bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Associations of Parenting and Childhood Maltreatment with Personality in Adolescent Males
Authors: Cundiff Jenny M. , Duggan Katherine A. , Xia Mengya , Matthews Karen A.
Published: April 2021

This longitudinal study examines whether early experiences with caregivers between the ages of 10 and 12 are associated with later adolescent personality at age 16 using both parent and child reports. Lower positive parenting was prospectively associated with higher neuroticism and lower extraversion and conscientiousness for both parent and self‐reports of personality, as well as lower openness and agreeableness by parent report. Substantiated maltreatment was prospectively associated with greater neuroticism and lower agreeableness and conscientiousness assessed by parent report. Prospective associations were similar across Black and White participants. Positive parenting and, to a lesser extent, a lack of maltreatment were associated with adaptive personality profiles in adolescents, and associations were stronger for parent reports of personality.
Dusk feeding in laying hens is shifted by light program via involvement of clock genes
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Liu Zengmin , Zhao Jingpeng , Jiao Hongchao , Lin Hai
Published: March 2021

Dusk feeding is practised probably to satisfy the energy requirement during night. However, little is known on the changes with clock gene expressions during this feeding behaviour. In our present study, the linkage of clock gene expressions and feeding behaviour in dusk feeding was investigated in laying hens under two lighting programs: the conventional lighting program (Control) with a light period from 05:00 AM to 21:00 PM and a dark period from 21:00 PM to 05:00 AM; or the shifted lighting program group (SLP) with a light period from 02:00 AM to 18:00 PM and a dark period from 18:00 PM to 02:00 AM. The gene expression‐related appetite and circadian rhythm were investigated in hypothalamus and proventriculus at 1, 3 and 5 h before scotophase. The results demonstrated that dusk feeding was synchronously shifted with altered lighting program, dusk feeding was observed from 5 h before scotophase in both groups. The expressions of anorexigenic gene proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) were downregulated (p < 0.05) during dusk feeding and changed in pace with lighting program. The expressions of clock gene period 2 (Per2) and cryptochrome 1 (Cry1) in hypothalamus were downregulated (p < 0.05) during dusk feeding and shifted by lighting program. In the proventriculus, ghrelin expression was decreased (p < 0.05) during dusk feeding by lighting program. In conclusion, the expressions of clock genes Per2 and Cry1 are linked with the downregulated expressions of anorexigenic genes, POMC and CART, and in turn the augmented feed intake at dusk.
Aqueous alteration and bioalteration of a synthetic enstatite chondrite
Authors: AVRIL Caroline , MALAVERGNE Valérie , VAN HULLEBUSCH Eric D. , BRUNET Fabrice , BORENSZTAJN Stephan , LABANOWSKI Jérôme , HENNET Louis , GUYOT François
Published: March 2021

Understanding the transformations of highly reduced enstatite chondrites (EC) in terrestrial environments, even on very short timescales, is important to make the best use of the cosmochemical and mineralogical information carried by these extraterrestrial rocks. Analogs of EC meteorites were synthesized at high pressure and high temperature. Then, their aqueous alterations, either abiotic or in the presence of the bacteria Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans or Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, were studied under air, at pH ~2, 20 °C, and atmospheric pressure. They stayed in shaken batch reactors for 15 days. Reference experiments were carried out separately by altering only one mineral phase among those composing the synthetic EC (i.e., sulfides: troilite or Mg‐Ca‐rich sulfides, enstatite, and Fe70Si30). Composition of the alteration aqueous media and microstructures of the weathered solids were monitored by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and by scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Alteration sequence of the different mineral components of the synthetic EC was found to occur in the following order: magnesium‐calcium sulfides > troilite > iron‐silicon metallic phase > enstatite regardless of the presence or absence of the microorganisms. Such small biological effects might be due to the fact that the alteration conditions are far from biologically optimal, which is likely the case in most natural environments. The exposed surfaces of an EC meteorite falling on Earth in a wet and acidic environment could lose within a few hours their Ca‐ and Mg‐rich sulfides (oldhamite and niningerite). Then, in <1 week, troilite and kamacite could be altered. In a wet and acidic environment, only the enstatite would remain intact and would weather on a much slower geological timescale.
Effects of cotton–maize rotation on soil microbiome structure
Authors: Xi Hui , Zhang Xuekun , Qu Zheng , Yang Dingyi , Alariqi Muna , Yang Zhaoguang , Nie Xinhui , Zhu Longfu
Published: March 2021

