bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation implications of living in forest remnants: Inbreeding and genetic structure of the northernmost mantled howler monkeys
Authors: Solórzano‐García Brenda , Zubillaga Diego , Piñero Daniel , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella
Published: April 2021

The current unprecedented rates of environmental perturbation, particularly in rain forest ecosystems, are jeopardizing the persistence of a variety of tropical species. The development of adequate conservation programs requires incorporating the evolutionary history and population genetic information of species, especially in those threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Mexican mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata mexicana) represent the northernmost distribution of primates in America, a Critically Endangered species mainly inhabiting forest remnants. We assessed historical and contemporary patterns of genetic variation inA.p. mexicanapopulations from five regions across its geographic distribution in Mexico. We employed non‐invasive sampling techniques and evaluated microsatellite loci and mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences from 127 individuals from 15 wild and two semi‐captive populations. Our data demonstrate negative genetic effects onA.p. mexicanaas a result of isolation, fragmentation, and small effective population size. Results revealed two mitochondrial lineages and three genetically differentiated nuclear clusters, along with reduced nuclear genetic diversity, limited gene flow, and significant inbreeding, associated with concurrent processes of historical dispersion and contemporary landscape changes. Accordingly, we argue thatA.palliata mexicanain Mexico is an independently evolving unit that meets the criteria for being assigned as an Evolutionarily Significant Unit, crucial for the preservation of the howler monkeys’ phylogenetic and functional diversity. The three genetic clusters identified are essential for the maintenance of the adaptive diversity and long‐term survival of this howler subspecies. Our genetic approach and conservation recommendations may be useful for other endangered primates inhabiting fragmented populations.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Referential Form and Memory for the Discourse History
Authors: Yoon Si On , Benjamin Aaron S. , Brown‐Schmidt Sarah
Published: April 2021

The way we refer to things in the world is shaped by the immediate physical context as well as the discourse history. But what part of the discourse history is relevant to language use in the present? In four experiments, we combine the study of task‐based conversation with measures of recognition memory to examine the role of physical contextual cues that shape what speakers perceive to be a part of the relevant discourse history. Our studies leverage the differentiation effect, a phenomenon in which speakers are more likely to use a modified expression to refer to an object (e.g., dotted sock) if they had previously described a similar object (e.g., striped sock) than when they had not described a similar object. Two physical cues—the background that framed the to‐be‐described pictures and the position of the pictures in the display—were manipulated to alter perceptions about the relevant discourse context. We measured the rate with which speakers modify referring expressions to differentiate current from past referents. Recognition memory measures following the conversation probed what was and was not remembered about past discourse referents and contexts. Analysis of modification rates indicated that these contextual grouping cues shaped perceptions about the relevant discourse context. The contextual cues did not affect memory for the referents, but the memory for past referents was better for speakers than for listeners. Our findings show that perceptions about the relevant discourse history are a key determinant of how language is used in the moment but also that conversational partners form asymmetric representations of the discourse history.
Essentialist Biases Toward Psychiatric Disorders: Brain Disorders Are Presumed Innate
Authors: Berent Iris , Platt Melanie
Published: April 2021

A large campaign has sought to destigmatize psychiatric disorders by disseminating the view that they are in fact brain disorders. But when psychiatric disorders are associated with neurobiological correlates, laypeople's attitudes toward patients are harsher, and the prognoses seem poorer. Here, we ask whether these misconceptions could result from the essentialist presumption that brain disorders are innate. To this end, we invited laypeople to reason about psychiatric disorders that are diagnosed by either a brain or a behavioral test that were strictly matched for their informative value. Participants viewed disorders as more likely to be innate and immutable when the diagnosis was supported by a brain test as compared to a behavioral test. These results show for the first time that people spontaneously essentialize psychiatric conditions that are linked to the brain, even when the brain probe offers no additional diagnostic or genetic information. This bias suggests that people consider the biological essence of living things as materially embodied.
High adherence to recommended diabetes follow‐up procedures by general practitioners is associated with lower estimated cardiovascular risk
Authors: Nøkleby Kjersti , Berg Tore J. , Mdala Ibrahimu , Buhl Esben S. , Claudi Tor , Cooper John G. , Løvaas Karianne F. , Sandberg Sverre , Jenum Anne K.
Published: April 2021

Aims

To explore whether the general practitioners’ (GPs’) performance of recommended processes of care was associated with estimated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and poor glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study from Norwegian general practice including 6015 people with type 2 diabetes <75 years old, without CVD and their 275 GPs. The GPs were split into quintiles based on each GP’s average performance of six recommended processes of care. The quintiles were the exposure variable in multilevel regression models with 10‐year risk of cardiovascular events estimated by NORRISK 2 (total and modifiable fraction) and poor glycaemic control (HbA1c >69 mmol/mol (>8.5%)) as outcome variables.

