bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic disturbances caused declines in the wetland area and carbon pool in China during the last four decades
Authors: Lu Mingzhi , Zou Yuanchun , Xun Qilei , Yu Zicheng , Jiang Ming , Sheng Lianxi , Lu Xianguo , Wang Deli
Published: May 2021

Wetlands are among the natural ecosystems with the highest soil carbon stocks on Earth. However, how anthropogenic disturbances have impacted the quantity and distribution of wetland carbon pool in China is not well understood. Here we used a comprehensive countrywide wetland inventory and Landsat 8 data to document the spatial patterns in China's wetland areas and carbon pools and to understand the underlying causes of their changes from the 1980s to 2010s. We found that the wetland area and carbon pool have decreased from 4.11 × 105 km2 and 15.2 Pg C in the 1980s to 2.14 × 105 km2 and 7.6 Pg C in the 2010s, respectively. Using the human influence index (HII) as a quantitative measure of anthropogenic disturbance intensity, we found a positive relationship between the HII values and wetland decreases in many regions and across China as a whole—which have increased 17% during the time period—indicating that anthropogenic disturbances have been a major factor causing wetland destruction in recent decades. This study provides new evidence for recent changes in China's wetland carbon pool and emphasizes the importance of mitigating anthropogenic disturbances for wetland conservation.
Grass silage composition and nutritive value on Northern Ireland farms between 1998 and 2017
Authors: Patterson J. David , Sahle Biruk , Gordon Alan W. , Archer John E. , Yan Tianhai , Grant Nick , Ferris Conrad P.
Published: May 2021

Grass silage is the predominant conserved forage offered to ruminant livestock within Northern Ireland (NI) when housed. This study involved the analysis of a dataset (n = 76,452 samples) comprising silage samples from commercial farms, analysed by the Agri‐Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) between 1998 and 2017. The effects of harvest number (1, 2 or 3) and year were examined. Most of the differences between harvests 1–3 were significant although these differences were of little biological significance. Silage crude protein (CP) increased from harvests 1 to 3, while ammonia N concentration was higher in 3rd harvests. Acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentrations decreased from harvest 1 to 3, while dry‐matter (DM) digestibility and D‐value (% DM) were higher in 1st compared to 2nd harvest. Across the twenty year period, silage DM and water soluble carbohydrate concentrations increased, while ADF and NDF concentrations decreased. Crude protein concentration did not change over time. There was no significant improvement in silage digestibility. While silage intake potential for dairy cows increased by approximately 8% (from 88.8 to 96.1 g kg W0.75, meant across all harvests), silage intake potential for beef cattle increased only within harvest 1. Despite overall increases in silage DM concentration, silage digestibility parameters did not show any significant improvement over the 20‐year period, highlighting the need for a renewed focus on improving silage nutritive value.
CagA+Helicobacter pylori infection and N‐nitrosodimethylamine administration induce cholangiocarcinoma development in hamsters
Authors: Dangtakot Rungtiwa , Intuyod Kitti , Chamgramol Yaovalux , Pairojkul Chawalit , Pinlaor Somchai , Jantawong Chanakan , Pongking Thatsanapong , Haonon Ornuma , Ma Ning , Pinlaor Porntip
Published: May 2021

Background

Helicobacter pylori (HP) has been detected in the hepatobiliary tract of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients in regions both endemic and non‐endemic for Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) infection. However, whether H. pylori infection promotes CCA development remains unknown. We investigated CCA development in hamsters induced by a combination of infection with H. pylori and administration of N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and compared findings with those in an OV plus NDMA group.

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐five hamsters were divided into four groups: (1) normal, (2) administered NDMA, (3) infected with cagA+ H. pylori and administered NDMA (HN group), and (4) infected with OV and administered NDMA (ON group). Animals were euthanized at 3 and 6 months post‐infection. Histopathological changes of liver and the expression of markers associated with carcinogenesis were studied.

Results

At 3 months post‐infection (p.i.), cholangitis and lymphoid follicles without tumor appearance were noted in the HN group, whereas extensive fibrosis was seen in members of the ON group, 10% of which had developed tumors. At 6 months p.i., 10% of hamsters administered NDMA alone had developed CCA, whereas in the HN and ON groups, 20% and 60% of hamsters, respectively, had developed CCA. Cytokeratin‐19 (CK19) expression was observed in the CCA tissues of both the HN and the ON groups, confirming the bile duct origin of the CCA cells. CCA development in the HN group might be inflammation‐mediated, as suggested by overexpression of HMGB1, PCNA, IL‐8, and 8‐OxodG in CCA tissues.

Conclusion

cagA+ H. pylori infection and carcinogen intake can induce CCA development with slow progression.
Investigating the effect of an education programme on diabetes and lipid lowering medication usage following coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Hitchen Sarah A. , Lan Nick S. R. , Ali Umar S. , Hort Adam L. , Larbalestier Robert , Yeap Bu B. , Fegan P. Gerry
Published: May 2021

Background

Guidelines advocate multifactorial cardiovascular risk management in patients with diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Aim

In hospitalised patients with diabetes following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), we aimed to evaluate the impacts of decision‐support algorithms for optimising glycaemia and lipid‐lowering. We also assessed the safety of initiating sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors near time of hospital discharge.

