bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Productivity and nutritional value of 20 species of perennial legumes in a low‐rainfall Mediterranean‐type environment in southern Australia
Authors: Norman Hayley C. , Humphries Alan W. , Hulm Elizabeth , Young Paul , Hughes Steve J. , Rowe Trevor , Peck David M. , Vercoe Phil E.
Published: March 2021

In the rain‐fed mixed‐farming systems of southern Australia, the consistent supply of high‐value forage is limited by a range of climatic, edaphic and systems constraints. Over 2 years, we compared biomass production and nutritional value of 30 accessions of perennial legumes, and predicted intake, grazing days and growth of ewes and lambs. There was significant variation in nutritional value and biomass production between and within species. Lucerne (Medicago sativa) and sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) produced the greatest amount of biomass and energy. There was variability among accessions in digestibility (DMD), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and crude protein, and the rate of change in these traits as plants matured. Trifolium species had the highest DMD across all growth stages. Hairy canary clover (Dorycnium hirsutum), erect canary clover (Dorycnium rectum), greater birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus uliginosus), Australian trefoil (Lotus australis) and running postman (Kennedia prostrata) had energy levels that would not maintain liveweight of mature sheep. In the second year, species differed in response to harvesting treatments. Lucerne and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) were more productive under a frequent cutting regime. Accessions of white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense), alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum), cullen (Cullen australasicum), strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum), sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) showed some promise, while Tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa) and milkvetch (Astragalus cicer) performed poorly under the experimental conditions. We conclude by discussing additional agronomic and nutritional factors that need consideration when developing novel perennial legumes for mixed‐farming systems in the context of a changing climate.
Seasonality of mortality and in‐hospital complications in hip fracture surgery: Retrospective cohort research using a nationwide inpatient database
Authors: Ogawa Takahisa , Yoshii Toshitaka , Higuchi Masaya , Morishita Shingo , Fushimi Kiyohide , Fujiwara Takeo , Okawa Atsushi
Published: March 2021

Aim

Among older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, previous studies have shown a seasonal variation of in‐hospital surgical complications. However, little is known about seasonal effects on mortality and systemic complications after hip fracture surgery. In the present study, we evaluated whether mortality and in‐hospital systemic complications are influenced by seasonal differences.

Methods

We enrolled patients from a nationwide database who underwent hip fracture surgery between 2010 and 2018. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were in‐hospital systemic complications. The association between the seasonality and in‐hospital outcomes was investigated using multivariable Cox, logistic regression and causal mediation analysis.

Results

With 425 856 patients (mean age 83.5 years; 79% women), overall in‐hospital mortality was 5324 (1.2%). Fall and winter were associated with a higher mortality than spring (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16; P < 0.001; HR 1.14; P = 0.001, respectively). Across all the seasons, there were 36 834 overall systemic complications (8.6%), with respiratory infection being the most frequent (18 637 [4.4%]). Among these complications, only respiratory infection showed seasonal variation, with a higher prevalence in fall and winter. The mediated effect of respiratory infection on mortality was significantly higher in fall and winter compared with spring (fall, HR 1.06, proportion mediated 36.7%; winter, HR 1.14, proportion mediated 55.0%; all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We found a significantly higher mortality in fall and winter after hip fracture surgery. Specifically, in winter, the increased in‐hospital death was largely attributed to the increased incidence of respiratory infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 398–403.
Groundwater Potential Mapping Using GIS‐Based Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Methods
Authors: Phong Tran Van , Pham Binh Thai , Trinh Phan Trong , Ly Hai‐Bang , Vu Quoc Hung , Ho Lanh Si , Le Hiep Van , Phong Lai Hop , Avand Mohammadtaghi , Prakash Indra
Published: March 2021

Groundwater is one of the major valuable water resources for the use of communities, agriculture, and industries. In the present study, we have developed three novel hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) models which is a combination of modified RealAdaBoost (MRAB), bagging (BA), and rotation forest (RF) ensembles with functional tree (FT) base classifier for the groundwater potential mapping (GPM) in the basaltic terrain at DakLak province, Highland Centre, Vietnam. Based on the literature survey, these proposed hybrid AI models are new and have not been used in the GPM of an area. Geospatial techniques were used and geo‐hydrological data of 130 groundwater wells and 12 topographical and geo‐environmental factors were used in the model studies. One‐R Attribute Evaluation feature selection method was used for the selection of relevant input parameters for the development of AI models. The performance of these models was evaluated using various statistical measures including area under the receiver operation curve (AUC). Results indicated that though all the hybrid models developed in this study enhanced the goodness‐of‐fit and prediction accuracy, but MRAB‐FT (AUC = 0.742) model outperformed RF‐FT (AUC = 0.736), BA‐FT (AUC = 0.714), and single FT (AUC = 0.674) models. Therefore, the MRAB‐FT model can be considered as a promising AI hybrid technique for the accurate GPM. Accurate mapping of the groundwater potential zones will help in adequately recharging the aquifer for optimum use of groundwater resources by maintaining the balance between consumption and exploitation.
SFRmaker and Linesink‐Maker: Rapid Construction of Streamflow Routing Networks from Hydrography Data
Authors: Leaf Andrew T. , Fienen Michael N. , Reeves Howard W.
Published: March 2021

