bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prisoners' perceptions of the healthcare service: A qualitative study
Authors: Rungreangkulkij Somporn , Silarat Maliwan , Kotnara Ingkata
Published: January 2021

It is recognized that the health of those in prison is poorer than the general population. The objective of this research is to understand the perceptions of the prisoners of the health care that they received at a district level prison in Thailand. We conducted a qualitative study, using in‐depth interviews. Content analysis was used for data analysis. The participants were 13 prisoners. The findings reveal the prisoners have positive attitudes toward health services. They think that they are receiving the same standard of care as the general population. However, they are concerned about getting a communicable disease and accessibility to emergency care. There is limited dental care. The female prisoners have more trouble accessing health care than male prisoners. Suggestions for solving the inequality of care for prisoners includes increasing the collaboration with the community hospitals, using telehealth, adding female health providers, and developing inmate health volunteers among the prisoners.
Emerging incidence trends of eosinophilic esophagitis over 25 years: Results of a nationwide register‐based pathology cohort
Authors: de Rooij Willemijn E. , Barendsen Marielle E. , Warners Marijn J. , van Rhijn Bram D. , Verheij Joanne , Bruggink Annette H. , Bredenoord Albert J.
Published: January 2021

Rationale

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has emerged from a case‐reportable illness in the early 1990s to a distinct clinicopathological entity. Increasing worldwide incidences have been observed, although due to various study designs estimates are inconsistent.

Aim

To determine population‐based annual incidence rates over a time period of 25 years.

Methods

A nationwide register‐based pathology (PALGA) search was performed to identify reports describing esophageal eosinophilia between 1995 and 2019. EoE was identified if the diagnosis was confirmed by the pathologist. Crude incidence rates were estimated by the number of new EoE cases per year and matched with population data.

Results

Between 1995 and 2019, 7361 unique patients’ reports mentioned esophageal eosinophilia, of these 4061 were classified as EoE (71% male, mean age 37.9 ± 18.4 years). In total, 639 (16%) children (<18 years) were diagnosed. The EoE incidence increased from 0.01 in 1995 (95% CI: 0.0 – 0.04) to 3.16 (95% CI: 2.90 – 3.44) per 100.000 inhabitants in 2019. EoE was significantly more prevalent in males (OR 2.48 | 95% CI: 2.32 – 2.65; vs. females p < 0.001) and adults (OR 1.42 | 95% CI: 1.31 – 1.55; vs. children p < 0.001). Highest incidences were observed in 2019, being 4.37 (95% CI: 3.94 – 4.84) vs. 1.97 (95% CI: 1.68 – 2.29) per 100.000 males and females, respectively (p < 0.001). No seasonal variation was observed.

Conclusion

Over the past quarter century, the annual rates of newly diagnosed EoE patients raised dramatically and this increase has not reached a deceleration yet.
Esophageal hypervigilance is prevalent across gastroesophageal reflux disease presentations
Authors: Guadagnoli Livia , Yadlapati Rena , Taft Tiffany , Pandolfino John E. , Tye Michael , Keefer Laurie
Published: January 2021

Background

There is a need to identify factors outside of abnormal reflux that contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal hypervigilance is a psychological process impacting symptom experience in esophageal disease. However, little is known about the presence of hypervigilance in GERD phenotypes, especially in those with abnormal acid exposure or symptom index scores. The primary aim was to assess differences in self‐reported esophageal hypervigilance across different GERD presentations. The secondary aim was to evaluate esophageal hypervigilance as a predictor of symptom severity.

Methods

We conducted retrospective data analyses on a cohort of adult patients with reflux symptoms that underwent 96‐hour wireless pH monitoring from 9/2015 to 9/2017. Patients were stratified into groups based on the number of days they exhibited positive acid exposure time (AET; 0 days, 1–2 days, 3+ days), and symptom index scores (SI; 0 days, 1‐day, 2+ days). Esophageal hypervigilance and anxiety, and symptom frequency and severity were assessed between groups.

Key Results

A total of 123 AET cases and 116 SI cases were included for analysis. Esophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scores did not significantly differ based on the number of days of positive AET (p = 0.311) or SI (p = 0.118). Symptom severity and perceived symptom frequency differed between groups. Hypervigilance significantly predicted symptom severity, when controlling for symptom‐specific anxiety.

Conclusions

Esophageal hypervigilance is persistent across patients with reflux, irrespective of acid burden and symptom index, and significantly predicts symptom severity. Hypervigilance should be considered as an independent factor contributing to esophageal symptom perception.
Root growth responses to mechanical impedance are regulated by a network of ROS, ethylene and auxin signalling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jacobsen Amy G. R. , Jervis George , Xu Jian , Topping Jennifer F. , Lindsey Keith
Published: January 2021

The growth and development of root systems is influenced by mechanical properties of the substrate in which the plants grow. Mechanical impedance, such as by compacted soil, can reduce root elongation and limit crop productivity.

To understand better the mechanisms involved in plant root responses to mechanical impedance stress, we investigated changes in the root transcriptome and hormone signalling responses of Arabidopsis to artificial root barrier systems in vitro.

