bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 481: Regulatory Role Of Endothelial PHD2 On Hypertensive Arterial Stiffness And Vascular Calcification
Authors: Zeng Heng , Chen Jian-xiong
Published: November 2022

Arterial stiffness is the center feature of hypertension and has significant impact upon disease etiology and outcomes. Up to date, there is no therapy available to efficiently target arterial stiffness. Emerging evidence indicates that prolyl hydroxylase protein-2 (PHD2) is a novel target of vascular remodeling. Although endothelial PHD2 has been shown to contribute to pulmonary hypertension, the role of PHD2 on arterial stiffness and calcification remains elusive. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of endothelial PHD2 on arterial stiffness and calcification. Using Doppler ultrasound to measure pulse-wave velocity (PWV), we found that PHD2
EC
KO mice had a significant increase in arterial stiffness at 7 month old age. PWV was further increased in the PHD2
EC
KO mice at 12 month old age, but this was not seen in the control mice. We then further tested whether PHD2
EC
KO mice sensitized hypertension-induced arterial stiffness by infusion with angiotensin II for 4 weeks. Infusion of control mice with Ang-II resulted in a time-dependent increase in PWV. Ang-II-induced PWV was further elevated in the PHD2
EC
KO mice. H&E staining showed that the aorta media thickness was significantly increased in the aorta of PHD2
EC
KO mice. Infusion of mice with Ang-II for 4 weeks resulted in a significant increase in media thickness. The aorta media thickness was significantly increased in the aorta of PHD2
EC
KO mice + Ang-II as compared to control mice + Ang II. Mechanistically, the arginase-2 expression and activity were significantly upregulated in the aorta of PHD2
EC
KO mice. Deficiency of PHD2 in EC further promoted Ang-II-induced arginase activity. In addition, knockout of PHD2 in EC resulted in a five- fold increase in SOX9 expression in the mouse aorta as compared to PHD2
f/f
(WT) control. Similarly, BMP2 expression was increased in the aorta of PHD2
EC
KO mice. Co-staining of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with BMP2 further showed an increased co-staining ALP/BMP2 in the aorta of PHD2
EC
KO mice. Alizarin Red staining revealed a significant increase in area (%) of calcification in the aorta of PHD2
EC
KO mice. Our study indicates a novel role of endothelial PHD2 in the regulation of arterial stiffness and calcification.
Abstract 498: HDL Containing Specific Proteins Blunts The Association With Cholesterol Efflux Capacity: Observations From The Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Gangwar Anamika , Saldanha Suzanne , Deodhar Sneha , Wu Elaine , Lee MinJae , Pahlavani Mandana , Thenayan Lydia , Furtado Jeremy D , Sacks Frank M , Rohatgi Anand
Published: November 2022

Cholesterol efflux (CE) is a major athero-protective function of high density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL is a heterogeneous mixture of lipoproteins that contain apoA1, the prime protein of HDL, and may contain one or more of >200 other proteins. These other proteins cluster on subpopulations of HDL particles to form HDL subspecies. It is not entirely clear by simply measuring individual protein abundances what drives HDL function. We aimed to study the differential association of 7 HDL subspecies defined by presence or absence of a functional protein with extreme and persistent cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). From ~3000 individuals in the multi-ethnic population-based DHS (Dallas Heart Study) cohort, people at the bottom 10% and top 90% of CEC were reassessed after 15 years resulting in 36 participants with extreme persistent high or low CEC for the present study. HDL with and without 7 individual proteins potentially relevant to HDL function were quantified using ELISA. Differences in association with CEC between HDL subspecies that contain or lack a defining protein were examined by heterogeneity test. In the low CEC group, HDL lacking apolipoprotein C3 (apoC3), complement C3, apoE (apolipoprotein E) and PLMG (plasminogen) were each associated positively with CEC while HDL subspecies containing these proteins were not positively associated with CEC. (Pearson correlation coefficient range 0.55369 to 0.66562 vs -0.08432 to -0.25198; p <0.05 for heterogeneity). In the high CEC group, no significant heterogeneity was found in association with CEC between HDL subspecies that contain or lack the same proteins. In people with extreme and persistent low CEC, HDL subspecies containing apoC3, complement C3, apoE and PLMG blunt the overall positive association between HDL and CEC. Our findings suggest that CEC of HDL in individuals with persistent and extreme low CEC is determined by the presence/absence of apoC3, complement C3, apoE and PLMG in HDL subspecies. Future studies involving manipulation of these proteins in HDL to investigate the effect on CE will provide deeper insight into functional speciation of HDL. This knowledge can be further applied to define biomarkers for altered CE in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD).
Abstract 531: Sex Differences In The Metabolic Switch From Fasting To Refeeding In The Murine Jejunum
Authors: Morrow Nadya , Trzaskalski Natasha A , Hanson Antonio A , Locatelli Cassandra A , Pulente Serena M , Mulvihill Erin E
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
The small intestine receives hormonal and neuronal stimuli to ensure sufficient nutrient absorption to fuel the body. Insulin resistance promotes aberrant dietary fat delivery into circulation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms underlying the loss of controlled dietary fat delivery during metabolic disease are unclear. We aimed to characterize the metabolic pathways engaged in the small intestine in the transition from fasting to refeeding states in both male and female mice.