Groundwater models have evolved to encompass more aspects of the water cycle, but the incorporation of realistic boundary conditions representing surface water remains time‐consuming and error‐prone. We present two Python packages that robustly automate this process using readily available hydrography data as the primary input. SFRmaker creates input for the MODFLOW SFR package, while Linesink‐maker creates linesink string input for the GFLOW analytic element program. These programs can reduce weeks or even months of manual effort to a few minutes of execution time, and carry the added advantages of reduced potential for error, improved reproducibility and facilitation of step‐wise modeling through reduced dependency on a particular conceptual model or discretization. Two real‐world examples at the county to multi‐state scales are presented.
Isotopically Enriched Geogenic δ81Br and δ37Cl: Primary Evidence for the Ascending Brine Model
Authors: Saeed Waleed , Shouakar‐Stash Orfan , Wood Warren W. , Frape Shaun
Published: March 2021

Mass balance calculations and hydrodynamics of groundwater flow suggest that the solutes in brines of the coastal sabkha aquifer from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are derived largely from ascending geologic brines into the sabkha from the underlying formations. Solute interpretation for the ascending brine model (ABM) was based on two independent but secondary lines of evidence (solute ratios and solute fluxes). In the current study, direct primary evidence for this ABM was provided through analyses of δ81Br, δ37Cl, and 87Sr/86Sr. Different solute histories of geologic brine and sea water provide an “isotopic fingerprint” that can uniquely distinguish between the two possible sources. Samples from the coastal sabkha aquifer of Abu Dhabi were determined to have a mean δ81Br of 1.17‰ that is statistically equal, at the 95% confidence level, to the mean of 1.11‰ observed in the underlying geologic brine and statistically different than sea water. Similarly, the δ37Cl in sabkha brine has a mean of 0.25‰ and is statistically equal to a mean of 0.21‰ in the underlying geologic brines at the 95% confidence level and statistically different from sea water. Also, dissolved strontium isotope data are consistent with the ABM and even with the complex set of processes in the sabkha, the variance in strontium isotope results is similar to the geologic brine. These observations provide primary direct evidence consistent that the major source of these solutes (and presumably others in the aquifer) is from discharging geologic brines, not from adjacent sea water.
A hybrid composite for structural applications made of rubber waste tires and calcium phosphate cement
Authors: Revelo Huertas Carlos Fernando , Vieira Carlos Maurício Fontes , Colorado Henry A.
Published: March 2021

In this research, a new hybrid composite material is investigated with eight different formulations of waste tires powders, a polyurethane resin, and a wollastonite‐based phosphate cement. The phosphate cement was obtained by mixing wollastonite particles with an aqueous phosphoric acid solution and the waste tire powders were processed with mechanical grinding. A GOM Inspect Professional 3D scanner was used to characterize the surface of the tiles, prepared to be adhered to the phosphate cement. Pull‐out tests were conducted over the system rubber tile‐cement. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to understand the microstructure and the interfacial region tile‐cement, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze the mineralogical phases in this composite. Two sample formulations evidenced good adhesion results, with binding stress up to 0.274 MPa. Different adhesion mechanisms were identified at the interface, in which the roughness played a significant role in the adhesion of the involved materials.
Gentrification without Gentry in a Declining Global City?: Vertical Expansion of Tokyo and Its Urban Meaning1
Authors: Machimura Takashi
Published: March 2021

This article explores the reasons for the vertical expansion of cities till the 2020s by analyzing the history of urban space production for about half a century, using Tokyo as an example. As a concept, gentrification partially explains the changes in Tokyo. However, summarizing the entire urban transformation as a gentrification trend can lead to some misunderstandings. Most of the development took the form of simply rebuilding skyscrapers in limited areas, rather than the displacement of an entire class in the whole district. Consequently, the sharp contrast between island‐like skyscrapers and the densely populated small houses surrounding them became the typical landscape of current semi‐gentrified Tokyo. Instead of gentrification, “gentrification without gentry” would be a better expression for describing most cases in Tokyo. Alliances for urban speculation are always embedded in multi‐scale conditions in a globalizing world along with the inherent historical and structural constitution of the city. Through dynamic but contingent processes, a structure was constructed to promote urban development in a way that might exceed the actual demands. In the case of Tokyo, the bubble economy era and its effects, a would‐be global city ideology, mega‐events such as the Olympic Games, and expected earthquakes had a distinct influence on other common factors.
Going with the flow? Diversification of gastropods reflects drainage evolution in Africa
Authors: Mahulu Anna , Stelbrink Björn , Van Bocxlaer Bert , Riedel Frank , Albrecht Christian
Published: March 2021

Aim

The roles of geodynamics, climatic variability and landscape evolution in shaping aquatic biodiversity patterns on the African continent remain poorly understood. We studied the geographical origin and phylogenetic relationships of an Afrotropical freshwater snail genus to examine the role of drainage evolution on diversification and range evolution. The relevance of fish provinces in bio‐regionalization of invertebrates was explored, as well as the evolution of habitat specificity.

Location

Africa including Madagascar.

Taxon

Lanistes (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae).

Methods

Based on a sampling covering the entire geographical range, we reconstructed a fossil‐calibrated multi‐locus molecular phylogeny using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches. After applying species delimitation methods, we estimated ancestral areas and habitats and examined rates of diversification through time using lineage through time plots.