We demonstrate that upon encountering a barrier, reduced Arabidopsis root growth and a characteristic ‘step‐like’ growth pattern is due to a reduction in cell elongation associated with changes in signalling gene expression. Data from RNA‐sequencing combined with reporter line and mutant studies identified essential roles for reactive oxygen species, ethylene and auxin signalling during the barrier response.

We propose a model in which early responses to mechanical impedance include reactive oxygen signalling integrated with ethylene and auxin responses to mediate root growth changes. Inhibition of ethylene responses allows improved growth in response to root impedance, an observation that may inform future crop breeding programmes.
Auxilin‐like protein MoSwa2 promotes effector secretion and virulence as a clathrin uncoating factor in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Liu Muxing , Hu Jiexiong , Zhang Ao , Dai Ying , Chen Weizhong , He Yanglan , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: January 2021

Plant pathogens exploit the extracellular matrix (ECM) to inhibit host immunity during their interactions with the host. The formation of ECM involves a series of continuous steps of vesicular transport events.

To understand how such vesicle trafficking impacts ECM and virulence in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, we characterised MoSwa2, a previously identified actin‐regulating kinase MoArk1 interacting protein, as an orthologue of the auxilin‐like clathrin uncoating factor Swa2 of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We found that MoSwa2 functions as an uncoating factor of the coat protein complex II (COPII) via an interaction with the COPII subunit MoSec24‐2. Loss of MoSwa2 led to a deficiency in the secretion of extracellular proteins, resulting in both restricted growth of invasive hyphae and reduced inhibition of host immunity. Additionally, extracellular fluid (ECF) proteome analysis revealed that MoSwa2‐regulated extracellular proteins include many redox proteins such as the berberine bridge enzyme‐like (BBE‐like) protein MoSef1. We further found that MoSef1 functions as an apoplastic virulent factor that inhibits the host immune response.

Our studies revealed a novel function of a COPII uncoating factor in vesicular transport that is critical in the suppression of host immunity and pathogenicity of M. oryzae.
New fluorescent auxin probes visualise tissue‐specific and subcellular distributions of auxin in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pařízková Barbora , Žukauskaitė Asta , Vain Thomas , Grones Peter , Raggi Sara , Kubeš Martin F. , Kieffer Martin , Doyle Siamsa M. , Strnad Miroslav , Kepinski Stefan , Napier Richard , Doležal Karel , Robert Stéphanie , Novák Ondřej
Published: January 2021

In a world that will rely increasingly on efficient plant growth for sufficient food, it is important to learn about natural mechanisms of phytohormone action. In this work, the introduction of a fluorophore to an auxin molecule represents a sensitive and non‐invasive method to directly visualise auxin localisation with high spatiotemporal resolution.

The state‐of‐the‐art multidisciplinary approaches of genetic and chemical biology analysis together with live cell imaging, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) methods were employed for the characterisation of auxin‐related biological activity, distribution and stability of the presented compounds in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Despite partial metabolisation in vivo, these fluorescent auxins display an uneven and dynamic distribution leading to the formation of fluorescence maxima in tissues known to concentrate natural auxin, such as the concave side of the apical hook. Importantly, their distribution is altered in response to different exogenous stimuli in both roots and shoots. Moreover, we characterised the subcellular localisation of the fluorescent auxin analogues as being present in the endoplasmic reticulum and endosomes.

Our work provides powerful tools to visualise auxin distribution within different plant tissues at cellular or subcellular levels and in response to internal and environmental stimuli during plant development.
Impact of flour fortification with calcium on calcium intake: a simulation study in seven countries
Authors: Cormick Gabriela , Betran Ana Pilar , Romero Iris B. , García‐Casal María Nieves , Perez Surya M. , Gibbons Luz , Belizán José M.
Published: January 2021

Calcium intake is low in many countries, especially in low‐income countries. Our objective was to perform a simulation exercise on the impact, effectiveness, and safety of a flour fortification strategy using the Intake Modelling, Assessment, and Planning Program. Modeling of calcium fortification scenarios was performed with available dietary intake databases from Argentina, Bangladesh, Italy, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Uganda, Zambia, and the United States. This theoretical exercise showed that simulating a fortification with 156 mg of calcium per 100 g of flour would decrease the prevalence of low calcium intake, and less than 2% of the individuals would exceed the recommended calcium upper limit (UL) in Argentina, Italy, Uganda, and Zambia. Bangladesh and the Lao PDR showed little impact, as flour intake is uncommon. By contrast, in the United States, this strategy would lead to some population groups exceeding the UL. This exercise should be replicated and adapted to each country, taking into account the updated prevalence of calcium inadequacy, flour consumption, and technical compatibility between calcium and the flour‐type candidate for fortification. A fortification plan should consider the impact on all age groups to avoid the risk of exceeding the upper levels of calcium intake.
Influence of AMY1A copy number variations on obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors: A review of the evidence
Authors: Hariharan Rohit , Mousa Aya , de Courten Barbora
Published: January 2021

