bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of salinity on cable bacteria species composition and diversity
Authors: Dam Ann‐Sofie , Marshall Ian P. G. , Risgaard‐Petersen Nils , Burdorf Laurine D. W. , Marzocchi Ugo
Published: March 2021

Cable bacteria (CB) are Desulfobulbaceae that couple sulphide oxidation to oxygen reduction over centimetre distances by mediating electric currents. Recently, it was suggested that the CB clade is composed of two genera, Ca. Electronema and Ca. Electrothrix, with distinct freshwater and marine habitats respectively. However, only a few studies have reported CB from freshwater sediment, making this distinction uncertain. Here, we report novel data to show that salinity is a controlling factor for the diversity and the species composition within CB populations. CB sampled from a freshwater site (salinity 0.3) grouped into Ca. Electronema and could not grow under brackish conditions (salinity 21), whereas CB from a brackish site (salinity 21) grouped into Ca. Electrothrix and decreased by 93% in activity under freshwater conditions. On a regional scale (Baltic Sea), salinity significantly influenced species richness and composition. However, other environmental factors, such as temperature and quantity and quality of organic matter were also important to explain the observed variation. A global survey of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed that the two genera did not co‐occur likely because of competitive exclusion and identified a possible third genus.
The effect of cooling and rehydration methods in high moisture meat analogs with pulse proteins‐peas, lentils, and faba beans
Authors: Kim Taehoon , Riaz Mian N. , Awika Joseph , Teferra Tadesse F.
Published: March 2021

Pulse proteins (PLP) can be ideal alternative‐sources that produce a meat‐like textured product, known as a high moisture meat analog (HMMA). In this research, each commercial PLP: pea (16%), lentil (16%), and faba‐bean (20%) was mixed with pea isolate (63%, 63%, and 59%, respectively) and constant ingredients which are canola oil (6%) and wheat gluten (15%) and texturized to produce HMMA using a twin‐screw extruder (TX‐52) with a cooling die. Soy concentrate and soy isolate were mixed with the constant ingredients and texturized into an HMMA and used as a control. Before freezing for storage, each sample was cooled by air, water, or a brine solution (2% or 4%) for 10 min. Frozen samples were thawed at room temperature (25 °C) for 3 hr and rehydrated by soaking at 25 °C for 2 hr, warm‐soaking at 50 °C for 12 hr, or boiling for 2 min. Color, moisture content (MC), specific density (SD), water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), and texture were measured. Compared to the control, samples with PLP had less lightness and texture and greater redness, yellowness, MC and WSI. The 2% brine solution used for cooling reduced WSI without textural change compared to other cooling methods. Boiling for rehydration increased lightness while warm‐soaking decreased lightness and increased yellowness. In addition, boiling resulted in the least MC, SD, WSI, and WAI following soaking and warm‐soaking. Therefore, these PLP can be used as alternative meat sources to soy proteins and a 2% brine solution for cooling and rehydration by boiling are recommended to reduce the WSI.

Practical Application

Pulses are an excellent food ingredient because they are rich in protein and have an exceptional nutritional profile. In this study, high moisture meat analogs containing pea proteins, lentil proteins, faba bean proteins, and pea isolate instead of soy concentrate and soy isolate were produced. According to the results, pulse proteins can be an alternative source to soy proteins. Since they formed relatively well‐defined orientation. Further research can be conducted using modified processing conditions for texturization to improve its quality. In addition, this research can help researchers and product developers understand proper handling methods for HMMA products after production such as cooling before freezing for storage and thawing and rehydrating after freezing.
Effects of isoflavone‐rich red clover extract on blood glucose level: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Masuda Takamasa , Ino Yoshinaka , Hirai Akiko , Okamura Akiko , Ishikawa Hirohito , Yokoyama Shin‐ichiro , Osawa Toshihiko
Published: March 2021

High blood glucose is associated with increased risk of various diseases. Red clover (RC; Trifolium pratense L.) is an edible legume whose sprout is rich in isoflavones such as formononetin and biochanin A. We examined the effects of RC extract on postprandial and fasting blood glucose level, using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with 36 participants, aged 25 to 64 years, who were randomly assigned to receive either 1.91 g of RC extract (containing 8 mg formononetin and 1.8 mg biochanin A) or placebo. Each participant ingested the assigned test food daily for 8 weeks, and at the oral maltose tolerance test (OMTT). Initially, the two groups did not significantly differ in OMTT results. However, fasting insulin levels at 8 weeks were significantly lower in the RC group (4.76 μIU/ml at Week 0 to 4.01 μIU/ml at Week 8) with a significant interaction (P = 0.046). Subgroup analysis showed that change in blood glucose level (blood glucose ΔC) tended to decrease late in the trial period during OMTT in the ≤50‐year‐old RC group, as did fasting blood glucose and insulin levels at 8 weeks; hemoglobin A1c was also significantly reduced in this subgroup (5.36% at Week 0 to 5.28% at Week 8) with a significant interaction (P = 0.040). These results suggest that the daily intake of RC could reduce blood glucose, particularly for those ≤50 years old. Formononetin—an α‐glucosidase inhibitor—is considered to be the major functional molecule for these effects. Therefore, intake of RC that contains formononetin might help blood glucose control.
Discrimination of goat, buffalo, and yak milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation using microelement contents
Authors: Guo Xiaoqing , Liu Hongyan , Zhao Qingyu , Qin Yuchang , Zhang Junmin
Published: March 2021