Methods

This was a single‐site, pre‐ and post‐intervention analysis of glucose and lipid management in consecutive hospitalised patients with diabetes undergoing CABG surgery. The intervention involved education and decision‐support algorithms designed by a multidisciplinary committee to guide cardiac surgery unit clinicians.

Results

A total of 200 patients were included in the study. The pre‐ and post‐intervention groups had similar baseline characteristics (HbA1c 7.9 ± 1.9% vs 8.1 ± 1.8%). Of 4092 blood glucose measurements, the incidence of levels between 5 and 10 mmol/L was not different post‐intervention (55.5% vs 57.0%; P = 0.441). Fewer endocrinology consultations occurred (59.0% vs 45.0%; P = 0.048) and rates of hypoglycaemia remained low. High‐intensity statin was prescribed in >90% pre‐ and post‐intervention, although non‐statin lipid‐lowering agents remained <10% despite patients not achieving LDL‐C targets. No 30‐day readmissions for diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in patients prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors.

Conclusion

The intervention did not improve inpatient glycaemia or increase non‐statin lipid‐lowering prescriptions in patients with diabetes following CABG surgery but did reduce reliance on specialty input. Initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy near time of hospital discharge was not associated with safety concerns. Alternative interventions or strategies are required to optimise glycaemia and non‐statin lipid‐lowering therapy prescribing in this setting.
Hidden lives and deaths: the last months of life of people with intellectual disabilities living in long‐term, generic care settings in the UK
Authors: Todd Stuart , Bernal Jane , Worth Rhian , Shearn Julia , Brearley Sarah , McCarron Mary , Hunt Katherine
Published: May 2021

Rationale

This paper concerns mortality and needs for end‐of‐life care in a population of adults with ID living in generic care homes.

Methods

Various sampling strategies were used to identify a difficult to find a population of people with ID in generic care homes. Demographic and health data were obtained for 132 people with ID. This included the Surprise Question. At T2, 12 months later, data were obtained on the survival of this sample.

Findings

The average age was 68.6 years, and the majority were women (55.3%). Their health was typically rated as good or better. Responses to the Surprise Question indicated that 23.3% respondents might need EoLC. At T2, 18.0% of this population had died. The average of death was 72.2 years. The majority died within the care setting (62.9%).

Implications

The implications for end‐of‐life care and mortality research are discussed.
Comprehensive strategy improves the genetic diagnosis of different polycystic kidney diseases
Authors: Hu Hua‐Ying , Zhang Jing , Qiu Wei , Liang Chao , Li Cun‐Xi , Wei Tian‐Ying , Feng Zhan‐Ke , Guo Qing , Yang Kai , Liu Zu‐Guo
Published: May 2021

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is known to occur in three main forms, namely autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD), autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD) and syndromic PKD (SPKD), based on the clinical manifestations and genetic causes, which are diagnosable from the embryo stage to the later stages of life. Selection of the genetic test for the individuals with diagnostic imaging reports of cystic kidneys without a family history of the disease continues to be a challenge in clinical practice. With the objective of maintaining a limit on the time and medical cost of the procedure, a practical strategy for genotyping and targeted validation to resolve cystogene variations was developed in our clinical laboratory, which combined the techniques of whole‐exome sequencing (WES), Long‐range PCR (LR‐PCR), Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation–dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to work in a stepwise approach. In this context, twenty‐six families with renal polycystic disorders were enrolled in the present study. Thirty‐two variants involving four ciliary genes (PKD1, PKHD1, TMEM67 and TMEM107) were identified and verified in 23 families (88.5%, 23/26), which expanded the variant spectrum by 16 novel variants. Pathogenic variations in five foetuses of six families diagnosed with PKD were identified using prenatal ultrasound imaging. Constitutional biallelic and digenic variations constituted the pathogenic patterns in these foetuses. The preliminary clinical data highlighted that the WES + LR PCR‐based workflow followed in the present study is efficient in detecting divergent variations in PKD. The biallelic and digenic mutations were revealed as the main pathogenic patterns in the foetuses with PKD.
Islet microangiopathy and augmented β‐cell loss in Japanese non‐obese type 2 diabetes patients who died of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhisa , Mizukami Hiroki , Osonoi Sho , Takeuchi Yuki , Kudoh Kazuhiro , Sasaki Takanori , Daimon Makoto , Yagihashi Soroku
Published: May 2021

Aims/Introduction

Islets have microvessels that might develop pathological alterations similar to microangiopathy in type 2 diabetes patients. It remains unclear, however, whether the changes correlate with endocrine cell deficits or whether the presence of macroangiopathy influences the islet microvasculature in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients. In this study, we characterized changes of the islet microvessels and endocrine cells in Japanese non‐obese patients with type 2 diabetes who died of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Materials and Methods

Clinical profiles and islet pathology were examined for 35 diabetes patients who died of AMI (DM + AMI) and 13 diabetes patients who were free from AMI (DM). A total of 13 age‐matched, individuals without diabetes who died of AMI and 16 individuals without diabetes who were free from AMI were also studied. Pancreata were subjected to morphometric evaluation of islets, including microvascular alterations of immunostained sections.

