bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoplastic effector candidates of a foliar forest pathogen trigger cell death in host and non-host plants
Authors: Hunziker Lukas , Tarallo Mariana , Gough Keiko , Guo Melissa , Hargreaves Cathy , Loo Trevor S. , McDougal Rebecca L. , Mesarich Carl H. , Bradshaw Rosie E.
Published: August 2021

Forests are under threat from pests, pathogens, and changing climate. One of the major forest pathogens worldwide isDothistroma septosporum, which causes dothistroma needle blight (DNB) of pines.D. septosporumis a hemibiotrophic fungus related to well-studied Dothideomycete pathogens, such asCladosporium fulvum. These pathogens use small secreted proteins, termed effectors, to facilitate the infection of their hosts. The same effectors, however, can be recognised by plants carrying corresponding immune receptors, resulting in resistance responses. Hence, effectors are increasingly being exploited to identify and select disease resistance in crop species. In gymnosperms, however, such research is scarce. We predicted and investigated apoplasticD. septosporumcandidate effectors (DsCEs) using bioinformatics and plant-based experiments. We discovered secreted proteins that trigger cell death in the angiospermNicotianaspp., suggesting their recognition by immune receptors in non-host plants. In a first for foliar forest pathogens, we also developed a novel protein infiltration method to show that tissue-cultured pine shoots can respond with a cell death response to one of our DsCEs, as well as to a reference cell death-inducing protein. These results contribute to our understanding of forest pathogens and may ultimately provide clues to disease immunity in both commercial and natural forests.
Endogenous auxin directs development of embryonic stem cells into somatic proembryos in Arabidopsis
Authors: Karami Omid , Philipsen Cheryl , Rahimi Arezoo , Nurillah Annisa Ratna , Boutilier Kim , Offringa Remko
Published: August 2021

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is the process by which embryos develop from in vitro cultured vegetative tissue explants. The synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is widely used for SE induction, but SE can also be induced by overexpression of specific transcription factors, such as AT-HOOK MOTIF NUCLEAR LOCALIZED 15 (AHL15). 2,4-D and AHL15 both trigger the biosynthesis of the natural auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). However, the role of this endogenously produced auxin in SE is yet not well understood. In this study we show that the induction of embryonic stem cells from explants does not require IAA biosynthesis, whereas an increase in IAA levels is essential to maintain embryo identity and for embryo formation from these stem cells. Further analysis showed that YUCCA (YUC) genes involved in the IPyA auxin biosynthesis pathway are up-regulated in embryo-forming tissues. Chemical inhibition of the IPyA pathway significantly reduced or completely inhibited the formation of somatic embryos in both 2,4-D-and AHL15-dependent systems. In the latter system, SE could be restored by exogenous IAA application, confirming that the biosynthesis-mediated increase in IAA levels is important. Our analyses also showed that PIN1 and AUX1 are the major auxin carriers that determine respectively auxin efflux and influx during SE. This auxin transport machinery is required for the proper transition of embryonic cells to proembryos and, later, for correct cell fate specification and differentiation. Taken together, our results indicate that auxin biosynthesis in conjunction with its polar transport are required during SE for multicellular somatic proembryo development and differentiation.

One sentence summary

Somatic embryogenesis in Arabidopsis requires auxin biosynthesis and polar auxin transport only after the acquisition of embryonic competence for somatic proembryo development and differentiation.
Hippocampal-hypothalamic circuit controls context-dependent innate defensive responses
Authors: Bang Jee Yoon , Sunstrum Julia , Garand Danielle , Parfitt Gustavo Morrone , Woodin Melanie , Inoue Wataru , Kim Jun Chul
Published: August 2021

Preys use their memory - where they sensed a predatory threat and whether a safe shelter is nearby - to dynamically control their survival instinct to avoid harm and reach safety. However, it remains unknown which brain regions are involved, and how such top-down control of innate behaviour is implemented at the circuit level. Here, we show that the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN) is best positioned to perform this task as an exclusive target of the hippocampus (HPC) within the medial hypothalamic defense system. Selective optogenetic stimulation and inhibition of hippocampal inputs to the AHN revealed that the HPC→AHN pathway not only mediates the contextual memory of predator threats but also controls the goal-directed escape by transmitting information about the surrounding environment. These results reveal a new mechanism for experience-dependent, top-down control of innate defensive behaviours.
Broad-spectrum in vitro antiviral activity of ODBG-P-RVn: an orally-available, lipid-modified monophosphate prodrug of remdesivir parent nucleoside (GS-441524)
Authors: Lo Michael K. , Shrivastava-Ranjan Punya , Chatterjee Payel , Flint Mike , Beadle James R. , Valiaeva Nadejda , Schooley Robert T. , Hostetler Karl Y. , Montgomery Joel M. , Spiropoulou Christina
Published: August 2021

