bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudodominant Alport syndrome caused by pathogenic homozygous and compound heterozygous COL4A3 splicing variants
Authors: Mohamed Maha , Tellez James , Bergmann Carsten , Gale Daniel P. , Sayer John A. , Olinger Eric
Published: December 2021

Alport syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting the basement membranes of the kidney, ear and eye, and represents a leading cause of monogenic kidney disease. Alport syndrome is genetically heterogeneous with three key genes involved (COL4A3‐5) and several transmission patterns, including monogenic X‐linked, autosomal recessive/dominant and digenic. We report a consanguineous family where 13 individuals presented variable features of Alport syndrome including kidney failure on two generations and male‐to‐male transmission, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance. COL4A3‐5 gene panel analysis surprisingly reveals two distinct, confirmed splice‐altering variants in COL4A3 (NM_000091.4: c.1150+5G>A and c.4028‐3C>T) present in homozygous or compound heterozygous state in individuals with kidney failure. This adds a further mode of transmission for Alport syndrome where, in a consanguineous family, the independent segregation of two variants at the same locus may create a pseudodominant transmission pattern. These findings highlight the importance of a molecular diagnosis in Alport syndrome for genetic risk counselling, given the variable modes of inheritance, but also the pitfalls of assuming identity by descent in consanguineous families.
Host‐microbe metatranscriptome reveals differences between acute and chronic infections in diabetes‐related foot ulcers
Authors: Malone Matthew , Radzieta Michael , Peters Timothy J. , Dickson Hugh G. , Schwarzer Saskia , Jensen Slade O. , Lavery Lawrence A.
Published: December 2021

Virtually all diabetes‐related foot ulcers (DRFUs) will become colonized by microorganisms that may increase the risk of developing an infection. The reasons why some ulcerations develop acute clinical infections (AI‐DRFUs) whilst others develop chronic infection (CI‐DRFUs) and the preceding host‐microbe interactions in vivo remain largely unknown. Establishing that acute and chronic infections are distinct processes requires demonstrating that these are two different strategies employed by microbes when interacting with a host. In this study, dual‐RNA seq was employed to differentiate the host‐microbe metatranscriptome between DRFUs that had localized chronic infection or acute clinical infection. Comparison of the host metatranscriptome in AI‐DRFUs relative to CI‐DRFUs identified upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that functioned as regulators of vascular lymphatic inflammatory responses, T‐cell signalling and olfactory receptors. Conversely, CI‐DRFUs upregulated DEGs responsible for cellular homeostasis. Gene set enrichment analysis using Hallmark annotations revealed enrichment of immune and inflammatory profiles in CI‐DRFUs relative to AI‐DRFUs. Analysis of the microbial metatranscriptome identified the DEGs being enriched within AI‐DRFUs relative to CI‐DRFUs included several toxins, two‐component systems, bacterial motility, secretion systems and genes encoding for energy metabolism. Functions relevant to DRFU pathology were further explored, including biofilm and bacterial pathogenesis. This identified that the expression of biofilm‐associated genes was higher within CI‐DRFUs compared to that of AI‐DRFUs, with mucR being the most highly expressed gene. Collectively, these data provide insights into the host‐microbe function in two clinically‐distinct infective phenotypes that affect DRFUs. The data reveal that bacteria in acutely infected DRFUs prioritize motility over biofilm and demonstrate greater pathogenicity and mechanisms, which likely subvert host cellular and immune pathways to establish infection. Upregulation of genes for key vascular inflammatory mediators in acutely infected ulcers may contribute, in part, to the clinical picture of a red, hot, swollen foot, which differentiates an acutely infected ulcer from that of a chronic infection.
Assessment of hepatic steatosis based on needle biopsy images from deceased donor livers
Authors: Cherchi Vittorio , Mea Vincenzo Della , Terrosu Giovanni , Brollo Pier Paolo , Pravisani Riccardo , Calandra Sergio , Scarpa Edoardo , Ventin Marco , D'Alì Lorenzo , Lorenzin Dario , Loreto Carla Di , Risaliti Andrea , Baccarani Umberto
Published: December 2021

Background

Assessment of hepatic steatosis (HS) before transplantation requires the pathologist to read a graft biopsy. A simple method based on the evaluation of images from tissue samples with a smartphone could expedite and facilitate the liver selection. This study aims to assess the degree of HS by analysing photographic images from liver needle biopsy samples.

Methods

Thirty‐three biopsy‐images were acquired with a smartphone. Image processing was carried out using ImageJ: background subtraction, conversion to HSB colour space, segmentation of the biopsy area, and evaluation of statistical features of Hue, Saturation, Brightness, Red, Green, and Blue channels on the biopsy area. After feature extraction, correlations were made with gold standard HS percentage assessed at two levels (frozen‐section vs glass‐slide). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for each feature.

