bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Art in support of life: Caravaggio and the plague
Authors: Vezzoli Caterina
Published: July 2021

In the struggle with COVID‐19, art offered a way to face the solitude of the lockdown. The focus of this paper is primarily on Caravaggio’s painting The Seven Works of Mercy, with references to other paintings to amplify some aspects of the artist’s approach to life and his uniqueness in the artistic landscape of his time. Darkness was part of Caravaggio’s research for spiritual truth and by entering the stories of his life and exploring the tales told through imaginative expression in his paintings, it is possible to understand his process of exploration of ancestral darkness. The author uses her imagination to reflect on how art can help to contact the profound fears buried in the unconscious which are now being awakened by the pandemic. The contemplation of this painting facilitated the emergence of emotions related to the darkness of our time, with the discovery that empathy and mercy offer a way to come to terms with the pandemic. This approach demands a different understanding of reality with Caravaggio’s dark creative world becoming a companion that permits the exploration of what is not yet thinkable in daily life. Images accompany the author’s research that relies on her imagination and amplifications.
A dual‐luciferase reporter system for characterization of small RNA target genes in both mammalian and insect cells
Authors: Deng Zhongyuan , Zhang Yuting , Li Leyao , Xie Xingcheng , Huang Jinyong , Zhang Min , Ni Xinzhi , Li Xianchun
Published: July 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory RNA molecules that bind to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and affect the stability or translational efficiency of the bound mRNAs. Single or dual‐luciferase reporter systems have been successfully used to identify miRNA target genes in mammalian cells. These reporter systems, however, are not sensitive enough to verify miRNA–target gene relationships in insect cell lines because the promoters of the target luciferase (usually Renilla) used in these reporter systems are too weak to drive sufficient expression of the target luciferase in insect cells. In this study, we replaced the SV40 promoter in the psiCHECK‐2 reporter vector, which is widely used with mammalian cell lines, with the HSV‐TK or AC5.1 promoter to yield two new dual‐luciferase reporter vectors, designated psiCHECK‐2‐TK and psiCHECK‐2‐AC5.1, respectively. Only psiCHECK‐2 and psiCHECK‐2‐AC5.1 had suitable target (Renilla)/reference (firefly) luciferase activity ratios in mammalian (HeLa and HEK293) and insect (Sf9, S2, Helicoverpa zea fat body and ovary) cell lines, while psiCHECK‐2‐TK had suitable Renilla/firefly luciferase activity ratios regardless of the cell line. Moreover, psiCHECK‐2‐TK successfully detected the interaction between Helicoverpa armigera miRNA9a and its target, the 3′‐untranslated region of heat shock protein 90, in both mammalian and H. zea cell lines, but psiCHECK‐2 failed to do so in H. zea cell lines. Furthermore, psiCHECK‐2‐TK with the target sequence, HzMasc (H. zea Masculinizer), accurately differentiated between H. zea cell lines with or without the negative regulation factor (miRNA or piRNA) of HzMasc. These data demonstrate that psiCHECK‐2‐TK can be used to functionally characterize small RNA target genes in both mammalian and insect cells.
Factors influencing arteriovenous fistulas: A multicenter study
Authors: Bulbul Elif , Enc Nuray
Published: July 2021

In this cross‐sectional, descriptive study, the arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) of HD patients were evaluated by physical examination and factors associated with AVF function and longevity were investigated. Data were collected using a patient information form and the Arteriovenous Fistula Assessment Scale (AVF‐AS). The study population included 279 patients under chronic HD treatment. Their mean age was 61.14 ± 14.00 years and 58.6% were men. Age, AVF location, and number of AVFs created were identified as factors associated with AVF needle entry site and flow problems, stenosis, and risk of developing ischemic complications (p = 0.005, p = 0.000, p = 0.006, respectively). AVF dysfunction adversely affected HD pump speed (p = 0.000) and HD adequacy (p = 0.000). It was determined that gender, AVF location, last AVF duration, and total number of previous AVF were identified as the risk of AVF complications. The results of this study revealed that regular follow‐up and evaluation are needed to minimize the risk of dysfunction and failure due to AVF complications.
A microbial consortium‐based product promotes potato yield by recruiting rhizosphere bacteria involved in nitrogen and carbon metabolisms
Authors: Wang Zhenshuo , Li Yan , Zhao Yu , Zhuang Lubo , Yu Yue , Wang Mengyao , Liu Jia , Wang Qi
Published: July 2021

The effect of a microbial consortium‐based (MCB) biocontrol product, composed ofBacillus subtilis,Trichoderma harzianumstrain and diatomaceous earth as a carrier, on potato yield, and potential modes of action for its effect were investigated. The MCB product (300 kg ha−1) was added to furrows in which the potato seed tubers each year for 3 years (2016, 2017 and 2018), while potato planting without the MCB product treatment served as the control. A metagenomic analysis indicated that bacterial phylotypes dominated the microbial community, with a relatively small contribution of archaea and fungal taxa. The relative abundance of beneficial bacterial taxa increased significantly in response to the MCB product treatment. Notably, a higher relative abundance of bacterial taxa with carbon fixation, carbon‐degrading and nitrogen metabolism properties were observed in the MCB product‐treated potato rhizosphere. This was also reflected in the identification of a greater abundance of genes encoding enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism, carbon fixation and carbon degradation pathways in the conducted metagenomic analysis. The greater relative abundance of these beneficial bacterial taxa in the rhizosphere of MCB product‐treated plots, as well as the higher abundance of genes associated with the indicated cellular processes, were associated with an increase in tuber yield. The observed changes in microbial community structure at an early stage of tuber development appears to have a beneficial impact on tuber yield.
Deep learning applied to automatic disease detection using chest X‐rays
Authors: Moses Daniel A.
Published: July 2021

