bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and Quantification of Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum fructicola in Cultivated Tea-Oil Camellia Species from Southern China Using a DNA-Based qPCR Assay
Authors: Cao Lingxue , Sun Xizhe , Dong Wentong , Ma Lisong , Li He
Published: July 2022

Tea-oil Camellia species as edible-oil producing trees are widely cultivated in southern China. Camellia anthracnose that is mainly caused by Colletotrichum fructicola is a major disease of tea-oil trees. However, rapid detection and precise quantification of C. fructicola in different Camellia species that are crucial for the fundamental study of this pathosystem and effective disease management remain largely unexplored. Here, we developed a sensitive, rapid, and accurate method for quantifying C. fructicola growth in different Camellia species using a quantitative PCR assay. Amplified C. fructicola DNA using ITS-specific primers is relatively compared with the amplification of Camellia oleifera using the TUB gene. We determined that the fungal growth is tightly associated with the disease development in Ca. oleifera following C. fructicola infection in a time-course manner. This assay is highly sensitive, as fungal growth was detected in six different inoculated tea-oil Camellia species without visible disease lesion symptoms. Additionally, this method was validated by quantifying the Camellia anthracnose in orchards that did not show any disease symptoms. This assay enables the rapid, highly sensitive, and precise detection and quantification of C. fructicola growth in different tea-oil Camellia species, which will have a practical application for early diagnosis of anthracnose disease under asymptomatic conditions in Camellia breeding and field and will facilitate the development of tea-oil trees and C. fructicola interaction as a mold system to study woody plant and fungal pathogens interaction.
A LAMP-Based Toolbox Developed for Detecting the Major Pathogens Affecting the Production and Quality of the Chinese Medicinal Crop Aconitum carmichaelii
Authors: Liu Jingzhe , Liang Mengyi , Lin Tao , Zhao Qing , Wang Huiqin , Yang Shunyuan , Guo Qian , Wang Xinyi , Guo Hua , Cui Langjun , Yan Yaping , Hieno Ayaka , Kageyama Koji , Suga Haruhisa , Li Mingzhu
Published: July 2022

Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been utilized for approximately 2,000 years. However, as cultivation has increased, there have been more reports of A. carmichaelii infections caused by four major pathogenic fungal species, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Mucor circinelloides, and Sclerotium rolfsii, resulting in increased disease incidences and limited production and quality. To detect these infections, we developed a LAMP-based toolbox in this study. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, translation elongation factor-1α (EF-1α), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA, and alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (ADH1) gene, respectively, were used to design species-specific LAMP primer sets for F. oxysporum, F. solani, S. rolfsii, and M. circinelloides. The results showed that the LAMP-based toolbox was effective at detecting pathogens in soil and plant materials. We also used this toolbox to investigate pathogen infection in the main planting regions of A. carmichaelii. Before harvesting, F. oxysporum, M. circinelloides, and S. rolfsii were commonly found in the planting fields and in infected A. carmichaelii plants. Therefore, the toolbox we developed will be useful for tracking these infections, as well as for disease control in A. carmichaelii.
Pain management after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Lavand’homme Patricia M. , Kehlet Henrik , Rawal Narinder , Joshi Girish P. ,   on behalf of the PROSPECT Working Group of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA)
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The PROSPECT (PROcedure SPEcific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT) Working Group is a global collaboration of surgeons and anaesthesiologists formulating procedure-specific recommendations for pain management after common operations. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with significant postoperative pain that is difficult to treat. Nevertheless, pain control is essential for rehabilitation and to enhance recovery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after unilateral primary TKA.

DESIGN

A narrative review based on published systematic reviews, using modified PROSPECT methodology.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Databases, between January 2014 and December 2020, for systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating analgesic interventions for pain management in patients undergoing TKA.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Each randomised controlled trial (RCT) included in the selected systematic reviews was critically evaluated and included only if met the PROSPECT requirements. Included studies were evaluated for clinically relevant differences in pain scores, use of nonopioid analgesics, such as paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and current clinical relevance.

RESULTS

A total of 151 systematic reviews were analysed, 106 RCTs met PROSPECT criteria. Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or cyclo-oxygenase-2-specific inhibitors are recommended. This should be combined with a single shot adductor canal block and peri-articular local infiltration analgesia together with a single intra-operative dose of intravenous dexamethasone. Intrathecal morphine (100 μg) may be considered in hospitalised patients only in rare situations when both adductor canal block and local infiltration analgesia are not possible. Opioids should be reserved as rescue analgesics in the postoperative period. Analgesic interventions that could not be recommended were also identified.

