bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation at mouse and human ribosomal DNA influences associated epigenetic states
Authors: Rodriguez-Algarra Francisco , Seaborne Robert A E , Danson Amy F , Yildizoglu Selin , Yoshikawa Harunori , Law Pui Pik , Ahmad Zakaryya , Maudsley Victoria A , Brew Ama , Holmes Nadine , Ochôa Mateus , Hodgkinson Alan , Marzi Sarah J , Pradeepa Madapura M , Loose Matthew , Holland Michelle L , Rakyan Vardhman K
Published: June 2021

Background

Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) displays substantial inter-individual genetic variation in human and mouse. A systematic analysis of how this variation impacts epigenetic states and expression of the rDNA has thus far not been performed.

Results

Using a combination of long- and short-read sequencing, we establish that 45S rDNA units in the C57BL/6J mouse strain exist as distinct genetic haplotypes that influence the epigenetic state and transcriptional output of any given unit. DNA methylation dynamics at these haplotypes are dichotomous and life-stage specific: at one haplotype, the DNA methylation state is sensitive to the in utero environment, but refractory to post-weaning influences, whereas other haplotypes entropically gain DNA methylation during ageing only. On the other hand, individual rDNA units in human show limited evidence of genetic haplotypes, and hence little discernible correlation between genetic and epigenetic states. However, in both species, adjacent units show similar epigenetic profiles, and the overall epigenetic state at rDNA is strongly positively correlated with total rDNA copy number. Analysis of different mouse inbred strains reveals that in some strains, such as 129S1/SvImJ, rDNA copy number is only approximately 150 copies per diploid genome and DNA methylation levels are <5%.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrates that rDNA-associated genetic variation has a considerable influence on rDNA epigenetic state and consequently rRNA expression outcomes. In the future, it will be important to consider the impact of inter-individual rDNA (epi)genetic variation on mammalian phenotypes and diseases.
Detection of Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa from wheat by quantitative PCR
Authors: Sarkes Alian , Yang Yalong , Dijanovic Snezana , Harding Michael W. , Feindel David , Feng Jie
Published: June 2021

A probe-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocol was developed for detection and evaluation of the wheat bacterial leaf streak pathogen Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa (Xtu). The protocol can also detect X. translucens pv. translucens (Xtt), but can’t differentiate the two pathovars. When tested on DNA from plant, non-target bacteria and culture of microorganisms from wheat seeds, the qPCR showed a high specificity. On purified Xtu DNA, the qPCR was more sensitive than a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. When DNA samples from a set of serial dilutions of Xtu cells were tested, the qPCR method could repeatedly generate quantification cycle (Cq) values from the dilutions containing ≥1,000 cells. Since 2 µL of the total of 50 µL DNA was used in one reaction, one qPCR reaction could detect the presence of the bacteria in samples containing as few as 40 bacterial cells. The qPCR could detect the bacteria from both infected seed and leaf tissues. For seed testing, a protocol for template preparation was standardized, which allowed one qPCR reaction to test DNA from the surface of one seed. Thus, the qPCR system could theoretically detect Xtu and/or Xtt in samples where the bacteria had an average concentration ≥40 cells per seed.
Rpi-amr3 confers resistance to multiple Phytophthora species by recognizing a conserved RXLR effector
Authors: Lin Xiao , Olave-Achury Andrea , Heal Robert , Witek Kamil , Karki Hari S. , Song Tianqiao , Wu Chih-hang , Adachi Hiroaki , Kamoun Sophien , Vleeshouwers Vivianne G. A. A. , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: June 2021

Diverse pathogens from the genus Phytophthora cause disease and reduce yields in many crop plants. Although many Resistance to Phytophthora infestans (Rpi) genes effective against potato late blight have been cloned, few have been cloned against other Phytophthora species. Most Rpi genes encode nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLR) proteins, that recognize RXLR effectors. However, whether NLR proteins can recognize RXLR effectors from multiple different Phytophthora pathogens has rarely been investigated. Here, we report the effector AVRamr3 from P. infestans that is recognized by Rpi-amr3 from S. americanum. We show here that AVRamr3 is broadly conserved in many different Phytophthora species, and that recognition of AVRamr3 homologs enables resistance against multiple Phytophthora pathogens, including P. parasitica and P. palmivora. Our findings suggest a novel path to identifying R genes against important plant pathogens.
Variability in white matter structure relates to hallucination proneness
Authors: Johnson Joseph F. , Schwartze Michael , Belyk Michel , Pinheiro Ana P. , Kotz Sonja A.
Published: June 2021