Deep learning (DL) has shown rapid advancement and considerable promise when applied to the automatic detection of diseases using CXRs. This is important given the widespread use of CXRs across the world in diagnosing significant pathologies, and the lack of trained radiologists to report them. This review article introduces the basic concepts of DL as applied to CXR image analysis including basic deep neural network (DNN) structure, the use of transfer learning and the application of data augmentation. It then reviews the current literature on how DNN models have been applied to the detection of common CXR abnormalities (e.g. lung nodules, pneumonia, tuberculosis and pneumothorax) over the last few years. This includes DL approaches employed for the classification of multiple different diseases (multi‐class classification). Performance of different techniques and models and their comparison with human observers are presented. Some of the challenges facing DNN models, including their future implementation and relationships to radiologists, are also discussed.
Plastome‐based phylogeny improves community phylogenetics of subtropical forests in China
Authors: Jin Lu , Liu Jia‐Jia , Xiao Tian‐Wen , Li Qiao‐Ming , Lin Lu‐Xiang , Shao Xiao‐Na , Ma Chen‐Xin , Li Bu‐Hang , Mi Xiang‐Cheng , Ren Hai‐Bao , Qiao Xiu‐Juan , Lian Ju‐Yu , Hao Gang , Ge Xue‐Jun
Published: July 2021

Phylogenetic trees have been extensively used in community ecology. However, how the phylogeny construction affects ecological inferences is poorly understood. In this study, we constructed three different types of phylogenetic trees (a synthetic‐tree generated using V.PhyloMaker, a barcode‐tree generated using rbcL+matK+trnH‐psbA, and a plastome‐tree generated from plastid genomes) that represented an increasing level of phylogenetic resolution among 580 woody plant species from six forest dynamic plots in subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests of China. We then evaluated the performance of each phylogeny in estimations of community phylogenetic structure, turnover and phylogenetic signal in functional traits. As expected, the plastome‐tree was most resolved and most supported for relationships among species. For local phylogenetic structure, the three trees showed consistent results with Faith's PD and MPD; however, only the synthetic‐tree produced significant clustering patterns using MNTD for some plots. For phylogenetic turnover, contrasting results between the molecular trees and the synthetic‐tree occurred only with nearest neighbor distance. The barcode‐tree agreed more with the plastome‐tree than the synthetic‐tree for both phylogenetic structure and turnover. For functional traits, both the barcode‐tree and plastome‐tree detected phylogenetic signal in maximum height, but only the plastome‐tree detected signal in leaf width. This is the first study that uses plastid genomes in large‐scale community phylogenetics. Our results highlight the improvement of plastome‐trees over barcode‐trees and synthetic‐trees for the analyses studied here. Our results also point to the possibility of type I and II errors in estimation of phylogenetic structure and turnover and detection of phylogenetic signal when using synthetic‐trees.
Number of traumatic brain injuries and temporal associations with depression: A register‐based cohort study
Authors: Eliasen Marie Holm , Petersen Janne , Benros Michael Eriksen , Osler Merete
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the association of the number of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and temporal associations with the subsequent risk of depression in the population.

Methods

National register‐based cohort study on all individuals registered with TBI (ICD‐10: S06, ICD‐8: 85.0–85.5) from 1977 to 2015 in Denmark (n = 494,216) and a sex‐ and age‐matched reference population (n = 499,505). The associations with the number of TBIs and time to depression (0–6, 7–12 and more than 12 months following TBI) were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

During a follow‐up of mean 14.5 (SD 11.3) years, a total of 27,873 (5.6%) individuals who had at least one TBI and 15,195 (3.0%) in the reference population were diagnosed with a depression. First‐time TBI was associated with a higher risk of depression in both men (HR = 1.73 [95% CI:1.67–1.79]) and women (HR = 1.66 [95% CI:1.61–1.70]) after multiple adjustments for educational status and comorbidities including previous depression, and the association became stronger in a dose‐response association with the number of TBIs (test for trend p < 0.01). The HRs for depression were highest the first 6 months after the TBI in both men (HR = 5.69 [95% CI:4.66–6.94]) and women (HR = 4.55 [95% CI:3.93–5.26]) and decreased gradually the following year but remained elevated from one year after TBI until end of follow‐up independent of the number of TBIs (p < 0.01). The associations did not vary with age or calendar time.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injury is associated with a higher risk of depression, especially in the first months after TBI and the risk increases with the number of TBIs.
Variation in sex ratio of the leafminerPhytomyza plantaginisGoureau (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from Australia
Authors: Coquilleau Marianne P , Xu Xuefen , Ridland Peter M , Umina Paul A , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: July 2021

