bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The epistemics of advice-giving sequences: Epistemic primacy and subordination in advice rejection
Authors: Zhang Shuling
Published: October 2021

Although advice is routinely offered in ordinary conversation, commentators and analysts have treated it as a special or delicate type of action, noticing a number of challenges associated with both providing and receiving it. In this article, I first describe the most basic social-sequential context for giving advice and explicate how the formulations speakers use to offer advice are adapted to the distinct epistemic configurations (and other characteristics) that characterize that context. Drawing on Jefferson and Lee’s (1992) observations regarding ‘troubles tellings’, I argue that speakers typically offer advice when a co-participant reports an insoluble trouble or problem to one who (may or claims to) possess special knowledge about the domain of trouble. I show how this epistemic configuration constitutes a ‘home environment’ for advice-giving (i.e. a place where advice may be relevantly offered) and discuss how speakers vary the design of their advice (e.g. using different grammatical forms) to adapt to the sequential environments that entail different epistemic configurations. Finally, I consider how alternative, contrasting responses to advice manage (e.g. by ratifying or challenging) the epistemic framework set in motion by advice-giving.
A Cascade Model of Sociodevelopmental Events Leading to Men's Perpetration of Violence Against Female Romantic Partners
Authors: Kaighobadi Farnaz , Figueredo Aurelio J. , Shackelford Todd K. , Bjorklund David F.
Published: October 2021

Conceptually driven by life history theory, the current study investigated a hypothesized hierarchy of behaviors leading to men's perpetration of violence in intimate relationships. Using a series of hierarchical regressions, we tested a causal cascade model on data provided by 114 men in a committed romantic relationship. The results supported the hypothesized hierarchy of sociodevelopmental events: (1) men's childhood experiences with their parents’ parental effort predicted men's life history strategies; (2) men's life history strategies predicted men's behavioral self-regulation; (3) men's self-regulation predicted men's perceptions of partner infidelity risk; (4) perceptions of infidelity risk predicted men's frequency of engagement in nonviolent mate retention behaviors; (5) men's mate retention behaviors predicted men's frequency of partner-directed violence. The overall cascade model explained 36% of variance in men's partner-directed violence.
“A Hand of Ivory”: Moving Objects in Psellos’ Oration for his Daughter Styliane. A Case Study
Authors: Pizzone Aglae
Published: October 2021

This paper takes its cue from the recent interest in materiality and “things” in the field of Byzantine studies, to explore the role of objects in evoking being moved. First, it advances a new model to explain the relationship between being moved and affordances. Second, it focuses on a specific case study, that is Michael Psellos’ funeral oration for his daughter Styliane (1054), who died of smallpox at the age of 9 years old. The paper sheds light on how affective affordances of an object contribute to the evocation of being moved in literary texts, working within and affecting narrative patterns. While building on the experience of ethical and spiritual principles clearly recognizable by the audience, such affordances point toward the activation of broader core values.
Time and State Legislation Have Decreased Opioid Prescribing in Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery in the United States
Authors: Cunningham Daniel J. , Kwon Nicholas F. , Allen Nicholas B. , Hanselman Andrew M. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: October 2021

Background

Legislation in the United States has been enacted to reduce opioid overuse and abuse in the setting of the opioid epidemic, and a notable target has been opioid overprescription. However, the impact of this legislation on elective foot and ankle surgery is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of opioid-limiting legislation on opioid prescribing in elective foot and ankle surgery.

Methods

The 90-day perioperative opioid prescription filling in oxycodone 5-mg equivalents was identified in all patients 18 years of age and older undergoing nontrauma, nonarthroplasty foot and ankle surgery from 2010 to 2019 using a commercial database. States with and without legislation were identified, and opioid prescription filling before and after the legislation were tabulated. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of time and state legislation on perioperative opioid prescribing in this patient population.

Results

Initial and cumulative opioid prescribing decreased significantly from 2010 to 2019 (39 vs 35.7 initial and 98.1 vs 55.7 cumulative). States with legislation had larger and more significant reductions in initial and cumulative opioid prescribing compared with states without legislation over similar time frames (41.6 to 35.1 with legislation vs 40.6 to 39.1 without legislation initial prescription filling volume and 87.7 to 62.8 vs 88.6 to 74.1 cumulative prescription filling volume).

Conclusion

State legislation and time have been associated with large, clinically relevant reductions in 90-day perioperative cumulative opioid prescription filling, although reductions in initial opioid prescription filing have remained low. These results encourage states without legislation to enact restraints to reduce the opioid epidemic.