This study aims at investigating whether the livestock, lactation stage, or geographical origin of specialty milk in China could be classified by the elemental contents. Samples of goat, buffalo, and yak milk were collected from main production provinces in China and the contents of nine elements in milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation stages were determined. Statistical analysis indicated that the contents of Mn, Cu, As, Se, Cs, and Mo in mature milk were significantly different between the three livestock (p < 0.05). The trends of Mn and Cs contents of the goat milk and buffalo milk increased first and then decreased gradually during lactation. The contents of Se, Cs, Ba, and Mo in mature milk of three livestock were significantly different between the three regions (p < 0.05). The result of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS‐DA) showed that the total correct classification rates in different livestock for mature milk reached 86.7 and 90%. For goat milk, the total correct classification rates of different lactations and regions reached 88.9 and 77.8% for LDA (100 and 87.5% for PLS‐DA), and followed by yak milk of different regions which achieved 88.9% for LDA (88.9% for PLS‐DA). In summary, the microelements in milk showed a significant correlation with livestock, region, and lactation of goat, buffalo, and yak milk. The elemental fingerprints combined with the LDA could be potential for classifying the livestock, lactation stage, and geographical origin of milk.

Practical Application

According to study the contents of miroelements in milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation stages, provide evidence and support for classifying the livestock, lactation stage, and geographical origin of milk.
Geochemical Characteristics and Migration Pathways of Ordovician Carbonate Oil Reservoirs in the Tuoputai Area, Tarim Basin, Northwestern China
Authors: LIU Hua , WANG Shen , CHENG Bin , CAO Zicheng , JIANG Ziyue
Published: March 2021

Exploration potential is huge and the oil resources are rich in the Ordovician reservoirs of the Tarim Basin. However, the mechanism of hydrocarbon accumulation is complex and not yet fully understood. In the Tuoputai area, the hydrocarbon migration pathways and characteristics of deep hydrocarbon accumulation are revealed through analyses of the physical data of rich oil and gas, the geochemical parameters of oil, and fluid inclusions. The results show that the Ordovician oils in the Tuoputai area have the same geochemical characteristics as the mixed oil from the Lower Cambrian source rock and the Middle–Upper Ordovician source rock. The Ordovician reservoirs have been charged three times: in the late Caledonian, late Hercynian, and Himalayan stages. Oil charging occurred in the Hercynian stage, in particular, as it is the main filling period of hydrocarbon. The north‐northeast (NNE)‐trending TP12CX major fault, active in in these times and is dominant migration channel of hydrocarbon, but there is segmentation affected by the difference of activities. Oil maturity is higher in the south than in the north and is abnormally high near the major fault. Parameters related to migration indicate that oil migrated northeastward along the NNE‐trending TP12CX major fault and adjusted laterally along the secondary faults and weathering crust, forming the present characteristics of oil and gas distribution.
Geothermal‐type Lithium Resources in Southern Xizang, China
Authors: WANG Chenguang , ZHENG Mianping , ZHANG Xuefei , WU Qian , LIU Xifang , REN Jianhong , CHEN Shuangshuang
Published: March 2021

High‐temperature geothermal water has abundant lithium (Li) resources, and research on the development and utilization of geothermal‐type lithium resources around the world are increasing. The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau contains huge geothermal resources; especially, Li‐rich geothermal resources in southern Xizang, southwestern China, are widely developed. The Li‐rich geothermal spots in Xizang are mainly distributed on both sides and to the south of the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone. Such resources are often found in the intensely active high‐temperature Li‐rich geothermal fields and, compared with other Li‐rich geothermal fields around the world, the Li‐rich geothermal fluid in the Xizang Plateau, southern Xizang is characterized by good quality: the highest reported Li concentration is up to 239 mg/L; the Mg/Li ratio is extremely low and ranges from 0.03 to 1.48 for most of the Li‐rich geothermal fluid; the Li/TDS value is relatively high and ranges from 0.25–1.14% compared to Zhabuye Li‐rich salt lake (0.19%) and Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) (0.08–0.31%). Continuous discharge has been stable for at least several decades, and some of them reach industrial grades of salt lake brine (32.74 mg/L). In addition, elements such as boron (B), caesium (Cs), and rubidium (Rb) are rich and can be comprehensively utilized. Based on still‐incomplete statistics, there are at least 16 large‐scale Li‐rich hot springs with lithium concentration of 20 mg/L or more. The total discharge of lithium metal is about 4300 tons per year, equivalent to 25,686 tons of lithium carbonate. Drilling data has shown that the depth is promising and there is a lack of volcanism (non‐volcanic geothermal system). With a background of the partial‐melting lower crust caused by the collision of the Indo‐Asia continent and based on a comprehensive analysis of the tectonic background of southern Xizang and previous geological, geophysical, and geothermal research, deep molten magma seems to provide a stable heat source for the high‐temperature Li‐rich geothermal field. The Li‐rich parent geothermal fluid rushes to the surface to form hot springs along the extensively developed tectonic fault zones in southern Xizang; some of the Li‐rich fluid flows in to form Li‐rich salt lakes. However, most of the Li‐rich geothermal fluid is remitted to seasonal rivers and has not been effectively exploited, resulting in great waste. With the continuous advance of lithium extraction technologies in Li‐rich geothermal fluid, the lithium resource in geothermal water is promising as a new geothermal type of mineral deposit, which can be effectively exploited. This is the first study to undertake a longitudinal analysis on the characteristics, distribution and scale, origin and utilization prospects of Li‐rich geothermal resources in southern Xizang, research that will contribute to a deeper understanding of Li‐rich geothermal resources in the area and attract attention to these resources in China.
Quantitative Gas‐in‐place Comparison of Original and Bitumen‐free Lacustrine Shale
Authors: LI Jing , ZHOU Shixin , FU Deliang , CHEN Kefei , ZHANG Chen , SUN Zexiang , LI Pengpeng
Published: March 2021