Results

The mean total and modifiable estimated 10‐year CVD risk was 12.3% and 3.3%, respectively. Compared with patients of GPs in the highest‐performing quintile, patients treated by GPs in the lowest quintile had an adjusted total and modifiable CVD risk that was 1.88 (95% CI 1.17–2.60) and 1.78 (1.14–2.41) percent point higher. This represents a relative mean difference of 16.6% higher total and 74.8% higher modifiable risk among patients of GPs in the lowest compared with the highest quintile. For patients with GPs in the lowest‐performing quintile, the adjusted odds of poor glycaemic control was 1.77 (1.27–2.46) times higher than that for patients with a GP in the highest quintile.

Conclusions

We found a pattern of lower CVD risk and better glycaemic control in patients of GPs performing more recommended diabetes processes of care.
Effects of acute exercise at different intensities on fine motor‐cognitive dual‐task performance while walking: A functional near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Park Soo‐Yong , Reinl Maren , Schott Nadja
Published: April 2021

Studies on the effects of acute exercises on cognitive functions vary greatly and depend on the duration and intensity of exercise and the type of cognitive tasks. This study aimed to investigate the neural correlates that underpin the acute effects of high‐intensity interval (HIIE) versus moderate‐intensity continuous exercise (MCE) on fine motor‐cognitive performance while walking (dual‐task, DT) in healthy young adults. Twenty‐nine healthy right‐handers (mean age: 25.1 years ± 4.04; 7 female) performed the digital trail‐making‐test (dTMT) while walking (5 km/h) before and after acute exercise. During task performance, the hemodynamic activation of the frontopolar area (FPA), dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC), and motor cortex (M1) was recorded using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Both HIIE and MCE resulted in improved dTMT performance, as reflected by an increase in the number of completed circles and a reduction in the time within and between circuits (reflecting improvements in working memory, inhibition, and decision making). Notably, HIIE evoked higher cortical activity on all brain areas measured in the present study than the MCE group. To our knowledge, these results provide the first empirical evidence using a mobile neuroimaging approach that both HIIE and MCE improve executive function during walking, likely mediated by increased activation of the task‐related area of the prefrontal cortex and the ability to effectively use, among other things, high fitness levels as neural enrichment resources.
Chronic use of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system blockers and mortality in COVID‐19: A multicenter prospective cohort and literature review
Authors: Gault Nathalie , Esposito‐Farèse Marina , Revest Matthieu , Inamo Jocelyn , Cabié André , Polard Élisabeth , Hulot Jean‐Sébastien , Ghosn Jade , Chirouze Catherine , Deconinck Laurène , Diehl Jean‐Luc , Poissy Julien , Epaulard Olivier , Lefèvre Benjamin , Piroth Lionel , De Montmollin Etienne , Oziol Eric , Etienne Manuel , Laouénan Cédric , Rossignol Patrick , Costagliola Dominique , Vidal‐Petiot Emmanuelle ,   the French‐Covid cohort investigators, study group
Published: April 2021

Aims

The role of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers on the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is debated. We assessed the association between chronic use of RAAS blockers and mortality among inpatients with COVID‐19 and explored reasons for discrepancies in the literature.

Methods and results

We included adult hypertensive patients from a prospective nationwide cohort of 3512 inpatients with COVID‐19 up to June 30, 2020. Cox proportional hazard models with various adjustment or propensity weighting methods were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) of 30‐day mortality for chronic users versus non‐users of RAAS blockers. We analyzed data of 1160 hypertensive patients: 719 (62%) were male and 777 (67%) were older than 65 years. The main comorbidities were diabetes (n = 416, 36%), chronic cardiac disease (n = 401, 35%), and obesity (n = 340, 29%); 705 (61%) received oxygen therapy. We recorded 135 (11.6%) deaths within 30 days of diagnosis. We found no association between chronic use of RAAS blockers and mortality (unadjusted HR = 1.13, 95% CI [0.8–1.6]; propensity inverse probability treatment weighted HR = 1.09 [0.86‐1.39]; propensity standardized mortality ratio weighted HR = 1.08 [0.79–1.47]). Our comprehensive review of previous studies highlighted that significant associations were mostly found in unrestricted populations with inappropriate adjustment, or with biased in‐hospital exposure measurement.

Conclusion

Our results do not support previous concerns regarding these drugs, nor a potential protective effect as reported in previous poorly designed studies and meta‐analyses. RAAS blockers should not be discontinued during the pandemic, while in‐hospital management of these drugs will be clarified by randomized trials. NCT04262921.
Paternal exposure to exercise and/or caffeine and alcohol modify offspring behavioral and pathophysiological recovery from repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in adolescence
Authors: Eyolfson Eric , Bhatt Dhyey , Wang Melinda , Lohman Alexander W. , Mychasiuk Richelle
Published: April 2021