The intravenous administration of remdesivir for COVID-19 confines its utility to hospitalized patients. We evaluated the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of ODBG-P-RVn, an orally available, lipid-modified monophosphate prodrug of the remdesivir parent nucleoside (GS-441524) against viruses that cause diseases of human public health concern, including SARS-CoV-2. ODBG-P-RVn showed 20-fold greater antiviral activity than GS-441524 and had near-equivalent activity to remdesivir in primary-like human small airway epithelial cells. Our results warrant investigation of ODBG-P-RVn efficacy in vivo.
SARS-CoV-2 Suppression and Early Closure of Bars and Restaurants : A Longitudinal Natural Experiment
Authors: Takaku Reo , Yokoyama Izumi , Tabuchi Takahiro , Oguni Masaki , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: August 2021

Despite severe economic damage, full-service restaurants and bars have been closed in hopes of suppressing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide. This paper explores whether the early closure of restaurants and bars in February 2021 reduced symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 in Japan. Using a large-scale nationally representative longitudinal survey, we found that the early closure of restaurants and bars decreased the utilization rate among young persons (OR 0.688; CI95 0.515-0.918) and those who visited these places before the pandemic (OR 0.754; CI95 0.594-0.957). However, symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 did not decrease in these active and high-risk subpopulations. Among the more inactive and low-risk subpopulations, such as elderly persons, no discernible impacts are observed in both the utilization of restaurants and bars and the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2. These results suggest that the early closure of restaurants and bars without any other concurrent measures does not contribute to the suppression of SARS-CoV-2.
Investigating heterogeneous genetic effects contributing to smoking behaviors
Authors: Funkhouser Scott A , Boardman Jason D , Hewitt John K , Stallings Michael C , Hopfer Christian J , Brown Sandra A , Wall Tamara L , Reynolds Chandra A , Keller Matthew C , Evans Luke M
Published: August 2021

The genetic architecture of numerous smoking behaviors is highly polygenic, but these genetic effects are heterogeneous and depend on moderating factors. Here, we used common SNPs from the UK Biobank to investigate heterogeneous genetic effects for smoking heaviness using cigarettes per day (CPD) records, smoking initiation (SI), and smoking cessation (SC). We assessed heterogeneous effects across levels of sex, age of smoking initiation, major depressive disorder (MDD) DSM-V-like diagnosis, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) DSM-V-like diagnosis, and whether an individual has seen a psychiatrist for nerves, anxiety, tension, or depression. We observed suggestive evidence of heterogeneous genetic effects for CPD and SC, moderated by MDD and GAD, respectively [ (SE = 0.15) between MDD cases and controls, and (SE = 0.28) between GAD cases and controls, p < 0.05]. We detected 5 SNPs with genome-wide significant evidence of heterogeneous effects moderated by either MDD or GAD (p-value < 5×10-8) for CPD and SC. We also observed strong evidence for heterogeneous genetic effects for SI between sexes (between-sex , SE = 0.02). While we detected no individual SNPs that were moderated by sex at genome-wide significance (all p-value > 5×10-8), we observed evidence of novel genome-wide significant SI-SNP associations using sex-stratified GWAS; six loci were discovered in either men or women separately that were not identified in a previous smoking meta-analysis that had a 6-fold larger, sex-combined sample. Furthermore, using several independent testing samples, there was suggestive evidence that the prediction ability of a polygenic risk score (PRS) for smoking initiation improved through the utilization of sex-specific SNP effects. This work suggests that a more nuanced approach to GWAS analyses is warranted, as potential heterogeneous effects can complicate variant discovery and polygenic risk score accuracy.

Author Summary

Smoking imposes a heavy health burden and is highly polygenic in architecture. Consistent with most complex traits, many causal loci have yet to be identified, even when using the largest available samples. One possible reason for the difficulty in inferring genetic variants associated with such complex traits is that common genetic variants possess context-dependent (or heterogeneous) effects. Utilizing the UK Biobank, we find evidence for heterogeneous SNP effects on smoking initiation, heaviness, and cessation among psychiatric disorder cases and controls and between sexes. Failure to model such heterogeneity (when accounting for sample size) resulted in lower independent sample predictive ability. This work encourages a more nuanced approach to GWAS and polygenic risk prediction. The assumption that all genetic effects are homogeneous limits our understanding of complex traits when heterogeneous effects are present.
Powerful eQTL mapping through low coverage RNA sequencing
Authors: Schwarz Tommer , Boltz Toni , Hou Kangcheng , Bot Merel , Duan Chenda , Loohuis Loes Olde , Boks Marco P. , Kahn René S. , Ophoff Roel A. , Pasaniuc Bogdan
Published: August 2021

