bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA nucleotide repeats induce mitochondrial dysfunction and the ribosome-associated quality control
Authors: Teixeira Joana , Harju Anu-Mari , Othman Alaa , Eriksson Ove , Brandão Ana , Battersby Brendan J. , Garcia Susana M. D. A.
Published: September 2021

Nucleotide repeat sequences are prevalent in the genome and expansion of these sequences is associated with more than 40 neuromuscular disorders. To understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying RNA-repeat toxicity, we performed a genetic screen in aCaenorhabditis elegansmodel expressing an expanded CUG repeat specifically in the muscle. Here, we show that expression of this RNA repeat impairs motility by mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupting mitochondrial morphology and respiration. The phenotype is dependent on the RNA-binding factor MBL-1 and requires factors from the ribosome-associated protein quality control complex. Furthermore, Coenzyme Q supplementation rescued the motility impairment and all of the mitochondrial phenotypes. Together, our data reveal the importance of mitochondrial dysfunction in the molecular pathogenesis of RNA repeat expansion disorders.
eSPC: an online data-analysis platform for molecular biophysics
Authors: Burastero Osvaldo , Niebling Stephan , Defelipe Lucas A. , Günther Christian , Struve Angelica , Garcia Alai Maria M.
Published: September 2021

All biological processes rely on the formation of protein–ligand, protein–peptide and protein–protein complexes. Studying the affinity, kinetics and thermodynamics of binding between these pairs is critical for understanding basic cellular mechanisms. Many different technologies have been designed for probing interactions between biomolecules, each based on measuring different signals (fluorescence, heat, thermophoresis, scattering and interference, among others). Evaluation of the data from binding experiments and their fitting is an essential step towards the quantification of binding affinities. Here, user-friendly online tools to analyze biophysical data from steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, microscale thermophoresis and differential scanning fluorimetry experiments are presented. The modules of the data-analysis platform (https://spc.embl-hamburg.de/) contain classical thermodynamic models and clear user guidelines for the determination of equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) and thermal unfolding parameters such as melting temperatures (Tm).
The structure of the aluminium-abundant γ-brass-type Al8.6Mn4.4
Authors: Hu Qifa , Wen Bin , Fan Changzeng
Published: September 2021

An aluminium-abundant Al8Mn5/γ-brass-type intermetallic with formula Al8.6Mn4.4, which is isotypic with γ-Al8Cr5 and γ-Al8V5, was discovered by high-temperature sintering of an Al/Mn mixture with initial composition Al2Mn. Structure analysis revealed that one special position (Wyckoff site 18h in space group R\overline{3}m) is shared by Al and Mn, with refined site occupancy factors of 0.7 and 0.3, respectively. The present low-temperature Al8Mn5-type phase crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group R\overline{3}m (No. 166), rather than R3m (No. 160) as previously reported for the same intermetallic characterized by TEM measurements [Zeng et al. (2018). Acta Mater.
153, 364–376].
Determinants of the online purchase intention: hedonic motivations, prices, information and trust
Authors: Santo Pedro Espírito , Marques Alzira Maria Ascensão
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The Internet has changed the nature of purchasing, proof of this being the proliferation of e-commerce sites which have seen their activity grow more quickly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the authors aim to investigate the impact of the consumer's hedonic motivations, price, access to information and trust on the online purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative, transversal study of a conclusive nature was carried out. Based on information gathered through a questionnaire administered to a sample of 750 online purchasers, a structural equation model was estimated.

Findings

The results showed that the intention to continue purchasing in online shops is partly explained by access to information online, hedonic motivations and trust in e-commerce sites. It stands out that online information generates trust, and the perception of online prices does not influence loyalty but has a positive influence on hedonic motivations.

Research limitations/implications

Although some constructs were ignored, for example, the integration of channels, experiential marketing and the fear of fraud, including unauthorised use of personal details, the study shows that easy access to useful information about products, prices, promotions is an important antecedent of online purchase.

Practical implications

Online shop managers should pay special attention to e-commerce websites, and the information provided there should explore consumer's hedonic motivations for adventure. Furthermore, it is fundamental to create trust in order to maintain the interest in online shopping.

Originality/value

The estimation of the structural model in the context of online shopping includes the influence of utilitarian motivations (price and access to information), which offer a rational experience and also include emotional motivations (hedonic adventure motivations) on the intention to buy online. The results also revealed that it plays an important role to promote online trust and online loyalty.
Manipulating plant microbiomes in the field: Native mycorrhizae advance plant succession and improve native plant restoration
Authors: Koziol Liz , Bauer Jonathan T. , Duell Eric B. , Hickman Karen , House Geoffrey L. , Schultz Peggy A. , Tipton Alice G. , Wilson Gail W. T. , Bever James D.
Published: September 2021

The plant microbiome is critical to plant health and is degraded with anthropogenic disturbance. However, the value of re‐establishing the native microbiome is rarely considered in ecological restoration. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are particularly important microbiome components, as they associate with most plants, and later successional grassland plants are strongly responsive to native AM fungi.

