bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binge eating disorder and eating self‐efficacy in adults seeking bariatric surgery
Authors: Chao Ariana M. , Abene Jessica , Allison Kelly C. , Pearl Rebecca L. , Wadden Thomas A. , Williams Noel N. , Tronieri Jena S.
Published: May 2022

This study assessed the relationships between binge eating disorder (BED) and eating self‐efficacy in a sample of patients prior to bariatric surgery. The study also examined the extent that BED status accounted for variance in self‐efficacy after controlling for demographic factors (age, sex and race), physical variables (comorbidities and body mass index [BMI]) and depressive symptoms. This was a cross‐sectional study of pre‐surgical data from patients seeking bariatric surgery at a university‐based healthcare system (N = 98; mean ± SD age of 46.2 ± 12.5 years; BMI of 45.4 ± 7.2 kg/m2; 86.7% female; and 60.2% of patients self‐identified as White). Patients completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory (WALI), Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire. Of the total sample, 15.3% met criteria for BED, 33.7% had subthreshold BED and 51.0% were free of this disorder. In adjusted analyses, total self‐efficacy was significantly lower in patients with subthreshold BED (B ± SE = −15.88 ± 7.23, p = .03) and individuals with BED (B ± SE = −35.07 ± 10.23, p = .001) than in those without BED. Patients with BED, compared to those without, had significantly worse scores (in adjusted analyses) on the self‐efficacy subscales of negative emotions (p = .003), availability of food (p < .001), social pressure (p = .004) and positive activities (p = .03). In patients seeking bariatric surgery, total self‐efficacy scores were significantly lower in patients with BED and subthreshold BED than those without BED. The results suggest that eating self‐efficacy may be an important factor to target in patients with BED who seek bariatric surgery.
Component analysis of nucleolar protein compartments using Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Lavering Emily D. , Petros Irini N. , Weeks Daniel L.
Published: May 2022

The nucleolus is a multi‐compartment, non‐membrane‐bound organelle within the nucleus. Nucleolar assembly is influenced by proteins capable of phase separation. Xenopus laevis oocytes contain hundreds of large nucleoli that provide experimental access for nucleoli that is unavailable in other systems. Here we detail methods to streamline the in vivo analysis of the compartmentalization of nucleolar proteins that are suspected of phase separation. The nucleolus is the main hub of ribosome biogenesis and here we present data supporting the division of proteins into nucleolar domains based on their function in ribosome biogenesis. We also describe the use of vital dyes such as Hoechst 33342 and Thioflavin T in nucleolar staining. Additionally, we quantify nucleolar morphology changes induced by heat shock and actinomycin D treatments. We suggest these approaches will be valuable in a variety of studies that seek to better understand the nucleolus, particularly those regarding phase separation. These approaches may also be instructive for other studies on phase separation, especially in the nucleus.
The effect of corruption on microfinance loan portfolio: A semiparametric analysis
Authors: Kebede Jeleta , Tawiah Vincent , Gyapong Ernest
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we examine the extent to which corruption affects the loan portfolio of microfinance institutions (MFIs). We employ robust econometric estimation on a sample of 507 MFIs across 63 countries from 2005 to 2018. Our results show that corruption is negatively associated with the loan portfolio. However, in semiparametric analysis, we find that lower‐level corruption is beneficial to increase the loan portfolio while higher‐level corruption is detrimental. The results imply that it is not just corruption that matters as far as its effect on MFIs' loan portfolio is concerned; what matters is the degree of corruption. In further analyses, we find that corruption reduces both the number of active borrowers and average loan per borrower indicating that corruption reduces both coverage and amount of credit extension. The results suggest that the effect of corruption on the loan portfolio is gender‐sensitive. Corruption facilitates an increase in loans to female borrowers. Our results are robust to alternative variable measurements and different identification strategies, including two‐stage least square.
High mortality among patients hospitalized for drug‐resistant tuberculosis with acquired second‐line drug resistance and high HIV prevalence
Authors: Anderson Kim , Pietersen Elize , Shepherd Bryan E. , Bian Aihua , Dheda Keertan , Warren Robin , Sterling Timothy R. , van der Heijden Yuri F.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We compared mortality between HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative South African adults with drug‐resistant tuberculosis (DR‐TB) and high incidence of acquired second‐line drug resistance.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of DR‐TB patients with serial second‐line TB drug susceptibility tests (2008–2015) who were hospitalized at a specialized TB hospital. We used Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox models to examine associations with mortality.

