bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weaving place‐based knowledge for culturally significant species in the age of genomics: Looking to the past to navigate the future
Authors: Rayne Aisling , Blair Stephanie , Dale Matthew , Flack Brendan , Hollows John , Moraga Roger , Parata Riki N. , Rupene Makarini , Tamati‐Elliffe Paulette , Wehi Priscilla M. , Wylie Matthew J. , Steeves Tammy E.
Published: March 2022

Relationships with place provide critical context for characterizing biocultural diversity. Yet, genetic and genomic studies are rarely informed by Indigenous or local knowledge, processes, and practices, including the movement of culturally significant species. Here, we show how place‐based knowledge can better reveal the biocultural complexities of genetic or genomic data derived from culturally significant species. As a case study, we focus on culturally significant southern freshwater kōura (crayfish) in Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu (New Zealand, herein Aotearoa NZ). Our results, based on genotyping‐by‐sequencing markers, reveal strong population genetic structure along with signatures of population admixture in 19 genetically depauperate populations across the east coast of Te Waipounamu. Environment association and differentiation analyses for local adaptation also indicate a role for hydroclimatic variables—including temperature, precipitation, and water flow regimes—in shaping local adaptation in kōura. Through trusted partnerships between community and researchers, weaving genomic markers with place‐based knowledge has both provided invaluable context for the interpretation of data and created opportunities to reconnect people and place. We envisage such trusted partnerships guiding future genomic research for culturally significant species in Aotearoa NZ and beyond.
A novel role of TCAIM: suppressing renal carcinoma growth and enhancing its sensitivity to sunitinib
Authors: Ye Zhuo , Ren Chuanchuan , Wang Qingwei , Wang Yan
Published: March 2022

Renal carcinoma is a common malignancy for which the underlying molecular mechanisms warrant further investigation. T cell activation inhibitor mitochondrial (TCAIM), a mitochondrial protein, was found to be expressed to a low extent in renal carcinoma specimens. However, its role in carcinomas remains unclear. In the present study, the role of TCAIM in renal carcinoma was explored through loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function experiments. Here, we showed that TCAIM delayed the growth of renal carcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo by modulating their cell cycle progress. Additionally, TCAIM also enhanced their sensitivity to sunitinib by aggravating apoptosis. Furthermore, TCAIM also decreased the adhesion and migration of renal carcinoma cells. Moreover, the transcription of TCAIM was regulated by vitamin D receptor, which acts as a transcriptional factor. To identify the pathways regulated by TCAIM, 425 unique proteins bound to TCAIM were pulled down through co‐immunoprecipitation and analyzed by mass spectrometry followed by Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. In summary, the present study reveals a tumor‐suppressor role of TCAIM in renal carcinoma cells, as well as its upstream regulation and downstream potential mechanisms. Our study provides theoretical bases and novel insights with respect to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of renal carcinoma.
Risk factors for increased perioperative blood loss during total knee arthroplasty in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Kim Myung‐Seo , Kim Jun‐Ho , Kim Kang‐Il
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Currently, there is a paucity of literature describing the risk factors for increased perioperative blood loss (PBL) during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in haemophilia. Furthermore, no studies have analysed coagulation factor levels that affect PBL.

Aim

To identify the risk factors for increased PBL by incorporating coagulation factor levels following TKA in patients with haemophilic arthropathy.

Methods

A total of 92 TKA (78 haemophilia A and 14 haemophilia B) were performed for haemophilic arthropathy. PBL was calculated using the haemoglobin (Hb) balance method, and patients were categorised into two groups: group H (higher blood loss than the mean PBL, n = 36) and group L (lower blood loss than the mean PBL, n = 56). Body mass index (BMI), operation day Hb, haematocrit and coagulation factor level (VIII or IX) were analysed, including demographic and laboratory data.

Results

The mean PBL volume during TKA for haemophilic arthropathy of the knee was 542.3 ± 361.7 mL. Multivariate analysis revealed that lower haematocrit on the operation day (odds ratio [OR], .633; 95% confidence interval [CI], .511–.786; p < .001) and coagulation factor level (OR .970, CI .941–.999; p = .046) were independent risk factors for increased PBL. Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis identified these cutoff values for predicting increased PBL: operation day coagulation factor level 93.5% (sensitivity, 70.4%; specificity, 67.6%) and haematocrit level of 38.2% (sensitivity, 85.7%; specificity, 80.6%).

Conclusions

The PBL increased as haematocrit and coagulation factor levels decreased on the operation day. A coagulation factor level <93.5% or haematocrit level of <38.2% may be a significant risk factor for increasing PBL.