Results

Body mass index in DM + AMI was comparable to those in DM. Compared with DM, DM + AMI showed greater glycated hemoglobin levels, higher prevalence of renal failure, hypertension, smaller β‐cell volume density and greater amyloid area. DM + AMI showed an increased microvascular area and density compared with other groups. There was a significant increase in vascular basement membrane thickness and loss of pericytes in DM and DM + AMI compared with individuals without diabetes in each group, and the extent of thickening was correlated with the amyloid area and occurrence of β‐cell loss in DM + AMI.

Conclusions

Islet microangiopathy was associated with augmented β‐cell loss and amyloid deposition in non‐obese Japanese type 2 diabetes patients who died of AMI.
Effect of homogenizing pressure on the properties of soy protein isolate‐vitamin D3 nanoemulsion
Authors: Zhang Anqi , Wang Xibo , Zhao Xin‐huai
Published: May 2021

Vitamin D3 (VD3) plays an important role in maintaining the normal growth and development of the body, but VD3 is insoluble in water and has poor stability. It is easily damaged and lost during food processing, storage, and transportation. Soy protein isolate (SPI) is a natural encapsulation vehicle for hydrophobic VD3. This article focus on the effect of different homogenizing pressures on loading of VD3 in SPI emulsion system. The results of encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity show that when the SPI‐VD3 emulsion is subjected to a homogenizing pressure of 120 MPa, the maximum encapsulation efficiency is 87.63%. As the homogenization pressure increases, the particle size distribution becomes more uniform, and the average particle size became smaller and smaller. The Fourier infrared results showed that the secondary structure of the emulsion had changed after high‐pressure homogenization. The light stability and storage stability had been significantly improved when the SPI‐VD3 emulsion homogenization pressure was 120 MPa. The optical microscope showed that when the homogenization pressure was 120 MPa, the particles of the emulsion were more uniform. These results indicated that SPI could be used as a biomaterial for embedding VD3 in the food industry.

Practical application

In this article, SPI and VD3 were used as raw materials to form a nanoemulsion under high‐pressure homogenization conditions. The light stability and storage stability of SPI‐VD3 nanoemulsion with different homogenization pressures were explored. Since VD3 has many benefits to the human body, SPI loaded with VD3 in the form of nanoemulsion can be used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. This article hopes to provide a basis for better adding VD3 in the food industry.
Use of M2BPGi in HCC patients with TACE
Authors: Tak Kwon Yong , Jang Bohyun , Lee Soon Kyu , Nam Hee Chul , Sung Pil Soo , Bae Si Hyun , Choi Jong Young , Yoon Seung Kew , Jang Jeong Won
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

Serum Mac‐2‐binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) has been studied as a marker for liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. This study explores the potential role of M2BPGi in predicting clinical outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

A total of 226 HCC patients undergoing TACE were enrolled. Serum M2BPGi was measured at baseline. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the cut‐off value (= 2.82) of M2BPGi for prediction of patient outcomes. The prognostic performance of M2BPGi was compared with the hepatoma arterial embolization prognostic (HAP) score. The primary outcome was progression‐free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), radiologic response, and recurrence after complete response (CR).

Results

Median PFS was 14.5 months. Patients with low M2BPGi levels had significantly better OS and PFS than those with high M2BPGi levels. M2BPGi was an independent variable for PFS and OS. Patients were classified into three groups by combination of M2BPGi and the HAP score. The low‐risk group had significantly better PFS and OS than the high‐risk and intermediate‐risk groups, whereas the differences between the high‐risk and intermediate‐risk groups were insignificant. The combination showed higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for 3‐year PFS and OS than the HAP score alone. M2BPGi was a significant predictor of HCC recurrence after achieving CR.

Conclusions

Serum M2BPGi level is a useful prognostic indicator of PFS and OS in TACE‐treated HCC patients, as well as recurrent cases, which cannot be predicted with the HAP score. The combination of M2BPGi and the HAP score enhances the detection of TACE‐preferred patients.
Association between obesity and the risk of gastric cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Choi In Young , Choi Yoon Jin , Shin Dong Wook , Han Kyung Do , Jeon Keun Hye , Jeong Su‐Min , Yoo Jung Eun
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

Obesity was suggested to increase the incidence of gastric cancer (GC) in women, but results from previous studies were inconsistent. We investigated the relationship between obesity and the risk of GC according to menopausal status.