Methods:
Eight- to twelve-week-old male and female mice fasted for 24 hours. Half of the mice were euthanized in the fasted state, and the remaining half were euthanized after a 4-hour refeeding period (Teklad Global 19% Protein Extruded Diet). Gene expression and pathway analyses in jejunal samples were determined using Nanostring.

Results:
In male and female mice, refeeding significantly upregulated pathways in amino acid synthesis, mitochondrial respiration, and proto-oncogene Myc signalling compared to fasting. Refeeding significantly downregulated glycolysis, and both mitogen-activated MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways compared to fasting. Interestingly, in males refeeding significantly upregulated AMPK, mTOR, and autophagy, whereas conversely in female mice, refeeding downregulated these pathways. Surprisingly, fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid oxidation pathways were unchanged by the nutritional state in males, but in females, both pathways were significantly downregulated with refeeding compared to fasting. In female mice, refeeding significantly reduced small intestinal length compared to fasting, whereas intestinal length was unchanged in male mice.

Conclusions:
Metabolic pathways well-characterized in the liver are often mechanistically extrapolated to the gut. We have begun to uncover the jejunal gene expression changes regulated by nutrient availability in male and female mice. Identifying how high-fat feeding dysregulates these pathways will help further elucidate the mechanism underlying the over-production of intestinally-derived lipoproteins in metabolic disease.
Abstract 558: De Novo Synthesis Of Elastic Fibers In Dissected Aortas Of β-aminopropionitrile-administered Mice
Authors: Ito Sohei , Sawada Hisashi , Franklin Michael , Howatt Deborah A , Lu Hong , Daugherty Alan
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
Elastin, a major component of extracellular matrix, is vital for aortic development and maintenance of integrity. It assumed that elastin synthesis does not occur in aortas of adults, as elastin fibers are stable molecule that may have a half-life as long as ~70 years. However, there is no direct evidence to verify this speculation. In addition, it remains unclear whether and how age-dependent alteration of elastin synthesis impacts the integrity of aortic wall.

Methods and Results:
First, elastin mRNA abundance was assessed in the aorta of male C57BL/6J mice at different ages (0, 2, 4, 10, 20 and 40-week-old, n=6/group). qPCR revealed that elastin mRNA was more abundant in the aorta at 2 weeks than 0 week of age, and decreased drastically at 4 weeks of age. Of note, elastin mRNA was barely detectable after 10 weeks of age. Lysyl oxidase, a key regulator in crosslinking of elastic fibers during aortic development, were also examined. Consistent with the temporal changes in elastin mRNA abundance, both molecules peaked at 2 weeks of age, and were much less abundant after 10 weeks of age. These results indicate that elastin synthesis and crosslinking were highly activated in the juvenile phase, but diminished in the adult phase. We next investigated the impact of age-dependent deletion of elastin synthesis and crosslinking on aortic integrity. β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN, 0.5% wt/vol) was administered for 12 weeks to induce aortic aneurysms and dissections in juvenile and adult male C57BL/6J mice (4, 24 weeks of age, n=15, 37/group). Corresponding to elastin mRNA abundance, development of aortic aneurysms and dissections were observed only in mice with BAPN started at juvenile, but not adult, phase. It is noteworthy that multiple laminas of fragmented elastic fibers were detected adjacent to the false lumen of dissected aortas. Since our time course study revealed that elastin synthesis was diminished after 10 weeks of age, elastic fibers observed around the false lumen was considered to be synthesized in response to aortopathy formation.

Conclusion:
Elastin mRNA synthesis is suppressed in the aorta of adult mice. However, its synthesis is reactivated in dissected aortas of BAPN-administered mice.
Abstract 559: Left Atrial Enlargement In Primary Cryptogenic Strokes Without Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Rashid Hytham , Brown Jonathan , Pansuriya Tusharkumar , Khalaf Khaled I , Sarva Sivatej , Raza Syed
Published: November 2022

The relationship between left atrial enlargement (LAE) and primary cryptogenic stroke (PCS) remains a mystery. Previous literature found the severity of LAE to be an independent risk factor in cases of PCS, recurrent ischemic strokes, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Our study seeks to further characterize potential risk factors for patients with PCS in the absence of atrial fibrillation. Our multi-center retrospective study constructed a database of 646 patients identified with a diagnosis of cerebral infarction over a three year period. Detailed chart review excluded all patients with known etiologies for PCS including: atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, prior stroke, systolic heart failure, carotid artery stenosis, thromboembolic disease, previous anticoagulation, or an active cancer diagnosis. Diagnosis of LAE utilized a composite of criteria for transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) measurements including left atrial diameter (LAD) and left atrial volume index (LAVI). All study criteria were met by 154 patients (24%) for analysis, where baseline characteristics included: 79 (51%) male, 104 (67.5%) Caucasian, 108 (70%) diagnosis of hypertension, 80 (52%) previous or current tobacco users, and 47 (31%) diagnosis of diabetes. Our preliminary analysis found 74 (48%) of patients met at least one criteria for LAE. The mean LAD for patients with and without LAE was 4.1cm and 3.4 cm, respectively (SD .87 vs .55, p<.0001). The mean LAVI for patients with and without LAE was 29.68 mL/m
2
and 18.44 mL/m
2
, respectively (SD 7.37 vs 5.13, p<.0001). Our findings support the significance of LAE as a risk factor for cases of PCS. Multiple risk factors were identified in our study population that reflect the importance of preventative counseling for patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, histories of tobacco use, and diabetes. Further research may elucidate whether LAE alone or in the setting of comorbidities warrant universal screening practices or prophylactic therapies to prevent cases of PCS.
Distinct Transcriptomic and Proteomic Profile Specifies Patients Who Have Heart Failure With Potential of Myocardial Recovery on Mechanical Unloading and Circulatory Support
Authors: Drakos Stavros G. , Badolia Rachit , Makaju Aman , Kyriakopoulos Christos P. , Wever-Pinzon Omar , Tracy Christopher M. , Bakhtina Anna , Bia Ryan , Parnell Timothy , Taleb Iosif , Ramadurai Dinesh K.A. , Navankasattusas Sutip , Dranow Elizabeth , Hanff Thomas C. , Tseliou Eleni , Shankar Thirupura S. , Visker Joseph , Hamouche Rana , Stauder Elizabeth L. , Caine William T. , Alharethi Rami , Selzman Craig H. , Franklin Sarah
Published: November 2022