Parthenogenetic reproduction has only previously been demonstrated in two species of agromyzid leafminer flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae), both from the genusPhytomyza. The plantain leafminer,Phytomyza plantaginis, is Palaearctic in origin, and bisexual populations have been observed in this region. However, historically, only females had been collected in the Australasian, Nearctic, Neotropical and Oceanian regions. Here, we show that southern Australian samples of this species fromPlantagospp. can be composed of both parthenogenic and bisexual populations. In sites around Melbourne, males were present, although the sex ratio was female biased, with females comprising 75% of sampled individuals. In contrast, males were absent from collections in western and northern Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Western Australia. FemaleP. plantaginisflies were reared from threePlantagohost plants (Plantago lanceolata,Plantago majorandPlantago coronopus), although females were particularly common fromPl. lanceolata. Insect cages set up with leafminers from sites where only females occurred produced only females, while cages with leafminers from sites where males occurred produced both sexes and mating was observed. Individuals from all populations were infected byWolbachiaendosymbionts, suggesting that the presence/absence ofWolbachiais not directly responsible for the parthenogenesis. However, there was an association between a mtDNA variant (PP.02) and sexual reproduction, in that this variant was absent in areas where only females were collected but present in all males and some females from areas with sexual populations. The mechanism responsible for parthenogenesis inP. plantaginisremains unknown but is linked to maternal factors.
Globalization, political institutions, and social spending on human capital upgrading in ASEAN
Authors: Buracom Ponlapat
Published: July 2021

Most of the middle‐income ASEAN member countries have extensively expanded their social protection and service systems during the past three to four decades. Recent studies on globalization have largely argued that increased exposure to the global economy strengthens the demand for social policy and spending to expand human capabilities. However, empirical tests on the effects of globalization on social policy have been inconclusive. It is shown in this paper that the effect of globalization on social policy and spending in ASEAN is conditioned by domestic political institutions. Greater openness to international trade, together with democratic openings, provides strong incentives for greater attention to social policy and issues. Further openness to intraregional and interregional trade and the strengthening of democratic institutions, therefore, could increase pressure on the human capital upgrading of ASEAN member countries.
Knowledge gaps in reproductive and sexual health in girls and women with sickle cell disease
Authors: Pecker Lydia H. , Sharma Deva , Nero Alecia , Paidas Michael J. , Ware Russell E. , James Andra H. , Smith‐Whitley Kim
Published: July 2021

There is an immediate need to address long‐standing questions about the reproductive health of girls and women with sickle cell disease (SCD). There are many SCD‐related reproductive risks and uncertainties across girls’ and women’s reproductive life span, with particularly outstanding concerns about menstruation, contraception, fertility and pregnancy. Extant literature addressing women’s reproductive health topics is mostly descriptive; there are few high‐quality interventional studies. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders convened an expert panel to assess the knowledge gaps in women’s reproductive health in SCD. The panel identified significant limitations to clinical care due to the need for research. The panel also identified prominent barriers to research and care. In this report, we frame these issues, providing a roadmap for investigators, funding agencies, and policy makers to advance care for girls and women with SCD.
Andrographolide prevents bone loss via targeting estrogen‐related receptor‐α‐regulated metabolic adaption of osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Huang Tongling , Fu Xuekun , Wang Na , Yang Meng , Zhang Minyi , Wang Binxu , Chen Tianke , Majaz Sidra , Wang Huaiyu , Wong Chi‐Wai , Liu Jinsong , Guan Min
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose

Metabolic adaptation driven by oestrogen‐related receptor‐α (ERRα/NR3B1) is required to meet the increased energy demand during osteoclast differentiation. Here, we hypothesize that natural product, andrographolide, acts as an ERRα inverse agonist to inhibit osteoclastogenesis.

Experimental Approach

Virtual docking and site‐directed mutagenesis analysis were employed to study the binding mode of andrographolide to ERRα. Co‐immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoblot analyses were performed to identify andrographolide as an ERRα inverse agonist. The pharmacological effects of andrographolide in vivo were assessed in mice models of osteopenia induced by either a high‐fat diet in male or ovariectomy in female mice.

Key Results

ERRα‐dependent expression of glutaminase, a rate‐limiting enzyme of mitochondrial glutamine anaplerosis, is required for ex vivo bone marrow osteoclast differentiation. Andrographolide inhibited glutaminase expression induced by ERRα and co‐activator peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ co‐activator‐1β (PGC‐1β), leading to reduction in osteoclastogenesis. Andrographolide acted as an inverse agonist of ERRα by disrupting its interaction with co‐activator PGC‐1β. Phenylalanine 232, valine 395 and phenylalanine 399 of ERRα ligand‐binding domain were confirmed to be essential for this effect. In contrast, glutaminase overexpression restored the impairment triggered by andrographolide. Accordingly, andrographolide suppressed osteoclastic bone resorption and attenuated bone loss in vivo.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings demonstrate that andrographolide acts as an ERRα inverse agonist for perturbation of ERRα/PGC‐1β/glutaminase axis‐driven metabolic adaption during osteoclast differentiation, implying that andrographolide may be a promising natural compound for preventing physiological and pathological bone loss.
It's been a long time running: New understandings of crime severity and specialization in Canada's longest running crime capital, North Battleford
Authors: Hodgkinson Tarah
Published: July 2021