With five separate sites across the United States, we inoculated mid‐ and late successional plant seedlings with one of three types of native microbiome amendments: (a) whole rhizosphere soil collected from local old‐growth, undisturbed grassland communities in Illinois, Kansas or Oklahoma, (b) laboratory cultured AM fungi from these same old‐growth grassland sites or (c) no microbiome amendment. We also seeded each restoration with a diverse native seed mixture. Plant establishment and growth was followed for three growing seasons.

The reintroduction of soil microbiome from native ecosystems improved restoration establishment.

Including only native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities produced similar improvements in plant establishment as what was found with whole soil microbiome amendment. These findings were robust across plant functional groups.

Inoculated plants (amended with either AM fungi or whole soil) also grew more leaves and were generally taller during the three growing seasons.

Synthesis and applications. Our research shows that mycorrhizal fungi can accelerate plant succession and that the reintroduction of both whole soil and laboratory cultivated native mycorrhizal fungi can be used as tools to improve native plant restoration following anthropogenic disturbance.
Revisiting the return‐volatility relationship of exchange rates: New evidence from offshore RMB
Authors: Chen Yue , Lin Juan , Wu Ximing
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the return‐volatility relationship of the offshore Chinese RMB (CNH). Based on a regime‐switching copula model, we find that the return‐volatility relationship has changed since the August 2015 reform of the central parity formation mechanism. Before the reform, implied volatility increased only in response to CNH depreciation. After the reform, both large depreciation and appreciation of CNH trigger higher implied volatility. We show that both the “fear of a crash” and interest rate differentials are important factors contributing to the return‐volatility dynamics. Our study provides empirical evidence that the 2015 reform increased the two‐way flexibility of the USD/CNH exchange rate. Specifically, after the reform, both large negative and large positive USD/CNH returns have created fear of future losses, which causes investors to bid up option prices and therefore implied volatility.
Genital mycoplasma infection and spontaneous preterm birth outcome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cunha GKP , Bastos LB , Freitas SF , Cavalli RC , Quintana SM
Published: September 2021

Objective

To assess the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) associated with genital mycoplasma infection in asymptomatic women.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Public and private health services in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

Population

A cohort of 1349 asymptomatic women with a singleton pregnancy at 20–25 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Participants completed a sociodemographic and clinical history questionnaire during the prenatal visit and provided cervicovaginal samples for the evaluation of Mycoplasma hominis (Mh), Ureaplasma spp. and bacterial vaginosis (BV). For gestational outcome, information about the delivery was assessed and sPTB was defined as a birth that occurred before 37 weeks of gestation. The association between variables and the risk of sPTB was evaluated using logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratios (ORs).

Main outcome measures

Genital mycoplasma infection and prematurity.

Results

The prevalence of sPTB and genital mycoplasma was 6.8 and 18%, respectively. The infection was not a risk factor for sPTB (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.32–1.35), even when Mh and Ureaplasma spp. were found together (P = 0.83). Pregnant women with genital mycoplasma infections had greater BV (P < 0.0001), but this vaginal microbiota condition was not associated with sPTB (P = 0.35). Regarding the risk factors associated with sPTB, a previous history of sPTB (aOR 12.06, 95% CI 6.21–23.43) and a cervical length of ≤2.5 cm (aOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.67–9.47) were significant.

Conclusions

Genital mycoplasma infection was not a risk factor for sPTB, even in the presence of other abnormal vaginal microbiota.

Tweetable abstract

Genital mycoplasma infection was not a risk for sPTB, even when associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV).
CKMRpop: Forward‐in‐time simulation and tabulation of pairwise kin relationships in age‐structured populations
Authors: Anderson Eric C.
Published: September 2021

In the last five years, interest in close‐kin mark–recapture (CKMR), a variant of mark–recapture that uses genetically inferred kin as ‘recaptures’, has grown dramatically. However, understanding the basis of CKMR, and properly implementing it, remains challenging. This paper describes an R package, CKMRpop, for simulating age‐structured populations with user‐specified demography, overdispersed variance in reproductive success (allowing for different ratios of effective to census size) and random sampling of individuals. Using compiled code for the simulation makes it feasible to simulate populations of millions of individuals. From the simulation output, pairs of sampled individuals related within a user‐specified number of generations are found. Such pairs form the foundation for CKMR inference, and simulating them provides insight for understanding the statistical basis for CKMR and for assessing the feasibility of CKMR in different scenarios. We predict that CKMRpop will serve as an important tool for researchers contemplating CKMR estimation of population size. Furthermore, the methods presented here for identifying and categorizing relationships beyond half‐siblings allow a more complete picture of the wide variety of kin pairs encountered in populations. This identifies the fraction of kin pairs that may not be the target of a CKMR experiment, but may be inadvertently mistaken for a more closely related ‘target’ kin pair. Additionally, as more distant kin categories will likely be accurately inferred from increasingly available and inexpensive whole genome resequencing, understanding the distributions of more distant relationships in populations is a first step towards broadening the scope of CKMR to include them.
The FSHR G‐29A variant is not associated with the ovarian response to exogenous FSH stimulation
Authors: Song Di , Hong Ling , Zhang Zhao‐feng , Xu Jian‐hua , Zhang Hui‐qin , Huang Xian‐liang , Du Jing
Published: September 2021