Background:

Extensive evidence from single-center studies indicates that a subset of patients with chronic advanced heart failure (HF) undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support show significantly improved heart function and reverse structural remodeling (ie, termed “responders”). Furthermore, we recently published a multicenter prospective study, RESTAGE-HF (Remission from Stage D Heart Failure), demonstrating that LVAD support combined with standard HF medications induced remarkable cardiac structural and functional improvement, leading to high rates of LVAD weaning and excellent long-term outcomes. This intriguing phenomenon provides great translational and clinical promise, although the underlying molecular mechanisms driving this recovery are largely unknown.

Methods:

To identify changes in signaling pathways operative in the normal and failing human heart and to molecularly characterize patients who respond favorably to LVAD unloading, we performed global RNA sequencing and phosphopeptide profiling of left ventricular tissue from 93 patients with HF undergoing LVAD implantation (25 responders and 68 nonresponders) and 12 nonfailing donor hearts. Patients were prospectively monitored through echocardiography to characterize their myocardial structure and function and identify responders and nonresponders.

Results:

These analyses identified 1341 transcripts and 288 phosphopeptides that are differentially regulated in cardiac tissue from nonfailing control samples and patients with HF. In addition, these unbiased molecular profiles identified a unique signature of 29 transcripts and 93 phosphopeptides in patients with HF that distinguished responders after LVAD unloading. Further analyses of these macromolecules highlighted differential regulation in 2 key pathways: cell cycle regulation and extracellular matrix/focal adhesions.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to characterize changes in the nonfailing and failing human heart by integrating multiple -omics platforms to identify molecular indices defining patients capable of myocardial recovery. These findings may guide patient selection for advanced HF therapies and identify new HF therapeutic targets.
MicroRNA-195a-5p Regulates Blood Pressure by Inhibiting NKCC2A
Authors: Hao Shoujin , Zhao Hong , Hao David H. , Ferreri Nicholas R.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Previous studies showed that miR-195a-5p was among the most abundant microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed in the kidney.

Methods:

Lentivirus silencing of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) was performed in vivo and in vitro. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that bumetanide-sensitive Na
+
-K
+
-2Cl
−
cotransporter isoform A (NKCC2A) mRNA is targeted and repressed by miR-195a-5p. Radiotelemetry was used to measure mean arterial pressure.

Results:

TNF upregulates mmu-miR-195a-5p, and -203 and downregulates mmu-miR-30c and -100 in the medullary thick ascending limb of male mice. miR-195a-5p was >3-fold higher in the renal outer medulla of mice given an intrarenal injection of murine recombinant TNF, whereas silencing TNF inhibited miR-195a-5p expression by ≈51%. Transient transfection of a miR-195a-5p mimic into medullary thick ascending limb cells suppressed NKCC2A mRNA by ≈83%, whereas transfection with Anti-miR-195a-5p increased NKCC2A mRNA. Silencing TNF in medullary thick ascending limb cells prevented increases in miR-195 induced by 400 mosmol/kg H
2
O medium, an effect reversed by transfection with a miR-195a-5p mimic. Expression of phosphorylated NKCC2 increased 1.5-fold in medullary thick ascending limb cells transfected with Anti-miR-195a-5p and a miR-195a-5p mimic prevented the increase, which was induced by silencing TNF in cells exposed to 400 mosmol/kg H
2
O medium after osmolality was increased by adding NaCl. Intrarenal injection of TNF suppressed NKCC2A mRNA, whereas injection of miR-195a-5p prevented the increase of NKCC2A mRNA abundance and phosphorylated NKCC2 expression when TNF was silenced. Intrarenal injection with miR-195a-5p markedly attenuated MAP after renal silencing of TNF in mice given 1% NaCl.

