bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of the motor cost associated with cognitive tasks in Parkinson's disease: A dual‐task study
Authors: Uribe Paula , Fuentes Natalia , Álvarez‐Ruf Joel , Cornejo Isabel , Mariman Juan J.
Published: August 2022

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition associated with motor and cognitive impairments. While the execution of dual cognitive‐motor tasks imposes a cost on gait velocity, it has been barely determined if the gait deterioration depends on the specific cognitive domain involved in the dual‐task. Twenty‐four subjects (12 patients with Parkinson's disease and 12 healthy subjects) carried out a single task (gait alone) and several dual tasks where the concurrent second task was the Trail Making Test (Part A) and the six tasks of the Frontal Assessment Battery. Gait variables were measured by accelerometry via smartphone. Data analysis included analysis of variance (ANOVA) and exploratory factorial analysis. Both groups showed a similar gait performance, except for velocity, where patients exhibited a bradykinetic profile. The dual‐task during the Trail Making Test showed the highest motor cost. Frontal Assessment Battery's tasks as conceptualization, mental flexibility and motor programming showed a higher motor cost than the other tasks (sensibility to interference, inhibitory control and environmental autonomy). The factorial analysis applied to the motor costs confirmed two profiles, grouping those related to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (mental flexibility and motor programming tasks) in an independent factor. Among cognitive functions, attention is critical for gait control in Parkinson's disease and healthy elderly people. The interference posed by several executive operations suggests a specific competition in prefrontal regions that support dual tasks. Moreover, the higher cost for patients with Parkinson's disease patients emphasizes the cognitive decline and compensatory cognitive strategy for gait control related to attention and executive functions.
Integrating eco‐evolutionary dynamics and modern coexistence theory
Authors: Yamamichi Masato , Gibbs Theo , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: August 2022

Community ecology typically assumes that competitive exclusion and species coexistence are unaffected by evolution on the time scale of ecological dynamics. However, recent studies suggest that rapid evolution operating concurrently with competition may enable species coexistence. Such findings necessitate general theory that incorporates the coexistence contributions of eco‐evolutionary processes in parallel with purely ecological mechanisms and provides metrics for quantifying the role of evolution in shaping competitive outcomes in both modelling and empirical contexts. To foster the development of such theory, here we extend the interpretation of the two principal metrics of modern coexistence theory—niche and competitive ability differences—to systems where competitors evolve. We define eco‐evolutionary versions of these metrics by considering how invading and resident species adapt to conspecific and heterospecific competitors. We show that the eco‐evolutionary niche and competitive ability differences are sums of ecological and evolutionary processes, and that they accurately predict the potential for stable coexistence in previous theoretical studies of eco‐evolutionary dynamics. Finally, we show how this theory frames recent empirical assessments of rapid evolution effects on species coexistence, and how empirical work and theory on species coexistence and eco‐evolutionary dynamics can be further integrated.
Risk factors for lameness elimination in British endurance riding
Authors: Bloom Fiona , Draper Stephen , Bennet Euan , Marlin David , Williams Jane
Published: August 2022

Background

Horse welfare is a priority in the equine sport of endurance riding. Identification and reduction of risk factors associated with elimination and lameness have been the focus of research to date, however, this has centred on international competition. National federations recognise there is a need to consider risk factors for elimination at a more local level.

Objectives

Determine current risk factors associated with horse eliminations, specifically lameness eliminations within British endurance.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Endurance GB database, for open and advanced horses, competing in rides >64 km in the 2017 and 2018 competitive seasons. Variables were analysed via univariable models which informed subsequent multivariable binary logistic regression modelling. Two models were completed: (A) horse eliminated vs. not eliminated and (B) horse lame vs. not lame.

Results

One thousand seven hundred and forty‐seven competitive starts were analysed; 542 horses were eliminated. Lameness accounted for 56.1% (n = 304) of eliminations. Multivariable analysis identified decreased odds of lameness in graded rides compared with race rides (adjusted odds ratio, OR 0.6; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.4–0.8). There were increased odds of elimination (OR 4.7, CI 3.5–6.5) and increased odds of lameness (OR 1.9, CI 1.2–3.06) when competing in FEI competitions of 2* and above, compared to rides run under national rules. Horses and riders who had not competed as a combination previously had increased odds of elimination (OR 2.2, CI 1.5–3.02).

Main limitations

Variables which can influence performance such as speed, environmental and topographical conditions were not recorded in the data set. Only two seasons of data were analysed.

Conclusions

Competitive history of horses, including the number of previous starts, previous eliminations and the category of ride entered are significant in establishing the likelihood of elimination and more specifically lameness elimination in British national endurance.
Child–parent relationship during the Wuhan COVID‐19 lockdown: Role of changes in preschool children's daily routines
Authors: Tan Tony Xing , Wang Joy Huanhuan , Wang Peng , Huang Yu
Published: August 2022

Objective

We examined the impact of the strict lockdown on 130 preschool‐age children's daily routines and how their routine changes from pre‐lockdown were related to child–parent relationship quality during the lockdown.