Residual bitumen in organic‐rich shale of oil windows exists widely, and its effect on the gas storage capacity of shale could be two‐fold. Bitumen could occupy and block the nanopores of shale, thereby reducing the gas storage capacity. On the other hand, gas could be dissolved in bitumen in shale gas reservoirs, leading to enhanced gas storage capacity. To quantify the effect of bitumen on the gas‐in‐place (GIP) estimation of lacustrine organic‐rich shale, the micropore characteristics and methane sorption capacity of original and bitumen‐free shale from the Triassic Yangchang Formation of the Ordos Basin, combined with the methane dissolution capacity for the isolated bitumen, were analyzed and compared. GIP for the original and bitumen‐free shale in the depth range of 500–2500 m was evaluated. The results show that micropores in the shale samples were mainly related to organic matter. Clay mineral‐hosted pores contributed slightly to microporosity. Bitumen significantly reduced the micropore surface area and volume of the original shale, with average percentages of 28.09% and 51.26%, respectively. The methane sorption capacity decreased after bitumen removal. When normalized to the original shale mass, the sum of the methane sorption capacity for bitumen‐free shale and the methane dissolution capacity for isolated bitumen was similar to the methane sorption capacity of the original shale, indicating that the lack of methane absorbed on bitumen is the main reason for the decrease in methane sorption capacity after bitumen removal. The contribution of absorbed methane on bitumen to sorbed methane in shale could be higher than 36.23%. Dual effects of bitumen on shale GIP were observed. A high content of bitumen (1.12%) increased the GIP of the shale samples, with an average percentage of 23.5% in the depth range of 500–2500 m, while a low content of bitumen (0.06%) decreased the GIP, with an average percentage of 13.6%.
Oxygen Isotopic Compositions in a Plagioclase‐Olivine Inclusion from Ningqiang Similar to Those in Al‐rich Chondrules
Authors: DAI Deqiu , BAO Haimei , LIU Shuang , YIN Feng
Published: March 2021

We report the petrology and oxygen isotopic composition, using a Cameca NanoSIMS 50L ion microprobe, of a plagioclase–olivine inclusion, C#1, found in the Ningqiang carbonaceous chondrite. In addition to major phases (plagioclase, spinel and olivine), C#1 is also surrounded by a pyroxene rim (64 vol % Ca‐rich and 36 vol % Ca‐poor pyroxenes). On a three‐isotope oxygen diagram, δ17O vs. δ18O, the compositions of individual minerals analyzed in C#1 fall along the carbonaceous chondrite anhydrous mineral line (CCAM), and oxygen isotopic compositions in C#1 show significant variability in δ18O and δ17O. The oxygen isotopic compositions of the pyroxene rim minerals are similar to those of the other host minerals, which suggests that the rim likely formed from the same melting process as the host. The rim is considered to have formed as a result of interaction between an 16O‐poor gas and a melt. Some spinel grains are typically 16O‐rich and likely of relict origin, which is similar to 16O‐rich Ca‐, Al‐rich inclusions, which are probably a precursor of C#1. The inclusion then likely melted in an 16O‐poor region where chondrules form, accompanied by oxygen isotope exchange with an 16O‐poor gas. Some anorthite, pyroxene and spinel might have undergone fluid‐assisted thermal metamorphism on the Ningqiang chondrite parent body. The oxygen isotope data and evolution of the C#1 plagioclase–olivine inclusion are similar with those of Al‐chondrules in chondrites.
Repetitive blast mild traumatic brain injury increases ethanol sensitivity in male mice and risky drinking behavior in male combat veterans
Authors: Schindler Abigail G. , Baskin Britahny , Juarez Barbara , Janet Lee Suhjung , Hendrickson Rebecca , Pagulayan Kathleen , Zweifel Larry S. , Raskind Murray A. , Phillips Paul E.M. , Peskind Elaine R. , Cook David G.
Published: March 2021

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common in civilians and highly prevalent among military service members. mTBI can increase health risk behaviors (e.g., sensation seeking, impulsivity) and addiction risk (e.g., for alcohol use disorder (AUD)), but how mTBI and substance use might interact to promote addiction risk remains poorly understood. Likewise, potential differences in single vs. repetitive mTBI in relation to alcohol use/abuse have not been previously examined.