Only recently has the scope of parental research expanded to include the paternal sphere with epidemiological studies implicating stress, nutrition and alcohol consumption in the neurobiological and behavioral characteristics of offspring. This study was designed to determine if paternal exposure to caffeine, alcohol and exercise prior to conception would improve or exacerbate offspring recovery from adolescent repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (RmTBI). Sires received 7 weeks of standard drinking water, or caffeine and ethanol and were housed in regular cages or cages with running wheels, prior to being mated to control females. At postnatal day 40, offspring were administered RmTBI or sham injuries and were assessed for post concussive symptomology. Post‐mortem quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to assess gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and changes in telomere length. Additionally, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA's) were run on serum to detect levels of cytokines, chemokines and sex hormones. Paternal experience did not improve or exacerbate RmTBI behavioral outcomes. However, female and male offspring displayed unique responses to RmTBI and paternal experience, resulting in changes in physical, behavioral and molecular outcomes. Injury and paternal exercise modified changes in female offspring, whereas male offspring were affected by paternal exercise, caffeine and alcohol treatment. Additionally, paternal experience and RmTBI modified expression of many genes in the PFC, NAc, telomere length and levels of sex hormones. Although further exploration is required to understand the heterogeneity that exists in disease risk and resiliency, this study provides corroborating evidence that paternal experiences prior to conception influences offspring development.
Improved performance of the eastern spruce budworm on black spruce as warming temperatures disrupt phenological defences
Authors: Bellemin‐Noël Bastien , Bourassa Stéphane , Despland Emma , De Grandpré Louis , Pureswaran Deepa S.
Published: April 2021

Phenological shifts, induced by global warming, can lead to mismatch between closely interacting species. The eastern spruce budworm,Choristoneura fumiferana, an important outbreaking insect defoliator in North America, mainly feeds on balsam fir,Abies balsamea, which has historically been well synchronized with the insect. But as climate change pushes the northern range limit of the budworm further north into the boreal forest, the highly valuable black spruce,Picea mariana, historically protected against the budworm by its late budburst phenology, is suffering increased defoliation during the current outbreak. We tested the hypothesis that rising temperatures can lead, not to a mismatch, but to an improved match between the budworm and black spruce through differential phenological advancement. For 3 years, eastern spruce budworm larvae were reared from instar 2 to pupae, on both black spruce and balsam fir, in a temperature free‐air controlled enhancement experiment (T‐FACE) consisting in 24 field plots, half of which were heated at +2°C from March to October. Our results show that every year, larval development was faster on heated trees and pupation was earlier than on unheated trees. Bud development was also accelerated in heated trees of both species. However, there was no difference in mass between pupae that developed at +2°C and controls at the end of the season. Finally, we found no difference either in development rate or pupal mass between larvae reared on black spruce and those reared on balsam fir. This suggests that under higher temperature regimes, eastern spruce budworm will be as successful on black spruce as on balsam fir, as black spruce budburst becomes better synchronized with the insect's emergence from diapause. This could lead to critical changes in outbreak dynamics and severity with important ecological state shifts at the landscape level.
Practical Review and Comparison of Modified Covariance Estimators for Linear Mixed Models in Small‐sample Longitudinal Studies with Missing Data
Authors: Gosho Masahiko , Noma Hisashi , Maruo Kazushi
Published: April 2021

Mixed‐effects models for repeated measures (MMRMs) with an ‘unstructured’ (UN) covariance structure are frequently used in primary analyses for group comparisons of incomplete continuous longitudinal data from drug development trials. However, MMRM‐UN analysis could lead to convergence problems in numerical optimisation, especially in trials with a small sample size or high dropout rate. Although the so‐called sandwich covariance estimator is robust against the misspecification of the covariance structure, its performance deteriorates for small sample sizes. We review eight modified covariance estimators adjusted for small‐sample bias and compare their performances in the framework of MMRM analysis through simulations. In terms of the type 1 error rate and coverage probability of confidence intervals for group comparisons, Mancl and DeRouen's covariance estimator (MD) shows the best performance among the modified covariance estimators, followed by Fay and Graubard's estimator. The performance of MD is nearly equivalent to that of the Kenward–Roger method with a UN structure. The Kenward–Roger method with first‐order autoregressive structure results in substantial inflation of the type 1 error rate in the scenario where the variance of measurements increases across visits. In summary, we recommend the use of MD in MMRM analysis if the convergence problem involving a UN structure occurs in small clinical trials.
Effect of doping location induced anisotropy on thermophysical properties of dilute Fe2O3‐Y2O3‐ZrO2 solid solutions
Authors: Guo Fangwei , Zhang Xing , Cai Huangyue , Fan Xiaohui , Hu Li , Sun Wei , Zhao Xiaofeng
Published: April 2021

Multi‐element doped zirconia ceramics are of interest as a satisfactory balance in low thermal conductivity, phase stability, and particularly fracture resistance dominated by non‐transformable tetragonal prime phase (t′) for the next generation thermal barrier coatings and catalysis supports. Compared with mass and radius of dopants, dopant location is rarely investigated due to the high complexity. The undersized transition metal oxides (Fe, Co, and Ni) within 2.0 mol% content were selected for doping 3Y‐TZP to improve thermophysical properties by distinctive doping locations. As shown by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra, the Fe3+/Fe2+ ions occupied both substitution and interstitial sites simultaneously, which significantly increased tetragonality and local anisotropy of FeY‐TZP polycrystal. The t′ phase transformation mechanism of the FeY‐TZP compounds quantitatively discussed regarding the coercive strain and stress. In opposition to prediction by Kopp's law, the coefficient of thermal expansion and specific heat capacity of the FeY‐TZP compounds unusally decreased, and the maximum reduction of −83% and −22.5% occured in the 1.0 mol% Fe doping. Cp‐T dependency of the specimens above 550 K strongly related with lattice anisotropy in addition to t′ phase content. Thermomechanical properties of the multicomponent zirconia are highly tunable with dopant locations, supplying a novel landscape for designing high‐entropy ceramics.
Factors That Influence Nurse Staffing Levels in Acute Care Hospital Settings
Authors: Porcel‐Gálvez Ana María , Fernández‐García Elena , Rafferty Anne Marie , Gil‐García Eugenia , Romero‐Sánchez José Manuel , Barrientos‐Trigo Sergio
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To identify which patient and hospital characteristics are related to nurse staffing levels in acute care hospital settings.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used for this study.