Methods

We enrolled 1 418 180 premenopausal and 4 854 187 postmenopausal women aged ≥ 40 years using the Korean National Health Insurance System Cohort (2009–2014). We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for GC incidence according to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) using the Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During the mean follow‐up period of 7.2 years, 42 441 women were newly diagnosed with GC. Compared with the group with BMI 18.5–22.9 kg/m2, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for GC in the groups with BMI < 18.5, 23–24.9, 25–29.9, and ≥ 30 kg/m2 were 1.12 (0.95–1.33), 0.96 (0.89–1.04), 1.02 (0.94–1.11), and 0.99 (0.83–1.18), respectively, for premenopausal women and 1.07 (1.00–1.14), 1.01 (0.99–1.04), 1.03 (1.00–1.05), and 1.11 (1.10–1.16), respectively, for postmenopausal women. Compared with the group with WC 65–74.9 cm, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for GC for the groups with WC < 65, 75–84.9, 85–94.9, and ≥ 90 cm were 1.00 (0.88–1.15), 1.03 (0.96–1.11), 1.10 (0.99–1.22), and 1.02 (0.81–1.27), respectively, for premenopausal women and 1.01 (0.94–1.09), 1.01 (0.99–1.04), 1.09 (1.06–1.13), and 1.14 (1.09–1.19), respectively, for postmenopausal women.

Conclusions

We found a positive association between the highest BMI and WC category and risk of GC in postmenopausal women; however, such an association was not evident in premenopausal women.
Temporomandibular disorders and dietary changes: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Edwards David C. , Bowes Charlotte C. , Penlington Chris , Durham Justin
Published: May 2021

Background

Advice about a ‘soft diet’ may be useful in the short‐term alleviation of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) but may contradict the long‐term aims of multi‐dimensional approaches if a poor nutritional state is caused or exacerbated. The changes patients with TMD make to their diet, because of their condition or its management, have not previously been explored.

Objectives

To explore the relationship and trends between TMD, TMD interventions and diet using self‐report measures.

Methods

Registrants of the Temporomandibular Joint Association (TMJA) were invited to participate. After completing a screening questionnaire to check for eligibility, participants completed a questionnaire exploring demographics, TMD interventions and dietary habits, as well as jaw functional limitation scale (JFLS) score, graded chronic pain scale score, self‐assessed limitation of opening and patient health questionnaire 4 (PHQ‐4). This was followed by a validated 3‐day electronic diet diary. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to explore the data for trends and differences in the dietary intake of those participating according to various strata including demographic variables; experience of surgery; other interventions for TMD; duration of TMD; and limitation of mouth opening.

Results

Eighty‐five registrants of the TMJA completed the questionnaire, of which 42 (49%) completed the 3‐day diet diary. Most participants (66/85 [77.6%]) reported modifying their diet due to their TMD. The most common modification was to cut food into smaller pieces (61/85 [71.8%]) followed by boiling until soft (36/85 [42.4%]) and mashing (34/85 [40%]). Higher JFLS scores were associated with participants reduced enjoyment of food (t(83) = 2.78, p = .007), limitations in the foods they can eat (t(83) = 2.99, p = .004), necessity for modified food preparation (t(83) = 3.38, p = .001) and self‐reported weight change (F(2, 82) = 9.31, p = .0002).

Conclusion

This study suggests a significant proportion of patients with TMD make alterations to their diet which may impact the nutritional value of their diet. However, self‐reported symptoms and interventions for TMD made little difference to nutritional intake as measured by a 3‐day diary. Patients reporting self‐assessed limited opening had more pain as measured by validated tools, suggesting patients’ self‐reporting of opening is a useful proxy for clinical measurement in monitoring TMD.
Teachers and School Health Leaders' Perspectives on Distance Learning Physical Education During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Vilchez Jocelyn A. , Kruse John , Puffer Maryjane , Dudovitz Rebecca N.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, students and teachers have transitioned to online learning. The transition required changes in teaching practices to accommodate for an online learning environment. However, there are no studies characterizing physical educators' and school health experts' perspectives on physical education via distance learning or identifying best practices and their implications for student health.

METHODS

Using purposive and snowball sampling, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with 19 physical education teachers and school health experts across 21 California school districts on best practices for physical education via distance learning. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Four major themes emerged: (1) participants felt high quality physical education via distance learning was both critical and possible; (2) strategies for creating a successful distance learning environment included personalization, creativity, and inclusiveness; (3) resources necessary for success included professional development, administrative support, and equipment; and (4) lessons for the long‐term.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants identified effective strategies, challenges, and recommendations for the future. Participants felt optimistic about their ability to provide quality physical education via distance learning, given the necessary supports, and perceived that they played a critical role in supporting student health during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Public kindergarten, maternal labor supply, and earnings in the longer run: Too little too late?
Authors: Soldani Emilia
Published: May 2021

By facilitating early re‐entry to the labor market after childbirth, public kindergarten might positively affect maternal human capital and labor market outcomes: Are such effects long‐lasting? Can we rely on between‐individuals differences in quarter of birth to identify them? I isolate the effects of interest from spurious associations through difference‐in‐difference, exploiting across‐states and over‐time variation in public kindergarten eligibility regulations in the United States. The estimates suggest a very limited impact in the first year, and no longer‐run impacts. Even in states where it does not affect kindergarten eligibility, quarter of birth is strongly and significantly correlated with maternal outcomes.
Identifying the biomarkers and pathways associated with hepatocellular carcinoma based on an integrated analysis approach
Authors: Yang Yichen , Ma Yuequn , Yuan Meng , Peng Yonglin , Fang Zhonghai , Wang Ju
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. The molecular mechanism underlying HCC is still unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to explore the genes, pathways and their interactions involved in HCC.