Verticillium wilt is a disastrous disease in cotton‐growing regions in China. As a common management method, cotton rotation with cereal crops is used to minimize the loss caused by Verticillium dahliae. However, the correlation between soil microbiome and the control of Verticillium wilt under a crop rotation system is unclear. Therefore, three cropping systems (fallow, cotton continuous cropping, and cotton–maize rotation) were designed and applied for three generations under greenhouse conditions to investigate the different responses of the soil microbial community. The soil used in this study was taken from a long‐term cotton continuous cropping field and inoculated with V. dahliae before use. Our results showed that the diversity of the soil bacterial community was increased under cotton–maize rotation, while the diversity of the fungal community was obviously decreased. Meanwhile, the structure and composition of the bacterial communities were similar even under the different cropping systems, but they differed in the soil fungal communities. Through microbial network interaction analysis, we found that Verticillium interacted with 17 bacterial genera, among which Terrabacter had the highest correlation with Verticillium. Furthermore, eight fungal and eight bacterial species were significantly correlated with V. dahliae. Collectively, this work aimed to study the interactions among V. dahliae, the soil microbiome, and plant hosts, and elucidate the relationship between crop rotation and soil microbiome, providing a new theoretical basis to screen the biological agents that may contribute to Verticillium wilt control.
Negotiating the Pandemic Like an Entrepreneur: Lessons from the Turbulent World of Start‐Up Ventures
Authors: Manwaring Melissa , Weirup Amanda , Balachandra Lakshmi
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced many organizations to negotiate existential issues in the context of diminished resources, high stress, heightened uncertainty, and lack of relevant precedent. A predictive approach—in which negotiators conduct research, prepare a strategy, and then act—may be insufficient in these turbulent pandemic conditions. Yet these are the very conditions in which nascent entrepreneurs typically negotiate. We recommend that organizations apply lessons from the start‐up venture context when negotiating during the pandemic: (1) recognize and tap into existing resources; (2) address conflicts directly and early, seeking stakeholder input; and (3) shift from the typical “predictive” negotiation approach to a more entrepreneurial “creative” approach, in which they take experimental action, learn from that experiment, and then plan their next steps.
A qualitative exploration of a mindful resiliency program for community healthcare providers
Authors: Klockner Karen , Crawford Christopher , Craigie Mark , Tsai Lily , Hegney Desley
Published: April 2021

Despite the important contribution of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to the community healthcare sector, the building and maintenance of occupational resilience in community health workers has received little attention. However, it is recognized that employees in this sector are exposed to significant stressors from the high demand work environment which negatively impacts on their well‐being. Therefore, this research examined the acceptability, feasibility, and sustainability of a mindful resiliency program by employing a qualitative analysis of participant subjective experience of the program in this cohort. This was the first study to be conducted with senior managers and frontline healthcare providers in the nongovernmental organizations community sector. A 1‐month post‐delivery qualitative review of the program identified four major themes: applicability, changes to participant's skills, social support, and coping with COVID‐19. A major finding was the ability of the participants to immediately recognize their stress levels and then manage them. Additionally, lessons from the program were shown to be usefully applied with colleagues and clients within the work environment, and with family members.
An integrative healthcare model with heartfulness meditation and care coordination improves outcomes in cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Venkatesan Thangam , Porcelli Anthony , Matapurkar Anagha , Suresh Kumar Vishnu Charan , Szabo Aniko , Yin Ziyan , Wieloch Laura
Published: March 2021

Background

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is associated with psychosocial comorbidity and often triggered by stress. Since the current disease‐centered care model does not address psychosocial factors, we hypothesized that holistic, patient‐centered care integrating meditation and addressing psychosocial needs through a care coordinator will improve healthcare outcomes in CVS.

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial: 49 patients with CVS (mean age: 34 ± 14 years; 81% female) were randomized to conventional health care (controls) or Integrative Health care (IHC) (27: controls, 22: IHC). The IHC group was assigned a care coordinator and received meditation with a certified instructor. Outcomes including psychological distress, coping strategies to manage chronic stress, cognitive symptom management, and Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) were measured.

Key Results

In intention‐to‐treat analyses, patients receiving IHC showed significant improvement in multiple domains of coping including positive reframing, planning, and reduction in self‐blame (p values ≤0.05), and physical HRQoL (p = 0.03) at 6 months. They also leaned toward spirituality/religion as a coping measure (p ≤ 0.02 at 3 and 6 months). Subgroup analysis of compliant patients showed additional benefit with significant reduction in psychological distress (p = 0.04), improvement in sleep quality (p = 0.03), reduction in stress levels (0.02), improvement in physical HRQoL (0.04), and further improvement in other domains of coping (p < 0.05).

Conclusions and Inferences

An IHC model incorporating meditation and care coordination improves patient outcomes in CVS and is a useful adjunct to standard treatment. Studies to determine the independent effects of meditation and care coordination are warranted.
Host‐induced gene silencing – mechanisms and applications
Authors: Koch Aline , Wassenegger Michael
Published: March 2021

Host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) technology has emerged as a powerful alternative to chemical treatments for protecting plants from pathogens or pests. More than 170 HIGS studies have been published so far, and HIGS products have been launched. First, we discuss the strengths and limitations of this technology in a pathosystem‐specific context. Next, we highlight the requirement for fundamental knowledge on the molecular mechanisms (i.e. uptake, processing and translocation of transgene‐expressed double‐stranded RNAs) that determine the efficacy and specificity of HIGS. Additionally, we speculate on the contribution of host and target RNA interference machineries, which may be incompatible depending on the lifestyle of the pathogen or pest. Finally, we predict that closing these gaps in knowledge will lead to the development of novel integrative concepts, precise risk assessment and tailor‐made HIGS therapy for plant diseases.
Engineering of the cytosolic form of phosphoglucose isomerase into chloroplasts improves plant photosynthesis and biomass
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Huijun , Zhang Wenjuan , Wang Ning , Zhang Shijia , Chu Chengcai , Liu Cuimin
Published: March 2021

Starch is the most abundant carbohydrate synthesized in plant chloroplast as the product of photosynthetic carbon assimilation, serving a crucial role in the carbon budget as storage energy. Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) catalyzes the interconversion between glucose 6‐phosphate (G6P) and fructose 6‐phosphate (F6P), which are important metabolic molecules in starch synthesis within chloroplasts and sucrose synthesis in cytosol.