Results

RAxML and MrBayes analyses resulted in highly congruent topologies and a strongly supported phylogeny. Our BEAST analysis indicate that Lanistes probably originated in the Eocene about 50 Ma and the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all 23 Lanistes OTUs in our study may have inhabited an area including the Central African and adjacent Lower Guinean biogeographical regions. A steeper increase in species accumulation from the middle Miocene (c. 15 to 10 Ma), followed by a decrease towards the present was found. Sympatry and jump dispersal were the common cladogenetic events and only a single anagenetic dispersal event was detected. The biogeographical analyses further suggest that Madagascar was colonized from East Africa and that the Zambezi River was colonized at least twice independently. Seven species are confined to rivers and three live exclusively in lakes. The estimation of ancestral habitats suggested that the MRCA of all Lanistes probably evolved in a riverine habitat.

Main conclusions

The diversification of Lanistes started in the Eocene and occurred at a constant pace apart from a possible climate‐related increase in the Miocene. This study highlights the significance of temporal geographical isolation of river systems and subsequent reconnection in clade diversification and of jump dispersal in range evolution. More comparative analyses across various taxa are needed to obtain a better understanding of African freshwater biodiversity.
Exosome‐mediated pyroptosis of miR‐93‐TXNIP‐NLRP3 leads to functional difference between M1 and M2 macrophages in sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Juan Chen‐Xia , Mao Yan , Cao Qian , Chen Yan , Zhou Lan‐Bo , Li Sheng , Chen Hao , Chen Jia‐He , Zhou Guo‐Ping , Jin Rui
Published: March 2021

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection, resulting in organ dysfunction. Sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common potential complications. Increasing reports have shown that M1 and M2 macrophages both take part in the progress of AKI by influencing the level of inflammatory factors and the cell death, including pyroptosis. However, whether M1 and M2 macrophages regulate AKI by secreting exosome remains unknown. In the present study, we isolated the exosomes from M1 and M2 macrophages and used Western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate the effect of M1 and M2 exosomes on cell pyroptosis. miRNA sequencing was used to identify the different miRNA in M1 and M2 exosomes. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the target gene of miRNA. We confirmed that exosomes excreted by macrophages regulated cell pyroptosis in vitro by using Western blot and ELISA. miRNA sequencing revealed the differentially expressed level of miRNAs in M1 and M2 exosomes, among which miR‐93‐5p was involved in the regulation of pyroptosis. By using bioinformatics predictions and luciferase reporter assay, we found that thioredoxin–interacting protein (TXNIP) was a direct target of miR‐93‐5p. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that exosomal miR‐93‐5p regulated the TXNIP directly to influence the pyroptosis in renal epithelial cells, which explained the functional difference between different phenotypes of macrophages. This study might provide new targets for the treatment of sepsis‐induced AKI.
Bmi1 regulate tooth and mandible development by inhibiting p16 signal pathway
Authors: Yin Ying , Zhou Nan , Zhang Hui , Dai Xiuliang , Lv Xianhui , Chen Ning , Miao Dengshun , Hu Qingang
Published: March 2021

To determine whether the deletion of p16 can correct tooth and mandible growth retardation caused by Bmi1 deficiency, we compared the tooth and mandible phenotypes of homozygous p16‐deficient (p16−/−) mice, homozygous Bmi1‐deficient (Bmi1−/−) mice, double homozygous Bmi1 and p16‐deficient (Bmi1−/−p16−/−) mice to those of their wild‐type littermates at 4 weeks of age by radiograph, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Results showed that compared to Bmi1−/− mice, the dental mineral density, dental volume and dentin sialoprotein immunopositive areas were increased, whereas the ratio of the predentin area to total dentin area and that of biglycan immunopositive area to dentin area were decreased in Bmi1−/−p16−/− mice. These results indicate that the deletion of p16 can improve tooth development in Bmi1 knockout mice. Compared to Bmi1−/− mice, the mandible mineral density, cortical thickness, alveolar bone volume, osteoblast number and activity, alkaline phosphatase positive area were all increased significantly in Bmi1−/−p16−/− mice. These results indicate that the deletion of p16 can improve mandible growth in Bmi1 knockout mice. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of cyclin D, CDK4 and p53 were increased significantly in p16−/− mice compared with those from wild‐type mice; the protein expression levels of cyclin D and CDK4 were decreased significantly, whereas those of p27 and p53 were increased significantly in Bmi1−/− mice; these parameters were partly rescued in Bmi1−/−p16−/− mice compared with those from Bmi1−/− mice. Therefore, our results indicate that Bmi1 plays roles in regulating tooth and mandible development by inhibiting p16 signal pathway which initiated entry into cell cycle.
Selective outcome reporting in root coverage randomized clinical trials
Authors: Sendyk Daniel Isaac , Souza Nathalia Vilela , César Neto João Batista , Tatakis Dimitris N. , Pannuti Cláudio Mendes
Published: March 2021

Background

Outcome discrepancies between protocols and respective publications represent a concerning bias. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of selective outcome reporting (SOR) in root coverage randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

Published root coverage RCTs (July 2005 to March 2020) were included if a corresponding protocol could be identified in a public registry. Discrepancies between protocol and its correspondent publication(s) were compared regarding primary and secondary outcomes and other study characteristics. Associations between trial characteristics and SOR were evaluated.