Methods

We analysed the gene expression datasets corresponding to 488 samples from 10 studies on HCC and identified the genes differentially expressed in HCC samples. Then, the genes were compared against Phenolyzer and GeneCards to screen those potentially associated with HCC. The features of the selected genes were explored by mapping them onto the human protein–protein interaction network, and a subnetwork related to HCC was constructed. Hub genes in this HCC specific subnetwork were identified, and their relevance with HCC was investigated by survival analysis.

Results

We identified 444 differentially expressed genes (177 upregulated and 267 downregulated) related to HCC. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that pathways like p53 signalling and chemical carcinogenesis were eriched in HCC genes. In the subnetwork related to HCC, five disease modules were detected. Further analysis identified six hub genes from the HCC specific subnetwork. Survival analysis showed that the expression levels of these genes were negatively correlated with survival rate of HCC patients.

Conclusions

Based on a systems biology framework, we identified the genes, pathways, as well as the disease specific network related to HCC. We also found novel biomarkers whose expression patterns were correlated with progression of HCC, and they could be candidates for further investigation.
Transactivation response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa proteinopathy and lysosomal abnormalities in spastic paraplegia type 11
Authors: Mori Shinichiro , Honda Hiroyuki , Hamasaki Hideomi , Sasagasako Naokazu , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Furuya Hirokazu , Taniwaki Takayuki , Iwaki Toru
Published: May 2021

Spastic paraplegia type 11 (SPG11) is the most common autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia with thinning of the corpus callosum. Spatacsin, a protein encoded by the SPG11 gene, is associated with autophagy. SPG11 patients show spastic paraplegia, intellectual disability, dementia, and parkinsonism. A previous neuropathological analysis of SPG11 cases reported neurodegeneration mimicking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis without transactivation response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) deposits and unique sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1)‐positive neuronal inclusions. We performed a neuropathological examination of two Japanese patients with complicated spastic paraplegia with thinning of the corpus callosum from different families, and one was genetically diagnosed as having SPG11. Both cases showed diffuse atrophy of the brain and spinal cord. Depigmentation of the substantia nigra was also observed. Immunohistochemistry revealed widespread distribution of areas showing TDP‐43 aggregation in the central nervous system. The TDP‐43 deposits in the thalamus and substantia nigra especially resembled skein‐like inclusions. Unique SQSTM1‐positive neuronal inclusions, as previously reported, were widespread in the whole central nervous system as well as the dorsal root ganglia. Double‐labeling immunofluorescence of the dorsal root ganglia revealed that the unique, large SQSTM1‐positive cytoplasmic inclusions of the ganglion cells were labeled with lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1 and lysosome‐associated membrane protein 2. This is the first report showing TDP‐43 pathology in SPG11. The common neuropathological findings of TDP‐43–positive inclusions in both the cases imply a causal connection between the TDP‐43 proteinopathy and autophagy dysfunction in SPG11.
Two rice MYB transcription factors maintain male fertility in response to photoperiod by modulating sugar partitioning
Authors: Wang Duoxiang , Li Jingbin , Sun Linlin , Hu Yangyang , Yu Jing , Wang Canhua , Zhang Fengli , Hou Haili , Liang Wanqi , Zhang Dabing
Published: May 2021

Photoperiod‐dependent male fertility is a critical enabler of modern hybrid breeding. A MYB transcription factor, CSA, is a key regulator of sugar partitioning in rice anthers, disruption of which causes photoperiod‐sensitive male sterility. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing plant fertility in response to photoperiod.

Here, we have obtained another rice photoperiod‐sensitive male sterile mutant, csa2, which exhibits semi‐sterility under long‐day (LD) conditions, with normal fertility under short‐day (SD) conditions. CSA2 specifically expressed in anthers, and here is shown to be indispensable for sugar partitioning to anthers under LD conditions.

The CSA2 protein can restore the fertility of csa mutants under SD conditions when expressed in a CSA‐specific pattern, indicating that the two proteins share common downstream regulatory targets. Transcriptomic analyses also reveal discrete regulatory targets in anthers. Furthermore, the regulatory role of CSA2 in sugar transport was influenced by the photoperiod conditions during floral initiation, not simply during anther development.

Collectively, we propose that rice evolved at least two MYB proteins, CSA2 and CSA, that regulate sugar transport in anthers under LD and SD conditions, respectively. This finding provides insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate male fertility in response to photoperiod.
Locally restricted glucose availability in the embryonic hypocotyl determines seed germination under abscisic acid treatment
Authors: Xue Xueyi , Yu Ya‐Chi , Wu Yue , Xue Huiling , Chen Li‐Qing
Published: May 2021

Abiotic stresses affect plant growth and development by causing cellular damage and/or restricting resources. Plants often respond to stresses through abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Exogenous ABA application can therefore be used to mimic stress responses, which can be overridden by glucose (Glc) addition during seed germination. It remains unclear whether ABA‐mediated germination inhibition is due to regional or global suppression of Glc availability in germinating Arabidopsis seeds.

