bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating treatment effect for individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis using deep learning
Authors: Falet Jean-Pierre R. , Durso-Finley Joshua , Nichyporuk Brennan , Schroeter Julien , Bovis Francesca , Sormani Maria-Pia , Precup Doina , Arbel Tal , Arnold Douglas Lorne
Published: November 2021

Progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) remain resistant to treatment. Since there are currently no suitable biomarkers to allow for phase 2 trials, pharmaceutical companies must proceed directly to financially risky phase 3 trials, presenting a high barrier to drug development. We address this problem through predictive enrichment, which randomizes individuals predicted to be most responsive in order to increase a study’s power. Specifically, deep learning is used to estimate conditional average treatment effect (CATE) using baseline clinical and imaging features, and rank individuals on the basis of their predicted response to anti-CD20 antibodies. We leverage a large dataset from six different randomized clinical trials (n = 3, 830). In a left-out test set of primary progressive patients from two anti-CD20-antibodies trials, the average treatment effect was significantly greater for the 50% (HR, 0.492; 95% CI, 0.266-0.912; p = 0.0218) and the 30% (HR, 0.361; 95% CI, 0.165-0.79; p = 0.008) predicted to be most responsive, compared to 0.743 (95% CI, 0.482-1.15; p = 0.179) for the entire group. The same model could also identify responders to laquinimod, which has a different mechanism of action. We demonstrate important increases in power that would result from the use of this model for predictive enrichment, enabling short proof-of-concept trials.
Cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation in older adults with vitamin D deficiency in Ireland
Authors: Lacey Laurence F. , Armstrong David J. , Royle Emily , Magee Pamela J. , Pourshahidi L. Kirsty , Ray Sumantra , Strain J. J. , McSorley Emeir M.
Published: November 2021

Background

This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation in older adults in Ireland, with year-round vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration <30 nmol/L) (13% of Irish adults), from the perspective of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Methods

Three age groups were investigated: (1) ≥50 years, (2) ≥60 years, (3) ≥70 years. Based on the clinical literature, vitamin D3 supplementation may (1) decrease all-cause mortality by 7%, and (2) reduce hip fractures by 16%, and non-hip fractures by 20%. A discount rate of 4% was applied to life years and QALYs gained. The annual healthcare costs per patient used in the model are based on the average annual health resource use over the 5-year time horizon of the model.

Results

The cost/QALY estimates in all three age groups are below the usually acceptable cost-effectiveness threshold of €20,000/QALY. The most cost-effective and least costly intervention was in adults ≥70 years. For this age group, the average annual costs and outcomes would be approx. €6.2 million, 1,043 QALYs gained, with a cost/QALY of approx. €6,000. The results are most sensitive to the mortality risk reduction following vitamin D3 supplementation.

Conclusion

The cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation is most robust in adults ≥70 years. Clinical uncertainty in the magnitude of the benefits of vitamin D3 supplementation could be further addressed by means of (1) performing a clinical research study or (2) conducting a pilot/regional study, prior to reaching a decision to invest in a full nationwide programme.
Defining the Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Landscape of Circulating Extracellular Vesicles in the Diabetes Spectrum
Authors: Lopez Yury O. Nunez , Iliuk Anton , Petrilli Alejandra , Glass Carley , Casu Anna , Pratley Richard E.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to characterize the proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiles of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) from people with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), prediabetes (PDM), and diabetes (T2DM). Archived serum samples from 30 human subjects (N=10 per group, ORIGINS study, ClinicalTrials.govNCT02226640) were used. EVs were isolated using EVTRAP (Tymora). Mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based methods were used to detect the global EV proteome and phosphoproteome. Differentially expressed features, correlation networks, enriched pathways, and enriched tissue-specific protein sets were identified using custom R scripts. A total of 2372 unique EV proteins and 716 unique EV phosphoproteins were identified. Unsupervised clustering of the differentially expressed (fold change≥2, P<0.05, FDR<0.05) proteins and, particularly, phosphoproteins, showed excellent discrimination among the three groups. Among characteristic changes in the PDM and T2DM EVs, “integrins switching” appeared to be a central feature. Proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), known to be reduced in various tissues in diabetes, were significantly increased in EVs from PDM and T2DM, which suggests that an abnormally elevated EV-mediated secretion of OXPHOS components may underlie development of diabetes. We also detected a highly enriched signature of liver-specific markers among the downregulated EV proteins and phosphoproteins in both PDM and T2DM groups. This suggests that an alteration in liver EV composition and/or secretion may occur early in prediabetes. Levels of signaling molecules involved in cell death pathways were significantly altered in the circulating EVs. Consistent with the fact that patients with T2DM have abnormalities in platelet function, we detected a significant enrichment (FDR<<0.01) for upregulated EV proteins and phosphoproteins that play a role in platelet activation, coagulation, and chemokine signaling pathways in PDM and T2DM. Overall, this pilot study demonstrates the potential of EV proteomic and phosphoproteomic signatures to provide insight into the pathobiology of diabetes and its complications. These insights could lead to the development of new biomarkers of disease risk, classification, progression, and response to interventions that could allow personalization of interventions to improve outcomes.
Dimensionality and modularity of adaptive variation: Divergence in threespine stickleback from diverse environments
Authors: Haines Grant E. , Moisan Louis , Derry Alison M. , Hendry Andrew P.
Published: November 2021