CONCLUSION

The present review identified an optimal analgesic regimen for unilateral primary TKA. Future studies to evaluate enhanced recovery programs and specific challenging patient groups are needed.
Glucocorticoids Promote Na+ Excretion in the Renal Epithelia of Heart Failure Rats by Suppressing Transporter Proteins Involved in Acute Sodium Loading
Authors: Li Shuyu , Huang Yaomeng , Li Tongxin , Zhu Xiaoran , Li Weimin , Liu Kunshen , Liu Chao
Published: July 2022

Glucocorticoid receptors are essential for normal development and stress responses. Their role in H2O and Na+ metabolism, especially in chronic heart failure (CHF), is not well defined. In a previous study, we found that glucocorticoids potentiate urination in CHF and promote H2O excretion by inhibiting the vasopressin receptor 2 pathway. The present study examines the effect of glucocorticoids on renal Na+ excretion and the underlying mechanisms in CHF rats with acute sodium loading. CHF was induced by left coronary artery ligation for 8 weeks. Rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups: control, CHF, dexamethasone (DEX)-administered CHF, DEX-administered CHF treated with RU486 (mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist), and RU486-treated CHF. An acute sodium loading test was performed 6 hours after DEX administration. Blood and urine samples were collected, and hemodynamics were measured. The expression and localization of Na+ transporter proteins were determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. DEX increased the urine volume and urinary sodium and improved cardiac function and the estimated glomerular filtration rate in CHF rats. The upregulation of the epithelial sodium channel β and γ subunits, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, serum glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), and Na+/K+-ATPase in the renal epithelium of CHF rats was downregulated by DEX. These beneficial effects were abolished by RU486. The expression of natriuretic peptide receptor A was opposite that of the above proteins. Glucocorticoids might induce profound natriuresis in CHF rats during acute sodium loading, which is associated with downregulating some Na+ transporter proteins in the renal epithelium and improving intrarenal hemodynamics.
Revisiting diuretic choice in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ali Sehrish , Navaneethan Sankar D. , Virani Salim S. , Gregg L. Parker
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Existing guidelines offer little direction about the use of thiazide and loop diuretics in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review summarizes recent studies impacting indications and safety considerations for these agents in patients with CKD.

Recent findings

Chlorthalidone reduces blood pressure compared to placebo in patients with advanced CKD, challenging the belief that thiazide diuretics lose efficacy at lower glomerular filtration rates (GFR). Existing studies show no clear impact of thiazide or loop diuretic use on kidney or cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD. Sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have diuretic effects, but concomitant use of a diuretic does not diminish the preventive benefits of these agents against acute kidney injury (AKI). Despite theoretical concerns, thiazide diuretics likely do not worsen circulating vasopressin levels or cyst progression in polycystic kidney disease and may be useful for alleviating polyuria from tolvaptan. Diuretics cause multiple adverse effects, including electrolyte abnormalities, hemodynamic-mediated decrease in estimated GFR, and AKI.

Recent evidence supports expanded indications for diuretics in patients with kidney disease, including chlorthalidone for hypertension in advanced CKD. Monitoring electrolytes and estimated GFR is critical to ensure patient safety when prescribing these agents for patients with CKD.
Treatment potential in APOL1-associated nephropathy
Authors: Friedman David J. , Ma Lijun , Freedman Barry I.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

More than 5 million African–Americans, and millions more in Africa and worldwide, possess apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1) high-risk genotypes with an increased risk for chronic kidney disease. This manuscript reviews treatment approaches for slowing the progression of APOL1-associated nephropathy.

Recent findings

Since the 2010 discovery of APOL1 as a cause of nondiabetic nephropathy in individuals with sub-Saharan African ancestry, it has become apparent that aggressive hypertension control, renin-angiotensin system blockade, steroids and conventional immunosuppressive agents are suboptimal treatments. In contrast, APOL1-mediated collapsing glomerulopathy due to interferon treatment and HIV infection, respectively, often resolve with cessation of interferon or antiretroviral therapy. Targeted therapies, including APOL1 small molecule inhibitors, APOL1 antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and inhibitors of APOL1-associated inflammatory pathways, hold promise for these diseases. Evolving therapies and the need for clinical trials support the importance of increased use of APOL1 genotyping and kidney biopsy.

APOL1-associated nephropathy includes a group of related phenotypes that are driven by the same two genetic variants in APOL1. Clinical trials of small molecule inhibitors, ASO, and inflammatory pathway inhibitors may improve outcomes in patients with primary forms of APOL1-associated nephropathy.
Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma in a Patient With Adolescent-Onset Crohn’s Disease Exposed to Multiple Immunomodulator and Biologic Therapies
Authors: Anderson Kaitlyn , Moss Kerry , Campbell Brendan , Moote Douglas , Kakazu Kari , Hyams Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2022