Methods

The sample comprised 1,004 patients across 10 hospitals in the Andalucian Health Care System (southern Spain) in 2015. The sampling was carried out in a stratified, consecutive manner on the basis of (a) hospital size by geographical location, (b) type of hospital unit, and (c) patients’ sex and age group. Random criteria were used to select patients based on their user identification in the electronic health record system. The variables were grouped into two categories, patient and hospital characteristics. Multilevel linear regression models (MLMs) with random intercepts were used. Two models were fitted: the first was the null model, which contained no explanatory variables except the intercepts (fixed and random), and the second (explanatory) model included selected independent variables. Independent variables were allowed to enter the explanatory model if their univariate association with the nurse staffing level in the MLM was significant at p < .05.

Results

Two hierarchical levels were established to control variance (patients and hospital). The model variables explained 63.4% of the variance at level 1 (patients) and 71.8% at level 2 (hospital). Statistically significant factors were the type of hospital unit (p = .002), shift (p < .001), and season (p < .001). None of the variables associated with patient characteristics obtained statistical significance in the model.

Conclusions

Nurse staffing levels were associated with hospital characteristics rather than patient characteristics.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides evidence about factors that impact on nurse staffing levels in the settings studied. Further studies should determine the influence of patient characteristics in determining optimal nurse staffing levels.
Serum IL‐17 levels in patients with rosacea
Authors: Hayran Yıldız , Şen Orhan , Fırat Oğuz Esra , Yücel Çiğdem , Eren Funda , Külcü Çakmak Seray , Yalçın Başak
Published: April 2021

Background

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized with increased serum and tissue inflammatory mediators. IL‐17 is a well‐known inflammatory mediator that plays important roles in pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. Previous studies reported that Th17 pathway is activated in rosacea and IL‐17, one of Th17 signature cytokines, is elevated in tissue samples of rosacea patients.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate serum IL‐17 levels in rosacea patients and to study its relationship with disease characteristics.

Methods

Sixty patients diagnosed with rosacea and 60 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum IL‐17 concentrations were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The mean serum IL‐17 level was 8.03 pg/mL (SD = 1.47) in rosacea patients and 7.37 pg/mL (Sd = 1.19) in controls. Serum IL‐17 levels were significantly higher in rosacea (p = 0.002). Serum IL‐17 levels were similar among patients with erythematotelangiectatic (ET) and papulopustular (PP) rosacea (8.02 vs 8.06, p = 0.83). Serum IL‐17 levels did not correlate with rosacea severity (p = 0.59, r = 0.07 in ET rosacea; p = 0.88, r = 0.02 in PP rosacea), age of onset (p = 0.58, r = −0.07), and disease duration (p = 0.37, r = −0.11). Primary features and global assessments did not correlate with serum IL‐17 levels (all p > 0.05). Among secondary features, edema showed a significant negative correlation with serum IL‐17 concentrations (p = 0.037, r = −0.26).

Conclusions

Our study showed increased serum IL‐17 levels in rosacea patients and a significant correlation between IL‐17 concentrations and secondary features of the disease suggesting IL‐17 may contribute to pathogenesis of rosacea and may be a new target for rosacea treatment.
Examining the utility of the Violence Prevention Climate scale: In a metropolitan Australian general hospital
Authors: Brunero Scott , Lamont Scott , Dunn Sarah , Varndell Wayne , Dickens Geoffrey L.
Published: April 2021

Aim and objectives

To evaluate and examine the utility of the Violence Prevention Climate scale by generalist healthcare professionals.

Background

Workplace violence in general hospital settings remains a challenge for healthcare organisations. High rates of violence are still being reported towards healthcare workers, despite organisational violence prevention strategies being implemented. There is a major challenge to healthcare organisation in the measurement of the effectiveness of these interventions, traditionally completed via the reporting and monitoring of workplace violent incidents. A novel approach to measuring workplace violence is by studying hospital atmosphere or climate.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey using the STARD guidelines was used.

Methods

The Violence Prevention Climate scale was completed by 194 healthcare staff working in the emergency department, medical/surgical wards, respiratory/infectious disease, spinal care, renal unit, corrections health, and rehabilitation and community services of a major Australian tertiary referral hospital. The Violence Prevention Climate scale has previously been validated and used in mental health settings, but not general hospital settings. A content analysis of an open‐ended question on violence prevention management strategies was also conducted.