Results

Forty four studies (54 publications) were included. The majority of studies (77.3%) were retrospectively registered. SOR was frequent (40.9% of trials) and consisted of primary outcome downgrade (22.7%); secondary outcome upgrade (11.4%); new primary outcome introduced in publication (25%); protocol primary outcome omitted from publication (13.6%) and discrepancy in primary outcome timing (18.2%). SOR was unclear in 20.5% of studies and favoured statistical significance in 12 studies (27.3%). SOR was significantly associated with study significance (p < 0.001) and unclear outcome definition in the publication (p < 0.001). Only a third (32.8%) of primary outcomes were completely defined.

Conclusions

The present study identified high prevalence of SOR in root coverage RCTs.
Aesthetic crown lengthening and lip repositioning surgery: Pre‐ and post‐operative assessment of smile attractiveness
Authors: Silva Cléverson O. , Rezende Robson I. , Mazuquini Amanda C. , Leal Vinicius C. , Amaral Gislaine S. A. , Guo Xiaohan , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: March 2021

Aim

To assess the effect of aesthetic crown lengthening (ACL) and lip repositioning surgery (LRS) on perception of smile attractiveness.

Materials and methods

Preoperative and 6‐month postoperative smile photographs of ACL‐ or LRS‐treated patients were evaluated by 100 raters (five gender‐balanced groups of ten per procedure) of diverse background (dental students, general dentists, periodontists and laypersons with and without any aesthetic concerns about their own smile). Smile attractiveness was rated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Multivariate mixed‐effect models were applied to determine the effect of procedure, rater (age, gender and group) and case (gingival display and GD) on smile attractiveness rating.

Results

Average preoperative and postoperative VAS scores for ACL patients were 3.8 ± 2.0 and 6.2 ± 1.9, respectively. Corresponding LRS patient values were 4.8 ± 2.0 and 6.4 ± 1.9. Treatment, baseline GD and rater age were significant determinants (p < .001) of smile attractiveness for both procedures. Rater gender was not significant. Rater group was significant (p < .032) only for ACL. Procedure (p < .001), baseline VAS (p < .001), change in GD (p ≤ .002) and rater age (p ≤ .017) were significant determinants of smile attractiveness change from preoperative to postoperative.

Conclusions

ACL and LRS are two periodontal plastic surgery procedures that deliver significant smile attractiveness improvements, in the eyes of both laypersons and dental professionals.
Melatonin and osmoregulation in fish: A focus on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smoltification
Authors: Nisembaum Laura Gabriela , Martin Patrick , Lecomte Frédéric , Falcón Jack
Published: March 2021

Part of the life cycle of several fish species includes important salinity changes, as is the case for the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) or the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Salmo salar juveniles migrate downstream from their spawning sites to reach seawater, where they grow and become sexually mature. The process of preparation enabling juveniles to migrate downstream and physiologically adapt to seawater is called smoltification. Daily and seasonal variations of photoperiod and temperature play a role in defining the timing of smoltification, which may take weeks to months, depending on the river length and latitude. Smoltification is characterised by a series of biochemical, physiological and behavioural changes within the neuroendocrine axis. This review discusses the current knowledge and gaps related to the neuroendocrine mechanisms that mediate the effects of light and temperature on smoltification. Studies performed in S. salar and other salmonids, as well as in other species undergoing important salinity changes, are reviewed, and a particular emphasis is given to the pineal hormone melatonin and its possible role in osmoregulation. The daily and annual variations of plasma melatonin levels reflect corresponding changes in external photoperiod and temperature, which suggests that the hormonal time‐keeper melatonin might contribute to controlling smoltification. Here, we review studies on (i) the impact of pinealectomy and/or melatonin administration on smoltification; (ii) melatonin interactions with hormones involved in osmoregulation (e.g., prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol); (iii) the presence of melatonin receptors in tissues involved in osmoregulation; and (iv) the impacts of salinity changes on melatonin receptors and circulating melatonin levels. Altogether, these studies show evidence indicating that melatonin interacts with the neuroendocrine pathways controlling smoltification, although more information is needed to clearly decipher its mechanisms of action.
Surgery of the primary tumour in 201 patients with high‐grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine and mixed neuroendocrine‐non‐neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Pommergaard Hans‐Christian , Nielsen Kirstine , Sorbye Halfdan , Federspiel Birgitte , Tabaksblat Elizaveta M. , Vestermark Lene W. , Janson Eva T. , Hansen Carsten P. , Ladekarl Morten , Garresori Herish , Hjortland Geir O. , Sundlöv Anna , Galleberg Renate , Knigge Pauline , Kjaer Andreas , Langer Seppo W. , Knigge Ulrich
Published: March 2021