Results

Of 245 patients, the median age was 33 years, 54% were male and 40% were HIV‐positive, 96% of whom had ever received antiretroviral therapy (ART). At initial drug resistance detection, 99% of patients had resistance to at least rifampicin and isoniazid, and 18% had second‐line drug resistance (fluoroquinolones and/or injectable drugs). At later testing, 88% of patients had acquired additional second‐line drug resistance. Patient‐initiated treatment interruptions (> 2 months) occurred in 47%. Mortality was 79%. Those with HIV had a shorter time to death (p = 0.02; log‐rank): median survival time from DR‐TB treatment initiation was 2.44 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.09–3.15] versus 3.99 years (95% CI: 3.12–4.75) for HIV‐negative patients. HIV‐positive patients who received ART within 6 months before DR‐TB treatment had a higher mortality hazard than HIV‐negative patients [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) ratio = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21–2.74]. By contrast, HIV‐positive patients who did not receive ART within 6 months before DR‐TB treatment did not have a significantly higher mortality hazard than HIV‐negative patients (aHR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.72–1.65), although those on ART had lower median CD4 counts than those not on ART (157 vs. 281 cells/μL, respectively; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

A very high incidence of acquired second‐line drug resistance and high overall mortality were observed, reinforcing the need to reduce the risk of acquired resistance and for more effective treatment.
Erysipeloid cutaneous leishmaniasis: a study of 40 cases of an unusual variant
Authors: Kouki Chaima , Masmoudi Abdelrahmen , Kammoun Nadine , Sellami Khadija , Saguem Ines , Bahloul Emna , Boudaya Sonia , Chikhrouhou Fatma , Amouri Meriem , Mssedi Madiha , Ayedi Ali , Boudawara Tahya , Turki Hamida
Published: May 2022

Background

Erysipeloid cutaneous leishmaniasis (ECL) is known as the chronic form of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). However, keeping its clinical presentation in view, there is a need to revisit this form of the disease.

Aims

To describe ECL in view of clinical features and treatment modalities.

Methods

We include a case series seen in Sfax (Southern Tunisia) from January 2017 to January 2021. All patients clinically suggestive and laboratory confirmed with a diagnosis of CL were registered. Patients of all age groups and of either gender having cutaneous lesions resembling erysipela on the face were included in the study. Different demographic features of the patients and clinical aspects were identified. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results

Of 1300 registered patients with CL, 40 (3%) were diagnosed as ECL. Ages ranged from 15 to 65 years, and duration of lesions varied from 15 to 180 days. All patients had lesions over the face. Clinically, a painful infiltrated inflammatory placard of the central facial area with a butterfly shape was observed in 14 cases, as well as zones of the cheekbone (11 cases), cheekbone and nose (5 cases), cheekbone and eyelid (8 cases), and cheekbone with ear (2 cases). Several therapeutic methods were prescribed with a sufficient result with no recurrence.

Conclusion

ECL is a rare presentation that typically occurs on the face, looking like erysipelas, in patients who are native from an endemic region of CL.
Short‐term natural course of esophageal thermal injury after ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ishidoya Yuki , Kwan Eugene , Dosdall Derek J. , Macleod Rob S. , Navaravong Leenhapong , Steinberg Benjamin A. , Bunch T. Jared , Ranjan Ravi
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Esophageal injury is rare but potentially a devastating complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The goal here was to provide insight into the short‐term natural history of esophageal thermal injury (ETI) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for AFby esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Methods

We screened patients who underwent RFCA for AF and EGD based on esophageal late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in postablation magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with ETI diagnosed with EGD were included. We defined severity of ETI according to Kansas City classification: type 1: erythema; type 2: ulcers (2a: superficial; 2b deep); type 3 perforation (3a: perforation; 3b: perforation with atrioesophageal fistula [AEF]). Repeated EGD was performed within 1−14 days after the last EGD if recommended and possible until any certain healing signs (visible reduction in size without deepening of ETI or complete resolution) were observed.

Results

ETI was observed in 62 of 378 patients who underwent EGD after RFCA. Out of these 62 patients with ETI, 21% (13) were type 1, 50% (31) were type 2a and 29% (18) were type 2b at the initial EGD. All esophageal lesions, but one type 2b lesion that developed into an AEF, showed signs of healing in repeated EGD studies within 14 days after the procedure. The one type 2b lesion developing into an AEF showed an increase in size and ulcer deepening in repeat EGD 8 days after the procedure.

Conclusion

We found that all ETI which did not progress to AEF presented healing signs within 14 days after the procedure and that worsening ETI might be an early signal for developing esophageal perforation.
The efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, peficitinib, solcitinib, baricitinib, abrocitinib and deucravacitinib in plaque psoriasis – A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang L. , Guo L. , Wang L. , Jiang X.
Published: May 2022