Results

Correlations were found for H, S, R. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the final classifier based on the K* algorithm were 94%, 92%, 94%.

Limitations

Accuracy assessment was performed considering macrovesicular steatosis on specimens with mostly < 30% HS.

Conclusions

The steatosis assessment based on needle biopsy images, proved to be an effective and promising method. Deep learning approaches could also be experimented with a larger set of images
Modified underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for a laterally spreading tumor: “Underwater” snaring and “undergas” resection
Authors: Kagemoto Kaizo , Takeuchi Yoji , Okamoto Koichi
Published: December 2021

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Dynamics of microbial residues in highland agroecosystems as affected by cropping systems and fertilisation in a 31‐year‐long experiment
Authors: Su Fuyuan , Chen Xu , Zhang Liqiong , Hao Mingde , Wei Xiaorong
Published: December 2021

Microbial residues are essential for soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation and stability. However, the interactive effects of cropping system and fertilisation on microbial residues and their contributions to SOC have not been addressed. Herein, we used amino sugars as tracers for microbial residues and analysed the dynamics of microbial residues in a 31‐year‐long experiment in a highland agroecosystem to understand how effects of fertilisation vary with cropping systems. The cropping systems included continuous alfalfa (AC, a pure legume system), continuous winter wheat (WC, a non‐legume system) and grain‐legume rotation (GLR) system. The fertilization treatments were the unfertilised control (CK), phosphorus (P), P and nitrogen (NP) and NP and manure (NPM). When averaged across the experimental periods, compared with the GLR and WC systems, the AC system increased microbial residues, the ratio of fungal‐to‐bacterial residues and the contribution of fungal residues to SOC. The NP and NPM increased microbial residues, and the effects of NPM were greater than those of NP. However, the contribution of microbial residues to SOC was lower in the NPM treatment than that in the NP treatment. The effects of NP or NPM on microbial residues were similar among cropping systems, while the effect of P was greater in the AC system but smaller in the WC system in comparison with those in the GLR system. Therefore, the pure legume cropping system was conducive to SOC accumulation mainly by increasing fungal residues in soils. Manure combined with chemical fertilisers was more beneficial to the accumulation of microbial residues, but SOC accumulation caused by it was less attributable to the increase in microbial‐derived C. Moreover, P fertiliser was crucial for the accumulation of microbial residues in legume‐included cropping systems.

Highlights

This study addresses effects of fertilization on microbial residues in three cropping systems.

The effects of NP or NPM on microbial residues were similar among cropping systems.

The effect of P fertilizer on microbial residues varied with cropping system.

Legume cropping system was conducive to SOC accumulation mainly by increasing fungal residues.
Evolution of manipulative microbial behaviors in the rhizosphere
Authors: Klein Malin , Stewart Justin D. , Porter Stephanie S. , Weedon James T. , Kiers E. Toby
Published: December 2021

The rhizosphere has been called “one of the most complex ecosystems on earth” because it is a hotspot for interactions among millions of microbial cells. Many of these are microbes are also participating in a dynamic interplay with host plant tissues, signaling pathways, and metabolites. Historically, breeders have employed a plant‐centric perspective when trying to harness the potential of microbiome‐derived benefits to improve productivity and resilience of economically important plants. This is potentially problematic because: (i) the evolution of the microbes themselves is often ignored, and (ii) it assumes that the fitness of interacting plants and microbes is strictly aligned. In contrast, a microbe‐centric perspective recognizes that putatively beneficial microbes are still under selection to increase their own fitness, even if there are costs to the host. This can lead to the evolution of sophisticated, potentially subtle, ways for microbes to manipulate the phenotype of their hosts, as well as other microbes in the rhizosphere. We illustrate this idea with a review of cases where rhizosphere microbes have been demonstrated to directly manipulate host root growth, architecture and exudation, host nutrient uptake systems, and host immunity and defense. We also discuss indirect effects, whereby fitness outcomes for the plant are a consequence of ecological interactions between rhizosphere microbes. If these consequences are positive for the plant, they can potentially be misconstrued as traits that have evolved to promote host growth, even if they are a result of selection for unrelated functions. The ubiquity of both direct microbial manipulation of hosts and context‐dependent, variable indirect effects leads us to argue that an evolutionary perspective on rhizosphere microbial ecology will become increasingly important as we continue to engineer microbial communities for crop production.
Small plaque psoriasis re‐visited: A type of psoriasis mediated by a type‐I interferon pathway
Authors: Khosravi‐Hafshejani Touraj , Ghoreishi Mehran , Vera Kellet Cristian , Crawford Richard I. , Martinka Magdalena , Dutz Jan P.
Published: December 2021

