bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of active anticancer therapy on serologic response to SARS‐CoV‐2 BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with urothelial and renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Togashi Kyo , Hatakeyama Shingo , Yoneyama Tohru , Hamaya Tomoko , Narita Takuma , Fujita Naoki , Iwamura Hiromichi , Okamoto Teppei , Yamamoto Hayato , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ohyama Chikara
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the serologic response to the BNT162b2 messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine in patients with urothelial carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

Between June 2021 and November 2021, we retrospectively evaluated blood samples from 60 healthy controls (control group), 57 patients with urothelial carcinoma, and 28 patients with renal cell carcinoma who had received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine at Hirosaki University Hospital. We determined the immunoglobulin G antibody titers against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike receptor‐binding domain. Seropositivity was defined as ≥15 U/mL. We investigate factors associated with antibody titers and seropositivity in the patients with urothelial carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma.

Results

Antibody titers in the control, urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma groups were 813, 431, and 500 U/mL, respectively. Seropositivity was 100%, 90%, and 96% in the control, urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma groups, respectively. Of the 85 patients, 37 of 57 (65%) and 21 of 28 (75%) were actively undergoing anticancer treatment for urothelial carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma, respectively. Anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike immunoglobulin G antibody titers and seropositivity was not significantly different between the patients with urothelial carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. Anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike immunoglobulin G antibody titers were not significantly associated with active anticancer therapy or steroid treatment for immune‐related adverse events. Univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that older age and metastatic disease were significantly and negatively associated with seropositivity.

Conclusions

Patients with urothelial carcinoma or renal cell carcinoma exhibited an adequate antibody response to the BNT162b2 vaccine. Active anticancer therapy was not significantly associated with seropositivity following vaccination with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 BNT162b2 in patients with urothelial carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma.
Reproductive coercion in college health clinic patients: Risk factors, care seeking and perpetration
Authors: Grace Karen Trister , Decker Michele R. , Holliday Charvonne N. , Talis Janine , Miller Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Aims

Reproductive coercion is associated with poor health outcomes in women. This study examined exposure to and use of reproductive coercion and care seeking among college students.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was administered to 2291 college students of all genders seeking care in college health and counselling centres as baseline data for a cluster‐randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Online surveys were collected (9/2015–3/2017). Descriptive statistics, chi‐square, Fisher's exact and t‐tests were analysed.

Results

Among female participants, 3.1% experienced reproductive coercion in the prior 4 months. Experience was associated with older age (p = .041), younger age at first intercourse (p = .004), Black/African American race (p < .001), behaviourally bisexual (p = .005), more lifetime sexual partners (p < .001) and ever pregnant (p = .010). Sexually transmitted infection (p < .001), recent drug use or smoking (p = .018; p = .001), requiring special health equipment (p = .049), poor school performance (p < .001) and all categories of violence (p = <.001–.015) were associated with women's reproductive coercion experience.

Participants who experienced reproductive coercion were more likely to seek care for both counselling and healthcare, (p = .022) and sexually transmitted infection (p = .004).

Among males, 2.3% reported recent use of reproductive coercion; these participants reported sexual violence perpetration (p = .005), less condom use (p = .003) and more sexual partners than non‐perpetrators (p < .001).

Conclusion

Although reproductive coercion was reported infrequently among college students, those students experiencing it appear to be at risk for poor health and academic outcomes. Health and counselling centres are promising settings to address RC and related health behaviours.
Patients′ and clinicians′ experiences of remote consultation? A narrative synthesis
Authors: Walthall Helen , Schutz Sue , Snowball Joanne , Vagner Raluca , Fernandez Nicola , Bartram Emilia
Published: April 2022

Aims

To identify, evaluate and summarize evidence of patient and clinician experiences of being involved in video or telephone consultations as a replacement for in‐person consultations.

Design

Narrative synthesis.

Data sources

Medline; EMBASE; EMCARE; CINAHL and BNI. Searching took place from January 2021 to April 2021. Papers included were published between 2013 and 2020.

Review Methods

Papers were appraised by two independent reviewers for methodological quality. Data extraction was conducted according to the standardized tool from Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

Seven qualitative studies were included, from five countries and from the perspective of patients, relatives, administrators, nurses, physiotherapists and physicians. We developed two main themes: Pragmatic Concerns and Therapeutic Concerns. Each theme contained two categories: Pragmatic Concerns: (a) the convenience of non‐face to face consultations; (b) using technology and equipment in a consultation; Therapeutic Concerns (c) building therapeutic relationships; and (d) embracing benefits and addressing challenges.

Conclusion

This narrative synthesis presents the existing evidence on clinician and patient experience of participating in non‐face to face consultations. Experiences are varied but largely focus on communication and forming relationships, using the technology successfully and the ability for patients to self‐manage with support from clinicians who are not in‐person. More high‐quality studies are required to explore the experiences of patients and clinicians accessing remote consultations as a result of global implementation post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic to identify any learning and education opportunities.