Levels of Evidence:

Level III: Retrospective, prognostic cohort study
Cultivating Whiteness: How White Supremacy Continues to Matter in Qualitative Research
Authors: Huddleston Gabriel
Published: October 2021

This paper posits the concept of cultivating whiteness as not only a characteristic of neoliberal society, but also as a potential problem in qualitative research. Building off of the neoliberal conception of the hyper-realized individual, cultivating whiteness is an example of how white supremacy persists in clandestine and pernicious ways by existing as more aesthetically pleasing in comparison to the more egregious forms of racism. It contends that by placing the onus on the individual to fight white supremacy as opposed to collective action, the result is a cultivation of whiteness, allowing it to flourish as opposed to die on the vine. The paper then moves to examine, broadly, the qualitative researcher’s susceptibility to whiteness cultivation and, more specifically, how using popular culture as an apparatus of diffraction lends itself to the same.
Seizure control does not predict hippocampal subfield volume change in children with focal drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Wagner Matthias W. , Skocic Jovanka , Widjaja Elysa
Published: October 2021

Background and purpose

Recurrent seizures have been reported to induce neuronal loss in the hippocampus. It is unclear whether seizure control influences hippocampal volume. The aims of this study were to determine if there was a change in total or subfield hippocampal volume over time in children with focal drug-resistant epilepsy, and whether seizure control influenced total or subfield hippocampal volumes.

Methods

Using FreeSurfer’s automated segmentation of brain magnetic resonance imaging scans, we calculated the total and subfield (including CA1, CA3, CA4, subiculum, presubiculum, parasubiculum, molecular layer and dentate gyrus) hippocampal volumes of children with non-lesional focal epilepsy. Seizure frequency and hippocampal volumes were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Patients were classified into those who were seizure free or have improvement in seizures (group 1) and those with no improvement in seizures (group 2) at follow-up.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were included, with mean age 10.31 ± 3.68 years at baseline. The interval between the two magnetic resonance imaging scans was 2.59 ± 1.25 years. There was no significant difference in the total and subfield hippocampal volumes for the whole cohort at follow-up compared to baseline (all P > 0.002). Seizure control of the two groups did not predict total or subfield hippocampal volume, after controlling for baseline volume, age, severity of seizure frequency at baseline and time interval between the magnetic resonance imaging scans (all P > 0.002).

Conclusion

We have found that total and subfield hippocampal volumes did not change, and seizure control did not predict hippocampal volumes at follow-up in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Scarlet fever in an adult patient: A challenging diagnosis in an airway emergency
Authors: Ferreira Luísa Conceição Martins , Oliveira Ana , Pereira Cláudia , Guedes Alexandra , Assunção José Pedro
Published: October 2021

Scarlet fever is essentially a childhood disease, although it may occur in all ages. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in preventing the spread of infection and progression to life-threatening complications. The case presented describes the clinical difficulty in the diagnosis of scarlet fever in an adult patient with acute involvement of the airway (oedematous laryngitis) and the need for emergent orotracheal intubation and eventually tracheotomy. A high degree of suspicion related to the airway involvement is of utmost importance in an emergency room setting.
Ghosts of white methods? The challenges of Big Data research in exploring racism in digital context
Authors: Nikunen Kaarina
Published: October 2021

The paper explores the potential and limitations of big data for researching racism on social media. Informed by critical data studies and critical race studies, the paper discusses challenges of doing big data research and the problems of the so called ‘white method’. The paper introduces the following three types of approach, each with a different epistemological basis for researching racism in digital context: 1) using big data analytics to point out the dominant power relations and the dynamics of racist discourse, 2) complementing big data with qualitative research and 3) revealing new logics of racism in datafied context. The paper contributes to critical data and critical race studies by enhancing the understanding of the possibilities and limitations of big data research. This study also highlights the importance of contextualisation and mixed methods for achieving a more nuanced comprehension of racism and discrimination on social media and in large datasets.
User perspectives and preferences regarding a mobile health cough application: A qualitative study during the coronavirus disease pandemic in Denmark
Authors: Hansen Stine Thestrup , Ehrari Humira , Kristiansen Susanne , Olsen Lotte Schelde , Jensen Rasmus Stig , Kjær Troels Wesenberg , Beck Malene
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Health care systems worldwide are currently facing major challenges because of the coronavirus disease pandemic. When individuals experience coronavirus disease symptoms, they often have to decide whether to seek health care services and render themselves vulnerable to infection or stay home and monitor their condition. Coronavirus disease management strategies should aim to reduce transmission, promote disease control, and facilitate self-monitoring within the population. In this regard, mobile health technologies serve as supportive tools, and acquiring knowledge about user perspectives will facilitate the development and integration of coronavirus disease-related applications. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine user perspectives on applications that monitor coronavirus disease-related physical signs and identify discrepancies between user expectations and developer design perspectives within the Danish context.

Materials and methods

A qualitative research design was adopted. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to examine user expectations during the first wave of the coronavirus disease pandemic in April 2020. The theoretical framework, which was inspired by the concept of health literacy, was developed using a six-step thematic analytic approach.