Methods

Here, we examined how a history of single (1×) or repetitive (3×) blast exposure (blast‐mTBI) affects ethanol (EtOH)‐induced behavioral and physiological outcomes using an established mouse model of blast‐mTBI. To investigate potential translational relevance, we also examined self‐report responses to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption questions (AUDIT‐C), a widely used measure to identify potential hazardous drinking and AUD, and used a novel unsupervised machine learning approach to investigate whether a history of blast‐mTBI affected drinking behaviors in Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans.

Results

Both single and repetitive blast‐mTBI in mice increased the sedative properties of EtOH (with no change in tolerance or metabolism), but only repetitive blast potentiated EtOH‐induced locomotor stimulation and shifted EtOH intake patterns. Specifically, mice exposed to repetitive blasts showed increased consumption “front‐loading” (e.g., a higher rate of consumption during an initial 2‐h acute phase of a 24‐h alcohol access period and decreased total daily intake) during an intermittent 2‐bottle choice condition. Examination of AUDIT‐C scores in Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans revealed an optimal 3‐cluster solution: “low” (low intake and low frequency), “frequent” (low intake and high frequency), and “risky” (high intake and high frequency), where Veterans with a history of blast‐mTBI displayed a shift in cluster assignment from “frequent” to “risky,” as compared to Veterans who were deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan but had no lifetime history of TBI.

Conclusions

Together, these results offer new insight into how blast‐mTBI may give increase AUD risk and highlight the increased potential for adverse health risk behaviors following repetitive blast‐mTBI.
Preventing early births in a regional tertiary maternity unit: Evaluating preterm and early term birth rates before and after implementation of the Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative in the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: Orefice Roberto , Smythe Julia , Doherty Dorota A. , Lim Boon
Published: March 2021

Background

A multifaceted preterm birth (PTB) prevention initiative was launched in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in 2019. The aim of this initiative was to safely lower the rate of early births across the ACT and the surrounding areas in New South Wales. Modelled on the Western Australian PTB Prevention Initiative, the program included new clinical guidelines and a new PTB prevention clinic at the main tertiary hospital.

Aim

To evaluate the initiative and its effects on preterm and early term birth rates at the main tertiary hospital after 16 months of implementation.

Materials and Methods

A before and after intervention study was conducted. Rates of preterm and early term birth before (previous five years) and after 16 months of implementation of the ACT PTB Prevention Initiative were evaluated.

Results

At the main tertiary hospital in The Canberra Hospital, the rate of PTB was significantly reduced by 10% after 16 months of implementation of the initiative. Rates of PTB were lower than any of the preceding five years and resulted in 45 averted or delayed PTBs. The number of planned early term births with no medical indication was significantly reduced by 34.5% and resulted in 77 averted or delayed early term births.

Conclusions

The multifaceted PTB Prevention Initiative safely lowered the rates of early birth in the ACT context. These results highlight the importance of prioritising early birth prevention, education, research and expanding the initiative nationwide.
Is the East Asia quadrilateral sustainable?
Authors: Rao Anand
Published: March 2021

In 2003, scholar Robyn Lim argued that the United States had tenaciously committed itself since the early twentieth century to maintaining a “quadrilateral” balance of power in East Asia that included itself, China, Japan, and Russia. In the years since, however, the devastating material and psychological impacts of the Iraq War have combined with the neo‐isolationist sentiments of President Donald Trump to call into question America's commitment to maintaining the East Asia quadrilateral. The arrangement has been put under further pressure by the inexorable and almost unbelievable rise of China to the status of economic superpower since the year 2000. Given these circumstances, it is imperative to consider what East Asia will look like if Washington chooses to retrench from the region in the coming decades.
Performance of typical and superior face recognizers on a novel interactive face matching procedure
Authors: Smith Harriet M. J. , Andrews Sally , Baguley Thom S. , Colloff Melissa F. , Davis Josh P. , White David , Rockey James C. , Flowe Heather D.
Published: March 2021

Unfamiliar simultaneous face matching is error prone. Reducing incorrect identification decisions will positively benefit forensic and security contexts. The absence of view‐independent information in static images likely contributes to the difficulty of unfamiliar face matching. We tested whether a novel interactive viewing procedure that provides the user with 3D structural information as they rotate a facial image to different orientations would improve face matching accuracy. We tested the performance of ‘typical’ (Experiment 1) and ‘superior’ (Experiment 2) face recognizers, comparing their performance using high‐quality (Experiment 3) and pixelated (Experiment 4) Facebook profile images. In each trial, participants responded whether two images featured the same person with one of these images being either a static face, a video providing orientation information, or an interactive image. Taken together, the results show that fluid orientation information and interactivity prompt shifts in criterion and support matching performance. Because typical and superior face recognizers both benefited from the structural information provided by the novel viewing procedures, our results point to qualitatively similar reliance on pictorial encoding in these groups. This also suggests that interactive viewing tools can be valuable in assisting face matching in high‐performing practitioner groups.
The organizational relationship–based political connection and debt financing: Evidence from Chinese private firms
Authors: Zhang Nan , Liang Qiaozhuan , Li Huiying , Wang Xiao
Published: March 2021