Conclusions:

The study identifies miR-195a-5p as a salt-sensitive and TNF-inducible miRNA that attenuates NaCl-mediated increases in blood pressure by inhibiting NKCC2A.
The Soaring Eagle Academy: the Inception of a Comprehensive Post-Secondary Transition Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disability in Southwest Florida
Authors: Halpern Clarisse , Carothers Douglas , Aydin Hasan
Published: November 2022

Higher education institutions committed to values of diversity, inclusion, and equity offer programs and practices that support individuals of diverse populations, including those with disabilities. Passage of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in the United States expanded access to individuals with intellectual disabilities (id) wishing to pursue higher education in Comprehensive Transition Programs (ctp s). Despite previous publications addressing the benefits of establishing such programs, little has been found regarding steps to develop these programs. Thus, this paper describes the case of the inception of the Soaring Eagle Academy (sea), a ctp for students with id in a Southwest Florida university, United States. Multiple data sources were collected and analyzed with content analysis. The findings emphasized the importance of having a collaborative team empowered and supported by the university administration to create a life-changing program that would impact students with id, their families, the campus culture, and the community. Recommendations for future research are included.
The Colomerus vitis (Eriophyidae) identity crisis: genetic evidence of highly diverged groups not associated with plant symptoms
Authors: SACCAGGI DAVINA L. , ALLSOPP ELLEUNORAH , VAN ASCH BARBARA
Published: November 2022

The worldwide grapevine pest, Colomerus vitis (Trombidiformes: Eriophyidae), comprises three strains recognised by different plant symptoms: bud, erineum, and leaf curl strains. It has been hypothesised that these may represent different cryptic species, each causing a specific symptom.
Mite-microbe gut symbiosis: Novel concept for plastic degradation and waste management
Authors: HAQ M.A.
Published: November 2022

Plastic is the challenge for every ecosystem and one of the abundant and omnipresent pollutants on the Earth today. Biodegradation of the plastic is a less explored domain of research, limited to the potential of bacteria and fungi as decomposers of few types of plastics. Partial degradation of some types of plastics by bacteria and fungi has been confirmed by studies. Ingestion of microplastics by soil microarthropods has been proposed, but confirmatory evidence on the possibility of plastic degradation by mites is not available. During the last three years of research work, we have collected information on the potential of mite-microbiome combination for targeting plastic degradation and soil fertility enhancement. Few species of oribatid mites have been identified as potential candidates for plastic consumption and digestion in laboratory cultures.
Larval Parasitengona (Acari, Prostigmata) parasitizing cave crickets (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae, Ceuthophilinae) in North America
Authors: WELBOURN CAL
Published: November 2022

The unique morphology of cave animals has interested biologists for a long time, especially with respect to eye and pigment loss. Acari have been recorded from caves around the world, but relatively few show modifications resulting from living in caves. Most mites found in caves are troglophiles or accidentals with only a few troglobitic species reported. The terrestrial Parasitengona associated with caves will be reviewed.
Real-time PCR assay for Tetranychus evansi and multiplex with three other Tetranychus species
Authors: DONGMEI  , FAN QING-HAI
Published: November 2022

Spider mites are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. Among them, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is the most important one and has a cosmopolitan distribution. The tomato red spider mite (TRSM), T. evansi Baker and Pritchard is a worldwide pest of solanaceous crops and has become a major invasive agricultural pest. Tetranychus evansi originates from South America and has recently invaded many other parts of the world, including countries of Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. Recently, it has spread to Australia and New Zealand. TRSM has a high intrinsic rate of increase and completes a generation in less than 15 days. It is reported that T. evansi has replaced T. uritcae and other endemic spider mites as the dominant pest and also colonised new host plants in the invaded countries. Furthermore, T. urticae, T. ludeni and T. lambi shared the same host as T. evansi. Tetranychus species are difficult to distinguish using traditional morphological methods, and the molecular techniques such as mitochondrial COI and ITS sequences have greatly assisted in the diagnosis of those species. However, the methods include post-PCR steps and are time-consuming. In contrast, real-time PCR assays which omit those post-PCR steps can provide rapid detection. The real-time PCR assay to identify T. urticae, T. ludeni and T. lambi were already developed and validated by us (Li et al., 2015) and by Australian scientists (Chen et al., 2020), but no assay targeting T. evansi is available. Therefore, we developed and validated a TaqMan real-time PCR protocol for rapid detection of T. evansi, by targeting ITS1 gene region. The assay specificity was tested against the closely related species, i.e., T. collyerae, T. lambi, T. ludeni, T. kanzawai, T. parakanzawai,

pueraicola, T. truncatus, T. turkestani and T. urticae. Plasmid DNA containing ITS1 sequence of T. evansi was used as standards for sensitivity tests of the real-time PCR assay. The detection limit of the assay is 10 copy of the target region, indicating that it can detect DNA from different life stage of the target species, i.e. an egg, a larva, a nymph or an adult. Furthermore, multiplex assay targeting T. evansi, T. ludeni, T. lambi and T. urticae have been validated for detection of the four species. The validation showed that the assay against T. evansi can run as singleplex and also as multiplex by targeting the four species simultaneously. This multiplex assay has been used in the surveillance programme in New Zealand and demonstrated its efficiency in detection of the target species. Moreover, the assay will be very useful for the quick identification of intercepted specimens at border and post border.
Population genomics of avian feather mites with contrasting host specificities
Authors: MATTHEWS ALIX E. , BOVES THAN J. , SWEET ANDREW D. , AMES ELIZABETH M. , BULLUCK LESLEY P. , JOHNSON ERIK I. , JOHNSON MATTHEW , PERCY KATIE L. , RAYBUCK DOUGLAS W. , SCHELSKY WENDY M. , TONRA CHRISTOPHER M. , VIVERETTE CATHERINE B. , WIJERATNE ASELA J.
Published: November 2022