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease are often treated with immunomodulators (thiopurines, methotrexate) and biologics (anti-TNF, anti-integrin) for extended periods despite concerns about long-term safety. Here, we report a case of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, a very rare malignancy, and the first reported presentation in a patient with inflammatory bowel disease exposed to infliximab, methotrexate, and vedolizumab. We review the key clinical features and diagnostic factors of this malignancy. The pathogenesis of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is largely unknown, however, knock out of B-cell TNF in mice has been related to follicular dendritic cell dysregulation through its impact on NF-κB pathways and CXCL13 chemokines. It is unknown whether any relationship exists between this patient’s diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and therapeutic exposures to this rare malignancy. We document this case in the literature to raise awareness among other clinicians who may observe a similar case.
Sentences, Words, Attention: A “Transforming” Aphorism for the Discovery of pre-miRNA Regions across Plant Genomes
Authors: Gupta Sagar , Saini Vishal , Kumar Rajiv , Shankar Ravi
Published: July 2022

Discovering pre-miRNAs is the core of miRNA discovery. Using traditional sequence/structural features many tools have been published to discover miRNAs. However, in practical applications like genomic annotations, their actual performance has been far away from acceptable. This becomes more grave in plants where unlike animals pre-miRNAs are much more complex and difficult to identify. This is reflected by the huge gap between the available software for miRNA discovery and species specific miRNAs information for animals and plants. Here, we present miWords, an attention based genomic language processing transformer and context scoring deep-learning approach, with an optional sRNA-seq guided CNN module to accurately identify pre-miRNA regions in plant genomes. During a comprehensive bench-marking the transformer part of miWords alone significantly outperformed the compared published tools with consistent performance while breaching accuracy of 98% across a large number of experimentally validated data. Performance of miWords was also evaluated across Arabidopsis genome where also miWords, even without using its sRNA-seq reads module, outperformed those software which essentially require sRNA-seq reads to identify miRNAs. miWords was run across the Tea genome, reporting 803 pre-miRNA regions, all validated by sRNA-seq reads from multiple samples, and 10 randomly selected cases re-validated by qRT-PCR.
Biphasic response of CD8 T cell to asparagine restriction maximizes its metabolic fitness and antitumoral functionality
Authors: Gnanaprakasam JN Rashida , Liu Lingling , Chen Xuyong , Kang Siwen , Wang Tingting , Cassel Teresa A. , Adams Christopher M. , Higashi Richard M , Scott David A. , Xin Gang , Yang Jun , Lane Andrew N. , Fan Teresa W.-M. , Zhang Ji , Wang Ruoning
Published: July 2022

Robust and effective T cell immune surveillance and cancer immunotherapy require properly allocating metabolic resources to sustain energetically costly processes, including growth and cytokine production. Amino acids are major cellular constituents that serve as protein building blocks, energy sources, and signaling molecules. Although T cells can synthesize all nonessential amino acids, including asparagine (Asn), activated CD8 T cells still consume considerable quantities of exogenous Asn. Unexpectedly, Asn restriction on CD8 T cells induced a biphasic response, consisting of sequential actions with opposing effects at two conceptually separated phases after activation. Asn restriction suppressed activation and cell cycle entry in the early phase by depleting the intracellular Asn pool while rapidly engaging an ATF4/NRF2-dependent stress response, conferring robust proliferation and effector function of CD8 T cells in the late phase. Mechanistically, ATF4 and NRF2 activation rendered CD8 T cells to utilize de novo biosynthesis of Asn, consuming less glucose and glutamine but producing more intracellular nucleotides for proliferation. Moreover, NRF2 activation promoted the expression of inflammatory and effector genes to enhance effector functions in CD8 T cells. Accordingly, Asn restriction or overexpression of ATF4 or NRF2 potentiated T cell-mediated antitumoral response in the metabolically restricted tumor microenvironment. Our studies revealed Asn as a critical metabolic node in directing the stress signaling to shape T cell metabolic fitness and effector functions. Asn restriction is a promising and clinically relevant strategy to enhance cancer immunotherapy.
Colorimetry for evaluating the preservation efficiency of some triazole fungicides in archeological wooden artifacts
Authors: El-Gamal Rehab , El-Nagar Khaled , Tharwat Nagwa A. , Abdel-Maksoud Gomaa
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to use whiteness (WI) and yellowness indices (YI) that were calculated from the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) color parameter to evaluate the efficiency of some triazole fungicides [propiconazole (C15H17Cl2N3O2) and tebuconazole (C16H22ClN3O)] to protect wooden artifacts from fungal deterioration.

Design/methodology/approach

Archeological wooden samples were collected from some historical Islamic buildings in Cairo, Egypt. Three species of fungi were identified in previous work. Propiconazole and tebuconazole with different concentrations treated the infected wooden samples aged for different periods. WI and YI of studied samples were measured using UV spectrophotometer. Calibration and uncertainty estimation accompanied by color measurement were studied.

Findings

Studying the uncertainty sources of diffuse reflection of the standard white tiles revealed that the uncertainty of calibration for both the spectrophotometer and white tiles had the highest contribution. The treated samples with tebuconazole and propiconazole fungicides gave good resistance against fungal deterioration at 0.50% for WI and YI.