Hallucinations are a prominent transdiagnostic psychiatric symptom but are also prevalent in individuals who do not require clinical care. Moreover, persistent psychosis-like experience in otherwise healthy individuals may be related to increased risk to transition to a psychotic disorder. This suggests a common etiology across clinical and non-clinical individuals along a multidimensional psychosis continuum that may be detectable in structural variations of the brain. The current diffusion tensor imaging study assessed healthy individuals to identify possible differences in white matter associated with hallucination proneness (HP). This approach circumvents potential confounds related to medication, hospitalization, and disease progression common in clinical individuals. We determined how HP relates to white matter integrity in selected association, commissural, and projection fiber pathways putatively linked to psychosis. Increased HP was associated with enhanced fractional anisotropy (FA) in the right uncinate fasciculus, the right anterior and posterior arcuate fasciculus, and the corpus callosum. Although FA in cortico-cerebellar pathways revealed no relationship, streamline quantity between the left cerebellum and the right motor cortex positively correlated with HP. These findings support the notion of a psychosis continuum, providing first evidence of structural white matter variability associated with HP in healthy individuals. Furthermore, alterations in the targeted pathways likely indicate an association between HP-related structural variations and the putative salience and attention mechanisms that these pathways subserve.
CREB repressor in mushroom body enhances Drosophila LTM formation
Authors: Chen Chun-Chao , Lin Hsuan-Wen , Feng Kuan-Lin , Jhang Ruei-Yu , Chen Linyi , de Belle J. Steven , Tully Tim , Chiang Ann-Shyn
Published: June 2021

Long-term memory (LTM) requires learning-induced synthesis of new proteins allocated to specific neurons and synapses in a neural circuit. Not all learned information, however, becomes permanent memory. How the brain gates relevant information into LTM remains unclear. In Drosophila adults, a single training session in an olfactory aversive task is not sufficient to induce protein synthesis-dependent LTM. Instead, multiple spaced training sessions are required. Here, we report that initial learning induces neural activity in the early α/β subset of Kenyon cells of the mushroom body (MB), and output from these neurons inhibits LTM formation. Specifically in response to spaced training, Schnurri activates CREBB expression which then appears to suppress the inhibitory output from MB. One training session can enhance LTM formation when this inhibitory effect is relieved. We propose that learning-induced protein synthesis and spaced training-induced CREBB act antagonistically to modulate output from early α/β MB neurons during LTM formation.
Study on high temperature model based on the n-Channel planar 4H-SiC MOSFET
Authors: Tang Zhenyu , Tang Xiaoyan , Pu Shi , Zhang Yimeng , Zhang Hang , Zhang Yuming , Bo Song
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To use the 4H-SiC material in integrated circuits for high temperature application, an accurate and simple circuit model of n-channel planar 4H-SiC MOSFET is required.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a SPICE model of n-channel planar 4H-SiC MOSFET was built based on the device simulation results and measurement results. Firstly, a device model was simulated with Sentaurus TCAD, with measured parameters from fabricated planar 4H-SiC MOSFET previously. Then the device simulation results were analyzed and parameters for SPICE models were extracted. With these parameters, an accurate SPICE model was built and simulated.

Findings

The SPICE model exhibits the same performance as the measured results with different environment temperatures. The simulation results indicate that the maximum fitting error is 0.22 mA (7.33% approximately) at 200 °C. A common-source amplifier with this model is also simulated and the simulated gain is stable at different environment temperatures.

Originality/value

This paper provides a reliable modeling method for n-Channel Planar 4H-SiC MOSFET and reference value for the design of 4H-SiC high temperature integrated circuit.
Exploring the potential causes of HIV prevalence among young women in South Africa: a critical literature review
Authors: Zakeyo Karin , Nyashanu Mathew
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential causes of HIV prevalence among young women in South Africa. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the leading causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa (SA) has the largest HIV pandemic in the world with approximately 7.2 million people living with HIV as of 2017. There is a disproportionate incidence of HIV between women and men, particularly affecting young women 15–24 years of age. This paper reviewed 10 articles on the impact of HIV in SA among young women.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 10 articles on HIV in SA were selected for review using academic databases including Library One Search Pro, Google Scholar, the British Medical Journal and Elsevier. The search generated 11,095 articles, which were narrowed down to 10 by the criteria of being specific to gender and age and publication period.

Findings

Five themes were identified from the findings as to the potential causes of HIV prevalence among young women these included age-disparate relationships, social factors and sexual behaviour. Impact of HIV on communities and individuals, gender and patriarchy including poverty and social isolation.

Originality/value

The paper shows the impact of inequalities between men and women leading to HIV infection among young women. It also shows some gaps that require further research with regards to HIV infections among young women.
From social marketing and service-dominant logic to engagement in mindfulness practice: a field experiment
Authors: dos Santos Carolina Pantuza Vilar , Lopes Evandro Luiz , Dias Julia Costa , de Andrade André Gustavo Pereira , Matos Celso Augusto , Veiga Ricardo Teixeira
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Based on the assumption of the service-dominant logic (S-D logic) that every exchange is service-for-service and on the relevance of the beneficiary’s role in the co-creation of value, this paper aims to investigate the effects of engagement in the context of social marketing, where the value proposition is an invitation to practice mindfulness.