TNFα‐inhibitor‐induced psoriasis is mediated by the type‐I interferon pathway, of which IFNα, LL37 and IL‐36γ are major players. A subset of patients treated with TNFα inhibitors develop small plaque psoriatic lesions. Small plaque psoriasis is similarly observed in patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and with concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or positive antinuclear antibody (ANA). Small plaque psoriasis is also the predominant phenotype in Asian populations. The association between small plaque psoriasis morphology in various clinical scenarios and the type‐I interferon pathway has not been previously studied. A cross‐sectional study was conducted of patients who developed small plaque psoriasis and had a biopsy for diagnostic clarification between 2009 and 2017. We obtained skin specimens from 14 adults with small plaque psoriasis: four patients taking anti‐TNFα treatment, four patients with antecedent SLE, three patients with concurrent ANA positivity and three patients taking ICI. Controls included three patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Histology confirmed psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia with focal lichenoid and spongiotic features. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher expression of IFNα‐induced MXA, LL37 and IL‐36γ in all clinical scenarios of small plaque psoriasis compared to chronic plaque psoriasis. There was decreased CD8 T‐cell migration to the epidermis and variability in the number of LAMP3+ cytoplasmic dendritic cells in the dermis of small plaque psoriasis. The findings suggest that small plaque psoriasis is a unique type of psoriasis with a distinct morphology and immune‐phenotype, primarily mediated by the type‐I interferon pathway. Associating morphology and disease pathogenesis may help identify therapeutic targets for better disease control.
An improved chaotic ideal gas molecular movement algorithm for engineering optimization problems
Authors: Varaee Hesam , Ghasemi Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2021

Recently, the ideal gas molecular movement (IGMM) optimization algorithm was introduced by the authors. It is inspired by the movement and collision behaviour of the ideal gas molecules in an isolated medium. Although the IGMM could perform a high potential in determining the global optimum, improving its convergence behaviour came to the attention of the present investigation to deal with any type of especially highly nonlinear optimization problems. For that purpose, two actions took place hybridly. One was the simulation of the vibrational motion of gas molecules, especially at the early stages of the optimization process. The second simultaneous move concerned the non‐repetitive nature of chaotic maps which could diversify the molecules, reduce the threat of premature convergence and improve the convergence speed of the IGMM algorithm. Therefore, this article investigates 10 different chaotic map functions and a random number generator along with four different Vibrational‐based Chaotic IGMM (VCIGMM) strategies to still improve the speed of convergence. The results of applying the proposed algorithm to various numerical and engineering benchmark problems, intensely show that the chaotic maps, merged with vibrational motion of gas molecules, significantly improved the performance of the IGMM. It could considerably outperform some of the well‐known meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms in the literature.
Overlapping community detection in complex networks using fuzzy theory, balanced link density, and label propagation
Authors: Jokar Ehsan , Mosleh Mohammad , Kheyrandish Mohammad
Published: December 2021

Complex networks represent various real‐world systems. Overlapping community detection is one of the critical tasks in studying these networks and has significance to a wide variety of applications, including the exploration of online social networks because of the natural attitude of persons to participate in multiple communities at the same time. Despite a large number of existing community detection algorithms for detecting disjoint communities, the efficient and fast uncovering of overlapping communities has remained a challenging problem. To provide an efficient solution, on the one hand, the balanced link density label propagation (BLDLP) algorithm, proposed by the authors of the current study, is a fast, stable, and efficient method for disjoint community detection. On the other hand, the fuzzy theory is a worthwhile approach for overlapping community detection since it provides the membership rate of the overlapping nodes as well as the detection of overlapping communities. Hence, in this paper, based on the synergy of the BLDLP algorithm and the fuzzy theory, a novel method, called fuzzy BLDLP, for overlapping community detection is proposed. Fuzzy BLDLP is fast and efficient. The proposed method needs no prior information about the number of network communities to discover them. The experiments on both synthetic and real‐world known networks, including Zachary, Dolphins, and COVID‐19 Co‐authorship, have revealed that the proposed method successfully detects the overlapping nodes and communities and hence is comparable with the state‐of‐the‐art overlapping community detection algorithms in terms of recall, precision, F‐score and overlapping normalized mutual information.
Social behavior in 16p11.2 and 22q11.2 copy number variations: Insights from mice and humans
Authors: Benedetti Arianna , Molent Cinzia , Barcik Weronika , Papaleo Francesco
Published: December 2021

Genetic 16p11.2 and 22q11.2 deletions and duplications in humans may alter behavioral developmental trajectories increasing the risk of autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In this review, we will concentrate on 16p11.2 and 22q11.2 deletions' effects on social functioning, beyond diagnostic categorization. We highlight diagnostic and social sub‐constructs discrepancies. Notably, we contrast evidence from human studies with social profiling performed in several mouse models mimicking 16p11.2 and 22q11.2 deletion syndromes. Given the complexity of social behavior, there is a need to assess distinct social processes. This will be important to better understand the biology underlying such genetic‐dependent dysfunctions, as well as to give perspective on how therapeutic strategies can be improved. Bridges and divergent points between human and mouse studies are highlighted. Overall, we give challenges and future perspectives to sort the genetics of social heterogeneity.
Engaging veteran stakeholders to identify patient‐centred research priorities for optimizing implementation of lung cancer screening
Authors: Yan Alice , Hooyer Katinka , Asan Onur , Flower Mark , Whittle Jeff
Published: December 2021

Background

Patient engagement in research agenda setting is increasingly being seen as a strategy to improve the responsiveness of healthcare to patient priorities. Implementation of low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer is suboptimal, suggesting that research is needed.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe an approach by which a Veteran patient group worked with other stakeholders to develop a research agenda for LDCT screening and to describe the research questions that they prioritized.