Impact

Health care staff can provide high‐quality care through video or telephone appointments as well as face to face appointments. This review has, however, identified that the evidence is limited and weak in this area and recommends there is research further to inform practice and influence future care.
Assessing the impact of blood pressure in the development of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Xu Xia , Ye Ding , Liu Bin , Yang Ying , Chen Ying , Qian Yu , Mao Yingying , Sun Xiaohui
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential causal relationships between blood pressure and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by using the bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Summary‐level data for blood pressure was extracted from the hitherto largest genome‐wide study (GWAS) with 759 601 participants of European‐descent. We used 56 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs) for blood pressure. Summary statistics for IBD were derived from a GWAS with an overall 59 957 participants of European ancestry, of which 109 IVs were selected. Several robust analytical methods, including inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted‐median method, MR‐Egger regression, MR‐PRESSO test, maximum likelihood method, “leave‐one‐out” and multivariable MR analysis were used to evaluate the causal associations between blood pressure and IBD. Genetically predicted higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with an increased risk of IBD (odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02–1.08, P = .001 by IVW). Subgroup analysis showed that higher SBP was positively associated with Crohn's disease (CD) (OR = 1.06, 95% CI:1.03–1.09, P = 9.18 × 10−5) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (OR = 1.05, 95% CI:1.01–1.09, P = .017) risk, respectively. In reverse‐direction MR analysis, the authors observed no evidence for the causal effect of IBD on blood pressure. Our findings suggested that high SBP was associated with an increased risk of IBD (for both UC and CD). Further studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanism of this causal association.
Relationship between periodontitis and psoriasis: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Baurecht Hansjörg , Freuer Dennis , Welker Christine , Tsoi Lam C. , Elder James T. , Ehmke Benjamin , Leitzmann Michael F. , Holtfreter Birte , Baumeister Sebastian‐Edgar
Published: April 2022

Aim

Observational research suggests that periodontitis affects psoriasis. However, observational studies are prone to reverse causation and confounding, which hampers drawing causal conclusions and the effect direction. We applied the Mendelian randomization (MR) method to comprehensively assess the potential bi‐directional association between periodontitis and psoriasis.

Materials and Methods

We used genetic instruments from the largest available genome‐wide association study of European descent for periodontitis (17,353 cases, 28,210 controls) to investigate the relationship with psoriasis (13,229 cases, 21,543 controls), and vice versa. Causal Analysis Using Summary Effect (CAUSE) estimates and inverse variance‐weighted (IVW) MR analyses were used for the primary analysis. Robust MR approaches were used for sensitivity analyses.

Results

Both univariable methods, CAUSE and IVW MR analyses, did not reveal any impact of periodontitis on psoriasis (CAUSE odds ratio [OR] = 1.00, p = 1.00; IVW OR = 1.02, p = .6247), or vice versa (CAUSE OR = 1.01, p = .5135; IVW OR = 1.00, p = .7070). The null association was corroborated by pleiotropy‐robust methods with ORs close to 1 and p‐values >.59. Overall, MR analyses did not suggest any effect of periodontitis on psoriasis. Similarly, there was no evidence to support an effect of psoriasis on periodontitis.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this MR study, the outcomes supported neither periodontitis affecting psoriasis nor psoriasis affecting periodontitis.
Overwintering ecology and movement of anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in a large, ice‐covered river in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Smith Rosie , Hitkolok Eric , Loewen Tracey , Dumond Amanda , Kristensen Kent , Swanson Heidi
Published: April 2022

Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is a facultatively anadromous fish species that is critically important to many Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic. Plasticity in life history has allowed the species to persist in a diversity of challenging Holarctic environments. Despite their ecological and cultural importance and their presence in aquatic ecosystems that are ice‐covered for much of the year, few under‐ice studies of Arctic char have been conducted. Most winter studies of adult Arctic char have focused on lakes, where they typically overwinter. Several populations of Arctic char, however, overwinter in large river systems, and subsistence fishers have reported that Arctic char overwinter in the lower reaches of the Coppermine River. The Coppermine River is a large Arctic river that flows into Coronation Gulf near Kugluktuk, Nunavut, Canada. The authors used acoustic telemetry to investigate the overwintering ecology of Arctic char in the region. Consistent with local knowledge, they detected Arctic char overwintering within the fluvial environment of the Coppermine River from 2018 to 2020. Unlike other fluvial environments known to be used by overwintering Arctic char, the lower reaches of the Coppermine River are completely ice‐covered throughout the winter, are of moderate depths (3.8–14.1 m) and have no known groundwater inputs. Acoustic telemetry observations indicated long‐distance movement (7–8 km) within the river in early winter (October) in response to dynamic ice formation. Under‐ice movement generally declined 2 weeks after river freeze‐up but continued throughout winter in the lower 5 km of the river, where there were fewer under‐ice disturbances. Migration into the marine environment before river ice break‐up (June), as well as winter (November–May) movements into and within the marine environment, was unexpectedly observed for some fish. Under‐ice use of the marine environment is unusual for Arctic char at the distances observed (up to 18 km) and has not previously been documented at the temperatures (fish body temperatures from −0.76 to 1.90°C) observed. Results allow further understanding of the diverse life‐history tactics employed by Arctic char and lay a foundation for future research into fluvial and other diverse overwintering tactics employed by the species.
Effects of osmotic dehydration pretreatment on freezing characteristics and quality of frozen fruits and vegetables
Authors: Alabi Kehinde Peter , Olalusi Ayoola Patrick , Olaniyan Adesoji Mathew , Fadeyibi Adeshina , Gabriel Lanre Olanipekun
Published: April 2022