Given the existing literatures of political connection's effect on debt financing that mainly focus on the interpersonal relationship–based political connection, this study investigated how organizational relationship–based political connection (OPC, established by corporate party organization) influence private firms’ debt financing in China. With 11,061 firm‐year observations of China's A‐shared listed private firms between 2010 and 2017, we found that OPC has a significantly positive effect on private firms’ debt financing. Moreover, this effect is weakened in regions with better developed institutional environments, whereas strengthened when the firms are supported by the industrial policy. This study advances our understanding of the connotation of political connections and provides a new perspective for investigating determinants of private firms’ debt financing in the context of an emerging economy.
The role and mechanisms of polycomb repressive complex 2 on the regulation of osteogenic and neurogenic differentiation of stem cells
Authors: Cao Yangyang , Li Le , Fan Zhipeng
Published: March 2021

The stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts or neurocytes is the key process for treatment of bone‐ or neural tissue‐related diseases which is caused by ageing, fracture, injury, inflammation, etc Polycomb group complexes (PcGs), especially the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), act as pivotal epigenetic regulators by modifying key developmental regulatory genes during stem cells differentiation. In this review, we summarize the core subunits, the variants and the potential functions of PRC2. We also highlight the underlying mechanisms of PRC2 associated with the osteogenic and neurogenic differentiation of stem cells, including its interaction with non‐coding RNAs, histone acetyltransferases, histone demethylase, DNA methyltransferase and polycomb repressive complex 1. This review provided a substantial information of epigenetic regulation mediated by PRC2 which leads to the osteogenic and neurogenic differentiation of stem cells.
Localisation requires trust: an interface perspective on the Rohingya response in Bangladesh
Authors: Roepstorff Kristina
Published: March 2021

Local actors are promoted as important agents in the humanitarian sector's latest reform efforts. Opinions on the exact meaning and the best means of implementing localisation differ, however. Applying an interface perspective, this paper analyses how the Rohingya response in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, became an arena of contestation, competition, and sometimes convergence among different actors in relation to localisation. It shows how misconceptions and divergent understandings of localisation and the best methods of achieving it were prevalent and hampered the joint endeavours of international and local humanitarian bodies. Although both sides sought common ground, conflicting views, interests, and perceptions of ‘self’ and ‘other’ stood in the way. A lack of trust between international and local organisations intensified divisions. The paper argues, therefore, that the humanitarian sector needs to engage in trust‐building between the various entities involved in humanitarian response if localisation is to be realised, including addressing underlying structural and systemic issues of (neo)colonialism, racism, and classism.
Prognostic role of KL‐6 in SSc‐ILD patients with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis
Authors: d’Alessandro Miriana , Bellisai Francesca , Bergantini Laura , Cameli Paolo , D’Alessandro Roberto , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Gentili Francesco , Conticini Edoardo , Selvi Enrico , Frediani Bruno , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , Bargagli Elena
Published: March 2021

Background

Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) is a high‐molecular‐weight (200kDa) glycoprotein proposed as a diagnostic biomarker for differentiating interstitial lung disease (ILD). Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare immune‐mediated disorder, and ILD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) has been described to have a poor prognosis in SSc‐ILD patients. This study undertook to compare serial changes in KL‐6 in SSc‐ILD patients with and without PPFE, to verify its prognostic value as a disease biomarker.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five SSc‐ILD patients (median IQR, 62 (56‐58); 20% males) were retrospectively enrolled. 12 SSc‐ILD patients (48%) had also a radiological diagnosis of PPFE. Serum KL‐6 concentrations were measured by KL‐6 reagent assay (Fujirebio Europe, Ghent, Belgium).

Results

Serum KL‐6 measurements were increased in SSc‐ILD patients with and without PPFE compared with healthy controls (P < .0001). Comparative analysis of the rate of variation of KL‐6 over the 6 years of follow‐up was performed by serial two‐yearly KL‐6 measurements: Δ1(t1‐t0), Δ2(t2‐t1) and Δ3(t3‐t2). In SSc‐ILD patients with PPFE pattern, Δ3 was significantly different than those without PPFE pattern (P = .0020). Serum KL‐6 levels were significantly different (P = .0455) either at Δ2 and Δ3 in the PPFE group. In SSc‐ILD patients with PPFE, at t3 serum KL‐6 concentrations were inversely correlated with FEV1 (r = −.76; P = .037) and FVC percentages (r = −.79; P = .028).