In nature, populations are subjected to a wide variety of environmental conditions that affect fitness and induce adaptive or plastic responses in traits, resulting in phenotypic divergence between populations. The dimensionality of that divergence, however, remains contentious. At the extremes, some contend that populations diverge along a single axis of trait covariance with greatest availability of heritable variation, even if this does not lead a population directly to its fitness optimum. Those at the other extreme argue that selection can push populations towards their fitness optima along multiple phenotype axes simultaneously, resulting in divergence in numerous dimensions. Here, we address this debate using populations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in the Cook Inlet region of southern Alaska from lakes with contrasting ecological conditions. We calculated effective dimensionality of divergence in several trait suites (defensive, swimming, and trophic) thought to be under correlated selection pressures, as well as across all traits. We also tested for integration among the trait suites and between each trait suite and the environment. We found that populations in the Cook Inlet radiation exhibit dimensionality of phenotype high enough to preclude a single axis of divergence.
Development and Validation of an Interpretable 3-day Intensive Care Unit Readmission Prediction Model Using Explainable Boosting Machines
Authors: Hegselmann Stefan , Ertmer Christian , Volkert Thomas , Gottschalk Antje , Dugas Martin , Varghese Julian
Published: November 2021

Intensive care unit readmissions are associated with mortality and bad outcomes. Machine learning could help to identify patients at risk to improve discharge decisions. However, many models are black boxes, so that dangerous properties might remain unnoticed. In this study, an inherently interpretable model for 3-day ICU readmission prediction was developed. We used a retrospective cohort of 15,589 ICU stays and 169 variables collected between 2006 and 2019. A team of doctors inspected the model, checked the plausibility of each component, and removed problematic parts. Qualitative feedback revealed several challenges for interpretable machine learning in healthcare. The resulting model used 67 features and showed an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.119±0.020 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.680±0.025. This is on par with state-of-the-art gradient boosting machines and outperforms the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II. External validation with the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database version IV confirmed our findings. Hence, a machine learning model for readmission prediction with a high level of human control is feasible without sacrificing performance.
Optimum bug fixing rate and bug fixing time detection by software reliability modelling
Authors: Narvaneni Rama Rao , Suresh Babu K.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Software reliability growth models (SRGMs) are used to assess and predict reliability of a software system. Many of these models are effective in predicting future failures unless the software evolves.

Design/methodology/approach

This objective of this paper is to identify the best path for rectifying the BFT (bug fixing time) and BFR (bug fixing rate). Moreover, the flexible software project has been examined while materializing the BFR. To enhance the BFR, the traceability of bug is lessened by the version tag virtue in every software deliverable component. The release time of software build is optimized with the utilization of mathematical optimization mechanisms like ‘software reliability growth’ and ‘non-homogeneous Poisson process methods.’

Findings

In current market scenario, this is most essential. The automation and variation of build is also resolved in this contribution. Here, the software, which is developed, is free from the bugs or defects and enhances the quality of software by increasing the BFR.

Originality/value

In current market scenario, this is most essential. The automation and variation of build is also resolved in this contribution. Here, the software, which is developed, is free from the bugs or defects and enhances the quality of software by increasing the BFR.
Towards a theory of well-being in digital sports viewing behavior
Authors: G. Rejikumar , Jose Ajay , Mathew Sonia , Chacko Dony Peter , Asokan-Ajitha Aswathy
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Social television (Social TV) viewing of live sports events is an emerging trend. The realm of transformative service research (TSR) envisions that every service consumption experience must lead to consumer well-being. Currently, a full appreciation of the well-being factors obtained through Social TV viewing is lacking. This study aims to gain a holistic understanding of the concept of digital sports well-being obtained through live Social TV viewing of sports events.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group interviews were used to collect data from the 40 regular sports viewers, and the qualitative data obtained is analyzed thematically using NVivo 12. A post hoc verification of the identified themes is done to narrow down the most critical themes.

Findings

The exploration helped understand the concept of digital sports well-being (DSW) obtained through live Social TV sports spectating and identified five critical themes that constitute its formation. The themes that emerged were virtual connectedness, vividness, uncertainty reduction, online disinhibition and perceived autonomy. This study defines the concept and develops a conceptual model for DSW.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the body of knowledge in TSR, transformative sport service research, digital customer engagement, value co-creation in digital platforms, self-determination theory and flow theory. The qualitative study is exploratory, with participants’ views based on a single match in one particular sport, and as such, its findings are restrained by the small sample size and the specific sport. To extend this study’s implications, empirical research involving a larger and more diversified sample involving multiple sports Social TV viewing experiences would help better understand the DSW concept.

