bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction, derivatization, and antioxidant activity of Morinda citrifolia polysaccharide
Authors: Zhou Shiyang , Huang Gangliang
Published: January 2022

The polysaccharide from Morinda citrifolia fermentation liquor was extracted by the hot water method. The acetylated polysaccharide, phosphorylated polysaccharide, carboxymethylated polysaccharide, and sulfated polysaccharide were identified by IR and NMR spectra. The results showed that Morinda citrifolia polysaccharide and its derivatives showed the good antioxidant activity, and them up to Vc level. These results provide a good basis for studying the antioxidant activity and structural‐activity relationship of Morinda citrifolia polysaccharide and its derivatives.
Ketoconazole 2% cream alters the skin fungal microbiome in seborrhoeic dermatitis: a cohort study
Authors: Tao Rong , Wang Ruojun , Wan Zhe , Song Yinggai , Wu Yan , Li Ruoyu
Published: January 2022

Background

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is a common chronic inflammatory dermatosis. Current theories on the pathogenesis of SD highlight the role of microbes on the skin surface. Ketoconazole is commonly used for the treatment of SD; however, there are limited data focusing on the effects of ketoconazole in shaping the skin microbiome in patients with SD.

Aim

In this prospective cohort study, we used a high-throughput DNA sequencing method to characterize the cutaneous microbial communities of patients with SD before and after topical ketoconazole treatment.

Methods

In total, 30 patients with facial SD and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. Skin swabs were collected from SD lesional sites of the cheek at baseline, after ketoconazole treatment and 2 weeks post-treatment. DNA was extracted from skin samples. The bacterial 16S V3V4 rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer 1–5F regions were sequenced, and the microbial community compositions were analysed.

Results

Significantly lower bacterial and fungal diversities were detected at the lesional sites of facial SD compared with HCs. A decreased relative abundance of Cutibacterium and increased abundances of Malassezia and Staphylococcus were found in facial SD. Disease diversity was positively correlated with the relative abundances of Malassezia, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium, while transepidermal water loss was negatively associated with the relative abundance of Cutibacterium. After ketoconazole treatment, fungal Shannon diversity and the relative abundances of Candida and Aspergillus were significantly increased at the lesional sites, and the relative abundance of Malassezia showed a decreasing trend. These changing trends were maintained until 2 weeks post-treatment.

Conclusion

Facial SD showed lower fungal diversity accompanied by increased relative abundances of Malassezia and Staphylococcus and decreased relative abundance of Cutibacterium. Ketoconazole treatment reduced Malassezia and increased fungal diversity to restore skin microbial communities.
Mini‐EDACS: Development of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System for young children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sellers Diane , Pennington Lindsay , Bryant Elizabeth , Benfer Katherine , Weir Kelly , Aboagye Sonia , Morris Christopher
Published: January 2022

Aim

To develop and test Mini‐EDACS to describe developing eating and drinking abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged between 18 and 36 months.

Method

The existing Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) was modified to define Mini‐EDACS content. Mini‐EDACS was developed in three stages: (1) EDACS was modified after application to videos of standardized feeding evaluations of children with CP aged 18 to 36 months (n = 130); (2) refined content and validity of Mini‐EDACS was established through an international Delphi survey; (3) interobserver reliability was assessed by comparing Mini‐EDACS levels assigned by speech and language therapists (SaLTs) from video data and parent report.

Results

Mini‐EDACS provides age‐appropriate descriptions for children aged 18 to 36 months with CP. Eighty‐nine stakeholders participated in the Delphi survey; required levels of agreement were met after one round (i.e. >80% agreement). Thirteen SaLTs completed paired ratings from 43 video recordings: absolute agreement was 58% (kappa 0.43; intraclass correlation coefficient 0.78; 95% confidence interval 0.63–0.87).

Interpretation

Mini‐EDACS provides a valid system for classifying eating and drinking performance of children with CP under 3 years old. Results suggest moderate agreement and good reliability when rating Mini‐EDACS levels from video recordings of young children with CP.
Modelling soil water retention and water‐holding capacity with visible–near‐infrared spectra and machine learning
Authors: Baumann Philipp , Lee Juhwan , Behrens Thorsten , Biswas Asim , Six Johan , McLachlan Gordon , Viscarra Rossel Raphael A.
Published: January 2022

We need measurements of soil water retention (SWR) and available water capacity (AWC) to assess and model soil functions, but methods are time‐consuming and expensive. Our aim here was to investigate the modelling of AWC and SWR with visible–near‐infrared spectra (vis–NIR) and the machine‐learning method cubist. We used soils from 54 locations across Australian agricultural regions, from three depths: 0–15 cm, 15–30 cm and 30–60 cm. The volumetric water content of the samples and their vis–NIR spectra were measured at seven matric potentials from −1 kPa to −1500 kPa. We modelled the following: (i) AWC directly with the average spectra of the samples measured at different water contents, (ii) water contents at field capacity and permanent wilting point and calculated AWC from those estimates, (iii) AWC with spectra of air‐dried soils, and (iv) parameters of the Kosugi and van Genuchten SWR models, then reconstructed the SWR curves to calculate AWC. We compared the estimates with those from a local pedotransfer function (PTF) and an established Australian PTF. The accuracy of the spectroscopic approaches varied but was generally better than the PTFs. The spectroscopic methods are also more practical because they do not require additional soil properties for the modelling. The root‐mean squared‐error (RMSE) of the spectroscopic methods ranged from 0.033 cm3 cm−3 to 0.059 cm3 cm−3. The RMSEs of the PTFs were 0.050 cm3 cm−3 for the local and 0.077 cm3 cm−3 for the general PTF. Spectroscopy with machine learning provides a rapid and versatile method for estimating the AWC and SWR characteristics of diverse agricultural soils.