Methods

We worked with Veterans organizations to identify 12 Veterans or family members at risk for or having experience with lung cancer to form a Patient Advisory Council (PAC). The PAC met repeatedly from June 2018 to December 2020, both independently and jointly, with stakeholders representing clinicians, health administrators and researchers to identify relevant research topics. The PAC prioritized these topics and then identified questions within these areas where research was needed using an iterative process. Finally, they ranked the importance of obtaining answers to these questions.

Results

PAC members valued the co‐learning generated by interactions with stakeholders, but emphasized the importance of facilitation to avoid stakeholders dominating the discussion. The PAC prioritized three broad research areas—(1) the impact of insurance on uptake of LDCT; (2) how best to inform Veterans about LDCT; and (3) follow‐up and impact of screening results. Using these areas as guides, PAC members identified 20 specific questions, ranking as most important (1) innovative outreach methods, (2) the impact of screening on psychological health, and (3) the impact of outsourcing scans from VA to non‐VA providers on completion of recommended follow‐up of screening results. The latter two were not identified as high priority by the stakeholder group.

Conclusions

We present an approach that facilitates co‐learning between Veteran patients and providers, researchers and health system administrators to increase patient confidence in their ability to contribute important information to a research agenda. The research questions prioritized by the Veterans who participated in this project illustrate that for this new screening technology, patients are concerned about the practical details of implementation (e.g., follow‐up) and the technology's impact on quality of life.

Patient or Public Contribution

Veterans and Veteran advocates contributed to our research team throughout the entire research process, including conceiving and co‐authoring this manuscript.
Impact of COVID‐19 on the burden of care of families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Navas Patricia , Verdugo Miguel Ángel , Martínez Sergio , Amor Antonio M. , Crespo Manuela , Deliu Madalin M.
Published: December 2021

Aim

This study analysed the impact that COVID‐19 and the response measures implemented by the Spanish Government have had on families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Method

Data on 323 family members (M = 52.3 years old; SD = 10.5) were collected through an online survey, which was focused on analysing difficulties experienced and service provision during lockdown.

Results

Many families (66.3%) have seen their level of stress increased during lockdown because of, among other reasons, a greater burden of care. Difficulties were associated with the closure and changes in disability‐related services. Families of people with extensive support needs have generally experienced greater difficulties.

Conclusion

Support services should have been considered essential services during lockdown. The failure to receive support has resulted in excessive burden on families, who had to assume a multitude of roles to support their family member with intellectual and developmental disability.
Impact of blood pressure changes on myocardial work indices in hypertensive patients in a day
Authors: Li Xinhao , Liu Quande , Bao Wuyun , Li Mengmeng , Zhang Yu , Wan Xiaoyu , Zhang Mei
Published: December 2021

Evaluating left ventricular function through instantaneous left ventricular deformation parameters might not always be accurate for patients with high fluctuations in blood pressure value due to afterload dependence. Myocardial work (MW) is a more advanced tool that combines global myocardial longitudinal strain (GLS) with LV (left ventricular) systolic pressure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of blood pressure changes on MW indices in the population with normal blood pressure and hypertension in a day. A total of 117 participants (34 control subjects and 83 hypertensive patients) underwent echocardiographic measurements at rest, twice a day. Simultaneously, the brachial blood pressure was also measured. LV pressure‐strain loop (PSL) was used to calculate global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE). The differences in the GLS and MW indices between the groups were compared, and the correlation of blood pressure changes with the changes in GLS and MW indices were evaluated. Compared to the control group, the hypertensive group showed higher GWI, GCW, and GWW but lower GLS and GWE. Absolute changes in blood pressure, GLS, and MW indices in hypertensive patients were significantly higher than that of the control subjects. Blood pressure changes had significant univariate correlation with changes in GLS and MW indices. In conclusion, significant fluctuations in blood pressure could induce changes in MW indices to preserve left ventricular systolic function. Repeated assessment of MW indices is necessary for hypertensive patients with large blood pressure fluctuations.
Production of stable emulsions using β‐glucans extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus to encapsulate oxidizable compounds
Authors: Gallotti Francesca , Turchiuli Christelle , Lavelli Vera
Published: December 2021

The basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus is a sustainable food source known to be rich in β‐glucans, functional compounds in mushrooms recognized for their numerous health, nutraceutical, and physicochemical properties. The aim of the present study was to extract β‐glucans from P. ostreatus powder and to study the feasibility of using the extract to prepare oil‐in‐water emulsions formulated for the encapsulation of lipophilic antioxidants by spray drying, for example, with an oil droplet size about 2 μm, a dry matter content of 40% w/w, and with a physical stability of at least 2 hrs. Hot‐water soluble β‐glucans fraction was extracted from P. ostreatus powder following a method adapted from literature. Emulsions were prepared by rotor‐stator homogenization using maltodextrin as wall material, β‐glucans extract as emulsifier, and commercial sunflower oil as a model for lipophilic active compounds. The emulsion stability was estimated from the evolution over time of the oil droplet size distribution measured by laser light diffraction and experimental data were investigated using one‐way ANOVA. Extracts containing up to 27% w/w water‐soluble β‐glucans were produced. Physically stable mono‐modal emulsions were obtained when maltodextrin/β‐glucans weight ratio was lower than about 500 to avoid depletion and β‐glucans/oil weight ratio was more than 0.014 to stabilize oil droplets. The usage of emulsifiers made‐up by polymeric constituents with inherent bioactivity, such as mushroom β‐glucans, could be a sustainable and healthy alternative to common emulsifiers.

Practical applications

A great deal of interest has been expressed in a unique dietary fiber, named β‐glucans, from the basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus, a mushroom which can grow efficiently on various clean by‐products of food processing, thus representing a sustainable food source. β‐Glucans' functionality is associated with their many healthy and physicochemical properties, for instance emulsifying properties. The usage of emulsifiers made‐up by polymeric constituents with inherent bioactivity, such as mushroom β‐glucans, could be a sustainable and healthy alternative to common emulsifiers.
Differential misclassification of cognitive impairment by sex among hip fracture patients
Authors: Mutchie Heather L. , Albrecht Jennifer S. , Orwig Denise L. , Huang Yi , Boscardin W. John , Hochberg Marc C. , Magaziner Jay S. , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L.
Published: December 2021

Background

Males have worse outcomes after hip fracture than female counterparts. Cognitive impairment (CI) also increases the risk of poor recovery from hip fracture; however, CI is under‐recognized. Patient sex may contribute to this under‐recognition through differential misclassification. The objective of this study was to measure under‐recognition and differential misclassification of CI by patient sex.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from an observational cohort study of community‐dwelling hip fracture patients aged 65 and older (n = 339; females = 171, males = 168) recruited from eight hospitals in the greater Baltimore, MD area within 15 days of hospitalization for surgical repair with cognitive testing within 22 days of admission. Indication of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and/or delirium as a postoperative complication in the medical record was considered evidence of documented CI. Observed CI was measured with the Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination (3MS, ≤78). Source of cognitive impairment identification (SCI) was defined as: “3MS Only,” “Hospital Record Only,” “Both,” “No CI” was compared between males and females using logistic regression.

Results

Males had more comorbidities and worse physical status upon admission, but otherwise had similar hospital experiences. SCI distribution was 12.7% “3MS Only” (n = 42), 11.5% “Hospital Record Only” (n = 38), 9.4% “Both” (n = 31), and “No CI” (n = 219). Males were more likely to be identified with CI using the “3MS Only” and “Both,” and females were more likely to have no indication of CI.

Conclusion

There were sex differences in the documentation of CI versus observed impairment. Males had more CI using direct testing. This may be contributing to sex differences in recovery outcomes after hip fracture. Results support the implementation of cognitive testing in hip fracture patients to reduce the impact of differential misclassification by patient sex.
CmNF‐YB8 affects drought resistance in chrysanthemum by altering stomatal status and leaf cuticle thickness
Authors: Wang Tianle , Wei Qian , Wang Zhiling , Liu Wenwen , Zhao Xin , Ma Chao , Gao Junping , Xu Yanjie , Hong Bo
Published: December 2021

Drought is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth and development. Adaptive mechanisms have evolved to mitigate drought stress, including the capacity to adjust water loss rate and to modify the morphology and structure of the epidermis. Here, we show that the expression of CmNF‐YB8, encoding a nuclear factor Y (NF‐Y) B‐type subunit, is lower under drought conditions in chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium). Transgenic chrysanthemum lines in which transcript levels of CmNF‐YB8 were reduced by RNA interference (CmNF‐YB8‐RNAi) exhibited enhanced drought resistance relative to control lines, whereas lines overexpressing CmNF‐YB8 (CmNF‐YB8‐OX) were less tolerant to drought. Compared to wild type (WT), CmNF‐YB8‐RNAi plants showed reduced stomatal opening and a thicker epidermal cuticle that correlated with their water loss rate. We also identified genes involved in stomatal adjustment (CBL‐interacting protein kinase 6, CmCIPK6) and cuticle biosynthesis (CmSHN3) that are more highly expressed in CmNF‐YB8‐RNAi lines than in WT, CmCIPK6 being a direct downstream target of CmNF‐YB8. Virus‐induced gene silencing of CmCIPK6 or CmSHN3 in the CmNF‐YB8‐RNAi background abolished the effects of CmNF‐YB8‐RNAi on stomatal closure and cuticle deposition, respectively. CmNF‐YB8 thus regulates CmCIPK6 and CmSHN3 expression to alter stomatal movement and cuticle thickness in the leaf epidermis, thereby affecting drought resistance.
Breaking the UIP: A Model‐Equivalence Result
Authors: YAKHIN YOSSI
Published: December 2021