Background

To contain the spread of the COVID‐19, the city of Wuhan underwent a strict 76‐day lockdown, during which children's routines were drastically altered, yet families did not have a frame of reference to use to determine how changes in children's routines would be related to their family dynamics.

Method

Parents provided survey data on the amount of time their children spent daily on learning, screen devices, play and exercise, and nighttime sleep before, during, and after the lockdown. The also described general family functioning, child–parent closeness, and child–parent conflict during the lockdown.

Results

The lockdown led to changes in all four routines, but all returned to pre‐lockdown level after the lockdown was lifted. Regression analyses showed that decrease in play and exercise time was related to less child–parent closeness, and decrease in learning time and increase in nighttime sleep time were related to more child–parent conflict.

Conclusion

Findings suggested changes in the children's play and exercise time, learning time, and nighttime sleep time were related to negative child–parent relationship (i.e., less closeness or more conflict), but favorable general functioning was a protective factor.

Implications

Our study highlighted family resilience in restoring the children's routines after the lockdown, as well as family vulnerability during the lockdown, as changes in three of the four routines examined were linked to negative child–parent relationship.
Loss of mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation protein short‐chain Enoyl‐CoA hydratase disrupts oxidative phosphorylation protein complex stability and function
Authors: Burgin Harrison , Sharpe Alice J. , Nie Shuai , Ziemann Mark , Crameri Jordan J. , Stojanovski Diana , Pitt James , Ohtake Akira , Murayama Kei , McKenzie Matthew
Published: August 2022

Short‐chain enoyl‐CoA hydratase 1 (ECHS1) is involved in the second step of mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation (FAO), catalysing the hydration of short‐chain enoyl‐CoA esters to short‐chain 3‐hyroxyl‐CoA esters. Genetic deficiency in ECHS1 (ECHS1D) is associated with a specific subset of Leigh Syndrome, a disease typically caused by defects in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Here, we examined the molecular pathogenesis of ECHS1D using a CRISPR/Cas9 edited human cell ‘knockout’ model and fibroblasts from ECHS1D patients. Transcriptome analysis of ECHS1 ‘knockout’ cells showed reductions in key mitochondrial pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle, receptor‐mediated mitophagy and nucleotide biosynthesis. Subsequent proteomic analyses confirmed these reductions and revealed additional defects in mitochondrial oxidoreductase activity and fatty acid β‐oxidation. Functional analysis of ECHS1 ‘knockout’ cells showed reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates when metabolising glucose or OXPHOS complex I‐linked substrates, as well as decreased complex I and complex IV enzyme activities. ECHS1 ‘knockout’ cells also exhibited decreased OXPHOS protein complex steady‐state levels (complex I, complex III2, complex IV, complex V and supercomplexes CIII2/CIV and CI/CIII2/CIV), which were associated with a defect in complex I assembly. Patient fibroblasts exhibit varied reduction of mature OXPHOS complex steady‐state levels, with defects detected in CIII2, CIV, CV and the CI/CIII2/CIV supercomplex. Overall, these findings highlight the contribution of defective OXPHOS function, in particular complex I deficiency, to the molecular pathogenesis of ECHS1D.
Geographic range size, water temperature, and extrinsic threats predict the extinction risk in global cetaceans
Authors: Chen Chuanwu , Jefferson Thomas A. , Chen Bingyao , Wang Yanping
Published: August 2022

Despite the fact that cetaceans provide significant ecological contributions to the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems, many are highly endangered with nearly one‐third of species assessed as threatened with extinction. Nevertheless, to date, few studies have explicitly examined the patterns and processes of extinction risk and threats for this taxon, and even less between the two subclades (Mysticeti and Odontoceti). To fill this gap, we compiled a dataset of six intrinsic traits (active region, geographic range size, body weight, diving depth, school size, and reproductive cycle), six environmental factors relating to sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentration, and two human‐related threat indices that are commonly recognized for cetaceans. We then employed phylogenetic generalized least squares models and model selection to identify the key predictors of extinction risk in all cetaceans, as well as in the two subclades. We found that geographic range size, sea surface temperature, and human threat index were the most important predictors of extinction risk in all cetaceans and in odontocetes. Interestingly, maximum body weight was positively associated with the extinction risk in mysticetes, but negatively related to that for odontocetes. By linking seven major threat types to extinction risk, we further revealed that fisheries bycatch was the most common threat, yet the impacts of certain threats could be overestimated when considering all species rather than just threatened ones. Overall, we suggest that conservation efforts should focus on small‐ranged cetaceans and species living in warmer waters or under strong anthropogenic pressures. Moreover, further studies should consider the threatened status of species when superimposing risk maps and quantifying risk severity. Finally, we emphasize that mysticetes and odontocetes should be conserved with different strategies, because their extinction risk patterns and major threat types are considerably different. For instance, large‐bodied mysticetes and small‐ranged odontocetes require special conservation priority.
Abortion mobilities
Authors: Engle Olivia
Published: August 2022