Here, we found that the specific activity of recombinantly purified PGI localized in cytosolic PGI (PGIc) was much higher than its plastidic isoenzyme counterpart (PGIp) originated from wheat, rice and Arabidopsis, with wheat PGIc having by far the highest activity. Crystal structures of wheat TaPGIc and TaPGIp proteins were solved and the functional units were homodimers.

The active sites of PGIc and PGIp, constituted by the same amino acids, formed different binding pockets. Moreover, PGIc showed slightly lower affinity to the substrate F6P but with much faster turnover rates. Engineering of TaPGIc into chloroplasts of a pgip mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana (atpgip) resulted in starch overaccumulation, increased CO2 assimilation, up to 19% more plant biomass and 27% seed yield productivity.

These results show that manipulating starch metabolic pathways in chloroplasts can improve plant biomass and yield productivity.
Seasonal thaw and landscape position determine foliar functional traits and whole‐plant water use in tall shrubs on the low arctic tundra
Authors: Black Katherine L. , Wallace Cory A. , Baltzer Jennifer L.
Published: March 2021

Climate warming is driving tundra shrub expansion with implications for ecosystem function and regional climate. Understanding associations between shrub ecophysiological function, distribution and environment is necessary for predicting consequences of expansion. We evaluated the role of topographic gradients on upland shrub productivity to understand potential constraints on shrub expansion.

At a low arctic tundra site near Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada, we measured sap flow, stem water potential and productivity‐related functional traits in green alder, and environmental predictors (water and nutrient availability and seasonal thaw depth) across a toposequence in alder patches.

Seasonal thaw reduced stem sap flow whereas topographic position predicted stem water potential and productivity‐related functional traits. Upslope shrubs were more water‐limited than those downslope. Shrubs in drainage channels had traits associated with greater productivity than those on the tops of slopes.

The effect of thaw depth on sap flow has implications for seasonal water‐use patterns and warming impacts on tundra ecohydrology. Topographic variation in functional traits corresponds with observed spatial patterns of tundra shrub expansion along floodplains and concave hillslopes rather than in upland areas. Green alder is expanding rapidly across the low arctic tundra in northwestern North America; thus, anticipating the implications of its expansion is essential for predicting tundra function.
Under salt stress guard cells rewire ion transport and abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Karimi Sohail M. , Freund Matthias , Wager Brittney M. , Knoblauch Michael , Fromm Jörg , M. Mueller Heike , Ache Peter , Krischke Markus , Mueller Martin J. , Müller Tobias , Dittrich Marcus , Geilfus Christoph‐Martin , Alfarhan Ahmed H. , Hedrich Rainer , Deeken Rosalia
Published: March 2021

Soil salinity is an increasingly global problem which hampers plant growth and crop yield. Plant productivity depends on optimal water‐use efficiency and photosynthetic capacity balanced by stomatal conductance. Whether and how stomatal behavior contributes to salt sensitivity or tolerance is currently unknown. This work identifies guard cell‐specific signaling networks exerted by a salt‐sensitive and salt‐tolerant plant under ionic and osmotic stress conditions accompanied by increasing NaCl loads.

We challenged soil‐grown Arabidopsis thaliana and Thellungiella salsuginea plants with short‐ and long‐term salinity stress and monitored genome‐wide gene expression and signals of guard cells that determine their function.

Arabidopsis plants suffered from both salt regimes and showed reduced stomatal conductance while Thellungiella displayed no obvious stress symptoms. The salt‐dependent gene expression changes of guard cells supported the ability of the halophyte to maintain high potassium to sodium ratios and to attenuate the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway which the glycophyte kept activated despite fading ABA concentrations.

Our study shows that salinity stress and even the different tolerances are manifested on a single cell level. Halophytic guard cells are less sensitive than glycophytic guard cells, providing opportunities to manipulate stomatal behavior and improve plant productivity.
Risk factors associated with the development of oral mucositis in pediatric oncology patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Farias Gabriel Amanda , Silveira Felipe Martins , Curra Marina , Schuch Lauren Frenzel , Wagner Vivian Petersen , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , da Silveira Matte Ursula , Siebert Marina , Botton Mariana Rodrigues , Brunetto André Tesainer , Gregianin Lauro José , Martins Manoela Domingues
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Oral mucositis (OM) is an acute toxicity related to cancer treatment. This systematic review aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with the development of OM in pediatric cancer patients.