The benefit of surgery in high‐grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP NEN) and mixed neuroendocrine‐non‐neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNEN) is uncertain. The present study aimed to investigate outcomes after tumour surgery in patients with high‐grade (Ki‐67 > 20%) GEP NEN or MiNEN stage I‐III or stage IV. We analysed data from patients treated in the period 2007‐2015 at eight Nordic university hospitals. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS)/disease‐free survival (DFS) were analysed by Kaplan‐Meier estimates. Prognostic factors were evaluated using Cox regression. We included 201 surgically resected patients, 143 stage I‐III and 58 stage IV, with 68% having neuroendocrine carcinoma, 23% MiNEN, 5% neuroendocrine tumour G3 and 4% uncertain NEN G3. Primary tumours were located in colon/rectum (52%), oesophagus/cardia (19%), pancreas (10%), stomach (7%), jejunum/ileum (5%), duodenum (4%), gallbladder (2%) and anal canal (1%). For patients with stage I‐III, median DFS was 12 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.5‐18.5) and median OS was 32 months (95% CI = 24.0‐40.0). For patients with stage I‐III and an R0 resection, median DFS was 21 months (95% CI = 4.9‐37.1) and median OS was 39 months (95% CI = 25.0‐53.0). For patients with stage IV, median PFS/DFS was 4 months (95% CI = 1.9‐6.1) and median OS was 11 months (95% CI = 4.8‐17.2). For patients with stage IV and an R0 resection, median DFS was 6 months (95% CI = 0‐16.4) and median OS was 32 months (95% CI = 25.5‐38.5). Performance status > 1 and colorectal primary were associated with poor prognosis. There was no difference in survival between patients with high‐grade GEP NEN and MiNEN. Surgery of the primary tumour in patients with loco‐regional high‐grade GEP NEN or MiNEN led to good long‐term results and should be considered if an R0 resection is considered achievable. Highly selected patients with stage IV disease may also benefit from surgery.
Financial knowledge and trust in financial institutions
Authors: van der Cruijsen Carin , de Haan Jakob , Roerink Ria
Published: March 2021

Based on analysis of 14 years of data on Dutch consumers' trust in financial institutions, we find that financially literate consumers are more likely to trust banks, insurance companies and pension funds. This result applies both to broad‐scope trust (trust in financial institutions in general) and narrow‐scope trust (trust in one's own financial institution). Our conclusion holds when we use a financial literacy proxy based on self‐assessed knowledge or a proxy based on actual knowledge. For all types of financial institutions researched, we find that narrow‐scope trust is significantly higher than broad‐scope trust, but both forms of trust are positively related. Financially knowledgeable people are more likely to trust managers of financial institutions and have more trust in the prudential supervisory authority. Finally, our results suggest that trust in the supervisory authority positively correlates with trust in the financial sector.
Irisin treatment lowers levels of phosphorylated tau in the hippocampus of pre‐symptomatic female but not male htau mice
Authors: Bretland Katie A. , Lin Li , Bretland Kimberly M. , Smith Matthew A. , Fleming Sheila M. , Dengler‐Crish Christine M.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Irisin is a hormone cleaved from fibronectin type‐III domain‐containing protein 5 in response to exercise and may be therapeutic in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Irisin is shown to repair damage caused by midlife cardiometabolic risk factors for AD (i.e., diabetes mellitus; hypertension), prevent neural amyloid beta aggregation and reduce neuroinflammation. However, there are no investigations of irisin's effect on AD‐associated tauopathy in the brain. This study begins to address this gap in knowledge.

Methods

Transgenic htau mice that selectively develop age‐related tauopathy were treated with recombinant irisin (100 µg/kg weekly i.p.) beginning at a pre‐symptomatic age (4 months) to determine if irisin could prevent emergence of early neuropathology. One month later, mice were sacrificed to collect brain tissue and serum. Protein levels of ptau (serine 202), inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and FNDC5 were quantified using capillary‐based western blotting (Wes).

Results

Our data show that irisin treatment significantly reduced ptau and TNFα in the hippocampus and serum of female htau mice compared to vehicle‐treated controls. Irisin treatment did not alter ptau levels in male htau hippocampus and appeared to enhance both neural and systemic TNFα levels.

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence that enhancing the endogenous hormone irisin may be therapeutic against emerging neuropathology in a tauopathy‐selective AD model. This is important because there are currently no disease‐modifying therapeutics available for AD, and few agents in development address the multiple disease targets irisin appears to—making irisin an intriguing therapeutic candidate for further investigation.
A pilot feasibility study of an unguided, internet‐delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Owusu Jocelynn T. , Sibelli Alice , Moss‐Morris Rona , van Tilburg Miranda A.L. , Levy Rona L. , Oser Megan
Published: March 2021

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is linked with lower health‐related quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed for IBS management can improve outcomes but further research of more accessible implementations of this treatment approach for IBS is needed. This study assessed the feasibility of a web‐delivered CBT program among adults with IBS to apply to a future clinical trial.

Methods

Twenty‐five participants were randomized to receive an unguided web‐based, CBT program for IBS. The primary outcome was changes in IBS symptom severity (IBS Symptom Severity Scale [IBS‐SSS]). Secondary outcomes included IBS‐specific CBT therapeutic mechanisms of change (GI‐specific anxiety, unhelpful IBS behaviors, and GI‐focused cognitions) and changes in depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 [PHQ‐9]) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 scale [GAD‐7]) symptom severity.

Key Results

Among participants randomized to receive web‐based CBT, the average baseline IBS‐SSS score was 296.3 (SD=100.9). IBS symptom severity significantly improved at 2‐month (p < 0.001) and 3‐month follow‐up (p < 0.0001); the within‐group effect size between baseline and 3‐month follow‐up IBS‐SSS scores was large (d = 1.14) and 63.6% experienced a clinically meaningful improvement (ie, ≥50‐point IBS‐SSS score reduction). GI‐specific anxiety symptoms and cognitions significantly improved at 2‐month follow‐up, as did unhelpful IBS safety behaviors. Additionally, clinically meaningful improvement was observed in depressive and anxiety symptoms at 3‐month follow‐up among participants with symptoms above the clinical threshold (ie, PHQ‐9 ≥ 10 and GAD‐7 ≥ 10, respectively) at baseline.