A common genetic variant in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene (FSHR) 5′‐untranslated region has been previously reported to influence FSHR gene expression. However, studies on the ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin stimulation are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of variants at positions ‐29 of the FSHR gene with the ovarian response to exogenous FSH stimulation in Chinese women. The genotypes of the FSHR gene were assayed using the Sequenom MassARRAY system. Total RNA and protein was extracted from granulosa cells, and FSHR expression at the mRNA and protein levels was assessed using quantitative PCR and western blotting. Our data revealed that there was no association between the FSHR genotype at the ‐29 position and the outcome of controlled ovarian stimulation. The expression of FSHR, at both the mRNA and protein levels, was similar amongst the different FSHR genotypes assessed, but was significantly reduced in the low responders. These results indicate that the variants caused by mutations at position ‐29 are not associated with ovarian response, and the low ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation may be caused by decreased FSHR expression.
Followers' unclear demands during the COVID‐19 pandemic can undermine leaders' well‐being: A moderated mediation model from an entrapment perspective
Authors: Zheng Yuyan , Wu Chia‐Huei , Zheng Xiaotong ( Janey) , Pan Jingzhou
Published: September 2021

Although effective leaders are important for reducing employee stress during the COVID‐19, limited studies have examined how follower behaviors can influence leader stress and well‐being during the COVID‐19. This study draws on defeat‐entrapment theory to examine how followers' unclear demands during the COVID‐19 consequently impact leaders' psychological states and well‐being. We conducted a three‐wave time‐lagged investigation with a sample of 281 leaders in the United Kingdom and found that followers' unclear demands could generate feelings of entrapment in leaders, leading to decreased levels of well‐being outcomes in leaders. Importantly, we found that leaders who have higher levels of leadership responsibility during the COVID‐19 are likely to feel trapped by followers' unclear demands. They are also likely to face higher levels of feelings of entrapment and impaired well‐being compared with leaders who have lower levels of leadership responsibility. We discuss the implications for theories and practices, as well as directions for future research.
Evaluation of published population pharmacokinetic models to inform tacrolimus dosing in adult heart transplant recipients
Authors: Kirubakaran Ranita , Hennig Stefanie , Maslen Ben , Day Richard O. , Carland Jane E. , Stocker Sophie L.
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

Identification of the most appropriate population pharmacokinetic model‐based Bayesian estimation is required prior to its implementation in routine clinical practice to inform tacrolimus dosing decisions. This study aimed to determine the predictive performances of relevant population pharmacokinetic models of tacrolimus developed from various solid organ transplant recipient populations in adult heart transplant recipients, stratified based on concomitant azole antifungal use. Concomitant azole antifungal therapy alters tacrolimus pharmacokinetics substantially, necessitating dose adjustments.

Methods

Population pharmacokinetic models of tacrolimus were selected (n = 17) for evaluation from a recent systematic review. The models were transcribed and implemented in NONMEM version 7.4.3. Data from 85 heart transplant recipients (2387 tacrolimus concentrations) administered the oral immediate‐release formulation of tacrolimus (Prograf) were obtained up to 391 days post‐transplant. The performance of each model was evaluated using: (i) prediction‐based assessment (bias and imprecision) of the individual predicted tacrolimus concentration of the fourth dosing occasion (MAXEVAL = 0, FOCE‐I) from 1–3 prior dosing occasions; and (ii) simulation‐based assessment (prediction‐corrected visual predictive check). Both assessments were stratified based on concomitant azole antifungal use.

Results

Regardless of the number of prior dosing occasions (1–3) and concomitant azole antifungal use, all models demonstrated unacceptable individual predicted tacrolimus concentration of the fourth dosing occasion (n = 152). The prediction‐corrected visual predictive check graphics indicated that these models inadequately predicted observed tacrolimus concentrations.

