianco Elizabeth Amelia V. , Buenviaje‐Beloso Mercedes
Published: January 2022

Background

Striae gravidarum (SG) is a connective tissue disorder seen commonly in primigravidas. It is associated with impairment in the quality of life.

Objective

To determine the efficacy of ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser combined with autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) versus ablative fractional CO2 laser and placebo in the treatment of SG.

Study design

Randomized, double‐blinded, and placebo‐controlled trial.

Methodology

The study was conducted in 16 patients with SG. The assigned treatment area (abdomen) was divided into two sides and was randomly assigned to the PRP side and the control side. All patients received ablative fractional CO2 laser. Immediately after each laser procedure, the PRP side received autologous PRP, while the control side received plain normal saline solution (pNSS) as a placebo. The study was done for three sessions, at intervals of 4 weeks. An independent assessor used the photographs taken at Weeks 6, 10, 14, and 16 to assess the clinical improvement. The patient satisfaction was reported at the same intervals. A quartile grading scale was used to measure both the clinical improvement and patient satisfaction. Data were analyzed using the Jonckheere–Terpstra test. Histopathology was done before treatment and at the end of the study period.

Results

The combination of ablative fractional CO2 laser and autologous PRP had better clinical improvement and patients’ satisfaction compared with ablative fractional CO2 laser and placebo. However, both outcome measures were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Ablative fractional CO2 laser combined with autologous PRP appears to be an effective treatment in SG.
Impact of IPL treatments on parameters of acne skin
Authors: Zdrada Julita , Stolecka‐Warzecha Anna , Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Deda Anna , Błońska‐Fajfrowska Barbara , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: January 2022

Background

In the treatment of acne, skin parameters such as sebum secretion, hydration, and the content of hemoglobin and melanin are very important. The values of these parameters at the appropriate level show the maintenance of good functionality of the epidermal barrier and the impact of a given treatment procedure on the condition and physiology of the epidermis.

Aims

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of anti‐acne therapy with IPL by volunteers, as well as to quantify parameters such as sebum secretion, hydration level, and the content of melanin and hemoglobin in the skin.

Patients/Methods

The study involved 27 volunteers with moderate acne. A series of 4 treatments was performed with intense pulse light at weekly intervals. The secretion of sebum, skin hydration, and the content of melanin and hemoglobin was measured.

Results

A decrease in sebum secretion in the forehead area after light treatments was observed, the level of hydration remained the same in all areas examined, as did the levels of melanin and hemoglobin. The volunteers were asked about the satisfaction with the effects of the treatment: 100% answered that they were satisfied with the effects of the treatment to a degree of 7.8 ± 1.5.

Conclusions

During anti‐acne therapy, therapists usually focus only on reducing acne lesions, forgetting that proper care has a large impact on the success of dermatological therapies. It is very important to know the influence of treatment procedures on the parameters of the skin in order to choose the right care for the best treatment effect.
Youth’s Family and Non‐Family Roles as Predictors of Subjective Adulthood in Three Low‐Income Agricultural Settings
Authors: Axxe Erick , Hayford Sarah R. , Eggum Natalie D.
Published: January 2022

Subjective adulthood, or feeling like an adult, captures identity development relative to the local context that shapes life course processes. Most research on this topic is conducted in wealthy developed countries. Instead, we draw on household‐based survey data from the Family Migration and Early Life Outcomes project (FAMELO) to estimate ordinal logistic regression models predicting how often adolescents aged 11–17 in Jalisco, Mexico (n = 1,567); Gaza Province, Mozambique (n = 1,368); and the Chitwan Valley, Nepal (n = 1,898), identify as adults. The relationships between adult roles, family capital, youth characteristics, and youth’s adult identities vary substantially across the sites. The findings highlight how the transition to adulthood reflects the cultural and structural conditions of adult identities.
Factors Related to Concussion Knowledge, Attitudes, and Reporting Behaviors in US High School Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Beran Krista M. , Scafide Katherine N.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Sport‐related concussions are a major public health problem with only 50% of concussed teens reporting their symptoms. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify individual and institutional factors that contribute to concussion knowledge, attitude, and reporting behaviors among US high school athletes.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis protocol was used to direct the process of this systematic review. A search for English, peer‐reviewed, quantitative studies published between 2010 and 2020 was conducted in 5 scholarly databases. The Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tools were used to assess study quality.