Until last year, North Battleford, Saskatchewan has held the title for the “crime capital of Canada” with the highest crime severity index in the country. While the crime severity index is considered a better measure of crime seriousness compared to crime rates, it is still largely influenced by population size. As a result, the small municipality of North Battleford, with a population of approximately 14,000 people, may be inappropriately labelled as the crime capital. The current study compares the crime severity index and crime rates against the location quotient: a geographical measure. The location quotient calculates an area's crime specialization, compared to surrounding areas. In the period 2006 to 2018, findings indicate that North Battleford did not specialize in violent crime compared to other municipal police jurisdictions in Saskatchewan. Implications for policy and practice, as well as local narratives and stigmatization, are discussed.
Reassessment of predictive values of ACTH‐stimulated serum 21‐deoxycortisol and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone to identify CYP21A2 heterozygote carriers and nonclassic subjects
Authors: Costa‐Barbosa Flávia A. , Carvalho Valdemir M. , Oliveira Kelly C. , Vieira José Gilberto H. , Kater Claudio E.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Heterozygotes (HZs) for 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) are highly prevalent, ranging from 1:60 to 1:11 for classic and nonclassic (NC) forms, respectively. Detection of HZ and asymptomatic NC by CYP21A2 genotyping is valuable for genetic counselling, but costly, complex and narrowly available. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)‐stimulated serum 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17P) and 21‐deoxycortisol (21DF) discriminate 21OHD phenotypes effectively, notably if measured simultaneously by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).

Objective

This study was performed to reassess former LC‐MS/MS‐defined post‐ACTH 21DF, 17P and cortisol (F) cutoffs in family members at risk for 21OHD.

Design and Patients

Prospective study in which we screened 58 asymptomatic relatives from families with 21OHD patients and compared post‐ACTH steroid phenotypes with subsequent genotypes.

Results

Post‐ACTH 21DF, 17P, F and (21DF + 17P)/F ratio segregate NC, HZ and wild‐type (WT) phenotypes (subsequently genotyped) with some overlap. New receiver operating characteristic curve‐defined cutoffs for post‐ACTH 21DF, 17P and (21DF + 17P)/F ratio are 60 ng/dl, 310 ng/dl and 12 (unitless). Twenty‐six of 33 HZ and all 6 NC (82.1%) had post‐ACTH 21DF > 60 and 17P > 310 ng/dl, whereas 17/19 WT (89.5%) had values below cutoffs. Post‐ACTH 21DF and 17P had a strong positive correlation (r = .9558; p < .001). A (21DF + 17P)/F ratio > 12 correctly identified 36 of 39 HZ plus NC (92.3% sensitivity) with 84.2% specificity (16 of 19 WT). Given the high frequency of 21OHD HZ, the negative prediction of ratio values below 12 excludes heterozygosity in 99.8% and 99.1% for classic and NC mutations, respectively.

Conclusions

Reassessed ACTH‐stimulated 21DF and 17P cutoffs by LC‐MS/MS (60 and 310 ng/dl, respectively) correctly recognised 82.5% HZ plus NC, but combined precursor‐to‐product ratio ([21DF + 17P]/F) cutoff of 12 was superior, identifying 92.3% HZ plus NC. Since one WT subject is an outlier (potential HZ), these values would be somewhat better reinforcing their utility for screening asymptomatic relatives at risk for 21OHD.
The utility of genomic testing in the ophthalmology clinic: A review
Authors: Burdon Kathryn P.
Published: July 2021

Genomic testing assesses many genes in one test. It is often used in the diagnosis of heterogeneous single gene disorders where pathogenic variation in one of many genes are known to cause similar phenotypes, or where a clinical diagnosis is difficult to reach. In the ophthalmic setting, genomic testing can be used to diagnose several groups of diseases, including inherited retinal dystrophies, paediatric cataract, glaucoma and anterior segment dysgenesis and other syndromic developmental disorders with eye involvement. The testing can encompass several modalities ranging from whole genome sequencing to exome sequencing or targeted gene panels. The advantages to the patient of receiving a molecular diagnosis include an end to the diagnostic odyssey, determination of prognosis and clarification of treatment, access to accurate genetic counselling, and confirming eligibility for clinical trials or genetic specific therapies. Genomic testing is a powerful addition to the diagnosis and management of inherited eye disease.
Defining practical and robust study designs for interventions targeted at terrestrial mammalian predators
Authors: Khorozyan Igor
Published: July 2021