Results

Comprising of 14 items with two factors (patients and staff), the study revealed a 9‐item staff factor scale that can be used in the general hospital setting, the patient factor did not show adequate reliability. The content analysis revealed seven categories of staff identified violence prevention and management strategies.

Conclusions

The use of the 9‐item scale across an organisation annually, or added to existing organisational workforce surveys, could prove to be practical way of measuring the social climate of violence in a general hospital setting.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of which could guide clinical practice, workplace safety, policy and educational initiatives for the prevention and management of workplace violence.
Gamified applications for secondary prevention in patients with high cardiovascular disease risk: A systematic review of effectiveness and acceptability
Authors: Davis Angus J. , Parker Helen M. , Gallagher Robyn
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Gamified health mobile applications (apps) are promoted as innovative approaches to self‐management and risk factor reduction. However, information is lacking on effectiveness or feasibility in older patients at high risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which limits uptake and recommendations by nurses. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of gamified apps for CVD secondary prevention.

Methods

EQUATOR PRISMA checklist was used to guide the systematic review. PubMed, Embase and SCOPUS were searched from inception to January 2020 for studies evaluating app interventions incorporating ≥2 game tactics and targeting secondary prevention in patients diagnosed with heart disease, hypertension, stroke or type 2 diabetes. Narrative summaries of results were used as meta‐analysis were not possible. The PROSPERO ID number was CRD42020209791.

Results

Seven studies involving 657 patients were included. Gamified apps resulted in more improvement in physical activity, HbA1C and diabetes self‐management empowerment compared to multiple different comparators, and more physical activity motivation compared to a neutral content control app. Heart failure knowledge also improved significantly. However, no benefits above usual care were evident for blood pressure or body mass index, or from app use for heart failure self‐management, medication adherence or atrial fibrillation knowledge.

App acceptability in terms of usage declined with time but was high for the game components of challenges, medication monitoring, viewing of leader boards and badges and walking training participation. Enjoyment was highest for elements that featured surprise/novelty, having teammates, challenges, good graphic design and clarity.

Conclusions

Gamified mobile apps show the potential to improve secondary prevention in high CVD risk patients. Indications for acceptability were evident, with higher adherence than clinic‐based secondary prevention programmes. However, further well‐designed randomised controlled trials, which track app usage are needed to confirm this potential and encourage nurses to recommend these types of apps.
Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator: Can it overtake its transvenous counterpart
Authors: Savarimuthu Sugeevan , Roy Saswata , Obeidat Mohammed , Harky Amer
Published: April 2021

Over the past decade, the emergence of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) has provided cardiologists with an option to provide both primary or secondary prevention treatment of sudden cardiac death (SCD) without the associated risks that come with the use of intracardiac leads. S‐ICD may prove to be a useful option in those who are young, have thromboembolic risk, immunodeficiency states, unfavorable anatomy due to adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). This article reviews the existing literature to determine whether S‐ICD can prove to be a safe alternative in comparison to Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (TV‐ICD) and in which patient population should S‐ICD be considered over TV‐ICD.
The transcription factor geneRDD4contributes to the control of nutrient ion accumulation in rice
Authors: Iwamoto Masao , Tsuchida‐Mayama Tomoko , Ichikawa Hiroaki
Published: April 2021

In this study, we investigated the expression and functions of the transcription factor geneRDD4(rice Dof daily fluctuations 4), which has sequence similarity toRDD1that controls nutrient ion accumulation in rice. RDD4 protein was highly accumulated in leaf sheaths and localized to vascular bundles.RDD4‐overexpressing plants (RDD4‐OX) improved the accumulation of various nutrient ions, irrespective of nutrient concentration in a hydroponic solution. K+and Cl−deficiencies induced the accumulation of other cations and anions, respectively. Interestingly, inRDD4‐OX plants K+and Cl−deficiencies increased PO43−and Mg2+contents, respectively, despite opposite electric charges. Furthermore, PO43−deficiency induced NO3−and Mg2+accumulation inRDD4‐OX plants. These data show thatRDD4is associated with the control of nutrient ion contents within plants. Also, photosynthetic CO2assimilation inRDD4‐OX plants was higher than in wild‐type (WT) plants, although the sizes of shoots and panicles decreased inRDD4‐OX plants. Subsequent microarray analysis indicated thatOsFWL7, similar to maizeCNR1that negatively regulates plant size, showed the most significant difference in its expression levels between WT andRDD4‐OX plants. Based on these results, it is hypothesized that a prominent increase in theOsFWL7expression reduces plant size inRDD4‐OX plants.
Trunk river and tributary interactions recorded in the Pleistocene–Holocene stratigraphy of the Po Plain (northern Italy)
Authors: Bruno Luigi , Amorosi Alessandro , Lugli Stefano , Sammartino Irene , Fontana Daniela
Published: April 2021