Host specificity is a key element to our understanding of symbiont diversification and is driven by multiple macro- and microevolutionary processes. Broad scale (e.g., species-level) studies can uncover relevant processes such as cospeciation and host-switching that shape host-symbiont evolutionary histories.
Prey stage preference and functional response of Neoseiulus striatus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: LI YUJING , FU XIAOTONG , ZENG KEKE , MENG RUIXIA
Published: November 2022

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is one of the most serious phytophagous mites affecting maize in China. Recently, a species of predatory mite, Neoseiulus striatus Wu (Acari: Phytoseiidae), was found on maize plants in Inner Mongolia. To understand the potential of N. striatus as a biocontrol agent agsinst T. urticae, prey stage preference of N. striatus for T. urticae and functional response of N. striatus to T. urticae were explored in a climate chamber set at 25 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% RH, and a 16:8 h (L:D) photoperiod. The immature stages (eggs, larvae and nymphs) of T. urticae were used to avoid the influence of oviposition of female adults on the experimental results. In the no-choice experiment, N. striatus consumed significantly more larvae than on the other prey stages of T. urticae. At same time, in the choice experiment, N. striatus also significantly preferred larvae, followed by eggs and then nymphs of T. urticae. Neoseiulus striatus displayed a type II functional response on all immature stages of T. urticae. The number of prey consumed by N. striatus increased with the increase in prey density. In contrast, the predation rate of N. striatus decreased with increasing prey density, indicating that the proportions of prey consumed by N. striatus were higher at lower prey densities. Meanwhile, the highest attack rate of N. striatus was recorded when it fed on larvae of T. urticae, whereas the shortest handling time of N. striatus was recorded when it fed on eggs of T. urticae. In conclusion, N. striatus appears to be a promising natural enemy against T. urticae, especially at low prey densities. Thus, releasing N. striatus at the early occurrence of T. urticae may be an efficient method for suppressing the population of T. urticae and prevent their establishment on maize.
Effects of drought-stressed rubber plants on the development and reproduction of Oligonychus biharensis and Eotetranychus sexmaculatus
Authors: NIE YUE , LIU YA , ZHENG LIJIU , CHEN JUNYU , LIN YULUN , FU YUEGUAN
Published: November 2022

The spider mites, Oligonychus biharensis and Eotetranychus sexmaculatus, are two major pests of rubber trees which are very important tropical crop in China (Liu et al. 2022). They normally caused more serious damages in drought seasons and various species showed differences in infestation severity (Wang et al. 2019; Liu et al. 2022). This study aims to understand the effects of drought stress on the occurrence of the spider mites by measuring the development and reproductive characteristics of O. biharensis and E. sexmaculatus on high (30%≤W<40%), moderate (40%≤W<50%), mild (50%≤W<60%) drought-stressed and control plants (60%≤W<80%) under the conditions of 30±1℃, 75±5%RH and 14L:10D photoperiod in artificial climate chambers.
Host specificity varies widely in dispersal-limited symbionts
Authors: MATTHEWS ALIX E. , WIJERATNE ASELA J. , SWEET ANDREW D. , HERNANDES FABIO A. , TOEWS DAVID P.L. , BOVES THAN J.
Published: November 2022

A fundamental aspect of symbiotic relationships is host specificity, ranging from extreme specialists associated with only a single host species to generalists associated with many different species. Although symbionts with limited dispersal abilities are typically host specialists, some are known to associate with multiple hosts, but our understanding of the causes and consequences of this variation is limited.
Response to an incursion of tomato red spider mite Tetranychus evansi in New Zealand
Authors: FAN QING-HAI , LI DONGMEI , GEORGE SHERLY
Published: November 2022

The tomato red spider mite (TRSM), Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae) was first detected from black nightshade Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae) near Auckland Airport on 21 May 2020 (Ministry for Primary Industries. 2020a, b; Fan et al. 2021). A preliminary investigation revealed more mites within 0.5 km away from the original site. Subsequently, two more sites were found positive for TRSM, one was approximately 20 km north east of the original site and the other about 9 km east of the original site. The analysis of DNA sequences of the detected mites indicated that the TRSM in Auckland belonged to the Lineage I, indicating that there was a single incursion. A response was initiated, and a delimiting survey was carried out, targeting the areas along the State Highway One including the nearby agricultural production farms between Auckland and Whangarei, and Auckland and Hamilton. A total of 541 site searches were carried out and TRSM was detected in eight sites covering an area of 91.4 km2 across the Auckland region.
Revisiting Brevipalpus californicus: a species complex under review and its potential role in the transmission of dichorhaviruses
Authors: TASSI ALINE DANIELE , OCHOA RONALD , RAMOS-GONZÁLEZ PEDRO LUIS , KITAJIMA ELLIOT W. , FREITAS-ASTÚA JULIANA , CARRILLO DANIEL
Published: November 2022