Results

The analysis yielded two major themes that captured user experiences: (1) coronavirus disease-related applications may serve as digital tools that foster safety when physical signs are monitored and (2) the acceptability of coronavirus disease-related applications depends on the adoption of a personalised and user-friendly design.
Location of the Femoral Nerve in the Lateral Decubitus Versus Prone Position
Authors: Alluri Ram , Clark Nicholas , Sheha Evan , Shafi Karim , Geiselmann Matthew , Kim Han Jo , Qureshi Sheeraz , Dowdell James
Published: October 2021

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Objective

To compare the position of the femoral nerve within the lumbar plexus at the L4-L5 disc space in the lateral decubitus vs prone position.

Methods

Seven lumbar plexus specimens were dissected and the femoral nerve within the psoas muscle was identified and marked with radiopaque paint. Lateral fluoroscopic images of the cadaveric specimens in the lateral decubitus vs prone position were obtained. The location of the radiopaque femoral nerve at the L4-L5 disc space was normalized as a percentage of the L5 vertebral body (0% indicates posterior location and 100% indicates anterior location at the L4-L5 disc space). The location of the femoral nerve at L4-L5 in the lateral decubitus vs prone position was compared using a paired t test.

Results

In the lateral decubitus position, the femoral nerve was located 28% anteriorly from the posterior edge of the L4-L5 disc space, and in the prone position, the femoral nerve was relatively more posterior, located 18% from the posterior edge of the L4-L5 disc space ( P = .037).

Conclusions

The femoral nerve was on average more posteriorly located at the L4-L5 disc space in the prone position compared to lateral decubitus. This more posterior location allows for a larger safe zone at the L4-L5 disc space, which may decrease the incidence of neurologic complications associated with Lateral lumbar interbody fusion in the prone vs lateral decubitus position; however, further studies are needed to evaluate this possible clinical correlation.
Impact of Corporate Attributes on Human Resource Disclosure Practices, Evidences from Commercial Banks of Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Fahmida , Hossain Mohammad Rokibul , Omrane Amina , Kabir Mohammad Rokibul
Published: October 2021

The present study intends to investigate the impact of corporate attributes in disclosing Human Resource information from the lens of Stakeholder theory. A sample of 100 annual reports of 20 commercial banks operating in Bangladesh for five years starting from 2015 to 2019 has been considered for this research. Content analysis and multiple linear regression have been used to meet the objectives. The results reveal that large firms disclose more information due to higher social reputation and greater accountability towards stakeholders. Further, human resource cost and human resource disclosures (HRDs) are positively related. It implies that corporations that invest more in human capital disclosure it in the annual report to let people know about it and enhance their credibility. The findings also demonstrate a negative relationship between HRDs and the firm’s age, which implies that, to be trustworthy, reliable, and retain public confidence, young firms disclose more information. In contrast, established firms tend to disclose less information. The findings of the study may exert remarkable contribution in devising corporate policy and setting measures of regulatory and accounting standard-setting bodies.
Behind the Popular Narrative: Negotiating Life and Political Engagement in Conflicted Kashmir
Authors: Dar Wahid Ahmad
Published: October 2021

The article focuses on the subaltern system of micro appropriations or Jugaads used by young Kashmiris to survive within precarious situations inflicted due to armed conflict. More particularly, it argues that such Jugaads are invoked by the subaltern consciousness of Tehreeq-e-Azadi, which offers space for not just the negotiation with the state but also the creative improvisation of daily political actions. It is illustrated that young people’s political participation is entangled with the attempts to overcome the uncertainty around their lives, thereby offering them pragmatic solutions in advancing their interests. It is further elaborated that the existing polarization between separatism and mainstream is obscure at the experiential level, living within precarious situations has taught young people to silently craft possibilities of a good life without looking confrontational to either side. The article argues that localized forms of engagement are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of how modern states operate.
Bypassing the Patronage Trap: Evidence from Delhi Assembly Election 2020
Authors: Barthwal Ankita , Ali Asim
Published: October 2021

Scholars have long theorized on the limits of patronage politics and the possibility of counter-mobilization it produces against clientelist strategies. Analysing the recent win of the Aam Aadmi Party in the 2020 Assembly election in Delhi, this article shows that programmatic policies of welfare can help parties to circumvent this trap and avoid targeted patronage networks. We find that this broad-based appeal increases the social base of the party to even include those segments of voters who remain aloof to patronage-based exchanges. Additionally, we test the salience of majoritarian issues in the presence of universal welfare. We find that by locating themselves on issue positions of relative advantage, and reducing the ideological distance with their chief competitor, a policy-focussed party may capture not just ideology-agnostic, but also peripheral voters who might be opposed to the other challenger. Using a logistic regression model, we find that policy concerns catapulted AAP to victory, while its ideological distance from the BJP added to this. Our analysis has significance for understanding the underlying changes to patronage-based linkages, especially in the presence of heightened ethnic appeals that increasingly characterizes electoral contexts in the country.
Early Complications of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Collagen-Coated Suture Tape Augmentation
Authors: Rothermich Marcus A. , Fleisig Glenn S. , Lucas Hunter E. , Ryan Michael K. , Emblom Benton A. , Cain E. Lyle , Dugas Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Recent innovative techniques have led to renewed interest in ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair. Although early outcome data regarding the clinical outcome of overhead athletes undergoing UCL repair with augmentation have been encouraging, long-term data are still needed to evaluate both the appropriate indications and success rate for this procedure.