Originality/value

This study presents the importance of colorimetry in the conservation field because they are considered one of the most important criteria to evaluate conservation materials. From color measurements and their uncertainties, it became clear that triazole fungicides have good efficiency in the protection of wooden artifacts from fungal deterioration. The value of this study is that propiconazole and tebuconazole fungicides at 0.50% can be applied to archaeological wood that is endangered to improper conditions, especially in the case of high levels of relative humidity.
Retailers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of CPTED-based techniques in reducing shoplifting: the case of Istanbul
Authors: Özaşçılar Mine
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Shoplifting has become a widespread crime problem worldwide. The study aims to investigate retailers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)-based techniques to prevent shoplifting in Istanbul.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection involved 370 face-to-face interviews with store managers at shopping malls in Istanbul by using a structured, self-explanatory questionnaire. The current study applies CPTED approach to measure the effectiveness of informal and formal surveillance techniques.

Findings

The results revealed that store managers perceived awareness of sales staff as the most effective CPTED-based approach to prevent shoplifting. The study identified six factors underlying perceived effectiveness of CPTED-based techniques: surveillance (informal surveillance), image/maintenance and surveillance (formal surveillance), territoriality, surveillance (formal surveillance), surveillance (mechanical surveillance) and target hardening.

Originality/value

No research to date has addressed the effectiveness of CPTED-based techniques in Turkey at shopping malls. Given the limited number of prior research, the results provide important insights regarding the perceived effectiveness of CPTED-based techniques.
Exploring the Impact of COVID‐19 on Employees’ Boundary Management and Work–Life Balance
Authors: Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Antonacopoulou Elena , Beauregard T. Alexandra , Dickmann Michael , Adekoya Olatunji David
Published: July 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic altered the ways academics work and live by creating a context during the spring of 2020 when working from home was largely mandatory and where, for cohabiting workers, the home as workplace was simultaneously occupied by all household members during working hours (and beyond). Using a multi‐method qualitative approach, we examine how academics experienced working from home during the unprecedented circumstances imposed by the first UK lockdown and social distancing measures. Our findings show that a working arrangement commonly termed ‘flexible’ – working from home – can actually reduce flexibility in a context of mandatory implementation, accompanied by the removal of instrumental and emotional support structures such as childcare and face‐to‐face (physical) social gatherings. Intensified workloads, increased employer monitoring, social disconnection and blurred boundaries between work and personal life collectively generate the reduction of employees’ perceived flexibility‐ability. Experiences may be particularly negative for those with low flexibility‐willingness, whose pre‐pandemic preference was to separate work and home as much as possible. Employee efforts to assert agency in this context include establishing ‘micro‐borders’ and using time‐based strategies to create ‘controlled integration’. We discuss implications for border theory and outline directions for future research.
Rock supplementation as an ecological restoration strategy for temperate grassland reptiles
Authors: Palmer Alicia , Milner Richard N. C. , Howland Brett , Gibbons Philip , Kay Geoffrey M. , Sato Chloe F.
Published: July 2022

Temperate grassland ecosystems support highly diverse assemblages of plants and animals but have been predominantly cleared for urban infrastructure and modified for agriculture. Temperate grasslands that remain in south‐eastern Australia are often degraded. For example, surface rocks have been extensively removed, potentially affecting long‐term persistence of grassland reptiles that depend on this resource. Rock habitat restoration is a strategy that can promote the survival of grassland reptiles and restore degraded temperate grasslands. In this study, we examined the benefit of supplementing locally sourced rock to improve reptile outcomes in degraded grassland reserves in the ACT. We established a BACI design across five ACT grassland reserves with 10 plots where rocks were added and 10 equivalent control plots to assess (i) the effect of rock supplementation on reptile relative abundance and composition, and (ii) the characteristics of the sites and rocks that reptiles used. Surveys were conducted over the spring and summer period each year over 3 years (2015–2017). Early results (one‐year post‐study) indicate that reptiles used supplemented rock and that reptiles show a preference for large (7600–29 000 cm3), flat rocks. Reptiles also show a preference for sites with higher grass cover and native vegetation composition, highlighting the need to manage site‐scale conditions to maximize the success of rock supplementation. Our study concludes rock restoration will support the persistence of grassland reptile populations, particularly if coupled with site‐scale grassland management, and will likely be an important strategy to use under changing climate regimes.
Babel Fish Democracy? Prospects for Addressing Democratic Language Barriers through Machine Translation and Interpretation
Authors: Cabrera Luis
Published: July 2022

This article works to show that machine translation and interpretation technologies can play significant roles in addressing language barriers in democratic polities, including beyond the state. Numerous shared‐language or interpretation models have been proposed to address such barriers, while possible machine models have largely been dismissed in the literature. Yet, online translation is now ubiquitous globally, and governments and international organizations increasingly use machine translation and some interpretation applications. Such technologies, it is shown, can greatly expand information uptake and participation by ordinary citizens in linguistically diverse polities. They also can avoid key fairness and cost concerns faced by other models, or help address them in hybrid configurations, especially in online settings. While speech‐to‐speech applications may never achieve the seamless vernacular “Babel fish” interpretations implied as necessary for some deliberative modes, machine models can be seen as valuable for addressing language barriers within a range of approaches to democracy.
Sodium butyrate ameliorates erectile dysfunction through fibrosis in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Kaya‐Sezginer Ecem , Yilmaz‐Oral Didem , Kırlangıç Omer Faruk , Yilmaz Sercan , Özen Fatma Zeynep , Aşan Melih , Gur Serap
Published: July 2022

Background

In different animal models, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, sodium butyrate (NaBu) reduced inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis which were involved in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED), but whether NaBu could improve ED in an experimental animal model of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) was not known.

