bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of pre‐transplant JAK1/2 inhibitors and CD34 dose on transplant outcomes in myelofibrosis
Authors: Cyriac Sunu , Prem Shruti , Salas Maria Queralt , Chen Shiyi , Al‐Shaibani Zeyad , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun , Gupta Vikas , Michelis Fotios V. , Kim Dennis (Dong Hwan) , Lipton Jeffrey , Kumar Rajat , Mattsson Jonas , Viswabandya Auro
Published: July 2021

Allogeneic hematopoeitic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) is the only curative treatment for myelofibrosis (MF). We evaluate the impact of various factors on survival outcomes post‐transplant in MF. Data of 89 consecutive MF patients (primary 47%) who underwent allo‐HCT between 2005 and 2018 was evaluated. Fifty‐four percent patients had received JAK1/2 inhibitors (JAKi) pre‐HCT. The median CD34 count was 7.1x106 cells/kg. Graft failure was seen in 10% of the patients. Grade 3‐4 acute GVHD (aGVHD) and moderate/severe chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) occurred in 24% and 40% patients, respectively. Two‐year overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS) were 51% and 43%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM) at 2 years were 11% and 46%, respectively. Higher CD34 cell dose (≤5 × 106 cells/kg vs 5‐9 or ≥9 × 106 cells/kg) and lower pre‐HCT ferritin (</=1000 ng/ml) were associated with better OS, RFS and lower NRM. Grade 3‐4 aGVHD was associated with higher NRM. Use of pre‐transplant JAKi was associated with lower incidence of grade 3‐4 aGVHD. In summary, higher CD34 cell dose is associated with better allo‐HCT outcomes in MF and pre‐HCT JAKi use is associated with reduced risk of severe aGVHD. These two modifiable parameters should be considered during allo‐HCT for MF.
Interaction effects of environmental factors on soil nitrogen fractions based on a novel sequential extraction method
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Zhang Shirong , Zhong Qinmei , Li Ting , Wang Guiyin , Xu Xiaoxun , Pu Yulin
Published: July 2021

Soil nitrogen (N) is controlled by several environmental factors. However, it is unclear how these factors and their interactions affect soil N fractions (SNFs) because of the lack of systematic N extraction methods. The Harbin–Dali belt, a transect more than 3,300 km long across China covering various climates, topographies, soil parent materials and vegetation types, was taken as the study area, and the interactive effects on SNFs in largely undisturbed woodlands and grasslands were explored using three SNFs: labile N, moderately stable N and stable N. The soil N fractions were obtained through a novel sequential extraction method that used distilled H2O, 0.5 M CaCl2, 1 M HCl, 6 M HCl, mixed acid (1 M HCl and 5 M HF; MA), concentrated HCl (cHCl) and concentrated H2SO4as extractive agents to successively separate H2O‐, CaCl2‐, 1 M HCl‐, 6 M HCl‐, MA‐, cHCl‐ and RES‐N fractions. The results showed that increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) directly decreased the concentrations of H2O‐, CaCl2‐ and 1 M HCl‐N, suggesting that warming may reduce available N. The interactions between MAT, parent material, aspect and aridity index also contributed to the three SNFs. Vegetation and its interactions with parent material primarily controlled 6 M HCl‐, cHCl‐ and RES‐N, and climate and topography had indirect effects during these processes. Particularly, more cHCl‐ and RES‐N were accumulated in areas with warm humid climates and rich vegetation species than in other environments. Moreover, soil labile N (H2O‐, CaCl2‐ and 1 M HCl‐N) and cHCl‐N exhibited potential as sensitive indicators for reflecting the changes in MAT and vegetation, respectively. Therefore, the various interactions between climate and other environmental factors controlled the changes in most SNFs. This novel sequential extraction method thus offers a reliable analytical approach to measuring SNFs.

Highlights

Soil nitrogen fractions (SNFs) were fractionated via a novel sequential extraction method.

Increasing MAT decreased the H2O‐, CaCl2‐ and 1 M HCl‐N concentrations.

Interactions of climate, parent material and vegetation affected 6 M HCl‐, MA‐, cHCl‐ and RES‐N.

H2O‐, CaCl2‐, 1 M HCl‐ and cHCl‐N are sensitive SNFs that reflect environmental changes.
Stress causes interspecific facilitation within a compost community
Authors: Hesse Elze , O'Brien Siobhan , Luján Adela M. , Sanders Dirk , Bayer Florian , van Veen Eleanor M. , Hodgson Dave J. , Buckling Angus
Published: July 2021