Design/methodology/approach

A field experiment was carried out with 72 volunteers, using a pre-test/post-test control group design. The treatment applied was a set of strategies to increase the engagement of the participants to attain a better result in five dependent variables associated mainly with the benefits of mindfulness practice. Measurements were made from a profile analysis, and submitted to Mann-Whitney and t-tests.

Findings

A large effect of group and time factors were observed in the multivariate test, as well as differences in the co-creation of value between groups.

Originality/value

This study can contribute to stimulate experimental transdisciplinary research in humans, using concepts from S-D logic and social marketing to promote positive behavioral change. This approach is probably more efficient at explaining and improving human behavior, given its complex nature.
Functional, temporal and spatial complementarity in mammal‐fungal spore networks enhances mycorrhizal dispersal following forest harvesting
Authors: Stephens Ryan B. , Frey Serita D. , D'Amato Anthony W. , Rowe Rebecca J.
Published: June 2021

Animals that disperse plant or fungal propagules following forest disturbances, including timber harvests, play an important role during forest regeneration by dispersing seeds or spores from intact communities to disturbed sites. Determining how complementary or redundant animal species are as dispersers of propagules is key to understanding the stability of dispersal dynamics and informing management practices.

Here we examine the functional, temporal and spatial components of mycorrhizal fungal spore dispersal by small mammals (rodents and shrews) following timber harvest. We tracked the interactions of seven mammal species and 34 fungal taxa composed of two mycorrhizal functional types, arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) and ectomycorrhizae (ECM), in 11 patch cuts (0.4 ha) distributed across hardwood and mixedwood forest in the north‐eastern United States. Over a 2‐year period directly following harvests, we measured the relative contribution of mammal species to spore dispersal using networks that integrated mammal abundance with spore loads in scat. We also measured species‐specific microhabitat associations.

Mammals were complementary in their dispersal of AM and ECM fungal spores. However, within AM dispersal networks, mammals were redundant, with asynchrony in mammal population fluctuations among years leading to changes in the relative importance of mammal species. Comparatively, ECM fungal spore consumption and dispersal was primarily provided by one rodent species (Myodes gapperi), resulting in dispersal networks that were highly specialized. This indicates that AM spore dispersal is more robust to changes in mammal community turnover compared to ECM spore dispersal.

Mammal species varied from having no microhabitat associations to associating with a variety of different forest structure and ground cover conditions, indicating that species play different roles from broadcasting spores widely to depositing spores in discrete locations. By preserving microhabitat characteristics that are associated with small mammals in harvested areas, particularly downed wood and patches of pre‐harvest vegetation, forest managers can help maintain dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Screening and activity assessing of phosphorus availability improving microorganisms associated with bamboo rhizosphere in subtropical China
Authors: Xing Yijing , Shi Wenhui , Zhu Ying , Wang Fucheng , Wu Hangyan , Ying Yeqing
Published: June 2021

Phosphorus‐solubilizing microorganisms (PSMicros) play vital roles in helping plants to resist phosphorus (P) deficiency in soils, while their activities may vary with site conditions. The present study investigated the microbial diversity and subsequently screened PSMicro strains from rhizosphere soils at five bamboo forests in subtropical China, among which four were developed in a same stand. The activities of the screened PSMicros were also assessed. The results showed great variation in microbial diversity among different forests. Concomitantly, a total of 52 PSMicro strains were isolated and identified to 10 bacterial genera and 4 fungal genera, with different forest rhizosphere soils containing different PSMicros and/or showing different abundances for a certain PSMicro genus, despite some PSMicros would not grow readily on plates. Different, and even the same microbial genera isolated across the five forests, varied significantly in the amount of P that they solubilized from the medium, which ranged from 18.5 to 581.33 mg L−1. Among the isolated PSMicros, species ofBacillus,Kluyvera,Buttiauxella,MeyerozymaandPenicilliumwere preponderant to liberate P from organic and inorganic P pools. This will have implications for biotechnological exploitation of microbes to alleviate P limitation in agricultural and natural systems with a sustainable green ecological approach.
Diversity of dimethylsulfide‐degrading methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria in anoxic sediments along the Medway Estuary, UK
Authors: Tsola Stephania L. , Zhu Yizhu , Ghurnee Oshin , Economou Chloe K. , Trimmer Mark , Eyice Özge
Published: June 2021