Practical implications

The research provides insights to Social TV live streamers of sporting events and digital media marketers about the DSW construct and identifies the valued DSW dimensions that could provide a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the exploration is the first attempt to describe the concept of DSW and identify associated themes.
Gender associations with selection into Australian Orthopaedic Surgical Training: 2007–2019
Authors: Incoll Ian W. , Atkin Jodie , Frank Jason R. , Vrancic Sindy , Khorshid Omar
Published: November 2021

Background

Communities have better health outcomes when their clinicians reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. More than 50% of Australian medical school graduates are female, yet women represent less than 5% of Australian orthopaedic surgeons. Selection into orthopaedic surgical training in Australia is an annual, nation‐wide process, based on curriculum vitae (CV), referee reports and performance in multiple mini‐interviews (MMI). The influence of applicant gender on these selection scores was examined.

Methods

The CV, referee reports and MMI scores used for selection for each year from 2007 to 2019 were analysed from the perspective of the applicant's gender.

Results

Over the years of the study, male applicants had higher CV scores and referee report scores, which determined the gender proportions invited to interview. By contrast, the interview process and selection from interview did not demonstrate a gender association.

Conclusion

We describe the impact of selection tools, utilized over the past 13 years, on the gender diversity of trainees commencing orthopaedic surgery training in Australia. Leaders in postgraduate training should examine commonly used selection procedures to identify and reduce the unconscious biases that may affect their performance and value.
Outcomes of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer by a high volume surgeon from Australia: a case for centralisation
Authors: Williams Isabella S. C. , Lahoud John , Gurney Howard , Arasaratnam Malmaruha , Patel Manish I.
Published: November 2021

Background

There are few studies examining retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testicular cancer in Australia. This study examines the perioperative outcomes, complications and survival rates following RPLND, by a high volume, single surgeon.

Methods

A retrospective, case series of a single surgeon, multi‐centre study included all patients who underwent RPLND following testicular cancer at Westmead Public Hospital, Westmead Private Hospital, and Macquarie University Hospital 2005–2020. One hundred one patients identified, with 94 having sufficient available data.

Results

At time of operation, median age was 29.5 years. 84.2% had T1 or T2 primary tumours at diagnosis. Most common RPLND indication was residual mass post‐chemotherapy (92.6%), with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP)x3 and BEPx4 most common chemotherapy regimens (50% and 35% respectively). Post‐chemotherapy, largest residual mass ranged from 0.9 to 20 cm (median 3.32 cm). Post‐chemotherapy, 95.7% masses were found in retroperitoneum (64.4% para‐aortic region). 93.6% had open approach. 42.5% had bilateral nerve sparing. Majority (97.1%) did not require blood transfusion. No complications reported in 52.1% of patients. No deaths recorded within 90 days of surgery. At time of analysis, 91.5% had recurrence free survival, and 92.6% overall survival, at a median follow‐up since surgery of 47.5 months (range 11 to 200 months).

Conclusions

This retrospective study, addressing peri‐operative surgical outcomes for RPLND surgery in Australia, is comparable to high‐volume international urological centre studies, and shows that centralisation of post‐chemotherapy RPLND to an experienced surgeon, results in low perioperative morbidity and mortality.
Physiological changes in pregnancy and their influence on the endocrine investigation
Authors: Morton Adam , Teasdale Stephanie
Published: November 2021

Background

Physiological changes in pregnancy may result in significant alterations in endocrine hormone profiles, serum and urine electrolytes and endocrine gland morphology on imaging. Pregnancy‐specific pathophysiological processes may also affect the results for endocrine tests. Investigation of endocrine disorders in pregnancy requires knowledge of these changes and awareness of the safety of dynamic hormone testing and imaging for the mother and foetus.

Objective

This review seeks to outline the important physiological changes in pregnancy affecting reference intervals of basal and dynamic endocrine tests in pregnancy and the scenarios in which these changes are clinically significant, the pregnancy‐specific disorders that may affect the investigation of endocrine disorders, and the safety of dynamic testing and imaging.

Conclusion

Awareness of the effect of physiological changes, and the potential impact of pregnancy‐specific disorders of endocrine tests, and the safety of imaging is crucial to the management of endocrine disorders in pregnancy.
Predictors of geographic range size in Australian skinks
Authors: Barter Mahalia , Bonifacio Luke R. , Duran Andressa , Goulet Celine T. , Tingley Reid , Shea Glenn M. , Meiri Shai , Chapple David G.
Published: November 2021

Aim

Geographic range size varies greatly across species. Climate, along with aspects of a species’ biology, may influence its spatial extent. We investigate intrinsic and extrinsic predictors of range size in Australian skinks. We predicted that larger body size, longer limbs, and larger clutch sizes would be associated with larger ranges, and that ranges would be larger in colder, more arid, and more seasonal climates.