Abortion mobilities emerged within political geography and the reproductive mobilities scholarship to address extant theoretical and empirical gaps in these fields. This paper seeks to highlight and assess the abortion mobilities scholarship to date. Starting with a working definition of abortion mobilities, this paper argues for the relevance of abortion to political geography and outlines three key themes in political geography that abortion mobilities address: borders, states and anti‐genderism, intersectional politics and reproductive justice, and activism and abortion pills.
A chemo‐mechanical coupled constitutive model applied to the oxidation simulation of SiC/SiC composite
Authors: Bian Jie , Chen Xihui , Sun Zhigang , Niu Xuming , Yao Xubo , Wu Weijing , Song Yingdong
Published: August 2022

Herein, a chemo‐mechanical coupled constitutive and failure model is proposed to predict the tensile behavior of SiC/SiC composites under oxidizing environments. The diffusion of O2 through the oxide scale and the oxidation reaction of SiC/O2 are modeled and implemented in finite element software, through a user‐defined element. Numerical validation studies and tests are conducted on a domestic SiC fiber. An orthotropic constitutive model for reinforcements, which considers modulus reduction due to oxidation damage, and a continuum damage model associated with O2 diffusion along the micro‐cracks in the SiC matrix are subsequently presented. The developed framework is used to simulate the mechanical behavior and oxidation process of a single fiber SiC/SiC composite.
The mediating role of psychological needs on the relationship between perceived organizational support and work engagement
Authors: Ni Yun‐xia , Wu Dan , Bao Yun , Li Ji‐ping , You Gui‐ying
Published: August 2022

Aim

To examine the mediating effect of basic psychological needs on the relationship between perceived organizational support and work engagement among nurses.

Background

The satisfaction of basic psychological needs is crucial for breeding and sustaining individuals’ intrinsic motivation. Little is known about the underlying motivational mechanisms that explain the relationship among perceived organizational support, basic psychological needs, and work engagement in a nursing context.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional online survey. A sample of 858 nurses from 12 hospitals was surveyed on their perceived organizational support, basic psychological needs, and work engagement. Structural equation models and bootstrapping methods were used to examine the hypotheses. STROBE reporting guidelines were utilized.

Results

Perceived organizational support was positively associated with basic psychological needs and work engagement. Basic psychological needs were positively associated with work engagement. Basic psychological needs mediated the relationship between perceived organizational and work engagement.

Conclusion

Perceived organizational support may enhance work engagement by fulfilling the basic psychological needs of nurses.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

Basic psychological needs deserve more attention in nursing organizations. Managers should seek optimal strategies to fulfill nurses’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness to stimulate their intrinsic motivation to enhance work engagement.
The versatility of tensor fascia lata allografts for soft tissue reconstruction
Authors: Park Tae Hwan
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this retrospective study was to introduce our successful use of tensor fascia lata allograft to reconstruct various soft tissue defects. Since May 2021, we have applied tensor fascia lata allografts in eight cases. A frozen type of fascia of 0.6 mm thickness was used in all cases, and allografts were covered by vascularized soft tissue. We used tensor fascia lata allograft in eight cases to cover the infected wounds, donor site closure, and pedicle protections. These were abdominal wall and back reconstructions following rectus muscle and latissimus dorsi muscle harvest, coverage of infected spine wound after posterior fusion, pressure ulcer reconstruction, and pedicle protection of free and pedicle flaps. The follow‐up periods were from one to 14 months. None of the cases showed wound problems after initial reconstruction using tensor fascia lata allografts. Tensor fascia lata allograft could be an excellent cost‐effective surgical option comparable to autologous tissue grafts. Level of evidence: IV.
Dysregulated lipolysis and lipophagy in lipid droplets of macrophages from high fat diet‐fed obese mice
Authors: Getiye Yohannes , Rice Tatiana Angel , Phillips Brandon D. , Carrillo Daniel Fidel , He Guanglong
Published: August 2022

Obesity is associated with lipid droplet (LD) accumulation, dysregulated lipolysis and chronic inflammation. Previously, the caspase recruitment domain‐containing protein 9 (CARD9) has been identified as a potential contributor to obesity‐associated abnormalities including cardiac dysfunction. In the current study, we explored a positive feedback signalling cycle of dysregulated lipolysis, CARD9‐associated inflammation, impaired lipophagy and excessive LD accumulation in sustaining the chronic inflammation associated with obesity. C57BL/6 WT and CARD9−/−mice were fed with normal diet (ND, 12% fat) or a high fat diet (HFD, 45% fat) for 5 months. Staining of LDs from peritoneal macrophages (PMs) revealed a significant increase in the number of cells with LD and the number of LD per cell in the HFD‐fed WT but not CARD9−/−obese mice. Rather, CARD9 KO significantly increased the mean LD size. WT obese mice showed down regulation of lipolytic proteins with increased diacylglycerol (DAG) content, and CARD9 KO normalized DAG with restored lipolytic protein expression. The build‐up of DAG in the WT obese mice is further associated with activation of PKCδ, NF‐κB and p38 MAPK inflammatory signalling in a CARDD9‐dependent manner. Inhibition of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) by Atglistatin (Atg) resulted in similar effects as in CARD9−/−mice. Interestingly, CARD9 KO and Atg treatment enhanced lipophagy. In conclusion, HFD feeding likely initiated a positive feedback signalling loop from dysregulated lipolysis, CARD9‐dependent inflammation, impaired lipophagy, to excessive LD accumulation and sustained inflammation. CARD9 KO and Atg treatment protected against the chronic inflammation by interrupting this feedforward cycle.
NGS analysis revealed that Lactococcus garvieae Lg‐Per was Lactococcus petauri in Türkiye
Authors: Altinok Ilhan , Ozturk Rafet Cagri , Ture Mustafa
Published: August 2022