Mapping genetic variants that regulate gene expression (eQTL mapping) in large-scale RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) studies is often employed to understand functional consequences of regulatory variants. However, the high cost of RNA-Seq limits sample size, sequencing depth, and therefore, discovery power. In this work, we demonstrate that, given a fixed budget, eQTL discovery power can be increased by lowering the sequencing depth per sample and increasing the number of individuals sequenced in the assay. We perform RNA-Seq of whole blood tissue across 1490 individuals at low-coverage (5.9 million reads/sample) and show that the effective power is higher than that of an RNA-Seq study of 570 individuals at high-coverage (13.9 million reads/sample). Next, we leverage synthetic datasets derived from real RNA-Seq data to explore the interplay of coverage and number individuals in eQTL studies, and show that a 10-fold reduction in coverage leads to only a 2.5-fold reduction in statistical power. Our study suggests that lowering coverage while increasing the number of individuals is an effective approach to increase discovery power in RNA-Seq studies.
The Cell Adhesion Molecule TMIGD1 Binds to Moesin and Regulates Tubulin Acetylation and Cell Migration
Authors: Rahimi Nader , Ho Rachel X-Y , Chandler Kevin Brown , De La Cena Kyle Oliver Corcino , Amraei Razie , Mitchel Ashley J , Engblom Nels , Costello Catherine E
Published: August 2021

Background

The cell adhesion molecule transmembrane and immunoglobulin (Ig) domain containing1 (TMIGD1) is a novel tumor suppressor that plays important roles in regulating cell-cell adhesion, cell proliferation and cell cycle. However, the mechanisms of TMIGD1 signaling are not yet fully elucidated.

Results

TMIGD1 binds to the ERM family proteins moesin and ezrin, and an evolutionarily conserved RRKK motif on the carboxyl terminus of TMIGD1 mediates the interaction of TMIGD1 with the N-terminal ERM domains of moesin and ezrin. TMIGD1 governs the apical localization of moesin and ezrin, as the loss of TMIGD1 in mice altered apical localization of moesin and ezrin in epithelial cells. In cell culture, TMIGD1 inhibited moesin-induced filopodia-like protrusions and cell migration. More importantly, TMIGD1 stimulated the Lysine (K40) acetylation of α-tubulin and promoted mitotic spindle organization and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of moesin impaired the TMIGD1-mediated acetylation of α-tubulin and filamentous (F)-actin organization.

Conclusions

TMIGD1 binds to moesin and ezrin, and regulates their cellular localization. Moesin plays critical roles in TMIGD1-dependent acetylation of α-tubulin, mitotic spindle organization and cell migration. Our findings offer a molecular framework for understanding the complex functional interplay between TMIGD1 and the ERM family proteins in the regulation of cell adhesion and mitotic spindle assembly, and have wide-ranging implications in physiological and pathological processes such as cancer progression.
Vaccine safety surveillance using routinely collected healthcare data – An empirical evaluation of epidemiological designs
Authors: Schuemie Martijn J. , Arshad Faaizah , Pratt Nicole , Nyberg Fredrik , Alshammari Thamir M , Hripcsak George , Ryan Patrick , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Lai Lana YH , Li Xintong , Stephen Fortin , Minty Evan , Suchard Marc A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Routinely collected healthcare data such as administrative claims and electronic health records (EHR) can complement clinical trials and spontaneous reports when ensuring the safety of vaccines, but uncertainty remains about what epidemiological design to use.

Methods

Using 3 claims and 1 EHR database, we evaluate several variants of the case-control, comparative cohort, historical comparator, and self-controlled designs against historical vaccinations with real negative control outcomes (outcomes with no evidence to suggest that they could be caused by the vaccines) and simulated positive controls.

Results

Most methods show large type 1 error, often identifying false positive signals. The cohort method appears either positively or negatively biased, depending on the choice of comparator index date. Empirical calibration using effect-size estimates for negative control outcomes can restore type 1 error to close to nominal, often at the cost of increasing type 2 error. After calibration, the self-controlled case series (SCCS) design shows the shortest time to detection for small true effect sizes, while the historical comparator performs well for strong effects.

Conclusions

When applying any method for vaccine safety surveillance we recommend considering the potential for systematic error, especially due to confounding, which for many designs appears to be substantial. Adjusting for age and sex alone is likely not sufficient to address the differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated, and for the cohort method the choice of index date plays an important role in the comparability of the groups Inclusion of negative control outcomes allows both quantification of the systematic error and, if so desired, subsequent empirical calibration to restore type 1 error to its nominal value. In order to detect weaker signals, one may have to accept a higher type 1 error.

Highlights

Most methods used in vaccine safety surveillance show large type 1 error, which could lead to many false safety signals.

Empirical calibration using effect-size estimates for negative control outcomes can restore type 1 error to close to nominal, often at the cost of marginal increases in type 2 error.

After calibration, the self-controlled case series (SCCS) design shows the shortest time to detection for small true effect sizes, while the historical comparator appears best for large true effect sizes.