The rising incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is contributing to the escalating burden of disease globally. These metabolic disorders are closely linked with diet and in particular with carbohydrate consumption; hence, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms that influence carbohydrate metabolism. Amylase, the enzyme responsible for the digestion of starch, is coded by the genes AMY1A, AMY1B, and AMY1C (salivary amylase) and AMY2A and AMY2B (pancreatic amylase). Previous studies demonstrate wide variations in AMY1A copy numbers, which can be attributed to several genetic, nutritional, and geographical diversities seen in populations globally. Current literature suggests that AMY1A copy number variations are important in obesity and other cardiometabolic disorders through their effects on glucose and lipid homeostasis, inflammatory markers, and the gut microbiome. This review synthesizes the available evidence to improve understanding of the role of AMY1A in obesity and related cardiometabolic risk factors and disorders including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk and inflammation, and the gut microbiome.
Novel Strategy of Curettage and Adjuvant Microwave Therapy for the Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone in Extremities: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ke Jin , Cheng Shi , Yao Meng‐yu , Chu Xiao , Wang Ming , Zeng Xiao‐long , Yang Tao , Zhang Chi , Zhong Hua , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To evaluate whether curettage with adjuvant microwave therapy was successful in the treatment of giant cell tumor of the bone (GCTB) in extremities, especially for GCTB with pathological fractures and GCTB of the distal radius.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 54 cases of GCTB of the extremities treated by curettage with adjuvant microwave therapy between 2007 and 2019. Five patients were lost to follow up and excluded from the study. A total of 33 male and 21 female patients were included in this study. Patients were aged 15–57 years (mean 29.72 ± 10.48 years). Among these patients, there were 10 cases of GCTB with pathological fractures and eight cases of GCTB of the distal radius; one of these cases was combined with a pathological fracture. Comprehensive imaging examinations (X‐rays [including lesion site and chest], CT, MRI, emission computed tomography, and pathology examination) of all patients were reviewed. The clinical staging of these patients were evaluated radiologically using the Campanacci classification system based on the extent of spread of the tumor. All patients underwent curettage with adjuvant microwave therapy. Clinical and imaging evaluations were performed in all cases to check for recurrence or metastasis. Lower limb and upper limber function were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS), and wrist function was assessed according to the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. Data on surgical‐related complications were recorded.

Results

All cases were followed up for 24–126 months (mean 60.69 ± 29.61 months). There were 24 patients with a Campanacci grade of 3 and 30 with a Campanacci grade of 2. The 52 patients were continuously disease‐free. The local recurrence rate was 3.70% (2 patients). One patient had recurrence in the proximal femur, and the other developed in soft tissue of the calf muscle. No recurrence occurred for GCTB of the distal radius. One recurrence occurred in a GCTB with pathological fractures. The intervals were 9 and 28 months, respectively. The cases of recurrence all had a Campanacci grade of 3 (8.33%). The median MSTS among the 54 patients was 27.67 ± 3.81. The mean wrist function DASH score was 8.30 ± 2.53. The mean MSTS was 28.67 ± 1.63 and 26.71 ± 5.49 for patients with GCTB of the distal radius and for those with pathological fractures, respectively. In comparing patients with and without pathological fractures, there was no significant difference in the MSTS functional score. Five patients had complications after the surgery.

Conclusion

Curettage with adjuvant microwave ablation therapy provided favorable local control and satisfactory functional outcomes in the treatment of GCTB, especially for cases with pathological fractures and those with GCTB of the distal radius.
Prevalence of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis in Middle‐Aged People in Beijing Community
Authors: He Da , Li Zu‐chang , Zhang Tian‐yu , Cheng Xiao‐guang , Tian Wei
Published: January 2021

Objective

Lumbar spondylolisthesis (LS) is a common lumbar disease, and the prevalence of LS in different countries or regions was not consistent in the past. This study intends to make statistics on the prevalence of lumbar spondylolisthesis in middle‐aged people in Beijing community.

Methods

This is an epidemiological study. 4548 people in Beijing community aged 50 to 64 years were recruited from the local communities by advertisements placed in housing estates and community centres for people to take part in a prospective cohort study from August from September 2013 to March 2014. There is no intervention on the subjects. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer is adopted to read the lateral CT positioning images of all the studied objects, adjust the image as bone window, observe and evaluate the slide of L1 to L5 vertebra in the lateral CT positioning image.

Results

Among the 4,548 subjects included in the study, 2,490 (54.75%) were male and 2,058 (45.25%) were female. A total of 785 subjects had lumbar spondylolisthesis, with a total incidence of 17.26%. There was no significant difference between prevalence of males and females in the subgroup 50‐54 years old (13.55% males / 12.53% females) and 55‐59 years old (14.77% males / 14.93% females). But the prevalence of LS in 60‐64 years old females (28.57%) increased significantly, compared with 55‐59 years old females (14.93%) and 60‐64 years old males (18.76%). There were 847 levels that had slipped, L5S1 > L4/5 > L3/4 > L2/3 > L1/2. The retrolisthesis was the most, accounting for 61.51% (521/847), and the anterolisthesis was 38.49% (326/847), including anterolisthesis gradeI for 95.71% (312/326), anterolisthesis gradeII for 4.29% (14/326). Neither of anterolisthesis and retrolisthesis presented more than grade III. Among all the subjects, 318 had anterolisthesis, with a total incidence of 6.99%, and 467 subjects only had retrolisthesis.