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are novel treatment approaches for psoriasis. However, there is no direct comparison of JAK inhibitors in plaque psoriasis. In order to compare the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in psoriasis, we conducted a network meta‐analysis using eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The efficacy of JAK inhibitors was evaluated using a 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI75) from baseline, and the proportion of patients achieving the Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) response. The incidence of treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) was also assessed. A total of eight RCTs with tofacitinib, peficitinib, solcitinib, baricitinib, abrocitinib and deucravacitinib were included. A total of 3612 participants who were diagnosed with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis were analysed. Overall, JAK inhibitors showed superior PASI75 response over placebo at both 8 and 12 weeks. Among all included JAK inhibitors, tofacitinib 15 mg twice a day (BID) had the highest probability of achieving PASI75 at both 8 and 12 weeks (SUCRA = 0.938 and 0.937, separately), followed by tofacitinib 10 mg BID (SUCRA = 0.905 and 0.908, separately) and deucravacitinib 12 mg once daily (QD) (SUCRA = 0.874 and 0.837, separately). A similar finding was observed for PGA response. Safety assessment showed that all JAK inhibitors had non‐inferior safety compared with placebo, except for deucravacitinib 6 mg BID and 12 mg QD. Tofacitinib 2 mg BID was the first‐ranked drug for safety profile followed by deucravacitinib 3 mg QD, and tofacitinib 5 mg BID. When comprehensively evaluated the efficacy and safety, tofacitinib (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg BID) was superior to other included JAK inhibitors with satisfying PASI75 and PGA response, as well as relatively low incidence of AEs. Our study confirmed that JAK inhibitors had promising treatment efficacy for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. Tofacitinib showed superior efficacy and safety over peficitinib, solcitinib, baricitinib, abrocitinib and deucravacitinib.
Worsening sleep predicts lower life space mobility during the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Smail Emily J. , Kaufmann Christopher N. , Riehm Kira E. , Mardini Mamoun T. , Cenko Erta , Bai Chen , Manini Todd M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Poor sleep health is an understudied yet potentially modifiable risk factor for reduced life space mobility (LSM), defined as one's habitual movement throughout a community. The objective of this study was to determine whether recalled changes in sleep traits (e.g., sleep quality, refreshing sleep, sleep problems, and difficulty falling asleep) because of the COVID‐19 pandemic were associated with LSM in older adults.

Methods

Data were obtained from a University of Florida‐administered study conducted in May and June of 2020 (n = 923). Linear regression models were used to assess the impact of COVID‐related change in sleep traits with summary scores from the Life Space Assessment. Analyses were adjusted for demographic, mental, and physical health characteristics, COVID‐related avoidant behaviors, and pre‐COVID sleep ratings.

Results

In unadjusted models, reporting that any sleep trait got “a lot worse” or “a little worse” was associated with a decrease in LSM (all p < 0.05). Results were attenuated when accounting for demographic, mental, and physical health characteristics. In fully adjusted models, reporting that problems with sleep got “a lot worse” or that refreshing sleep got “a little worse” was associated with a lower standardized LSM score (β = −0.38, 95% CI: −0.74, −0.01, and β = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.37, −0.00, respectively).

Conclusions

While additional research is needed in diverse people and environments, the results demonstrate an association between sleep traits that worsen in response to a health threat and reduced LSM. This finding suggests that interventions that focus on maintaining sleep health in times of heightened stress could preserve LSM.
Dismantling Systems and Improving Contexts to Support the Development of BIPOC Youth
Authors: Halgunseth Linda C. , Witherspoon Dawn P. , Wray‐Lake Laura
Published: May 2022

The issue's collection of 17 papers apply a wide range of developmental, contextual, intersectional, and critical perspectives (and their combinations) to promote understanding on how oppressive systems intersect and overlap in detrimental ways for BIPOC youth development. Innovative conceptual models and a variety of methodological techniques advance our understanding of the lived experiences of BIPOC youth who interact daily in contexts such as neighborhoods and educational settings in which racism and anti‐immigrant sentiment pervades. Together, the papers in this issue examine the systemic forces at the root of experiences of oppression and advance the field toward improving short and long‐term developmental outcomes for BIPOC adolescents.
Understanding the Benefits of Brief Classroom‐Based Physical Activity Interventions on Primary School‐Aged Children's Enjoyment and Subjective Wellbeing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Papadopoulos Nicole , Mantilla Ana , Bussey Katherine , Emonson Chloe , Olive Lisa , McGillivray Jane , Pesce Caterina , Lewis Samantha , Rinehart Nicole
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Engaging in classroom‐based physical activity (PA) breaks may help increase children's subjective wellbeing and enjoyment of PA, important precursors for children to remain engaged in PA. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effect of brief classroom‐based PA interventions on primary school children's subjective wellbeing and enjoyment of PA.

METHODS

Databases were reviewed between the earliest date of records and April 2020. Eligibility criteria included peer‐reviewed empirical quantitative or mixed methods studies reporting enjoyment of PA or wellbeing outcomes of participating in a brief classroom‐based PA program. Fifteen papers were included. Interventions supported 7022 child participants enrolled at baseline and 6286 children analyzed in interventions across 148 schools.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies examined the effect of brief classroom‐based PA interventions on subjective wellbeing. Four found a significant positive effect for children in the intervention group (specifically for children's self‐efficacy in learning with video exercises, quality of life, and self‐confidence). Eight studies examined the effect of brief classroom‐based PA interventions on enjoyment of PA. Five studies reported a positive effect for children in the intervention group and only 1 study found a negative effect for 1 grade level of children in the intervention group. The remaining studies with wellbeing and/or enjoyment outcomes reported no significant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from these studies indicate that the integration of brief PA breaks may support PA enjoyment and specific self‐beliefs and quality of life perceptions that contribute to children's subjective wellbeing. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect.
Rethinking political competition: Contracts and nationally located linkages in Colombian municipalities (1988–2015)
Authors: Pino Uribe Juan Federico
Published: May 2022