Location

Mainland Australia.

Taxon

Skinks (Scincidae).

Methods

We test for climatic and geographic correlates of range size of Australian skink species (417 of 462 described species), as well as investigate the effects of body size and clutch size (259 species). We compare detailed morphological measurements of 1,324 specimens across nine pairs of widespread and narrow‐ranged congeneric species to investigate the roles of intrinsic (body size, clutch size, morphology) and extrinsic (mean temperature and precipitation) factors in determining range size.

Results

In the broader analysis, large range sizes were associated with the presence of fully developed limbs, low precipitation seasonality, high temperatures, and high precipitation. Ranges of species traversing the Great Dividing Range are larger by an order of magnitude than those east of the range, with western ranges being intermediate. Affinity to specific biomes explained less variation than climatic variables. For the nine species pairs, wide‐ranging species share similar morphologies and clutch sizes with overlapping narrow‐ranging congeners, but generally inhabit more arid regions.

Main conclusions

We found several extrinsic, but few intrinsic, factors were correlated with range size. The narrow mesic belts in Australia compared with the extensive expanse of arid and semi‐arid regions may explain why desert species have larger ranges. This interpretation agrees with the notion that the size of the domain, here a climatic domain rather than a physical one, may exert strong influence on species’ range sizes.
Properties and estimation of mullite thermal insulators prepared by gelation–freezing with alumina nanofibers
Authors: Fukushima Manabu , Ohji Tatsuki
Published: November 2021

Thermal insulators were fabricated by freezing gelatin gels containing calcined kaolinite with alumina nanofibers, followed by sintering. The resultant porosity could be varied from 81.0% to 89.8% by solid loadings in the initial slurry. The relationship among porosity, microstructure, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity was examined. The compressive strength and thermal conductivities of the insulators prepared with initial solid loadings from 3 to 6 vol% ranged from 11.6 to 56.7 MPa and from .25 to .46 W/mK, respectively. Those properties were also estimated by simulation using modeling of overall pore morphology, resulting in good agreement.
Constrained nursing: Nurses’ and assistant nurses’ experiences working in a child and adolescent psychiatric ward
Authors: Söderberg Anja , Ejneborn Looi Git‐Marie , Gabrielsson Sebastian
Published: November 2021

The role of nurses and nursing in CAP inpatient care is unclear, and nurses are at risk of moral distress due to having to deal with complex demands while lacking organizational support. This study aimed to describe nurses’ and assistant nurses’ experiences working in child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient care. Eight nurses and seven assistant nurses working in a child and adolescent ward in Sweden participated in the study. Data were collected in 2019 using semi‐structured qualitative interviews and subject to qualitative content analysis. Results describe nurses’ and assistant nurses’ experiences of child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient care in one theme, Constrained nursing, and four categories: Striving to be there for children and parents; Finding a way to manage work; Depending on others; Lacking nursing leadership. Findings suggest that good, person‐centred and recovery‐oriented nursing practice can exist in CAP inpatient care but remain unrecognized and lacking support due to unclear roles and responsibilities and lack of nursing leadership. This study is reported in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.
Natural inactivation of MS2, poliovirus type 1 and Cryptosporidium parvum in an anaerobic and reduced aquifer
Authors: Lisle John T. , Lukasik George
Published: November 2021

Aims

The study of microbial inactivation rates in aquifer systems has most often been determined in aerobic and oxidized systems. This study examined the inactivation (i.e. loss of infectivity) of MS2, poliovirus type 1 (PV1) and Cryptosporidium parvum in an anaerobic and reduced groundwater system that has been identified as storage zones for aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) facilities.

Methods and Results

Anaerobic and reduced (ORP < −250 mV) groundwater from an artesian well was diverted to an above-ground, flow-through mesocosm that contained diffusion chambers filled with MS2, PV1 or Cryptosporidium parvum. The respective infectivity assays were performed on microorganisms recovered from the diffusion chambers during 30- to 58-day experiments. The net reduction in infectivity was 5.73 log10 over 30 days for MS2, 5.00 log10 over 58 days for PV1 and 4.07 log10 over 37 days for C. parvum. The best fit inactivation model for PV1 was the log-linear model and the Weibull model for MS2 and C. parvum, with respective inactivation rates (95% confidence interval) of 0.19 (0.17–0.21) log10 day−1, 0.31 (0.19–0.89) log10 day−1 and 0.20 (0.14–0.37) log10 day−1.