Conclusion

All models evaluated were unable to adequately describe tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in adult heart transplant recipients included in this study. Further work is required to describe tacrolimus pharmacokinetics for our heart transplant recipient cohort.
Retrospective analyses of other iatrogenic immunodeficiency‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Kaji Daisuke , Kusakabe Manabu , Sakata‐Yanagimoto Mamiko , Makishima Kenichi , Suehara Yasuhito , Hattori Keiichiro , Ota Yasunori , Mitsuki Takashi , Yuasa Mitsuhiro , Kageyama Kosei , Taya Yuki , Nishida Aya , Ishiwata Kazuya , Takagi Shinsuke , Yamamoto Hisashi , Asano‐Mori Yuki , Ubara Yoshifumi , Izutsu Koji , Uchida Naoyuki , Wake Atsushi , Taniguchi Shuichi , Yamamoto Go , Chiba Shigeru
Published: September 2021

Other iatrogenic immunodeficiency‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders (OIIA‐LPDs) occur in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune diseases; however, their clinicopathological and genetic features remain unknown. In the present study, we analysed 67 patients with OIIA‐LPDs, including 36 with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL)‐type and 19 with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)‐type. After discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs, regression without relapse was achieved in 22 of 58 patients. Spontaneous regression was associated with Epstein–Barr virus positivity in DLBCL‐type (P = 0·013). The 2‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival (PFS) at a median follow‐up of 32·4 months were 92·7% and 72·1% respectively. Furthermore, a significant difference in the 2‐year PFS was seen between patients with DLBCL‐type and HL‐type OIIA‐LPDs (81·0% vs. 40·9% respectively, P = 0·021). In targeted sequencing of 47 genes in tumour‐derived DNA from 20 DLBCL‐type OIIA‐LPD samples, histone‐lysine N‐methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D; eight, 40%) and tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14 (TNFRSF14; six, 30%) were the most frequently mutated genes. TNF alpha‐induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) mutations were present in four patients (20%) with DLBCL‐type OIIA‐LPD. Cases with DLBCL‐type OIIA‐LPD harbouring TNFAIP3 mutations had shorter PFS and required early initiation of first chemotherapy. There were no significant factors for spontaneous regression or response rates according to the presence of mutations. Overall, OIIA‐LPDs, especially DLBCL‐types, showed favourable prognoses.
Empagliflozin and uric acid metabolism in diabetes: A post hoc analysis of the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Mattheus Michaela , Meinicke Thomas , Steubl Dominik , Wanner Christoph , Zinman Bernard
Published: September 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on uric acid (UA) levels, antigout medication and gout episodes in the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial (NCT01131676).

Materials and methods

A total of 7020 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were randomized to either empagliflozin (10 or 25 mg) or placebo. The effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on UA concentration were assessed using mixed linear models. A composite outcome of new prescription of antigout medication or gout episode was studied with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Empagliflozin reduced serum UA levels versus placebo: week 52 adjusted mean treatment difference = −0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.42, −0.31) mg/dL; this was more pronounced in patients with baseline UA ≥ 7.0 mg/dL versus <7.0 mg/dL: week 52 adjusted mean treatment difference = −0.56 (95% CI −0.68, −0.43) and −0.30 (95% CI −0.37, −0.24) mg/dL, respectively. Among 6607 patients not taking antigout medications at baseline, 5.2% had a gout episode or initiated antigout treatment versus 3.6% in the placebo and empagliflozin groups, respectively: hazard ratio 0.67 (95% CI 0.53, 0.85; P = 0.001). Both components of the composite outcome contributed to the reduction with empagliflozin in the composite. Risk reduction was similar with both empagliflozin doses.

Conclusions

Empagliflozin reduced UA levels and the composite of gout episodes or prescription of antigout medication. These clinically important findings expand the utility of empagliflozin as a potential antigout treatment in patients with T2D, beyond its well‐established cardio‐renal benefits.
Prediction of chemical components of urinary stones through colour Doppler ultrasound twinkling artefacts under optimized space composite algorithm
Authors: Zhang Aiwei , Wang Junwei , Zhang Cunming , Gu Lingzhu
Published: September 2021

The study focused on the application value of the space compounding algorithm‐based colour Doppler ultrasound twinkling artefacts in predicting chemical components of urinary tract stones. Specifically, the minimum variance method was used to optimize the space‐compounding algorithm to improve the quality of colour Doppler ultrasound artefacts. Then, the urinary system stone model was built to quantitatively analyse the influence of stone components on colour Doppler twinkling artefacts. The results showed that no notable differences were noted in the twinkling artefact intensity (TAI), the width of twinkling artefact (TAW), and the length of twinkling artefact (TAL) between the oxalic acid monohydrate, hydroxyapatite, uric acid, and cystine stone models (p < 0.01). The area under the curve (AUC) of the TAI for the diagnosis of calcium‐free calculus models was 0.978, that of TAW was 0.9462, and that of TAL was 0.9315. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of TAI were 89% and 96%, respectively, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of TAW were 86% and 80%, respectively, and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of TAL were 78% and 97%, respectively. The ability of TAL (AUC of 0.953) to distinguish between hydroxyapatite stone model and cystine stone was better than TAI (AUC of 0.702) and TAW (AUC of 0.657) (p < 0.01); and TAL and TAW were positively correlated with TAI (R2 was 0.79 and 0.68, respectively, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the space compounding algorithm based on minimum variance method can improve the quality of colour Doppler ultrasound twinkling artefacts, and colour Doppler ultrasound twinkling artefacts can predict the chemical components of urinary stones, which can be used as a criterion for clinical diagnosis.
Retained austenite stability on rolling contact fatigue performance of 8620 case‐carburized steel
Authors: Morris Dallin , Sadeghi Farshid
Published: September 2021