Brevipalpus-transmitted viruses (BTVs) cause economically important diseases such as citrus leprosis, widespread in Latin America, and coffee ringspot, found mainly in Brazil. One BTV, the orchid fleck virus, has a worldwide distribution infecting orchids.
Kinship mediates the expression of alternative reproductive tactics in competing spider mite males
Authors: SCHAUSBERGER PETER , NGUYEN THI HANH , ALTINTAS MUSTAFA
Published: November 2022

Owing to its fitness implications, the degree of genetic relatedness within and between the sexes is a highly significant determinant in mate competition, mate choice and mating success. The role of kinship in the expression of alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) has been rarely investigated. Here we scrutinized kinship effects on male ARTs in two-spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae.
Diet experiences early in life mold individual foraging niches and personalities of omnivorous predatory mites
Authors: NGUYEN THI HANH , SCHAUSBERGER PETER
Published: November 2022

The theory of individual niche specialization posits that members of local groups should diversify in their realized individual diet niches to alleviate inter-individual food competition and ensuing conflicts (Bolnick et al. 2003). Here we tested the hypothesis that early life experiences co-shape individual specialization in diet niches and animal personality expression in the omnivorous plant-inhabiting predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii.
Tick richness may be correlated with abundance of a specific host
Authors: OKABE KIMIKO , IIJIMA HAYATO , FURUKAWA TAKUYA , WATARI YUYA , MORISHIMA KAORI
Published: November 2022

Ticks are important vectors of several zoonoses such as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and Japanese spotted fever (JSF), which have been increasing and expanding from west to east in Japan. Since there are no vaccines or treatments for SFTS and TBE and it is difficult to treat JSF in time, tick vector control is necessary. Given that a variety of tick species are involved in the transmission processes, host-animal control might be most effective.
The true identity of Eutrombicula alfreddugesi (Oudemans, 1910) (Acari: Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae)
Authors: BASSINI-SILVA R. , WELBOURN C. , OCHOA R. , BARROS-BATTESTI D.M. , JACINAVICIUS F.C.
Published: November 2022

The genus Eutrombicula Ewing (Trombiculidae) currently includes more than 80 species parasitizing amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals worldwide. More than forty species have been recorded from the Americas. Eutrombicula alfreddugesi (Oudemans) is the type species for the genus and has been recorded from: Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela. In the present study, we redescribed E. alfreddugesi based on examination of the types deposited at the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre (formerly Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, RMNH), Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands. Drawings were made using a phase contrast microscopy Nikon eclipse E600 and all the figures were prepared using Inkscape and Photoshop software. After examination of the types described by Oudemans in 1910, we noticed differences between type slides and the numerous redescriptions made over the last 100+ years. While none of the characters observed will affect the diagnosis of the genus, we did find characters to reliably identify this species. However, all the records for this species from the Americas should be reviewed considering our redescription. In this study, we provided a redescription of E. alfreddugesi, as a starting point for the reorganizing of all records of this and other Eutrombicula species in the Americas.
On two species of Aniptumnus Ng, 2002 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pilumnidae) from India, with a description of a new species from the coast of Kerala
Authors: HARI P. PRAVED , HERSHEY N. REGINA , MENDOZA JOSE CHRISTOPHER E.
Published: November 2022

The taxonomy of two species of Indian pilumnid crabs is treated herein. Heteropanope neolaevis Deb, 1985, originally described from northeastern India, is retained in the genus Aniptumnus Ng, 2002 as a valid species and removed from synonymy with Aniptumnus quadridentatus (De Man, 1895). A new species, Aniptumnus bijoyi, is described from southwestern India, based on distinguishing features in the carapace, thoracic sternum, pereopods and gonopods. With these developments, five species of Aniptumnus are now recognized.
Music in the Operating Room: Comparing the Opinions of Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, and Nurses
Authors: Lamberton Tessa , de Virgilio Christian , Terrell James , Moazzez Ashkan , Combs Kristen , Nafday Revati , Salazar Daniel , Yazdany Tajnoos , Calhoun Colonya , Yetasook Amy
Published: November 2022

Background

Music is part of operating room (OR) culture; however, some personnel may perceive music as a distraction.

Methods

A single institution survey of surgeons (SURG), anesthesia (ANES), and nursing (NURS) regarding attitudes on music in the OR.

Results

There were 222 responses (67% response rate) agreeing that music in the OR should be allowed (91%), is calming (75%), and helps with focus (63%). Most did not feel music was distracting (63%) or unsafe (80%). SURG were more likely to state that surgeons should decide (46.7%) if music should be played, whereas ANES and NURS (81%) were more likely to feel decisions should be made collaboratively (P < .001).

Conclusion

Most OR personnel feel positively towards music. Surgeons were more likely to believe the decision to play music should be the surgeon’s choice. The majority of OR staff agreed with collaborative decision-making, aligning with creating a safe OR culture.
Mechanical Ventilation Does Not Predict Pneumothorax Observation Failure in the Severely Injured
Authors: Pokrzywa Courtney J. , Figueroa Juan , Gomez Jose , Karam Basil , Murphy Patrick , Iverson Katie , Morris Rachel , Carver Tom , Milia David , de Moya Marc
Published: November 2022

Background

Observative management of small traumatic pneumothoraces (PTX) has been shown to decrease chest tube utilization in non-mechanically ventilated patients without compromising outcomes. This approach could be used in mechanically ventilated (MV) patients, though many feel these patients are at increased risk of observation failure.