Conclusion

These results suggest that serial measurements of KL‐6 in the follow‐up of these patients may help to monitor disease progression. In real life, in SSc‐ILD patients PPFE should be always evaluated at CT and when present should suggest a tight follow‐up to monitor its evolution.
‘If he feels better I'll feel better’ relationships with individuals at high‐risk of developing psychosis
Authors: Izon Emma , Berry Katherine , Law Heather , French Paul
Published: March 2021

Aim

A large proportion of individuals with an at‐risk mental state (ARMS) live at home and are supported by their families. Recommended treatment includes family intervention (FI), and therefore, understanding relationships between individuals with an ARMS and their family members is key. This study aimed to provide a more holistic exploration of relationships within families of individuals with an ARMS by reporting the perceived impact of the condition on other family members including sibling and romantic relationships.

Method

Fourteen semi‐structured interviews with family members were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Parents wanted to maintain a safe family environment for all family members. This can result in spending less time with siblings who impacted on siblings' relationships with the service user and other family members. Romantic relationships were negatively impacted when there was unclear communication between the couple, as well as the partner's response and understanding of the ARMS condition. Clear communication across sibling and romantic relationships facilitated helpful family/carer's behaviour and understanding of the individuals' mental distress.

Conclusion

FI should explore and support families with changes in sibling and romantic relationships. More research is needed to understand siblings' perspectives in families with individuals experiencing an ARMS and to develop resources to support partners and families in changes within their sexual and romantic relationships.
Caudate and cerebellar involvement in altered P2 and P3 components of GO/NoGO evoked potentials in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zarka David , Cebolla Anna Maria , Cevallos Carlos , Palmero‐Soler Ernesto , Dan Bernard , Cheron Guy
Published: March 2021

Previous studies showed reduced activity of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and supplementary motor area during inhibition in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to investigate deep brain generators underlying alterations of evoked potential components triggered by visual GO/NoGO tasks in children with ADHD compared with typically developing children (TDC). Standardized weighted low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography (swLORETA) source analysis showed that lower GO‐P3 component in children with ADHD was explained not only by a reduced contribution of the frontal areas but also by a stronger contribution of the anterior part of the caudate nucleus in these children compared with TDC. While the reduction of the NoGO‐P3 component in children with ADHD was essentially explained by a reduced contribution of the dorsal ACC, the higher NoGO‐P2 amplitude in these children was concomitant to the reduced contribution of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the insula, and the cerebellum. These data corroborate previous findings showed by fMRI studies and offered insight relative to the precise time‐related contribution of the caudate nucleus and the cerebellum during the automatic feature of inhibition processes in children with ADHD. These results were discussed regarding the involvement of the fronto‐basal ganglia and fronto‐cerebellum networks in inhibition and attention alterations in ADHD.
Comparative proteome analyses highlight several exercise‐like responses of mouse sciatic nerve after IP injection of irisin
Authors: Momenzadeh Sedigheh , Zamani Saeed , Dehghan Fariba , Barreiro Carlos , Jami Mohammad‐Saeid
Published: March 2021

Many beneficial effects of exercise on the nervous system are mediated by hormone (growth factor)/receptor signaling. Considering the accumulating evidence on the similarity of some beneficial effects, irisin can be a proposed effector of exercise; however, the mechanism underlying these effects remains largely unknown. More evidence on the mechanism of action might reveal its potential as a treatment strategy to substitute exercise recovery protocols for nerve injuries in physically disabled patients. To evaluate the underlying mechanism of irisin involvement in nerve adaptation and exerting beneficial effects, we studied the proteome profile alteration of mouse sciatic nerve after irisin administration. We also compared it with two 8‐week protocols of resistance exercise and endurance exercise. The results indicate that irisin contributes to the regulation of nerve metabolism via overexpression of Ckm and ATP5j2 proteins. Irisin administration may improve sciatic nerve function by maintaining the architecture, enhancing axonal transport, and promoting synapse plasticity through increased structural and regulatory proteins and NO production. We also showed that irisin has the potential to induce neurotrophic support on the sciatic nerve by maintaining cell redox homeostasis, and responses to oxidative stress via the upregulation of disulfide‐isomerase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. Comparing with exercise groups, these effects are somewhat exercise‐like responses. These data suggest that irisin can be a promising therapeutic candidate for specific targeting of defects in peripheral neuropathies and nerve injuries as an alternative for physical therapy.
Invasion‐induced root–fungal disruptions alter plant water and nitrogen economies
Authors: Bialic‐Murphy Lalasia , Smith Nicholas G. , Voothuluru Priya , McElderry Robert M. , Roche Morgan D. , Cassidy Steven T. , Kivlin Stephanie N. , Kalisz Susan
Published: March 2021