Highlights

Soil available water capacity can be estimated with vis‐NIR specta.

Parameters of water retention models can be estimated with vis‐NIR spectra.

vis‐NIR spectroscopy performed better than pedotransfer functions.

The results apply to a diverse range of soils.
Substantial early changes in bone and calcium metabolism among adult pharmacoresistant epilepsy patients on a modified Atkins diet
Authors: Molteberg Ellen , Taubøll Erik , Kverneland Magnhild , Iversen Per Ole , Selmer Kaja Kristine , Nakken Karl Otto , Hofoss Dag , Thorsby Per Medbøe
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the modified Atkins diet (MAD), a variant of the ketogenic diet, has an impact on bone‐ and calcium (Ca) metabolism.

Methods

Two groups of adult patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy were investigated. One, the diet group (n = 53), was treated with MAD for 12 weeks, whereas the other, the reference group (n = 28), stayed on their habitual diet in the same period. All measurements were performed before and after the 12 weeks in both groups. We assessed bone health by measuring parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca, 25‐OH vitamin D (25‐OH vit D), 1,25‐OH vitamin D (1,25‐OH vit D), phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the bone turnover markers procollagen type 1 N‐terminal propeptide (P1NP) and C‐terminal telopeptide collagen type 1 (CTX‐1). In addition, we examined the changes of sex hormones (estradiol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone), sex hormone‐binding globulin, and leptin.

Results

After 12 weeks of MAD, we found a significant reduction in PTH, Ca, CTX‐1, P1NP, 1,25‐OH vit D, and leptin. There was a significant increase in 25‐OH vit D. These changes were most pronounced among patients <37 years old, and in those patients with the highest body mass index (≥25.8 kg/m²), whereas sex and type of antiseizure medication had no impact on the results. For the reference group, the changes were nonsignificant for all the analyses. In addition, the changes in sex hormones were nonsignificant.

Significance

Twelve weeks of MAD treatment leads to significant changes in bone and Ca metabolism, with a possible negative effect on bone health as a result. A reduced level of leptin may be a triggering mechanism. The changes could be important for patients on MAD, and especially relevant for those patients who receive treatment with MAD at an early age before peak bone mass is reached.
Radiographic changes of the proximal third metatarsal bone do not predict presence or severity of proximal suspensory desmopathy in a predominately Quarter Horse population
Authors: Hinkle Frances E. , Selberg Kurt T. , Frisbie David D. , Barrett Myra F.
Published: January 2022

Background

Comparison of radiography to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help objectively assess the value and limitations of radiographs in orthopaedic disease processes. The tarsus and proximal suspensory origin of the metatarsus are commonly imaged regions for lameness. The knowledge gained by comparison between imaging modalities will aid in improving accuracy of radiographic interpretation.

Objective

To compare the radiographic and MRI findings of the proximal third metatarsal bone (MTIII) and proximal suspensory ligament using MRI as the gold standard.

Study design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

Single hindlimbs of 35 horses with radiographic and high‐field (3Tesla (3T)) MRI studies were blindly evaluated by two board‐certified veterinary radiologists and a radiology resident. Severity and location of the following parameters were assessed: radiographic MTIII sclerosis and lucent regions, MRI endosteal metatarsal sclerosis and bone marrow lesions, plantar cortical proliferation and resorption, and proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD).

Results

Radiographic osseous changes of MTIII were identified in 54% of limbs, whereas 40% limbs had osseous changes on MRI: 43% of limbs had PSD on MRI. No significant association was found between the presence of radiographic changes in MTIII and PSD on MRI (P = .7). A statistically significant association and positive correlation was found between the severity of radiographic changes and MTIII plantar cortical proliferation and resorption on MRI (P = .01).

Main limitations

Retrospective study with no histopathology. Ability to correlate findings with lameness was limited by the lack of standardised time intervals between onset of lameness, diagnostic analgesia and advanced imaging.