Methods

A single center retrospective study of all adults undergoing observation of a computed tomography (CT) diagnosed PTX from 2015-2019. Patients with chest tube placement within 4-hours of arrival, concurrent hemothorax, or death within 24-hours were excluded. Observation failure was defined as chest tube placement.

Results

Of 340 patients, 64 were on MV. The groups were of similar age, BMI, underlying pulmonary comorbidities, and PTX size (10.1 mm vs 8.8 mm, P = .20). The MV group was more severely injured (ISS [25+] [60.9% vs 11.2%, P < .001]). There was no difference in observation failure rates by MV status overall (6.3% vs 5.1%, P = .75) or by PTX size (<15 mm [5% vs 2.2%, P = .37], <20 mm [4.8% vs 3.1%, P = .45], <25 mm [4.8% vs 4.1%, P = .73], <30 mm [4.8% vs 4.1%, P = .73], <35 mm [4.8% vs 4.7%, P = 1.00]). MV was not an independent predictor of observation failure on multivariable analysis (OR .64, 95% CI .18-2.20), though PTX size was (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.17). When comparing those who failed vs those who did not, the only difference was PTX size (9.34 mm vs 19.41 mm, P < .001).

Conclusion

MV is not an independent predictor of PTX observation failure. While PTX size appears to play a role, further studies are needed to outline safe parameters for observation in those undergoing MV.
Strengthening or Restricting? Explaining the Covid-19 Pandemic’s Configurational Effects on Companies’ Sustainability Strategies and Practices
Authors: Hamann Ralph , Sewlal Alecia , Pariag-Maraye Neeveditah , Muthuri Judy , Amaeshi Kenneth , Nwagwu Ijeoma , Soderbergh Jenny
Published: November 2022

We explore the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on companies’ sustainability strategies and practices. Prior research has identified a number of factors that shape such effects, including crisis severity, resource slack, and prior investments, but their interactions have not been given much attention. We thus collected qualitative data on 25 companies in four African countries, which we analyzed inductively and iteratively through cross-case comparison and with fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. We identify two pathways associated with strengthening responses (“building on strengths” and “governance gap-filling”) and three associated with restricting responses (“hard hit,” “low-road business-as-usual,” and “bunkering down”). Our findings enhance our understanding of organizational responses to crises by attending to configurational effects, by elaborating the role of prior sustainability investments, and by foregrounding the relevance of governance contexts. We describe implications for future research and managers, investors, and sustainability initiatives such as the United Nations Global Compact.
COVID labour: Making a ‘livable’ life under lockdown
Authors: Twamley Katherine , Faircloth Charlotte , Iqbal Humera
Published: November 2022

Drawing on qualitative longitudinal data from 38 families with children in the UK collected between May 2020 and June 2021, this article discusses the extra everyday labour which individuals experienced in going about their daily lives during COVID-19. In particular, we examine in detail the everyday practices of negotiating risk and caring for self and others within the context of the pandemic. We call this COVID labour – the work involved in living through and adjusting to a pandemic. We identify this as constituting three main aspects: seeking and interpreting information; assessing risk; and minimising risk. Like other forms of labour, it is stratified by gender, class and ethnicity. Overall, the analysis contributes to a greater understanding of everyday life ‘under lockdown’ for families with children, and how ‘livable’ lives are made under times of great risk.
Regulation of the fabric wet adhesion property through structural design of desirable scale: A theoretical suggestion
Authors: Lou Lin , Eshetu Abtew Aster , Yuan Jie , Yuan Jiangliang , Kuang Ye , Yang Yang , Wang Qing , Sun Yue , Wu Ying , Wang Liqiang , Qiu Yiping
Published: November 2022

It is a universal phenomenon existing in both manufacture and everyday life that fabrics tend to adhere under wet condition. The phenomenon is closely related to the interaction of the fabric surface structure and the liquid. Among the complex structures and numerous varieties of fabrics, the features of typical fabric structures are employed to establish a geometrical model (including structural configuration of spherical protrusion, cylinder, loop, and pore) in order to investigate wet adhesion property under the existence of massive liquid media. Through mechanical analysis on material-liquid bridge system (consisting of fabric material, liquid bridge adhering to the material, and the solid-liquid interface), a quantitative computational theoretical model is built with parameters including critical distance [Formula: see text], radius of the structure R*, apparent receding contact angle [Formula: see text], wetted sphere angle [Formula: see text], and so on, finding the rules and proposing a series of preferred ranges of regulating structural parameters to effectively achieve desirable fabric wet adhesion property in different circumstances. The research findings could be applied to the scientific prediction and on demand regulation of fabric wet adhesion property. They are of great significance with regard to improving the convenience of fabric wet processing, application properties under wet environments, apparel health and comfort for human body, and so on.
Testing the Communication During Sexual Activity Model: An Examination of the Associations among Personality Characteristics, Sexual Communication, and Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Bennett-Brown Margaret , Denes Amanda
Published: November 2022