Ecological theory predicts interactions between species to become more positive under abiotic stress, while competition should prevail in more benign environments. However, experimental tests of this stress gradient hypothesis in natural microbial communities are lacking. We test this hypothesis by measuring interactions between 10 different members of a bacterial community inhabiting potting compost in the presence or absence of toxic copper stress. We found that copper stress caused significant net changes in species interaction signs, shifting the net balance towards more positive interactions. This pattern was at least in part driven by copper‐sensitive isolates – that produced relatively small amounts of metal‐detoxifying siderophores – benefitting from the presence of other species that produce extracellular detoxifying agents. As well as providing support for the stress gradient hypothesis, our results highlight the importance of community‐wide public goods in shaping microbial community composition.
Brain state‐dependent high‐frequency activity as a biomarker for abnormal neocortical networks in an epileptic spasms animal model
Authors: Lee Chih‐Hong , Le John T. , Swann John W.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Epileptic spasms are a hallmark of a severe epileptic state. A previous study showed neocortical up and down states defined by unit activity play a role in the generation of spasms. However, recording unit activity is challenging in clinical settings, and more accessible neurophysiological signals are needed for the analysis of these brain states.

Methods

In the tetrodotoxin model, we used 16‐channel microarrays to record electrophysiological activity in the neocortex during interictal periods and spasms. High‐frequency activity (HFA) in the frequency range of fast ripples (200–500 Hz) was analyzed, as were slow wave oscillations (1–8 Hz), and correlated with the neocortical up and down states defined by multiunit activity (MUA).

Results

HFA and MUA had high temporal correlation during interictal and ictal periods. Both increased strikingly during interictal up states and ictal events but were silenced during interictal down states and preictal pauses, and their distributions were clustered at the peak of slow oscillations in local field potential recordings. In addition, both HFA power and MUA firing rates were increased to a greater extent during spasms than interictal up states. During non‐rapid eye movement sleep, the HFA rhythmicity faithfully followed the MUA up and down states, but during rapid eye movement sleep when MUA up and down states disappeared the HFA rhythmicity was largely absent. We also observed an increase in the number of HFA down state minutes prior to ictal onset, consistent with the results from analyses of MUA down states.

Significance

This study provides evidence that HFA may serve as a biomarker for the pathological up states of epileptic spasms. The availability of HFA recordings makes this a clinically practical technique. These findings will likely provide a novel approach for localizing and studying epileptogenic neocortical networks not only in spasms patients but also in other types of epilepsy.
Reducing embryonic mtDNA copy number alters epigenetic profile of key hepatic lipolytic genes and causes abnormal lipid accumulation in adult mice
Authors: Wang Yakun , Wang Xuan , Long Qiaoming , Liu Yuanwu , Yin Tao , Sirota Inna , Ren Fazheng , Gu Zhenglong , Luo Junjie
Published: July 2021

Adverse fetal environment, in particular a shortage or excess of nutrients, is associated with increased risks of metabolic diseases later in life. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this developmental origin of adult diseases remain unclear. Here, we directly tested the role of mitochondrial stress in mediating fetal programming in mice by enzymatically depleting mtDNA in zygotes. mtDNA‐targeted plasmid microinjection is used to reduce embryonic mtDNA copy number directly, followed by embryo transfer. Mice with reduced zygote mtDNA copy number were born morphologically normal and showed no accelerated body weight gain. However, at 5 months of age these mice showed markedly increased hepatic lipidosis and became glucose‐intolerant. Hepatic mRNA and protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (Pparα), a key transcriptional regulator of lipid metabolism, were significantly decreased as a result of increased DNA methylation in its proximal regulatory region. These results indicate that perturbation of mitochondrial function around the periconceptional period causes hypermethylation and thus suppressed expression of PPARα in fetal liver, leading to impaired hepatic lipid metabolism. Our findings provide the first direct evidence that mitochondrial stress mediates epigenetic changes associated with fetal programming of adult diseases in a mammalian system.
Industry tournament incentives and corporate hedging policies
Authors: Lonare Gunratan , Nart Ahmet , Tuncez Ahmet M.
Published: July 2021

This paper examines how a tournament among CEOs to progress within the CEO labor market influences their corporate hedging policies. We employ a textual analysis of 10‐Ks to generate corporate hedging proxies, finding that the likelihood and intensity of hedging grow as the CEO labor market tournament prizes increase. We also explore the mitigating impact of corporate hedging on the adverse effects of risk‐inducing industry tournament incentives (ITIs) on the cost of debt and stock price crash risk, noting that these could be possible reasons behind the relation. Additionally, we observe that the relationship between ITIs and corporate hedging is less pronounced for firms that demonstrate more financial distress and for firms whose CEOs are the founders of the company or are of retirement age. We identify a causal relation between ITIs and corporate hedging using an instrumental variable approach and an exogenous shock sourced from changes in the enforceability of noncompetition agreements across states.
Planetary food regimes: Understanding the entanglement between human and planetary health in the Anthropocene
Authors: Beacham Jonathan
Published: July 2021