Methods

A search was performed in four electronic databases to identify studies that analyzed risk factors for OM in pediatric cancer patients.

Results

Nineteen articles were included. The incidence of OM ranged from 20% to 80.4%. Chemotherapeutic agents were potential risk factors for OM in eight (42%) studies. Hematological, hepatic, and renal parameters were also considered in eight (42%) studies, while specific individual factors were reported in five (26.3%) studies. Baseline disease, oral microbiota, genetic profile, and biomarkers were reported in four (21.5%) studies each. Meta‐analysis showed that groups submitted to high‐risk chemotherapy for OM had a 2.79‐fold increased risk of OM.

Conclusions

Identifying risk factors for OM is essential in order to allow individualized and early prevention treatment.
An implementation of Bubble Magnification did not improve the video comprehension of individuals with central vision loss
Authors: Costela Francisco M , Reeves Stephanie M , Woods Russell L
Published: March 2021

Purpose

People with central vision loss (CVL) watch television, videos and movies, but often report difficulty and have reduced video comprehension. An approach to assist viewing videos is electronic magnification of the video itself, such as Bubble Magnification.

Methods

We created a Bubble Magnification technique that displayed a magnified segment around the centre of interest (COI) as determined by the gaze of participants with normal vision. The 15 participants with CVL viewed video clips shown with 2× and 3× Bubble Magnification, and unedited. We measured video comprehension and gaze coherence.

Results

Video comprehension was significantly worse with both 2× (p = 0.01) and 3× Bubble Magnification (p < 0.001) than the unedited video. There was no difference in gaze coherence across conditions (p ≥ 0.58). This was unexpected because we expected a benefit in both video comprehension and gaze coherence. This initial attempt to implement the Bubble Magnification method had flaws that probably reduced its effectiveness.

Conclusions

In the future, we propose alternative implementations of Bubble Magnification, such as variable magnification and bubble size. This study is a first step in the development of an intelligent‐magnification approach to providing a vision rehabilitation aid to assist people with CVL.
Facilitators and barriers to the delivery of eye care by optometrists: a systematic review using the theoretical domains framework
Authors: Toomey Melinda , Gyawali Rajendra , Stapleton Fiona , Ho Kam Chun , Keay Lisa , Jalbert Isabelle
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Evidence‐based practice is fundamental to providing quality care, patient satisfaction and judicious use of limited healthcare resources. However, variability in evidence‐based eye care delivery has been reported. Given the important role of optometrists in delivering primary eye care, a better understanding of the barriers and facilitators to providing optometric care is required. This systematic review aimed to identify determinants (barriers and facilitators) of eye care delivery by optometrists and interventions that may improve eye care delivery.

Recent findings

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, PsychINFO, ProQuest and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting barriers and facilitators to eye care delivery published between 1999 and 2020. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used to analyse data (quotations, interpretive summaries, survey result) with barriers and facilitators coded to one or more of the 14 domains, and used to identify the key behavioural domains influencing eye care delivery based on frequency of coding, elaboration and stated importance in the study. Influential domains were mapped to the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify potential interventions to improve eye care delivery. Of the 802 studies retrieved from the search, 30 were included. Frequently identified barriers were time constraints, resources and equipment issues, patient factors, lack of awareness, skill proficiency deficits and negative attitudes and beliefs. Frequently identified facilitators were adequate time, resources and equipment, education, skill proficiency and understanding the relevancy of the eye care provided. The key TDF domains influencing eye care delivery were ‘environmental context and resources’ (time, resources, equipment issues, patient factors), ‘knowledge’ (awareness issues), ‘skills’ (skills proficiency) and ‘belief about consequences’ (beliefs and relevancy). Intervention functions that may improve eye care delivery were education, training, restriction, environmental restructuring, enablement, persuasion and modelling.

The barriers and facilitators identified in this review were diverse and located at both the practitioner and organisational levels. Four TDF domains were found to be influential determinants of eye care practice. Intervention functions identified in this study can be used to improve the appropriateness of primary eye care delivery.
Differences in intubation outcomes for pediatric patients between pediatric and general Emergency Departments
Authors: To Yi Hui , Ong Yong‐Kwang Gene , Chong Shu‐Ling , Ang Peck Har , Bte Zakaria Nur Diana , Lee Khai Pin , Pek Jen Heng
Published: March 2021

Background

Intubation is a life‐saving intervention at the Emergency Department (ED). However, general and pediatric EDs may vary in their preparedness to manage children with airway emergencies.

Aims

We aimed to compare rates of first‐pass intubation and adverse tracheal intubation‐associated events between general and pediatric EDs.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted at a pediatric ED and three general EDs from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018. Information about the intubation process involving pediatric patients (less than 16 years old), as well as eventual outcomes of first‐pass intubation and adverse tracheal intubation‐associated events were collected and analyzed.