Purpose:

To describe and evaluate the acute complications seen in a large cohort of patients who underwent UCL repair with internal brace augmentation at a single institution.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of a prospectively collected database, consisting of all patients who underwent UCL repair with internal brace augmentation utilizing a collagen-dipped FiberTape at our institution from August 2013 to January 2020. Patient characteristics, injury setting, side of surgery, and concomitant ulnar nerve transposition procedures were recorded. Early complications of UCL repair (within 6 months of the procedure) were evaluated and characterized as either minor or major, depending on whether the patient required a return to the operating room.

Results:

Of the 353 patients who underwent UCL repair at our institution with a minimum of 6-month follow-up, 84.7% (299/353) reported no complications, 11.9% (42/353) reported minor complications—including ulnar nerve paresthesia, postoperative medial elbow pain, and postoperative superficial wound complications—and 3.4% (12/353) required a return to the operating room because of a major complication requiring ulnar nerve exploration/debridement, primary ulnar nerve transposition, or heterotopic ossification excision.

Conclusion:

The low major complication rate identified in this study further validates the efficacy of the UCL repair with the internal bracing augmentation technique. Longer term follow-up data are needed to more adequately assess the outcomes and durability of this procedure.
Promoting the Integration of Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Interventions Through a Web-Based Professional Development Program
Authors: Bohen Laura , Heim Stephanie , Perdue Laura , Dybsetter Anne
Published: October 2021

In 2017, the University of Minnesota Extension launched an online program called “Systems Approaches to Healthy Communities” that targets public health professionals and health promotion advocates to address how policy, systems, and environment interact with their work. This program was developed through evaluation of existing programs and content to expand reach for Minnesota Extension. Through five modules (Frameworks for Healthy Communities, Taking a Systems Approach, Engaging with Communities, Knowing Your Community, Putting It All Together), participants are informed on their role in public health efforts, barriers to lasting change in communities, and how to coordinate their work with local partners they might not have otherwise. Systems Approaches to Healthy Communities was developed following a number of pilots and revisions, which will benefit others looking to develop novel online programming or translate existing curricula to new modalities.
Thoracic involvement and imaging patterns in IgG4-related disease
Authors: Muller Romain , Habert Paul , Ebbo Mikael , Graveleau Julie , Groh Mathieu , Launay David , Audia Sylvain , Pugnet Gregory , Cohen Fleur , Perlat Antoinette , Benyamine Audrey , Bienvenu Boris , Gaigne Lea , Chanez Pascal , Gaubert Jean Yves , Schleinitz Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Objective

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare orphan disease. Lung, pleura, pericardium, mediastinum, aorta and lymph node involvement has been reported with variable frequency and mostly in Asian studies. The objective of this study was to describe thoracic involvement assessed by high-resolution thoracic computed tomography (CT) in Caucasian patients with IgG4-RD.

Methods

Thoracic CT scans before treatment were retrospectively collected through the French case registry of IgG4-RD and a single tertiary referral centre. CT scans were reviewed by two experts in thoracic imagery blinded from clinical data.

Results

48 IgG4-RD patients with thoracic involvement were analysed. All had American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification scores ≥20 and comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD. CT scan findings showed heterogeneous lesions. Seven patterns were observed: peribronchovascular involvement (56%), lymph node enlargement (31%), nodular disease (25%), interstitial disease (25%), ground-glass opacities (10%), pleural disease (8%) and retromediastinal fibrosis (4%). In 37% of cases two or more patterns were associated. Asthma was significantly associated with peribronchovascular involvement (p=0.04). Among eight patients evaluated by CT scan before and after treatments, only two patients with interstitial disease displayed no improvement.

Conclusion

Thoracic involvement of IgG4-RD is heterogeneous and likely underestimated. The main thoracic CT scan patterns are peribronchovascular thickening and thoracic lymph nodes.
Single-step genomic evaluation with metafounders for feed conversion ratio and average daily gain in Danish Landrace and Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Fu Chuanke , Ostersen Tage , Christensen Ole F. , Xiang Tao
Published: October 2021

Background

The single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (SSGBLUP) method is a popular approach for genetic evaluation with high-density genotype data. To solve the problem that pedigree and genomic relationship matrices refer to different base populations, a single-step genomic method with metafounders (MF-SSGBLUP) was put forward. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive ability and bias of genomic evaluations obtained with MF-SSGBLUP and standard SSGBLUP. We examined feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG) in DanBred Landrace (LL) and Yorkshire (YY) pigs using both univariate and bivariate models, as well as the optimal weighting factors (ω), which represent the proportions of the genetic variance not captured by markers, for ADG and FCR in SSGBLUP and MF-SSGBLUP.