Implementing negative control outcomes in a safety surveillance system is recommended to identify vulnerability to systematic error.
What is the future of lab-on-a-chip diagnostic devices? Assessing changes in experts’ expectations over time
Authors: Mota Fabio , Braga Luiza Amara Maciel , Cabral Bernardo Pereira Pereira , Conte Filho Carlos Gilbert
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Lab on-a-chip (LOC) may lead to low-cost point-of-care devices for the diagnosis of human diseases, possibly making laboratories dispensable. However, as it is still an emerging technology, very little is known about its future impact on the diagnosis of human diseases, and on the laboratory industry. Hence, the purpose of this study is to foresee possible developments of this technology through a consultation with researchers in the field in two distinct time periods.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Technology Foresight, this study addresses this gap by assessing the opinions of over five hundred LOC researchers and tracking changes in their views on the future of LOC diagnostic devices. These researchers participated in a two-wave global survey with an interval of two and a half years

Findings

Although second-wave (2020) respondents are less optimistic than those of the first wave (2017), the results of both surveys show that LOC diagnostic devices are expected to: move from proof-of-concept demonstrations to industrial development, becoming commercially feasible worldwide; integrate all laboratory processes, delivering cheaper, faster and more reliable diagnoses than laboratories; and provide low-cost point-of-care solutions, improving access to healthcare.

Research limitations/implications

Although it would be desirable to collect and explore the views of different sets of stakeholders, the method of generating lists of survey respondents shows a bias toward academic/scientific circles because the respondents are authors of scientific publications. These publications may as well be authored by stakeholders from other fields but it is reasonable to assume that most of them are researchers affiliated with universities and research and development organizations. Therefore, this study lacks in providing an image of the future based on a more diverse set of respondents.

Social implications

The results show that these devices are expected to radically change the diagnostic testing market and the way laboratories are organized, perhaps moving to a non-laboratory-based model. In conclusion, in the coming decades, these devices may promote substantial changes in the way human diseases are diagnosed.

Originality/value

Only a few studies have attempted to foresee the future of LOC devices, and most are based on literature reviews. Thus, this study goes beyond the existing research by providing a broad understanding of what the future will look like from the views of researchers who are contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The researchers invited to take part in this study are authors of LOC-related scientific publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection.
Madame Right for Monsieur Wrong: Prisoner Marriage Petitions and State Surveillance of Women in Post‐War France, 1946–1959
Authors: Kuby Emma
Published: August 2021

Before 1975, prisoners in France could only marry if they successfully petitioned the state for permission. This article examines how local, regional and national officials dealt with marriage requests submitted by male inmates of the Camps de Mauzac in the Dordogne between 1946 and 1959. It reveals that they consistently adjudicated the petitions according to a standard of sexual morality focused on female behaviour: prisoners were permitted to wed only if police investigations could confirm the virtuous private lives of their un‐incarcerated fiancées. State actors justified this mode of judgment by invoking the rehabilitative power of good wives to heal male degeneracy. Through the Mauzac cases, this article illustrates that traditionalist ideals of heterosexual matrimony and anxieties over female promiscuity remained central to negotiations of state power over the lives of marginalised people in post‐1945 France.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B regulates fibroblasts proliferation, motility and extracellular matrix synthesis via the MAPK/ERK signalling pathway in keloid
Authors: Qian Leqi , Wang Qiang , Wei Chuanyuan , Wang Lu , Yang Yanwen , Deng Xinyi , Liu Jiaqi , Qi Fazhi
Published: August 2021

Keloid is a fibroproliferative disorder resulting from trauma, characterized by abnormal activation of keloid fibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). It affects life quality of patients and lacks of effective therapeutic targets. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) belongs to the protein tyrosine phosphatases and participates in many cellular processes such as metabolism, proliferation and motility. It has been reported that PTP1B negatively regulated diabetic wound healing and tumor progression. However, its effects in keloid remain unclear. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of PTP1B on keloid fibroblasts which play essential roles in keloids pathogenesis. Our results revealed that PTP1B expression was decreased both in keloid tissues and in keloid fibroblasts compared to healthy controls. Keloid fibroblasts (KFs) showed higher cell proliferation, motility, ECM production and ERK activity than normal fibroblasts (NFs). Overexpression of PTP1B in KFs and NFs inhibited cell proliferation, motility, ECM synthesis and the MAPK/ERK signalling pathway while knockdown of PTP1B showed converse effects. The rescue experiments with ERK inhibitor further verified that MAPK/ERK signalling pathway involved in PTP1B regulatory network. Taken together, our findings indicated that overexpression of PTP1B suppressed keloid fibroblasts bio‐behaviours and promoted their phenotype switch to normal cells via inhibiting the MAPK/ERK signalling pathway, suggesting it may be a potential anti‐keloid therapy.
Prenatal and infant antibiotic exposure and childhood growth, obesity and cardiovascular risk factors: The Rhea mother–child cohort study, Crete, Greece
Authors: Margetaki Katerina , Stratakis Nikos , Roumeliotaki Theano , Karachaliou Marianna , Alexaki Maria , Kogevinas Manolis , Chatzi Leda , Vafeiadi Marina
Published: August 2021

Background

Early‐life antibiotic use has been hypothesized to promote weight gain and increase the risk of childhood obesity.

Objectives

To examine the associations of prenatal and infant antibiotics with childhood growth, adiposity and cardiometabolic traits in the Greek Rhea cohort.