Results

There were 180 pediatric intubations, of which 115 (63.9%) were performed in pediatric ED. The median age was 2 years old (interquartile range 0–6). Intubation was most commonly performed for patients with cardiac arrest (88, 48.9%). Direct laryngoscopy was used in 178 (98.9%) cases and uncuffed tube was used in 135 (75.0%) cases. Apneic oxygenation was performed in 26 (14.4%) cases—all in pediatric ED. Intubation was predominantly performed by senior clinicians (162, 90.0%). Overall, intubation was performed successfully in 175 (97.2%) cases, with a first‐pass intubation rate of 82.2% which was similar between pediatric (96, 83.5%) and general EDs (52, 80%) (Odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58 to 2.76, p = .558). There were 68 adverse tracheal intubation‐associated events with right mainstem intubation being the most common (23, 12.8%). Pediatric EDs (44, 38.3%) had a higher rate of adverse tracheal intubation‐associated events than general EDs (15, 23.1%) (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.11; p = .037).

Conclusions

Differences exist in intubation outcomes between pediatric and general EDs. Quality improvement efforts should focus on standardizing intubation practices across both pediatric and general EDs.
More than a Feeling
Authors: Kuklok Allison
Published: April 2021

I argue for an interpretation of Hume on which our confused notions of causal necessity find their model in Hume's notion of logical necessity: our minds react in similar ways to constant conjunctions, on the one hand, and genuine cases of inseparability between ideas, on the other, in light of which we mistakenly place relations of necessitation between objects we call cause and effect. I argue that my account provides a more satisfying explanation of the mismatch between the feeling that provides our true idea of necessary connection and the confused notions of necessary connection held by philosophers and the vulgar.
Young adults’ dynamic relationships with their families in early psychosis: Identifying relational strengths and supporting relational agency
Authors: Boden‐Stuart Zoë V. R. , Larkin Michael , Harrop Chris
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Most existing research on the family context of psychosis focuses on the ‘burden’ of caring for people experiencing psychosis. This research is the first to ask young people experiencing early psychosis to ‘map’ and describe their experiences and understandings of their family relationships, and how they have related to their psychosis and recovery.

Design

The research took an inductive, multimodal hermeneutic–phenomenological approach (Boden, Larkin & Iyer, 2019, Qual. Res. Psychology, 16, 218‐236; Boden & Larkin, 2020, A handbook of visual methods in psychology, 358‐375).

Method

Ten young adults (18–23), under the care of early intervention in psychosis services in the UK, participated in an innovative relational mapping interview (Boden, Larkin & Iyer, 2018), which invited participants to draw a subjective ‘map’ of their important relationships. This visual methodology enables subtle, complex, ambivalent, and ambiguous aspects of the participants’ experiences to be explored.

Results

Findings explore the participants’ accounts of how they love, protect, and care for their families; how they wrestle with family ties as they mature; and their feelings about talking about their mental health with loved ones, which was typically very difficult.

Conclusions

This paper advances understanding of recovery in psychosis through consideration of the importance of reciprocity, and the identification and nurturance of relational strengths. The capacity of a young person to withdraw or hold back when trying to protect others is understood as an example of relational agency. The possibility for extending strengths‐based approaches and family work within the context of early intervention in psychosis services is discussed.

Practitioner points

Young adults experiencing early psychosis may benefit from support to identify their relational strengths and the opportunities they have for reciprocity within their family structures, where appropriate.

Relational motivations may be important for a range of behaviours, including social withdrawal and non‐communication. Services may benefit from exploring the young person’s relational context and subjective meaning‐making in regard to these actions.

Young adults experiencing early psychosis may benefit from opportunities to make sense of their family dynamics and how this impacts on their recovery.

Attachment‐based and relationally oriented interventions that increase trust and openness, and reduce feelings of burdensomeness are likely to support family functioning as well as individual recovery.
Genetic containment in vegetatively propagated forest trees: CRISPR disruption of LEAFY function in Eucalyptus gives sterile indeterminate inflorescences and normal juvenile development
Authors: Elorriaga Estefania , Klocko Amy L. , Ma Cathleen , du Plessis Marc , An Xinmin , Myburg Alexander A. , Strauss Steven H.
Published: March 2021

Eucalyptus is among the most widely planted taxa of forest trees worldwide. However, its spread as an exotic or genetically engineered form can create ecological and social problems. To mitigate gene flow via pollen and seeds, we mutated the Eucalyptus orthologue of LEAFY (LFY) by transforming a Eucalyptus grandis × urophylla wild‐type hybrid and two Flowering Locus T (FT) overexpressing (and flowering) lines with CRISPR Cas9 targeting its LFY orthologue, ELFY. We achieved high rates of elfy biallelic knockouts, often approaching 100% of transgene insertion events. Frameshift mutations and deletions removing conserved amino acids caused strong floral alterations, including indeterminacy in floral development and an absence of male and female gametes. These mutants were otherwise visibly normal and did not differ statistically from transgenic controls in juvenile vegetative growth rate or leaf morphology in greenhouse trials. Genes upstream or near to ELFY in the floral development pathway were overexpressed, whereas floral organ identity genes downstream of ELFY were severely depressed. We conclude that disruption of ELFY function appears to be a useful tool for sexual containment, without causing statistically significant or large adverse effects on juvenile vegetative growth or leaf morphology.
Spray‐induced gene silencing for disease control is dependent on the efficiency of pathogen RNA uptake
Authors: Qiao Lulu , Lan Chi , Capriotti Luca , Ah‐Fong Audrey , Nino Sanchez Jonatan , Hamby Rachael , Heller Jens , Zhao Hongwei , Glass N. Louise , Judelson Howard S. , Mezzetti Bruno , Niu Dongdong , Jin Hailing
Published: March 2021