Tributary rivers can contribute significantly to alluvial‐plain construction by supplying large volumes of clastic material. Their relation to the main axial river strongly influences sediment deposition and preservation. The Po Plain is fed by the Po River and a dense network of transverse tributaries draining the nearby Alpine and Apennine chains. Stratigraphic, sedimentological, petrographic and geochemical analyses on 38 cores permitted detailed differentiation of Po and Apennine sedimentary units. Po River deposits are vertically stacked channel‐belt sand bodies with high contents of quartz–feldspar and metamorphic rock fragments, combined with high chromium levels. These sand bodies, 20 to 30 km wide, are replaced southward by finer‐grained deposits that represent the distal Apennine tributary‐rivers system. Apennine sands, confined in narrow ribbons, show lower quartz–feldspar contents, abundant sedimentary lithics and lower chromium levels. In the last 870 kyr, the boundary between the Po and the Apennine sediment delivery systems shifted along a north–south axis in response to distinct controlling factors. A 20 km northward shift of the Po channel belt, possibly related to a tectonic event, is recorded across a regional unconformity dating to the Marine Isotope Stage 12/11 transition. High sediment supply rates during glacial‐lowstand periods widened the Po channel belt southward towards the Apennine domain for a few kilometres. The Last Glacial Maximum channel‐belt sand body, 30 km wide and 40 m thick, progressively narrowed northward after the glacial culmination. During the Holocene, channel patterns became avulsive and distributive. Narrow channel belts (<3 km) formed along the Po River branches, and abundant swamp and poorly drained‐floodplain muds were preserved in interfluvial areas. Activation and deactivation of the Po branches resulted in sharp narrowing and widening of the area available for Apennine‐rivers sedimentation. This work provides insights into tributary‐trunk river relations which control grain‐size distribution and compositional characters of subsurface deposits.
Experimental investigation of the strain‐rate effects on the failure of composite materials with off‐axis tensile tests on unidirectional plies
Authors: Fourest Thomas , Berthe Julien
Published: April 2021

The present study experimentally investigates the mechanical response of T700/M21 Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers subjected to coupled shear and transverse tension at intermediate strain rates ranging from 10−3 to 15 s−1. Off‐axis tension specimens with transverse and oblique tabs are used for the various tests. Moreover, the specimen aspect ratio is quite low, since dynamic tests are performed in this study. The axial stress–strain curves are successfully simulated using finite element simulations with a viscoelastic model. Based on these numerical simulations, specific stress correction factors are computed to take the effect of end constraints into account for such low aspect ratio specimens. Finally, an increase in the material strength with the strain rate is observed.
Detection of the HLA‐DQB1*06:02:43 allele in a Taiwanese leukemic patient
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Yu Yuan‐Bin , Lin Shih‐Chiang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: April 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 57 of HLA‐DQB1*06:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*06:02:43.
Statistical edutainment: Putting it to the test
Authors: Lesser Lawrence M. , Pearl Dennis K.
Published: April 2021

Jokes, cartoons, songs, and games can help engage students in discussion and learning key concepts about hypothesis testing.
Incidence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and human papilloma virus infection in female renal transplant recipients
Authors: Parra‐Avila Idalia , Jiménez‐Santana María Luisa , Barrón‐Sánchez Rosa Elena , Martínez‐Gamboa Rosa Areli , Alberú Josefina , Morales‐Buenrostro Luis Eduardo , Cravioto Ma.‐del‐Carmen
Published: April 2021

Background

Female renal transplant recipients (RTR) are at high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related anogenital premalignancies and cancer. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of cervical intraepithelial lesions (IL) and HPV infection, and their associated factors, in Mexican RTR.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study conducted between January 2011 and December 2017. Demographic, clinical, and gynecological data were collected using a previously designed questionnaire. Gynecological examination, cervical cytology, and detection of high‐ and low‐risk HPV DNA were undertaken prior to and after the renal transplant (RT). Colposcopically guided biopsies were obtained from patients who presented high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) during the follow‐up period. Diagnoses were established according to the Bethesda system.

Results

Among 130 RTR, 62 were eligible for our study. The overall incidence of IL was 17.7% (95% CI, 8% to 27%), (11/62 patients), at 25.6 ± 10.7 months post‐RT. Nine out of the eleven affected patients had low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (81.8%) and only two had HSIL (18.2%). The incidence of HPV infection, determined in a subgroup of 30 RTR, was 53.3% (95% CI, 35% to 71%), (16 out of 30 patients), at 18.3 ± 8.9 months post‐RT. High‐risk HPV genotypes were present in 62.5% of HPV positive cases (10/16). In 11 patients (36.6%), HPV infection was not associated to IL.