Results

In general, SSGBLUP and MF-SSGBLUP showed similar predictive abilities and bias of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV). In the LL population, the predictive ability for ADG reached 0.36 using uni- or bi-variate SSGBLUP or MF-SSGBLUP, while the predictive ability for FCR was highest (0.20) for the bivariate model using MF-SSGBLUP, but differences between analyses were very small. In the YY population, predictive ability for ADG was similar for the four analyses (up to 0.35), while the predictive ability for FCR was highest (0.36) for the uni- and bi-variate MF-SSGBLUP analyses. SSGBLUP and MF-SSGBLUP exhibited nearly the same bias. In general, the bivariate models had lower bias than the univariate models. In the LL population, the optimal ω for ADG was ~ 0.2 in the univariate or bivariate models using SSGBLUP or MF-SSGBLUP, and the optimal ω for FCR was 0.70 and 0.55 for SSGBLUP and MF-SSGBLUP, respectively. In the YY population, the optimal ω ranged from 0.25 to 0. 35 for ADG across the four analyses and from 0.10 to 0.30 for FCR.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that MF-SSGBLUP performed slightly better than SSGBLUP for genomic evaluation. There was little difference in the optimal weighting factors (ω) between SSGBLUP and MF-SSGBLUP. Overall, the bivariate model using MF-SSGBLUP is recommended for single-step genomic evaluation of ADG and FCR in DanBred Landrace and Yorkshire pigs.
Intercellular transfer of mitochondrial DNA carrying metastasis-enhancing pathogenic mutations from high- to low-metastatic tumor cells and stromal cells via extracellular vesicles
Authors: Takenaga Keizo , Koshikawa Nobuko , Nagase Hiroki
Published: October 2021

Background

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) carrying certain pathogenic mutations or single nucleotide variants (SNVs) enhances the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells, and some of these mutations are homoplasmic in tumor cells and even in tumor tissues. On the other hand, intercellular transfer of mitochondria and cellular components via extracellular vesicles (EVs) and tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) has recently attracted intense attention in terms of cell-to-cell communication in the tumor microenvironment. It remains unclear whether metastasis-enhancing pathogenic mutant mtDNA in tumor cells is intercellularly transferred between tumor cells and stromal cells. In this study, we investigated whether mtDNA with the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) G13997A pathogenic mutation in highly metastatic cells can be horizontally transferred to low-metastatic cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Results

When MitoTracker Deep Red-labeled high-metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma A11 cells carrying the ND6 G13997A mtDNA mutation were cocultured with CellLight mitochondria-GFP-labeled low-metastatic P29 cells harboring wild-type mtDNA, bidirectional transfer of red- and green-colored vesicles, probably mitochondria-related EVs, was observed in a time-dependent manner. Similarly, intercellular transfer of mitochondria-related EVs occurred between A11 cells and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs, WA-mFib), macrophages (RAW264.7) and cytotoxic T cells (CTLL-2). Intercellular transfer was suppressed by inhibitors of EV release. The large and small EV fractions (L-EV and S-EV, respectively) prepared from the conditioned medium by differential ultracentrifugation both were found to contain mtDNA, although only S-EVs were efficiently incorporated into the cells. Several subpopulations had evidence of LC3-II and contained degenerated mitochondrial components in the S-EV fraction, signaling to the existence of autophagy-related S-EVs. Interestingly, the S-EV fraction contained a MitoTracker-positive subpopulation, which was inhibited by the respiration inhibitor antimycin A, indicating the presence of mitochondria with membrane potential. It was also demonstrated that mtDNA was transferred into mtDNA-less ρ0 cells after coculture with the S-EV fraction. In syngeneic mouse subcutaneous tumors formed by a mixture of A11 and P29 cells, the mitochondria-related EVs released from A11 cells reached distantly positioned P29 cells and CAFs.

Conclusions

These results suggest that metastasis-enhancing pathogenic mtDNA derived from metastatic tumor cells is transferred to low-metastatic tumor cells and stromal cells via S-EVs in vitro and in the tumor microenvironment, inferring a novel mechanism of enhancement of metastatic potential during tumor progression.
The mitochondrial genome and Epigenome of the Golden lion Tamarin from fecal DNA using Nanopore adaptive sequencing
Authors: Wanner Nicole , Larsen Peter A. , McLain Adam , Faulk Christopher
Published: October 2021

Background

The golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is an endangered Platyrrhine primate endemic to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, genetic data on this species remains scarce. Complicating factors include limitations on sample collection and a lack of high-quality reference sequences. Here, we used nanopore adaptive sampling to resequence the L. rosalia mitogenome from feces, a sample which can be collected non-invasively.