Recent discoveries show that fungi can take up environmental RNA, which can then silence fungal genes through environmental RNA interference. This discovery prompted the development of Spray‐Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) for plant disease management. In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy of SIGS across a variety of eukaryotic microbes. We first examined the efficiency of RNA uptake in multiple pathogenic and non‐pathogenic fungi, and an oomycete pathogen. We observed efficient double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake in the fungal plant pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Aspergillus niger and Verticillium dahliae, but no uptake in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and weak uptake in a beneficial fungus, Trichoderma virens. For the oomycete plant pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, RNA uptake was limited and varied across different cell types and developmental stages. Topical application of dsRNA targeting virulence‐related genes in pathogens with high RNA uptake efficiency significantly inhibited plant disease symptoms, whereas the application of dsRNA in pathogens with low RNA uptake efficiency did not suppress infection. Our results have revealed that dsRNA uptake efficiencies vary across eukaryotic microbe species and cell types. The success of SIGS for plant disease management can largely be determined by the pathogen’s RNA uptake efficiency.
EkFLS overexpression promotes flavonoid accumulation and abiotic stress tolerance in plant
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhang Yue , Zhu Chenyu , Yao Xiangyu , Zheng Zhe , Tian Zheni , Cai Xia
Published: March 2021

Flavonoids with great medicinal value play an important role in plant individual growth and stress resistance. Flavonol synthetase (FLS) is one of the key enzymes to synthesize flavonoids. However, the role of the FLS gene in flavonoid accumulation and tolerance to abiotic stresses, as well as its mechanism has not yet been investigated systematically in plants. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of FLS overexpression on the accumulation of active ingredients and stress resistance in Euphorbia kansui Liou. The results showed that when the EkFLS gene was overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, the accumulation of flavonoids was improved. In addition, when the wild‐type and EkFLS overexpressed Arabidopsis plants were treated with ABA and MeJA, compared with WT Arabidopsis, EkFLS overexpressed Arabidopsis promoted stomatal aperture to influence photosynthesis of the plants, which in turn can promote stress resistance. Meanwhile, under MeJA, NaCl, and PEG treatment, EkFLS overexpressed in Arabidopsis induced higher accumulation of flavonoids, which significantly enhanced peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities that can scavenge reactive oxygen species in cells to protect the plant. These results indicated that EkFLS overexpression is strongly correlated to the increase of flavonoid synthesis and therefore the tolerance to abiotic stresses in plants, providing a theoretical basis for further improving the quality of medicinal plants and their resistance to abiotic stresses simultaneously.
Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory for community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Kashimura Masami , Ishizu Kenichiro , Fukumori Takaki , Ishiwata Akiko , Tateno Amane , Nomura Toshiaki , Pachana Nancy A.
Published: March 2021

Background

This study developed a Japanese version of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI‐J) and its short form (GAI‐J‐SF) to evaluate anxiety in older adults in Japan and assess these measures’ psychometric properties with a cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Participants (N = 400; mean age: 75 years) were community‐dwelling older adults who answered a set of self‐report questionnaires. They were recruited from a community centre for older persons in the Kanto region of Japan. Of the respondents, 100 participated in a follow‐up survey to evaluate test–retest reliability. Item response theory was adopted to evaluate item parameters.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis with categorical data suggested that, as with the original Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, the GAI‐J/GAI‐J‐SF had a unifactor structure. Test–retest correlation and internal consistency analyses indicated that these scales had high reliability. Item response theory results showed that both measures' item parameters were acceptable. Correlations with the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, State Trait Anxiety Inventory‐State Only, Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 were mostly consistent with our hypotheses. This supports the high convergent validity of the GAI‐J/GAI‐J‐SF.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the GAI‐J and the GAI‐J‐SF have robust psychometric properties for assessing late‐life anxiety in older Japanese adults. Future GAI‐J studies in clinical groups are needed.
Stepwise achievement of high convection volume in post‐dilution hemodiafiltration: A prospective observational study
Authors: Kim Do Hyoung , Lee Young‐Ki , Park Hayne Cho , Kim Juhee , Yun Kyu Sang , Cho AJin , Noh Jung‐Woo , Kim Hyunsuk , Kim Seok‐hyung , Yoon Jong‐Woo
Published: March 2021