Conclusion

Radiographic bony changes of proximal MTIII do not reliably predict presence or severity of PSD but are associated with osseous changes at the proximal MTIII. The presence of radiographic changes should warrant additional diagnostics in the region prior to making conclusions about the presence or absence of PSD.
The effects of integrated food and bioenergy cropping systems on crop yields, soil health, and biomass quality: The EU and Brazilian experience
Authors: Zegada‐Lizarazu Walter , Carvalho João L. N. , Parenti Andrea , Tenelli Sarah , Martín Sastre Carlos , Ciria Pilar , Christou Myrsini , Efthymia Alexopoulou , Bonomi Antonio , Monti Andrea
Published: January 2022

Integrated food and bioenergy production is a promising way to ensure regional/national food and energy security, efficient use of soil resources, and enhanced biodiversity, while contributing to the abatement of CO2 emissions. The objective of this study was to assess alternative crop rotation schemes as the basis for integrating and enhancing the sustainable biomass production within the food‐energy agricultural context. Sunn hemp (Crotalaria spp.) in rotation with wheat (Triticum spp.) in the EU and with sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in Brazil were evaluated. Sunn hemp did not negatively affect crop's productivity and soil fertility; wheat grain yields were maintained around the mean regional production levels (6, 7, 3 and Mg ha−1 in Greece, Italy, and Spain, respectively), and the cumulative biomass in the extended rotation (wheat straw+sunn hemp) was between 1.5 and 2.0 times higher than in the conventional rotation. In Brazil, sugarcane stalks yield in clay soils increased by around 15 Mg ha−1 year−1 under sunn hemp rotation in comparison with bare fallow. Moreover, sunn hemp in the EU rotations did not have negative effects on soil available macronutrients, organic matter, pH, and cation exchange capacity, neither on C and N stocks in Brazil. The qualitative characteristics (mineral, ash, and hemicelluloses contents) of the cumulated biomass were somehow higher (in average +26%, +35%, and +3.4%, respectively) than in the conventional system. In summary, in temperate and tropical climates the integration of dedicated biomass legume crops within conventional systems could lead to enhanced biomass availability, crop diversification, and efficient use (in space and time) of the land resources.
Constituting the norm: Interrogating the anthropocene through food geographies in the more‐than‐human worlds of western Avadh, India
Authors: Nagavarapu Sudha , Kumar Richa
Published: January 2022

By tracing specific moments in the history of the more‐than‐human landscape constituting the food geography of western Avadh, a long settled agricultural heartland in the Indo‐Gangetic plains, this paper challenges the neat formulations of the Anthropocene laying out decisive global impacts of humans on the environment. Building upon the concept of the ‘patchy Anthropocene’, we show how outcomes are shaped by an imbrication of humans and non‐humans—where powerful human actors seek to coerce people and corral the environment into their projects of remaking the landscape, but also where recalcitrant ecologies and resistant people thwart these intentions, especially during the colonial encounter. Contestations across power hierarchies and unintended outcomes litter the wake of the Anthropocene — as we show, efforts to save the non‐human cow in the last decade have intensified processes associated with the Great Acceleration. Instead of treating the trajectory of food geographies like western Avadh as outliers and marginal to the normative process of defining change, we argue for treating it as constitutive of the norm. Only through such a process of decolonisation, by ‘provincialising the Anthropocene’, can we hope to push for epistemic justice, ecological sustainability and a more equitable world.
Controlled attenuation parameter in the diagnosis of different liver steatosis groups in children with obesity
Authors: Yang Lin , Lin Yan , Zhu Ya Fei , Zhu Yin Yan , Liang Zhen Ming , Wu Guang Sheng
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate the utility of the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), as measured by a liver elastography technique, in predicting varying degrees of liver steatosis in children with obesity.

Methods

Children with obesity attending the pediatric obesity clinic at the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University from July 2020 to May 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The 71 subjects were divided into four groups according to the degree of liver steatosis obtained by magnetic resonance imaging‐proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF). The gender, age, CAP, LSM, ALT, AST, BMI, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, insulin, and blood 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels of the four groups were compared, and the differences were analysed. Clinical data with significant differences were included in the logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the CAP for the 71 subjects with different degrees of liver steatosis was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value.

Results

The 71 children were divided into groups according to the degree of hepatic steatosis obtained by MRI‐PDFF, and the clinical data for each group were compared. It was found that there was statistical significance for CAP, ALT, and AST in cases of moderate and severe hepatic steatosis (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis was conducted between CAP, ALT, AST, and moderate to severe hepatic steatosis in children with obesity, and it was found that CAP was a factor related to moderate to severe hepatic steatosis in children with obesity. The ROC curve indicated that CAP has diagnostic value for NAFLD in children with obesity.

Conclusion

There is diagnostic value in the use of CAP for hepatic steatosis in children with obesity, and there is greater diagnostic value in the use of CAP for children with moderate to severe hepatic steatosis.
Motivational interviewing to reduce anthropometrics among children: A meta‐analysis, moderation analysis and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessment
Authors: Ling Jiying , Wen Fujun , Robbins Lorraine B. , Pageau Lauren
Published: January 2022

Background

Limited systematic reviews exist to evaluate the effects of motivational interviewing (MI) on children's anthropometric factors.

Objective

This review examined the effects of MI interventions for children and/or parents on children's anthropometric factors and included moderation analyses and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement, we searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, SPORTDiscus, Education Resources Information Center, and Web of Science in December 2020. A two‐step double screening approach was applied: (1) screening titles and abstracts, and (2) screening full‐text articles obtained in step 1. At each step, discussion occurred until reaching consensus. The Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool was used to evaluate risk of bias, and GRADE system was applied to assess overall quality of evidence. We performed meta‐analyses using the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software.