Osmotic dehydration (OD) is a process of soaking products in an aqueous solution containing salt or sugar, which is normally applied to fruits and vegetables. The combination of OD pretreatment with freezing, or osmotic dehydrofreezing (ODF), is a novel technology to shorten the freezing process and prolong the preservation of fruits and vegetables. However, the effectiveness of ODF is affected by process parameters and nature of the product, thus information on freezing characteristics and quality of osmotically dehydrated frozen fruits and vegetables is useful to the food industry. This review intends to provide an overview of the effects of OD pretreatment on freezing characteristics such as freezing rate, thermal properties, and quality of frozen fruits and vegetables. Fundamentals of ODF technology, including significance of OD to freezing, and mechanism and factors affecting ODF are summarized. In addition, hurdle technologies comprising of ODF and other innovative nonthermal techniques, such as ultrasound and pulsed electric field (PEF) are presented, and future trends of the combined technology are briefly discussed. ODF can accelerate the freezing process and enhance the quality of osmotically dehydrated frozen fruits and vegetables. The novel ultrasound and PEF techniques, which can provide cryoprotection from in situ interference, were proposed for the production of product with many‐functional characteristics, by incorporating bioactive compounds like plants sterols, probiotics, and dietary fibers, into the matrix of cellular tissues during ODF process. However, these techniques can enhance the performance of the ODF to promote fast freezing, produce small ice crystals, and raise glass transition temperature of cellular tissues. The future trends of ODF technology should mainly focus on controlling the mass and heat transfer processes, improving quality stability during glassy state storage condition and development of product with many‐functional characteristics.

Practical Applications

Fruits and vegetables are subject to freezing damage, particularly tissue softening and drip loss when thawing, thus reducing their quality and market value. OD pretreatments to freezing or ODF has great potentials in preservation of fruits and vegetables, with the advantage of minimum quality loss due to the reduction in freezing loads. Currently, innovative studies have been carried out on the combined use of OD pretreatments and emerging freezing techniques to improve the freezing process, achieve better quality with extended shelf life, and produce products with many‐functional characteristics. However, the findings presented in this review work can provide detail insights on the quality of fruits and vegetables that were frozen by ODF and give some guidance for further developments of ODF technology.
Ribotype‐dependent growth inhibition and promotion by erythritol in Cutibacterium acnes
Authors: Fujii Tadashi , Tochio Takumi , Endo Akihito
Published: April 2022

Background

The close balance between Cutibacterium acnes and the skin flora, particularly between C. acnes phylotypes, has been suggested to play an important role in the onset of acne. C. acnes has been classified into ribotypes (RTs) based on polymorphisms in its 16S rRNA sequence, with RT4 and RT5 being associated with the onset of acne and RT6 with healthy skin.

Aims

The present study investigated the impact of erythritol on the growth of C. acnes strains classified into different RTs and attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects.

Methods

Culturing tests were performed on several RTs of C. acnes with or without erythritol. A transcriptional analysis of HM554 (RT6) and HM514 (RT5) was also conducted.

Results

The growth of RT2 and RT6, RTs associated with healthy skin, was significantly promoted in a medium containing 10% (W/W) erythritol, whereas that of RT1, RT3, RT4, RT5, and RT8, RTs associated with the development of acne, was inhibited. A RNA‐seq analysis of HM554 showed that the expression of six genes (EIGs) potentially involved in carbohydrate metabolism was strongly induced by the presence of 10% erythritol (Log2 fold change >2.0 and p‐value <0.05). A comparative expression analysis by qPCR revealed that EIGs other than g3pD were strongly induced by erythritol in HM514, similar to HM554, whereas g3pD was only slightly induced.

Conclusion

Erythritol inhibited the growth of RTs associated with acne and promoted that of RTs associated with healthy skin. The enzyme encoded by g3pD may play an important role in the metabolism of erythritol and the dissolution of its growth inhibitory effects on C. acnes.
Candida albicans induces upregulation of programmed death ligand 1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhao Weiwei , Zhang Wenqing , Wu Shuangshuang , Yan Zhimin
Published: April 2022

Background

The potential association between Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been noticed for a long time. Programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) is a key molecule of tumor immune escape and tumor progression. This study aimed to explore whether C. albicans could influence PD‐L1 expression in OSCC in vitro and in mouse model.