At the end of the twentieth century, Latin American states began processes of transition and democratic expansion. Two decades later, these processes seem to have been partially achieved through mostly competitive subnational governments in the region. Yet, some countries still show uncompetitive elections and restrictions to local and regional power. This study shows how the interaction between political and administrative decentralization conditions and competition vary in Colombian local municipalities. Using local electoral data and local numbers of contractors, it reveals that politicians at the national level and the number of local contractors are positively related to higher levels of political competition. These results evidence the importance of national political variables and show how administrative decentralization affects local electoral competition.
Optimal planning of flood‐resilient electric vehicle charging stations
Authors: Zhang Qian , Yu Hao , Zhang Guohui , Ma Tianwei
Published: May 2022

This study is the first attempt to integrate flood resilience into the electric vehicle (EV) charging station planning process. Instead of fully avoiding flood‐prone areas, an optimized placement considering the magnitude of flood inundations can minimize the impact of flood hazards and simultaneously maximize the socio‐economic benefit of EV charging station networks. In this study, an integrated framework of the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐III (NSGA‐III) and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is proposed to optimize the charging station locations by maximizing the charging convenience, minimizing the impact of flood hazards, and minimizing the impact of existing charging stations. The NSGA‐III is applied to solve the multi‐objective location optimization of charging stations. TOPSIS is subsequently used to determine the best solution from the feasible candidates generated by the NSGA‐III. A case study conducted in the Waikiki area demonstrates that the proposed optimization framework can effectively deal with the trade‐off between the impact of flood hazards and the charging service of a charging station network. This study provides new insights into best practices for dealing with multiple conflicting objectives in EV charging station planning under climate change.
A stylized model of stochastic ecosystems with alternative stable states
Authors: Stecher Michael , Baumgärtner Stefan
Published: May 2022

We construct a generic ecosystem model that features the basic mechanisms of alternative stable states as well as two different stochastic influences. In particular, we use a mean‐reverting jump‐diffusion process to model the evolution of the ecosystem state over time. We review key concepts of multistability theory and the simple heuristics commonly employed to illustrate them. We then provide mathematical definitions for these concepts in the model context. Our contribution to the literature is twofold: we improve the representation of stochasticity in, and clarify key concepts of, multistability theory. The simplicity of the model enables a number of applications, such as finding economically optimal management strategies, identifying criteria for sustainable ecosystem management in a stochastic viability framework, deriving the probability of a regime shift, or empirically identifying the factors which have caused a specific regime shift.
The influence of urban exposures and residence on childhood asthma
Authors: Grant Torie L. , Wood Robert A.
Published: May 2022

Children with asthma who live in urban neighborhoods experience a disproportionately high asthma burden, with increased incident asthma and increased asthma symptoms, exacerbations, and acute visits and hospitalizations for asthma. There are multiple urban exposures that contribute to pediatric asthma morbidity, including exposure to pest allergens, mold, endotoxin, and indoor and outdoor air pollution. Children living in urban neighborhoods also experience inequities in social determinants of health, such as increased poverty, substandard housing quality, increased rates of obesity, and increased chronic stress. These disparities then in turn can increase the risk of urban exposures and compound asthma morbidity as poor housing repair is a risk factor for pest infestation and mold exposure and poverty is a risk factor for exposure to air pollution. Environmental interventions to reduce in‐home allergen concentrations have yielded inconsistent results. Population‐level interventions including smoking bans in public places and legislation to decrease traffic‐related air pollution have been successful at reducing asthma morbidity and improving lung function growth. Given the interface and synergy between urban exposures and social determinants of health, it is likely population and community‐level changes will be needed to decrease the excess asthma burden in children living in urban neighborhoods.
Food allergy in early childhood increases the risk of oral allergy syndrome in schoolchildren: A birth cohort study
Authors: Song Kun‐Baek , Park Min Jee , Choi Eom Ji , Jung Sungsu , Yoon Jisun , Cho Hyun‐Ju , Kim Bong‐Seong , Ahn Kangmo , Kim Kyung Won , Shin Youn Ho , Suh Dong In , Hong Soo‐Jong , Lee So‐Yeon
Published: May 2022

Background

The level of pollen in Korea has increased over recent decades. Research suggests that oral allergy syndrome (OAS) may be more frequent in childhood than previously recognized. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of OAS in children aged 6–10 years from a general‐population‐based birth cohort.

Methods

We analyzed 930 children from the cohort for childhood origin of asthma and allergic diseases (COCOA). Allergic diseases were diagnosed annually by pediatric allergists. The skin prick tests were performed with 14 common inhalant allergens and four food allergens for the general population of children aged 3 and 7 years.

Results

Of the 930 eligible children, 44 (4.7%) aged 6–10 years were diagnosed with OAS. The mean age at onset was 6.74 years. OAS prevalence was 7.2% among children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and 19.1% among those with pollinosis, depending on comorbidity. OAS was more prevalent in schoolchildren with atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and sensitization to food allergens and grass pollen in early childhood. In schoolchildren with AR, only a history of food allergy until the age of 3 years increased the risk of OAS (aOR 2.971, 95% CI: 1.159–7.615).