Conclusion

The total prevalence of LS in the middle‐aged people in Beijing community was 17.26%, 15.98% in males and 18.80% in females, and women are more likely to suffer from LS after 60 years old.
Trends in the use, complications, and costs of permanent pacemakers in Australia: A nationwide study from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Westaway Samuel , Nye Elsbeth , Gallagher Celine , Tu Samuel J. , Clarke Nicholas , Hanna‐Rivero Nicole , Emami Mehrdad , Kadhim Kadhim , Pitman Bradley M. , Mahajan Rajiv , Lau Dennis H. , Young Glenn D. , Sanders Prashanthan , Wong Christopher X.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To characterize contemporary pacemaker procedure trends.

Methods

Nationwide analysis of pacemaker procedures and costs between 2008 and 2017 in Australia. The main outcome measures were total, age‐ and gender‐specific implant, replacement, and complication rates, and costs.

Results

Pacemaker implants increased from 12,153 to 17,862. Implantation rates rose from 55.3 to 72.6 per 100,000, a 2.8% annual increase (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.028; 95% CI, 1.02–1.04; p < .001). Pacemaker implants in the 80+ age group were 17.37‐times higher than the < 50 group (95% CI 16.24–18.59; p < .001), and in males were 1.48‐times higher than in females (95% CI 1.42–1.55; p < .001). However, there were similar increases according to age (p = .10) and gender (p = .68) over the study period. Left ventricular lead rates were stable (IRR 0.995; 95% CI 0.98–1.01; p = .53). Generator replacements decreased from 20.5 to 18.3 per 100,000 (IRR 0.975; 95% CI 0.97–0.98; p < .001). Although procedures for generator‐related complications were stable (IRR 0.995; 95% CI 0.98–1.01; p = .54), those for lead‐related complications decreased (IRR 0.985; 95% CI 0.98–0.99; p < .001). Rates for all pacemaker procedures were consistently greater in males (p < .001). Although annual costs of all pacemaker procedures increased from $178 million to $329 million, inflation‐adjusted costs were more stable, rising from $294 million to $329 million.

Conclusions

Increasing demand for pacemaker implants is driven by the ageing population and rising rates across all ages, while replacement and complication procedure rates appeared more stable. Males have consistently greater pacemaker procedure rates than females. Our findings have significant clinical and public health implications for healthcare resource planning.
The role of VvMYBA2r and VvMYBA2w alleles of the MYBA2 locus in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis for molecular breeding of grape (Vitis spp.) skin coloration
Authors: Jiu Songtao , Guan Le , Leng Xiangpeng , Zhang Kekun , Haider Muhammad Salman , Yu Xiang , Zhu Xudong , Zheng Ting , Ge Mengqing , Wang Chen , Jia Haifeng , Shangguan Lingfei , Zhang Caixi , Tang Xiaoping , Abdullah Muhammad , Javed Hafiz Umer , Han Jian , Dong Zhigang , Fang Jinggui
Published: January 2021

In grape, MYBA1 and MYBA2 at the colour locus are the major genetic determinants of grape skin colour, and the mutation of two functional genes (VvMYBA1 and VvMYBA2) from these loci leads to white skin colour. This study aimed to elucidate the regulation of grape berry coloration by isolating and characterizing VvMYBA2w and VvMYBA2r alleles. The overexpression of VvMYBA2r up‐regulated the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and resulted in higher anthocyanin accumulation in transgenic tobacco than wild‐type (WT) plants, especially in flowers. However, the ectopic expression of VvMYBA2w inactivated the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and could not cause obvious phenotypic modulation in transgenic tobacco. Unlike in VvMYBA2r, CA dinucleotide deletion shortened the C‐terminal transactivation region and disrupted the transcriptional activation activity of VvMYBA2w. The results indicated that VvMYBA2r positively regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis by forming the VvMYBA2r‐VvMYCA1‐VvWDR1 complex, and VvWDR1 enhanced anthocyanin accumulation by interacting with the VvMYBA2r‐VvMYCA1 complex; however, R44L substitution abolished the interaction of VvMYBA2w with VvMYCA1. Meanwhile, both R44L substitution and CA dinucleotide deletion seriously affected the efficacy of VvMYBA2w to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis, and the two non‐synonymous mutations were additive in their effects. Investigation of the colour density and MYB haplotypes of 213 grape germplasms revealed that dark‐skinned varieties tended to contain HapC‐N and HapE2, whereas red‐skinned varieties contained high frequencies of HapB and HapC‐Rs. Regarding ploidy, the higher the number of functional alleles present in a variety, the darker was the skin colour. In summary, this study provides insight into the roles of VvMYBA2r and VvMYBA2w alleles and lays the foundation for the molecular breeding of grape varieties with different skin colour.
Divergent improvement of two cultivated allotetraploid cotton species
Authors: Fang Lei , Zhao Ting , Hu Yan , Si Zhanfeng , Zhu Xiefei , Han Zegang , Liu Guizhen , Wang Sen , Ju Longzhen , Guo Menglan , Mei Huan , Wang Luyao , Qi Bowen , Wang Heng , Guan Xueying , Zhang Tianzhen
Published: January 2021