Food regime theory provides a framework of continued and recurring interest to geographical perspectives in charting the contours connecting agri‐food and capitalist political economy. Drawing principally on Marxian regulation theory, the analytical framework of food regime theory outlines three periodised regimes from the starting point of 1870 to the present day. Yet there remains ongoing and unresolved debate as to how we characterise the contemporary third regime – and whether it is a regime on its own specific terms or merely an enduring hangover from the second. I argue that an underacknowledged dimension of attempts to characterise the third regime lies in the conjoined relationship between human and planetary health, which the diagnosis of the Anthropocene encourages us to recognise amid tumultuous global environmental change. Given food regime theory's evasive relationship with ecological dynamics within its explanatory framework, I suggest that a “planetary” retheorisation of its central contributions is increasingly prescient. In considering the growing tensions and contradictions afflicting the contemporary regime, and using soy as a working example, I work through three central arguments. First, that a planetary retheorisation serves to reveal the way in which planetary dynamics shape social life, enabling – albeit never wholly determining – food regimes. Second, that what and how people eat in their dietary practices are of planetary significance, which has been to some degree marginalised within the production‐centric analyses of food regime theory. Third, that the conceptual Anthropocene highlights how planetary and human health are intricately and inextricably connected, which food regime theory must better account for. I conclude by proposing that the explanatory potential of the contemporary third regime is being stretched, with contested trajectories and nascent contours raising questions around how we might understand quite what we are living through today.
Meet the victim: Police corruption, violence, and political mobilization
Authors: Ponce Aldo F. , Somuano Ma. Fernanda , Velázquez López Velarde Rodrigo
Published: July 2021

Recent literature has analyzed the relationship between governmental corruption and political behavior, focusing on voting turnout (Stockemer, LaMontagne, & Scruggs, 2013). Fewer studies have examined the impact of corruption on nonelectoral political participation. This article fills this gap by examining how nonelectoral political participation is influenced by corruption within one of the most important institutions dealing with citizens' welfare and safety: the police. We focus our research on Mexico because the effects of police corruption have been increasingly felt in the country in recent decades. We find that experiences of police corruption raise the likelihood of taking the streets to protest. Interestingly, we also find that corruption experiences specifically with police bureaucracies lead to greater likelihood of nonelectoral participation through institutional channels. We also report that the combination of police corruption and violent crime alienates citizens from the political sphere.
The best possible self‐intervention as a viable public health tool for the prevention of type 2 diabetes: A reflexive thematic analysis of public experience and engagement
Authors: Gibson Benjamin , Umeh Kanayo , Davies Ian , Newson Lisa
Published: July 2021

Background

Public health initiatives seek to modify lifestyle behaviours associated with risk (e.g., diet, exercise, and smoking), but underpinning psychological and affective processes must also be considered to maximize success.

Objective

This study aimed to qualitatively assess how participants engaged with and utilized the best possible self (BPS)‐intervention specifically as a type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention tool.

Design and Methods

Fourteen participants engaged with a tailored BPS intervention. Reflexive thematic analysis analysed accounts of participant's experiences and feasibility of use.

Results

All participants submitted evidence of engagement with the intervention. The analysis considered two main themes: Holistic Health and Control. The analysis highlighted several nuanced ways in which individuals conceptualized their health, set goals, and received affective benefits, offering insights into how people personalized a simple intervention to meet their health needs.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to tailor the BPS intervention as a public health application for the prevention of T2D. The intervention enabled users to identify their best possible selves in a way that encouraged T2D preventive behaviours. We propose that our tailored BPS intervention could be a flexible and brief tool to assist public health efforts in encouraging change to aid T2D prevention.

Public Contribution

The format, language and application of the BPS intervention were adapted in response to a public consultation group that developed a version specifically for application in this study.
Content analysis of medical college library websites in Pakistan indicates necessary improvements
Authors: Ullah Midrar
Published: July 2021

Background

Library websites are important for marketing library services and providing access to electronic resources.

Objectives

To determine the extent and quality of medical college (school) library websites in Pakistan, according to predetermined criteria.

Methods

A checklist of 40 items was developed from the literature on academic library website evaluation as well as observation of known best practice. The checklist was used on the 45 medical college websites that fitted initial inclusion criteria.

Results

Of the possible 114 candidates for inclusion, 52 institution websites contained no information about the library, 17 only provided minimum details, leaving 45 medical college library websites that could be included. Library websites lack uniformity, and most of the important features as only three library websites contained more than 20 items from the checklist. The Agha Khan University Medical College, Karachi library website contained the highest (27) number of items.

Discussion

The findings indicate the design of medical college library websites is generally inadequate in Pakistan. The websites are not performing a useful role in communicating with faculty and students. The findings point to inadequate website design skills among librarians or the lack of co‐operation with professional website designers.