Conflicts between humans and mammalian predators are globally widespread and increasing, creating a long‐lasting challenge for conservation and local livelihoods. Protection interventions, which are essential to conflict mitigation, should be based on solid evidence of effectiveness produced by robust study designs. Yet, it is unclear what study designs have been used in predator‐targeted interventions and how they can be improved to provide best practices for replications. I examined how applications of five study designs (before‐after, before‐after‐control‐impact, control‐impact, crossover [i.e., the same randomly assigned study units acting as treatments and controls during alternating trials], and randomized controlled trial) have changed over time and how these changes are related to authors, predator species, countries, and intervention types (aversion, husbandry, mixed interventions, invasive management, lethal control, and noninvasive management). I applied multinomial regression modeling to 434 cases (28 predator species and 45 countries) from 244 studies published from 1955 to 2020. Study design was related only to intervention type. Less reliable before‐after and control‐impact studies were the most common (47.7% and 38.2% of cases, respectively), and their use increased over years as did all interventions. The contribution of the most robust before‐after‐control‐impact (7.4%), randomized controlled trial (5.3%), and crossover designs (1.4%) remained minor over time. Crossover is suitable for aversion, most husbandry techniques, and a few other interventions, but crossover interventions also have the most limitations in terms of applicability. Randomized controlled trial is generally applicable, but impractical or inappropriate for some interventions, and before‐after‐control‐impact appears to be the most widely applicable study design for predator‐targeted interventions.
Acceptance of semipermeable glove liners compared to cotton glove liners in health care workers with work‐related skin diseases: Results of a quasi‐randomized trial under real workplace conditions
Authors: Heichel Theres , Brans Richard , John Swen Malte , Nienhaus Albert , Nordheider Kathrin , Wilke Annika , Sonsmann Flora K
Published: July 2021

Background

Glove liners (GLs) made of cotton (COT) are worn under impermeable gloves to prevent occlusion effects. Semipermeable GLs made of Sympatex (SYM) might be an alternative.

Objectives

To evaluate the acceptance of GLs (COT/SYM) in health care workers (HCWs) with work‐related skin diseases (WRSDs).

Methods

One hundred sixty‐one HCWs with WRSDs were asked to wear GLs in combination with occlusive gloves for 10 ±2 weeks under workplace conditions. A questionnaire was applied to compare acceptance and usability of the respective glove combinations and previously used protective gloves (PUGs).

Results

A total of 120 data sets were available (SYM: n = 65, 77.4%; COT: n = 55, 71.4%). Both GLs provided a significantly lower sweating sensation, more pleasant climate, comfortable wearing experience, and moist or dry feeling on the skin compared to PUGs. SYM‐GLs performed significantly better than COT‐GLs regarding mobility of hands, sensitivity, and sense of touch. COT‐GLs were significantly better than SYM‐GLs in the categories fit, donning and doffing, and material contact.

Conclusions

Both GLs did not impair work performance, were applicable in various areas of health care activities, and were preferred over PUGs. Our results indicate that SYM‐GLs are an alternative to COT‐GLs and thus may contribute to current prevention strategies.
Inflation and public debt reversals in advanced economies
Authors: Fukunaga Ichiro , Komatsuzaki Takuji , Matsuoka Hideaki
Published: July 2021

This paper quantitatively assesses the effects of inflation shocks on the public debt‐to‐GDP ratio in 19 advanced economies using simulation and estimation approaches. The simulations suggest that 1 percentage point shock to the inflation rate can reduce the debt‐to‐GDP ratio by about 0.7 percentage points on average across countries, while the estimated impulse responses are a little larger and more persistent. Additional assumptions taking into account financial repression do not necessarily make these effects substantially larger. These results imply that modestly higher inflation, even if accompanied by some financial repression, could reduce the public debt burden only marginally.
Accelerated weathering performance of wood‐plastic composites reinforced with carbon and glass fibre‐woven fabrics
Authors: Durmaz Sefa , Erdil Yusuf Ziya , Ozgenc Ozlem
Published: July 2021

Wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) are new generation materials widely used in outdoor conditions; however, the appearance and mechanical properties of WPCs change with exposure to weather. In this study, high‐density polyethylene‐based flat‐pressed WPCs are reinforced with carbon and glass fibre‐woven fabrics for uses where high mechanical properties are needed in outdoor conditions. For this purpose, WPCs are exposed to accelerated weathering conditions to determine the effect of weathering with and without reinforcement. The results show that, after weathering, colour changes are inevitable for WPCs. Attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform‐infrared analysis reveals the changes in the matrix's chemical structure, illustrating the alterations in WPC surface characteristics. The mechanical properties of WPCs decrease as a result of photodegradation. However, the reinforced WPCs have higher mechanical properties than the control samples, despite extensive degradation. Carbon fibre (200 g/m2) achieved the greatest flexural strength and modulus of elasticity, 150% and 122% higher, respectively, than unreinforced WPCs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that, despite the intensive photodegradation on the surface, the integration of the matrix and woven fabrics was still strong. The surface erosion was observed with light microscopy. The visual appearance also exhibited some changes that occurred on the surface of WPCs.
Retrofit ecopassages effectively reduce freshwater turtle road mortality in the Lake Simcoe Watershed
Authors: Read Kaitlyn D. , Thompson Bill
Published: July 2021