Conclusions

HPV infection and cervical IL are common in the early posttransplant period. Our findings support the need of screening for cervical cancer to detect precancerous changes in RTR and the need of strengthening the knowledge of medical personnel on this issue.
Proven and unproven cell therapies – what we have learned so far?
Authors: Lim Francesca Lorraine Wei Inng
Published: April 2021

The exciting advancement in cell therapies in both cancer and regenerative medicine provides alternative therapeutic opportunities for patients with advanced diseases who have exhausted all treatment options. However, with the emergence of new technologies and innovations this also brings about “unproven” cell‐ and tissue‐based interventions that have not been fully evaluated in clinical trials. Such interventions have resulted in injuries and deaths in patients. Collectively, these practices increase the potential for patient exploitation and harm through the imposition of medical and financial risks. Recognizing this worrying situation, in April 2020, European Medicine Agency (EMA), committee for Advances Therapies advised patients and the general public to be cautious unproven cell‐based therapies. Likewise, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted information about products marketed as stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or other regenerative medicine products, including the conditions for which they are approved, and which products are not approved. Though both EMA and FDA recognize the promise of cell‐based therapies for treating patients with serious diseases, both concur that well‐designed clinical trials and regulatory oversight are necessary to ensure safety, efficacy and quality of the therapies. In this review, I will mention proven cell therapies in the haematopoietic stem cell transplant setting and in the form of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapies and briefly mention how these therapies have evolved over time, the learning curve and scientific progress in these therapies. I will then mention briefly about MSCs and focus on both the proven and unproven aspects of MSC.
Effects of old age and contraction mode on knee extensor muscle ATP flux and metabolic economy in vivo
Authors: Fitzgerald Liam F. , Bartlett Miles F. , Nagarajan Rajakumar , Francisco Ericber Jimenez , Sup Frank C. , Kent Jane A.
Published: April 2021

Key points

We used 31‐phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify in vivo skeletal muscle metabolic economy (ME; mass‐normalized torque or power produced per ATP consumed) during three 24 s maximal‐effort contraction protocols: (1) sustained isometric (MVIC), (2) intermittent isokinetic (MVDCIsoK), and (3) intermittent isotonic (MVDCIsoT) in the knee extensor muscles of young and older adults.

ME was not different between groups during the MVIC but was lower in older than young adults during both dynamic contraction protocols. These results are consistent with an increased energy cost of locomotion, but not postural support, with age.

The effects of old age on ME were not due to age‐related changes in muscle oxidative capacity or ATP flux.

Specific power was lower in older than young adults, despite similar total ATP synthesis between groups. Together, this suggests a dissociation between cross‐bridge activity and ATP utilization with age.

Muscle metabolic economy (ME; mass‐normalized torque or power produced per ATP consumed) is similar in young and older adults during some isometric contractions, but less is known about potential age‐related differences in ME during dynamic contractions. We hypothesized that age‐related differences in ME would exist only during dynamic contractions, due to the increased energetic demand of dynamic versus isometric contractions. Ten young (Y; 27.5 ± 3.9 years, 6 men) and 10 older (O; 71 ± 5 years, 5 men) healthy adults performed three 24 s bouts of maximal contractions: (1) sustained isometric (MVIC), (2) isokinetic (120°·s–1, MVDCIsoK; 0.5 Hz), and (3) isotonic (load = 20% MVIC, MVDCIsoT; 0.5 Hz). Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the vastus lateralis muscle was used to calculate ATP flux (mM ATP·s–1) through the creatine kinase reaction, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Quadriceps contractile volume (cm3) was measured by MRI. ME was calculated using the torque‐time integral (MVIC) or power‐time integral (MVDCIsoK and MVDCIsoT), total ATP synthesis and contractile volume. As hypothesized, ME was not different between Y and O during the MVIC (0.12 ± 0.03 vs. 0.12 ± 0.02 Nm.s.cm–3.mM ATP–1, mean ± SD, respectively; P = 0.847). However, during both MVDCIsoK and MVDCIsoT, ME was lower in O than Y adults (MVDCIsoK: 0.011 ± 0.003 vs. 0.007 ± 0.002 J.cm–3.mM ATP–1; P < 0.001; MVDCIsoT: 0.011 ± 0.002 vs. 0.008 ± 0.002; P = 0.037, respectively), despite similar muscle oxidative capacity, oxidative and total ATP flux in both groups. The lower specific power in older than young adults, despite similar total ATP synthesis between groups, suggests there is a dissociation between cross‐bridge activity and ATP utilization with age.
Development of an Inverse Plume Model for Mass Eruption Rate in Unsteady Conditions
Authors: Solovitz Stephen A.
Published: April 2021

Following volcanic eruptions, forecasters need accurate estimates of mass eruption rate (MER) to appropriately predict the downstream effects. Most analyses use simple correlations or models based on large eruptions at steady conditions, even though many volcanoes feature significant unsteadiness. To address this, a superposition model is developed based on a technique used for spray injection applications, which predicts plume height as a function of the time-varying exit velocity. This model can be inverted, providing estimates of MER using field observations of a plume. The model parameters are optimized using laboratory data for plumes with physically relevant exit profiles and Reynolds numbers, resulting in predictions that agree to within 10% of measured exit velocities. The model performance is examined using historic eruptions with well-documented unsteadiness, again providing MER estimates of the correct order of magnitude. This method can provide a rapid alternative for real-time forecasting of small, unsteady eruptions.
Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Patient-Specific Residual Multi-Thrombus Coronary Plaque Models With Fluid–Structure Interaction for Better Treatment Decisions: A Biomechanical Modeling Case Study
Authors: Wang Liang , He Luping , Jia Haibo , Lv Rui , Guo Xiaoya , Yang Chun , Giddens Don P. , Samady Habib , Maehara Akiko , Mintz Gary S. , Yu Bo , Tang Dalin
Published: April 2021