Interspecific genomic variation can provide a genetic basis for local adaptation and domestication. A series of studies have presented its role of interspecific haplotypes and introgressions in adaptive traits, but few studies have addressed their role in improving agronomic character. Two allotetraploid Gossypium species, Gossypium barbadense (Gb) and G. hirsutum (Gh) originating from the Americas, are cultivated independently. Here, through sequencing and the comparison of one GWAS panel in 229 Gb accessions and two GWAS panels in 491 Gh accessions, we found that most associated loci or functional haplotypes for agronomic traits were highly divergent, representing the strong divergent improvement between Gb and Gh. Using a comprehensive interspecific haplotype map, we revealed that six interspecific introgressions from Gh to Gb were significantly associated with the phenotypic performance of Gb, which could explain 5%–40% of phenotypic variation in yield and fibre qualities. In addition, three introgressions overlapped with six associated loci in Gb, indicating that these introgression regions were under further selection and stabilized during improvement. A single interspecific introgression often possessed yield‐increasing potential but decreased fibre qualities, or the opposite, making it difficult to simultaneously improve yield and fibre qualities. Our study not only has proved the importance of interspecific functional haplotypes or introgressions in the divergent improvement of Gb and Gh, but also supports their potential value in further human‐mediated hybridization or precision breeding.
Clinical characteristics of pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 and predictors of polymerase chain reaction positivity
Authors: Arslan Gazi , Aktürk Hüseyin , Duman Murat
Published: January 2021

Background

To identify the clinical findings and outcomes of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and factors predicting reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) positivity.

Methods

The data were analyzed retrospectively for suspected and confirmed pediatric COVID‐19 patients between March 20 and May 31, 2020.

Results

There were 404 children, of them, 176 (43.6%) patients were confirmed to have COVID‐19, and 228 (56.4%) were considered suspected cases. Confirmed cases were less symptomatic on admission (67.6%‐95.6%). Cough (44.9%), fever (38.1%), sore throat (18.5%), and smell‐taste loss (12.7%) were the most common symptoms. Confirmed cases had a 92.6% identified history of contact with COVID‐19. Close contact with COVID‐19 positive family members and sore throat increased the RT‐PCR positivity 23.8 and 5.0 times, respectively; while positivity decreased by 0.4 times if fever was over 38 °C. Asymptomatic and mild cases were categorized as “group 1” (n = 153); moderate, severe, and critical cases as “group 2” (n = 23) in terms of disease severity. Group 2 cases had higher C‐reactive protein (40.9%–15.9%) and procalcitonin (22.7%–4.9%) levels and had more frequent lymphopenia (45.5%–13.1%). Out of 23 cases, 19 had abnormal chest radiograph findings; of them, 15 patients underwent chest computed tomographies (CTs), and all had abnormal findings. However, 26.0% of them needed respiratory support, and no patient required invasive ventilation.

Conclusions

Children with COVID‐19 have a milder clinical course and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) rarely causes severe disease in children. Contact history with COVID‐19 and sore throat are the most important predictors for RT‐PCR positivity. Consequently, the role of asymptomatic children in the contamination chain must be fully established and considered for the control of pandemic.
Outflow vein venoplasty of left lateral section graft for living donor liver transplantation in infant recipients
Authors: Namgoong Jung‐Man , Hwang Shin , Park Gil‐Chun , Ahn Chul‐Soo , Kim Ki‐Hun , Kim Kyoung‐Mo , Oh Seok‐Hee , Kwon Hyunhee , Jae Kwon Yong
Published: January 2021

The orifice size of the LHV trunk in LLS grafts is often too small for direct anastomosis. Several methods were developed to enlarge the graft and recipient hepatic vein orifices. This study described our surgical techniques to secure hepatic vein reconstruction in infant recipients and analyzed the patency outcomes. Twelve infants undergoing pediatric LDLT were selected during 2‐year study period between January 2018 and December 2019. Surgical techniques and vascular complications of graft hepatic vein outflow were analyzed. The mean recipient age was 12.5 ± 4.5 months; mean body weight was 9.4 ± 1.0 Kg; and mean graft‐recipient weight ratio was 2.8 ± 0.6%. Primary diseases were biliary atresia in six patients, metabolic diseases in two, hepatoblastoma in two, and acute liver failure in two. Eight LLS grafts were recovered through an open method, and four LLS grafts were recovered through a laparoscopic method. A small superficial LHV branch was present in five of 12 LLS grafts, which was opened to widen the graft hepatic vein orifice. Incision‐and‐patch venoplasty was performed in 10, unification venoplasty in 1 and no venoplasty in 1. All four LLS grafts recovered through a laparoscopic approach required circumferential vein patch because of very short hepatic vein stump. No patient experienced graft hepatic vein‐associated vascular complications during the follow‐up period of 19.3 ± 9.3 months. Our surgical techniques with incision‐and‐patch venoplasty for LLS grafts is beneficial to reduce the risk of hepatic vein outflow obstruction in recipients receiving LLS grafts.
An in vivo study to evaluate the influence of oil blotting paper on the efficacy of sunscreen
Authors: Sampattavanich Nattaporn , Chandayani Nudcha , Intarasupht Julphat , Nakakes Artit
Published: January 2021

Background

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major cause of photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. An appropriate application of sunscreen can effectively protect UV damage but cause unpleasant skin oiliness. Oil blotting paper is commonly used to reduce oiliness in some parts of the world although its influence on the efficacy of sunscreen has not been carefully investigated.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of sunscreen after applying oil blotting paper.