Conclusions

The groundwater geochemical conditions in this aquifer enhanced the inactivation of MS2, PV1, and C. parvum at rates approximately 2.0–5.3-fold, 1.2–17.0-fold, and 4.5–5.6-fold greater, respectively, than those from published studies that used diffusion chambers in aerobic-to-anoxic groundwater systems, with positive redox potentials.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Geochemical conditions like those in the aquifer zone in this study can naturally and significantly reduce concentrations of microbial indicators and pathogens of human health concern in injected surface water. Appropriate storage times for injected surface water could complement above-ground engineered processes for microorganism removal and inactivation (e.g. filtration, disinfection) by naturally increasing overall microorganism log-inactivation rates of ASR facilities.
Aquaculture production of hatchling Hawaiian Bobtail Squid (Euprymna scolopes) is negatively impacted by decreasing environmental microbiome diversity
Authors: Murphy Trevor R. , Xiao Rui , Brooks Marjorie L. , Rader Bethany A. , Hamilton-Brehm Scott D.
Published: November 2021

Aims

The Hawaiian Bobtail Squid (Euprymna scolopes) is a model organism for investigating host–symbiont relationships. The current scientific focus is on the microbiome within E. scolopes, while very little is known about the microbiome of the tanks housing E. scolopes. We examined the hypothesis that bacterial communities and geochemistry within the squid tank environment correlate with the production of viable paralarval squid.

Methods and Results

Total DNA was extracted from sediment and filtered water samples from ‘productive’ squid cohorts with high embryonic survival and paralarval hatching, ‘unproductive’ cohorts with low embryonic survival and paralarval hatching. As a control total DNA was extracted from environmental marine locations where E. scolopes is indigenous. Comparative analysis of the bacterial communities by the 16S rRNA gene was performed using next generation sequencing. Thirty-eight differentially abundant genera were identified in the adult tank waters. The majority of the sequences represented unclassified, candidate or novel genera. The characterized genera included Aquicella, Woeseia and Ferruginibacter, with Hyphomicrobium and Rhizohapis were found to be more abundant in productive adult tank water. In addition, nitrate and pH covaried with productive cohorts, explaining 67% of the bacterial populations. The lower abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria in unproductive adult tank water could explain detected elevated nitrate levels.

Conclusions

We conclude that microbiome composition and water geochemistry can negatively affect E. scolopes reproductive physiology in closed tank systems, ultimately impacting host-microbe research using these animals.

Significance and Impact of study

These results identify the tight relationship between the microbiome and geochemistry to E. scolopes. From this study, it may be possible to design probiotic counter-measures to improve aquaculture conditions for E. scolopes.
Occult Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and challenges for hepatitis elimination: A literature review
Authors: de Almeida Nathália Alves Araujo , de Paula Vanessa Salete
Published: November 2021

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized by the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum or liver but negativity for hepatitis B surface antigen. OBI, which is thought to be maintained by host, immunological, viral and/or epigenetic factors, is one of the most challenging clinical features in the study of viral hepatitis. Currently, there is no validated detection test for OBI. It is believed that OBI is widely distributed throughout the world, with a higher prevalence in populations at high-risk HBV, but the detailed worldwide prevalence patterns are unknown. We conducted a survey of recently published studies on OBI rates across all continents. High prevalence rates of OBI are observed in some specific groups, including patients with hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus co-infection or hepatocellular carcinoma. In 2016, the World Health Organization adopted strategies to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, but the difficulties in detecting and treating OBI currently challenge this goal. Subjects with OBI can transmit HBV, and episodes of reactivation can occur. Further studies to understanding the mechanisms that drive the development of OBI are needed and can contribute to efforts at eliminating viral hepatitis.
Growth of invasive pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) at sea assessed by scale analysis
Authors: Paulsen Tora , Sandlund Odd Terje , Østborg Gunnel , Thorstad Eva B. , Fiske Peder , Muladal Rune , Tronstad Stig
Published: November 2021

Invasive pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) has been present in variable, but low, numbers in Norwegian waters since c. 1960, but beginning in 2017 their numbers have exploded in rivers in northern Norway, with considerable numbers also recorded in rivers in southern Norway and other countries bordering the North Atlantic. Analysis of pink salmon scales from two rivers draining to the western Barents Sea showed declining growth during the first weeks after entering the sea, and some individuals even showed a pronounced growth arrest, based on detailed scale circulus analyses. This was followed by a period of growth increase and stability during late summer and autumn, which may reflect a transition to better food sources, as the fish migrate from coastal waters to the open ocean, and as they grow larger and can eat larger and more energy efficient food items. Growth declined to a minimum during winter. Fish body size at spawning was positively correlated with the distance from scale focus to the last winter circulus, as well as with the number of circuli. When dividing scale growth into three periods, better growth during the first period at sea was related to increased fish body length at spawning, but this early growth explained only a minor part (6%) of the variation in final body length. The reason for this may be large individual variation in growth combined with large mortality during the first weeks at sea. If mortality is selective, removing fish with poor growth may reduce a correlation between early growth and body size at spawning. Scale growth during late summer and early autumn explained more of the variation in fish length at spawning (27%). Hence, late summer and early autumn was likely an important period for marine growth and survival in the invasive pink salmon.
Kinetics of hepatitis B surface antigen in pregnant women with and without tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Chang Huai‐Lung , Wen Wan‐Hsin , Lee Chien‐Nan , Chiu Yu‐En , Liu Chun‐Jen , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Lin Lung‐Huang , Chen Huey‐Ling
Published: November 2021