RESULTS

Twenty‐two studies met criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. The study designs were mostly cross‐sectional (N = 18). Synthesis revealed individual factors including gender, age, race/ethnicity, grade level, and concussion history were associated with differences in concussion knowledge, attitude, and/or reporting behaviors. Institutional factors identified included school location, concussion education, access to an athletic trainer, sport played, and team climate. Six studies found concussion education had a positive impact on knowledge and reporting behaviors.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review identified certain populations which may be more vulnerable to underreporting concussion symptoms; therefore, a targeted approach to education and management may be more effective.
Genome survey sequence of black carp provides insights into development‐related gene duplications
Authors: Lu Ying , Xia Huimin , Zhai Wanying , Liu Jie , Zhou Yan , Xu Xiaoyan , Xiao Jun , Chen Liting , Luo Liming , Shen Yubang , Li Jiale
Published: January 2022

As one of the traditional "Four Domesticated Fishes" in China, black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) is an important species in freshwater aquaculture, an important fishery resource in China, and an invasive species in the United Sates. Here, we reported the draft genome of black carp with an estimated size of 975 Mb and 27,541 predicted protein‐coding genes. The genome of black carp exhibited a high synteny with those of grass carp and zebrafish. Phylogenetic estimation suggested that black carp likely diverged from grass carp and zebrafish around 13 and 57 million years ago, respectively. The comparison of expanded gene families among eight fish species identified functional genes involved in skeletal growth, hormone regulation and rhythmic control, cellular differentiation and other development‐related pathways underwent the duplications in the large body fishes such as black carp and grass carp. Further analysis of functional interaction networks of the proteins encoded by these duplicated genes revealed their important role associated with regulation of development pathways. In addition, Sox and TLR gene families were found to have diverse subfamily evolution among different fishes. The first draft genome of black carp offers insights into its genomic structure, function, and evolution and provides an additional resource for improved molecular selection and breeding.
The usefulness of nutrition and health videos displayed on mobile phones in rural Uganda: Experiences of community health workers and mothers
Authors: Schneider Lauriina , Ollila Sari , Mutanen Marja
Published: January 2022

Improvements in community health workers' (CHWs) knowledge and practices in low‐income countries increasingly involve mobile phones and videos. However, little data exists on CHWs’ and mothers’ experiences of using such phones and videos. In this study, educational videos on nutrition, health and hygiene were downloaded onto mobile phones, which were given to 12 CHWs in rural Uganda. In 2018, these CHWs used the videos for a period of 3 months to support their work during their visits with families. We subsequently conducted individual interviews with eight CHWs and held four focus group discussions with 16 mothers. From the inductively analysed data, we identified four key themes: impact, competence, meaningfulness and choice, which are also dimensions of the Intrinsic Task Motivation Model. The model describes the motivation of workers and has previously been used in connection with CHWs. In our study, CHWs and mothers considered that the videos had more strongly impacted their learning than traditional teaching methods, and they felt the videos improved the child feeding and caring competence of both CHWs and mothers. Furthermore, the CHWs found that the videos enhanced the meaningfulness of their work, as they felt more greatly appreciated and necessary. In addition, they experienced more freedom of choice in their ability to influence their working routines. This study shows that educational videos are well received among CHWs and mothers. Educational videos are a promising method to maintain and improve the motivation of voluntary CHWs and influence correct child feeding and hygiene practices in Uganda.
Means, motive and opportunity for biological invasions: Genetic introgression in a fungal pathogen
Authors: Rogério Flávia , Van Oosterhout Cock , Ciampi‐Guillardi Maisa , Correr Fernando Henrique , Hosaka Guilherme Kenichi , Cros‐Arteil Sandrine , Rodrigues Alves Margarido Gabriel , Massola Júnior Nelson S. , Gladieux Pierre
Published: January 2022

Invasions by fungal plant pathogens pose a significant threat to the health of agricultural ecosystems. Despite limited standing genetic variation, many invasive fungal species can adapt and spread rapidly, resulting in significant losses to crop yields. Here, we report on the population genomics of Colletotrichum truncatum, a polyphagous pathogen that can infect more than 460 plant species, and an invasive pathogen of soybean in Brazil. We study the whole‐genome sequences of 18 isolates representing 10 fields from two major regions of soybean production. We show that Brazilian C. truncatum is subdivided into three phylogenetically distinct lineages that exchange genetic variation through hybridization. Introgression affects 2%–30% of the nucleotides of genomes and varies widely between the lineages. We find that introgressed regions comprise secreted protein‐encoding genes, suggesting possible co‐evolutionary targets for selection in those regions. We highlight the inherent vulnerability of genetically uniform crops in the agro‐ecological environment, particularly when faced with pathogens that can take full advantage of the opportunities offered by an increasingly globalized world. Finally, we discuss “the means, motive and opportunity” of fungal pathogens and how they can become invasive species of crops. We call for more population genomic studies because such analyses can help identify geographical areas and pathogens that pose a risk, thereby helping to inform control strategies to better protect crops in the future.
Polygenic adaptation and negative selection across traits, years and environments in a long‐lived plant species (Pinus pinaster Ait., Pinaceae)
Authors: de Miguel Marina , Rodríguez‐Quilón Isabel , Heuertz Myriam , Hurel Agathe , Grivet Delphine , Jaramillo‐Correa Juan Pablo , Vendramin Giovanni G. , Plomion Christophe , Majada Juan , Alía Ricardo , Eckert Andrew J. , González‐Martínez Santiago C.
Published: January 2022