Varying levels of retained austenite (RA) were achieved through varying undercooling severity in uniformly treated case carburized 8620 steel. Specimens were characterized via XRD and EBSD techniques to determine RA volume fraction and material characteristics prior to rolling contact fatigue (RCF). Higher RA volume fractions did not lead to improvement in RCF lives. XRD measurements after RCF testing indicated that little RA decomposition had occurred during RCF. A continuum damage mechanics (CDM) finite element model (FEM) was then developed to investigate the effects of RA stability on RCF. The results obtained from the CDM FEM captured similar behavior observed in the experimental results. Utilizing the CDM FEM, a parametric study was undertaken to examine the effects of RA quantity, RA stability, and applied pressure on RCF performance. The study demonstrates that the energy requirements to transform the RA phase are critical to RCF performance.
Association between dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and increased risk for bullous pemphigoid within 3 months from first use: A 5‐year population‐based cohort study using the Japanese National Database
Authors: Kuwata Hirohito , Nishioka Yuichi , Noda Tatsuya , Kubo Shinichiro , Myojin Tomoya , Higashino Tsuneyuki , Takahashi Yutaka , Ishii Hitoshi , Imamura Tomoaki
Published: September 2021

Aims/Introduction

We assessed the association between dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4is) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) and time‐dependent changes in the risk for developing BP after DPP‐4i initiation.

Materials and Methods

The present population‐based, real‐world study was carried out using the Japanese National Database dataset collected between 2013 and 2018. To assess independent correlations between DPP‐4is and the development of BP, the self‐controlled case series method was used.

Results

Among the cohort followed up for a median of 1,540 days, 53,027 patients were likely to develop BP. The possible incidence rate of BP in all 150,328,339 patients was 10.4/100,000 person‐years. Among the 9,705,814 patients with type 2 diabetes, 15,634 were likely to develop BP. The possible incidence rate of BP in patients with type 2 diabetes was 38.1/100,000 person‐years, whereas that in patients with type 2 diabetes who did and did not use DPP‐4is was 40.7 and 30.0/100,000 person‐years, respectively. Analysis of the 28,705 patients with type 2 diabetes likely to develop BP after initial DPP‐4i use showed a risk ratio of 2.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75–2.63), 1.70 (95% CI 1.37–2.11), 1.44 (95% CI 1.15–1.82), 1.25 (95% CI 0.98–1.59), 0.84 (95% CI 0.63–1.10), 0.84 (95% CI 0.64–1.11) and 1.05 (95% CI 0.92–1.20), for the risk period of ≤30, 31–60, 61–90, 91–120, 121–150, 151–180 and 181–365 days, respectively.

Conclusions

Although DPP‐4is were associated with increased risk for BP, the risk was particularly significant within 3 months from first use.
Effects of multimedia‐based fall prevention education on the knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors of patients
Authors: Wang Su‐Ching , Lee De‐Chih , Lee Yi‐Hua , Chang Yuan‐Ping , Chu I‐Lien
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Patient safety is regarded as a critical quality monitoring indicator for medical institutions. The effects of a multimedia‐based patient education intervention on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fall prevention were observed.

Methods

The study had a quasi‐experimental research design and enrolled 140 participants. Seventy participants in the experimental group received multimedia‐based patient education and a health education leaflet, while those in the control group received only the health education leaflet. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection at baseline, and a posttest was applied after the intervention.

Results

The participants were predominantly treated in the gastroenterology department (45.7%), followed by the pulmonology department (33.6%). A total of 86.4% of patients had not experienced a fall within 3 months. After the intervention, the average scores for all variables in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group. The results indicate that attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding fall prevention among patients in the pulmonology department were higher than those among patients in the gastroenterology department; the differences were statistically significant.

Conclusion

The individualized health education content was of substantial significance for patients with different disease backgrounds and facilitated changes in their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding falls.

Relevance to clinical practice

Multimedia‐based patient education influenced inpatients' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors for preventing falls.
Beyond the beak: Brain size and allometry in avian craniofacial evolution
Authors: Marugán‐Lobón Jesús , Nebreda Sergio M. , Navalón Guillermo , Benson Roger B. J.
Published: September 2021