Conclusions & Inferences

These preliminary findings warrant a larger trial to investigate an unguided, web‐based CBT for IBS symptom management that is powered to detect between‐group treatment effects.
Disentangling the components of triploid block and its fitness consequences in natural diploid–tetraploid contact zones of Arabidopsis arenosa
Authors: Morgan Emma J. , Čertner Martin , Lučanová Magdalena , Deniz Utku , Kubíková Kateřina , Venon Anthony , Kovářík Oleg , Lafon Placette Clément , Kolář Filip
Published: March 2021

Hybrid seed inviability (HSI) is an important mechanism of reproductive isolation and speciation. HSI varies in strength among populations of diploid species but it remains to be tested whether similar processes affect natural variation in HSI within ploidy‐variable species (triploid block).

Here we used extensive endosperm, seed and F1‐hybrid phenotyping to explore HSI variation within a diploid‐autotetraploid species. By leveraging 12 population pairs from three ploidy contact zones, we tested for the effect of interploidy crossing direction (parent of origin), ploidy divergence and spatial arrangement in shaping reproductive barriers in a naturally relevant context.

We detected strong parent‐of‐origin effects on endosperm development, F1 germination and survival, which was also reflected in the rates of triploid formation in the field. Endosperm cellularization failure was least severe and F1‐hybrid performance was slightly better in the primary contact zone, with genetically closest diploid and tetraploid lineages.

We demonstrated overall strong parent‐of‐origin effects on HSI in a ploidy variable species, which translate to fitness effects and contribute to interploidy reproductive isolation in a natural context. Subtle intraspecific variation in these traits suggests the fitness consequences of HSI are predominantly a constitutive property of the species regardless of the evolutionary background of its populations.
The effect of scleral lenses on vision, refraction and aberrations in post‐LASIK ectasia, keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Shetty Rohit , Lalgudi Vaitheeswaran G , Khamar Pooja , Vincent Stephen J , Atchison David A
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To quantify the effect of a single scleral lens design on visual acuity and ocular higher‐order aberrations in eyes with post–LASIK ectasia, keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) that could not achieve satisfactory vision with spectacles or soft contact lenses.

Methods

Forty‐six eyes of 28 participants fitted with diagnostic scleral lenses (KeraCare) were analysed, including 19, 15 and 12 eyes with post‐LASIK ectasia, keratoconus and PMD, respectively. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and ocular aberrations were measured prior to lens wear and during lens wear after 60 min of settling. An i–Trace aberrometer was used to determine aberrations over a 4.5 mm diameter pupil.

Results

Before lens wear, the median (95% confidence interval) values across all groups were: CDVA 0.30 (0.30, 0.40) logMAR, spherical equivalent refraction –2.75 (–5.25, –2.12) D, cylindrical refraction 3.75 (2.50, 5.00) D, higher–order–root–mean–square error (HO‐RMS) 0.90 (0.64, 1.03) μm and vertical coma co‐efficient C(3,–1) –0.32 (–0.42, –0.12) μm. RMS coma of 0.52 (0.40, 0.74) μm was higher for the keratoconus group than for the other groups (p < 0.05). During lens wear, values improved considerably across all groups: CDVA 0.0 (0.0, 0.00) logMAR, spherical equivalent refraction –0.50 (–0.75, +0.50) D, cylindrical refraction 0.50 (0.00, 0.50) D, HO‐RMS 0.32 (0.26, 0.42) μm and C(3,–1) +0.12 (+0.02, +0.19) μm (all p < 0.001 compared to pre‐lens wear). While reduced significantly, RMS coma remained higher in the keratoconus group at 0.35 (0.31, 0.52) μm than in the post–LASIK ectasia and PMD groups at 0.17 (0.12, 0.21) μm and 0.07 (0.02, 0.46) μm, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The KeraCare scleral contact lens reduced ocular aberrations and improved visual acuity in patients with post–LASIK ectasia, keratoconus and PMD. The sign of vertical coma changed in keratoconus and PMD.
Overexpression of both Rubisco and Rubisco activase rescues rice photosynthesis and biomass under heat stress
Authors: Qu Yuchen , Sakoda Kazuma , Fukayama Hiroshi , Kondo Eri , Suzuki Yuji , Makino Amane , Terashima Ichiro , Yamori Wataru
Published: March 2021

Global warming threatens food security by decreasing crop yields through damage to photosynthetic systems, especially Rubisco activation. We examined whether co‐overexpression of Rubisco and Rubisco activase improves the photosynthetic and growth performance of rice under high temperatures. We grew three rice lines—the wild‐type (WT), a Rubisco activase–overexpressing line (oxRCA) and a Rubisco‐ and Rubisco activase–co‐overexpressing line (oxRCA‐RBCS)—and analysed photosynthesis and biomass at 25 and 40°C. Compared with the WT, the Rubisco activase content was 153% higher in oxRCA and 138% higher in oxRCA‐RBCS, and the Rubisco content was 27% lower in oxRCA and similar in oxRCA‐RBCS. The CO2 assimilation rate (A) of WT was lower at 40°C than at 25°C, attributable to Rubisco deactivation by heat. On the other hand, that of oxRCA and oxRCA‐RBCS was maintained at 40°C, resulting in higher A than WT. Notably, the dry weight of oxRCA‐RBCS was 26% higher than that of WT at 40°C. These results show that increasing the Rubisco activase content without the reduction of Rubisco content could improve yield and sustainability in rice at high temperature.
Hydrogen peroxide in tobacco stigma exudate affects pollen proteome and membrane potential in pollen tubes
Authors: Breygina M. , Klimenko E. , Shilov E. , Podolyan A. , Mamaeva A. , Zgoda V. , Fesenko I.
Published: March 2021

ROS are known to be accumulated in stigmas of different species and can possibly perform different functions important for plant reproduction. Here we tested the assumption that one of their functions is to control membrane potential and provoke synthesis of unique proteins in germinating pollen.