Objective

To investigate the preventive effect of NaBu on ED in a partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) rat model.

Materials and methods

PBOO was induced by partial urethral obstruction. NaBu (20 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to rats for 6 weeks after creation of PBOO. In vivo erectile responses, in vitro relaxation and contraction responses in cavernosal tissue were measured. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot were performed to determine the gene and protein expression. Inflammation, fibrosis, and localization of proteins were evaluated using histological techniques. HDAC activity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels were measured in penile tissues.

Results

NaBu improved decreased intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure, nitrergic and endothelium‐dependent relaxation responses, and contractile responses to phenylephrine and electrical field stimulation in the PBOO group without affecting increased bladder weight. Increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) gene levels in PBOO group were ameliorated by NaBu treatment. The administration of NaBu to PBOO rats significantly increased neuronal NOS (nNOS) and decreased TGF‐β1 protein expression. The nuclear/cytosolic ratio of NF‐κB demonstrated a decrease in PBOO and all treatment groups compared to control. A significant increase in the nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) after PBOO was reduced by the treatment. Both eNOS and inducible NOS (iNOS) protein expression, together with TNF‐α levels did not differ in the penile tissue of all groups. In histological analysis, increased TGF‐β1 protein expression and fibrosis, as well as decreased nNOS protein in PBOO, were reversed by the treatment. NaBu did not normalize moderate inflammation in obstructed rats. An increase in the HDAC activity in PBOO was significantly suppressed by NaBu.

Discussion

Inhibition of the HDAC activity by NaBu in penile tissue could ameliorate fibrosis‐associated changes induced by PBOO.

Conclusion

NaBu promotes recovery of erectile function, and also significantly prevents penile fibrosis and normalizes TGF‐β1 and nNOS protein expression in a rat model of PBOO. The HDAC pathway may present a promising target to prevent ED in patients with BPH.
The Impact and Spillover Effects of Chinese Ports on Urban Service Industry under De‐maritimization: A Perspective for Port Economic Geography Analysis
Authors: Li Jiewei , Zhu Ruihua
Published: July 2022

Will ports become less important in a post‐industrial period dominated by service industries? This paper examines the impact and the spillover effects of ports on city economies. The results show that ports contribute to city economies primarily through producer and consumer services. To be specific, ports can drive the development of port‐related producer services, and port spillover effects from other cities have a broader impact on producer services; the port contributes to the development of wholesale and retail trades in the local city but the boost to consumer services comes mainly from spillover effects from other ports. This paper concludes that ports are still shaping economic geography by influencing the service sector, and inter‐city coordination mechanisms are suggested because of the spillover effects.
Clinical and structural brain correlates of hypomimia in early‐stage Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sampedro Frederic , Martínez‐Horta Saul , Horta‐Barba Andrea , Grothe Michel J. , Labrador‐Espinosa Miguel A. , Jesús Silvia , Adarmes‐Gomez Astrid , Carrillo Fatima , Puig‐Davi Arnau , Roldan‐Lora Florinda , Aguilar‐Barbera Miquel , Pastor Pau , Arroyo Sonia Escalante , Vila Berta Solano , Cots‐Foraster Anna , Ruiz‐Martínez Javier , Carrillo‐Padilla Francisco , Pueyo‐Morlans Mercedes , Gonzalez‐Aramburu Isabel , Infante‐Ceberio Jon , Hernandez‐Vara Jorge , de Fabregues‐Boixar Oriol , de Deus Fonticoba Teresa , Avila Asuncion , Martínez‐Castrillo Juan Carlos , Bejr‐Kasem Helena , Campolongo Antonia , Pascual‐Sedano Berta , Martínez‐Martín Pablo , Santos‐García Diego , Mir Pablo ,   COPPADIS Study Group, Garcia‐Ruiz Pedro J. , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose

Reduced facial expression of emotions is a very frequent symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been considered part of the motor features of the disease. However, the neural correlates of hypomimia and the relationship between hypomimia and other non‐motor symptoms of PD are poorly understood.

Methods

The clinical and structural brain correlates of hypomimia were studied. For this purpose, cross‐sectional data from the COPPADIS study database were used. Age, disease duration, levodopa equivalent daily dose, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS‐III), severity of apathy and depression and global cognitive status were collected. At the imaging level, analyses based on gray matter volume and cortical thickness were used.