Results

Adaptive sampling doubled the fraction of both host-derived and mitochondrial sequences compared to sequencing without enrichment. 258x coverage of the L. rosalia mitogenome was achieved in a single flow cell by targeting the unfinished genome of the distantly related emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator) and the mitogenome of the closely related black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus). The L. rosalia mitogenome has a length of 16,597 bp, sharing 99.68% sequence identity with the L. chrysopygus mitogenome. A total of 38 SNPs between them were identified, with the majority being found in the non-coding D-loop region. DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation were directly detected using a neural network model applied to the raw signal from the MinION sequencer. In contrast to prior reports, DNA methylation was negligible in mitochondria in both CpG and non-CpG contexts. Surprisingly, a quarter of the 642 CpG sites exhibited DNA hydroxymethylation greater than 1% and 44 sites were above 5%, with concentration in the 3′ side of several coding regions.

Conclusions

Overall, we report a robust new mitogenome assembly for L. rosalia and direct detection of cytosine base modifications in all contexts.
Effect of drops containing Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289) on plaque acidogenicity and other caries-related variables in orthodontic patients
Authors: Alforaidi Sahal , Bresin Andrea , Almosa Naif , Lehrkinder Anna , Lingström Peter
Published: October 2021

Background

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of probiotics on biofilm acidogenicity and on the number of salivary Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in orthodontic patients.

Methods

This RCT was conducted on 28 young adults who were undergoing orthodontic treatment. The short-term prospective clinical trial lasted for three weeks. The test group rinsed daily with drops containing two Lactobacillus reuteri strains diluted in water, while the placebo group used drops without probiotics. The subjects were enrolled eight months since the beginning of orthodontic treatment. Plaque-pH, saliva and dental biofilm samples were obtained at baseline, one week and three weeks post intervention.

Results

Twenty-seven subjects successfully completed the trial period, only one drop out in the test group. No side effects were reported. A statistically significant increase in plaque pH at three weeks post-intervention was found for the test group (p < 0.05), while insignificant changes in the pH value were found for the placebo group in comparison to baseline (p > 0.05). In addition, the AUC7.0 showed a significant difference at three weeks between the test and placebo (p = 0.00002). The three-week samples of stimulated whole saliva showed a statistically insignificant difference in the number of S. mutans and lactobacilli between the two groups (p > 0.05). The qPCR analysis showed the ability of the two strains to get colonized in the dental biofilm without a significant effect on the microbial counts.

Conclusion/clinical implications

A mixture of Lactobacillus reuteri has the ability to reduce the pH fall at the three-week follow-up. However, the short-term use of probiotics does not appear to have an effect on the number of salivary Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in saliva and on the dental biofilm.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrial.gov (Identifier: NCT04593017/ (19/10/2020)).
Quantitative traits loci mapping and molecular marker development for total glutenin and glutenin fraction contents in wheat
Authors: Zhou Zhengfu , Zhang Ziwei , Mason Annaliese S. , Chen Lingzhi , Liu Congcong , Qin Maomao , Li Wenxu , Tian Baoming , Wu Zhengqing , Lei Zhensheng , Hou Jinna
Published: October 2021

Background

Glutenin contents and compositions are crucial factors influencing the end-use quality of wheat. Although the composition of glutenin fractions is well known, there has been relatively little research on the genetic basis of glutenin fractions in wheat.

Results

To elucidate the genetic basis for the contents of glutenin and its fractions, a population comprising 196 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was constructed from two parents, Luozhen No.1 and Zhengyumai 9987, which differ regarding their total glutenin and its fraction contents (except for the By fraction). Forty-one additive Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) were detected in four environments over two years. These QTL explained 1.3% - 53.4% of the phenotypic variation in the examined traits. Forty-three pairs of epistatic QTL (E-QTL) were detected in the RIL population across four environments. The QTL controlling the content of total glutenin and its seven fractions were detected in clusters. Seven clusters enriched with QTL for more than three traits were identified, including a QTL cluster 6AS-3, which was revealed as a novel genetic locus for glutenin and related traits. Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers developed from the main QTL cluster 1DL-2 and the previously developed KASP marker for the QTL cluster 6AS-3 were validated as significantly associated with the target traits in the RIL population and in natural varieties.

Conclusions

This study identified novel genetic loci related to glutenin and its seven fractions. Additionally, the developed KASP markers may be useful for the marker-assisted selection of varieties with high glutenin fraction content and for identifying individuals in the early developmental stages without the need for phenotyping mature plants. On the basis of the results of this study and the KASP markers described herein, breeders will be able to efficiently select wheat lines with favorable glutenin properties and develop elite lines with high glutenin subunit contents.
ZmCCT regulates photoperiod-dependent flowering and response to stresses in maize
Authors: Su Huihui , Liang Jiachen , Abou-Elwafa Salah Fatouh , Cheng Haiyang , Dou Dandan , Ren Zhenzhen , Xie Jiarong , Chen Zhihui , Gao Fengran , Ku Lixia , Chen Yanhui
Published: October 2021