A decade of genetic association studies in multiple organisms suggests that most complex traits are polygenic; that is, they have a genetic architecture determined by numerous loci, each with small effect‐size. Thus, determining the degree of polygenicity and its variation across traits, environments and time is crucial to understand the genetic basis of phenotypic variation. We applied multilocus approaches to estimate the degree of polygenicity of fitness‐related traits in a long‐lived plant (Pinus pinaster Ait., maritime pine) and to analyse this variation across environments and years. We evaluated five categories of fitness‐related traits (survival, height, phenology, functional, and biotic‐stress response) in a clonal common‐garden network planted in contrasted environments (over 20,500 trees). Most of the analysed traits showed evidence of local adaptation based on Qst–Fst comparisons. We further observed a remarkably stable degree of polygenicity, averaging 6% (range of 0%–27%), across traits, environments and years. We detected evidence of negative selection, which could explain, at least partially, the high degree of polygenicity. Because polygenic adaptation can occur rapidly, our results suggest that current predictions on the capacity of natural forest tree populations to adapt to new environments should be revised, especially in the current context of climate change.
Trisetopsis himalayensis (Poaceae, Aveninae): a new species from Maitoli Glacier, Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Singh Harsh , Prasad Dileshwar , Agnihotri Priyanka , Barik Saroj Kanta
Published: January 2022

Trisetopsis himalayensis, a new species from the valley of the Maitoli Glacier, Western Himalaya (India), is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically most similar to T. virescens, but differs from it in ligule, leaf blade, panicle and spikelet characters. Data on its geographical distribution, habitat and associated plant species are presented. An identification key to the species of Trisetopsis in India is also provided.
Spastic secondary contractile patterns identified by FLIP panometry in symptomatic patients with unremarkable high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Nguyen Anh D. , Ellison Ashton , Reddy Chanakyaram A. , Mendoza Roseann , Podgaetz Eitan , Ward Marc A. , Souza Rhonda F. , Spechler Stuart J. , Konda Vani J.A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry can show spastic secondary contractile patterns of unclear significance in symptomatic patients who have no esophageal obstructive disorders, and no motility disorders on high‐resolution manometry (HRM).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed non‐obstructed, symptomatic patients with HRM findings of no motility disorder or ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) for whom spastic secondary contractile patterns identified by FLIP panometry were used to guide treatment. Symptoms were scored using the Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire (BEDQ).

Key Results

We identified ten symptomatic patients treated at our medical center who met inclusion criteria (seven women; mean age 56 years; eight no motility disorder, two IEM). On FLIP panometry, seven had spastic secondary contractions at 60 ml, two at 40 ml, and one at both 40 ml and 60 ml balloon volumes. Eight patients (80%) had improvement in BEDQ scores with therapies that targeted the spastic secondary contractile patterns identified by FLIP (five botulinum toxin injection, two Esoflip dilation, and one Heller myotomy). Interestingly, review of HRM tracings revealed that all patients had a novel HRM finding of mid‐vertical pressurization in at least 20% swallows, with seven exhibiting this finding in >50% of swallows.

Conclusions

This case series demonstrates that treatments targeting spastic secondary contractions identified by FLIP panometry can result in symptomatic improvement in patients with no obstructive disorder and no diagnostic motility disorder on HRM. In such patients, we have identified the novel HRM finding of mid‐vertical pressurization, which might be the manometric manifestation of spasm limited to the mid‐esophagus.
Leaf angle: a target of genetic improvement in cereal crops tailored for high‐density planting
Authors: Cao Yingying , Zhong Zhuojun , Wang Haiyang , Shen Rongxin
Published: January 2022

High‐density planting is an effective measure for increasing crop yield per unit land area. Leaf angle (LA) is a key trait of plant architecture and a target for genetic improvement of crops. Upright leaves allow better light capture in canopy under high‐density planting, thus enhancing photosynthesis efficiency, ventilation and stress resistance, and ultimately higher grain yield. Here, we summarized the latest progress on the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating LA formation in rice and maize. We suggest several standing out questions for future studies and then propose some promising strategies to manipulate LA for breeding of cereal crops tailored for high‐density planting.