Conclusions

Marketing of library services and good customer relations demand improvements in the information architecture of medical college library websites as well as continued maintenance of the content to ensure that it is up to date.
Wounds in chronic leg oedema
Authors: Burian Ewa Anna , Karlsmark Tonny , Nørregaard Susan , Kirketerp‐Møller Klaus , Kirsner Robert Scott , Franks Peter John , Quéré Isabelle , Moffatt Christine Joy
Published: July 2021

Wounds and chronic oedema are common disorders, but rarely studied together. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the point‐prevalence and risk factors of wounds on the leg, in chronic leg oedema. Forty sites in nine countries were included. Of 7077 patients with chronic leg oedema, 12.70% had wounds. Independent risk factors were: peripheral arterial disease (odds ratio (OR) 4.87, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.63‐6.52), cellulitis within the past 12 months (OR 2.69, 95% CI 2.25‐3.21), secondary lymphoedema (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.93‐3.60), being male (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.78‐2.44), being over 85 years of age (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.23‐2.62), underweight (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.14‐2.79), bed bound (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.01‐3.16), chair bound (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.18‐1.97), diabetes (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.23‐1.77), and walking with aid (OR 1·41, 95% CI 1.17‐1.69). 43.22% of those with wounds had clinically defined well‐controlled oedema, associated with a significantly lower risk of wounds (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.42‐0.58, P < .001). Hard/fibrotic tissue (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.19‐2.48), and a positive Stemmers sign (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.05‐2.35) were associated with wounds. The study reinforces the importance of measures to control oedema, as controlled swelling was associated with a 50% lower risk of wounds.
Barriers and facilitators to exercise in haemodialysis patients: A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Li Tianzi , Lv Aili , Xu Na , Huang Mei , Su Yan , Zhang Bin , Li XiaoMei
Published: July 2021

Aims

The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the results of qualitative research and to identify the barriers and facilitators to exercise in haemodialysis patients from the perspectives of haemodialysis patients, caregivers and dialysis staff members.

Design

Systematic review of qualitative studies.

Data sources

Qualitative studies were extracted from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, CBM, CNKI and WanFang Database from inception of each database until July 2020. Qualitative research and mixed method research including barriers and/or facilitators to exercise in haemodialysis patients were included.

Review methods

The systematic search method SPIDER (sample, phenomenon of interest, design, evaluation, research type) was used. Thematic synthesis of qualitative data was used.

Results

284 studies were screened and 10 studies published between 2007 and 2020 were finally included in this review. The review included 180 patients, 70 dialysis staff members and seven caregivers. Five analytical themes were identified: disease distress, perception of exercise, environmental restrictions, spirit strength and hospital management. Barriers include disease distress, perception of exercise (security issue), environmental restrictions and hospital management. Facilitators include perception of exercise (exercise being considered beneficial, preference for exercise) and spirit strength (from religious beliefs). It is the spiritual strength (from family and friends, from dialysis staff members) that is both the barrier and the facilitator.

Conclusion

There are many barriers in popularizing exercise among haemodialysis patients. Future intervention measures and health policies should strengthen the facilitators and reduce the barriers, so as to promote the clinical practice of exercise for haemodialysis patients.

Impact

This review summarizes the barriers and facilitators to exercise in haemodialysis patients. The results of this study have an impact on research, practice and health policy setting. The exercise level of haemodialysis patients can be improved by using the facilitators and solving the barriers.
Contributions of Three Criminological Theories to Explore Violent Delinquency of Urban Adolescents in Chicago’s Southside
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Choi Jungtae , Robinson Luz E. , Peguero Anthony A. , Espelage Dorothy L. , Voisin Dexter R.
Published: July 2021

This study aims to compare the applicability of the Social Disorganization Theory, General Strain Theory, and Social Control Theory in the exploration of violent delinquency in Chicago’s Southside. The study participants included 546 adolescents in Chicago. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Supporting the Social Disorganization Theory, affiliation with delinquent peers mediated the association between poor neighborhood conditions and delinquency. Supporting the General Strain Theory, emotional distress mediated the relationship between peer victimization and delinquency. Inconsistent with the Social Control Theory, however, religiosity did not buffer the relationship between feeling disconnected from parents and delinquency.
Solar–geothermal drying/instant controlled pressure drop‐swell drying of mechanically dewatered tomato paste
Authors: Hadibi Tarik , Boubekri Abdelghani , Mennouche Djamel , Benhamza Abderrahmane , Besombes Colette , Allaf Karim
Published: July 2021

The economic value of many fruits and vegetables is closely related to their suitability for processing and preservation. In the case of tomatoes (about 94% wet basis wb), the manufacture of 1 kg of dry basis (db) powder (5% wb) or concentrate (30% wb) requires the evaporation of 15.9 or 15.7 kg H2O/kg db, respectively. In the current study, mechanical dewatering and geothermal‐assisted solar drying (SD) of tomato paste at 5.8 kg H2O/kg db allowed reaching the required final moisture level of 0.053 ± 0.002 kg H2O/kg wb with low‐cost energy. The instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) was used for texturing the predried tomato paste using the operative parameters of absolute saturated steam‐pressure P = 0.3 MPa and thermal holding‐time t = 30 s. The final hot air‐drying step of tomato paste was carried out at 39, 50, and 70°C with a constant velocity of 3 m s−1. The phenomenological modeling of the drying kinetics allowed identifying the starting accessibility and the effective water diffusivity. DIC texturing reduced drying time from 7 to 1.5 hr and improved the effective water diffusivity from 1.43 × 10−9 to 3.67 × 10−9 m2 s−1 for T = 70°C. The lowest activation energy was recorded for DIC samples with 25.69 kJ mol−1 compared with 41.87 kJ mol−1 for control samples. A comparison of visual quality revealed a huge enhancement for DIC‐samples compared with the control samples (RM). Moreover, the high economic value of dewatered tomato water was noticeable.