Methods

OSCC cell lines (Cal27 and HN6) were infected with C. albicans for 2 and 24 h, then PD‐L1 expression was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), western blot (WB), and flow cytometry (FCM). To identify the underlying mechanisms, PD‐L1 expression in OSCC cells treated with heat‐inactivated C. albicans or with biofilm metabolites derived from C. albicans were explored respectively. Meanwhile, signaling pathways involved in PD‐L1 regulation were explored by RT‐qPCR, and the candidate genes were verified by WB. Moreover, an OSCC mouse model induced by 4‐nitroquinoline‐1 oxide was used to further explore the role of C. albicans infection in PD‐L1 expression in vivo.

Results

C. albicans and heat‐inactivated C. albicans upregulated the PD‐L1 expression in Cal27 and HN6 cells. Various signaling pathways involved in PD‐L1 regulation were influenced by C. albicans infection. Among them, TLR2/MyD88 and TLR2/NF‐κB pathways might participate in this process. Furthermore, PD‐L1 expression in oral mucosa epithelium was upregulated by C. albicans infection in both normal and OSCC mice.

Conclusions

This study suggests that C. albicans could induce upregulation of PD‐L1 in OSCC in vitro and in mouse model, which might due to the activation of TLR2/MyD88 and TLR2/NF‐κB pathways.
Complex central nervous system malformations in a Dutch Warmblood foal
Authors: Louie Elizabeth Williams , Streeter Ron , Story Melinda , Scrivani Peter V. , Barrett Myra , Mullen Kathleen R.
Published: April 2022

A neonatal Dutch Warmblood colt was evaluated for inability to stand, incoordination and intention tremor. Despite partial improvement in clinical signs during the first 4 days of hospitalization, neurological deficits remained. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a unilateral infratentorial arachnoid cyst‐like lesion with ipsilateral compression and displacement of the cerebellar hemisphere, absent corpus collosum, polymicrogyria, suspect leukoencephalopathy, and noncompressive occipitoatlantal malformation. Improvement in clinical signs during the first 6 months of life suggests that horses can survive with complex congenital neurological malformations, but prognosis for athletic performance is poor. The accessibility of magnetic resonance imaging should improve the diagnostic accuracy of central nervous system disorders in neonatal foals in which congenital malformations are suspected. Euthanasia often is elected in foals with suspected congenital central nervous system disorders because of poor prognosis for athletic performance, limiting understanding of clinical progression in these cases.
Multi‐omics reveal differentiation and maintenance of dimorphic flowers in an alpine plant on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhu Mingjia , Wang Zhenyue , Yang Yongzhi , Wang Zefu , Mu Wenjie , Liu Jianquan
Published: April 2022

Dimorphic flowers growing on a single individual plant play a critical role in extreme adaption and reproductive assurance in plants and have high ecological and evolutionary significance. However, the omics bases underlying such a differentiation and maintenance remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate this through genomic, transcriptome and metabolomic analyses of dimorphic flowers in an alpine biennial, Sinoswertia tetraptera (Gentianaceae). A high‐quality chromosome‐level genome sequence (903 Mb) was first assembled for S. tetraptera with 31,359 protein‐coding genes annotated. Two rounds of recent independent whole‐genome duplication (WGD) were revealed. Numerous genes from the recent species‐specific WGD were found to be differentially expressed in the two types of flowers, and this may have helped contribute to the origin of this innovative trait. The genes with contrasting expressions between flowers were related to biosynthesis of hormones, floral pigments (carotenoids and flavonoids) and iridoid compounds, which are involved in both flower development and colour. Metabolomic analyses similarly suggested differential concentrations of these chemicals in the two types of flowers. The expression interactions between multiple genes may together lead to contrasting morphology and chemical concentration and open versus closed pollination of the dimorphic flowers in this species for reproductive assurance.
Chemical neurotoxicity to the inferior alveolar nerve—A rare sequela of endodontic treatment
Authors: Mahmood Hanya , Hoare Johnathan , Atkins Simon
Published: April 2022

Aim

Damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) during endodontic procedures is a rare complication. However, over‐ instrumentation and over‐filling during root canal treatment can cause injury through direct trauma, pressure or neurotoxicity from intra‐canal irrigants or root canal filling materials, particularly where the roots of mandibular molars or premolars are in close proximity to the IAN. This report describes the clinical presentation and management of a severe chemical injury to the right IAN following the endodontic treatment. We also provide practical considerations to help minimise such complications.

Methods

A 27‐year‐old female developed immediate onset numbness and tingling to the right mental region following endodontic treatment of tooth 47. Radiographic examination confirmed widespread extrusion of root canal sealer within the marrow spaces of the right mandibular body extending centrally within the mandibular canal and perforating the lingual cortex.

Results

Urgent surgical exploration and decompression of the right IAN were undertaken, which revealed an avascular and fibrotic nerve with virtually no normal neuronal structure. There was evidence of foreign material both in contact with the epineurium and within the nerve trunk, much of which could not be eliminated. This severe chemical insult to the nerve resulted in irreversible anaesthesia in the right IAN distribution.