Conclusion

Food allergy and food sensitization in early childhood were associated with OAS in schoolchildren with AR. Further study is required to elucidate the mechanism by which food allergy in early childhood affects the development of OAS.
Subjects with bipolar disorder showed different reward system activation than subjects with major depressive disorder in the monetary incentive delay task
Authors: Wakatsuki Yumi , Ogura Yukiko , Hashimoto Naoki , Toyomaki Atsuhito , Miyamoto Tamaki , Nakagawa Shin , Inoue Takeshi , Kusumi Ichiro
Published: May 2022

Background

Differentiating between bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) during the depressive episode is an important clinical challenge. Reward system abnormalities have received much attention as one of the biological underpinnings of BD and MDD, but few studies have directly compared these abnormalities in remitted and depressed states.

Methods

This was a functional MRI study using the Monetary Incentive Delay task in 65 patients (BD [n = 33], MDD [n = 32]) and 33 healthy controls (HC). Regions of interest (ROI) analysis with 21 ROIs related to reward anticipation and 17 ROIs related to gain outcome were implemented, as well as whole‐brain analysis. The difference in the dimensional effect of depression on brain activation was also examined.

Results

Relative to the HC group, BD patients showed significantly decreased activation during reward anticipation in the anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula (AI), and putamen, and MDD patients showed significantly decreased activation in the AI and brainstem. The dimensional effect of depression severity showed a trend‐level difference between BD and MDD in the right brainstem and left AI.

Conclusions

The current study showed a possible differential effect of depression on the reward system between MDD and BD. Further studies on reward systems might offer reliable markers to distinguish between MDD and BD patients in the depressive phase.
Combating copycatting from emerging market suppliers in global supply chains
Authors: Pun Hubert , Hou Pengwen
Published: May 2022

We examine how different strategies can be used to protect global manufacturers from the prevalent issue of supplier copycatting in emerging markets. In particular, using a game‐theoretical model, we consider a manufacturer that sells a product to an emerging market, which requires the completion of multiple tasks. The manufacturer can perform any of these tasks in‐house or outsource any of them to an emerging market supplier. The former approach carries a higher cost, while the latter puts the manufacturer's intellectual property (IP) at risk of supplier copycatting. Either the manufacturer or the emerging market government can exert enforcement effort to protect the IP rights within the supply chain. Our results show that, surprisingly, there are cases where the manufacturer should outsource fewer tasks when in‐house production is more costly. Further, even though the supplier is the target of the enforcement, we show that the manufacturer's enforcement effort can help the supplier but hurt customers and the emerging market. Concerning whether the government or the manufacturer should take responsibility for IP protection, we recommend that the government enforce IP protection when the manufacturer has a weak brand quality and that the manufacturer enforce IP protection when it has a strong brand. This managerial insight provides a theoretical framework for the recent practitioners’ debate about who should be responsible for protecting IP rights within the supply chain.
Root growth direction in simulated microgravity is modulated by a light avoidance mechanism mediated by flavonols
Authors: Villacampa Alicia , Fañanás‐Pueyo Iris , Medina F. Javier , Ciska Malgorzata
Published: May 2022

In a microgravity environment, without any gravitropic signal, plants are not able to define and establish a longitudinal growth axis. Consequently, absorption of water and nutrients by the root and exposure of leaves to sunlight for efficient photosynthesis is hindered. In these conditions, other external cues can be explored to guide the direction of organ growth. Providing a unilateral light source can guide the shoot growth, but prolonged root exposure to light causes a stress response, affecting growth and development, and also affecting the response to other environmental factors. Here, we have investigated how the protection of the root from light exposure, while the shoot is illuminated, influences the direction of root growth in microgravity. We report that the light avoidance mechanism existing in roots guides their growth towards diminishing light and helps establish the proper longitudinal seedling axis in simulated microgravity conditions. This process is regulated by flavonols, as shown in the flavonoid‐accumulating mutant transparent testa 3, which shows an increased correction of the root growth direction in microgravity, when the seedling is grown with the root protected from light. This finding may improve the efficiency of water and nutrient sourcing and photosynthesis under microgravity conditions, as they exist in space, contributing to better plant fitness and biomass production in space farming enterprises, necessary for space exploration by humans.
An ERP megastudy of Chinese word recognition
Authors: Tsang Yiu‐Kei , Zou Yun
Published: May 2022