Breaking the uncovered interest rate parity (UIP) is essential to accounting for exchange rate dynamics, and is required for modeling sterilized foreign exchange interventions. Gabaix and Maggiori (2015) account for many exchange rate puzzles by introducing financial intermediaries that absorb savings imbalances for a premium, thereby deviating from the UIP. Fanelli and Straub (2021) analyze foreign exchange interventions. In their model, regulatory exposure limits and participation cost in the international financial markets drive a wedge in the UIP. This paper demonstrates that, to a first‐order approximation, introducing a reduced‐form portfolio adjustment cost is isomorphic to these modeling strategies.
The ethics of nudging: Using moral foundations theory to understand consumers' approval of nudges
Authors: Chowdhury Rafi M. M. I.
Published: December 2021

This study examines the ethics of nudging and consumers' approval of nudges through the prism of moral foundations theory. Results showed that binding foundations (loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation) are, in general, positively related to approval of System 1 (relying on automatic information processing) and System 2 (relying on deliberative information processing) nudges. Individualizing foundations (care/harm, fairness/cheating) are, in general, positively related to supporting System 2 nudges. Some exceptions to these relationships exist, based on the issue the nudge is addressing. Binding foundations mediate the effects of empathy and conservatism on approval of both types of nudges. Individualizing foundations mediate the effects of empathy on approval of System 2 nudges. Moral foundations theory is useful for examining acceptance of nudges as it identifies diverse ethical reasons (welfare, fairness, loyalty, authority deference, sanctity) for supporting nudges, linking ethical evaluations with consumers' approval of nudges. Findings provide insights for persuading consumers to support nudges.
Social Contagion and General Diffusion Models of Adolescent Religious Transitions: A Tutorial, and EMOSA Applications
Authors: Koval Andriy , Beasley William Howard , Hararuk Oleksandra , Rodgers Joseph Lee
Published: December 2021

Epidemic Models of the Onset of Social Activities (EMOSA) describe behaviors that spread through social networks. Two social influence methods are represented, social contagion (one‐to‐one spread) and general diffusion (spread through cultural channels). Past models explain problem behaviors—smoking, drinking, sexuality, and delinquency. We provide review, and a tutorial (including examples). Following, we present new EMOSA models explaining changes in adolescent and young adult religious participation. We fit the model to 10 years of data from the 1997 U.S. National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Innovations include a three‐stage bi‐directional model, Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation, graphical innovations, and empirical validation. General diffusion dominated rapid reduction in church attendance during adolescence; both diffusion and social contagion explained church attendance stability in early adulthood.
Third‐degree atrioventricular block with narrow QRS complexes in a case of hypoadrenocorticism in a dog
Authors: McGrath C. A. , Borgeat K. , Wilson H. E.
Published: December 2021

A 4‐year‐old dog presented with lethargy and bradycardia (heart rate 40 bpm). Electrocardiogram diagnosed third‐degree atrioventricular block with narrow QRS complexes. An atropine response test did not result in a change of the heart rate. Venous blood gas documented moderate hyperkalaemia and an adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test was consistent with hypoadrenocorticism. The patient repeatedly converted to sinus rhythm with normalisation of serum potassium levels following medical treatment. This is the first report of third‐degree atrioventricular block in a patient with hypoadrenocorticism that was not vagally mediated and did not require pacemaker implantation, with conversion to sinus rhythm following treatment of the hyperkalaemia.
The rational construction of a universal register for distinctive wines and spirits GIs against dilution
Authors: Friedmann Danny
Published: December 2021

Article 23.4 TRIPs instructs World Trade Organisation members to negotiate a multilateral system of notification and registration of geographical indications (GIs) for wines (extended to spirits at the 1996 Singapore Ministerial Conference) to facilitate the protection of GIs. Much has been written about moral rights, law and economics and cultural protection as less rational justifications for the enhanced protection of wines and spirits GIs. This article explores the rational justifications of enhanced protection of wines and spirits GIs against dilution through the lens of universality, and distinctiveness. Subsequently, this article provides an updated analysis of four proposals for a multilateral register for wines and spirits GIs that have not led to a consensus between the Old and New World countries. Therefore, this article is proposing the construction of a multilateral register by combining the best elements of these proposals, measured along the yardstick of universality and distinctiveness and maps the contours of the bargaining space between the Old and New World countries in regard to the determination of genericism, to spark new interest in breaking the stalemate between the Old and New World countries in regard to fulfilling the mandate of Article 23.4 TRIPs.
Medical student engagement in small‐group active learning: A stimulated recall study
Authors: Grijpma Jan Willem , Mak‐van der Vossen Marianne , Kusurkar Rashmi A. , Meeter Martijn , de la Croix Anne
Published: December 2021