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas but the microbial diversity mediating methylotrophic methanogenesis is not well‐characterized. One overlooked route to methane is via the degradation of dimethylsulfide (DMS), an abundant organosulfur compound in the environment. Methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) can degrade DMS in anoxic sediments depending on sulfate availability. However, we know little about the underlying microbial community and how sulfate availability affects DMS degradation in anoxic sediments. We studied DMS‐dependent methane production along the salinity gradient of the Medway Estuary (UK) and characterized, for the first time, the DMS‐degrading methanogens and SRB using cultivation‐independent tools. DMS metabolism resulted in high methane yield (39%–42% of the theoretical methane yield) in anoxic sediments regardless of their sulfate content. Methanomethylovorans, Methanolobus and Methanococcoides were dominant methanogens in freshwater, brackish and marine incubations respectively, suggesting niche‐partitioning of the methanogens likely driven by DMS amendment and sulfate concentrations. Adding DMS also led to significant changes in SRB composition and abundance in the sediments. Increases in the abundance of Sulfurimonas and SRB suggest cryptic sulfur cycling coupled to DMS degradation. Our study highlights a potentially important pathway to methane production in sediments with contrasting sulfate content and sheds light on the diversity of DMS degraders.
Sex‐specific role for prefrontal cortical protein interacting with C kinase 1 in cue‐induced cocaine seeking
Authors: Wickens Megan M. , Kirkland Julia M. , Knouse Melissa C. , McGrath Anna G. , Briand Lisa A.
Published: June 2021

Disruption of prefrontal glutamate receptor interacting protein (GRIP), which anchors GluA2‐containing AMPA receptors (AMPARs) into the synaptic membrane, potentiates cue‐induced cocaine seeking in both males and females. Protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1) plays an opposing role to that of GRIP, removing AMPARs from the synapse. Consistent with our hypothesis that disruption of PICK1 in the mPFC would lead to a decrease in addiction‐like behaviour, we found that conditional deletion of PICK1 in the mPFC attenuates cue‐induced cocaine seeking in male mice. However, prefrontal PICK1 deletion had the opposite effect in females, leading to an increase in cue‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. We did not see any effects of PICK1 knockdown on sucrose taking or seeking, suggesting the sex‐specific effects do not generalise to natural reinforcers. These findings suggest the role of PICK1 in the prefrontal cortex of females may not be consistent with its accepted role in males. To determine whether these sex differences were influenced by gonadal hormones, we gonadectomised a cohort of males and found that removal of circulating androgens eliminated the effect of prefrontal PICK1 knockdown. As there was no effect of gonadectomy on its own on any of the behavioural measures collected, our results suggest that androgens may be involved in compensatory downstream effects of PICK1 knockdown. Taken together, these results highlight the need for consideration of sex as a biological variable when examining mechanisms underlying all behaviours, as convergent sex differences can reveal different mechanisms where behavioural sex differences do not exist.
Gonipterus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in subtropical Australia: host associations and natural enemies
Authors: Souza Natalia M , Lawson Simon A , Nahrung Helen F
Published: June 2021

Gonipterus is a genus of defoliating weevils that causes significant impact in commercially grown eucalypts in their native range in southern Australia and as invasive pests in Western Australia and several countries overseas. The diversity of species in this genus is still in the process of discovery, and in subtropical Australia, its diversity and ecological parameters are largely unknown. We surveyed Gonipterus phenology, species composition and trophic associations in South East Queensland, where little has been recorded about this genus. Surveys were conducted once a month in a non‐commercial plantation of native eucalypts, where three species of trees were sampled regularly and others checked on an ad hoc basis. On each sampling occasion, adult weevils, larvae and egg capsules were collected, adults identified, larvae reared and egg capsules individualized in small containers for emergence of larvae and parasitoids. Two peaks of egg‐laying occurred, whereas numbers of adults and larvae had only one peak each. Six species of Gonipterus were collected: two described but in need of revision, two undescribed but previously recognized and two undescribed and hitherto unrecognized, each with a different pattern of host–tree association. Three egg‐parasitoid species, Anaphes nitens, Centrodora damoni and Euderus sp. were reared from egg capsules, varying in prevalence according to the tree species from which the eggs were collected.
Screening known Cerambycidae pheromones for activity with the Peruvian fauna
Authors: Aguirre Gil Oniel J. , Paredes‐Espinosa Richard , Aguilar Briones Rosel , Mezones Alarcon Iris , Guerrero Vejarano Tania E. , Monné Marcela L. , González Andrés , Allison Jeremy
Published: June 2021

Semiochemicals are powerful tools for the surveillance and suppression of forest insects. Although the literature on the chemical ecology of and use of semiochemicals to manage the Cerambycidae is growing, little is known about the chemical ecology of Cerambycidae fauna in Peru.

Trapping studies that screen known attractants in off‐shore mitigation programs can provide valuable baseline knowledge to inform management of species introduced outside their native range.

Known Cerambycidae pheromones were screened for activity in a year‐long field study in Peru to look for activity in the local Cerambycidae fauna.

The most frequently captured species were Megacyllene andesiana (Casey), Oreodera bituberculata Bates, Aegomorphus longitarsis (Bates) and Discopus eques Bates.

The activity period of A. longitarsis, O. bituberculata and D. eques occurred in mid‐September 2020 and for M. andesiana occurred in early October 2020.

Responses to anti‐2,3‐hexanediol, fuscumol and fuscumol acetate by M. andesiana, O. bituberculata and D. eques were observed.