Preliminary evidence suggests that communication during and after sexual activity is linked to positive sexual and relational assessments, but the process of communication during sexual activity (i.e., predictors and outcomes of such behavior) has yet to be explicated. As such, the current study puts forth the Communication During Sexual Activity model, which posits that one’s propensity for affectionate communication, sexual self-esteem, and sexual assertiveness predict verbal communication during sexual activity, which in turn is associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction. Within a sample of emerging adults, structural equation modeling revealed that sexual self-esteem and trait affection were positively associated with communication during sexual activity. However, sexual assertiveness did not significantly predict communication during sexual activity. Communication during sexual activity was also positively associated with sexual satisfaction, and indirectly associated with relationship satisfaction through sexual satisfaction. The implications of the findings for future sexual communication research and interventions are addressed.
What Makes Populist Messages Persuasive? Experimental Evidence for How Emotions and Issue Characteristics Moderate Populist Framing Effects
Authors: Dekeyser Dieter , Roose Henk
Published: November 2022

Research asserts that populist messages are more persuasive when the audience’s predispositions align with the framing and topic of these messages. Yet, few studies have empirically analyzed this assertion. In this article, we examine how people’s emotional reactions to social issues (fear/anger) and the belief that society is in decline condition people’s reactions to populist framed messages, and whether a populist framing is more persuasive on specific issues—that is, the European refugee crisis, climate change, or the pension crisis. We also focus on two effects of populist messages: issue-specific attributions of responsibility and populist attitudes. Based on a survey experiment, we find that people who are more fearful about social issues express more populist attitudes after reading a populist framed message, compared to a pluralist framed message, and that populist messages increase the attribution of responsibility to politicians for the European refugee crisis and climate change (i.e., global issues).
Living is Easy With Eyes Closed: Avoidance of Targeted Political Advertising in Response to Privacy Concerns, Perceived Personalization, and Overload
Authors: Stubenvoll Marlis , Binder Alice , Noetzel Selina , Hirsch Melanie , Matthes Jörg
Published: November 2022

Political parties increasingly rely on sophisticated targeting strategies to persuade potential voters. However, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of targeted political ads, considering that citizens frequently oppose the use of their data for political purposes. In this study, we investigate three avoidance behaviors that citizens might employ in order to circumvent targeted political ads: cognitive avoidance, blocking behaviors, and privacy-protective behaviors. We test if privacy concerns, perceived personalization, and overload explain why individuals resort to avoidance behaviors. Moreover, we explore interrelations between the different avoidance strategies. Findings from a two-wave panel study ( N = 428) in the context of the Viennese state election showed that privacy concerns increased cognitive avoidance and privacy-protective behaviors. In contrast, perceived personalization decreased cognitive avoidance and blocking behaviors. Cognitive avoidance further reduced privacy-protective behaviors over time, indicating that low-effort strategies might inhibit preventive actions against data collection practices.
Accuracy and User Satisfaction for an Audible Prescription Reader Among Adults With Low Vision and Blindness
Authors: Jackson Leslie , Bradway Trevor , Lefevers Victoria , Li Yulun , Olson Annabel
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Research is needed to support accuracy and safe self-management of prescriptions among individuals living with low vision or blindness. This study evaluated user accuracy & satisfaction with the ScripTalk® device, an audible prescription reader, among participants with low vision and blindness. Methods: This mixed methods study utilized snowball and convenience sampling through low vision support groups in Indiana. Researchers trained 23 participants (69.6% female, 30.4% male, M age = 64.04, SD = 14.7 years) to use the ScripTalk® device for reading three empty prescription bottles, equipped with radio-frequency ID labels. Accuracy represented correct responses to 12 questions about the labels’ content. The QUEST 2.0's Device Subscale (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82) evaluated user satisfaction with the device. Participants answered six qualitative questions about their perceptions of the device. Results: Statistical analysis indicated highest frequencies of satisfaction occurred for Ease in Adjusting (100%), Comfort (100%), Ease of Use (95.6%), and the Weight (95.6%) of the device. Spearman rank order correlation coefficient tests revealed inverse relationships between participants’ accuracy rates and their satisfaction with the device's durability (rho = −0.690, p < .001) and safety & security (rho = −0.834, p < .001). Participants perceived the device as easy to use, adjustable, comfortable, and lightweight for reading prescription labels. However, the auditory quality posed challenges to identify unfamiliar prescription names. Health care professionals may need to provide additional training and practice opportunities with audible prescription readers to support consumers with low vision or blindness, particularly when new medications are prescribed.
Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery to Resect a Solitary Trigeminal Neurofibroma Involving the Infratemporal Fossa: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Pan-Pan , Liu Xue-bing , Ma Shu-ying , Chen Lei , Shuang Yu , Li Chao
Published: November 2022

Trigeminal neurofibromas are rarely reported, and even rarer when involving the infratemporal fossa. We describe the case of a 58-year-old man incidentally found through magnetic resonance imaging to have a tumor situated mainly in the infratemporal fossa. The tumor derived from the third branch of the trigeminal nerve and was totally removed by endoscopic endonasal surgery. Final pathology confirmed a diagnosis of neurofibroma. The patient had no intraoperative or postoperative complications except for numbness of the face. During the 6 years of follow-up, there has been no tumor progress or recurrence. We consider that endoscopic endonasal surgery is feasible in treating trigeminal neurofibromas involving the infratemporal fossa.