Practical Applications

High quality, low energy consumption, and processing time are decisive factors for the industrial drying operations of agro‐products. Solar–geothermal drying combined with innovative treatment technology called instant controlled pressure drop (DIC)‐swell drying can be a good alternative to conventional drying methods such as hot air drying. Mechanical dewatering as a first step followed by solar–geothermal drying/DIC‐swell drying may greatly reduce drying time and improve the quality of the dried product on the one hand, and reduce energy consumption on the other hand. In addition to that, mechanical dewatering and separation allow us to benefit the peels and seeds, in addition to free product juice with less energy.
Recurrence rate and lesions characteristics after cold snare polypectomy of high‐grade dysplasia and T1 lesions: A multicenter analysis
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Fukumoto Kohei , Hasegawa Daisuke , Inagaki Yoshikazu , Inoue Ken , Hirose Ryohei , Dohi Osamu , Ogiso Kiyoshi , Murakami Takaaki , Tomie Akira , Okuda Kotaro , Inada Yutaka , Okuda Takashi , Rani Rafiz Abdul , Morinaga Yukiko , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Itoh Yoshito
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

High‐grade dysplasia (HGD) and T1 lesions are accidentally resected by cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and the characteristics, and follow‐up of them has not been reported. In this study, we analyzed the histopathological findings and recurrence of them.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective‐cohort study. We collected HGD and T1 lesions of ≤ 10 mm resected by CSP among 15 520 patients receiving CSP from 2014 to 2019 at nine related institutions, and we extracted only cases receiving definite follow‐up colonoscopy after CSP of HGD and T1 lesions. We analyzed these tumor's characteristics and therapeutic results such as R0 resection and local recurrence and risk factors of recurrence.

Results

We collected 103 patients (0.63%) and extracted 80 lesions in 74 patients receiving follow‐up colonoscopy for CSP scar. Mean age was 68.4 ± 12.0, and male rate was 68.9% (51/80). The mean tumor size (mm) was 6.6 ± 2.5, and the rate of polypoid morphology and rectum location was 77.5% and 25.0%. The rate of magnified observation was 53.8%. The rates of en bloc resection and R0 resection were 92.5% and 37.5%. The local recurrence rate was 6.3% (5/80, median follow‐up period: 24.0 months). The recurrence developed within 3 months after CSP for four out of five recurrent cases. Comparing five recurrent lesions to 75 non‐recurrent lesions, a positive horizontal margin was a significant risk factor (60.0% vs 10.7%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High‐grade dysplasia and T1 resected by CSP were analyzed, and the local recurrence rate of them was substantially high.
Effects of living arrangements on well‐being, perceived conflict, and intergroup attitudes for local and international students: Results from a field intervention
Authors: See Ya Hui Michelle , Wade Walter Patrick
Published: July 2021

Immigration may be perceived by members of host countries as a threat, with psychological and material impacts on immigrants' well‐being: it may reinforce negative stereotypes, promote discrimination, or even encourage violence. One means of alleviating such prejudice is increased intergroup contact. However, under certain conditions, increased contact can produce harmful outcomes as intergroup contact may provide opportunities for positive and negative relationships between ingroup and outgroup members. Further, relatively little research has examined intergroup contact between native host country members and immigrants in Asian societies, and in particular, in Singapore. To address this gap, the current research examined the effects of separating, clustering, or integrating international students from local ones at two Singaporean universities. We assessed the degree to which different living arrangements impacted local and international students’ intergroup contact, satisfaction with university life, perceptions of conflict, and intergroup attitudes. The findings suggest that those who are interested in improving intergroup relations via influencing the social ecology of majority and minority residents should provide opportunities for integration over separation or enclaves.
RNA‐seq between asexual archeospores and meiosis‐related conchospores in Neopyropia yezoensis using Smart‐seq2
Authors: He Bangxiang , Gu Wenhui , Wang Lijun , Zheng Zhenbing , Shao Zhizhuo , Huan Li , Zhang Baoyu , Ma Yingchao , Niu Jianfeng , Xie Xiujun , Wang Guangce
Published: July 2021