High‐volume online hemodiafiltration (HDF) has been reported to reduce the patient's mortality. However, achieving a high convection volume is challenging. In this prospective study, we investigated the feasibility of achieving high‐volume HDF with ≥21 L substitution volume via modification of blood flow rate (BFR), needle size, and dialysis membrane. In 30 patients undergoing hemodialysis, we followed a stepwise protocol and gradually increased the BFR (280→300→330 ml/min; steps 1, 2, and 3) and needle size (16→15 G; step 4). After changing dialyzer surface area (1.8 m2→2.5 m2), the BFR and needle size were similarly increased stepwise (steps 5, 6, 7, and 8). The mean substitution volume was 18.7 ± 2.2 L at step 1 and it significantly increased to 25.1 ± 2.6 L by step 8. A substitution volume of 21 L was achieved by 13.3% of patients in step 1 and by 96.7% after step 8. The substitution volume was higher for the dialyzer with a large surface area and for the larger needle (15 G). Between steps 1 and 8, the Kt/V and β2 microglobulin reduction ratios also improved significantly. High‐volume HDF is feasible through a stepwise increase in the BFR, needle size, and surface area of the dialysis membrane.
Australian aid in Papua New Guinea: Men’s views on pay disparities, power imbalances and written products in the development sector
Authors: Peake Gordon , Spark Ceridwen
Published: March 2021

This article explores the frustrations of men – both ‘local’ and ‘international’ – who work in the development sector in Papua New Guinea. It explores the views of men not because they are the only ones to express such dissatisfaction, but because their perspectives have not been documented, other than in informal conversations as occur over drinks or messaging platforms. These multiple narratives show how a combination of pay variations, different cultural vantage points, and bureaucratic dynamics leaves both constituencies feeling inconsequential, diminished, and disempowered. The research extends previous work with women. The article reflects a contribution to three bodies of literature which examine, respectively, the professional middle class in Melanesia; linkages between colonialism and racialised hierarchies reproduced in and through development; and the hierarchies of aid and professionalised international development, structures that have been likened to an ‘aid chain’.
Thinking algorithmically: The making of hegemonic knowledge in climate governance
Authors: Machen Ruth , Nost Eric
Published: March 2021

Algorithms – instructions for acting on data, executed by code – are increasingly being enrolled into climate policy governance via the prediction of policy outcomes, the evaluation of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the design of practitioner actions. Yet the political implications of these technological changes in environmental governance are only just beginning to be theorised. In this paper, we examine one particular facet of this emerging politics: the relationship between thinking algorithmically and hegemonic power. Drawing from Laclau and Mouffe’s theorisation of hegemony we argue that algorithmic forms of reasoning lend themselves towards producing hegemonising knowledge regimes, with important implications for a democratic politics of climate change. Recognising that algorithms stand for wider socio‐technical assemblages that structure and create knowledge, we call for greater attention to the reliance on algorithms within climate governance – less for the algorithms themselves than for their particular epistemic commitments that create algorithmic ways of thinking, with associated claims to power. Through a critical review of scholarship at the intersection of critical digital studies and environmental governance, we first identify three key epistemic commitments involved in thinking algorithmically: induction, abstraction, and optimisation. We then examine the correspondence between these key features of algorithmic thinking and the conditions that Laclau and Mouffe propose form the grounds for hegemony: objectivity, universality, and necessity. Better understanding what “thinking algorithmically” entails, and the forms of knowing and acting that it affords and excludes, is vital, we argue, to begin naming the political implications and transformative potential of new forms of climate governance.
A newly established canine NK‐type cell line and its cytotoxic properties
Authors: Grudzien Malgorzata , Pawlak Aleksandra , Kutkowska Justyna , Ziolo Ewa , Wysokińska Edyta , Hildebrand Wojciech , Obmińska‐Mrukowicz Bożena , Strzadala Leon , Rapak Andrzej
Published: March 2021

We established a canine natural killer (NK)‐type cell line called CNK‐89 derived from a dog with NK cell neoplasia. Immunophenotyping analysis showed positive staining for CD5, CD8, CD45, CD56, CD79a and NKp46, while negative for CD3, CD4, CD14, CD20, CD21, CD34, Thy1, IgG, IgM and MHCII. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the presence of CD56, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 and perforin, but the absence of CD16, Ly49 and granzyme B mRNA. Treating CNK‐89 cells with IL‐2 did not change the expression of activating receptors, TNFα and IFNγ secretion and cytotoxic activity, however, treatment with IL‐12 alone or in combinations with IL‐15, IL‐18 and IL‐21 caused an increase in granzyme B and CD16 mRNA, IFNγ secretion and cytotoxic properties of the CNK‐89 cell line.
Penetrating Keratoplasty in Dogs using Acellular Porcine Corneal Stroma (BioCorneaVet™): A prospective pilot study of five cases
Authors: Lavaud Arnold , Kowalska Malwina Ewa , Voelter Katrin , Pot Simon A. , Rampazzo Antonella
Published: March 2021

Objective

This prospective pilot study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of a commercially available corneal stroma substitute, Acellular Porcine Corneal Stroma (APCS), in dogs undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK) to restore corneal integrity after having deep ulcers.