This article reports the first ERP (event‐related potential) megastudy in traditional Chinese word recognition. Fifty‐one native Chinese undergraduates in Hong Kong, who were native Cantonese speakers, provided ERP data to 1020 two‐character words and 204 two‐character pseudowords in a go/no‐go lexical decision task (go trials: pseudowords). The item list and the ERP data were compiled into a database called “E‐MELD” (ERP MEgastudy of Lexical Decision). To illustrate how E‐MELD can be utilized in research of traditional Chinese word recognition, a series of linear mixed‐effects (LME) models were conducted to examine how properties at word (contextual diversity, number of strokes, and concreteness) and character (contextual diversity, number of homophones, and semantic transparency ratings) levels influenced the ERP amplitudes in different time windows. The results showed that in all time windows, both word and character variables influenced the amplitudes of ERP signals, which argued against the proposal that Chinese two‐character words are recognized holistically. At the same time, there was no evidence that character effects preceded word effects (i.e., no evidence of character‐mediated word recognition). Overall, the pattern suggests that characters and words are accessed simultaneously in Chinese word recognition. E‐MELD is made available online, such that interested researchers can download it and use the data innovatively for their research purpose.
Diversification of farmed fish species: A means to increase aquaculture production in Nigeria
Authors: Oboh Angela
Published: May 2022

Aquaculture produces about half the fish consumed globally and is the fastest‐growing food sector. In Africa, fish is one of the major sources of animal protein, and although the need for increased production of farmed fish to make up for the decline in capture fisheries is acknowledged, efforts put into aquaculture in the continent have not yielded commensurate results. The success recorded in aquaculture in Nigeria is based on the production of the African catfish. However, a high level of production and resilience within the aquaculture sector has been shown to be positively correlated with the culture of several species or species items. Thus, enhanced diversification of species and farming systems may boost aquaculture in Nigeria, as diversification of farming systems would allow optimum utilization of the abundant natural resources in the country. Many indigenous fish species that can be domesticated for culture have been identified. A great deal of scientific research and collaboration between major stakeholders, including the government, private industries, research institutions, and researchers, is required, so the production of these species can thrive like the already farmed catfish in Nigeria. As the successful domestication of any fish species takes a lot of time, effort, and resources, the species that have already proven to some extent to thrive in Nigeria, should be explored first. It is recommended that the best strategy for diversification of aquaculture for Nigeria is to increase the use of some already farmed species and the employment of a variety of production systems.
Measuring feelings about choices and risks: The Berlin Emotional Responses to Risk Instrument (BERRI)
Authors: Petrova Dafina , Cokely Edward T. , Sobkow Agata , Traczyk Jakub , Garrido Dunia , Garcia‐Retamero Rocio
Published: May 2022

We introduce a brief instrument specifically validated for measuring positive and negative feelings about risks—the Berlin Emotional Responses to Risk Instrument (BERRI). Based on seven studies involving diverse adults from three countries (n = 2120), the BERRI was found to robustly estimate anticipatory affective reactions derived from subjective evaluations of positive (i.e., assured, hopeful, and relieved) and negative emotions (i.e., anxious, afraid, and worried). The brief BERRI outperformed a 14‐item assessment, uniquely tracking costs/benefits associated with cancer screening among men and women (Studies 1 and 2). Predictive validity was further documented in paradigmatic risky choice studies wherein options varied over probabilities and severities across six contexts (health, social, financial, technological, ethical, and environmental; Study 3). Studies 4–6, conducted during the Ebola epidemic and COVID‐19 pandemic, indicated BERRI responses were sensitive to subtle effects caused by emotion‐related framing manipulations presented in different cultures and languages (the United States, Spain, and Poland). Study 7 indicated BERRI responses remained stable for 2 weeks. Although the BERRI can provide an estimate of overall affect, choices were generally better explained by the unique influences of positive and negative affect. Overall, results suggest the novel, brief instrument can be an efficient tool for high‐stakes research on decision making and risk communication.
The Impact of Using the Web in a Mixed-Mode Follow-up of a Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study: Evidence from the National Child Development Study
Authors: Goodman Alissa , Brown Matt , Silverwood Richard J. , Sakshaug Joseph W. , Calderwood Lisa , Williams Joel , Ploubidis George B.
Published: May 2022

A sequential mixed-mode data collection, online-to-telephone, was introduced into the National Child Development Study for the first time at the study's age 55 sweep in 2013. The study included a small experiment, whereby a randomised subset of study members was allocated to a single mode, telephone-only interview, in order to test for the presence of mode effects on participation and measurement. Relative to telephone-only, the offer of the Web increased overall participation rates by 5.0 percentage points (82.8% vs. 77.8%; 95% confidence interval for difference: 2.7% to 7.3%). Differences attributable to mode of interview were detected in levels of item non-response and response values for a limited number of questions. Most notably, response by Web (relative to telephone) was found to have increased the likelihood of non-response to questions relating to pay and other financial matters, and increased the likelihood of ‘less desirable’ responses. For example, response by Web resulted in the reporting of more units of alcohol consumed, and more negative responses to subjective questions such as self-rated health, self-rated financial status and well-being. As there was evidence of mode effects, there is the potential for biases in some analyses, unless appropriate techniques are utilised to correct for these.
Equipping medical students for ward round learning
Authors: Collett James , Webster Emma , Gray Amy , Delany Clare
Published: May 2022

Background

While ward rounds offer a rich opportunity for learning, the environment is chaotic, and medical students can struggle to maximise this potential. Few studies have focused on the best way to equip students for ward round learning. One proposed tool developed to orient students' learning on the ward round is called the Seek, Target, Inspect and reflect, Closure and clerk (STIC) model. This study examines the effect of using this model on the student experience of ward round learning.