Birds exhibit an enormous variety of beak shapes. Such remarkable variation, however, has distracted research from other important aspects of their skull evolution, the nature of which has been little explored. Key aspects of avian skull variation appear to be qualitatively similar to those of mammals, encompassing variation in the degree of cranial vaulting, cranial base flexure, and the proportions and orientations of the occipital and facial regions. The evolution of these traits has been studied intensively in mammals under the Spatial Packing Hypothesis (SPH), an architectural constraint so‐called because the general anatomical organization and development of such skull parts makes them evolve predictably in response to changes in relative brain size. Such SPH predictions account for the different appearances of skull configurations across species, either in having longer or shorter faces, and caudally or ventrally oriented occiputs, respectively. This pattern has been morphometrically and experimentally proven in mammals but has not been examined in birds or other tetrapods, and so its generality remains unknown. We explored the SPH in an interspecific sample of birds using three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics. Our results show that the dominant trend of evolutionary variation in the skull of crown‐group birds can be predicted by the SPH, involving concomitant changes in the face, the cranial vault and the basicranium, and with striking similarities to craniofacial variation among mammals. Although craniofacial variation is significantly affected by allometry, these allometric effects are independent of the influence of the SPH on skull morphology, as are any effects of volumetric encephalization. Our results, therefore, validate the hypothesis that a general architectural constraint underlies skull homoplasy evolution of cranial morphology among avian clades, and possibly between birds and mammals, but they downplay encephalization and allometry as the only factors involved.
Pathological personality, situations, and their joint influences on daily emotional symptoms
Authors: Hong Ryan Y. , Sheng Dan , Yee Wan Qi
Published: September 2021

Objective

The present research aims to advance current understanding on how individuals with pathological personality traits construe their day‐to‐day situational experiences.

Method

College students (N = 231) completed a measure of personality pathology, followed by six assessments of everyday situations and anxiety/depression symptoms over two weeks.

Results

Multilevel analyses indicated that personality pathology was meaningfully associated with situational experiences. Major findings suggested that situations that entailed aggravations and interpersonal confrontations were associated with negative affectivity, antagonism, and psychoticism. Detached individuals were less likely to experience pleasant and social situations. Exploratory analyses suggested an amplification effect where individuals high on personality pathology were more anxious or depressed when they perceived certain situational features, compared to their low trait counterparts. However, such cross‐level interactions constituted a small minority; most personality traits and situations exerted additive effects on symptoms.

Conclusion

Situational experiences appear to be driven in part by personality pathology. The exacerbation of daily negative symptoms can be attributed to the joint (largely additive) influence of the trigger situations and pathological personality traits.
Social groups constrain the spatiotemporal dynamics of wild sifaka gut microbiomes
Authors: Perofsky Amanda C. , Ancel Meyers Lauren , Abondano Laura A. , Di Fiore Anthony , Lewis Rebecca J.
Published: September 2021

Primates acquire gut microbiota from conspecifics through direct social contact and shared environmental exposures. Host behaviour is a prominent force in structuring gut microbial communities, yet the extent to which group or individual‐level forces shape the long‐term dynamics of gut microbiota is poorly understood. We investigated the effects of three aspects of host sociality (social groupings, dyadic interactions, and individual dispersal between groups) on gut microbiome composition and plasticity in 58 wild Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) from six social groups. Over the course of three dry seasons in a 5‐year period, the six social groups maintained distinct gut microbial signatures, with the taxonomic composition of individual communities changing in tandem among coresiding group members. Samples collected from group members during each season were more similar than samples collected from single individuals across different years. In addition, new immigrants and individuals with less stable social ties exhibited elevated rates of microbiome turnover across seasons. Our results suggest that permanent social groupings shape the changing composition of commensal and mutualistic gut microbial communities and thus may be important drivers of health and resilience in wild primate populations.
Enhancing remediation by focusing on affective experience
Authors: Colonnello Valentina
Published: September 2021

Colonnello offers the affective neuroscience view as a means for better understanding the role of emotions in remediation and nurturing synergistic interactions between research and education.
Metatheories of disagreement: Introduction
Authors: Hartl Péter , Gyarmathy Ákos
Published: September 2021

This article introducesMetaphilosophy'sspecial issue on metatheories of disagreement, with the aim of promoting discussion on the nature of disagreement on a metatheoretical level. The contributions to this issue cover the following key topics related to disagreement: faultless disagreement, metaontological disagreement, metalinguistic disagreement, responses to peer disagreement in philosophy, hinge epistemology and deep disagreement, disagreement asymmetry, factual and nonfactual disagreement, and defining disagreement or verbal dispute. This introduction also provides general background on four major topics in order to contextualize the contributions to the special issue: first, the problem of characterizing the subject matter of disagreements; second, the most prominent accounts of deep disagreement, disagreement asymmetry and hinges; third, the notion of faultless disagreement; and finally, the problem of offering different approaches on what disagreements are.
Taking a social perspective on moral disgust
Authors: Gert Joshua
Published: September 2021

Research on moral disgust suffers from a methodological bias. The bulk of such investigation focuses almost exclusively on the operation of moral disgust within the psychology of a single individual, or as involving an interaction between two people. This leads to certain questions being salient, while other phenomena, which emerge only at the level of an entire community or society, are largely hidden from view. The present paper explains and defends a perspective that emphasizes the role of moral disgust within a community. It also illustrates the usefulness of this perspective by applying it to three quite distinct accounts of moral disgust: Alexandra Plakias’s response model of moral disgust, David Pizarro’s idea that moral disgust is part of a behavioral immune system, and Jesse Prinz’s self‐consciously simple form of moral sentimentalism.
The Arabidopsis thaliana LysM‐containing Receptor‐Like Kinase 2 is required for elicitor‐induced resistance to pathogens
Authors: Giovannoni Moira , Lironi Damiano , Marti Lucia , Paparella Chiara , Vecchi Valeria , Gust Andrea A. , De Lorenzo Giulia , Nürnberger Thorsten , Ferrari Simone
Published: September 2021