Although the negative impacts of roads on herpetiles are well documented, broad‐scale implementation of effective mitigation measures to address these impacts remains limited. Here, we evaluated whether a novel, cost‐effective, retrofit ecopassage design can reduce road mortality of herpetiles in the Lake Simcoe Watershed, using a before‐after‐control‐impact study. We also examined whether the ecopassages impacted the movement of turtles across the landscape using wildlife cameras. Our study indicated that the ecopassages significantly reduced turtle road mortality at the treatment sites but were not effective at mitigating road mortality of other herpetiles. Most turtle road‐kill at the ecopassages sites occurred at fence ends, highlighting the need for solutions to address fence‐end effects for herpetiles. There was no evidence that the ecopassages reduced turtles' ability to move between habitats as individuals were observed crossing through the ecopassages. Our results suggest that inexpensive solutions can effectively mitigate road mortality for turtles and taller fencing could improve the design for other species. Ecopassages, such as the ones tested in this study, should be widely implemented in road‐kill hotspots across all regions, especially in habitats of rare or at‐risk species, in order to protect turtles and other wildlife from the increasing threat of roads.
The future of human‐chimpanzee coexistence in West Africa: Reconsidering the role of shifting agriculture in chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) conservation planning
Authors: Leblan Vincent , Soiret Serge Pacome Keagnon
Published: July 2021

The IUCN has recently updated its 2003 western chimpanzee conservation action plan for the period 2020–2030. Recent estimates find an 80% population reduction occurred between 1990 and 2014. Further, 83% of these chimpanzees are estimated to live outside any high‐level protected area. Ivory Coast's drastic chimpanzee decline, within a commercial agriculture setting, has much inspired this new protected area‐centered action plan. We discuss two contrasting mechanisms contributing to population decline within Ivory Coast in order to assess their relevance to address range‐wide conservation issues. We then consider the role of rotational agriculture, which dominates the subsistence economy of neighboring countries, as either a threat or a part of the solution to this subspecies' conservation. We identify knowledge gaps in three critical areas. First, little is known about the habitat types that have experienced the greatest losses across the range of the western chimpanzee. Second, relatively little is known about chimpanzee use of fallowed agricultural fields. Finally, little is known about farmer's ecological knowledge about chimpanzees and their potential to coexist. Establishing new protected areas over the next decade will likely be as an offset to areas used in infrastructure development, implying that ever larger areas will be lost to subsistence farming. We propose to broaden conservation plans for the western chimpanzee. Specifically, we call for deeper consideration of habitat sharing of agricultural fallows within subsistence agricultural landscapes as a means to foster human‐chimpanzee coexistence. A focus on coexistence could help mitigate conservation‐subsistence farming conflicts.
Drinking location moderates the association between social group size and alcohol consumption among young adults: An event‐level study
Authors: Anderson Goodell Erin M. , Kuntsche Emmanuel , Labhart Florian , Thrul Johannes
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Previous studies have demonstrated relationships between social and environmental characteristics of the drinking context and alcohol use. However, the use of event‐level data to investigate individual and joint relationships between such characteristics and alcohol use remains a gap in the literature. This study aimed to examine associations between drinking context (location and social group size) and alcohol consumption, and estimate the relationship between the interaction of context and alcohol consumption.

Methods

Using an Internet‐based cellphone‐optimised assessment technique, 183 Swiss young adults (mean: 23 years; range: 17–37 years) completed hourly assessments from 8 pm to midnight Thursday through Saturday for five consecutive weeks. Participants contributed 3454 hourly questionnaires. The number of drinks, the number of friends present and location (off‐premise–home, outdoors; on‐premise–bars, restaurants) were assessed based on the previous hour. Multilevel mixed‐effects models were used to assess the relationships of interest.

Results

Being off‐premise compared to on‐premise was associated with fewer hourly drinks consumed (b = −0.44, P < 0.001). Greater numbers of friends present were associated with more drinks consumed (b = 0.02, P < 0.001). The association between number of friends and number of drinks consumed was significantly stronger for off‐premise compared to on‐premise locations (b = 0.03, P < 0.001).

Discussion and Conclusions

Compared to off‐premise locations, on‐premise locations are associated with more hourly drinks consumed. However, the positive relationship between social group size and drinks consumed is significantly stronger for off‐premise locations compared to on‐premise locations. Findings have implications for tailored interventions focused on reducing alcohol consumption by young adults.
Very early and early neurophysiological abnormalities in Guillain–Barré syndrome: A 4‐year retrospective study
Authors: Rasera Andrea , Romito Silvia , Segatti Alessia , Concon Elisa , Alessandrini Luca , Basaldella Federica , Badari Andrea , Bonetti Bruno , Squintani Giovanna
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

In its initial stages, Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is difficult to identify, because diagnostic criteria may not always be fulfilled. With this retrospective study, we wanted to identify the most common electrophysiological abnormalities seen on neurophysiological examination of GBS patients and its variants in the early phases.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical records of patients admitted to our Neurology Unit with a confirmed diagnosis of GBS. The study sample was divided in two subgroups according to whether the neurophysiological examination was performed: within 7 days (very early group) or within 7–15 days (early group). H reflex, F waves, and motor and sensory conduction parameters were judged abnormal if they were outside the normal range for at least two nerves. We evaluated neurophysiological findings in Miller–Fisher syndrome (MFS) separately.