Lactococcus garvieae Lg‐per was originally isolated from rainbow trout cultured in cages located on the Turkish coast of the Black Sea in 2011. A whole genome sequence of Lg‐per was performed in the present study. The complete genome of Lg‐per mapped to the reference genomes of L. garvieae (GCF_000269925.1) and Lactococcus petauri (GCF_014830225.1) had a total of 1,694,407 and 1,945,297 base pairs, respectively. Lg‐per had 1955 protein‐coding genes and 4 rRNA, 46 tRNA and 1 tmRNA operons. The orthoANI value was 98.30% between Lg‐per and L. petauri (GCF_014830225.1) and 93.1% between Lg‐per and L. garvieae (GCF_000269925.1). A phylogenetic tree generated from the whole genome sequences (WGS) of several Lactococcus species found that L. petauri (GCA 002154895) was closely related to the Lg‐per strain with 98% similarity. Although L. garvieae Lg‐per was confirmed as L. garvieae based on phenotypical, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequence, WGS of the Lg‐per strain revealed that Lg‐per was L. petauri. Using a 16S rRNA‐based PCR detection approach, Lg‐per was misdiagnosed as L. garvieae since its 16S rRNA gene was 99.9% similar to that of L. garvieae strains. Consequently, the 16S rRNA‐based PCR detection approach may not be adequate for the identification of the Lactococcus genus. This is the first study to document the presence of L. petauri in Türkiye. L. garvieae isolates should be analysed using WGS since the same issue might occur in other countries.
The plant circadian clock regulates autophagy rhythm through transcription factor LUX ARRHYTHMO
Authors: Yang Ming‐Kang , Zhu Xiao‐Jie , Chen Chu‐Min , Guo Xu , Xu Shu‐Xuan , Xu Ya‐Rou , Du Shen‐Xiu , Xiao Shi , Mueller‐Roeber Bernd , Huang Wei , Chen Liang
Published: August 2022

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved degradation pathway in eukaryotes; it plays a critical role in nutritional stress tolerance. The circadian clock is an endogenous timekeeping system that generates biological rhythms to adapt to daily changes in the environment. Accumulating evidence indicates that the circadian clock and autophagy are intimately interwoven in animals. However, the role of the circadian clock in regulating autophagy has been poorly elucidated in plants. Here, we show that autophagy exhibits a robust circadian rhythm in both light/dark cycle (LD) and in constant light (LL) inArabidopsis. However, autophagy rhythm showed a different pattern with a phase‐advance shift and a lower amplitude in LL compared to LD. Moreover, mutation of the transcription factorLUX ARRHYTHMO(LUX) removed autophagy rhythm in LL and led to an enhanced amplitude in LD. LUX represses expression of the core autophagy genesATG2,ATG8a, andATG11by directly binding to their promoters. Phenotypic analysis revealed thatLUXis responsible for improved resistance of plants to carbon starvation, which is dependent on moderate autophagy activity. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis revealed that the autophagy rhythm is ubiquitous in plants. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the LUX‐mediated circadian clock regulates plant autophagy rhythms.
Diversity and function of the fused anuran radioulna
Authors: Keeffe Rachel , Blackburn David C.
Published: August 2022

In tetrapods, fusion between elements of the appendicular skeleton is thought to facilitate rapid movements during running, flying, and jumping. Although such fusion is widespread, frogs stand out because adults of all living species exhibit fusion of the zeugopod elements (radius and ulna, tibia and fibula), regardless of jumping ability or locomotor mode. To better understand what drives the maintenance of limb bone fusion in frogs, we use finite element modeling methods to assess the functional consequences of fusion in the anuran radioulna, the forearm bone of frogs that is important to both locomotion and mating behavior (amplexus). Using CT scans of museum specimens, measurement tools, and mesh‐editing software, we evaluated how different degrees of fusion between the radius and ulna affect the von Mises stress and bending resistance of the radioulna in three loading scenarios: landing, amplexus, and long‐axis loading conditions. We find that the semi‐fused state observed in the radioulna exhibits less von Mises stress and more resistance to bending than unfused or completely fused models in all three scenarios. Our results suggest that radioulna morphology is optimized to minimize von Mises stress across different loading regimes while also minimizing volume. We contextualize our findings in an evaluation of the diversity of anuran radioulnae, which reveals unique, permanent pronation of the radioulna in frogs and substantial variation in wall thickness. This work provides new insight into the functional consequences of limb bone fusion in anuran evolution.
The association between vitamin D levels in the second trimester of pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Lingli , Yu Tianxiao , Jiao Ruifen , Fan Xizhenzi , Wang Yafang , Liu Wei , Wang Shaoxiong , Xie Jialiang , Zhao Chuan
Published: August 2022

Background and aims

25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) affects glucose metabolism by increasing insulin secretion and insulin receptor expression. However, whether 25(OH)D deficiency will increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not been clearly reported. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between vitamin D levels in the second trimester of pregnancy and the risk of GDM.