Despite widespread evidence that biological invasion influences both the biotic and abiotic soil environments, the extent to which these two pathways underpin the effects of invasion on plant traits and performance remains unknown. Leveraging a long‐term (14‐year) field experiment, we show that an allelochemical‐producing invader affects plants through biotic mechanisms, altering the soil fungal community composition, with no apparent shifts in soil nutrient availability. Changes in belowground fungal communities resulted in high costs of nutrient uptake for native perennials and a shift in plant traits linked to their water and nutrient use efficiencies. Some plants in the invaded community compensate for the disruption of nutritional symbionts and reduced nutrient provisioning by sanctioning more nitrogen to photosynthesis and expending more water, which demonstrates a trade‐off in trait investment. For the first time, we show that the disruption of belowground nutritional symbionts can drive plants towards alternative regions of their trait space in order to maintain water and nutrient economics.
Dental care of patients exposed to sexual abuse: Need for alliance between staff and patients
Authors: Wolf Eva , Grinneby David , Nilsson Petra , Priebe Gisela
Published: March 2021

The aim was to explore the experiences of sexually abused individuals as dental patients. Purposively selected were 13 informants (11 women) aged 19–56. All had experienced sexual abuse as children or adults and memories of this abuse had been triggered and expressed during a dental appointment. They were encouraged to relate in their own words their experiences of the dental appointment. The interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim, and analysed according to Qualitative Content Analysis. The overall theme illustrating the latent content was The dental appointment – a volatile base requiring predictability and a secure working alliance. The first category covering the manifest content was The dental care provider “assumes responsibility,” with two subcategories: (i) contradictory disclosure, and (ii) alliance formation – a levelling of power. The second category was The patient is “in focus,” with two subcategories: (i) alertness to signs of discomfort, and (ii) attention to obvious but subtle expressions of needs. On an understanding that the patient has been sexually abused, an individually tailored, patient‐centered approach to treatment is suggested. Dental care providers may also need to be aware of and reflect on their position of power, in relation to the patient and its possible chairside implications.
Agricultural intensification and climate change have increased the threat from weeds
Authors: Storkey Jonathan , Mead Andrew , Addy John , MacDonald Andrew J.
Published: March 2021

Weeds represent a significant threat to crop yields and global food security. We analysed data on weed competition from the world's longest running agricultural experiment to ask whether potential yield losses from weeds have increased in response to management and environmental change since the advent of the Green Revolution in the 1960s. On plots where inorganic nitrogen fertiliser has been applied, potential yield losses from weeds have consistently increased since 1969. This was explained by a warming climate, measured as air temperature averaged over the growing season for the weeds, and a shift towards shorter crop cultivars. Weeds also reduced yield proportionally more on plots with higher rates of nitrogen which had higher yields when weeds were controlled; the relative benefit of herbicides was, therefore, proportional to potential crop yield. Reducing yield losses from weed competition is increasingly challenging because of the evolution of herbicide resistance. Our results demonstrate that weeds now represent a greater inherent threat to crop production than before the advent of herbicides and integrated, sustainable solutions to weed management are urgently needed to protect the high yield potential of modern crop genotypes.
Trans men doing gender at work
Authors: Jeanes Emma , Janes Kirsty
Published: March 2021

In this article we explore the practices of trans men in England, undertaken to accomplish gender in the workplace, recognizing the importance of a ‘situated’ analysis incorporating context and life history. We find trans men simultaneously to conform and challenge masculinity, informed both by preference and necessity in order to survive and progress at work, which in turn impacts the potential for any male advantage that may be enjoyed. We note that the more coherently masculine a trans man is, the less ‘trouble’ is caused by his gender (trans masculinity). We demonstrate that they often have to adjust their gender practices and/or workplace to secure or progress at work but also retain a capacity to trouble the gender binary (trans masculinity). We consider the implications for trans men at work.
Discharge processes and medicines communication from the patient perspective: A qualitative study at an internal medicines ward in Norway
Authors: Rognan Stine Eidhammer , Kälvemark Sporrong Sofia , Bengtsson Kajsa , Lie Helene Berg , Andersson Yvonne , Mowé Morten , Mathiesen Liv
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients are expected to participate in the hospital discharge process, assume self‐management after discharge and communicate relevant information to their general practitioner; however, patients report that they are not being sufficiently empowered to take on these responsibilities. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the discharge process with a focus on medicines communication, from the patient perspective.

Methods

Patients were included at a hospital ward, observed during health‐care personnel encounters on the day of discharge and interviewed 1‐2 weeks after discharge. A process analysis was performed, and a content analysis combined data from observations and data from patient interviews focusing on medicines communication in the discharge process.

Results

A total of 9 patients were observed on the day of discharge, equalling 67.5 hours of observations. The analysis resulted in the following themes: (a) the observed discharge process; (b) patient initiatives; and (c) the patient role. The medicines communication in the discharge process appeared unstructured. Various patient preferences and needs were revealed. The elements of the best practice structured discharge conversation were observed; however, some patients did not have a discharge conversation at all.

Conclusions

The study contributes to a broader understanding of the discharge process, how patients experience it, including their role. It is evident that the discharge process is not always tailored to meet the patients’ needs. More focus on early patient involvement and communication, in order to better prepare patients for self‐management of their medications, is important for their health outcomes.
Micro‐computed tomographic assessment of dentinal microcrack formation in straight and curved root canals in extracted teeth prepared with hand, rotary and reciprocating instruments
Authors: Martins J. C. L. G. D. , Oliveira B. P. , Duarte D. A. , Antonino A. C. D. , Aguiar C. M. , Câmara A. C.
Published: March 2021

Aim

To compare microcrack formation in roots of extracted teeth after the shaping of straight and curved root canals with hand, rotary and reciprocating files using micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) analysis.