We used a genetically engineered Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor to ascertain whether ABA affects the spatiotemporal distribution of Glc, 14C‐Glc uptake assays to track potential effects of ABA on sugar import, and transcriptome and mutant analyses to identify genes associated with Glc availability that are involved in ABA‐inhibited seed germination.

Abscisic acid limits Glc in the hypocotyl largely by suppressing sugar allocation as well as altering sugar metabolism. Mutant plants carrying loss‐of‐function ABA‐inducible sucrose‐phosphate synthase (SPS) genes accumulated more Glc, leading to ABA‐insensitive germination. We reveal that Glc antagonizes ABA by globally counteracting the ABA influence at the transcript level, including expansin (EXP) family genes suppressed by ABA.

This study presents a new perspective on how ABA affects Glc distribution, which likely reflects what occurs when seeds are subjected to abiotic stresses such as drought and salt stress.
ZmbHLH124 identified in maize recombinant inbred lines contributes to drought tolerance in crops
Authors: Wei Shaowei , Xia Ran , Chen Chengxuan , Shang Xiaoling , Ge Fengyong , Wei Huimin , Chen Huabang , Wu Yaorong , Xie Qi
Published: May 2021

Due to climate change, drought has become a severe abiotic stress that affects the global production of all crops. Elucidation of the complex physiological mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in crops will support the cultivation of new drought‐tolerant crop varieties. Here, two drought‐tolerant lines, RIL70 and RIL73, and two drought‐sensitive lines, RIL44 and RIL93, from recombinant inbred lines (RIL) generated from maize drought‐tolerant line PH4CV and drought‐sensitive line F9721, were selected for a comparative RNA‐seq study. Through transcriptome analyses, we found that gene expression differences existed between drought‐tolerant and ‐sensitive lines, but also differences between the drought‐tolerant lines, RIL70 and RIL73. ZmbHLH124 in RIL73, named as ZmbHLH124T‐ORG which origins from PH4CV and encodes a bHLH type transcription factor, was specifically up‐regulated during drought stress. In addition, we identified a substitution in ZmbHLH124 that produced an early stop codon in sensitive lines (ZmbHLH124S‐ORG). Overexpression of ZmbHLH124T‐ORG, but not ZmbHLH124S‐ORG, in maize and rice enhanced plant drought tolerance and up‐regulated the expression of drought‐responsive genes. Moreover, we found that ZmbHLH124T‐ORG could directly bind the cis‐acting elements in ZmDREB2A promoter to enhance its expression. Taken together, this work identified a valuable genetic locus and provided a new strategy for breeding drought‐tolerant crops.
Traveling wave solutions in a model for social outbursts in a tension‐inhibitive regime
Authors: Bakhshi Marzieh , Ghazaryan Anna , Manukian Vahagn , Rodriguez Nancy
Published: May 2021

In this work, we investigate the existence of nonmonotone traveling wave solutions to a reaction‐diffusion system modeling social outbursts, such as rioting activity, originally proposed in Berestycki et al (Netw Heterog Media. 2015;10(3):443–475). The model consists of two scalar values, the level of unrest and a tension field . A key component of the model is a bandwagon effect in the unrest, provided the tension is sufficiently high. We focus on the so‐called tension‐inhibitive regime, characterized by the fact that the level of unrest has a negative feedback on the tension. This regime has been shown to be physically relevant for the spatiotemporal spread of the 2005 French riots. We use Geometric Singular Perturbation Theory to study the existence of such solutions in two situations. The first is when both and diffuse at a very small rate. Here, the time scale over which the bandwagon effect is observed plays a key role. The second case we consider is when the tension diffuses at a much slower rate than the level of unrest. In this case, we are able to deduce that the driving dynamics are modeled by the well‐known Fisher–Kolmogorov‐Petrovsky‐Piskunov (KPP) equation.
Whitham modulation theory for generalized Whitham equations and a general criterion for modulational instability
Authors: Binswanger Adam L. , Hoefer Mark A. , Ilan Boaz , Sprenger Patrick
Published: May 2021

The Whitham equation was proposed as a model for surface water waves that combines the quadratic flux nonlinearityof the Korteweg–de Vries equation and the full linear dispersion relationof unidirectional gravity water waves in suitably scaled variables. This paper proposes and analyzes a generalization of Whitham's model to unidirectional nonlinear wave equations consisting of a general nonlinear flux functionand a general linear dispersion relation. Assuming the existence of periodic traveling wave solutions to this generalized Whitham equation, their slow modulations are studied in the context of Whitham modulation theory. A multiple scales calculation yields the modulation equations, a system of three conservation laws that describe the slow evolution of the periodic traveling wave's wavenumber, amplitude, and mean. In the weakly nonlinear limit, explicit, simple criteria in terms of generalandestablishing the strict hyperbolicity and genuine nonlinearity of the modulation equations are determined. This result is interpreted as a generalized Lighthill–Whitham criterion for modulational instability.
Social Media and Policy Responses to the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Switzerland
Authors: Gilardi Fabrizio , Gessler Theresa , Kubli Maël , Müller Stefan
Published: May 2021