Methods

We used data from 747 mother–child pairs with anthropometric measurements drawn from medical records or measured at 4 and 6 years of age. Antibiotic exposure was assessed by maternal report during pregnancy and at the first year of life. Children were classified as exposed to antibiotics prenatally if the mother received at least one course of oral antibiotics during pregnancy and postnatally if the mother reported that the child received at least one oral antibiotic treatment during the first year of life. Outcomes included repeated weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat (%), total cholesterol and blood pressure. We applied mixed effects, linear and log‐binomial regression models after adjusting for important covariates.

Results

Around 14.6% of the participating children were prenatally exposed to antibiotics and 32.4% received antibiotics during the first year of life. Prenatal exposure to antibiotics was associated with a twofold increase in the risk for obesity (risk ratio [RR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.09 [1.58, 2.76]) and abdominal obesity (RR [95% CI]: 2.56 [1.89, 3.47]) at 6 years. Postnatal exposure to antibiotics was associated with increased weight (beta [95% CI]: 00.25 [0.06, 0.44]) and BMI (beta [95% CI]: 0.23 [0.003, 0.45]) SD scores from 2 to 7 years of life.

Conclusion

Early‐life antibiotic use was associated with accelerated childhood growth and higher adiposity.
Examining the effects of the quality of financial reports on SME trade credit: An innovative approach
Authors: Palacín‐Sánchez María J. , Canto‐Cuevas Francisco J. , di Pietro Filippo
Published: August 2021

Following an innovative approach, the effects of financial report quality on the use of trade credit in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are examined. This effect is considered in a direct and indirect way. Firstly, we analyze whether SMEs with low‐quality information are more likely to use trade credit as a financial resource. Secondly, we investigate whether the relationship between trade credit and bank credit in SMEs is moderated by the quality of financial reports. For the empirical analysis, we use a sample of Spanish SMEs over the period 2004 to 2011, and apply a panel data model with fixed effects. The findings suggest that firms with low‐quality financial reporting use more trade credit. Furthermore, the influence of bank credit on trade credit is found to be partially moderated by audit opinion.
The delivery of patient centred dietetic care in subacute rehabilitation units: A scoping review
Authors: Olufson Hannah T. , Young Adrienne M. , Green Theresa L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Patient centred care (PCC) positively influences individual and organisational outcomes. It is important that dietitians working in rehabilitation units are supported to deliver PCC because effective rehabilitation is a collaborative and patient centred process. The objective of this scoping review was to explore the literature available regarding the delivery of dietetic PCC, with patients undergoing rehabilitation in subacute inpatient units.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and Scopus were searched for relevant published literature. Searches for grey and unpublished literature were also completed. Studies were eligible for inclusion and data extraction if they demonstrated the delivery of PCC by qualified dietitians, through individual consultations with adult patients undertaking subacute rehabilitation.

Results

Overall, 675 studies were identified and six were included in the review. From the literature available, documentation was lacking regarding conceptualisation and delivery of patient centred nutrition care, with only one study providing quality indicators for patient centred dietetic services. Elements of PCC cited were mostly limited to phrases such as, ‘individualised care’, ‘tailored advice’, ‘follow‐up’ and ‘team collaboration’.

Conclusions

This scoping review identified a considerable gap in the literature regarding the delivery of dietetic PCC in subacute rehabilitation units. Contemporary descriptions of PCC show that the delivery of care which is truly patient centred is far more comprehensive than individualising interventions or organising ongoing services. This raises the question: is the delivery of nutrition care in subacute rehabilitation unit's patient centred?
Effect of local vibrotherapy in sitting or lying position in two time protocols on the cellulite grade and change of body circumferences in women with cellulite
Authors: Piotrowska Anna , Czerwińska‐Ledwig Olga
Published: August 2021

Background

Vibrotherapy is becoming a new tool which can help to improve aesthetic appearance. One of its basic uses in cosmetology is eliminating cellulite changes.

Aim

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a 3‐week series of local vibrotherapy in two positions and in two time protocols on selected body circumferences, WHR, WHtR and BAI, and the grade of cellulite.

Patients and Methods

Volunteers underwent vibration treatments in a lying or sitting position for 30 or 60 minutes a day, for 3 weeks. Waist, hip, thigh and calf circumferences were measured before and after the first, and before and after the last treatment. The WHR, WHtR and BAI indicators were calculated. The grade of cellulite was assessed with use of the Nürnberger‐Müller scale. A multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess the impact of individual parameters.

Results

After a series of treatments, a significant decrease in the grade of cellulite was noted, regardless of the treatment time or position. The circumferences of the thighs and hips didn’t change. Both, the first and the last treatment allowed for change the calf circumference. The applied series of treatments allowed for lower the waist circumference also for change the WHR and WHtR indicators.