In the life cycle of Neopyropia yezoensis, a potential model system for marine macroalgae, both asexual archeospores and meiosis‐related conchospores develop into thalli (gametophyte). To understand this special life phenomenon in macroalgae, we picked out the two kinds of spores (10–30 cells in each sample) and conducted RNA‐seq using Smart‐seq2. Comparative analysis showed that light capture and carbon fixation associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in archeospores, thus indicating that archeospores are in a state of rapid vegetative growth. In conchospores, protein synthesis and degradation, especially molecular chaperone, associated DEGs were up‐regulated, indicating that complex life activities might be occurring in conchospores. There were 68 genes related to DNA replication and repair expressed in conchospores, showing that active DNA replication might occur in conchospores. Moreover, we found that one conchospore specifically expressed DEG (py04595: DNA helicase) only in diploid stages (conchocelis, sporangial filament) and three archeospores specifically expressed DEGs only in haploid stages (thalli). These molecular level results indicated that conchospores were closer to diploid, and might be the meiotic mother cells of N. yezoensis. In addition, we found that the knotted‐like homeobox gene (PyKNOX), which might relate to the transition of gametophyte from sporophyte, was only expressed in sporophyte generation but not expressed in conchospores, archeospores and thalli, indicating the morphogenesis of gametophyte sin N. yezoensis might require the inactivation of PyKNOX.
Brachial artery thrombosis in a dog causing monoparesis mimicking nerve sheath tumor
Authors: Andruzzi Melissa N. , Voges Andra K. , Russell Karen E. , Jeffery Nick D.
Published: July 2021

There are few differential diagnoses for non‐orthopedic thoracic limb lameness in adult dogs aside from nerve tumors and disk‐associated nerve compression; this report introduces another etiology. A 9‐year‐old male castrated mixed dog presented with an episodic history of nonweight‐bearing thoracic limb lameness. Additional clinical signs included an atrophied thoracic limb with cool paw pads and painful axillary region. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasound, and exploratory surgery confirmed a chronic thrombus of the right brachial artery. No underlying cause for the thrombus was identified. The dog has been successfully managed on long‐term rivaroxaban and clopidogrel. Follow‐up ultrasound of the thrombus suggested early remodeling.
Interaction of feeding frequency and feeding rate on growth, nutrient utilization, and plasma metabolites of juvenile genetically improved farmed Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Cadorin Douglas I. , da Silva Maria F. O. , Masagounder Karthik , Fracalossi Débora M.
Published: July 2021

We evaluated the possible interaction between feeding frequency (FF) and feeding rate (FR) on growth, nutrient utilization, body composition, and plasma metabolites of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (6.57 g). We tested three FFs: two, four, and six times a day, and two FRs: apparent satiation (AS) or restricted regime (RR), following a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement, in quadruplicate. The daily weight gain and specific growth rate were 56 and 19% higher in fish fed to AS than in fish fed under the RR, respectively. However, feed efficiency was 14% higher in fish fed in the RR. Fish fed to AS presented the highest body lipid (8.92%), whereas the fish fed in the RR showed the lowest (6.64%). Glucose and triglycerides were also higher in fish fed to AS. The protein retention ratio was highest in the RR (49.17% vs. 42.51%, respectively). Fish fed to AS showed 34% more body protein but 62% more body fat than the fish fed in the RR. There was no difference in feed efficiency or weight gain regarding FF, regardless of the FR. Therefore, feeding Nile tilapia juveniles twice a day is enough to achieve optimum growth.
Prevalence and temporal trends in prepregnancy nutritional status and gestational weight gain of adult women followed in the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Carrilho Thaís Rangel Bousquet , Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Alves Ronaldo Fernandes Santos , Farias Dayana Rodrigues , Freitas‐Costa Nathalia Cristina , Gonzalez Mylena Maciel , Batalha Mônica Araújo , Kac Gilberto
Published: July 2021

Prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are the most investigated indicators of maternal nutritional status, which is a modifiable factor that plays a vital role in maternal and infant health. This study describes prepregnancy BMI and GWG of 840,243 women with 2,087,765 weight observations in the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System from 2008 to 2018. Prepregnancy BMI was classified according to the World Health Organization cut‐offs. Total GWG was calculated from weight measurements taken after 36 weeks of pregnancy and classified according to the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Temporal trends in prepregnancy BMI status were examined, and maps were used to evaluate changes in excessive GWG in each Brazilian federation unit. On overall, prepregnancy overweight and obesity increased from 22.6% to 28.8% and from 9.8% to 19.8%, respectively, between 2008 and 2018. The prevalence of excessive GWG rose from 34.2% to 38.7% during the same period and in 11 of the 27 Brazilian federation units between 2008 and 2016. Women with underweight showed the highest values for mean total GWG for all the compared years (overall variation from 12.3 to 13.1 kg), followed by those with normal weight (11.9 to 12.5 kg), overweight (10.1 to 10.9 kg) and obesity (from 8.2 to 8.9 kg). Within each BMI group, values remained fairly stable throughout the studied period for first‐ and second‐trimester GWG and total GWG. These results help to fill a significant gap in understanding the distribution of prepregnancy BMI and GWG in Brazilian women.
Genetic connectivity of two marine gastropods in the Mediterranean Sea: seascape genetics reveals species‐specific oceanographic drivers of gene flow
Authors: López‐Márquez Violeta , Cushman Samuel A. , Templado José , Wan Ho Yi , Bothwell Helen M. , Machordom Annie
Published: July 2021