Conclusion

This case highlights the diligence that is required when performing root canal treatment in high‐risk mandibular molar teeth, particularly in relation to confining materials within the canal space, accurate canal measurements and comprehensive radiographic evaluation both pre‐ and post‐operatively. Urgent specialist referral for the elimination of foreign material is essential to maximise the potential for nerve regeneration.
Performance time of anesthesiology trainees for cricothyroid membrane identification and characteristics of cricothyroid membrane in pediatric patients using ultrasonography
Authors: Cho Sung‐Ae , Kang Pyoyoon , Song In‐Sun , Ji Sang‐Hwan , Jang Young‐Eun , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Jin‐Tae , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Eun‐Hee
Published: April 2022

Background

Identifying the cricothyroid membrane is an essential technical skill for front‐of‐neck access procedures.

Aims

This study evaluated the usefulness of cricothyroid membrane identification in pediatric patients using ultrasonography by anesthesiology trainees without experience in airway ultrasound and collected anatomical data on the cricothyroid membrane and its surrounding airway structures in children.

Methods

This prospective observational study included children aged <18 years scheduled to undergo general anesthesia and anesthesiology trainees who identified the cricothyroid membrane in five sequential anesthetized patients using ultrasonography. A pediatric anesthesiologist confirmed the accuracy of the identified cricothyroid membrane and recorded the performance time. The primary aims were the cricothyroid membrane identification success rate and performance time. The secondary aims were the characterization of the cricothyroid membrane and its surrounding structures.

Results

Overall, 150 pediatric patients and 30 anesthesiology trainees were analyzed. The cricothyroid membrane identification success rate using ultrasonography was 100% in all the attempts using a transverse approach. The mean (standard deviation) performance time was 27.2 (18.6) s and 31.0 (23.8) s using the transverse and longitudinal approaches, respectively. The performance time decreased by 3.1 (p = .003, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −5.1–−1.0) and 5.2 (p = .007, 95% CI = −8.9–−1.4) seconds per increase in number of attempts with the transverse and longitudinal approaches, respectively. The cricothyroid membrane length was mostly correlated with the patients' height (r = .75, p < .001), and the blood vessels surrounding the cricothyroid membrane were observed in 95.9% of the patients.

Conclusions

Anesthesiology trainees without experience in airway ultrasound successfully identified the cricothyroid membrane in pediatric patients using ultrasonography after a brief training period. Further research is required as the identification of a structure does not predict the success of the actual procedure, particularly if done in an emergency situation.
Translational genomics from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) for bioenergy breeding
Authors: Federico Maria L. , Diniz Augusto L. , Souza Glaucia M. , Snowdon Rod , Erazzú Luis
Published: April 2022

Large‐scale evaluation of genetic diversity in crops with large and complex genomes benefits from the selective enrichment of relevant genomic regions prior to sequencing. Given the complexity of the sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) genome and the limited exploration of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for important energy traits, we used comparative genomics with the related diploid crop sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to mine for regions associated with bioenergy production. Twenty‐one meta‐QTL (mQTL) were identified after surveying 286 QTL from 24 different studies using the Sorghum QTL Atlas. Comparative genomics revealed that at least 35% of genes located within QTL can be found in highly conserved sorghum/sugarcane collinear chromosome blocks. Additionally, a targeted candidate search identified 200 genes known for their involvement in sugar and cell wall metabolism. For a subset of these sorghum genes, we evaluated sugarcane gene copy number, sequence identity, and homoeolog expression in target tissues. This work is an initial step towards targeting and resequencing sugarcane orthologous genomic regions to discover single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as a resource for genomics‐assisted breeding.
Pattern‐triggered immunity against root‐knot nematode infection: A minireview
Authors: Goode Kelly , Mitchum Melissa G.
Published: April 2022

Pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) is the basal level of defense a plant has against pathogens. In the case of root‐knot nematodes (RKN), PTI relies on the recognition of nematode‐associated molecular patterns (NAMPs) for activation. Nematodes have successfully overcome PTI many times by evolving effector proteins to combat PTI responses. As a result, much study has focused on effector‐triggered immunity (ETI). Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of PTI against RKN. A new interest in understanding PTI in response to RKN infection shows that understanding the basal defense responses RKN have overcome provides critical insight into what mechanisms the effectors have evolved to target in the host plant.
Does training make a difference? Proficiency training in transfusion guidelines and its effect on red blood cell administration
Authors: Daichman Svetlana , Ostrovsky Daniel , Dreiher Jacob , Pikovsky Oleg
Published: April 2022

Background

Packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a very common and frequently lifesaving therapeutic intervention, but a liberal transfusion policy may be associated with inferior patient outcomes. Various guidelines have been proposed to reduce the rate of unnecessary RBC transfusions. However, physicians' proficiency in such guidelines and the effect of training on RBC administration remain unknown.

Methods

We performed a questionnaire‐based assessment of physicians' knowledge of the guidelines in a tertiary hospital in Israel, followed by an analysis of RBC administration six months before and six months after training was delivered.