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is the preferred treatment to prevent mother‐to‐infant transmission in highly viremic HBV‐infected women. Data on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in pregnant women are lacking. We aimed to investigate prepartum and postpartum HBsAg kinetics and its correlation with HBV DNA in pregnant women. HBV‐infected mothers with HBV DNA ≥7.5 log10 IU/ml were tested for HBsAg and HBV DNA from baseline to 6 months postpartum. Of the 186 pregnant women with comparable baseline HBsAg and HBV DNA, 101 received TDF from the third trimester until 1 month postpartum. At delivery, TDF group had mildly lower HBsAg (4.32 ± 0.47 vs. 4.54 ± 0.35 log10 IU/ml, p = .0004) and markedly lower HBV DNA (4.26 ± 0.97 vs. 8.11 ± 0.70 log10 IU/ml, p < .0001) than the control group. In the TDF group, mean reduction of HBsAg and HBV DNA from baseline to delivery were 0.22 ± 0.38 and 3.96 ± 0.93 log10 IU/ml. HBsAg reduction had a positive correlation (r = .309; p = .0017) with HBV DNA reduction, and was predictive of HBV DNA reduction ≥3 log10 IU/ml (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.82). At 6 months postpartum, TDF and control group had comparable HBsAg and HBV DNA. In conclusion, HBsAg decreased slightly at delivery in pregnant women receiving TDF. For monitoring the effect of antiviral therapy during pregnancy, HBV DNA is a better marker than HBsAg. Our data provided valuable information regarding monitoring HBV‐infected pregnant women using antiviral therapy.
Political dynasties and democracy in contemporary Mexico
Authors: Behrend Jacqueline
Published: November 2021

The existence of political families is a well‐known fact in Mexican politics. Since the early 20th century, national and subnational politicians in Mexico have been related to other politicians. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mexico initiated a democratization process that opened the political system to greater contestation, participation, and enforcement of electoral rules. Yet, 30 years after the onset of democratization and the demise of single‐party rule, political families and dynasties continue to be important in Mexican politics. It is even more noticeable at the subnational level, where governors with blood or marital links to other politicians have governed in 27 of the 32 states (84%) since 1989. The aim of this article is to map the existence of subnational political dynasties in Mexico since the transition to democracy and to analyze some possible explanations of this phenomenon. The article makes three main contributions. First, it provides a comprehensive overview of the family relations of all governors elected to the 32 federal entities (states and the autonomous Mexico City) since 1989. Next, it explores some of the explanations advanced by the literature and analyses them in the Mexican case. Finally, it analyses the 2021 gubernatorial elections and the role that family politics played in these elections.
(+)‐Catechin, epicatechin and epigallocatechin gallate are important inducible defensive compounds against Ectropis grisescens in tea plants
Authors: Li Xiwang , Zhang Jin , Lin Songbo , Xing Yuxian , Zhang Xin , Ye Meng , Chang Yali , Guo Huawei , Sun Xiaoling
Published: November 2021

The tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, is an economically important, perennial woody plant rich in catechins. Although catechins have been reported to play an important role in plant defences against microbes, their roles in the defence of tea plants against herbivores remain unknown. In this study, we allowed the larvae of Ectropis grisescens, a leaf‐feeding pest, to feed on the plants, and alternatively, we wounded the plants and then treated them with E. grisescens oral secretions (WOS). Both approaches triggered jasmonic acid‐, ethylene‐ and auxin‐mediated signalling pathways; as a result, plants accumulated three catechin compounds: (+)‐catechin, epicatechin and epigallocatechin. Not only was the mass of E. grisescens larvae fed on plants previously infested with E. grisescens or treated with WOS significantly lower than that of larvae fed on controls, but also artificial diet supplemented with epicatechin, (+)‐catechin or epigallocatechin gallate reduced larval growth rates. In addition, the exogenous application of jasmonic acid, ethylene or auxin induced the biosynthesis of the three catechins, which, in turn, enhanced the resistance of tea plants to E. grisescens, leading to the coordination of the three signalling pathways. Our results suggest that the three catechins play an important role in the defences of tea plants against E. grisescens.
Growth temperature affects O2 consumption rates and plasticity of respiratory flux to support shoot growth at various growth temperatures
Authors: Inoue Tomomi , Yamada Yusuke , Noguchi Ko
Published: November 2021