Oceanographic features such as currents, waves, temperature and salinity, together with life history traits, control patterns and rates of gene flow and contribute to shaping the population genetic structure of marine organisms. Seascape genetics is an emerging discipline that adopts a spatially explicit approach to examine biotic and abiotic factors that drive gene flow in marine environments. In this study, we examined factors that contribute to genetic differentiation in two coastal Mediterranean gastropods whose geographical ranges overlap but which inhabit different environments. The two species differ in several life history traits and in their dispersal capabilities. Genetic differentiation was relatively low for the trochid species Gibbula divaricata (FST =0.059), and high for the vermetid species Dendropoma lebeche (FST =0.410). Salinity emerged as the most important variable explaining the genetic structure of both species; sea surface temperature was also important for G. divaricata. For the more sessile D. lebeche, the coastline was predicted to provide important pathways for stepping‐stone connectivity and gene flow. Our results provide a greater understanding of the factors influencing marine population connectivity, which may be useful to guide marine conservation and management in the Mediterranean.
A β‐ketoacyl carrier protein reductase confers heat tolerance via the regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis and stress signaling in rice
Authors: Chen Fei , Dong Guojun , Wang Fang , Shi Yingqi , Zhu Jiayu , Zhang Yanli , Ruan Banpu , Wu Yepin , Feng Xue , Zhao Chenchen , Yong Miing T. , Holford Paul , Zeng Dali , Qian Qian , Wu Limin , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Yu Yanchun
Published: July 2021

Heat stress is a major environmental threat affecting crop growth and productivity. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with plant responses to heat stress are poorly understood.

Here, we identified a heat stress‐sensitive mutant, hts1, in rice. HTS1 encodes a thylakoid membrane‐localized β‐ketoacyl carrier protein reductase (KAR) involved in de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. Phylogenetic and bioinformatic analysis showed that HTS1 probably originated from streptophyte algae and is evolutionarily conserved in land plants.

Thermostable HTS1 is predominantly expressed in green tissues and strongly induced by heat stress, but is less responsive to salinity, cold and drought treatments. An amino acid substitution at A254T in HTS1 causes a significant decrease in KAR enzymatic activity and, consequently, impairs fatty acid synthesis and lipid metabolism in the hts1 mutant, especially under heat stress. Compared to the wild‐type, the hts1 mutant exhibited heat‐induced higher H2O2 accumulation, a larger Ca2+ influx to mesophyll cells, and more damage to membranes and chloroplasts. Also, disrupted heat stress signaling in the hts1 mutant depresses the transcriptional activation of HsfA2s and the downstream target genes.

We suggest that HTS1 is critical for underpinning membrane stability, chloroplast integrity and stress signaling for heat tolerance in rice.
Incapacity, Inconceivability, and Two Types of Objectivity
Authors: Sars Nicholas
Published: July 2021

Many critics and defenders of P. F. Strawson's approach to moral responsibility in ‘Freedom and Resentment’ have attributed to Strawson a claim of psychological incapacity or impossibility with respect to our (in)ability to abandon or radically change the framework of reactive attitudes that constitute (at least) an important part of our responsibility practices. In this essay, I show that commentators have conflated two distinct arguments within Strawson's discussion in a way that increases his susceptibility to a challenge of empirical implausibility. I argue, further, that recognizing the difference between the two arguments has an additional important implication for Strawson's overall argument, as it reveals that his view involves two types of objectivity. I end by discussing some consequences for both broad applications of Strawson's moral psychology and narrow discussions within the free will literature.
Restructuring plant types for developing tailor‐made crops
Authors: Basu Udita , Parida Swarup K.
Published: July 2021