Results

The level of proficiency was higher among Israeli university graduates (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.59, p‐value = 0.02), internists (OR 2.8, p‐value = 0.02), and physicians beyond the step‐one residency exam (OR 3.08, p‐value = 0.02). There was no significant effect of training on the rates of RBC administration (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.96 [CI 95% 0.81–1.14], p‐value = 0.655).

Conclusion

Educational intervention alone is an ineffective means of reducing the rates of RBC administration. A more complex approach is required to prevent unnecessary RBC transfusions.
Morphological characteristics and chemical behaviour of phosphorus at the sediment–water interface in wetland
Authors: Zhang Lihao , Zhu Yinian , Wang Dunqiu , Li Weixuan , Cheng Duanying , Chen Xu , Liang Meina
Published: April 2022

The content and adsorption capacity of phosphorus in the surface and bottom sediments of the karst wetland were monitored for 2 months. The results indicated that the total phosphorus concentration in the sediments varied from 217.15 to 1511.84 mg kg−1 and 353.64 to 1650.26 mg kg−1 in summer and autumn, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm of phosphorus by wetland sediments were systematically studied. The adsorption isotherm conformed well to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximal adsorption capacity (Qmax), background adsorbed phosphorus (NAP), and equilibrium concentrations (EPCe) in sediments were strongly affected by Eh, pH, the content of inorganic phosphorus (IP), and organic phosphorus (Or‐P). The results of this research will shed light on understanding the biogeochemistry behaviour of phosphorus at the sediment–water interface in karst wetland and the water purification mechanism in wetland sediments on a global scale.
Design and Control of a Flexible Exoskeleton to Generate a Natural Full Gait for Lower-Limb Rehabilitation
Authors: Biao Liu , Youwei Liu , Xiaoming Xian , Haoyi Wu , Longhan Xie
Published: April 2022

Strokes caused by cerebrovascular diseases often result in severe damage to locomotion, movement, and cognitive functions. Rehabilitation is an effective way to regain locomotion ability in daily life. However, there are mismatching biological joints, non-full rehabilitation gaits, and indirect joint feedback among conventional exoskeletons or devices. Hence, this paper proposed a novel flexible Bowden cable driving exoskeleton to achieve natural full walking gaits utilizing direct lower-limb movement feedback. First, complete flexible joint rotation kinematics was proposed by using a pair of agonism–antagonism flexible Bowden cables. Then, a personalized rehabilitation walking gait and feedforward proportional-integral-differential controller were adopted to drive the lower limbs to realize complete joint movement and natural full gait locomotion. Finally, a prototype was designed to verify the effectiveness. Mannequin and human tests were conducted, and the results show that the real walking gait is consistent with the reference natural human gait and that assistive torque was applied to humans to reduce muscle activation without significantly changing the foot pressure.
Clinical Evaluation of an Automatic Oxygen Control System for Premature Infants Receiving High-Flow Nasal Cannula for Respiratory Support: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hou Xuefeng , Faqeeh Akram , Amjad Ramak , Pardalos John , Fales Roger
Published: April 2022

A pilot clinical study was conducted that compared the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) targeting performance of an automatic oxygen control system with manual oxygen control, which is the standard of care for preterm and low birth weight infants on high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). The new oxygen control device studied was used to automatically adjust the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) according to a desired SpO2 target setpoint and measured feedback signals including the SpO2 and other signals. A crossover study was designed with several endpoints including the comparison of the percentage of time that the SpO2 was within the target range with the automatic oxygen control device versus manual oxygen control. Other metrics were also compared to assess the performance of the system including the number of bradycardia events. The pilot study included six patients that fit the inclusion criteria. The results showed that there were improvements in all of the measured outcomes considered including statistically significant improvements in the number of bradycardia events during the period when the automatic oxygen control device was used.
Estimation of Energy Pumping Time in Bistable Nonlinear Energy Sink and Experimental Validation
Authors: Wu Zhenhang , Seguy Sébastien , Paredes Manuel
Published: April 2022

The bistable nonlinear energy sink (NES) shows high efficiency in mitigating vibration through targeted energy transfer (TET). It performs well in low- and high-energy input cases, whereas, for a cubic NES, TET occurs only above a certain energy threshold. In this work, the measure of energy pumping time is extended to a harmonic excitation case by the application of a particular integration assumption. An equivalent point in the slow invariant manifold (SIM) structure can represent the average variation of the amplitudes of linear oscillator (LO) and NES. The marked robustness of this semi-analytical prediction method under parameter perturbation is investigated numerically here. The influence of parameters on the rate at which the amplitude declines is also investigated for both impulsive and harmonic excitation. The pumping time estimation is validated in a low-energy input experimental test.
Exact Solution of a Class of Non-Circular Vibrating Membranes
Authors: Wang C.Y.
Published: April 2022

Saint-Venant’s method to solve the Poisson equation is applied to the Helmholtz equation which governs membrane vibration. A family of non-circular membrane shapes with N-fold rotational symmetry is presented. Membrane shapes, properties, and fundamental frequencies are tabulated. The solutions are exact and can serve as accuracy standards for approximate methods.
Human-centered design in acoustics education for undergraduate music majors
Authors: Choi Minsik , Kapur Max
Published: April 2022