Methods

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 247 pregnant women came to the fourth hospital of Shijiazhuang (The affiliated obstetrics and gynecology hospital of Hebei Medical University) for obstetrics were investigated during the period of January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. The levels of 25(OH)D in the second trimester (16–20 weeks) and oral 75 g glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy were reviewed. The sociodemographic data were collected from questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between vitamin D levels and GDM.

Results

The incidence of GDM in the observation group (25(OH)D ≤ 26 ng/ml) was higher than that in the control group (25(OH)D > 26 ng/ml) (p = 0.039). Compared with control group, the observation group had significantly higher level of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (4.7 [4.5–5.0] mmol/L vs. 4.6 [4.4–4.8] mmol/L, p = 0.012). In the whole study, the level of 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with FPG (r = − 0.164，p = 0.010). After adjusting for age, pre‐pregnancy BMI, parity and adverse pregnancy history, compared with the observation group (25 (OH) D ≤ 26 ng/ml), the risk of developing GDM decreased by 50.9% in control group (25(OH)D > 26 ng/ml) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.491, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.243–0.989, p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Adequate vitamin D levels during the second trimester of pregnancy may reduce the risk of GDM.
Comparison of axial and sagittal spinal cord motion measurements in degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Pfender Nikolai , Rosner Jan , Zipser Carl Moritz , Friedl Susanne , Vallotton Kevin , Sutter Reto , Klarhoefer Markus , Schubert Martin , Betz Michael , Spirig José Miguel , Seif Maryam , Hubli Michèle , Freund Patrick , Farshad Mazda , Curt Armin , Hupp Markus
Published: August 2022

Background and Purpose

The timing of decision‐making for a surgical intervention in patients with mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is challenging. Spinal cord motion phase contrast MRI (PC‐MRI) measurements can reveal the extent of dynamic mechanical strain on the spinal cord to potentially identify high‐risk patients. This study aims to determine the comparability of axial and sagittal PC‐MRI measurements of spinal cord motion with the prospect of improving the clinical workup.

Methods

Sixty‐four DCM patients underwent a PC‐MRI scan assessing spinal cord motion. The agreement of axial and sagittal measurements was determined by means of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland‐Altman analyses.

Results

The comparability of axial and sagittal PC‐MRI measurements was good to excellent at all cervical levels (ICCs motion amplitude: .810‐.940; p < .001). Significant differences between axial and sagittal amplitude values could be found at segments C3 and C4, while its magnitude was low (C3: 0.07 ± 0.19 cm/second; C4: −0.12 ± 0.30 cm/second). Bland‐Altman analysis showed a good agreement between axial and sagittal PC‐MRI scans (coefficients of repeatability: minimum −0.23 cm/second at C2; maximum −0.58 cm/second at C4). Subgroup analysis regarding anatomic conditions (stenotic vs. nonstenotic segments) and different velocity encoding (2 vs. 3 cm/second) showed comparable results.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates good comparability between axial and sagittal spinal cord motion measurements in DCM patients. To this end, axial and sagittal PC‐MRI are both accurate and sensitive in detecting pathologic cord motion. Therefore, such measures could identify high‐risk patients and improve clinical decision‐making (ie, timing of decompression).
Survey of South Carolina Public School Personnel Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators to Regular Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Behaviors in Schools
Authors: Camp‐Spivey Logan J. , Newman Susan D. , Stevens Robert N. , Nichols Michelle
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

In South Carolina (SC), 42% of youth are overweight or obese. Two sets of modifiable behaviors contributing to obesity are physical activity (PA) and dietary habits. School‐based interventions have successfully improved these behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify SC public school personnel perspectives on the most common barriers and facilitators to regular PA and healthy eating behaviors in schools.