The temperature dependence of respiration rates and their acclimation to growth temperature vary among species/ecotypes, but the details remain unclear. Here, we compared the temperature dependence of shoot O2 consumption rates among Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes to clarify how the temperature dependence and their acclimation to temperature differ among ecotypes, and how these differences relate to shoot growth. We examined growth analysis, temperature dependence of O2 consumption rates, and protein amounts of the respiratory chain components in shoots of twelve ecotypes of A. thaliana grown at three different temperatures. The temperature dependence of the O2 consumption rates were fitted to the modified Arrhenius model. The dynamic response of activation energy to measurement temperature was different among growth temperatures, suggesting that the plasticity of respiratory flux to temperatures differs among growth temperatures. The similar values of activation energy at growth temperature among ecotypes suggest that a similar process may determine the O2 consumption rates at the growth temperature in any ecotype. These results suggest that the growth temperature affects not only the absolute rate of O2 consumption but also the plasticity of respiratory flux in response to temperature, supporting the acclimation of shoot growth to various temperatures.
Drought effects on volatile organic compound emissions from Scots pine stems
Authors: Rissanen Kaisa , Aalto Juho , Gessler Arthur , Hölttä Teemu , Rigling Andreas , Schaub Marcus , Bäck Jaana
Published: November 2021

Tree stems have been identified as sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that play important roles in tree defence and atmospheric chemistry. Yet, we lack understanding on the magnitude and environmental drivers of stem VOC emissions in various forest ecosystems. Due to the increasing importance of extreme drought, we studied drought effects on the VOC emissions from mature Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stems. We measured monoterpenes, acetone, acetaldehyde and methanol emissions with custom‐made stem chambers, online PTR‐MS and adsorbent sampling in a drought‐prone forest over the hot‐dry summer of 2018 and compared the emission rates and dynamics between trees in naturally dry conditions and under long‐term irrigation (drought release). The pine stems were significant monoterpene sources. The stem monoterpene emissions potentially originated from resin, based on their similar monoterpene spectra. The emission dynamics of all VOCs followed temperature at a daily scale, but monoterpene and acetaldehyde emission rates decreased nonlinearly with drought over the summer. Despite the dry conditions, large peaks of monoterpene, acetaldehyde and acetone emissions occurred in late summer potentially due to abiotic or biotic stressors. Our results highlight the potential importance of stem emissions in the ecosystem VOC budget, encouraging further studies in diverse environments.
Zero‐contrast PTRA and stenting for child with TRAS: A case report
Authors: Xie Yang , He Xingwei , Qiu Liru , Zeng Hesong
Published: November 2021

Background

Kidney transplantation is often complicated by TRAS, and PTRA can effectively treat it. However, PTRA is not appropriate for patients with CKD because iodinated contrast agent may induce nephropathy.

Methods

This article reports about a 14‐year‐old boy with a history of kidney transplantation complicated by RAS. He initially underwent percutaneous balloon dilation to relieve the stenosis. One and half a year after dilation, he received zero‐contrast PTRA and stenting under the guidance of external and IVUS with reference to previous PAG image.

Results

After successful stent implantation, the cross‐sectional area of the renal artery lumen was significantly increased.The blood pressure and level of creatinine also decreased and kept stable during follow‐up.

Conclusion

This report suggests the feasibility of external ultrasound and IVUS guided, zero‐contrast PTRA in patients with poor renal function or iodinated contrast allergy.
Mutation of the rice AN1‐type zinc‐finger protein gene ASL4 causes chloroplast development defects and seedling lethality
Authors: Lin D. Z. , Pan Q. W. , Wang X. M. , Chen Y. , Pan X. B. , Dong Y. J.
Published: November 2021

Plant zinc‐finger proteins play a crucial role in biosynthesis and plant development. However, it is not known whether certain zinc‐finger proteins play a role in rice chloroplast development.

In this study, a novel rice zinc‐finger protein mutant asl4 (albino seedling lethality4), which exhibits an albino lethal phenotype at the seedling stage, was used. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis and TEM were used to investigate features of the asl4 mutant. The genetic behaviour and function of ASL4 gene were then analysed thorough map‐based cloning, transgenic complement and subcellular localization.

The albino lethal phenotype was caused by a single nucleotide (G*) deletion mutation on the exon of the ASL4 (LOC_Os09g21710) gene. The ASL4 gene encoded a novel zinc‐finger protein containing two ZnF‐AN1 domains, which was localized to the nucleocytoplasm. The ASL4 transcripts were highly expressed in all leaves but relatively less in other tissues, suggesting its tissue‐specific expression. The transcript levels of associated genes for Chl biosynthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development were severely suppressed in asl4 mutants.