An acoustics course for undergraduate music majors should take advantage of the natural affinity between acoustic science and musical practice. In this study, current students and recent graduates of one university's music school were surveyed with the goal of assessing their unique needs in an acoustics curriculum. The results of the survey are reported, and several curriculum recommendations are provided based on the principles of human-centered design. In particular, the acoustics course can harness musicians' intuitive understanding of sound by incorporating musical instruments into classroom demonstrations. Also, acoustics instructors should strive to introduce students to acoustical software, which is also used in the music industry. Finally, the survey findings suggest that the contemporary shift toward active learning and technology-based instruction in acoustics pedagogy is beneficial to music students.
Extracting Lamb wave vibrating modes with convolutional neural network
Authors: He Juxing , Tian Yahui , Li Honglang , Lu Zixiao , Yang Guiting , Lan Jianyu
Published: April 2022

In recent years, micro-acoustic devices, such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices have been widely used in the areas of Internet of Things and mobile communication. With the increasing demand of information transmission speed, working frequencies of micro-acoustic devices are becoming much higher. To meet the emerging demand, Lamb wave devices with characteristics that are fit for high working frequency come into being. However, Lamb wave devices have more complicated vibrating modes than SAW and BAW devices. Methods used for SAW and BAW devices are no longer suitable for the mode extraction of Lamb wave devices. To solve this difficulty, this paper proposed a method based on machine learning with convolutional neural network to achieve automatic identification. The great ability to handle large amount of images makes it a good option for vibrating mode recognition and extraction. With a pre-trained model, we are able to identify and extract the first two anti-symmetric and symmetric modes of Lamb waves in varisized plate structures. After the successful use of this method in Lamb wave modes automatic extraction, it can be extended to all micro-acoustic devices and all other wave types. The proposed method will further promote the application of the Lamb wave devices.
Modeling underwater sound propagation in an arctic shelf region with an inhomogeneous bottom
Authors: Petnikov Valery G. , Grigorev Valery A. , Lunkov Andrey A. , Sidorov Danila D.
Published: April 2022

The seabed data from the Kara Sea (a part of the Arctic Shelf) are used to build a low-frequency (up to 250 Hz) acoustic waveguide model and study sound propagation in this region. A 30-m deep, well-mixed, and homogenous water layer over a flat seafloor is considered. The seabed's acoustic model is based on the spatial distribution of a sound speed recorded during a three-dimensional seismic survey in the Kara Sea, as well as density data from core sample analysis. One of the region's most distinctive features is the presence of large areas (up to several tens of square kilometers) where the bottom sound speed is close to that in water. In such a setting, the normal mode approach is applied to the sound propagation problem. The overall acoustic field is made up of propagating and leaky modes, which include quasi-modes. Numerical simulations show a high spatial variability of attenuation in the waveguide, 1.5 to 20 dB/km at 137 Hz. Even if the water depth is constant and the seafloor is uniform and smooth, mode coupling and horizontal refraction can occur owing to the bottom inhomogeneities. For higher modes, the predicted angle of refraction is up to 10°.
Memory Impairments Associated With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Burns Karlee , Sanford Leah , Tierney Ryan , McDevitt Jane
Published: April 2022

Clinical Question: Do sports-related mild traumatic brain injury in adolescents and young adults produce changes that can be identified with functional magnetic resonance imaging that are associated with memory impairment? Clinical Bottom Line: After sport-related mild traumatic brain injury, functional magnetic resonance imaging identified inconsistent structural changes (e.g., cortical thickness changes, brain activation patterns), and negative performance changes in memory function (e.g., lower neuropsychological scores) in adolescents and young adults 9 days to more than a year following injury.
Comparison of Support Provided by Prophylactic Athletic Tape Following Exposure to Moisture and Exercise
Authors: Owen Meredith K. , Gambill Julia A. , Razayeski Jerome , Bridges William C. , Acevedo Cristina M. , Wolhar Naomi A. , DesJardins John D.
Published: April 2022

Prophylactic athletic tape is often used to provide additional ankle support and reduce potential injury in both wet and dry environments. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of prophylactic athletic tape on ankle range of motion following exposure to moisture and exercise. Following exercise, range of motion increased slightly but remained below baseline and postexercise control values for all tape conditions. The novel synthetic tape maintained greater ankle support following the exercise period for wet condition in inversion and eversion. Cotton and novel synthetic adhesive tapes provided improved ankle stability following exercise, whether wet or dry, as compared with the use of no tape.
Deubiquitinase CYLD acts as a negative regulator of dopamine neuron survival in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Pirooznia Sheila K. , Wang Hu , Panicker Nikhil , Kumar Manoj , Neifert Stewart , Dar Mohamad Aasif , Lau Evan , Kang Bong Gu , Redding-Ochoa Javier , Troncoso Juan C. , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M.
Published: April 2022