Conclusion

A series of vibration interventions reduced cellulite symptoms without affecting the hip and thigh circumferences. The treatment positions can be adjusted to the individual needs of the client and time of single treatment can be minimized to 30 min a day.
High levels of breastmilk feeding despite a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in a cohort of vulnerable women in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Mildon Alison , Francis Jane , Stewart Stacia , Underhill Bronwyn , Ng Yi Man , Rousseau Christina , Di Ruggiero Erica , Dennis Cindy‐Lee , O'Connor Deborah L. , Sellen Daniel W.
Published: August 2021

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months is a global public health goal, but measuring its achievement as a marker of population breastmilk feeding practices is insufficient. Additional measures are needed to understand variation in non‐EBF practices and inform intervention priorities. We collected infant feeding data prospectively at seven time points to 6 months post‐partum from a cohort of vulnerable women (n = 151) registered at two Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program sites in Toronto, Canada. Four categories of breastmilk feeding intensity were defined. Descriptive analyses included the (i) proportion of participants in each feeding category by time point, (ii) use of formula and non‐formula supplements to breastmilk, (iii) proportion of participants practising EBF continuously for at least 3 months; and (iv) frequency of transitions between feeding categories. All participants initiated breastmilk feeding with 70% continuing for 6 months. Only 18% practised EBF for 6 months, but 48% did so for at least 3 continuous months. The proportion in the EBF category was highest from 2 to 4 months post‐partum. Supplemental formula use was highest in the first 3 months; early introduction of solids and non‐formula fluids further compromised EBF at 5 and 6 months post‐partum. Most participants (75%) transitioned between categories of breastmilk feeding intensity, with 35% making two or more transitions. Our data show high levels of breastmilk provision despite a low rate of EBF for 6 months. Inclusion of similar analyses in future prospective studies is recommended to provide more nuanced reporting of breastmilk feeding practices and guide intervention designs.
Impact of informal learning environments on STEM education—Views of elementary students and their parents
Authors: Anand Neha , Dogan Bulent
Published: August 2021

This single case study design examines the impact of collaborative inquiry‐ and design‐based learning on elementary students enrolled in the STEM summer camp program. Sixty‐five students participated in a two‐week summer camp that offered a curriculum centered on (a) coding; (b) STEM arts; (c) 3D printing; and (d) digital storytelling. Data is primarily collected through follow‐up interviews with students and their parents; and complemented with student’s journals, daily progress reports, and post‐camp surveys for both parents and students. The findings indicate that students enjoyed STEM camp as the activities were collaborative and hands‐on. Findings also indicated summer learning experience could act as a platform to engage students in STEM activities and promote integrated learning of different content areas. On the other hand, the results from parental data suggested that their purpose of enrolling children in a STEM camp is to provide them sustained exposure to the STEM curriculum and engage them in real‐world applications.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Bubble Formation Through a Submerged “Flute” With Experimental Validation
Authors: Pillai Naveen , Sponsel Nicholas L. , Stapelmann Katharina , Bolotnov Igor A.
Published: August 2021

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) is often used to uncover and highlight physical phenomena that are not properly resolved using other computational fluid dynamics methods due to shortcuts taken in the latter to cheapen computational cost. In this work, we use DNS along with interface tracking to take an in-depth look at bubble formation, departure, and ascent through water. To form the bubbles, air is injected through a novel orifice geometry not unlike that of a flute submerged underwater, which introduces phenomena that are not typically brought to light in conventional orifice studies. For example, our single-phase simulations show a significant leaning effect, wherein pressure accumulating at the trailing nozzle edges leads to asymmetric discharge through the nozzle hole and an upward bias in the flow in the rest of the pipe. In our two-phase simulations, this effect is masked by the surface tension of the bubble sitting on the nozzle, but it can still be seen following departure events. After bubble departure, we observe the bubbles converge toward an ellipsoidal shape, which has been validated by experiments. As the bubbles rise, we note that local variations in the vertical velocity cause the bubble edges to flap slightly, oscillating between relatively low and high velocities at the edges.
Automated Planning for Robotic Multi-Resolution Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Bhatt Prahar M. , Kulkarni Ashish , Malhan Rishi K. , Shah Brual C. , Yoon Yeo Jung , Gupta Satyandra K.
Published: August 2021

Conventional material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) processes require the user to make a trade-off between surface quality and build time of the part. A large bead filament deposition can speed up the build process; however, it leads to surfaces with high roughness due to the stair-stepping effect. The surface quality can be improved by using a small bead filament deposition, which increases the build time of the part. We present a new approach incorporating hybrid multi-resolution layers in material extrusion additive manufacturing to provide excellent surface quality without increasing the build time. Our slicing algorithm generates planar layers with large filaments to fill the interior regions in less time. The generated exterior layers are conformal and use small filaments to reduce the stair-stepping effect and improve surface quality. We also present a path planning algorithm to build parts with a single manipulator using a multi-nozzle extrusion tool. The path planning algorithm generates a smooth material deposition path by avoiding collision between the tool and the already built layers. It reduces the collision checks and performs collision detection in a computationally efficient manner. We build five parts to validate our approach and illustrate the benefits of multi-resolution AM.
Seasonal trend of Eutetranychus orientalis in Moroccan citrus orchards and its potential control by Neoseiulus californicus and Stethorus punctillum
Authors: Abdellah Akchour , Abdelaziz Zahidi , Philipe Auger , Serge Kreiter , Abdelhamid El Mousadik
Published: August 2021