METHODS

A needs assessment survey was conducted with school personnel statewide. There were 17 questions on the survey that addressed: (1) demographic information about participants' educational backgrounds, (2) barriers to regular PA and healthy eating behaviors in schools, and (3) facilitators to regular PA and healthy eating behaviors in schools. Univariate and bivariate descriptive statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 1311) indicated insufficient time for regular PA (n = 514, 39.2%) and limited access to healthy foods for healthy eating (n = 271, 20.7%) as main barriers. The primary facilitators were support from administrators for regular PA (n = 264, 20.1%) and support from cafeteria staff for healthy eating (n = 234, 17.8%). Further analyses explored how factors compared based on roles in schools, academic levels, and school district classifications.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that overarching barriers and facilitators to school‐based interventions addressing childhood obesity exist, so common strategies to mitigate challenges and maximize supports can be used in schools. Future studies are needed to examine how decreasing barriers and enhancing facilitators affect the implementation and outcomes of these school‐based interventions.
X‐linked myotubular myopathy associated with an MTM1 variant in a Maine coon cat
Authors: Kopke Matthew A. , Shelton G. Diane , Lyons Leslie A. , Wall Meredith J. , Pemberton Sarah , Gedye Kristene R. , Owen Rebecca , Guo Ling T. , Buckley Reuben M. , Valencia Juan A. ,   99 Lives Consortium, Jones Boyd R.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Describe the clinical course and diagnostic and genetic findings in a cat with X‐linked myotubular myopathy.

Case Summary

A 7‐month‐old male Maine coon was evaluated for progressively worsening gait abnormalities and generalized weakness. Neurolocalization was to the neuromuscular system. Genetic testing for spinal muscular atrophy (LIX1) was negative. Given the progressive nature and suspected poor long‐term prognosis, the owners elected euthanasia. Histopathology of skeletal muscle obtained post‐mortem disclosed numerous rounded atrophic or hypotrophic fibers with internal nuclei or central basophilic staining. Using oxidative reactions mediated by cytochrome C oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase, scattered myofibers were observed to have central dark staining structures and a “ring‐like” appearance. Given the cat's age and clinical history, a congenital myopathy was considered most likely, with the central nuclei and “ring‐like” changes consistent with either centronuclear or myotubular myopathy. Whole genome sequencing identified an underlying missense variant in myotubularin 1 (MTM1), a known candidate gene for X‐linked myotubular myopathy.

New or Unique Information Provided

This case is the first report of X‐linked myotubular myopathy in a cat with an MTM1 missense mutation. Maine coon cat breeders may consider screening for this variant to prevent production of affected cats and to eradicate the variant from the breeding population.
Enhanced inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor production and biofilm development by sublethal concentrations of eugenol and phenyllactic acid
Authors: Shariff M. , Chatterjee M. , Morris S.D. , Paul V. , Vasudevan A.K. , Mohan C.G. , Paul-Prasanth B. , Biswas R.
Published: August 2022

Biofilm development in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is regulated by its quorum sensing (QS) systems. It has three major QS systems: LasI/R, RhlI/R and PQS/MvfR. Previous studies showed that phenyllactic acid (PLA) binds to RhlR and PqsR and inhibits the Rhl and PQS QS; and eugenol at sublethal concentration inhibits Las and PQS QS systems. Here, we have demonstrated that a combination of sublethal doses of eugenol and PLA enhanced the inhibition of the QS mediated production of the virulence factors and biofilm development of this pathogen. A combination of 50 μmol l−1 eugenol and 0·3 mmol l−1 PLA significantly inhibited the pyocyanin production, protease activity, swarming motility and cytotoxic activities of P. aeruginosa strain PAO1, whereas eugenol and PLA when added individually to PAO1 cultures were less effective in inhibiting its virulence factor expression. Biofilm formation of PAO1 was reduced by 32, 19 and 87% on glass surfaces; and 54, 49 and 93% on catheter surfaces when treated using 50 μmol l−1 eugenol or 0·3 mmol l−1 PLA and their combinations, respectively. The in vitro finding in the reduction of biofilm development was further validated in vivo using a catheter associated medaka fish biofilm model. Our results indicate that a combination of QS inhibitors targeting different QS pathways should be selected while designing therapeutic molecules to achieve maximum QS mediated biofilm inhibition and clinical outcome against P. aeruginosa.
Vibrancy and stillness in talking school discourse: examining embodied talk in a primary classroom
Authors: Kontovourki Stavroula
Published: August 2022

This paper complicates oracy by attending to moments of vibrancy and stillness in a public school classroom, where children were expected to follow particular rules that governed their bodily movement and language use. I argue that children's talk in classrooms cannot be separated from the making of meaning at the intersection of human bodies, materials and immaterial forces, including discourses of schooling and schooled literacy. To do so, I utilise teacher interviews and video‐recorded observations from a second grade classroom in the Republic of Cyprus, and analyse those drawing on an understanding of talk as embodied: as occurring through bodies, as part of and in conjunction with bodily movement, regulated and regulating, and yet not fully determining what being a child‐learner in a classroom means. I present findings from this analysis in three interrelated moves as I connect talk and silence to local classroom rules, to discourses of literacy and schooling that discipline the (talking) body, and to the contingency of embodied talk in a particular classroom event. Τhis multilayered reading provides insights into the ways in which oracy is part of an assemblage that, among others, brings together and pulls apart teachers' and children's talk, institutional discourses, and always already vibrant bodies.
‘Addressing’ language deficit: valuing children's variational repertories
Authors: Hyatt David , Escott Hugh , Bone Robin
Published: August 2022