Mutations in PINK1 and parkin highlight the mitochondrial axis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. PINK1/parkin regulation of the transcriptional repressor PARIS bears direct relevance to dopamine neuron survival through augmentation of PGC-1α–dependent mitochondrial biogenesis. Notably, knockout of PARIS attenuates dopaminergic neurodegeneration in mouse models, indicating that interventions that prevent dopaminergic accumulation of PARIS could have therapeutic potential in PD. To this end, we have identified the deubiquitinase cylindromatosis (CYLD) to be a regulator of PARIS protein stability and proteasomal degradation via the PINK1/parkin pathway. Knockdown of CYLD in multiple models of PINK1 or parkin inactivation attenuates PARIS accumulation by modulating its ubiquitination levels and relieving its repressive effect on PGC-1α to promote mitochondrial biogenesis. Together, our studies identify CYLD as a negative regulator of dopamine neuron survival, and inhibition of CYLD may potentially be beneficial in PD by lowering PARIS levels and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.
Mechanism of exotic density-wave and beyond-Migdal unconventional superconductivity in kagome metal AV
3
Sb
5
(A = K, Rb, Cs)
Authors: Tazai Rina , Yamakawa Youichi , Onari Seiichiro , Kontani Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Exotic quantum phase transitions in metals, such as the electronic nematic state, have been discovered one after another and found to be universal now. The emergence of unconventional density-wave (DW) order in frustrated kagome metal AV
3
Sb
5
and its interplay with exotic superconductivity attract increasing attention. We find that the DW in kagome metal is the bond order, because the sizable intersite attraction is caused by the quantum interference among paramagnons. This mechanism is important in kagome metals because the geometrical frustration prohibits the freezing of paramagnons. In addition, we uncover that moderate bond-order fluctuations mediate sizable pairing glue, and this mechanism gives rise to both singlet s-wave and triplet p-wave superconductivity. Furthermore, characteristic pressure-induced phase transitions in CsV
3
Sb
5
are naturally understood by the present theory. Thus, both the exotic density wave and the superconductivity in geometrically frustrated kagome metals are explained by the quantum interference mechanism.
Integrated single-cell transcriptomic and epigenetic study of cell state transition and lineage commitment in embryonic mouse cerebellum
Authors: Khouri-Farah Nagham , Guo Qiuxia , Morgan Kerry , Shin Jihye , Li James Y. H.
Published: April 2022

Recent studies using single-cell RNA-sequencing have revealed cellular heterogeneity in the developing mammalian cerebellum, yet the regulatory logic underlying this cellular diversity remains to be elucidated. Using integrated single-cell RNA and ATAC analyses, we resolved developmental trajectories of cerebellar progenitors and identified putative trans- and cis-elements that control cell state transition. We reverse engineered gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of each cerebellar cell type. Through in silico simulations and in vivo experiments, we validated the efficacy of GRN analyses and uncovered the molecular control of a posterior transitory zone (PTZ), a distinct progenitor zone residing immediately anterior to the morphologically defined rhombic lip (RL). We showed that perturbing cell fate specification in the PTZ and RL causes posterior cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, the most common cerebellar birth defect in humans. Our study provides a foundation for comprehensive studies of developmental programs of the mammalian cerebellum.
Climate change increases risk of extreme rainfall following wildfire in the western United States
Authors: Touma Danielle , Stevenson Samantha , Swain Daniel L. , Singh Deepti , Kalashnikov Dmitri A. , Huang Xingying
Published: April 2022

Post-wildfire extreme rainfall events can have destructive impacts in the western United States. Using two climate model large ensembles, we assess the future risk of extreme fire weather events being followed by extreme rainfall in this region. By mid-21st century, in a high warming scenario (RCP8.5), we report large increases in the number of extreme fire weather events followed within 1 year by at least one extreme rainfall event. By 2100, the frequency of these compound events increases by 100% in California and 700% in the Pacific Northwest in the Community Earth System Model v1 Large Ensemble. We further project that more than 90% of extreme fire weather events in California, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest will be followed by at least three spatially colocated extreme rainfall events within five years. Our results point to a future with substantially increased post-fire hydrologic risks across much of the western United States.
Based on billions of words on the internet,
people
=
men
Authors: Bailey April H. , Williams Adina , Cimpian Andrei
Published: April 2022

Recent advances have made it possible to precisely measure the extent to which any two words are used in similar contexts. In turn, this measure of similarity in linguistic context also captures the extent to which the concepts being denoted are similar. When extracted from massive corpora of text written by millions of individuals, this measure of linguistic similarity can provide insight into the collective concepts of a linguistic community, concepts that both reflect and reinforce widespread ways of thinking. Using this approach, we investigated the collective concept
person
/
people
, which forms the basis for nearly all societal decision- and policy-making. In three studies and three preregistered replications with similarity metrics extracted from a corpus of over 630 billion English words, we found that the collective concept
person
/
people
is not gender-neutral but rather prioritizes men over women—a fundamental bias in our species’ collective view of itself.