Citrus brown mite, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein), known as major pest of citrus crops in different countries, was considered as a quarantine pest in Morocco. This pest is currently among the most potential enemies of Moroccan arboriculturists following the increasing ineffectiveness of the majority of acaricides used in conventional orchards. The present study was designed to collect and morphologically identify specimens from 31 orchards in the five main production regions of Morocco; to study the population dynamics of this pest in Taroudant as well as the molecular identification of a Phytoseiid considered as a potential predator using the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Morphological description confirmed that the collected adult females from all orchards in the five regions belong to E. orientalis. Thus, this exotic pest has invaded all citrus growing regions since its introduction. In the Souss region, two significant peaks of population outbreaks of this pest were observed. A first peak from November until the end of December 2017 and in winter, a second peak is recorded in early autumn 2018. Thereafter, mite infestations remained at lower levels throughout the summer. In addition, it appears that eggs represented between 50 to 88.7% of population in spring and winter seasons respectively, but percentage of adult females does not exceed 2.3% in autumn and winter seasons. Adult females of Neoseiulus californicus, larvae of Stethorus punctillum, were more abundant and very active on orange leaves and weeds during period of observation. Molecular analysis using 12S ribosomal RNA gene confirmed that the best query coverage 99.23% (E-value = 5e-176) with 99% of recovery identical to N. californicus. The phylogenetic tree obtained from comparison of the specimens’ generated DNA sequences with other individuals from Neoseiulus genus revealed the relationship with species N. californicus. These results suggest that orchard management will favour the plant cover associated with citrus trees and thus ensure sustainability, diversity and high density of phytoseiides and other predatory insects. This auxiliary fauna, like N. californicus, S. punctillum, will be able to control spider mites, as well as other phytophagous insects and keep them below damaging levels in citrus orchards in the Souss region.
Two new feather mites of the genus Trochilodectes Park & Atyeo (Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae) from hummingbirds in Colombia (Apodiformes: Trochilidae)
Authors: Hernandes Fabio Akashi , Castaño-Villa Gabriel Jaime , Agudelo Juan David Carvajal , Rivera-Páez Fredy Arvey
Published: August 2021

Two new species of the feather mite genus Trochilodectes Park & Atyeo (Acariformes: Proctophyllodidae) are described from hummingbirds (Apodiformes: Trochilidae) in Colombia: T. capitocaudatus sp. nov. from Ocreatus underwoodii (Lesson, 1832) and T. andinus sp. nov. from Phaethornis guy (Lesson, 1833). A key to all presently known species of the genus Trochilodectes is presented.
First species of Cunaxa (Acari: Cunaxidae) from Brazil
Authors: Wurlitzer Wesley Borges , Ferla Noeli Juarez , Franklin Elizabeth , Da Silva Guilherme Liberato , Rocha Matheus Dos Santos
Published: August 2021

Two new species, namely Cunaxa jacobdenheyeri Wurlitzer & Silva sp. nov. and Cunaxa butantorum Wurlitzer & Rocha sp. nov. are illustrated and described. Cunaxa jacobdenheyeri sp. nov. resembles Cunaxa heterostriata Khaustov & Kuznetzov, 1998, C. jatoiensis Bashir & Afzal, 2006, C. polita Kazmierski & Ripka, 2015, in Ripka et al. 2015, C. subita Ripka & Laniecka, in Ripka et al. 2015 and C. minuta Laniecka & Kazmierski, in Ripka et al. 2015. It differs from previous species by possessing the hysterosoma with a shield bearing c2, c1–e1, by the telofemoral apophysis straight, and by chaetotaxy of the genua II with and pseudanal setae ps2 absent. Cunaxa butantorum sp. nov. resembles C. setirostris (Hermann, 1804), in Den Heyer & Sergeyenko, 2009, C. potchensis Den Heyer, 1979 and C. neogazella Smiley, 1992. It differs by previous species by having the propodosomal shield partially covered by broken striae, by chaetotaxy of the genu I, II and by apophysis on palp telofemur long.
Activity of Amphotericin B Formulations and Voriconazole, Alone or in Combination, against Biofilms of
Scedosporium
and Fusarium spp.
Authors: Vikelouda Katerina , Simitsopoulou Maria , Skoura Lemonia , Antachopoulos Charalampos , Roilides Emmanuel
Published: August 2021

Scedosporium
and
Fusarium
species are emerging opportunistic pathogens, causing invasive fungal diseases in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Biofilm-related infections are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Small RNAs Go Global in Human Gut
Bacteroides
Authors: Pudlo Nicholas A. , Martens Eric C.
Published: August 2021

The last two decades have seen numerous studies connecting physiological behaviors in
Bacteroides
—including polysaccharide degradation and capsule production—with elements of global regulation, but a complete model is still elusive. A new study by Adams et al. in this issue of the
Journal of Bacteriology
reveals another layer of regulation by describing a novel family of RNA-binding proteins in
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
that modify expression of genes involved in carbohydrate utilization and capsule expression, among others.
Supplemental Material: Cryogenian glaciostatic and eustatic fluctuations and massive Marinoan-related deposition of Fe and Mn in the Urucum District, Brazil
Authors: Freitas Bernardo , al. et
Published: August 2021

Materials and methods, supplemental text, figures, and tables.
rs10865710 polymorphism inPPARGpromoter is associated with the severity of type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease in a Chinese population
Authors: Song Yongyan , Raheel Tariq Muhammad , Jia Aimei , Dai Guowei , Liu Liang , Long Xiaobin , He Chuan
Published: August 2021

Background

Relationship between polymorphisms in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) remains to be clarified.