Results

After controlling for multiple confounding variables such as age or disease duration, the severity of hypomimia was shown to be indissociable from the UPDRS‐III speech and bradykinesia items and was significantly related to the severity of apathy (β = 0.595; p < 0.0001). At the level of neural correlates, hypomimia was related to motor regions brodmann area 8 (BA 8) and to multiple fronto‐temporo‐parietal regions involved in the decoding, recognition and production of facial expression of emotions.

Conclusion

Reduced facial expressivity in PD is related to the severity of symptoms of apathy and is mediated by the dysfunction of brain systems involved in motor control and in the recognition, integration and expression of emotions. Therefore, hypomimia in PD may be conceptualized not exclusively as a motor symptom but as a consequence of a multidimensional deficit leading to a symptom where motor and non‐motor aspects converge.
Aimless Agency: Religious Engagement in an Uncertain World
Authors: Cassaniti Julia L. , Chladek Michael R.
Published: July 2022

Bronislaw Malinowski suggested nearly a century ago that a key purpose of religious engagement is to provide a sense of stability in the face of uncertainty. This close relationship between religion and stability is often presumed by scholars today, but, we argue, it is not as universal as is often supposed. Drawing on over 15 years of ethnographic research in Northern Thailand, we show how Thai Buddhists actively and strategically remind themselves of the inherent precarity of the future, rather than seek to minimize it. Analyzing rhetoric that draws on shared understandings of the uncertain in day‐to‐day religious practice, we show how Thai Buddhists strive for what we call “aimless agency”: a psychological acceptance of future unknowability. We use this ethnographic example to suggest further work on the social implications of impermanence and the importance of paying greater attention to cultural variability in religious approaches to an uncertain world.
Appropriate management reduces radiation exposure in daily urological practice
Authors: Ozaki Keisuke , Fukawa Tomoya , Kawanaka Takashi , Daizumoto Kei , Sasaki Yutaro , Ueno Yoshiteru , Tsuda Megumi , Kusuhara Yoshito , Yamamoto Yasuyo , Yamaguchi Kunihisa , Takahashi Masayuki , Kanayama Hiro‐omi
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To identify and raise awareness of the radiation exposure of urologists due to X‐ray fluoroscopic procedures in daily practice.

Methods

This was a single‐center, cohort study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent periodic percutaneous or transurethral replacements of urinary tract catheters. A total of 55 replacements every 3 months with cases aligned were performed by a single urologist. The urologist's radiation exposure and the incident dose to patients per case were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters. In the latter 3‐month period, the pulse fluoroscopy condition was changed from 15 to 7.5 pulses per second, and collimation was added to the field of view.

Results

In the analysis of all patients, the use of a modified pulse rate and collimation did not affect the fluoroscopy time, but it did significantly reduce the air kerma and dose area product; in addition, with respect to the medical exposure dose during percutaneous catheter replacement, fluoroscopy time was longer, but air kerma and dose area product showed significant decreases. As with decreases in medical exposure of patients, the equivalent dose for eye lenses of the urologist decreased from 1.2 mSv in the first 3‐month period to 0.2 mSv in the second 3‐month period. Similarly, the exposure dose for the extremities also decreased significantly, from 33.9 mSv to 8.1 mSv.

Conclusions

Urologists are exposed to non‐negligible amounts of radiation due to fluoroscopy. Appropriate management such as modified pulse fluoroscopy condition and precautions are required.
Intimate partner violence and the situation of women experiencing intimate partner violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study of Japanese clinician views
Authors: Katou Hinako , Kataoka Yaeko
Published: July 2022

Aim

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major global threat to women's health. Stay‐at‐home orders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic were associated with an increase in IPV. The purpose of this study was to clarify IPV and the situation of women experiencing IPV during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview was conducted with five healthcare providers who gave support to women experiencing IPV during the COVID‐19 pandemic. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analyzed in accordance with thematic analysis methodology.

Results

Two categories concerning IPV and the situation of women experiencing IPV during the COVID‐19 pandemic emerged from analysis of interviews: (1) the possibility that IPV might change during the pandemic; and (2) barriers that prevent women getting support. “Possibility that IPV might change during the pandemic” consisted of three subcategories: “Male partner takes his stress out on her”; “Male partner forced her out of the home”; and “Conflict occurred more easily at home”. “Barriers that prevent women getting support” had four subcategories: “Difficulty in accessing outside support”; “Restricted access to get care due to financial difficulties”; “Lack of support from her family”; and “Women experience a loss of energy”.