Method

Five dogs (1 eye in each dog) underwent a PK using APCS (BioCorneaVet™) as a graft. The surgical procedure and peri‐ and postoperative treatment were standardized. All cases required a minimum 6 months follow‐up. Ease of keratoprosthetic tissue handling, graft survival, anterior chamber stability, corneal opacity, neovascularization and re‐epithelialization were noted. Presence of secondary uveitis was investigated.

Results

BioCorneaVet™ was easy to handle and, at all‐time points, provided adequate tectonic support. Graft survival was achieved in all 5 cases. A minimum follow‐up period of 10 months was available for the five eyes (22 months maximum). Degree and area of corneal graft opacity progressively improved resulting in minimal to moderate loss of transparency in all cases but one, where it was severe. Neovascularization degree was most severe 0.5–1 month after surgery and fully resolved 4–6 months post‐surgery. Re‐epithelialization was complete in the majority of grafts in 1 month. Secondary uveitis was not detected at any time in 4 of 5 dogs.

Conclusion

BioCorneaVet™ seems to be an effective graft for PK in the dog. In this case series, APCS was convenient to handle during surgery and provided excellent tectonic support. The material showed good tissue biocompatibility and resulted in the majority of cases in minimal to moderate graft opacity, that ameliorates with time.
Vertical cavity capacitive transducer
Authors: Yaralioglu Goksen G. , Ergun A. Sanli , Bozkurt Ayhan
Published: April 2021

The capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) has inherent advantages, such as larger bandwidth and monolithic integration capability with electronics, when compared to the piezoelectric transducer. The most significant shortcoming of the device is the trade-off between input and output sensitivities. Adequate receive sensitivity requires an electric field intensity on the order of 105 V/m, which can be achieved by sub-micron gap heights. However, a small gap limits the device stroke and, consequently, the maximum output pressure. This paper addresses this problem by proposing a CMUT with a vertical cavity. The membrane of the device has a piston part that is surrounded by the sidewalls of a vertical cylinder formed in the substrate. The fringing electric field pulls the piston in the vertical direction; hence, the gap height remains fixed, which alleviates the hard limit on device stroke. The performance of the proposed device is compared to that of the conventional CMUT by theoretical and analytical methods, and a micro-fabrication method is devised. Additionally, a millimeter-scale device has been manufactured and tested as a proof of concept.
Favourable outcome after prolonged veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) support forPneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Kleinloog Daniel , Maas Jacinta , Lopez Matta Jorge , Elzo Kraemer Carlos
Published: April 2021

A 27-year-old man, with a history of renal transplantation, presented with acute kidney failure andPneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia. The patient developed severe acute respiratory failure and required support by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for a total of 59 days. During this period, the patient had extremely low tidal volumes using a lung protective ventilation strategy and intermittent prone positioning was used to optimise oxygenation. There was full recovery of pulmonary and partial recovery of renal function.
Nephropleural fistula after supracostal approach for PCNL: report of two cases with review of literature
Authors: Bhat Abhishek , Katz Jonathan E , Smith Nicholas , Shah Hemendra N
Published: April 2021

Nephropleural fistula is a rarely encountered complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Only 11 cases have been reported in literature to date. Often associated with supracostal punctures, the presentation is frequently delayed. Diagnosis is based on imaging, mainly X-rays and CT along with retrograde pyelography that establishes the fistulous connection. A difficult to diagnose condition, any patient with a supracostal access PCNL who presents with delayed symptoms of breathlessness and has leucocytosis with fluid in the lungs on chest imaging should be suspected to have a nephropleural fistula. The management involves intercostal tube thoracostomy to relieve symptoms and drainage of the operated kidney by double-J stent placement, if not placed already. Prompt recognition and management results in excellent recovery with no sequelae. We present our experience with two such cases and our aim was to familiarise the practising urologist regarding the diagnosis and management of this infrequent condition.
Major clinical impact of patent foramen ovale after HeartMate3 implantation: periprocedural diagnosis and its pitfalls
Authors: Brízido Catarina , Rocha Bruno , Strong Christopher , Aguiar Carlos
Published: April 2021

We report a clinically significant right-to-left intracardiac shunt through a patent foramen ovale, diagnosed during investigations for hypoxemia and left ventricular dilation on the late postoperative period of a HeartMate3 implantation. We discuss diagnostic pitfalls and haemodynamic influences in this scenario, as well as the possibility of successful percutaneous treatment.
Generalized eigenfunctions for quantum walks via path counting approach
Authors: Komatsu Takashi , Konno Norio , Morioka Hisashi , Segawa Etsuo
Published: March 2021

We consider the time-independent scattering theory for time evolution operators of one-dimensional two-state quantum walks. The scattering matrix associated with the position-dependent quantum walk naturally appears in the asymptotic behavior at the spatial infinity of generalized eigenfunctions. The asymptotic behavior of generalized eigenfunctions is a consequence of an explicit expression of the Green function associated with the free quantum walk. When the position-dependent quantum walk is a finite rank perturbation of the free quantum walk, we derive a kind of combinatorial construction of the scattering matrix by counting paths of quantum walkers. We also mention some remarks on the tunneling effect.