Plants have adapted to different environmental niches by fine‐tuning the developmental factors working together to regulate traits. Variations in the developmental factors result in a wide range of quantitative variations in these traits that helped plants survive better. The major developmental pathways affecting plant architecture are also under the control of such pathways. Most notable are the CLAVATA‐WUSCHEL pathway regulating shoot apical meristem fate, GID1‐DELLA module influencing plant height and tillering, LAZY1‐TAC1 module controlling branch/tiller angle and the TFL1‐FT determining the floral fate in plants. Allelic variants of these key regulators selected during domestication shaped the crops the way we know them today. There is immense yield potential in the ‘ideal plant architecture’ of a crop. With the available genome‐editing techniques, possibilities are not restricted to naturally occurring variations. Using a transient reprogramming system, one can screen the effect of several developmental gene expressions in novel ecosystems to identify the best targets. We can use the plant's fine‐tuning mechanism for customizing crops to specific environments. The process of crop domestication can be accelerated with a proper understanding of these developmental pathways. It is time to step forward towards the next‐generation molecular breeding for restructuring plant types in crops ensuring yield stability.
Positive and Negative Peace as Predictors of Pandemic Preparedness: Evidence from a Micro‐ and Macro‐Level Investigation During the Onset of the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Syropoulos Stylianos , Puschett Elise , Leidner Bernhard
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has generated unprecedented human loss and financial difficulties worldwide. In line with recent calls for social sciences to help collective efforts to address COVID‐19, we investigated the link between peace and pandemic preparedness, advancing the literatures on negative (i.e., absence of direct violence) and positive peace (i.e., absence of structural violence and presence of equality) and governments' crisis preparedness as well as crisis relief efforts. Two studies tested whether both positive and negative peace predict pandemic preparedness, operationalized as COVID‐19 tests, cases, and positivity rates, during the onset of the pandemic. Study 1 did so at the national level across 155 countries; Study 2 did so at a local level, across 3144 counties within the United States. Even after controlling for population size, population density, GDP, and amount of air travel, higher levels of both negative and positive peace predicted a greater number of COVID‐19 tests per one million people, fewer overall COVID‐19 cases, and a lower positivity rate. These findings point to the possibility that by promoting peace, governments and the international community could potentially become better prepared to handle future pandemics and other crises.
Local droughts and income risk among Thai households
Authors: Shabab C. Rashaad
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the extent to which households in rural Thailand across the income distribution are able to mitigate income risks in the face of shocks. It uses especially high‐quality household income and consumption data spanning 64 Thai villages over 15 years. The paper identifies income shocks by village‐level variations during drought conditions. It finds that richer households are better able to mitigate income risk than poorer households, in contrast to some studies of the South Asian subcontinent. These possibilities for managing income risk are shown to be correlated with the type of contract the head of household is likely to be employed in, the share of salaries in total household income, the education level of the head, the relative youth of the heads of richer households, and location effects.
Recognition of the HLA‐C*07:199:01 allele in a Singaporean unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Cho Louise , Seng Zi‐Jing , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: July 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 95 of HLA‐C*07:04:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐C*07:199:01.
Local Wisdom of Tahlīl and Tunggu Kubur Practices in Death Custom among The Malays in Malaysia
Authors: Yusof Muhammad Yusri Salleh , Ramli Mohd Anuar
Published: July 2021

Custom plays a significant role in any organised community as well as in the building of mutual harmony and avoiding conflicts. The establishment of a custom is the result from the interaction between the wisdom of the local intellectuals and its environment to meet the needs of the local community. The Malay community is a group that is rich with traditions, ranging from the birth customs, marriage and death. Basically, in the practice of the Malay customs there exists two polemics in which forms two opposing schools of thought. First is the fundamentalist that rejects most local customary practices. Second, is the traditionalist as they only accept the valid customs practised in society and reject invalid customs. These opposing views can be seen in various customary practices, for example in the death custom or ceremonies such as tahlīl (recital ceremony for the deceased), talqīn (recital for the deceased during burial), and tunggu kubur (grave waiting). Therefore, this study focuses on exploring the practice of tahlīl (recital ceremony for the dead) and tunggu kubur (grave waiting) through the concept of the local wisdom from the perspective of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. To achieve these objectives, this study deploys an eclectic approach and interview method. The collected qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results of the study showed that there are elements of local wisdom behind these practices. In the Malay community, tahlīl (recital ceremony for the deceased) is a form of psychological and emotional support as well as a communal approach to the family of the deceased while the practice of tunggu kubur (grave waiting) is an approach to protect the burried corpses from thefts and mystical activities. Therefore, the local wisdom implied behind the practices are valid and hence, included in the category of accepted customary practices.
Amalan Induksi Set dalam Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Guru Prasekolah bagi disiplin Ilmu Pendidikan Islam (Teaching and Learning Preparation Practice among Islamic Education Preschool Teachers)
Authors: Mohamed Sofiah , Jasmi Kamarul Azmi
Published: July 2021

This study was conducted with the aim to explore the teaching and learning practice among preschool Islamic Education teachers. Eight participants from four public and four private preschools participated along the research process including interview, observation and document analysis throughout a number of teaching and learning sessions. This qualitative research had been done in the area of Johor Baharu district. Data were analysed using NVivo software version 12. The validity of the data was obtained through triangulation of different sources of data, long duration of data collection which was six months and validated by the participants of the research. Meanwhile, the reliability of the data was obtained through trail audit and experts validation based on Cohen Kappa correlation validation. From the finding, eight elements of teachers’ preparation before the teaching and learning sessions were found, and they are; preparing the Annual Lesson Plan, timetable, Daily Lesson Plan, referring to module, teacher and students’ classroom preparation, preparing activity, teaching aids and teachers’ personality. It is a hope that this Teaching and Learning Preparation Model will be a guide for teachers and lecturers in Malaysia.