Level of evidence

Level IV, Case Series, Treatment Study
A Harungana madagascariensis extract with retinol‐like properties: Gene upregulations and protein expressions in human fibroblasts and skin explants
Authors: Fitoussi Richard , Branchet Marie‐Christine , Garnier Natacha , Beauchef Gallic , Nkengne Alex , Vié Katell , Boisnic Sylvie
Published: March 2022

Objective

Because they limit, even reverse, age‐induced skin alterations, retinoids became a staple in cosmetology. However, their use can result in undesired secondary effects and there is a demand for natural sources of compounds with retinoid‐like effects. A preliminary screening identified a Harungana madagascariensis plant extract (HME) as possibly inducing genes stimulated by retinol. We analysed its effect on gene and protein expression, comparing it to retinoids.

Methods

Gene expression was analysed by real‐time qPCR on RNA from isolated fibroblasts subjected to retinol or the plant extract for 6, 48 or 96 h. Skin markers were quantified in fibroblasts cultured with retinol or extract containing medium, and UV‐aged skin explants subjected to topical applications of creams containing retinol, retinaldehyde or HME.

Results

Real‐time qPCR shows that the extract induced all RARs and RXRs, even RXRγ that was not induced by retinol. Eighty‐eight per cent of the 25 early retinoid reaction genes induced by a concentration of retinol are induced by the extract. In fibroblasts, only the extract increased collagen III labelling, while collagen I and fibronectin labelling are increased by retinol and the extract, with higher levels for the extract. When topically applied to UV‐aged skin explants, only the cream containing the HME led to increased labelling of CRABP1 in the epidermis. CRABP2 and Ki67 are induced by all three creams and no effect was detected on RXRs. In the dermisthe extract containing cream increased CRABP2, total collagen, procollagen I and collagen I while creams with retinol or retinaldehyde only affected some of these proteins.

Conclusions

The HME induces an overall retinol‐like gene induction profile in isolated fibroblasts and retinoid‐like stimulation of protein synthesis in both isolated fibroblasts and photoaged skin explants.
Effects of multiple freeze–thaw cycles on meat quality, nutrients, water distribution and microstructure in bovine rumen smooth muscle
Authors: Cao Yinjuan , He Shunzhong , Yu Qunli , Han Ling , Zhang Wei , Zou Xiaohong
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the effect of 5 freeze–thaw cycles (freezing at −18°C for 12 h and then thawing at 4°C for approximately 12 h) on the meat quality, proximate composition, water distribution and microstructure of bovine rumen smooth muscle (BSM). As the number of freeze–thaw cycles increased, BSM pH, shear force, water content and protein content decreased by 3.06%, 35.50%, 14.49% and 21.11%, respectively, whereas BSM thawing loss, cooking loss, pressing loss, total aerobic count (TAC), ash content and fat content increased by 108.12%, 47.75%, 78.33%, 90.99%, 105% and 35.20%, respectively. The freeze–thaw cycles resulted in greater protein and lipid oxidation, as evidenced by a 36.46% reduction in the sulfhydryl content and a 209.06% and 338.46% increase in the carbonyl and malondialdehyde contents, respectively. Ice crystal formation disrupted the structural integrity of the muscle tissue. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance results showed that the freeze–thaw cycles prolonged the relaxation times (T2b, T21 and T22), indicating that immobile water shifted to free water, and consequently, free water mobility increased. After 3 freeze–thaw cycles, the decline in shear force slowed, the increase in thawing loss became accelerated, and the TAC approached the domain value (6 log colony‐forming units/g). Therefore, the number of freeze–thaw cycles of smooth muscle during transport, storage and distribution should be controlled to 3 or fewer. The current results provide a theoretical basis and data support for the further utilisation and culinary processing of smooth muscle.
Quality assessment of ready‐to‐eat Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) using microwave‐assisted thermal sterilisation combined with olive oil vacuum impregnation
Authors: Jiang Jiale , Zhang Mei , Luan Donglei , Xu Changhua , Hua Chuanxiang , Zhu Qingcheng , Tao Ningping
Published: March 2022