Methods

635 subjects were divided into T2DM, CAD, T2DM complicated with CAD (T2DM/CAD) and control groups according to diagnostic criteria. The rs10865710 and rs3856806 polymorphisms were genotyped, and the severity of T2DM and CAD was evaluated for all subjects.

Results

In patients with T2DM, G allele carriers of rs10865710 polymorphism had significantly higher levels of glucose, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) than non-carriers, T allele carriers of rs3856806 polymorphism had significantly higher levels of glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), ApoB and Lp(a) than non-carriers. In patients with CAD, G allele carriers of rs10865710 polymorphism had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), ApoB and Lp(a) than non-carriers, T allele carriers of rs3856806 polymorphism had significantly higher levels of body mass index, blood pressure, TC, LDL-C and ApoB than non-carriers. Patients with one or two G alleles of rs10865710 polymorphism had significantly higher levels of Gensini scores and more diseased coronary branches than those patients without CAD. The rs3856806 polymorphism was not associated with CAD severity, but it was found to be significantly associated with T2DM/CAD, T allele frequency was significantly higher in T2DM/CAD group than that in T2DM/CAD-free group.

Conclusions

The rs10865710 and rs3856806 polymorphisms in PPARG are significantly associated with glucose levels in patients with T2DM. The rs10865710 polymorphism is significantly associated with the severity of CAD, which is possibly mediated by hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia.
Pivotal Role of Quantum Dots in the Advancement of Healthcare Research
Authors: K. Tiwari Pawan , Sahu Mugdha , Kumar Gagan , Ashourian Mohsen
Published: August 2021

The quantum dot is a kind of nanoparticle whose dimension is smaller than the size of a typical nanoparticle ranging from tens of nanometers to a few hundredths of nanometers. The quantum mechanical behavior associated with the quantum dot displays different optical and electronic properties, enabling the quantum dot to find potential applications in a multitude of areas such as solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, lasers, and biomedical applications. The objective of this investigation is to explore its fundamentals, synthesis, and applications, especially in the healthcare domain. We have discussed the quantum dot synthesis techniques using chemical methods, namely, wet‐chemical methods and vapor‐phase methods and plasma processing methods, namely, an ion sputtering method and plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. We have thoroughly investigated the application of quantum dots in imaging, diagnostics, and gene therapy areas. A significant outcome of this review is to propose quantum dots as a new modality in the treatment of cancer and gene therapeutics in the healthcare domain and the potentials of artificial intelligence to improve their performance via the applications of neural networks.
Fixed Point Results in Orthogonal Neutrosophic Metric Spaces
Authors: Ishtiaq Umar , Javed Khalil , Uddin Fahim , Sen Manuel de la , Ahmed Khalil , Ali Muhammad Usman
Published: August 2021

Neutrosophy deals with neutrosophic logic, probability, and sets. Actually, the neutrosophic set is a generalization of the classical set, fuzzy set, and intuitionistic fuzzy set. A neutrosophic set is a mathematical notion serving issues containing inconsistent, indeterminate, and imprecise data. The notion of intuitionistic fuzzy metric space is useful in modelling some phenomena, where it is necessary to study the relationship between two probability functions. In this study, the concept of an orthogonal neutrosophic metric space is initiated. It is a generalization of the neutrosophic metric space. Some fixed point results are investigated in this setting. For the validity of the obtained results, some nontrivial examples are given.
Tropical Medicine in China: Bibliometric Analysis Based on Web of Science (2010–2019)
Authors: Li Zhen , Xue Jingbo , Zheng Bin
Published: August 2021

Purpose. The current study quantitatively assessed research trends in tropical medicine in China via a bibliometric method, which used the Web of Science database to analyse the research-based literature related to tropical medicine published from 2010 to 2019. Methods. Articles were analysed according to the output and research performance of institutes and countries that collaborated with China. Distribution of keywords was applied to evaluate research trends. Results. Our findings showed that 3372 articles in the field of tropical medicine have been indexed under the Web of Science database during the past 10 years, indicating that studies pertaining to tropical medicine have been growing from 2010 to 2019. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) system, which published 549 articles on tropical medicine, may be considered as the flagship of tropical medicine in China. The United States ranked first in internationally collaborative articles with China. Furthermore, Parasite & Vectors, which published 707 papers, emerged as the top journal according to the number of publications. Conclusions. This study highlights the key institutes and topics pertaining to tropical medicine research in China. Although there has been rapid progress in research on tropical medicine in China, some gaps still remain.