Methods

Seven medical students with clinical attachments on medical wards in two rural hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, participated in three sequential focus groups over an 8‐week period. Students were asked about learning practices on ward rounds, what factors influenced their learning and how using the STIC model impacted on their experience. Thematic analysis was applied to focus group transcripts.

Findings

Students valued learning opportunities from ward rounds but felt the learning potential was largely dependent on the team to which they were attached. Students reported the STIC model promoted greater agency and enabled them to be more self‐directed and able to negotiate the chaotic context. Students also valued the focus group discussions about their learning as an avenue to share and better understand their experiences of learning on ward rounds.

Conclusion

Student experience of ward rounds can be influenced via (1) structured learning tools (STIC model) to better orient students and (2) facilitated discussions with peers to assist in developing skills of negotiating and directing one's own learning. Both should be more explicitly integrated in medical curricula.
A process‐driven geo‐analysis engine to support online collaborative geographic experiments
Authors: Ma Zaiyang , Chen Min , Zheng Zhong , Zhao Yiming , Yue Songshan , Wen Yongning , Lü Guonian
Published: May 2022

Geographic experiments, as a comprehensive research approach, are utilized to explore natural and social worlds. To help geographically dispersed people engage in geographic experiments and improve experimental outcomes, online collaborative geographic experiments have received increasing attention. As a new generation of geo‐analysis tools, VGEs (virtual geographic environments) can provide computer‐aided tools to serve geographic experiments. They can not only provide the collaborative GIS capabilities, but also implement geographic simulations using different cyberspace dispersed geographic models. For the complicated and interaction‐intensive online collaborative geographic experiments, VGEs also need to help experts implement geographic experiments following a well‐defined process. Nevertheless, the process is hardly considered in the existing support systems of collaborative geographic experiments. Therefore, we clarify the categories and relationships of interactions during the process of collaborative geographic experiments and design a process‐driven geo‐analysis engine. Through this engine, participants can maintain the processes of their collaborative geographic experiments, as well as implement interactions throughout the entire process. To verify the capability of the engine, it is used to support the case study on traffic noise simulation. The results suggest that the engine could assist the different geo‐analysis applications with a well‐defined process.
Risk of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease transmission by blood transfusion in Australia
Authors: McManus Hamish , Seed Clive R. , Hoad Veronica C. , Kiely Philip , Kaldor John M. , Styles Claire E. , Yang Hong , Law Matthew , Gosbell Iain B.
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Most of the 233 worldwide cases of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) have been reported in the United Kingdom and 3 have been associated with transfusion‐transmission. To mitigate the potential vCJD risk to blood safety, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood imposes restrictions on blood donation from people with prior residency in, or extended travel to, the United Kingdom during the risk period 1980–1996. We have modified a previously published methodology to estimate the transfusion‐transmission risk of vCJD associated with fresh component transfusion in Australia if the UK residence deferral was removed.

Materials and Methods

The prevalence of current pre‐symptomatic vCJD infection in the United Kingdom by age at infection and genotype was estimated based on risk of exposure to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent for the period 1980–1996. These results were used to estimate the age‐specific prevalence of undiagnosed, pre‐symptomatic vCJD in the Australian population in the current year due to prior UK residency or travel. The primary model outputs were the 2020 vCJD risks/unit of vCJD contamination, transfusion‐transmission (infections) and clinical cases.

Results

The overall (prior UK residency in and travel to United Kingdom, 1980–1996) mean risk of contamination per unit was 1 in 29,900,000. The risks of resulting vCJD transmission (infection) and clinical case were 1 in 389,000,000 and 1 in 1,450,000,000, respectively.

Conclusion

Our modelling suggests that removing the Lifeblood donation deferral for travel to, or UK residence, would result in virtually no increased risk of vCJD transfusion‐transmission and would be a safe and effective strategy for increasing the donor base.
Robust high-resolution direction-of-arrival estimation method using DenseBlock-based U-net
Authors: Sun Dajun , Jia Zixuan , Teng Tingting , Ma Chao
Published: May 2022

Direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation is widely used in underwater detection and localization. To address the high-resolution DOA estimation problem, a DenseBlock-based U-net structure is proposed in this paper. U-net is a U-shaped fully convolutional neural network, which yields a two-dimensional image. DenseBlock is a more efficient structure than typical convolutional layers. The proposed network replaces the concatenated convolutional layers in the original U-net with DenseBlocks. Through training, the network can remove the interference of sidelobes and noise in a conventional beam forming bearing-time record (BTR) and get a clean BTR; hence, this method has narrow beam width and few sidelobes. In addition, the network can be trained by simulation data and applied in actual data when the simulated and actual data are similar in BTR features, so the method has high generalization. For a multi-target problem, the network does not need to be trained on all cases with different target quantities and therefore can reduce the training set size. As a data-driven method, it does not rely on prior assumptions of the array model and possesses better robustness to array imperfections than typical model-based DOA algorithms. Simulations and experiments verify the advantages of the proposed method.
A twist in β-arrestin’s tail
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: May 2022