In Arabidopsis thaliana, perception of chitin from fungal cell walls is mediated by three LysM‐containing Receptor‐Like Kinases (LYKs): CERK1, which is absolutely required for chitin perception, and LYK4 and LYK5, which act redundantly. The role in plant innate immunity of a fourth LYK protein, LYK2, is currently not known. Here we show that CERK1, LYK2 and LYK5 are dispensable for basal susceptibility to B. cinerea but are necessary for chitin‐induced resistance to this pathogen. LYK2 is dispensable for chitin perception and early signalling events, though it contributes to callose deposition induced by this elicitor. Notably, LYK2 is also necessary for enhanced resistance to B. cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae induced by flagellin and for elicitor‐induced priming of defence gene expression during fungal infection. Consistently, overexpression of LYK2 enhances resistance to B. cinerea and P. syringae and results in increased expression of defence‐related genes during fungal infection. LYK2 appears to be required to establish a primed state in plants exposed to biotic elicitors, ensuring a robust resistance to subsequent pathogen infections.
Material perception for philosophers
Authors: Ritchie J. Brendan , Paulun Vivian C. , Storrs Katherine R. , Fleming Roland W.
Published: September 2021

Common everyday materials such as textiles, foodstuffs, soil or skin can have complex, mutable and varied appearances. Under typical viewing conditions, most observers can visually recognize materials effortlessly, and determine many of their properties without touching them. Visual material perception raises many fascinating questions for vision researchers, neuroscientists and philosophers, yet has received little attention compared to the perception of color or shape. Here we discuss some of the challenges that material perception raises and argue that further philosophical thought should be directed to how we see materials.
Ability of the Putative Decomposition Products of 2,3‐dioxetanes of Indoles to Photosensitize Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimer (CPD) Formation and its Implications for the “Dark” (Chemisensitized) Pathway to CPDs in Melanocytes†
Authors: Wang Yanjing , Cacchillo Elena M. , Niedzwiedzki Dariusz M. , Taylor John‐Stephen
Published: September 2021

The formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) by a “dark” pathway in melanocytes has been attributed to chemisensitization by dioxetanes produced from peroxynitrite oxidation of melanin or melanin precursors. These dioxetanes are proposed to decompose to triplet state compounds which sensitize CPD formation by triplet–triplet energy transfer. To determine whether such compounds are capable of sensitizing CPD formation, the putative decomposition products of 2,3‐dioxetanes of variously substituted indoles were synthesized and their triplet state energies determined at 77 K. Their ability to photosensitize CPD formation was determined by an enzyme‐coupled gel electrophoresis assay in comparison with norfloxacin (NFX) which has the lowest triplet energy known to sensitize CPD formation. The decomposition products of 2,3‐dioxetanes of 5‐hydroxy and 5,6‐dimethoxy indoles used as models for melanin precursors had lower triplet energies and were incapable of photosensitizing CPD formation. Theoretical calculations suggest that the decomposition products of the 2,3‐dioxetanes of melanin precursors DHI and DHICA will have similarly low triplet energies. Decomposition products of the 2,3‐dioxetanes of indoles lacking oxygen substituents had higher triplet energies than NFX and were capable of photosensitizing CPD formation, suggesting that peroxynitrite oxidation of tryptophan could play a hitherto unrecognized role in the dark pathway to CPDs.
Caged Oxime Reactivators Designed for the Light Control of Acetylcholinesterase Reactivation†
Authors: Cannon Jayme , Tang Shengzhuang , Choi Seok Ki
Published: September 2021

Despite its promising role in the active control of biological functions by light, photocaging remains untested in acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a key enzyme in the cholinergic family. Here, we describe synthesis, photochemical properties and biochemical activities of two caged oxime compounds applied in the photocontrolled reactivation of the AChE inactivated by reactive organophosphate. Each of these consists of a photocleavable coumarin cage tethered to a known oxime reactivator for AChE that belongs in an either 2‐(hydroxyimino)acetamide or pyridiniumaldoxime class. Of these, the first caged compound was able to successfully go through oxime uncaging upon irradiation at long‐wavelength ultraviolet light (365 nm) or visible light (420 nm). It was further evaluated in AChE assays in vitro under variable light conditions to define its activity in the photocontrolled reactivation of paraoxon‐inactivated AChE. This assay result showed its lack of activity in the dark but its induction of activity under light conditions only. In summary, this article reports a first class of light‐activatable modulators for AChE and it offers assay methods and novel insights that help to achieve an effective design of caged compounds in the enzyme control.
Softening Performance's Pitfalls by Integrating Context and Capacity: A Government Competitiveness Framework
Authors: Christensen Robert K. , Im Tobin , Porumbescu Gregory
Published: September 2021