There is growing evidence that student contributions via classroom talk (oracy) are subject to social judgements premised on cultural evaluation of accent and dialect, with particular varieties often viewed in deficit terms and pathologised, both within and beyond the classroom. We reflect on a university–community project involving researchers working to support Greythorpe Junior School (‘pseudonymised’) to address the linguistic deficit position that a school inspection report had taken in relation to the use of local varieties of English in Greythorpe. The researchers used socio‐linguistic frames (repertoire, accommodation and discourse attuning) to develop productive strategies for students and the school to take ownership of how to negotiate perspectives that diminish non‐standard accents and dialects. We provide illustrations of the workshop conversations with children and teachers to highlight the sophisticated, lived, metalinguistic understandings of children and teachers in the school, through which this perception of language deficit was ultimately renegotiated. In illustrating this case, we draw into focus the ways in which academic, institutional, socio‐linguistic knowledge is (by its descriptive nature) divorced from context and so is only of use if it can be owned by those who are facing linguistic inequalities.
Meteorite petrology versus genetics: Toward a unified binominal classification
Authors: Jacquet Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

The current meteorite taxonomy, a result of two centuries of meteorite research and tradition, entangles textural and genetic terms in a less than consistent fashion, with some taxa (like “shergottites”) representing varied lithologies from a single putative parent body while others (like “pallasites”) subsume texturally similar objects of multifarious solar system origins. The familiar concept of “group” as representative of one primary parent body is also difficult to define empirically. It is proposed that the classification becomes explicitly binominal throughout the meteorite spectrum, withclassesreferring to petrographically defined primary rock types, whereasgroupsretain a genetic meaning, but no longer tied to any assumption on the number of represented parent bodies. The classification of a meteorite would thus involve both a class and a group, in a two‐dimensional fashion analogous to the way Van Schmus and Wood decoupled primary and secondary properties in chondrites. Since groups would not substantially differ, at first, from those in current use de facto, the taxonomic treatment of “normal” meteorites, whose class would bring no new information, would hardly change. Yet classes combined with high‐ or low‐level groups would provide a standardized grid to characterize petrographically and/or isotopically unusual or anomalous meteorites—which make up the majority of represented meteorite parent bodies—for example, in relation to the carbonaceous/noncarbonaceous dichotomy. In the longer term, the mergers of genetically related groups, a more systematic treatment of lithology mixtures, and the chondrite/achondrite transition can further simplify the nomenclature.
Natural and anthropogenic landscape factors shape functional connectivity of an ecological specialist in urban Southern California
Authors: Wenner Sarah M. , Murphy Melanie A. , Delaney Kathleen S. , Pauly Gregory B. , Richmond Jonathan Q. , Fisher Robert N. , Robertson Jeanne M.
Published: August 2022

Identifying how natural (i.e., unaltered by human activity) and anthropogenic landscape variables influence contemporary functional connectivity in terrestrial organisms can elucidate the genetic consequences of environmental change. We examine population genetic structure and functional connectivity among populations of a declining species, the Blainville's horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii), in the urbanized landscape of the Greater Los Angeles Area in Southern California, USA. Using single nucleotide polymorphism data, we assessed genetic structure among populations occurring at the interface of two abutting evolutionary lineages, and at a fine scale among habitat fragments within the heavily urbanized area. Based on the ecology of P. blainvillii, we predicted which environmental variables influence population structure and gene flow and used gravity models to distinguish among hypotheses to best explain population connectivity. Our results show evidence of admixture between two evolutionary lineages and strong population genetic structure across small habitat fragments. We also show that topography, microclimate, and soil and vegetation types are important predictors of functional connectivity, and that anthropogenic disturbance, including recent fire history and urban development, are key factors impacting contemporary population dynamics. Examining how natural and anthropogenic sources of landscape variation affect contemporary population genetics is critical to understanding how to best manage sensitive species in a rapidly changing landscape.
A specific notation for contrast medium and dehydrated ethanol injection into the vein of Marshall during mitral isthmus ablation—A case report
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Xinyun , Su Guoying , Gao Xiaoyuan , Kong Qingzan
Published: August 2022

Background

Ablation of the vein of Marshall (VOM) by dehydrated ethanol (DE) is an important method for completely blocking the mitral isthmus (MI). Before DE ablation of the VOM, Marshall angiography should be performed so that the contrast medium is inevitably exposed to DE.

Method

We present a case of DE ablation of the VOM. When iodixanol was exposed to DE, some floccule embolized the lumen of the over‐the‐wire (OTW) balloon dilatation catheter and led to the impossibility of DE ablation. Then, we performed in vitro experiments: iodixanol, not iomeprol, produced many stable white floccules when it encountered DE.