Both agonist binding and phosphorylation of the receptor C-tail are required for a GPCR to recruit and activate β-arrestins.
GSK2556286 Is a Novel Antitubercular Drug Candidate Effective
In Vivo
with the Potential To Shorten Tuberculosis Treatment
Authors: Nuermberger Eric L. , Martínez-Martínez Maria Santos , Sanz Olalla , Urones Beatriz , Esquivias Jorge , Soni Heena , Tasneen Rokeya , Tyagi Sandeep , Li Si-Yang , Converse Paul J. , Boshoff Helena I. , Robertson Gregory T. , Besra Gurdyal S. , Abrahams Katherine A. , Upton Anna M. , Mdluli Khisimuzi , Boyle Gary W. , Turner Sam , Fotouhi Nader , Cammack Nicholas C. , Siles Juan Miguel , Alonso Marta , Escribano Jaime , Lelievre Joel , Rullas-Trincado Joaquin , Pérez-Herrán Esther , Bates Robert H. , Maher-Edwards Gareth , Barros David , Ballell Lluís , Jiménez Elena
Published: May 2022

As a result of a high-throughput compound screening campaign using
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
-infected macrophages, a new drug candidate for the treatment of tuberculosis has been identified. GSK2556286 inhibits growth within human macrophages (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
] = 0.07 μM), is active against extracellular bacteria in cholesterol-containing culture medium, and exhibits no cross-resistance with known antitubercular drugs.
Cold Seeps on the Passive Northern U.S. Atlantic Margin Host Globally Representative Members of the Seep Microbiome with Locally Dominant Strains of Archaea
Authors: Semler Amanda C. , Fortney Julian L. , Fulweiler Robinson W. , Dekas Anne E.
Published: May 2022

Cold seeps are now known to be widespread features of passive continental margins, including the northern U.S. Atlantic Margin (USAM).
Performance of the Reveal Rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing System on Gram-Negative Blood Cultures at a Large Urban Hospital
Authors: Tibbetts Robert , George Sheeja , Burwell Reece , Rajeev Lara , Rhodes Paul A. , Singh Pragya , Samuel Linoj
Published: May 2022

Timely and effective antibiotic treatment is vital for sepsis, with increasing incidence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteremia driving interest in rapid phenotypic susceptibility testing. To enable the widespread adoption needed to make an impact, antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) systems need to be accurate, enable rapid intervention, have a broad antimicrobial menu and be easy to use and affordable.
Identification of Cellular Genes Involved in Baculovirus GP64 Trafficking to the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Hodgson Jeffrey J. , Buchon Nicolas , Blissard Gary W.
Published: May 2022

While much is known regarding trafficking of viral envelope proteins in mammalian cells, little is known about this process in insect cells. To begin to understand which factors and pathways are needed for trafficking of insect virus envelope proteins, we engineered a
Drosophila melanogaster
cell line and implemented an RNAi screen to identify cellular proteins that aid transport of the model baculovirus envelope protein (GP64) to the cell surface.
DLK-Dependent Biphasic Reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency Established in the Absence of Antivirals
Authors: Dochnal Sara , Merchant Husain Y. , Schinlever Austin R. , Babnis Aleksandra , Depledge Daniel P. , Wilson Angus C. , Cliffe Anna R.
Published: May 2022

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) enters a latent infection in neurons and periodically reactivates. Reactivation manifests as a variety of clinical symptoms.
Virulence Factor Genes and Cytotoxicity of
Streptococcus agalactiae
Isolated from Bovine Mastitis in Poland
Authors: Zastempowska Ewa , Twarużek Magdalena , Grajewski Jan , Lassa Henryka
Published: May 2022

We believe that this manuscript is one of the few reports on the characteristics of field
S. agalactiae
isolates derived from cases of bovine mastitis in cows in Poland in terms of the occurrence of virulence genes and cytotoxicity. For the first time, the presence of
bac
- and
scpB
-positive isolates of
S. agalactiae
was determined in Polish dairy cattle, and the cytotoxicity of bovine isolates was assessed.
Aeromonas salmonicidaurinary tract infection in a newly diagnosed AIDS patient on antitubercular treatment
Authors: Lodha Lonika , Bose Rishabh , Khadanga Sagar , Purwar Shashank
Published: May 2022

Aeromonas salmonicidais a well-known pathogen in salmonid fishes. It was believed to be non-pathogenic to humans because of inability to grow at 37°C. Here we present a case of a woman in her 20s who was diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis 6 months previously but had not been compliant with the treatment. She presented with occasional febrile episodes, whitish vaginal discharge, burning micturition, anal ulcer, whitish discharge from mouth and recent onset breathlessness. Patient tested serologically positive for HIV-1, andA. salmonicidawas isolated from urine sample. Patient was treated with antituberculosis therapy, antiretroviral therapy and antimicrobials. She showed marked improvement over the next few weeks. This case highlights the importance of recognition of rare organisms, especially in immunocompromised patients. The identification and subsequent treatment of such pathogens have improved since the advent of automated identification systems.