Background

Appropriate flowering time is very important to the success of modern agriculture. Maize (Zea maysL.) is a major cereal crop, originated in tropical areas, with photoperiod sensitivity. Which is an important obstacle to the utilization of tropical/subtropical germplasm resources in temperate regions. However, the study on the regulation mechanism of photoperiod sensitivity of maize is still in the early stage. Although it has been previously reported thatZmCCTis involved in the photoperiod response and delays maize flowering time under long-day conditions, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Results

Here, we showed thatZmCCToverexpression delays flowering time and confers maize drought tolerance under LD conditions. Implementing the Gal4-LexA/UAS system identified thatZmCCThas a transcriptional inhibitory activity, while the yeast system showed thatZmCCThas a transcriptional activation activity. DAP-Seq analysis and EMSA indicated thatZmCCTmainly binds to promoters containing the novel motifs CAAAAATC and AAATGGTC. DAP-Seq and RNA-Seq analysis showed thatZmCCTcould directly repress the expression ofZmPRR5andZmCOL9, and promote the expression ofZmRVE6to delay flowering under long-day conditions. Moreover, we also demonstrated thatZmCCTdirectly binds to the promoters ofZmHY5,ZmMPK3,ZmVOZ1andZmARR16and promotes the expression ofZmHY5andZmMPK3, but repressesZmVOZ1andZmARR16to enhance stress resistance. Additionally,ZmCCTregulates a set of genes associated with plant development.

Conclusions

ZmCCThas dual functions in regulating maize flowering time and stress response under LD conditions.ZmCCTnegatively regulates flowering time and enhances maize drought tolerance under LD conditions.ZmCCTrepresses most flowering time genes to delay flowering while promotes most stress response genes to enhance stress tolerance. Our data contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanism ofZmCCTin controlling maize flowering time and stress response.
Physiological effects of different stubble height and freeze-thaw stress on Secale cereale L. seedlings
Authors: Zhang Longtian , Bao Guozhang , Zhang Mengyu , Yu Zihang , Guan Tao , Li Jingwen , Su Yidan , Xi Jinghui
Published: October 2021

Background

As a biennial plant, Secale cereale L is usually harvested in the autumn in the northern part of China where the temperature difference between day and night is of great disparity Through the pot experiment, the seedlings were cut to 2, 6 and 10 cm stubble height, and the simulated freeze-thaw (FT) stress (10/− 5 °C) was carried out after 6 days regrowth. The physiological effects of FT with different stubble height were revealed by analyzing the relative water content (RWC), osmotic adjustment substance concentration (soluble sugar and protein), membrane peroxidation (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity.

Results

The results demonstrated that under freeze stress (− 5 °C), the content of soluble protein and MDA decreased and the seedlings of 2 cm treatment kept higher level of soluble protein and MDA, while the seedlings of 6 and 10 cm treatments kept higher level of the RWC, soluble sugar content, and CAT activity. After FT stress, the content of soluble sugar and protein, RWC in the 6 cm treatment were higher than those in 2 cm and 10 cm treatments, and the CAT activity in 10 cm treatment was the highest while the MDA content is lower.

Conclusion

These data suggest that keeping high stubble height is more adaptive for short-term FT stress.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses alleviating salt stress in maize is associated with a decline in root-to-leaf gradient of Na+/K+ ratio
Authors: Wang Hao , An Tingting , Huang Di , Liu Runjin , Xu Bingcheng , Zhang Suiqi , Deng Xiping , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Chen Yinglong
Published: October 2021

Background

Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi has the potential to alleviate salt stress in host plants through the mitigation of ionic imbalance. However, inoculation effects vary, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Two maize genotypes (JD52, salt-tolerant with large root system, and FSY1, salt-sensitive with small root system) inoculated with or without AM fungus Funneliformis mosseae were grown in pots containing soil amended with 0 or 100 mM NaCl (incrementally added 32 days after sowing, DAS) in a greenhouse. Plants were assessed 59 DAS for plant growth, tissue Na+ and K+ contents, the expression of plant transporter genes responsible for Na+ and/or K+ uptake, translocation or compartmentation, and chloroplast ultrastructure alterations.

Results

Under 100 mM NaCl, AM plants of both genotypes grew better with denser root systems than non-AM plants. Relative to non-AM plants, the accumulation of Na+ and K+ was decreased in AM plant shoots but increased in AM roots with a decrease in the shoot: root Na+ ratio particularly in FSY1, accompanied by differential regulation of ion transporter genes (i.e., ZmSOS1, ZmHKT1, and ZmNHX). This induced a relatively higher Na+ efflux (recirculating) rate than K+ in AM shoots while the converse outcoming (higher Na+ influx rate than K+) in AM roots. The higher K+: Na+ ratio in AM shoots contributed to the maintenance of structural and functional integrity of chloroplasts in mesophyll cells.