We used spectrofluorometry and spectrophotometry to detect H2O2 in stigma exudate, quantitative fluorescent microscopy of pollen tubes and flow cytometry of pollen protoplasts to reveal effects on membrane potential, and a label‐free quantification approach to study pollen proteome changes after H2O2 treatment.

We found that in both growing pollen tubes and pollen protoplasts exudate causes plasmalemma hyperpolarization similar to that provoked by H2O2. This effect is abolished by catalase treatment and the ROS quencher, MnTMPP. Inhibitory analysis indicates probable participation of Ca2+‐ and K+‐conducting channels in the observed hyperpolarization. For a deeper understanding of pollen response, we analysed proteome alterations in H2O2‐treated pollen grains. We found 50 unique proteins and 20 differently accumulated proteins that are mainly involved in cell metabolism, energetics, protein synthesis and folding.

Observed hyperpolarization and proteome alterations agree well with previously reported stimulation of pollen germination by H2O2 and sensitivity of Ca2+‐ and K+‐conducting channels to this ROS. Thus, H2O2 is one of the active substances in tobacco stigma exudate that stimulates various physiological processes in germinating pollen.
The gender wage gap in Mongolia: Sectoral segregation as a driving factor
Authors: Batchuluun Altantsetseg
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the gender labor market inequality by focusing on changes in the male and female earnings gap in Mongolia, a resource‐rich transition country. Economic growth has accelerated based on a boom in the mining sector since the mid‐2000s. However, the gender wage gap has widened substantially over the past decade. We use published data from the labor force surveys in 2008 and 2018 to investigate gender wage gaps among full‐time workers at the mean and across the entire distribution. We find strong evidence of the glass ceiling, but without a sticky floor. Sectoral gender segregation and work–family reconciliation policies may be the leading causes of the glass ceiling.
Characterization of the novel DQA1*01:01:09 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Chang Soon Hee , Ham Ji Yeon , Moon Joon Ho , Won Dong Il , Suh Jang Soo
Published: March 2021

HLA‐DQA1*01:01:09 differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon‐12 in exon 1.
Variable exhumation history between the central and eastern Xigaze fore‐arc basin, south Tibet: Implications for underthrusting Indian slab dynamics
Authors: Ma Zeliang , Li Guangwei , Xu Zhiqin , Kohn Barry , Zheng Yilong
Published: March 2021

The Xigaze fore‐arc basin in southern Tibet records important information related to subduction of the Neo‐Tethys and subsequent collision between India and Asia. We present field observations, together with new apatite fission track and zircon (U‐Th)/He (ZHe) thermochronology data, from a ~25 km SW‐NE transect in the central Xigaze fore‐arc basin around Sangsang to elucidate the burial and exhumation history. The data indicate that most samples were thermally reset to varying degrees following deposition, with the data and inverse thermal history modelling showing a general northward younging age trend and northward propagation of exhumation. This pattern is comparable with that reported previously from the eastern Xigaze fore‐arc basin. However, variations in exhumation history, stratigraphic exposure and structural characteristics between the eastern and central Xigaze fore‐arc basin are considered to reflect spatially different responses along the southern Asian margin resulting from variations in compressional stresses within the India–Asia collisional zone.
Impact of Permian mass extinctions on continental invertebrate infauna
Authors: Buatois Luis A. , Borruel‐Abadía Violeta , De la Horra Raúl , Galán‐Abellán Ana Belén , López‐Gómez José , Barrenechea José F. , Arche Alfredo
Published: March 2021

The Capitanian (late middle Permian) and end‐Permian mass extinctions were particularly severe from a palaeoecological perspective. Previous studies of their expressions on land underscored their impacts on plants and vertebrates, but the effects on the continental invertebrate infauna remain poorly understood. A multiproxy analysis from the Iberian Basin (Central Spain) reveals a dramatic decrease in bioturbation intensity on land by the end of the Capitanian. This pattern cannot be explained by facies effects because our analysis is based on similar types of deposits through the succession and over an extensive area. The bioturbation crisis coincided with an increase in weathering intensity and acidic conditions, and a collapse in plant communities spanning the late Permian–Early Triassic in the Iberian Basin. Reduced bioturbation may have contributed to decrease in mechanical reworking of the sediment and soil, affected geochemical recycling, increased sediment acidification and impacted on ecosystem structure. Identification of this infaunal crisis on land underscores the ecological severity of mass extinctions and emphasises the significance of feedback loops in riparian ecosystems.
Tuberculosis prevention in patients undergoing kidney transplantation: A nurse‐led program for screening and treatment
Authors: Grijota‐Camino Maria D. , Montero Núria , Luque Maria J. , Díaz‐Jurado Maria , Sabé Núria , Pérez‐Recio Sandra , Couceiro Carlos , Muñoz Laura , Cruzado Josep M. , Santin Miguel
Published: March 2021

Background

Systematic screening for, and treatment of, latent tuberculosis (TB) infection is recommended prior to kidney transplant. However, little is known about patient compliance with, or the safety profile of, preventive therapies used in clinical practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of patients who were eligible for kidney transplant and were evaluated for TB infection between January 2013 and June 2019 at the TB clinic of a tertiary care teaching hospital. All patient data were registered prospectively as part of our nurse‐led program before kidney transplant. We assessed completion rates, tolerance with therapy, development of TB, and associated workload.