Results

A total of 2209 records were found, and 45 eligible articles were retained. MI interventions had a pooled effect of −0.15 on body mass index (BMI; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.24 to −0.06), −0.36 on waist circumference (WC; 95% CI: −0.71 to −0.01) and −0.22 on percent body fat (95% CI: −0.41 to −0.03). Child baseline weight status and percent low‐income families were identified as significant intervention moderators. According to the GRADE assessment, the quality of evidence on BMI percentile, BMI z‐score and percent body fat was moderate, while quality on BMI and WC was low.

Conclusions

In conclusion, culturally appropriate clinic‐ or home‐based MI interventions with adequate duration, dose and active parental involvement are promising in reducing anthropometrics among children.
Changements de perspectives sur la pauvreté et les inégalités: l'apport de la Revue internationale du Travail
Authors: RODGERS Gerry
Published: January 2022

Cette introduction présente une sélection d'articles de la Revue internationale du Travail qui illustrent l'évolution de la recherche sur la pauvreté et les inégalités au cours du siècle dernier. Si ces sujets n'ont été abordés qu'occasionnellement au cours des premières décennies de l'histoire de la Revue, leur présence s'est accrue dans les articles publiés à partir des années 1970, notamment du fait des recherches menées dans le cadre du Programme mondial de l'emploi de l'OIT. Puis, dans les années 1990, les articles ont porté sur les concepts de pauvreté et d'exclusion sociale et sur l'impact des réformes économiques; plus récemment il s'est agi d'inscrire la question des inégalités économiques et sociales dans le cadre d'analyses plus larges de la croissance et du développement. Aujourd'hui, un vaste champ d'exploration reste ouvert à toute une diversité d'approches de la pauvreté et des inégalités.
The role of dysregulated PI3Kdelta signaling in human autoimmunity*
Authors: Bier Julia , Deenick Elissa K.
Published: January 2022

Better treatment of autoimmune diseases requires an improved understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to the breakdown of immune tolerance. The discovery of individuals with germline mutations in PIK3CD (which encodes the p110δ catalytic subunit of PI3K) has revealed the importance of regulated PI3Kδ activity to maintain tolerance. These patients display a range of symptoms including both immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how dysregulated PI3Kδ signaling affects the activation and differentiation of multiple cell types leading to the production of autoantibodies in these patients. This has lessons, not only for the treatment of these patients, but also for the potential role of dysregulated PI3Kδ in other patients with autoimmune conditions.
Thermal conduction mechanism of ferroelastic Zr‐Y‐Yb‐Ta‐Nb‐O high‐entropy oxides with glass‐like thermal conductivity
Authors: Yao Yao , Ren Guoliang , Yu Yali , Che Junwei , Liang Ting , Li Ling , Liu Yingguang , Yang Fan , Zhao Xiaofeng
Published: January 2022

Ferroelastic high‐entropy oxides (HEOs) with high fracture toughness and low thermal conductivity are promising topcoat materials for next‐generation thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). However, phonon transmission characteristics in the ferroelastic HEOs are less well understood due to their complicated and highly‐disordered structure. Here we prepared two types of ferroelastic Zr‐Y‐Yb‐Ta‐Nb‐O HEOs and investigated their thermal conduction behaviors at 100–900°C. Hybrid Monte Carlo and molecular dynamic simulations were employed to understand the thermal conduction mechanism in this high‐entropy system. Results show the HEOs present glass‐like, low thermal conductivity (< 1.30 W m–1 K–1 at 100°C), which is attributed to the diffused lattice vibration mode with random polarization distribution. Dominant delocalized phonon modes in the HEOs are beneficial to strengthening phonon scattering and consequently decrease the thermal conductivity significantly. Lower thermal conductivity can be achieved by tailoring the composition and crystal structure of the HEOs to increase the contribution from diffused lattice vibration and “diffusion”. This work provides a fundamental insight into the thermal conduction mechanisms of HEOs, which may facilitate materials design of low thermal conductivity materials for TBCs applications.
Propolis antibacterial and antioxidant synergisms with gentamicin and honey
Authors: Freitas Ana Sofia , Cunha Ana , Oliveira Rui , Almeida-Aguiar Cristina
Published: January 2022

Aims

Assess the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of ethanol extracts of Portuguese propolis samples when combined with gentamicin, a widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic, or with honey, collected from the same apiary as propolis.

Methods and Results

Using the agar dilution method and DPPH free radical scavenging assay, antimicrobial and antioxidant synergistic effects between propolis and gentamicin or honey were assessed. Synergism between propolis and gentamicin was observed for all the tested extracts and against all the indicator bacteria, with particular interest against the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with a threefold decrease of the gentamicin MIC if mixed with 25 µg ml−1 propolis. Likely to propolis and gentamicin, mixtures of sub-MIC concentrations of propolis and honey enhanced the antibacterial action of each individual natural product against the majority of the strains. However, propolis antioxidant capacity decreased along with higher honey content in the mixture.

Conclusions

Propolis has a strong synergistic effect when combined with gentamicin, allowing the reduction of the therapeutic dose of this drug. Propolis and honey mixtures also display a stronger antibacterial effect than the activity exhibited by each sample when tested individually, whereas the high antioxidant capacity of propolis seems to be not affected when in combination with honey.