We observed antagonism of the responses of M. andesiana, O. bituberculata and D. eques when anti‐2,3‐hexanediol, fuscumol and fuscumol acetate were tested in blends.
Levels of polyphenol oxidase activity in leaves of Milicia seedlings is indicative of the resistance to Phytolyma lata‐induced gall disease
Authors: Dorleku Winfred‐Peck , Gbewonyo Winfred Seth K.
Published: June 2021

Phytolyma lata‐induced galling has remained one of the foremost challenges limiting the regeneration of Milicia species in nurseries and degraded forests in West Africa. Although planting of Milicia progenies resistant to Phytolyma attack has been identified as an opportunity for long‐term control of the pest, the absence of biomarkers for early detection of resistance has limited the selection of resistant seedlings for planting.

We compared phenolic metabolites and oxidative enzymes in resistant and susceptible Milicia progenies with the aim of identifying potential biomarkers for resistance to Phytolyma‐induced galling in seedlings.

Levels of total phenolics and ortho‐dihydroxyphenolics did not significantly differ between the susceptible and resistant saplings or among seedlings. Similarly, peroxidase activity did not differ among sapling progenies or among seedlings. Thus, no clearly defined role could be ascribed to phenolics and peroxidase in resistance of Milicia species to P. lata‐induced galling. However, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was over two‐fold higher in the resistant than the tolerant or susceptible progenies, suggesting that higher levels of PPO activity corresponded with an increased level of resistance to galling.

With further validation, PPO activity in leaves of Milicia seedlings can be used as a biomarker of resistance to Phytolyma‐induced galling.
Effect of depression awareness and management training on the attitudes of rural primary health care workers
Authors: Muyambi Kuda , Gillam Marianne , Dennis Shaun , Gray Richard , Martinez Lee , Jones Martin
Published: June 2021

Objective

To measure the effect of depression awareness and management training on the attitudes of rural primary health care workers.

Design

A repeated measures design in which participants acted as their own controls.

Setting

The training program occurred in 6 locations across rural South Australia.

Participants

The study enrolled primary care workers in general practitioner surgeries, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, community health centres, public hospitals, regional health services and non‐government organisations.

Intervention

A six‐session training workshop that was informed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for the treatment and care of people with depression.

Main outcome measure

The 22‐item Revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire comprised the main outcome measure. Participants were assessed 12 weeks before the training, again on the day of commencement of the training and after the training.

Results

Seventy‐two primary health workers completed the training program in depression awareness, building therapeutic relationships, working with ambivalence, and goal setting. Between the 2 pre‐training assessments mean scores showed no significant difference. There were statistically significant improvements on the overall attitudes and the subscales therapeutic optimism and professional confidence between pre‐training and post‐training.

Conclusion

Training rural primary health care workers in depression may improve their attitudes to working with people living with depression.
‘When you are on your own, everything is your responsibility’: Experiences of audiologists and audiometrists working in rural Australia
Authors: Kemper Elizabeth , Willis Karen , Simpson Andrea
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the experiences of audiologists and audiometrists working in regional and remote areas of Australia.

Design

A qualitative design, using telephone and videoconference semi‐structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Setting

Regional and remote locations across Australia

Participants

5 audiologists and 2 audiometrists, 6 female and one male.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

Insights into the experiences of audiologists and audiometrists working in rural Australia.

Results

Core themes that emerged from analysis were (a) professional isolation and increased scope of practice, (b) the importance of social and professional networks, (c) variable access to professional support, (d) challenges in the recruitment and retention of clinicians, and (e) tensions between service provision and profitability.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working as an audiologist or audiometrist in regional and remote areas. This study emphasised the need to address these challenges in order to attract more audiological professionals to work and stay in regional and remote areas of Australia.
Editorial: withdrawal of anti TNF‐alpha ‐ are we ready for biological therapy cycling?
Authors: Pugliese Daniela , Armuzzi Alessandro
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Casanova et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16361 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16406
Editorial: tobacco use in functional dyspepsia—another smoking gun?
Authors: Woo Matthew M. K. , Andrews Christopher N.
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Talley et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16372 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16401
Editorial: withdrawal of anti‐TNFalpha—are we ready for biological therapy cycling? Authors' reply
Authors: Casanova María José , Chaparro María , Gisbert Javier P.
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Casanova et al and Pugliese & Armuzzi papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16361 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16385
Hybridisation between dingoes and domestic dogs in proximity to Indigenous communities in northern Australia
Authors: Gabriele‐Rivet V , Brookes VJ , Stephens D , Arsenault J , Ward MP
Published: June 2021