Background

Active learning relies on students' engagement with teachers, study materials and/or each other. Although medical education has adopted active learning as a core component of medical training, teachers have difficulties recognising when and why their students engage or disengage and how to teach in ways that optimise engagement. With a better understanding of the dynamics of student engagement in small‐group active learning settings, teachers could be facilitated in effectively engaging their students.

Methods

We conducted a video‐stimulated recall study to explore medical students' engagement during small‐group learning activities. We recorded one teaching session of two different groups and selected critical moments of apparent (dis)engagement. These moments served as prompts for the 15 individual semi‐structured interviews we held. Interview data were analysed using Template Analysis style of thematic analysis. To guide the analysis, we used a framework that describes student engagement as a dynamic and multidimensional concept, consisting of behavioural, cognitive and emotional components.

Results

The analysis uncovered three main findings: (1) In‐class student engagement followed a spiral‐like pattern. Once students were engaged or disengaged on one dimension, other dimensions were likely to follow suit. (2) Students' willingness to engage in class was decided before class, depending on their perception of a number of personal, social and educational antecedents of engagement. (3) Distinguishing engagement from disengagement appeared to be difficult for teachers, because the intention behind student behaviour was not always identifiable.

Discussion

This study adds to the literature by illuminating the dynamic process of student engagement and explaining the difficulty of recognising and influencing this process in practice. Based on the importance of discerning the intentions behind student behaviour, we advise teachers to use their observations of student (dis)engagement to initiate interaction with students with open and inviting prompts. This can help teachers to (re‐)engage students in their classrooms.
FRAMES OF REFERENCE: Cloth, Community, and Knowledge Ideology in Morocco
Authors: Nicholas Claire
Published: December 2021

Abstract

This paper explores how one type of traditional Moroccan cloth comes to be known through different epistemological frameworks or “knowledge ideologies.” The case in question involves a rural women’s weaving cooperative and Moroccan state strategies to rationalize cloth production, which here takes the form of technical training and product development workshops. A struggle over the right to determine the present and future of cloth‐making manifests in part as differing perspectives among weavers and government officials about legitimate quality assessment criteria and methods, and the appropriate color of the local cloth. At the center of these competing ways to evaluate or define traditional cloth is the question of authority: who has the right to assess quality and what aspects of their identity should factor into this right? The case of traditional weaving in Morocco underscores how “knowing” and “knowing what’s best” are thoroughly entangled in the domain of cultural heritage and its management.
Systemic antifungal therapy with isavuconazonium sulfate or other agents in adults with invasive mucormycosis or invasive aspergillosis (non‐fumigatus): A multicentre, non‐interventional registry study
Authors: Thompson George R. , Garcia‐Diaz Julia , Miceli Marisa H. , Nguyen M. Hong , Ostrosky‐Zeichner Luis , Young Jo‐Anne H. , Fisher Cynthia E. , Clark Nina M. , Greenberg Richard N. , Spec Andrej , Kovanda Laura , Croos‐Dabrera Rodney , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: December 2021

Background

Isavuconazole, administered as isavuconazonium sulfate (ISAVUSULF), is a broad‐spectrum triazole agent for the treatment of invasive fungal disease. In phase 3 studies, ISAVUSULF showed comparable efficacy to voriconazole and amphotericin B for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive mucormycosis (IM), respectively.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine all‐cause mortality and safety outcomes among adults with IM and/or IA non‐fumigatus (nf) treated with ISAVUSULF or other antifungal therapies (AFT).

Patients and methods

This multicentre, non‐interventional registry enrolled patients aged ≥18 years with IM or IA‐nf who received systemic AFT from January 2016 to November 2018. Patients received primary ISAVUSULF, non‐primary ISAVUSULF, or other AFT, as monotherapy or combination therapy. The primary end point was all‐cause mortality at Days 42 and 84; safety outcomes were adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ISAVUSULF.

Results

Of 204 patients enrolled, 74 received primary ISAVUSULF, 30 non‐primary ISAVUSULF, and 100 other AFT. All‐cause mortality through Day 42 was numerically lower in the non‐primary ISAVUSULF group than in the primary ISAVUSULF and other AFT groups, for patients with IM (20.0% vs. 33.3% and 41.3%, respectively) or IA‐nf (0% vs. 14.8% and 17.8%, respectively). All‐cause mortality tended to be lower with combination therapy than with monotherapy, except for patients with IM receiving primary ISAVUSULF. Of 111 patients receiving ISAVUSULF, 14 (12.6%) reported ADRs, of whom three (2.7%) developed serious ADRs. There were no drug‐related deaths.