Materials and methods

Measurement of oiliness and sunscreen efficacy was compared before and after the use of oil blotting paper in 11 healthy volunteers, 10 females, and 1 male. Specifically, 3 zones on each subject's back were exposed to UVR from a solar simulator, that is, 1) no sunscreen, 2) sunscreen (organic sunscreen at 2 mg/cm2 SPF 30) left on for 30 minutes, and 3) sunscreen left on for 30 minutes followed by application of oil blotting paper. Skin oiliness was also compared before and after oil blotting using a sebumeter. All areas were phototested for the comparison of the minimal erythema dose (MED) and sun protection factor (SPF).

Results

The averaged MED of our subjects is 4.3 standard erythema doses (SED) in the unprotected area. The averaged MED was decreased after oil blotting from 89.8 SED to 59.8 SED. The SPF was also decreased from 20.70 to 13.99.

Conclusions

Application of oil blotting paper significantly reduces the efficacy of organic sunscreen.
The fragmentation of phenomenal character
Authors: Mehta Neil
Published: January 2021

In this paper, I argue that debates over “phenomenal character” have suffered from fragmentation: philosophers who use the term have had in mind at least three (and probably more) radically different kinds of properties. This has occurred because the expression “what it’s like” exhibits a particularly deep form of context‐sensitivity, and when this expression has been used to define phenomenal character, at least three very different contexts have been operating in the background. I then identify four important applications of this idea. First, there is a serious error in an important argument for skepticism about the hard problems of consciousness. Second, contrary to a common line of thought, Nagel’s “what it’s like” characterization of consciousness is not trivial, and is in fact very plausible. Third, an influential naïve realist argument against representationalism rests on a misunderstanding. Finally, and most excitingly, it is possible and indeed very attractive – for representationalists and naïve realists alike – to hold that a veridical perception and a matching hallucination are exactly the same with respect to one kind of phenomenal character, while being radically different with respect to another kind of phenomenal character.
Effect of uniconazole and nitrogen level on lodging resistance and yield potential of maize under medium and high plant density
Authors: Ahmad I. , Ahmad S. , Yang X.N. , Meng X.P. , Yang B.P. , Liu T. , Han Q. F.
Published: January 2021

Lodging in maize results in grain yield reduction. This experiment investigated the effects of different application rates of the growth retardant, uniconazole (UCZ), and nitrogen (N) on medium and high maize population densities on lodging resistance and yield.

UCZ was applied to maize seeds at concentrations of 0 (U0) and 25 (U25) mg kg−1, and three different N application rates, 0 (N0), 150 (N150) and 225 (N225) kg ha−1, at plant densities of 75,000 (D1) and 105,000 plants ha−1 (D2).

UCZ application, different N rates and plant population density affected the lodging resistance and yield attributes of maize. The diameter, plumpness, cortex penetration and bending strengths of the internodes were enhanced with UCZ and N application at medium and high plant density, where maximum values were obtained with U25N150D1. Internode length increased in the high‐density population and higher N rate, whereas UCZ reduced internode length, where maximum internode length was obtained with U0N225D2. Plant height, centre of gravity height, ear and height above ear‐bearing node were higher with the high N rate, while UCZ reduced it significantly. UCZ, N rate and plant density enhanced lignin accumulation in the third internode and ear‐bearing internode, where maximum values were obtained with U25N150D1. Yield and yield attributes were also improved by UCZ, N rate and population density.

Treatment with U25N150D2 significantly improved grain yield of maize compared with the other treatments.
A retrospective study of factors associated with persistent delirium
Authors: Goto Harue , Yamauchi Takahira , Okumura Kazuki , Matsuoka Kiwamu , Toritsuka Michihiro , Yasuno Fumihiko , Uemura Hideki , Kuki Kazutaka , Makinodan Manabu , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: January 2021

Background

It has been reported that delirium causes various problems. Many researchers have reported the risk factors associated with the onset of delirium; however, there are few reports focused on persistent delirium. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with persistent delirium.

Methods

A total of 573 patients hospitalised in Nara Prefecture General Medical Centre from October 2014 through September 2017 who were referred to the psychiatry consultation service were included in this study. Persistent delirium was defined as delirium lasting for 14 days or more. A retrospective study was carried out based on the patients' records. The relationship between various background factors and persistent delirium was statistically analysed.

Results

Of the 573 hospitalised patients, 295 were diagnosed as having delirium. Forty‐six patients with persistent delirium and 181 patients with nonpersistent delirium were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that male gender, opioid analgesics use, non‐opioid analgesics use, and low serum sodium were significantly and independently associated with persistent delirium. Ramelteon or trazodone was used significantly more in persistent delirium, although each use was not significant.