Significance and Impact of Study

When mixed with honey, propolis antioxidant potential is maintained, or just slightly reduced up to 1:1 dilution, and show synergistic antibacterial effects, allowing to optimize the use of this usually scarce natural resource. Also, considering the antibiotic resistance problem, natural beehive products, alone or in the mixture, are promising alternatives to retard the outbreak of microbial resistance.
CTNNAL1 participates in the regulation of mucus overproduction in HDM‐induced asthma mouse model through the YAP‐ROCK2 pathway
Authors: Wu Di , Jiang Wang , Liu Caixia , Liu Lexin , Li Furong , Ma Xiaodi , Pan Lang , Liu Chi , Qu Xiangping , Liu Huijun , Qin Xiaoqun , Xiang Yang
Published: January 2022

Our previous study indicated that adhesion molecule catenin alpha‐like 1(CTNNAL1) is downregulated in airway epithelial cells of asthma patients and asthma animal model but little is known about how the CTNNAL1 affects asthma pathogenesis. To reveal the direct relationship between asthma and CTNNAL1, CTNNAL1‐deficient mouse model in bronchopulmonary tissue was constructed by introducing CTNNAL1‐siRNA sequence using adeno‐associated virus (AAV) as vector. The mouse model of asthma was established by stimulation of house dust mite (HDM). After HDM‐challenged, there was marked airway inflammation, especially mucus hypersecretion in the CTNNAL1‐deficient mice. In addition, the CTNNAL1‐deficient mice exhibited an increase of lung IL‐4 and IL‐13 levels, as well as a significant increase of goblet cell hyperplasia and MUC5AC after HDM exposure. The expression of Yes‐associated protein (YAP), protein that interacted with α‐catenin, was downregulated after CTNNAL1 silencing and was upregulated due to its overexpression. In addition, the interaction between CTNNAL1 and YAP was confirmed by CO‐IP. Besides, inhibition of YAP could decrease the secretion of MUC5AC, IL‐4 and IL‐13 in CTNNAL1‐deficient 16HBE14o‐cells. Above results indicated us that CTNNAL1 regulated mucus hypersecretion through YAP pathway. In addition, the expression of ROCK2 increased when CTNNAL1 was silenced and decreased after YAP silencing, and inhibition of YAP decreased the expression of ROCK2 in CTNNAL1‐deficient HBE cells. Inhibition of ROCK2 decreased MUC5AC expression and IL‐13 secretion. In all, our study demonstrates that CTNNAL1 plays an important role in HDM‐induced asthma, mediating mucus secretion through the YAP‐ROCK2 pathway.
Assessing the presence and spread of Renibacterium salmoninarum between farmed and wild fish in Sweden
Authors: Persson B. David , Aspán Anna , Hysing Paulina , Blomkvist Eva , Jansson Eva , Orsén Ludvig , Hällbom Hampus , Axén Charlotte
Published: January 2022

Bacterial kidney disease (BKD) can be a devastating bacterial infection in salmonids, and it is present in aquaculture throughout the world. BKD is caused by the Gram‐positive facultative intracellular bacterium Renibacterium salmoninarum (R. salmoninarum) that is spread both horizontally and vertically. Disease signs include external ulcerations and blisters and internal signs such as organ swelling, granulomas, petechiae and ascites. In Sweden, BKD accounts for a significant income loss in aquacultures due to expensive decontamination of the facility and increased disease susceptibility for the immunocompromised fish leading to higher mortality rates. In addition, uncontrolled spread in aquaculture may threaten the survival of wild fish populations. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of R. salmoninarum in wild salmonids caught in Swedish waters where net pen farms with a recent history of BKD are present. Four rivers with at least one BKD‐positive or recently BKD‐positive farm were selected. In addition, we evaluated the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for surveillance and monitoring of ongoing infections at these locations. In total, 1058 fish were sampled from four different river systems, and of them 52 (4.9%) were positive for R. salmoninarum by antigen ELISA. Surprisingly, these fish were not evenly distributed between the four river systems, but 50 were caught in the same river (Ljungan). This accounts for an alarmingly high rate of 17% R. salmoninarum‐positive samples in wild salmonids in this area. This number is far above what was expected and clearly shows the risk with an open farming system as well as the importance of effective health monitoring programmes to avoid an uncontrolled spread of the disease. The use of eDNA for monitoring BKD is somewhat difficult to evaluate. Few of the water samples analysed were PCR positive for R. salmoninarum (2 of 38) and those were collected where no ELISA positive fish were identified. In addition to water, sediment samples were collected under a net pen farm that had recently slaughtered all fish due to ongoing R. salmoninarum infections. Sediment samples are more promising than water as 4 of 5 samples at one farming facility where positive for R. salmoninarum. Thus, sediment samples may be valuable for monitoring potential ongoing BKD in farms, without the need to sacrifice valuable fish.
Probiotic use in adults with cystic fibrosis is common and influenced by gastrointestinal health needs: A cross‐sectional survey study
Authors: Anderson Jacqueline L. , Tierney Audrey C. , Miles Caitlin , Kotsimbos Tom , King Susannah J.
Published: January 2022

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) primarily affects the lung, however, gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms, including dysbiosis, also impact on morbidity and quality of life. There is interest in strategies to modulate the gastrointestinal microbiota, including probiotics, although the evidence remains inadequate to guide practice, and information on use is limited. The present study aimed to characterise probiotic use, beliefs and experiences of adults with CF.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted in adults with CF (n = 205) and a general population Control group (n = 158), recruited from Victoria, Australia. Participants were classified as probiotic ‘Ever Users’ or ‘Never Users’. Outcomes included self‐reported probiotic use and factors associated with probiotic use, which were analysed using logistic regression analysis. Open‐ended questionnaire responses were thematically analysed.