Results

The study sample comprised 36 patients. In GBS, the most frequent abnormal neurophysiological parameter was the bilateral absence of the H reflex, followed by F wave abnormalities. Motor conduction parameters were altered in less than 50% of patients, and even less common were sensory nerve action potential reduction and the "sural‐sparing" pattern. In MFS, H reflex was absent bilaterally in 100% of patients, followed by a predominant peripheral sensory involvement, whereas motor conduction parameters were frequently normal.

Conclusions

Bilateral absence of the H reflex is the most sensitive parameter in early diagnosis of GBS and its variants.
Cladribine suppresses disease activity in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Rejdak Konrad , Papuć Ewa
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a difficult condition to treat. Cladribine selectively and transiently depletes B and T lymphocytes, leading to long‐lasting immune reconstitution. This report describes observations from 24 months of follow‐up after cladribine in NMOSD patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a case series including 12 seropositive patients with NMOSD. Patients were given cladribine by subcutaneous injections in a series of several 2‐day cycles of 20 mg administered at intervals of 4–6 weeks. Thus, the full treatment course delivered a cumulative bioavailable dose similar to that approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Annualized relapse rate (ARR), disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score) and safety in the 24 months preceding and the 24 months following the initiation of cladribine treatment were assessed.

Results

The mean ARR in the 24 months preceding cladribine treatment was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–1.62). The mean ARR in the 24 months following initiation of cladribine treatment was 0.21 (95% CI 0.08–0.56). The ratio in the rate of events post versus prior cladribine initiation was 0.20 (95% CI 0.07–0.59) and highly significant (p = 0.0073). The EDSS score did not change over the follow‐up period (2.5 ± 1.7; mean ± SD) compared to baseline (2.5 ± 1.5; mean ± SD). No serious adverse events considered to be linked to cladribine were observed during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Cladribine was safe in NMOSD patients over a 2‐year observation period. Cladribine treatment was associated with clinical stabilization, as evidenced by significantly decreased ARR and no progression of EDSS score.
Unique protein interaction networks define the chromatin remodelling module of the NuRD complex
Authors: Sharifi Tabar Mehdi , Giardina Caroline , Feng Yue , Francis Habib , Moghaddas Sani Hakimeh , Low Jason K. K. , Mackay Joel P. , Bailey Charles G. , Rasko John E. J.
Published: July 2021

The combination of four proteins and their paralogues including MBD2/3, GATAD2A/B, CDK2AP1 and CHD3/4/5, which we refer to as the MGCC module, form the chromatin remodelling module of the nucleosome remodelling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex. To date, mechanisms by which the MGCC module acquires paralogue‐specific function and specificity have not been addressed. Understanding the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the MGCC subunits is essential for defining underlying mechanisms of gene regulation. Therefore, using pulldown followed by mass spectrometry analysis (PD‐MS), we report a proteome‐wide interaction network of the MGCC module in a paralogue‐specific manner. Our data also demonstrate that the disordered C‐terminal region of CHD3/4/5 is a gateway to incorporate remodelling activity into both ChAHP (CHD4, ADNP, HP1γ) and NuRD complexes in a mutually exclusive manner. We define a short aggregation‐prone region (APR) within the C‐terminal segment of GATAD2B that is essential for the interaction of CHD4 and CDK2AP1 with the NuRD complex. Finally, we also report an association of CDK2AP1 with the nuclear receptor co‐repressor (NCOR) complex. Overall, this study provides insight into the possible mechanisms through which the MGCC module can achieve specificity and diverse biological functions.
Male privilege revisited: How men in female‐dominated occupations notice and actively reframe privilege
Authors: Schwiter Karin , Nentwich Julia , Keller Marisol
Published: July 2021

Our article aims at refocusing the debate in privilege studies from tackling the invisibility to challenging justifications of gender privilege. Focusing on instances in which men acknowledge that they receive preferential treatment, this study sheds light on how privilege is perceived and talked about in interviews with men in female‐dominated occupations. In contrast to existing literature on the invisibility of privilege to the privileged, our analysis shows that the privileging of men is indeed known to them. However, our interviewees then employ specific discursive strategies to actively reframe and thereby silence privilege. They either justify privilege as an individual achievement or as a natural advantage of male bodies. In our discussion, we show how these discursive reframings build on existing discourses on gendered bodies and neoliberal subjectivity. Based on our key argument that gendered privilege is not invisible, but it is acknowledged and then actively reframed and thereby silenced, we argue for expanding the focus of privilege studies: Instead of primarily investing in making privilege visible to those who have it, we need to challenge the discourses that allow for reframing and silencing it.
Application of WeChat platform in the management of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Ma Huan , Zhao Xin‐hua , Zhang Li‐li , Wu Li‐meng
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of using WeChat platform to manage the patients with H. pylori infection.

Methods

566 patients were randomly divided into two groups: The control group was treated with traditional management method, and the experimental group established WeChat group and implemented the informatization management. The two groups were given a unified plan to eradicate H. pylori. After the treatment, the C14 breath test was reexamined. The follow‐up rate and H. pylori eradication rate of the two groups were counted.