Conclusion

This is the first study to reveal that male gender and use of analgesics were associated with persistent delirium in general hospital. However, as this is a case–control study and may contain bias, future cohort studies and intervention studies are needed. It is also necessary to investigate the relevance of the ‘degree of pain’ behind the use of analgesics.
The respiratory occlusion discrimination task: A new paradigm to measure respiratory interoceptive accuracy
Authors: Van Den Houte Maaike , Vlemincx Elke , Franssen Mathijs , Van Diest Ilse , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Luminet Olivier
Published: January 2021

Interoception, or the sense of the internal state of the body, is hypothesized to be essential for a wide range of psychobiological processes and the development and perpetuation of several (mental) health problems. However, the study of interoceptive accuracy, the objectively measured capacity to detect or discriminate conscious bodily signals, has been hampered by the use of tasks with questionable construct validity and is often limited to studying interoception solely in the cardiac domain. We developed a novel task to measure interoceptive accuracy in the respiratory domain, the respiratory occlusion discrimination (ROD) task. In this task, interoceptive accuracy is defined as an individual’s ability to detect small differences in lengths of short respiratory occlusions, assessed by means of an adaptive staircase procedure. This article describes a validation study (N = 97) aimed at investigating the internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and discriminant validity of the ROD task. The average just noticeable difference of lengths of respiratory occlusion was 74.22 ms, with large inter‐individual variability (SD = 37.1 ms). The results of the validation study indicate acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70), 1‐week test‐retest reliability (r = 0.53), and discriminant validity, as indicated by a lack of correlation between the ROD task and an auditory discrimination task with identical design (r = 0.18), and a weak correlation with breathing behavior (r = −0.27). The ROD task is a promising novel paradigm to study interoceptive accuracy and its role in various psychobiological processes and disorders.
Comparative Studies in Public Administration: Intellectual Challenges and Alternative Perspectives
Authors: Haque M. Shamsul , van der Wal Zeger , van den Berg Caspar
Published: January 2021

In the current age of globalization, there is a greater need for comparative studies in public administration to explore cross‐national variations in adopting new global models. Many of the major challenges impeding the intellectual promises of earlier waves of comparative administration continue to affect the contemporary state of the field. As a part of the PAR Symposium on Comparative Public Administration, this short article explores the ideational, epistemological, structural, and institutional challenges to comparative administration and briefly suggests some remedial alternatives.
Evaluation of candidate genes related to litter traits in Indian pig breeds
Authors: Vashi Yoya , Magotra Ankit , Kalita Dipjyoti , Banik Santanu , Sahoo Nihar R. , Gupta Sanjay K. , Naskar Soumen
Published: January 2021

Improvement in litter traits is the key to profitable pig farming that directly enhances the economic standing of the farmers in developing countries. The present study aimed to explore oestrogen receptor (ESR), epidermal growth factor (EGF), follicle‐stimulating hormone beta subunit (FSHβ), prolactin receptor (PRLR) and retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) genes as possible candidate genetic markers for litter traits in indigenous pigs of India. The breeds included in the study were Ghungroo, Mali, Niang Megha and Tenyi Vo, and the reproductive traits considered were litter size at birth (LSB), number born alive (NBA), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter size at weaning (LSW) and litter weight at weaning (LWW) at their first parity. PCR‐RFLP and primer‐based mutation detection methods were used to identify polymorphism, and associations between the genotypes and the traits were analysed using a general linear model. The Ghungroo pigs recorded the best litter performances among the breeds (p < .05, LWBp < .01). Different alleles and genotypes of the genes under study were detected. Short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) −/− genotype ofFSHβrevealed significantly higher litter traits (p < .05, LSBp < .01). The LWW was also found to be significantly influenced byESRBB and AB,EGFAB and BB, andPRLRCC genotypes (p < .05). Although we did not find statistically significant and consistently superior litter traits with respect to different genotypes of other studied genes than genotype SINE −/− of theFSHβ,PRLRCC genotype demonstrated superior performances for all the litter traits. Our study revealed theFSHβas a potential candidate genetic marker for litter traits in indigenous pig breeds of India.
A 16‐year investigation of legacy phosphorus discharge from Prairie Wolf Slough: a wetland restored on a former farmed field
Authors: Montgomery James A. , Eames James M. , Klimas Christie
Published: January 2021

Phosphorus (P) release to surface and groundwater often occurs in wetlands that were restored on former agricultural fields. We identified pore water, shallow groundwater, and plant biomass decomposition as sources of soluble reactive (SRP) and total phosphorus (TP) export to the Chicago River between 1998 and 2014 from Prairie Wolf Slough Wetland Demonstration Project (PWS), a wetland restored on a former farmed field in suburban Chicago, Illinois. We estimated the relative annual contributions of SRP from these sources to yearly discharge to the river and conducted an SRP mass balance. SRP and TP concentrations and loadings were consistently greater at the outlet compared to the inlet, suggesting PWS was a source of P. Twenty‐three grams of SRP was exported during the mass balance study. SRP concentration at the inlet accounted for less than 3% of the SRP exported annually at the outlet to the Chicago River. Plant biomass decomposition, pore water diffusion, and groundwater seepage together accounted for 85% of annual export. Twelve percent of annual SRP export remains unknown. PWS was ineffective in reducing P export, indicating an ecosystem disservice. Our study highlights the need to identify the sources of P exported from wetlands restored on farm fields to better understand the biogeochemical processes that determine whether a wetland will serve as a source or sink of P. Pre‐restoration measurement, followed by decadal‐scale post‐restoration monitoring, of source‐water and soil P are needed to evaluate the success of wetland restorations designed to sequester P from runoff.
Experimental evolution of the coral algal endosymbiont, Cladocopium goreaui: lessons learnt across a decade of stress experiments to enhance coral heat tolerance
Authors: Quigley Kate M. , Alvarez Roa Carlos , Beltran Victor H. , Leggat Bill , Willis Bette L.
Published: January 2021