Results

In total, 70% of adults with CF had ever used probiotics (supplements and/or foods), comparable to Controls (80%) (p = 0.03). Key reasons for CF probiotic use were gastrointestinal‐ and antibiotic‐related (75%). Most CF Ever Users (73%) did not discuss probiotic use with CF clinicians and 33% were uncertain if probiotics had been helpful. Female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36–5.87; p = 0.005), university‐level education (OR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.24–6.01; p = 0.01) and bloating on antibiotics (OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.04–4.40; p = 0.04) were independently associated with probiotic use in CF; as was female gender in Controls (OR = 2.84; 95% CI = 1.20–6.71; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Probiotics were used by adults with CF for gastrointestinal‐ and antibiotic‐related reasons often without informing clinicians and despite uncertainty about perceived helpfulness. Further research investigating gastrointestinal outcomes of probiotics will inform practice recommendations guiding their use in CF and other chronic diseases.
Secular Stagnation and Low Interest Rates under the Fear of a Government Debt Crisis
Authors: KOBAYASHI KEIICHIRO , UEDA KOZO
Published: January 2022

In this study, we explain the driving forces behind the secular stagnation associated with a persistent decrease in interest rates by employing a model that incorporates a crisis risk triggered by government debt accumulation. The model shows that fear of large‐scale capital taxation and capital misallocation in future debt crises accounts for almost half the economic slowdown in Japan over the past two decades. Over the same period, the government bond yield declines, because a decrease in the expected returns on capital makes investing in government bonds more attractive than investing in capital.
A novel histone deacetylase inhibitor‐based approach to eliminate microglia and retain astrocyte properties in glial cell culture
Authors: He Xi‐Biao , Wu Yi , Huang Haozhi , Guo Fang
Published: January 2022

The close association between astrocytes and microglia causes great difficulties to distinguish their individual roles in innate immune responses in central nervous system. Current chemical‐based methods to eliminate microglia in glial cell culture introduce various molecular and functional alterations to astrocytes. Here, we describe a novel two‐step approach to achieve a complete elimination of microglia without affecting the biological properties of co‐cultured astrocytes by temporal treatment of histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). We verify TSA as a potent inducer for microglial‐specific apoptotic cell death, which also causes comprehensive gene expression changes in astrocytes. However, withdrawal of TSA not only ensures no microglia repopulation, but also restores all the gene expression changes in terms of astrocyte functions, including neurotrophic factors, glutamate and potassium transporters, and reactive astrocyte subtypes. By contrast, withdrawal of PLX5622, the commonly used colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor neither prevents microglia repopulation nor restores the gene expression changes mentioned above. Using this method, we are able to discriminate differential roles of microglia and astrocytes in the induced expression of antiviral and pro‐inflammatory cytokines upon various pathological stimuli including the spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2. This simple and efficient method can be customized for the understanding of microglia‐astrocyte interaction and the development of epigenetic therapies that target over‐activated microglia in neuroinflammation‐related diseases.

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Rosacea, poor sleep quality, and obstructive sleep apnea: A commentary on potential interconnected features
Authors: Xerfan Ellen M. S. , Andersen Monica L. , Facina Anamaria S. , Tufik Sergio , Tomimori Jane
Published: January 2022

Although rosacea is classically considered a skin disorder, recent evidence shows that it is emerging as a systemic disease. The classical symptoms of burning, intense erythema, and flushing could be related to several systemic and metabolic comorbidities. We highlight the role of sleep disturbance as a possible trigger for rosacea, which could be explained by the inflammatory and stressful conditions that can be produced by poor sleep. In particular, we call attention to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common multisystemic sleep disorder; it could be linked with rosacea in the context of the metabolic syndrome, which in turn is frequently associated with OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea may be accompanied by autonomic system activation and catecholamine release, which can aggravate rosacea. Poor sleep, resulting from any underlying cause, can have a range of effects including immunological modulation and intrinsic cutaneous changes (such as the impairment of skin barrier defense and modifications in the skin microbiome) that may trigger rosacea. Further studies on this subject could provide more evidence on these relationships and help to improve the patients' quality of life and management of this uncomfortable and potentially severe skin condition.
Nurses’ perceptions of their role in antimicrobial stewardship within the hospital environment. An integrative literature review
Authors: Davey Kirsty , Aveyard Helen
Published: January 2022

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) has traditionally been the domain of doctors and pharmacists but there is a growing recognition that successful stewardship incorporates a multidisciplinary approach that includes nursing staff. This literature review explores nurses’ perceptions of their role in antimicrobial stewardship within the hospital environment and provides new insights to inform future practice.