Methodology

Thirty straight mandibular incisors and 30 severely curved mesial roots of mandibular molars were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups (n = 10) according to the systems used for the root canal preparation and the root canal curvature: ProTaper Universal for Hand Use (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), HyFlex EDM (Coltene‐Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland) and Reciproc Blue (VDW, Munich, Germany) files used in mandibular incisors (straight canals) and mesial roots of mandibular molars (curved canals). The roots were imaged with micro‐CT scanning at an isotropic resolution of 14 μm before and after root canal preparation, and the cross‐sectional images generated were assessed to detect microcracks.

Results

All dentinal defects identified after root canal preparation were already present before instrumentation, and no new microcracks were detected. Dentinal microcracks were present in 19% (ProTaper Universal for Hand Use), 11% (Hyflex EDM) and 23% (Reciproc Blue) of the cross‐sections when the instrumentation was performed in mandibular incisors. Instrumentation of mandibular molars revealed microcracks in 15% (ProTaper Universal for Hand Use), 16% (Hyflex EDM) and 17% (Reciproc Blue) of the cross‐sections.

Conclusions

Preparation of straight and curved root canals with ProTaper Universal for Hand Use, HyFlex EDM and Reciproc Blue systems did not produce microcracks in extracted teeth when evaluated with micro‐CT.
Geometric optics based analysis of radiation heat transfer in glass melting furnace foams
Authors: Choudhary Manoj K.
Published: March 2021

The paper describes a simple, geometric optics‐based model to analyze thermal radiation through glass foam layers that form on the surface of the glass melt in many industrial glass melting operations. The large value of radiation size parameters (>1000) characteristic of glass foams combined with an idealized foam morphology is used to derive recursive algebraic relations relating the effective reflectivity, transmissivity, and absorptivity of the foam to key parameters of gas bubble size, porosity, thickness, and glass melt absorption spectra. A sample of calculated results are presented to illustrate the application of the model. The findings are in qualitative agreement with what is known from practice and more elaborate analyses involving Mie scattering and solution of radiation transport equations. The analysis of extinction coefficient for the foam reinforces the physical intuition that, for the large size parameter characteristic of glass furnace foams, the scattering from the bubble is equivalent to reflection from a planar surface. The combination of simplicity and essential physics of radiation through glass foams makes the model developed here ideally suited for both glass manufacturing engineers and the glass furnace modeling community.
Dental late effects of antineoplastic treatment on childhood cancer survivors: Radiographic findings
Authors: Seremidi Kyriaki , Kavvadia Katerina , Kattamis Antonis , Polychronopoulou Argyro
Published: March 2021

Background

Dental anomalies are common late side effects of childhood cancer therapy and may lead to anatomical, functional, and aesthetic sequelae.

Aim

The study aimed to record dental late effects of antineoplastic treatment and associate them with disease and treatment characteristics in order to identify possible risk factors.

Design

Orthopantomograms of 70 survivors aged 4‐21 years, who were treated at ages 0‐10 years for any type of malignancy and completed antineoplastic treatment at least one year before, were examined. Incidence of developmental disturbances was recorded. Their severity was calculated, and odds ratios for the development of severe defects were estimated.

Results

Root defects presented in 62% of the participants, with impaired root growth being the most common (58%). Increased incidence was associated with combination treatment protocols, irradiation to the head and neck region, and administration of antimetabolites, steroids, and vincristine. Mean DeI value was 17.46 with risk factors for the development of severe root defects being diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, combination treatment protocols, administration of cyclophosphamide and steroids, and hemopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Conclusions

Root defects are common among childhood cancer survivors, with their incidence and severity being affected by multiple disease and treatment characteristics.
Geographical epidemiology of road safety in Nigeria: The importance of weighted accident severity risk index in spatiotemporal analysis and injury epidemiology
Authors: Iyanda Ayodeji E.
Published: March 2021

Road safety is an essential indicator of quality of life. This study compared the Chand and Alex severity index with the Equivalent Traffic Accident Number's (ETAN) severity index to understand the spatiotemporal pattern of road traffic crashes in Nigeria. Weighting road crash data could help mitigate road crash risk and improve road safety measures. The weighted crash ratios were calculated based on crash data available between 2012 and 2016. Six factors identified from the literature were used as denominators in deriving these ratios. The sum ratios were ranked and mapped for cross‐temporal examination. There was no significant difference between the two methods for assessing accident severity index in this study. Univariate and multivariate spatial analyses were used to detect the hotspot of the weighted crash severity index (WCSI) for the end of the study period. Only the pairwise comparison analysis found a significant difference between the 2012 and 2016 WCSI (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression identified significant associations between youth literacy, speed violation, tyre blowout, and weighted severity index. Geographically weighted regression indicates that their local effects vary across spatial units. Information obtained from this study is essential for developing strategies towards achieving safe roads in Nigeria and contributes to injury epidemiology research.