Conclusion

Iodixanol is not an appropriate contrast for DE ablation of the VOM. However, if there is no other alternative contrast, the following methods might be used to address the problem: ⑴ diluted iodixanol (iodixanol:normal saline 1:1) could be used for VOM ablation; or ⑵ the lumen of the OTW could be flushed by NS after VOM angiography, and then DE injection could be performed.
Intergenerational concordance of brain structure between depressed mothers and their never‐depressed daughters
Authors: Minami Fusaka , Hirano Jinichi , Ueda Ryo , Takamiya Akihiro , Yamagishi Mika , Kamiya Kei , Mimura Masaru , Yamagata Bun
Published: August 2022

Aim

Parents have significant genetic and environmental influences, which are known as intergenerational effects, on the cognition, behavior, and brain of their offspring. These intergenerational effects are observed in patients with mood disorders, with a particularly strong association of depression between mothers and daughters. The main purpose of our study was to investigate female‐specific intergenerational transmission patterns in the human brain among patients with depression and their never‐depressed offspring.

Methods

We recruited 78 participants from 34 families, which included remitted parents with a history of depression and their never‐depressed biological offspring. We used source‐based and surface‐based morphometry analyses of magnetic resonance imaging data to examine the degree of associations in brain structure between four types of parent‐offspring dyads (i.e. mother‐daughter, mother‐son, father‐daughter, and father‐son).

Results

Using independent component analysis, we found a significant positive correlation of gray matter structure between exclusively the mother‐daughter dyads within brain regions located in the default mode and central executive networks, such as the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, middle frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, superior parietal lobule, and left angular gyrus. These similar observations were not identified in other three parent‐offspring dyads.

Conclusions

The current study provides biological evidence for greater vulnerability of daughters, but not sons, in developing depression whose mothers have a history of depression. Our findings extend our knowledge on the pathophysiology of major psychiatric conditions that show sex biases and may contribute to the development of novel interventions targeting high‐risk individuals.
Quality investment, inspection policy, and pricing decisions in a decentralized supply chain
Authors: Erkoc Murat , Gurnani Haresh , Ray Saibal , Jin Mingzhu
Published: August 2022

This paper studies the interaction between two key quality management decisions—input conformance quality and inspection policy—and related wholesale and retail prices in a two echelon supply chain. Market demand depends on the retail price as well as the end‐product conformance quality, which itself depends on the input quality and the inspection scheme. Consistent with previous empirical findings in the literature, we show that an increase in quality does not always result in higher prices for consumers due to the cost‐lowering effect of better quality. We also show that a lower input quality may still result in higher end‐product quality because of how it might incentivize more and/or better inspection. Any interaction between input quality and inspection policy becomes more pronounced in the decentralized system due to incentive asymmetry between the channel partners. This makes the adoption of a full‐inspection policy more likely there compared to an integrated system. Indeed, while vertical competition due to decentralization results in higher prices for customers, it can also result in better quality of end products. Another interesting finding in the decentralized setting is that, somewhat counterintuitively, a player may indeed opt to bear a higher share of the penalty for defective products sold to consumers resulting in higher profits for the player.
Carbonate platform drowning caught in the act: The sedimentology of Saya de Malha Bank (Indian Ocean)
Authors: Betzler Christian , Lindhorst Sebastian , Reijmer John J. G. , Braga Juan Carlos , Lüdmann Thomas , Bialik Or M. , Reolid Jesus , Geßner Anna‐Lena , Hainbucher Dagmar , Bissessur Dass
Published: August 2022

Mesophotic reefs, hardgrounds and current‐controlled pelagic to hemipelagic carbonates are facies marking carbonate platform drowning successions, irrespective of the factors controlling this evolution. A modern analogue of a carbonate platform in a state of drowning, where these facies occur has not been properly reported on to date. In the present study, the sedimentary environments of the Saya de Malha Bank are characterized using a multi‐disciplinary approach including sedimentology, hydroacoustics, seismics and oceanography. The Saya de Malha Bank edifice with a surface of 40 808 km2 is located in the tropical Indian Ocean and lies in a water depth of 8 to 300 m extending from the surrounding more than 2000 m deep ocean floor, with no reef reaching the sea surface. Mesophotic coral and red algal facies co‐exist with hemipelagic and bioclastic sands, together with a hardground. Ocean currents and internal waves are identified as major sedimentological controlling factors in the absence of elevated nutrient influx. Many features distributed along the present‐day Saya de Malha Bank were described from studies presenting fossil examples of carbonate platform drowning. The results herein can therefore be applied to other drowning examples, in some cases allowing for more accurate interpretation of the stratigraphic record.
Sparse concordance‐based ordinal classification
Authors: Fan Yiwei , Gu Jiaqi , Yin Guosheng
Published: August 2022

Ordinal classification is an important area in statistical machine learning, where labels exhibit a natural order. One of the major goals in ordinal classification is to correctly predict the relative order of instances. We develop a novel concordance‐based approach to ordinal classification, where a concordance function is introduced and a penalized smoothed method for optimization is designed. Variable selection using the penalty is incorporated for sparsity considerations. Within the set of classification rules that maximize the concordance function, we find optimal thresholds to predict labels by minimizing a loss function. After building the classifier, we derive nonparametric estimation of class conditional probabilities. The asymptotic properties of the estimators as well as the variable selection consistency are established. Extensive simulations and real data applications show the robustness and advantage of the proposed method in terms of classification accuracy, compared with other existing methods.