Methodology

An integrative literature review was undertaken. Five academic databases were searched, which identified six relevant studies. Whittemore and Knafl's method for conducting an integrative review was followed. ENTREQ guidelines have been adhered to.

Findings

Two themes were identified: nurses’ working in partnership with other professionals and engagement in education.

Discussion

Antimicrobial stewardship illustrates the role of the nurse within the wider multidisciplinary team regarding wider patient safety issues and the need for education to enhance this role.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses have a clear role to play in antimicrobial stewardship but need to be fully cognisant of the issues involved. Further clarity on how nurses should enact this role in their complex working environments is required. It is essential that both student and qualified nurses are able to speak up in order to maximise patient safety, fulfil their professional duty and promote the overall effectiveness of AMS if they witness poor antibiotic management practices.
Leveraging the blue economy to transform marine forest restoration
Authors: Filbee‐Dexter Karen , Wernberg Thomas , Barreiro Rodolfo , Coleman Melinda A. , de Bettignies Thibaut , Feehan Colette J. , Franco Joao N. , Hasler Berit , Louro Ines , Norderhaug Kjell M. , Staehr Peter A. U. , Tuya Fernando , Verbeek Jan
Published: January 2022

The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration is a response to the urgent need to substantially accelerate and upscale ecological restoration to secure Earth’s sustainable future. Globally, restoration commitments have focused overwhelmingly on terrestrial forests. In contrast, despite a strong value proposition, efforts to restore seaweed forests lag far behind other major ecosystems and continue to be dominated by small‐scale, short‐term academic experiments. However, seaweed forest restoration can match the scale of damage and threat if moved from academia into the hands of community groups, industry, and restoration practitioners. Connecting two rapidly growing sectors in the Blue Economy—seaweed cultivation and the restoration industry—can transform marine forest restoration into a commercial‐scale enterprise that can make a significant contribution to global restoration efforts.
O Magnum Mysterium? Eco-theology at the foot of the Cross
Authors: Tyler Peter
Published: January 2022

In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis urges not just a renewal of respect for creation but also a metanoia in our attitude to the created world. This article is a response to the Pontiff's challenge, exploring how a distinctively ‘modern’ approach to creation arose in the late nineteenth century which still influences our attitudes today. As those attitudes arose, however, the article argues that Christian thinkers were able to articulate other approaches, which are referred to as ‘doing eco-theology at the foot of the Cross’. The article explores these views and their implications in shaping a Christian response to the present ecological crisis within which we find ourselves. In particular, it concentrates on the interpretations of ‘nature’ in the writings of the German atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) and his exact English Jesuit contemporary Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889) who were bothworking at the dawn of the ‘modern’ view of ‘nature’ and creation.
Transubstantiation and the Eucharist: Herbert McCabe vs G. Egner
Authors: Mulhall Stephen
Published: January 2022

This article discusses and critically evaluates the dispute between Herbert McCabe and his pseudonymous interlocutor G. Egner with respect to the doctrine of transubstantiation. The aim is to treat their views of that doctrine as exemplary of the difference made by what might be called a ‘Grammatical Thomist’ approach to our view of the nature of the sacrament of the Eucharist, of sacraments in general, and of theology's propensity to violate the rules of sense that are constitutive of ordinary language and of philosophical systems alike, in order properly to establish and maintain a believer's relation to God. Particular attention is paid to the way McCabe's account at once taps into unacknowledged aspects of Wittgenstein's vision of what it is to be human and violates what are usually regarded as the enabling conditions of that vision's articulation.
Rice extra‐large G proteins play pivotal roles in controlling disease resistance and yield‐related traits
Authors: Zhao Yan , Shi Yiyun , Jiang Guanghuai , Wu Yufeng , Ma Miaomiao , Zhang Xiaojuan , Liang Xiangxiu , Zhou Jian‐Min
Published: January 2022

To better explore the potential of rice extra‐large G (XLG) proteins in future breeding, we characterised the function of OsXLG1, OsXLG2 and OsXLG3 in disease resistance. Loss‐of‐function Osxlg2 and Osxlg3 mutants showed reduced resistance to the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, whereas Osxlg1 mutants were specifically compromised in resistance to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae.

Consistent with their effects on rice blast resistance, mutations in OsXLG2 and OsXLG3 caused greater defects than did mutations in OsXLG1 for chitin‐induced defence responses. All three OsXLGs interacted with components of a surface immune receptor complex composed of OsCERK1, OsRLCK176 and OsRLCK185.

Further characterisation of yield‐related traits showed that the Osxlg3 mutants displayed reduced plant height, panicle length and 1000grain weight, whereas Osxlg1 mutants exhibited increased plant height, panicle length and 1000‐grain weight.

Together the study shows the differential contributions of the three OsXLG proteins to disease resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens, their yield‐related traits and provides insights for future improvement of rice production.
Uncrewed aircraft system spherical photography for the vertical characterization of canopy structural traits
Authors: Ribas Costa Vicent Agustí , Durand Maxime , Robson T. Matthew , Porcar‐Castell Albert , Korpela Ilkka , Atherton Jon
Published: January 2022

The plant area index (PAI) is a structural trait that succinctly parametrizes the foliage distribution of a canopy and is usually estimated using indirect optical techniques such as digital hemispherical photography. Critically, on‐the‐ground photographic measurements forgo the vertical variation of canopy structure which regulates the local light environment. Hence new approaches are sought for vertical sampling of traits.