Intracoronary thrombus from plaque erosion could cause fatal acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A conservative antithrombotic therapy has been proposed to treat ACS patients in lieu of stenting. It is speculated that the residual thrombus after aspiration thrombectomy would influence the prognosis of this treatment. However, biomechanical mechanisms affecting intracoronary thrombus remodeling and clinical outcome remain largely unknown. in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) data of a coronary plaque with two residual thrombi after antithrombotic therapy were acquired from an ACS patient with consent obtained. Three OCT-based fluid–structure interaction (FSI) models with different thrombus volumes, fluid-only, and structure-only models were constructed to simulate and compare the biomechanical interplay among blood flow, residual thrombus, and vessel wall mimicking different clinical situations. Our results showed that residual thrombus would decrease coronary volumetric flow rate by 9.3%, but elevate wall shear stress (WSS) by 29.4% and 75.5% at thrombi 1 and 2, respectively. WSS variations in a cardiac cycle from structure-only model were 12.1% and 13.5% higher at the two thrombus surfaces than those from FSI model. Intracoronary thrombi were subjected to compressive forces indicated by negative thrombus stress. Tandem intracoronary thrombus might influence coronary hemodynamics and solid mechanics differently. Computational modeling could be used to quantify biomechanical conditions under which patients could receive patient-specific treatment plan with optimized outcome after antithrombotic therapy. More patient studies with follow-up data are needed to continue the investigation and better understand mechanisms governing thrombus remodeling process.
On the Three-Dimensional Correlation Between Myofibroblast Shape and Contraction
Authors: Khang Alex , Lejeune Emma , Abbaspour Ali , Howsmon Daniel P. , Sacks Michael S.
Published: April 2021

Myofibroblasts are responsible for wound healing and tissue repair across all organ systems. In periods of growth and disease, myofibroblasts can undergo a phenotypic transition characterized by an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition rate, changes in various protein expression (e.g., alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)), and elevated contractility. Cell shape is known to correlate closely with stress-fiber geometry and function and is thus a critical feature of cell biophysical state. However, the relationship between myofibroblast shape and contraction is complex, even as well in regards to steady-state contractile level (basal tonus). At present, the relationship between myofibroblast shape and basal tonus in three-dimensional (3D) environments is poorly understood. Herein, we utilize the aortic valve interstitial cell (AVIC) as a representative myofibroblast to investigate the relationship between basal tonus and overall cell shape. AVICs were embedded within 3D poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels containing degradable peptide crosslinkers, adhesive peptide sequences, and submicron fluorescent microspheres to track the local displacement field. We then developed a methodology to evaluate the correlation between overall AVIC shape and basal tonus induced contraction. We computed a volume averaged stretch tensor ⟨U⟩ for the volume occupied by the AVIC, which had three distinct eigenvalues (λ1,2,3=1.08,0.99, and 0.89), suggesting that AVIC shape is a result of anisotropic contraction. Furthermore, the direction of maximum contraction correlated closely with the longest axis of a bounding ellipsoid enclosing the AVIC. As gel-imbedded AVICs are known to be in a stable state by 3 days of incubation used herein, this finding suggests that the overall quiescent AVIC shape is driven by the underlying stress-fiber directional structure and potentially contraction level.
Aging Effect on Manipulative Skills in Individuals With Down Syndrome
Authors: Chen Chih-Chia (JJ) , Ringenbach Shannon D.R. , Arnold Nathaniel E. , Nam Kahyun
Published: April 2021

Deficits in motor performance have been well documented in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). However, only a few studies have focused on manipulative skills and older adults in this population. Given the associations between manipulative skills and daily living activities, more work is needed to examine the aging effect on individuals with DS. A total of 54 adults with DS participated in this study. The results indicated that older participants showed more lateralization than younger participants. They exhibited superior dominant hand preference compared to younger participants. In addition, participants with DS with high verbal ability had better performance in manual dexterity and handgrip force. Therefore, in the clinical setting, assessing mental age may help in identifying individuals with DS at a higher risk of motor impairment. Future work should examine additional determinants with a large sample size to understand the development of manipulative skills in individuals with DS. Furthermore, additional studies are needed to investigate the associations between mental age and other cognitive functions and motor performance in this population.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus
sp. Strain IGA-FME-2, Isolated from the Bulk Soil of Soybean (Glycine max L.) in Northeast China
Authors: Yu Zhenhua , de los Santos-Villalobos Sergio , Li Yansheng , Jin Jian , Parra Cota Fannie Isela , Valenzuela Ruiz Valeria , Wang Guanghua
Published: April 2021

Here, we present the draft genome of
Bacillus
sp. strain IGA-FME-2. This strain was isolated from the bulk soil of soybean (
Glycine max
L.). Its genome consists of 3,810 protein-coding genes, 44 tRNAs, two 16S rRNAs, and a single copy of 23S rRNA, with a GC content of 46.4%.