Conclusions

This study supports the effectiveness and tolerability of ISAVUSULF in clinical practice. Further research is required to confirm the value of ISAVUSULF combination therapy over monotherapy.
Dermatologic complications of orthopedic casts in pediatric patients
Authors: Ravi Manisha , Fernandez Faith Esteban , Whitaker Amanda , Kaffenberger Jessica
Published: December 2021

Cast immobilization is performed in pediatric patients to support fracture healing, provide post‐operative protection, or correct congenital deformities. Pediatric dermatologists will likely encounter the casted patients in their practice. These patients may present with cast‐related complications that can arise due to the cast application or removal process, the inner cast environment, direct physical effects of the cast, or other external factors. This article provides a review of the dermatologic complications of cast immobilization, as well as useful recommendations for patients and their families.
Organizational factors affecting nurses’ tendency to report child abuse and neglect
Authors: Zusman Nurit , Saporta‐Sorozon Kelly
Published: December 2021

Objective

To examine the factors that affect the tendency of nurses working in mother and child health clinics (MCHC) to report child abuse to the authorities.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Sample

Three hundred and forty‐one female nurses working in MCHC across Israel.

Measurements

(1) Social and organizational variables; (2) the tendency to report child abuse and neglect; (3) attitudes toward reporting child abuse and neglect.

Results

On average, the participants perceived that they have good collaboration with other staff members and with welfare services. They showed a favorable attitude toward reporting child abuse, but less than half (44.8%) would report child abuse suspicion to the authorities. None of the organizational variables (MCHC type, collaboration among staff, collaboration with welfare services) were correlated with the tendency to report child abuse and neglect, yet all three variables were significantly correlated with attitudes toward reporting child abuse. Nurses' attitudes toward reporting were mediated by the organizational variables.

Conclusions

The effect of the organizational factors on the actual tendency to report child abuse is mediated by nurses' attitude toward reporting. Organizational constraints probably encourage MCHC nurses to be cautious before reporting child abuse and neglect to the authorities, restricting adherence to the law, which requires direct reporting.
Lessons learned from implementing SNAP‐Ed in a nursing/K‐8 partnership school during the pandemic
Authors: Francis Lucine , Patel Alisha , Hasan Alaa , Kylander Olivia , Williams Lauren , Levin Mindi B. , Sharps Phyllis W.
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic had forced schools and school‐based partnerships in the US to re‐imagine extracurricular activities while schools were closed for in‐person learning. We highlight lessons learned from implementing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP‐Ed) virtually, a nutrition education program to improve nutrition literacy and skills among children, in a Maryland School of Nursing/K‐8 Partnership school amid in‐person school closures.
Air pollution and fecundability: Results from a Danish preconception cohort study
Authors: Wesselink Amelia K. , Wang Tanran R. , Ketzel Matthias , Mikkelsen Ellen M. , Brandt Jørgen , Khan Jibran , Hertel Ole , Laursen Anne Sofie D. , Johannesen Benjamin R. , Willis Mary D. , Levy Jonathan I. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Wise Lauren A. , Hatch Elizabeth E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Animal and epidemiologic studies indicate that air pollution may adversely affect fertility. Epidemiologic studies have been restricted largely to couples undergoing fertility treatment or have retrospectively ascertained time‐to‐pregnancy among pregnant women.

Objectives

We examined the association between residential ambient air pollution and fecundability, the per‐cycle probability of conception, in a large preconception cohort of Danish pregnancy planners.

Methods

During 2007–2018, we used the Internet to recruit and follow women who were trying to conceive without the use of fertility treatment. Participants completed an online baseline questionnaire eliciting socio‐demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and medical and reproductive histories and follow‐up questionnaires every 8 weeks to ascertain pregnancy status. We determined concentrations of ambient nitrogen oxides (NOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and <10 µm (PM10), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) at each participant's residential address. We calculated average exposure during the year before baseline, during each menstrual cycle over follow‐up and during the entire pregnancy attempt time. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders and co‐pollutants. The analysis was restricted to the 10,183 participants who were trying to conceive for <12 cycles at study entry whose addresses could be geocoded.

Results

During 12 months of follow‐up, 73% of participants conceived. Higher concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with small reductions in fecundability. For example, the FRs for a one interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 (IQR = 3.2 µg/m3) and PM10 (IQR = 5.3 µg/m3) during each menstrual cycle were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.99) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.99), respectively. Other air pollutants were not appreciably associated with fecundability.

Conclusions

In this preconception cohort study of Danish women, residential exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with reduced fecundability.