Results

In total, 1568 patients were referred to our TB clinic for evaluation. Preventive therapy was given to 385 patients and completed by 340 (88.3%). Of these, 89 (23.1%) experienced some intolerance, with 27 requiring full discontinuation. After a median follow‐up of 45 months (1426 patient‐years), 206 (53.5%) of the treated patients received a kidney transplant; only one patient, who failed to complete treatment, developed post‐transplant TB (7.01 cases per 10 000 patient‐years; 95% confidence interval, 0.35‐34.59). Extra nurse or medical visits were required by 268 (69.6%) patients.

Conclusion

Despite the complexity and workload generated by patients with ESRD awaiting kidney transplant, preventive therapy for TB is effective in most cases. Our experience provides important evidence on the feasibility of preventive therapy for TB before kidney transplant when delivered as part of a comprehensive nurse‐led program.
Genetic mapping identifies a rice naringenin O‐glucosyltransferase that influences insect resistance
Authors: Yang Zhongyan , Li Nana , Kitano Takashige , Li Ping , Spindel Jennifer E. , Wang Lishuo , Bai Genxiang , Xiao Yiying , McCouch Susan R. , Ishihara Atsushi , Zhang Jili , Yang Xin , Chen Zepeng , Wei Jianyu , Ge Honghua , Jander Georg , Yan Jian
Published: March 2021

Naringenin, the biochemical precursor for predominant flavonoids in grasses, provides protection against UV damage, pathogen infection and insect feeding. To identify previously unknown loci influencing naringenin accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa), recombinant inbred lines derived from the Nipponbare and IR64 cultivars were used to map a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for naringenin abundance to a region of 50 genes on rice chromosome 7. Examination of candidate genes in the QTL confidence interval identified four predicted uridine diphosphate‐dependent glucosyltransferases (Os07g31960, Os07g32010, Os07g32020 and Os07g32060). In vitro assays demonstrated that one of these genes, Os07g32020 (UGT707A3), encodes a glucosyltransferase that converts naringenin and uridine diphosphate‐glucose to naringenin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside. The function of Os07g32020 was verified with CRISPR/Cas9 mutant lines, which accumulated more naringenin and less naringenin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside and apigenin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside than wild‐type Nipponbare. Expression of Os12g13800, which encodes a naringenin 7‐O‐methyltransferase that produces sakuranetin, was elevated in the mutant lines after treatment with methyl jasmonate and insect pests, Spodoptera litura (cotton leafworm), Oxya hyla intricata (rice grasshopper) and Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper), leading to a higher accumulation of sakuranetin. Feeding damage from O. hyla intricata and N. lugens was reduced on the Os07g32020 mutant lines relative to Nipponbare. Modification of the Os07g32020 gene could be used to increase the production of naringenin and sakuranetin rice flavonoids in a more targeted manner. These findings may open up new opportunities for selective breeding of this important rice metabolic trait.
Upregulation of bundle sheath electron transport capacity under limiting light in C4Setaria viridis
Authors: Ermakova Maria , Bellasio Chandra , Fitzpatrick Duncan , Furbank Robert T. , Mamedov Fikret , von Caemmerer Susanne
Published: March 2021

C4 photosynthesis is a biochemical pathway that operates across mesophyll and bundle sheath (BS) cells to increase CO2 concentration at the site of CO2 fixation. C4 plants benefit from high irradiance but their efficiency decreases under shade, causing a loss of productivity in crop canopies. We investigated shade acclimation responses of Setaria viridis, a model monocot of NADP‐dependent malic enzyme subtype, focussing on cell‐specific electron transport capacity. Plants grown under low light (LL) maintained CO2 assimilation rates similar to high light plants but had an increased chlorophyll and light‐harvesting‐protein content, predominantly in BS cells. Photosystem II (PSII) protein abundance, oxygen‐evolving activity and the PSII/PSI ratio were enhanced in LL BS cells, indicating a higher capacity for linear electron flow. Abundances of PSI, ATP synthase, Cytochrome b6f and the chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex, which constitute the BS cyclic electron flow machinery, were also increased in LL plants. A decline in PEP carboxylase activity in mesophyll cells and a consequent shortage of reducing power in BS chloroplasts were associated with a more oxidised plastoquinone pool in LL plants and the formation of PSII – light‐harvesting complex II supercomplexes with an increased oxygen evolution rate. Our results suggest that the supramolecular composition of PSII in BS cells is adjusted according to the redox state of the plastoquinone pool. This discovery contributes to the understanding of the acclimation of PSII activity in C4 plants and will support the development of strategies for crop improvement, including the engineering of C4 photosynthesis into C3 plants.