We present an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) spherical photographic method to obtain structural traits throughout the depth of tree canopies. Our method explained 89% of the variation in PAI when compared with ground‐based hemispherical photography.

When comparing UAS vertical trait profiles with airborne laser scanning data, we found highest agreement in an open birch (Betula pendula/pubescens) canopy. Minor disagreement was found in dense spruce (Picea abies) stands, especially in the lower canopy.

Our new method enables easy estimation of the vertical dimension of canopy structural traits in previously inaccessible spaces. The method is affordable and safe and therefore readily usable by plant scientists.
Impaired photoprotection in Phaeodactylum tricornutum KEA3 mutants reveals the proton regulatory circuit of diatoms light acclimation
Authors: Seydoux Claire , Storti Mattia , Giovagnetti Vasco , Matuszyńska Anna , Guglielmino Erika , Zhao Xue , Giustini Cécile , Pan Yufang , Blommaert Lander , Angulo Jhoanell , Ruban Alexander V. , Hu Hanhua , Bailleul Benjamin , Courtois Florence , Allorent Guillaume , Finazzi Giovanni
Published: January 2022

Diatoms are successful phytoplankton clades able to acclimate to changing environmental conditions, including e.g. variable light intensity. Diatoms are outstanding at dissipating light energy exceeding the maximum photosynthetic electron transfer (PET) capacity via the nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) process. While the molecular effectors of NPQ as well as the involvement of the proton motive force (PMF) in its regulation are known, the regulators of the PET/PMF relationship remain unidentified in diatoms.

We generated mutants of the H+/K+ antiporter KEA3 in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Loss of KEA3 activity affects the PET/PMF coupling and NPQ responses at the onset of illumination, during transients and in steady‐state conditions. Thus, this antiporter is a main regulator of the PET/PMF coupling. Consistent with this conclusion, a parsimonious model including only two free components, KEA3 and the diadinoxanthin de‐epoxidase, describes most of the feedback loops between PET and NPQ.

This simple regulatory system allows for efficient responses to fast (minutes) or slow (e.g. diel) changes in light environment, thanks to the presence of a regulatory calcium ion (Ca2+)‐binding domain in KEA3 modulating its activity. This circuit is likely tuned by the NPQ‐effector proteins, LHCXs, providing diatoms with the required flexibility to thrive in different ocean provinces.
The Effect of Low‐level Laser Therapy on VEGF, IL‐6 Expression and Viability of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Mansourian Arash , Pourshahidi Sara , Vafi Manshadi Yasamin , Amini Shakib Pouyan , Ebrahimi Hooman
Published: January 2022

Low‐level laser therapy has shown successful results in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis. One of the concerns about low‐level lasers is their effects on remaining malignant cells in the area. Interleukin‐6 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in a wide range of biological activities in increasing tumor functions, decreasing survival and resistance to chemo‐radiotherapy. Vascular‐endothelial growth factor increases tumor vascularization. It has been shown in the previous studies that LLLT can cause an increase of IL‐6 and VEGF in some cells. The present thesis aims to study the effects of LLLT on IL‐6 and VEGF expression, as well as cell viability on OSCC cells. Tumorigenic cells of an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line were irradiated with 3 different diode lasers, and were compared to the control group (660 nm–200 mW–4 J cm−2, 810 nm–200 mW–4 J cm−2, 940 nm–200 mW–4 J cm−2). MTT assay, ELISA and RT‐PCR were used to measure cell viability, IL‐6 and VEGF expression. Cell viability of all laser‐irradiated groups was significantly lower than the control group. VEGF expression increased in laser‐irradiated groups. This was only significant in the 810 nm group. IL‐6 protein secretion was significantly higher in all laser‐irradiated groups compared to the control group.
Establishment of risk acceptance criteria using Life Quality Index: Application to the Indian context
Authors: Roy Sandip
Published: January 2022

The formulation of risk acceptance criteria may be coupled gainfully with a prediction of the of investment required to comply with it, an exercise which can benefit from the application of socioeconomic indicators. The Life Quality Index (LQI) is one such indicator which amalgamates human mortality and wealth creation and places an implicit economic value on reduction of life risk. While there have been a number of studies to demonstrate the application of LQI pertaining to various technological systems, the present work extends it to estimate the sectoral level investment needed to reduce public risks to within the As Low As Reasonably Predictable region for the chemical industry, with specific illustration of the methodology for India. The potential reduction in public individual risk is computed as a function of percentage increase in safety investment expressed as a fraction of the industry's contribution to the nation's GDP. In addition, using a new, more accurate expression, estimates of a related parameter, the implied cost of averting a fatality (ICAF), are obtained for a number of developed economies and India. The ICAF estimates show reasonable agreement with the value of statistical life (VSL), a parameter which is integral to cost‐benefit analysis of safety and environmental regulations.