Projected increases in sea surface temperatures will exceed corals' ability to withstand heat stress within this century. Experimental evolution of cultured symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) at high temperatures followed by reintroduction into corals can enhance coral heat tolerance. Several studies have selected for enhanced tolerance in Cladocopium goreaui (C1) over multiple time scales and then compared the performance of coral juveniles infected with the heat‐tolerant C1 selected strain (SS) to the performance of juveniles infected with the C1 wild type (WT). To derive lessons about host benefits when symbionts are experimentally selected, here we compare the performance of SS‐ and WT‐juveniles after 21 cell generations of heat selection versus longer periods (73–131) in recently published experiments. After 21 generations, we found rapid improvement in heat tolerance of SS through an overall shift in the mean tolerance to temperature. This did not translate to improved growth and survivorship of the coral. Specifically, survival did not differ significantly between juveniles of Acropora tenuis hosting WT versus SS at any temperature. Juveniles infected with WT exhibited greater skeletal growth than those infected with SS at 27 and 31°C but not at 32.5°C. SS‐juvenile symbiont cell densities increased significantly at 27°C relative to SS‐juveniles in the 31 and 32.5°C. Photosynthetic efficiencies in SS‐juveniles were higher compared to WT‐juveniles at 31°C, equal at 27°C, and lower at 32.5°C. These results suggest that selection over longer generation (>130) times will be needed to confer host benefits and will be dependent on the stability of this association being maintained in nature.
Barriers to ecological restoration in Europe: expert perspectives
Authors: Cortina‐Segarra Jordi , García‐Sánchez Ismael , Grace Miriam , Andrés Pilar , Baker Susan , Bullock Craig , Decleer Kris , Dicks Lynn V. , Fisher Judith L. , Frouz Jan , Klimkowska Agata , Kyriazopoulos Apostolos P. , Moreno‐Mateos David , Rodríguez‐González Patricia M. , Sarkki Simo , Ventocilla Jorge L.
Published: January 2021

Ecological restoration is key to counteracting anthropogenic degradation of biodiversity and to reducing disaster risk. However, there is limited knowledge of barriers hindering the wider implementation of restoration practices, despite high‐level political priority to halt the loss of biodiversity. In Europe, progress on ecological restoration has been slow and insufficient to meet international agreements and comply with European Union Nature Directives. We assessed European restoration experts' perceptions on barriers to restoration in Europe, and their relative importance, through a multiple expert consultation using a Delphi process. We found that experts share a common multi‐dimensional concept of ecological restoration. Experts identified a large number of barriers (33) to the advancement of ecological restoration in Europe. Major barriers pertained to the socio‐economic, not the environmental, domain. The three most important being insufficient funding, conflicting interests among different stakeholders, and low political priority given to restoration. Our results emphasize the need to increase political commitment at all levels, comply with existing nature laws, and optimize the use of financial resources by increasing funds for ecological restoration and eradicate environmentally harmful subsidies. The experts also call for the integration of ecological restoration into land‐use planning and facilitating stakeholders' collaboration. Our study identifies key barriers, discusses ways to overcome the main barriers to ER in Europe, and contributes knowledge to support the implementation of the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and the EU 2030 Restoration Plan in particular.
Organized denial at work: The difficult search for consistencies in French pesticide regulation
Authors: Dedieu François
Published: January 2021

Why does it always take a long time to acknowledge environmental hazards such as climate change or air pollution, even when knowledge on their dangers has been available for years? Drawing on the case of French pesticide regulation, this article shows that this gap between knowledge and consequent action results not only from secretive corporate leverage on public decisions and expertise but also from the expertise and bureaucratic machinery behind pesticide regulation. This machinery fosters an organized denial where regulators systematically exclude uncomfortable knowledge that could challenge official risk assessment. Organized denial that legally maintains ignorance fulfills an implicit function. It preserves the legitimacy of the risk management system and, through it, the administrative and commercial organization of agricultural production in France.
Sex, Alcohol, and Soul: Violent Reactions to Coming Out after the “Gay Propaganda” Law in Russia
Authors: KONDAKOV ALEXANDER SASHA , SHTORN EVGENY
Published: January 2021

This article is focused on a particular set of social relations in Russia: sexuality and violence in the context of consumption of alcohol. We look at how violence erupts after revelation of queer sexuality of one of the participants of collective drinking. Discussions of homosexuality in Russia became especially heated after the adoption of the bill against the “propaganda of non‐traditional family values” in 2013. This law primarily marks information about homosexuality as inappropriate and dangerous to minors. We review court decisions on violence against gay men before and after the introduction of this law. The court cases we analyze are not cases of the “propaganda” law enforcement, but routine violent felonies. As we selected only those cases that involve alcohol consumption from a larger sample, we analyze the stories told in these court files focusing on interaction rituals during the practice of collective heavy drinking. We demonstrate how this ritual is centered around confirmation of masculinity, ceremonies of sharing, and exchange of respect. We also show that these ritualized practices are interrupted and confused by introduction of information about one of the participants' queer sexuality. This interruption evolves into violent reactions, including murder. Nevertheless, the ritual of drinking supports both a “conversation of souls” (sharing intimate secrets) and violent reactions to the information that challenges masculinity of the ritual's participants.