Conclusions

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, there were barriers to provide support for women despite increased IPV. Healthcare providers should support women using effective methods to protect women's health and safety.
School climate tolerant of sexual harassment is indirectly related to academic disengagement through peer sexual harassment and feeling safe in high school girls
Authors: Ormerod Alayne J. , Parisi Tiffany , DeBlaere Cirleen , Sagrestano Lynda M.
Published: July 2022

Although illegal, sexual harassment is endemic in US schools, with students perceiving that school officials ignore complaints of harassment. Research findings have linked school climate tolerant of sexual harassment to peer sexual harassment (PSH) and school outcomes, yet there is a need to better understand these relationships. This cross‐sectional study examined whether there was an indirect effect of school climate tolerant of sexual harassment on disengagement from school, individually and serially, through experiences of PSH victimization and feeling safe at school in a sample of 171 predominantly Black and White girls (14–19 years old) attending high school in the wider Memphis, Tennessee area. The findings supported that a climate tolerant of sexual harassment was indirectly related to school disengagement through PSH and feeling less safe. These findings add to the literature by demonstrating that a climate tolerant of sexual harassment, PSH victimization, and perceptions about personal safety are associated with harm to students’ academic outcomes in the form of school and academic disengagement. Further, the current findings suggest that a national agenda for school safety needs to consider school climate tolerant of sexual harassment in order to be effective in responding to sexual harassment and supporting student engagement.
‘Long COVID’: Symptom persistence in children hospitalised for COVID‐19
Authors: Asadi‐Pooya Ali A , Nemati Meshkat , Nemati Hamid
Published: July 2022

Aim

We aimed to describe the long‐term outcome with respect to symptom persistence amongst children hospitalised for COVID‐19.

Methods

This was a follow‐up study of 58 children and adolescents hospitalised with COVID‐19. For all patients, the data were collected in a phone call to the family in December 2021 (9 months after the initial study and more than 13 months after their admission to hospital). We inquired about their current health status and obtained information, if the responding parent consented orally to participate and answer the questions.

Results

Fifty‐one children and adolescents were studied. Only five patients (10%) had persistent symptoms compatible with long‐COVID; the reported symptoms include fatigue in four (8%), weakness in three (6%), exercise intolerance in two (4%) and shortness of breath in two (4%) patients. Four patients (7.8%), who did not have any symptoms of long‐COVID in phase 1 of the study, reported new‐onset symptoms or complaints that are potentially compatible with the diagnosis of long‐COVID (weakness, myalgia, excess sputum, cough, fatigue) in the current phase.

Conclusions

Symptom persistence of long‐COVID is infrequent amongst children hospitalised for COVID‐19. Most of the symptoms of long‐COVID will resolve with the passage of time and the residual symptoms are often mild and tolerable. The scientific community should carefully and clearly define long‐COVID and its natural course in order to facilitate and harmonise future studies.
Campus‐based programmes to address food insecurity vary in leadership, funding and evaluation strategies
Authors: Hagedorn‐Hatfield Rebecca L. , Richards Rickelle , Qamar Zubaida , Hood Lanae B. , Landry Matthew J. , Savoie‐Roskos Mateja R. , Vogelzang Jody L. , Machado Stephanie S. , OoNorasak Kendra , Cuite Cara L. , Heying Emily , Patton‐López Megan M. , Snelling Anastasia M.
Published: July 2022

College food insecurity is a known detriment to student success, but little is known about the implementation of campus‐based programmes to help address this issue on campus in the United States. The objective of this research study was to determine the types of food insecurity initiatives implemented and assess how such programmes are managed, funded, and evaluated. A cross‐sectional, 23‐item online survey was administered among individuals involved with campus food insecurity initiatives identified through professional networks. Food pantries were the most common (97.1%) and mobile food sharing applications were the least common (14.7%) food security initiatives. A majority of respondents (69.7%) stated that at least one programme on their campus was evaluated, although the methods varied and uncertainty about the methods used was common. An allocated budget was provided at some institutions (38.9%), but funding mechanisms varied. Student Life Offices were most commonly reported as being responsible for programme management. Most respondents (75.3%) reported there had been programme changes due to COVID‐19. This research confirmed that food insecurity programmes are widely available, although the type, funding, and leadership of these programmes vary. A coordinated approach on campus to align programming efforts is needed.
Finding new friends and revisiting old ones – how plant lipid droplets connect with other subcellular structures
Authors: Scholz Patricia , Chapman Kent D. , Mullen Robert T. , Ischebeck Till
Published: July 2022

The number of described contact sites between different subcellular compartments and structures in eukaryotic cells has increased dramatically in recent years and, as such, has substantially reinforced the well‐known premise that these kinds of connections are essential for overall cellular organization and the proper functioning of cellular metabolic and signaling pathways. Here, we discuss contact sites involving plant lipid droplets (LDs), including LD‐endoplasmic reticulum (ER) connections that mediate the biogenesis of new LDs at the ER, LD‐peroxisome connections, that facilitate the degradation of LD‐stored triacylglycerols (TAGs), and the more recently discovered LD‐plasma membrane connections, which involve at least three novel proteins, but have a yet unknown physiological function(s).
Emotional health assessment related to COVID‐19 in older people: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Andújar‐Barroso Rafael T. , Allande‐Cussó Regina , Vélez‐Morón Aurora , Molero‐Chamizo Andrés , Ruiz‐Frutos Carlos , Gómez‐Salgado Juan
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the presence of anxiety, fear and psychological distress in the population of people over 65 years of age and to study possible differences with a sample of subjects aged between 60 and 65 years.