We study the role of social media in debates regarding two policy responses to COVID‐19 in Switzerland: face‐mask rules and contact‐tracing apps. We use a dictionary classifier to categorize 612'177 tweets by parties, politicians, and the public as well as 441'458 articles published in 76 newspapers between February and August 2020. We distinguish between “problem” (COVID‐19) and “solutions” (face masks and contact‐tracing apps) and, using a vector autoregression approach, we analyze the relationship between their salience on social and traditional media, as well as among different groups on social media. We find that overall attention to COVID‐19 was not driven by endogenous dynamics between the different actors. By contrast, the debate on face masks was led by the attentive public and by politicians, whereas parties and newspapers followed. The results illustrate how social media challenge the capacity of party and media elites to craft a consensus regarding the appropriateness of different measures as responses to a major crisis.
Anatomic and diagnostic considerations of facial mobility for understanding the effectiveness of facial massage: A pilot study
Authors: Okuda Itsuko , Yamada Minoru , Yamada Yoshitake , Yokoyama Yoichi , Kampan Natnicha , Akita Keiichi , Jinzaki Masahiro
Published: May 2021

Background

The effectiveness of facial massage is often explained by the resulting increases in the blood and lymphatic flow. However, it is difficult to explain the lifting effect on the cheeks. The aim of this study was to analyze facial mobility to further current understanding of the effectiveness of facial massage.

Materials and Methods

Two kinds of analytical methods were designed using a cadaveric head as well as advanced computed tomography (CT). The cadaveric face was divided into three sections, and three different colors of ink were injected into each section. It was kept in a supine position for 24 hours, and the ink distribution was observed. Upright and supine CT examinations were performed on six healthy adult volunteers. The images of both were superimposed by a three‐dimensional image analysis system, and changes in facial contours were analyzed.

Results

The three colors of ink spread craniocaudally and were distributed differently from the gravitational vector. When both CT images were superimposed, two distinct lines were formed, which represented overlapping of the facial contours due to the two different CT images. These lines were found to correspond to the border of each color of the ink.

Conclusion

Focusing on the mobility of the face, the soft tissue of the face had vertical mobility, and it was speculated that this mobility is involved in the effectiveness of facial massage. Our results could provide useful information for cosmetic treatment and contribute to the collection of scientific knowledge for anti‐aging medicine.
Integrated management of parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorusL.) and its effect on yield components and yield of maize (Zea maysL.) inWest Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Million Dinberu , Nigatu Lisanework , Bekeko Zelalem , Legesse Hirpa
Published: May 2021

A field experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of integrated management on parthenium and yield components and yield of maize. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with 14 treatments with a factorial arrangement. The highest parthenium density (87.80 m−2)and dry biomass (764.61 g/m2) were recorded by weedy check while the lowest was in weed‐free check (0.00 m−2and 0.00 g/m2), respectively. Late physiological maturity (140 days) was observed in 2,4‐D+Straw mulching and weed‐free check at Upper Bir and early maturity (133.00 days) were in weedy check at Lower Bir. 2,4‐D+Twice hand hoeing and Butrazine + Straw mulching with 308.23 cm showed higher plant height at Lower Bir and least was in weedy check (265.96 cm) at Upper Bir. The highest numbers of kernels per ear, 1,000 kernels weight and grain yield (714.75, 438.33 g, and 11.40 tha−1) were recorded on weed‐free check at Lower Bir and the lowest was on weedy control (418.00, 438.33 g, and 5.29 tha−1) at Upper Bir, respectively. The maximum dry biomass of maize was recorded for Butrazine + Straw mulching (13.51 tha−1) at Lower Bir and the minimum was recorded for weedy control (7.68 tha−1) at Upper Bir. Weed‐free control (93.42%) and weedy control (68.95%) had the highest and lowest harvest index at Upper Bir, respectively. Therefore, using 2,4‐D with straw mulching could provide good control of parthenium, economical, and ultimately better yielded.
Benefit‐cost analysis of skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea) management in Western Australia
Authors: Cook David C.
Published: May 2021

This paper estimates the return on investment in the skeleton weed management program in Western Australia. A bioeconomic model is used to estimate costs to broadacre cropping industries over time with and without the program. Results suggest that without the program annual crop yield losses and increased growing costs, expressed in Australian dollars ($A), could reach A$13.6 million after 30 years. With the program, these losses reduce to A$5.0 million. If annual skeleton weed program costs remain approximately A$3.4 million, the program is likely to produce an annual net benefit to grain producers of A$8.6 million after 30 years.
Will Public-Private Partnerships Solve Nigeria’s Infrastructure Problems?
Authors: Nwangwu George
Published: May 2021

Nigeria, like most countries around the world, has turned to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to finance its infrastructure deficit. However, it appears that the government of Nigeria looks towards PPPs as the major solution to the country’s infrastructure crisis. In a sense PPPs are being sold to the public as if they were free, that the private sector would come in with its funds, provide the desired services and that the problem with the country’s infrastructure would automatically cease. This paper argues that this supposition is a myth and that the role of PPPs in the provision of public infrastructure is more nuanced than is being bandied around. PPPs are not the panacea to all of the country’s infrastructure problems and also are far from being completely free. It is however the case that if appropriately deployed, in most cases PPPs provide some advantages over conventional public sector procurements. This paper explores the different advantages and disadvantages of PPPs and suggests ways in which PPPs may be effectively used to improve the country’s infrastructure with reduced fiscal exposure to government.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia
Published: May 2021