In northern Australia, wild dog populations potentially interact with domestic dogs from remote communities, which would create opportunities for disease transmission at the wild–domestic interface. An example is rabies, in the event of an incursion into northern Australia. However, the likelihood of such wild–domestic interactions is ambiguous. Hybridisation analyses based on 23 microsatellite DNA markers were performed on canine‐origin scats collected in bushland areas around remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Peninsula Area, Queensland. Sufficient DNA was extracted from 6 of 41 scats to assess the percentage of dingo purity. These scats most likely originated from two 'pure' domestic dogs (0% dingo purity), one hybrid (20% dingo purity) and three 'pure' dingoes (92%–98% dingo purity). The two domestic dog samples were collected in the vicinity of communities. The location of two of the dingo‐origin samples provides genetic evidence that dingoes are present in areas close to the communities. The availability of anthropogenic food resources likely creates opportunities for interactions with domestic dogs in the region. The hybrid sample demonstrates the occurrence of antecedent contacts between both populations by means of mating and supports the likelihood of a spatio‐temporal overlap at the wild–domestic interface. This represents the first genetic survey involving a wild dog population of equatorial northern Queensland, with evidence of dingo purity. Our results have implications for potential disease transmission within a priority area for biosecurity in northern Australia.
Consideration of the transient material behavior under variable amplitude loading in the fatigue assessment of nodular cast iron using the strain‐life approach
Authors: Hesseler Jan , Baumgartner Jörg , Bleicher Christoph
Published: June 2021

The consideration of realistic load assumptions is important for the fatigue design of highly stressed nodular cast iron components for wind energy application. Especially in case of overloads causing elastic–plastic deformation, residual stresses may have a strong impact on fatigue life. In strain‐controlled fatigue tests with constant and variable amplitudes, the influence of overloads on lifetime was investigated. During fatigue testing, the transient material behavior, cyclic hardening, cyclic relaxation of the residual stresses, and quasi‐static creep effects of the EN‐GJS‐400‐18‐LT was recorded and evaluated. To quantify the influence of the transient material behavior on the calculated lifetime, fatigue analyses are carried out with the strain‐life approach, both with and without consideration of the transient material behavior. The results show that conservative damage sums are derived if the transient material behavior, especially the relaxation of tensile residual stresses, is neglected.
Characteristics and outcomes of older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Kenta , Zha Ling , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Katayama Yusuke , Takeuchi Taro , Komukai Sho , Hirayama Atsushi , Shimazu Takeshi , Sobue Tomotaka ,   the COVID‐19 Epidemiology Research Group of Osaka University
Published: June 2021

Aim

The epidemiological characteristics, in‐hospital treatments and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 among older patients have not been fully evaluated in Japan.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study carried out in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, we enrolled patients aged ≥60 years with laboratory‐confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 from January to November 2020. The main outcome was mortality during the observation period, based on the Infectious Diseases Control Law. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between epidemiological factors and mortality among older patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Results

Older patients accounted for 21.5% (3192/14 846) of the registered patients with coronavirus disease 2019. The number of patients according to age was as follows: 60–69 years, 1140 (35.7%); 70–79 years, 1058 (33.1%); 80–89 years, 749 (23.5%); and ≥90 years, 245 (7.7%). The proportion of deaths during the observation period was 8.5% (271/3192). The proportion of deaths increased with increasing age category (from 1.9% to 20.4%, P for trend <0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, patients aged 70–79, 80–89 and ≥90 years had higher hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of death (2.62 [1.63–4.23], 5.99 [3.77–9.50] and 10.24 [6.03–17.40], respectively) than those aged 60–69 years. Factors such as male sex, presence of comorbidities, cluster cases in medical institutions and moderate/severe symptoms at diagnosis were also associated with mortality.

Conclusions

This study shows the epidemiological characteristics of older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The proportion of deaths was 8.5% in total and increased with increasing age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 629–635.
The Turkish version of the Nursing Teamwork Survey: A validity and reliability study
Authors: Taskiran Eskici Gulcan , Baykal Ulku
Published: June 2021

Aim

This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Nursing Teamwork Survey, which was developed to measure the concept of nursing teamwork.

Method

Performed as a methodological study with a cross‐sectional design, the study included 486 bedside nurses in three different types of hospitals in Istanbul. The data were collected using the Nursing Teamwork Survey between October and December 2018. The scale includes five subscales and 33 items. The data were analysed using SPSS 22.0 and LISREL 8.7.

Results

Nurses' mean age was 29.82 (SD = 7.33). The content validity index of the scale was 0.94. Confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the original form showed that all items fell within the subscales of the original scale and that their factor loads were between 0.48 and 0.91. Following factor analysis, the factor structure of the original scale was valid; however, suggested modifications were applied to improve the results. The obtained goodness‐of‐fit indices were close to the excellent range according to literature. Cronbach's alpha was 0.95 for the scale.