This article argues that government performance is better understood and managed within a broader competitiveness framework. Government competitiveness recursively integrates performance with organizational capacity and context. We illustrate this more holistic view with recent COVID‐19 examples as well as recent scholarship, including some recent PAR publications related to this topic.
Immune functions of phagocytic blood cells in teleost
Authors: Zhu Wentao , Su Jianguo
Published: September 2021

Phagocytosis is a fundamental immune function against foreign microorganisms and abnormal cells, and it is also a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. Blood as the direct living environment of various immune cells is a crucial site for phagocytosis. In this review, we firstly summarized the morphological structure and cytochemical characteristics of teleost peripheral blood cells, divided them into erythrocytes, leucocytes and thrombocytes, and then systematically elaborated the immune functions of phagocytic blood cells including professional and non‐professional phagocytes. The professional phagocytes consist of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. Monocytes/macrophages activate phagocytosis to ingest pathogens, and destroy them through respiratory burst and nitric oxide response to generate antigens, and then antigens are presented to adaptive immune cells. Neutrophils are recruited to inflammatory sites and exert phagocytosis, which is accompanied by degranulation and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps to kill pathogens. Non‐professional phagocytes including thrombocytes, B cells and erythrocytes are indispensable to exercise the phagocytosis, in addition to their main functions in the immune system. Thrombocytes participate in innate immunity and adaptive immunity. B cells carry out antigen presentation and immunoglobulin secretion in adaptive immunity. Erythrocytes perform immune regulation and infection resistance. In general, professional phagocytes play a primary role in phagocytosis and pathogen treatment, whereas non‐professional phagocytes play auxiliary role in phagocytosis and perform their unique immune functions. The functions of these two types of phagocytes jointly constitute the basis of the immune system. This review provides insights into the overall roles of phagocytic blood cells in the teleost immune system.
Evaluation of the Sysmex XN‐31 automated analyser for blood donor malaria screening at Malawi Blood Transfusion Services
Authors: M'baya Bridon , Mfune Thom , Samon Aubrey , Hwandih Talent , Münster Marion
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Balancing blood supply safety and sufficiency is challenging in malaria‐endemic countries where the risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) is ever‐present. In support of reducing this risk, our study aimed at evaluating the performance of the Sysmex XN‐31 analyser in blood donor malaria screening, as compared with current practice in Malawi.

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted on remnant venous donor blood samples collected at Malawi Blood Transfusion Service donation sites countrywide for routine blood‐borne pathogen screening. XN‐31 results were compared with routine thick smear malaria microscopy, using expert microscopy (phase 1 and 2) plus qualitative malaria polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (phase 2) to adjudicate discrepancies.

Results

XN‐31 detected malaria in 614 (11.6%) of 5281 study samples compared with 341 (6.5%) for routine microscopy. Of the 273 discrepant samples, 60 smears (phase 1) could not be retrieved for expert microscopic review. Expert microscopy confirmed the XN‐31 positivity in 78.8% (149/189) and 91.7% (22/24) of discrepant samples in phase 1 (n = 4416) and phase 2 (n = 975), respectively, with two cases requiring PCR testing, confirming one each as positive and negative, giving sensitivities of 100% and 75% and specificities of 99.9% and 100%, respectively, for XN‐31 and routine microscopy.

Conclusion

The automated Sysmex XN‐31 analyser's high sensitivity and specificity, ability to detect all Plasmodium species and high throughput with rapid turnaround‐time, overcomes many of the limitations of currently available diagnostic tests, making it well‐suited for malaria screening of donated blood in malaria‐endemic countries in support of TTM risk reduction.
Redirecting Mobilities
Authors: Koyagi Mikiya
Published: September 2021

Chapter 4 reviews the construction phase, which produced mobilities in the forms of displacement, transformation, and reorientation. Mainly based on petitions submitted to the Majles, the first example documents how the much-fanfared mobility by rail depended on the displacement of agriculturalists. The second example examines how the Pahlavi state tried to transform the mobility of tribes into a predictable, routinized mobility of laborers to maximize productivity on construction sites. The third example demonstrates that early operators of the Trans-Iranian Railway were products of the prior transnational circulation of Iranian labor in Iran’s neighboring regions. Thus, the railway project reversed the direction of labor flow. Taken altogether, the three cases suggest that the creation of an infrastructural system changed the qualities, scales, and directions of mobilities. Importantly, the production of mobilities during railway construction did not center around Tehran. Movement was generated in multiple directions, originating in many locations.
Conclusion
Authors: Koyagi Mikiya
Published: September 2021

The conclusion summarizes the main arguments of the book, with a focus on the unevenness of redistributing mobilities through the railway project. It also considers the need to reframe chronology in Iranian historiography, followed by a note on the continued importance of rail infrastructure in Iranian politics today.