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 1 Antonio García Gómez, University of Alcalá de Henares, SpainAslı Sezgin, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, TurkeyBegoña Montero-Fleta, Universitat Poltècnica de València, SpainCamelia Cmeciu, Danubius University of Galati, RomaniaDiego Santos Vieira de Jesus, International Relations, BrazilJavier Serrano Puche, University of Navarra, SpainYoung Joon Lim, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA  Patricia JohnsonEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Studies in Media and CommunicationRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://smc.redfame.com
Adverse neural effects of delayed, intermittent treatment with rEPO after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Dhillon Simerdeep K. , Wassink Guido , Lear Christopher A. , Davidson Joanne O. , Gunn Alistair J. , Bennet Laura
Published: May 2021

Key points

We have previously shown that high‐dose constant infusion of recombinant human erythropoietin (rEPO) from 30 min to 72 h after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep reduced histological injury and improved electrophysiological recovery.

This study shows that a high‐dose infusion of rEPO from 6 to 72 h after asphyxia did not improve EEG recovery, oligodendrocyte and neuronal survival at 1 week post‐asphyxia.

Of concern, intermittent rEPO boluses started 6 h after asphyxia were associated with impaired EEG recovery and bilateral cystic injury of temporal lobe intragyral white matter.

Intermittent boluses of rEPO were associated with significantly increased cerebral vascular resistance and hypoperfusion, particularly after the first dose, but did not affect seizures, suggesting mismatch between perfusion and brain activity.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rEPO) is a promising treatment for hypoxic‐ischaemic brain injury. Disappointingly, a large randomized controlled trial in preterm infants found that prophylactic, repeated high‐dose rEPO boluses started within 24 h of birth did not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. We examined whether initiation of a continuous infusion of rEPO at the end of the latent phase after hypoxic‐ischaemia (HI) might improve outcomes compared with intermittent bolus injections. Chronically instrumented preterm (0.7 gestation) fetal sheep received sham asphyxia or asphyxia induced by complete umbilical cord occlusion for 25 min. Six hours after asphyxia, fetuses received either a continuous infusion of rEPO (loading dose 2000 IU, infusion at 520 IU/h) from 6 to 72 h post‐asphyxia or intravenous saline or 5000 IU rEPO, with repeated doses every 48 h for 5 days. Continuous infusion of rEPO did not improve EEG recovery, oligodendrocyte and neuronal survival at 1 week post‐asphyxia. By contrast, intermittent rEPO boluses were associated with impaired EEG recovery and bilateral cystic injury of temporal lobe intragyral white matter in 6/8 fetuses. These studies demonstrate for the first time that initiation of intermittent rEPO boluses 6 h after HI, at a dose comparable with recent clinical trials, exacerbated neural injury. These data reinforce the importance of early initiation of many potential neuroprotective therapies.
Preserved skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in older adults despite decreased cardiorespiratory fitness with ageing
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Kunz Hawley E. , Gries Kevin , Hart Corey R. , Polley Eric C. , Lanza Ian R.
Published: May 2021

Key points

Healthy older adults exhibit lower cardiorespiratory fitness () than young in the absence of any age‐related difference in skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity, suggesting central haemodynamics plays a larger role in age‐related declines in .

Total physical activity did not differ by age, but moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity was lower in older compared to young adults.

Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity is associated with and muscle oxidative capacity, but physical inactivity cannot entirely explain the age‐related reduction in .

Declining fitness () is a hallmark of ageing and believed to arise from decreased oxygen delivery and reduced muscle oxidative capacity. Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor that is critical when evaluating the effects of age on parameters of fitness and energy metabolism. The objective was to evaluate the effects of age and sex on , muscle mitochondrial physiology, and physical activity in young and older adults. An additional objective was to assess the contribution of skeletal muscle oxidative capacity to age‐related reductions in and determine if age‐related variation in and muscle oxidative capacity could be explained on the basis of physical activity levels. In 23 young and 52 older men and women measurements were made of , mitochondrial physiology in permeabilized muscle fibres, and free‐living physical activity by accelerometry. Regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between age and , mitochondrial function, and physical activity. Significant age‐related reductions were observed for (P < 0.001), but not muscle mitochondrial capacity. Total daily step counts did not decrease with age, but older adults showed lower moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, which was associated with (R2 = 0.323, P < 0.001) and muscle oxidative capacity (R2 = 0.086, P = 0.011). After adjusting for sex and physical activity, age was negatively associated with but not muscle oxidative capacity. Healthy older adults exhibit lower but preserved mitochondrial capacity compared to young. Physical activity, particularly moderate‐to‐vigorous, is a key factor in observed age‐related changes in fitness and muscle oxidative capacity, but cannot entirely explain the age‐related reduction in .