Conclusion

AM symbiosis improved maize salt tolerance by accelerating Na+ shoot-to-root translocation rate and mediating Na+/K+ distribution between shoots and roots.
Effects of sleep habits on acute myocardial infarction risk and severity of coronary artery disease in Chinese population
Authors: Lian Xiaoqing , Gu Jie , Wang Sibo , Yan Jianjun , Chen Xiaowen , Wang Mingwei , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Liansheng
Published: October 2021

Background

Growing evidence indicates that poor sleep harms health. Early to bed and early to rise is considered as a healthy lifestyle in Chinese population. The current study aimed to examine the effects of sleep habits on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) risk and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Chinese population from two centers.

Methods

A total of 873 patients including 314 AMI cases and 559 controls were recruited from the inpatient cardiology department of the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. 559 controls included 395 CAD cases and 164 non-CAD cases. We used a 17-item sleep factors questionnaire (SFQ) to evaluate sleep habits comprehensively by face-to-face interview. The severity of CAD was assessed by Gensini score in AMI and CAD groups. The effects of sleep factors on AMI risk and Gensini score were examined by unconditional logistic regression.

Results

After mutually adjustment for other sleep factors and demographic characteristics, the timing of sleep (24:00 and after) and morning waking (after 7:00) and sleep duration (< 6 h) were associated with increased risk of AMI (OR = 4.005, P < 0.001, OR = 2.544, P = 0.011 and OR = 2.968, P < 0.001, respectively). Lower level of light exposure at night was correlated with reduced risk of AMI (OR = 0.243, P = 0.009). In subgroup analysis by age, both late sleep timing and short sleep duration were associated with increased risk of AMI regardless of age. In subjects with age ≤ 65 years, daytime napping was related to reduced risk of AMI (OR = 0.645, P = 0.046). In subjects with age > 65 years, the frequency of night-time waking (3 times) was associated with increased risk of AMI (OR = 3.467, P = 0.035). Short sleep duration was correlated with increased risk of high Gensini score (OR = 2.374, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Sleep insufficiency is an important risk factor both for AMI risk and CAD severity. Late sleeping is also associated with increased risk of AMI. In young and middle-aged people, regular naps may have a protective effect.

Graphic abstract
Diagnostic performance of CMR, SPECT, and PET imaging for the detection of cardiac amyloidosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Zhaoye , Yu Chunjing
Published: October 2021

Background

Noninvasive myocardial imaging modalities, such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and Positron emission tomography (PET), are well-established and extensively used to detect cardiac amyloid (CA). The purpose of this study is to directly compare CMR, SPECT, and PET scans in the diagnosis of CA, and to provide evidence for further scientific research and clinical decision-making.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. Studies used CMR, SPECT and/or PET for the diagnosis of CA were included. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve (AUC) were calculated. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted.

Results

A total of 31 articles were identified for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivities of CMR, SPECT and PET were 0.84, 0.98 and 0.78, respectively. Their respective overall specificities were 0.87, 0.92 and 0.95. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that 99mTc-HMDP manifested the highest sensitivity (0.99). 99mTc-PYP had the highest specificity (0.95). The AUC values of 99mTc-DPD, 99mTc-PYP, 99mTc-HMDP were 0.89, 0.99, and 0.99, respectively. PET scan with 11C-PIB demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.97 with an AUC value of 0.98.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis reveals that SEPCT scans present better diagnostic performance for the identification of CA as compared with other two modalities.
A machine learning model to predict critical care outcomes in patient with chest pain visiting the emergency department
Authors: Wu Ting Ting , Zheng Ruo Fei , Lin Zhi Zhong , Gong Hai Rong , Li Hong
Published: October 2021

Background

Currently, the risk stratification of critically ill patient with chest pain is a challenge. We aimed to use machine learning approach to predict the critical care outcomes in patients with chest pain, and simultaneously compare its performance with HEART, GRACE, and TIMI scores.

Methods

This was a retrospective, case-control study in patients with acute non-traumatic chest pain who presented to the emergency department (ED) between January 2017 and December 2019. The outcomes included cardiac arrest, transfer to ICU, and death during treatment in ED. In the randomly sampled training set (70%), a LASSO regression model was developed, and presented with nomogram. The performance was measured in both training set (70% participants) and testing set (30% participants), and findings were compared with the three widely used scores.

Results

We proposed a LASSO regression model incorporating mode of arrival, reperfusion therapy, Killip class, systolic BP, serum creatinine, creatine kinase-MB, and brain natriuretic peptide as independent predictors of critical care outcomes in patients with chest pain. Our model significantly outperformed the HEART, GRACE, TIMI score with AUC of 0.953 (95%CI: 0.922–0.984), 0.754 (95%CI: 0.675–0.832), 0.747 (95%CI: 0.664–0.829), 0.735 (95%CI: 0.655–0.815), respectively. Consistently, our model demonstrated better outcomes regarding the metrics of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and F1 score. Similarly, the decision curve analysis elucidated a greater net benefit of our model over the full ranges of clinical thresholds.

Conclusion

We present an accurate model for predicting the critical care outcomes in patients with chest pain, and provide substantial support to its application as a decision-making tool in ED.