Conclusion

The scale is a valid and reliable tool for measuring teamwork among nurses.
Undergraduate nursing students’ resilience, challenges, and supports during corona virus pandemic
Authors: Hamadeh Kerbage Samira , Garvey Loretta , Willetts Georgina , Olasoji Michael
Published: June 2021

The coronavirus global pandemic interrupted teaching at Australian universities. Face‐to‐face teaching was replaced by online delivery. This presented challenges for nursing programmes due to the hands‐on teaching requirements and clinical placements. Questions were raised around students’ resilience and stress in the face of adversity. This study explored undergraduate nursing students’ resilience, challenges experienced, and supports utilized during the pandemic. Convenience sampling recruited students from one nursing programme (n = 340). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC‐25) examined resilience scores through non‐parametric analysis. Narrative responses were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. 121 surveys (40.3%) were completed. Most participants were from second year (n = 77, 63.6%). The difference in median resilience scores among employed participants was statistically significant (P = 0.029) and higher than the unemployed. The median scores of students working in nursing‐related roles were higher than others. Median resilience score across all year levels was 70 (IQR = 62–80), in the lowest score range. Major themes identified were fear of the virus, isolation, and mental health problems. The coping strategies identified were developing daily routines, staying connected, and establishing self‐help techniques. This research has implications to optimize students’ learning experience, enhance resilience, and promote mental health and well‐being.
Otilonium Bromide treatment prevents nitrergic functional and morphological changes caused by chronic stress in the distal colon of a rat IBS model
Authors: Traini Chiara , Idrizaj Eglantina , Garella Rachele , Faussone‐Pellegrini Maria‐Simonetta , Baccari Maria Caterina , Vannucchi Maria Giuliana
Published: June 2021

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. Among the risk factors to develop IBS, psychosocial stress is widely acknowledged. The water avoidance stress repeatedly applied (rWAS) is considered effective to study IBS etio‐pathogenesis. Otilonium bromide (OB), a drug with multiple mechanisms of action, is largely used to treat IBS patients. Orally administered, it concentrates in the large bowel and significantly ameliorates the IBS symptomatology. Presently, we tested whether rWAS rats developed neuro‐muscular abnormalities in the distal colon and whether OB treatment prevented them. The investigation was focussed on the nitrergic neurotransmission by combining functional and morphological methodologies. The results confirm rWAS as reliable animal model to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for IBS: exposure to one‐hour psychosocial stress for 10 days depressed muscle contractility and increased iNOS expression in myenteric neurons. OB treatment counteracted these effects. We hypothesize that these effects are due to the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) release, the main mediator of the psychosocial stress, followed by a CRF1receptor activation. OB, that was shown to prevent CRF1r activation, reasonably interrupted the cascade events that bring to the mechanical and immunohistochemical changes affecting rWAS rat colon.
Ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation for multiple benign breast lesions: A prospective study
Authors: Zhang Jinfan , Li Hang , Lin Lisheng , Lu Jingyu , Wang Hongling
Published: June 2021

Aim

To provide medical evidence for the feasibility and clinical efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of benign breast lesions, especially multiple benign breast lesions.

Methods

We included patients with multiple benign breast lesions who were seen at our hospital during the period from June 2016 to December 2017. After signed informed consent had been obtained and core breast biopsy, all included patients who underwent MWA at 2450 MHz with 30 W power adjustment. Postoperative follow‐up was performed for 1 year, at 3‐month intervals. Ablation time, complications, volume‐reduction ratio (VRR), and lesion residuals after ablation were analyzed.

Results

We ultimately included 1274 lesions from 164 cases in the study with a median follow‐up time of 13.6 months. For a single lesion, the median ablation time was 36 s. Pain, fat liquefaction, and skin scalding were the most common complications. The overall complete disappearance rate was 92.1% (1173/1274), with the highest complete disappearance rate observed among those patients with lesions <10 mm in diameter (942/968, 97.3%). For lesions that persisted at 12 months after MWA, the average the volume‐reduction ratio (VRR) was 87.5%.

Conclusions

For multiple benign lesions of the breast, especially lesions with the longest diameter <10 mm, ultrasound guided MWA is a minimally invasive, relatively quick therapeutic strategy associated with accuracy in treatment and few complications.
Prenatal evaluation of functional pulmonary hypoplasia via fetal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sakuma Junya , Nakata Masahiko , Takano Mayumi , Nagasaki Sumito , Hayata Eijiro , Maemura Toshimitsu , Ohtsu Motoharu , Morita Mineto
Published: June 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the use of lung‐to‐liver signal intensity ratio (LLSIR) on T2‐weighted images to predict functional pulmonary hypoplasia.

Methods

The subjects of this study were pregnant women who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients who required nitric oxide inhalation and those who died from respiratory disorders were classified as having functional pulmonary hypoplasia (FPH). All other cases were presented as the control group. We retrospectively analyzed MRI and perinatal data. LLSIR was defined as the ratio of lung signal intensity to liver signal intensity. We examined the relationship between LLSIR and gestational age, compared the LLSIRs in the two groups, and calculated the best cut‐off value of the LLSIR to predict FPH.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐one patients were eligible for this study, and 12 cases were classified as having FPH. In the control group, LLSIR increased with age (r = 0.383,p < 0.001). We used the observed/expected LLSIR (o/e LLSIR), which was the ratio of obtained LLSIR to expected LLSIR calculated by the regression line to correct the effect of gestational age. In the FHP group, o/e LLSIR was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that cases with o/e LLSIR above 0.85 were less likely to cause FPH.