Results

In the experimental group, 289 patients were enrolled and 271 patients were followed up. The follow‐up rate was 93.8%. The number of H. pylori‐negative patients was 244, and the eradication rate was 90.0%. In the control group, 277 patients were enrolled in the study, and 215 patients were followed up. The follow‐up rate was 77.6%. 169 cases of H. pylori‐negative conversion were found, and the eradication rate was 78.6%.

Conclusion

Through WeChat management, the medication adherence, regular follow‐up, and H.pylori infection eradication rate of the patients with H.pylori infection in the experimental group were better than that in control group, during the treatment of eradicating H.pylori, and the difference was statistically significant.
RETRACTED: Long non‐coding RNA LINC00607 silencing exerts antioncogenic effects on thyroid cancer through the CASP9 Promoter methylation
Authors: Li Lanzhen , Gao Zhongcheng , Zhao Lei , Ren Peiyou , Shen Hongyan
Published: July 2021

Thyroid cancer (TC) was the most frequent thyroid malignant tumour, accounting for about 1% of all malignant tumours. Some long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to exert essential tumour promotion effects, while caspase‐9 (CASP9) gene could play a promotive role in the cell apoptosis in TC. However, whether they have a specific effect on TC remains unclear. Hence, this study aims to explore the relationship between LINC00607 and CASP9, and its effect in TC. LINC00607 expression in the TC tissues and cell lines was determined. Then, we explored the combination effect between a LINC00607 and a methylation inhibitor 5‐Aza‐dc in doxorubicin‐resistant ARO cells using colony formation assay, flow cytometry, WST‐1 and EdU assay, as well as in vivo tumour growth assay. Besides, the dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, RIP, ChIP, methylation‐specific PCR and BSP method were employed to detect the relationship between LINC00607 and CASP9 and its methylation. LINC00607 expression was up‐regulated in the doxorubicin‐resistant TC cell lines and tissues and negatively correlated to the poor prognosis of TC patients. Knockdown of LINC00607 suppressed doxorubicin resistance, proliferation and colony formation, and promoted cell apoptosis of TC cells in vitro, as well as suppressed tumour growth in vivo, whereas LINC00607 overexpression was observed to exercise the opposite effects. Notably, it was also revealed that LINC00607 down‐regulated the CASP9 expression by promoting CASP9 promoter methylation. In conclusion, LINC00607 could inhibit the apoptosis and augment the doxorubicin resistance of TC cells by decreasing CASP9 expression, which might provide a novel therapeutic target for TC treatment.
Social animal models for quantifying plasticity, assortment, and selection on interacting phenotypes
Authors: Martin Jordan S. , Jaeggi Adrian V.
Published: July 2021

Both assortment and plasticity can facilitate social evolution, as each may generate heritable associations between the phenotypes and fitness of individuals and their social partners. However, it currently remains difficult to empirically disentangle these distinct mechanisms in the wild, particularly for complex and environmentally responsive phenotypes subject to measurement error. To address this challenge, we extend the widely used animal model to facilitate unbiased estimation of plasticity, assortment and selection on social traits, for both phenotypic and quantitative genetic (QG) analysis. Oursocialanimal models (SAMs) estimate key evolutionary parameters for the latent reaction norms underlying repeatable patterns of phenotypic interaction across social environments. As a consequence of this approach, SAMs avoid inferential biases caused by various forms of measurement error in the raw phenotypic associations between social partners. We conducted a simulation study to demonstrate the application of SAMs and investigate their performance for both phenotypic and QG analyses. With sufficient repeated measurements, we found desirably high power, low bias and low uncertainty across model parameters using modest sample and effect sizes, leading to robust predictions of selection and adaptation. Our results suggest that SAMs will readily enhance social evolutionary research on a variety of phenotypes in the wild. We provide detailed coding tutorials and worked examples for implementing SAMs in the Stan statistical programming language.
Inactivation of viruses using nonthermal plasma in viral suspensions and foodstuff: A short review of recent studies
Authors: Aman Mohammadi Masoud , Ahangari Hossein , Zabihzadeh Khajavi Maryam , Yousefi Mohammad , Scholtz Vladimír , Hosseini Seyede Marzieh
Published: July 2021

This review tries to introduce the novel and promising technology of the nonthermal plasma against different viruses and virus surrogates, which can trigger food infections and gastroenteritis. It has been reported that the noroviruses are responsible for 21 million cases of gastrointestinal illness annually just in the United States. The article is divided into the introduction for nonthermal plasma, its antiviral mechanism, and the most effective parameters on its antiviral functionality. This technology offers many advantages, including simple in designing, leaving no toxic residues, fast processing, and no thermal degradation of samples. According to the accomplished studies, the exposure distance, processing time, and generated amount of reactive species, particularly singlet oxygen are the main parameters affecting the performance of nonthermal plasma against food viruses. Especially, the capsid and genome of viruses seem to be under influence of nonthermal plasma. Deformation of the capsid envelope through oxidation and damage to the sugar phosphate backbone of viral RNA and DNA are considered the most important factors of reactive species generated by nonthermal plasma on viruses.