Methods

A descriptive and psychometric cross‐sectional study. The total sample used consisted of 1112 subjects from university training programmes for the old people from all over Spain. Anxiety and fear of COVID‐19 were measured using the AMICO scale and psychological distress using the GHQ‐12 instrument.

Results

Significant differences were found in the AMICO (p = 0.006) and GHQ‐12 (p = 0.03) measures between age subgroups, with lower values in older age groups. Contrast statistics showed significant differences on both measures (AMICO and GHQ) in women, single or widowed subjects, and those who had not been infected by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus.

Limitations

It would be desirable to increase the sample size, especially in the lower age group (<65). The establishment of the age limit between the two groups could be located at 60 years of age. The use of new technologies to get information should be considered.

Conclusions

Overall, moderate levels of fear and anxiety of COVID‐19 were present. Women tended to have higher levels of both general psychological distress and fear and anxiety of COVID‐19. Especially in those over 65, higher levels of distress and fear/anxiety of COVID‐19 were associated with being widowed or single, and not having been infected before with SARS‐CoV‐2.
Impaired microbial N‐acyl homoserine lactone signalling increases plant resistance to aphids across variable abiotic and biotic environments
Authors: Sanchez‐Mahecha Oriana , Klink Sophia , Heinen Robin , Rothballer Michael , Zytynska Sharon
Published: July 2022

Beneficial bacteria interact with plants using signalling molecules, such as N‐acyl homoserine‐lactones (AHLs). Although there is evidence that these molecules affect plant responses to pathogens, few studies have examined their effect on plant‐insect and microbiome interactions, especially under variable soil conditions. We investigated the effect of the AHL‐producing rhizobacterium Acidovorax radicis and its AHL‐negative mutant (does not produce AHLs) on modulating barley (Hordeum vulgare) plant interactions with cereal aphids (Sitobion avenae) and earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta) across variable nutrient soils. Acidovorax radicis inoculation increased plant growth and suppressed aphids, with stronger effects by the AHL‐negative mutant. However, effects varied between barley cultivars and the presence of earthworms altered interaction outcomes. Bacteria‐induced plant defences differed between cultivars, and aphid exposure, with pathogenesis‐related and WRKY pathways partly explaining the ecological effects in the more resistant cultivars. Additionally, we observed few but specific indirect effects via the wider root microbiome where the AHL‐mutant strain influenced rare OTU abundances. We conclude that bacterial AHL‐signalling disruption affects plant‐microbial interactions by inducing different plant pathways, leading to increased insect resistance, also mediated by the surrounding biotic and abiotic environment. Understanding the mechanisms by which beneficial bacteria can reduce insect pests is a key research area for developing effective insect pest management strategies in sustainable agriculture.
Cutaneous Rosai‐Dorfman disease in a 3‐year‐old boy
Authors: Carmona‐Cruz Silvia Angélica , Palacios‐López Carolina Guadalupe , Fuentes‐Gutiérrez Denisse , Ramírez‐Ristori Alfonso Gilberto , Sáez‐de‐Ocariz Marimar
Published: July 2022

The cutaneous form of Rosai‐Dorfman disease is very rare in childhood. The clinical spectrum is highly variable and histopathological study with immunohistochemistry is essential for the diagnosis. We present the case of a 3‐year‐old boy with the diagnosis of cutaneous Rosai‐Dorfman disease and review the pediatric cases published in the literature.
Dynamic Analysis and Design of Metamaterial Plates With Crossed Acoustic Black Holes for Vibration Control
Authors: He Meng-Xin , Ding Qian
Published: July 2022

Acoustic black holes (ABHs) have shown great potential in vibration and noise control. Merging the ABH effect and the metamaterial can be a more efficient approach for vibration control. The aim of this article is to study the dynamics of a metamaterial plate with crossed acoustic black holes. The band gap properties of the infinite structure and the influence of the design variables are investigated by using the finite element method and the Floquet–Bloch theorem. The vibration transmission and frequency response functions of the finite structure are presented to reveal the vibration attenuation mechanism. The effect of elastic boundary conditions on the vibration properties of the metamaterial plate is also studied. Numerical results demonstrate that the vibration is remarkably weakened due to the band gap and local modes induced by the ABH effect. Then, experimental validation is given by using 3D printing techniques. Finally, we study the multi-objective optimal design problem of the ABH plate to reduce the vibration amplitude and the structural mass simultaneously. Optimization results provide more options for the trade-off design of metamaterial plates between the lightweight design and vibration suppression capability.