Conclusions

Low o/e LLSIR might reflect the histological characteristics of hypoplastic lung structures. O/e LLSIR seems to be a useful MRI parameter for screening FPH.
Effect on physiological and production parameters upon supplementation of fermented yeast culture to Nicobari chickens during and post summer
Authors: Nidamanuri Anand Laxmi , Prince Lawrence Leslie Leo , Mahapatra Rama Krishna , Murugesan Shanmugam
Published: June 2021

Nicobari is an indigenous bird reared for meat and eggs. This study evaluated the effect of heat stress on plasma levels of leptin, growth hormone and their receptors, liver AMP kinase, plasma cholesterol and lipid peroxide (MDA). The laying period coincided with the post summer period. The birds were equally divided into three groups, control group was offered ad libitum feed and treatment groups were supplemented with fermented yeast culture at 700 mg (T1) and 1.4 g/kg (T2) of feed/day. The levels of plasma Leptin and GH hormones were higher (p < 0.05) in the control group when compared to the treatment groups. The expression of the hormone receptors was higher in the brain, and MMP3 gene expression in the magnum was lower in the treatment group. Plasma cholesterol, MDA and AMP kinase were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group. Fermented yeast culture supplementation decreased feed intake and increased egg production parameters, which indicates a greater efficiency of supplementation. Supplementation reduced the severity of necrosis of villi in the jejunum when compared to control. In conclusion, higher ambient temperature during summer had negative effect on production parameters through modulation of physiological parameters which could be ameliorated by supplementation of FYC.
Evaluation of the quick sequential organ failure assessment score plus lactate in critically ill dogs
Authors: Ortolani J. M. , Bellis T. J.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To apply the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score to dogs admitted to a veterinary ICU, and evaluate whether the addition of lactate increased the predictive ability of the score.

Materials and Methods

A quick sequential organ failure assessment score of 0, 1, 2, or 3 was assigned to each dog based on the following criteria: respiratory rate >22 breaths per minute, altered mentation, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg. Lactate was added to quick sequential organ failure assessment in an LqSOFA model and assigned to each patient. Disease processes evaluated included sepsis, congestive heart failure, pneumonia and pancreatitis.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐seven client‐owned dogs met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in quick sequential organ failure assessment score between survivors and non‐survivors. The use of lactate >3, 4, and 5 mmol/L incorporated into the quick sequential organ failure assessment score (L3qSOFA, L4qSOFA, L5qSOFA) distinguished between survival and non‐survival (AUC=0.62; AUC=0.64; AUC=0.62, respectively). Lactate alone distinguished between survival and non‐survival (AUC=0.63). Lactate concentration was significantly lower in survivors.

Clinical Significance

In this study, quick sequential organ failure assessment was not able to predict survival in a general population of critically ill patients. The addition of lactate to the quick sequential organ failure assessment score slightly increased the predictive ability of the score.
Surgical removal of a sewing needle penetrated through the foramen lacerum into a canine brain
Authors: Abed Alla S. , Locatelli A. , Losio S. , Allevi G.
Published: June 2021

An intracranial metallic foreign body (sewing needle) was diagnosed in an 11‐month‐old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Clinical evaluation showed drooling and chewing, but an otherwise normal neurological examination. Skull radiographs showed a metallic foreign body extending from the pharynx into the skull. A CT scan confirmed the presence of a foreign body crossing the right foramen lacerum into the brain. The needle was removed surgically with the aid of fluoroscopy. No complications were noted, except for transient right Horner's syndrome, most likely due to partial damage of the sympathetic postganglionic fibres that lie in the region of the tympanic bulla following surgery. The owner reported the dog being healthy 3 months after surgery.
Limited evidence of vertical fine‐root segregation in a subtropical forest
Authors: Luo Wenqi , Ni Ming , Wang Youshi , Lan Runxuan , Eissenstat David M. , Cahill James F. , Li Buhang , Chu Chengjin
Published: June 2021

Vertical root segregation and the resulting niche partitioning can be a key underpinning of species coexistence. This could result from substantial interspecific variations in root profiles and rooting plasticity in response to soil heterogeneity and neighbours, but they remain largely untested in forest communities.

In a diverse forest in subtropical China, we randomly sampled > 4000 root samples from 625 0–30 cm soil profiles. Using morphological and DNA‐based methods, we identified 109 woody plant species, determined the degree of vertical fine‐root segregation, and examined rooting plasticity in response to soil heterogeneity and neighbour structure.

We found no evidence of vertical fine‐root segregation among cooccurring species. By contrast, root abundance of different species tended to be positively correlated within soil zones. Underlying these findings was a lack of interspecific variation in fine‐root profiles with over 90% of species concentrated in the 0–10 cm soil zone with only one species dominating in the 10–20 cm soil zone. Root profiles exhibited low responsiveness to root neighbours but tended to be shallow in soils with low phosphorus and copper content.

These findings suggest that if there is niche differentiation leading to coexistence in this diverse forest, it would be occurring by mechanisms other than vertical fine‐root segregation.