In conclusion, the absence of ASL4 function caused a defect in chloroplast development and seedling lethality. This is the first published report on the importance of the ZnF‐AN1 type zinc‐finger protein gene in chloroplast development in rice.
Harnessing root architecture to address global challenges
Authors: Lynch Jonathan P.
Published: November 2021

Root architecture can be targeted in breeding programs to develop crops with better capture of water and nutrients. In rich nations, such crops would reduce production costs and environmental pollution and, in developing nations, they would improve food security and economic development. Crops with deeper roots would have better climate resilience while also sequestering atmospheric CO2. Deeper rooting, which improves water and N capture, is facilitated by steeper root growth angles, fewer axial roots, reduced lateral branching, and anatomical phenotypes that reduce the metabolic cost of root tissue. Mechanical impedance, hypoxia, and Al toxicity are constraints to subsoil exploration. To improve topsoil foraging for P, K, and other shallow resources, shallower root growth angles, more axial roots, and greater lateral branching are beneficial, as are metabolically cheap roots. In high‐input systems, parsimonious root phenotypes that focus on water capture may be advantageous. The growing prevalence of Conservation Agriculture is shifting the mechanical impedance characteristics of cultivated soils in ways that may favor plastic root phenotypes capable of exploiting low resistance pathways to the subsoil. Root ideotypes for many low‐input systems would not be optimized for any one function, but would be resilient against an array of biotic and abiotic challenges. Root hairs, reduced metabolic cost, and developmental regulation of plasticity may be useful in all environments. The fitness landscape of integrated root phenotypes is large and complex, and hence will benefit from in silico tools. Understanding and harnessing root architecture for crop improvement is a transdisciplinary opportunity to address global challenges.
Oxidative stress response and programmed cell death guided by NAC013 modulate pithiness in radish taproots
Authors: Hoang Nam V. , Park Suhyoung , Park Chulmin , Suh Hannah , Kim Sang‐Tae , Chae Eunyoung , Kang Byoung‐Cheorl , Lee Ji‐Young
Published: November 2021

Radish, Raphanus sativus L., is an important root crop that is cultivated worldwide. Owing to its evolutionary proximity to Arabidopsis thaliana, radish can be used as a model root crop in research on the molecular basis of agronomic traits. Pithiness is a significant defect that reduces the production of radish with commercial value; however, traditional breeding to eliminate this trait has thus far been unsuccessful. Here, we performed transcriptomics and genotype‐by‐sequencing (GBS)‐based quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses of radish inbred lines to understand the molecular basis of pithiness in radish roots. The transcriptome data indicated that pithiness likely stems from the response to oxidative stress, leading to cell death of the xylem parenchyma during the root‐thickening process. Subsequently, we narrowed down a list of candidates responsible for pithiness near a major QTL and found polymorphisms in a radish homologue of Arabidopsis ANAC013 (RsNAC013), an endoplasmic reticulum bound NAC transcription factor that is targeted to the nucleus to mediate the mitochondrial retrograde signal. We analysed the effects of polymorphisms in RsNAC013 using Arabidopsis transgenic lines overexpressing RsNAC013 alleles as well as in radish inbred lines bearing these alleles. This analysis indicated that non‐synonymous variations within the coding sequence result in different levels of RsNAC013 activities, thereby providing a genetic condition for root pithiness. The elevated oxidative stress or hypoxia that activates RsNAC013 for mitochondrial signalling enhances this process. Collectively, this study serves as an exemplary case of translational research taking advantage of the extensive information available from a model organism.
Comparison between the Mission Plus device and gold standard methods for measuring hemoglobin concentrations and packed cell volumes in cattle
Authors: Heller Luciana M. , Zapa Dina M. B. , Melo‐Junior Rubens D. , Cavalcante Alliny S. A. , Couto Luiz F. M. , Ferreira Lorena L. , Soares Vando E. , Martins Danieli B. , Camargo Fabrício , Iara Ítalo H. N. , Arnhold Emmanuel , Rodrigues Daniel C. , Leme Fabíola O. P. , Lopes Welber D. Z.
Published: November 2021

Background

A point‐of‐care device that can provide immediate and reliable hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and packed cell volumes (PCVs) would be useful in veterinary medicine.

Objectives

We aimed to compare the use of a human device (Mission Plus; MP) with a gold standard (GS) method for measuring Hb concentrations and PCVs in cattle blood.

Methods

Blood samples from clinically healthy cattle (n = 122) were collected with or without an anticoagulant (K2EDTA). The GS and MP methods were compared with correlation coefficients. Passing‐Bablok regression analyses were also performed, and the acceptability judgment was completed using Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

The CVmax for Hb values obtained using the GS method, the MP device without K2EDTA, and the MP device with K2EDTA were approximately 2.70%, 1.70%, and 2.0%, respectively, whereas the CVmax for PCVs was 0.90%, 1.83%, and 2.05%, respectively. A positive correlation (97.5% confidence interval) was observed between the Hb concentrations and PCV values detected using the MP and GS techniques in blood with and without K2EDTA. Bland‐Altman plots showed agreement between the MP and GS methods. For Hb using blood collected with or without the addition of K2EDTA, the mean differences were −0.87 g/dL (95% CI: 1.35; −3.96) and 0.08 g/dL (95% CI: 2.16, −1.99), respectively. For PCVs using blood collected with or without the addition of K2EDTA, the mean differences were −3.75% (95% CI: 0.61. −8.12) and −0.88% (95% CI: 2.86, −4.62), respectively.

Conclusions

The MP device can be used to analyze Hb concentrations and PCVs in bovine blood to assist in field diagnoses.