Although microwave‐assisted thermal sterilisation (MATS) held great potential to sterilise ready‐to‐eat (RTE) products compared with traditional retort sterilisation, the quality improvement effect of MATS treatment on shelf‐stable RTE products has not been extensively studied. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and applicability of MATS combined with olive oil vacuum impregnation against lipid oxidation and microbial growth in RTE Pacific saury during storage. MATS combined with olive oil vacuum impregnation (MTSO) effectively reduced processing time (by 57%) compared to retort‐treated RTE Pacific saury at the same thermal lethality value. The lower cooking loss (6.19%) and colour damage indicated that MTSO enhanced water retention and the stability of tissue structure compared to retort‐treated group (9.88%) or no olive oil group (7.11%). Lipid oxidation and protein degradation were effectively inhibited in MATS groups compared to retort‐treated ones during storage; such effect was more effective in olive oil impregnated group. Likewise, microbial activity and electronic sensory evaluations showed that the shelf life of MTSO group was extended by 1 week compared to retort‐treated groups. Overall, MTSO had considerable industrial potential to yield RET Pacific saury and even RTE products with better quality attributes than retort‐treated ones.
Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity are differentially affected by drying processes in celery, coriander and parsley leaves
Authors: Mouhoubi Khokha , Boulekbache‐Makhlouf Lila , Madani Khodir , Palatzidi Anastasia , Perez‐Jimenez Jara , Mateos‐Aparicio Inmaculada , Garcia‐Alonso Alejandra
Published: March 2022

Convective drying (CO) is the most common technique for drying herbs, although it may diminish phenolic compounds content. Microwave drying (MW) has been suggested as an alternative, although its effects on phenolic compounds remain to be explored. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of different convective temperatures (40, 80 and 120 °C) and microwave powers (100, 500 and 1000 W) on drying time, polyphenols classes (HPLC‐DAD) and antioxidant capacity in celery, coriander and parsley leaves. Microwave procedure reduced drying time (MW: 3 h–7 min; CO: 25–1.5 h) resulting more effective than CO. Increasing temperatures led to an initial decrease in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity followed by an increase, potentially by the release of bound phenolic acids. Regarding MW, the highest polyphenol content was generally observed at 500 W, probably due to the hydroxycinnamic acid's rise. Antioxidant capacity was similar at 500 and 1000 W. There was a good agreement between TPC and antioxidant capacity. Consequently, MW seems a good alternative to reduce drying time. However, the maintenance or improvement of phenolic activity depends on the food matrix. Indeed, the best drying system and conditions to preserve phenolic compounds were variable depending on the herb type: celery (CO at 40 °C), coriander (both CO at 40 °C and MW at 500 W) and parsley (MW at 100 W).
Characterization of the glutathione S‐transferase genes in the sand flies Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis shows expansion of the novel glutathione S‐transferase xi (X) class
Authors: Ashraf Faisal , Weedall Gareth D.
Published: March 2022

Leishmaniasis control often relies upon insecticidal control of phlebotomine sandfly vector populations. Such methods are vulnerable to the evolution of insecticide resistance via a range of molecular mechanisms. There is evidence that two major resistance mechanisms, target site insensitivity and metabolic resistance, have evolved in some sandfly populations and further genetic characterization of resistance would be useful to understand and combat it. To facilitate the study of the mechanisms of metabolic resistance, here we improved the annotation and characterized a major detoxification gene family, the glutathione‐s‐transferases (GST), in the genomes of two sand fly species: Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis. The compositions of the GST gene family differ markedly from those of Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes. Most strikingly, the xi (X) class of GSTs appears to have expanded in both sand fly genomes. Our results provide a basis for further studies of metabolic resistance mechanisms in these important disease vector species.
The burden of being certain: National identity certainty predicts support for COVID‐Related restrictive measures and outgroup conspiracy beliefs
Authors: Chen Kaiyuan , Zhang Jinghui , Ao Xiang , Ramdass Jeff
Published: March 2022

In dealing with the COVID‐19 pandemic, government officials often encounter two concurrent concerns: they have to enforce necessary public health and safety measures to manage COVID‐19. Meanwhile, they also have to mitigate conspiracy beliefs about COVID‐19. To shed light on these issues, we conducted two studies to investigate national identity certainty (i.e., the extent to which people are certain about their national identity) as a predictor of (a) support for restrictive measures to curtail COVID‐19 and (b) conspiracy beliefs about an outgroup as the culprit of COVID‐19. Study 1 was a three‐week longitudinal study (N = 301) where we investigated the relationships both on a between‐person level (differences between individuals) and on a within‐person level (week‐by‐week fluctuations of the same individual). We found that individual differences in national identity certainty predicted increased support for restrictive measures and increased outgroup conspiracy beliefs. These relationships emerged, even when we controlled for national identity positivity, that is, the extent to which people see their national identity in positive light. In Study 2 (N = 316), we used a cross‐sectional correlational design and replicated the findings of Study 1. Moreover, we found that the relationships were explained by distinct threat perceptions: realistic threat explained the increased support for restrictive measures, whereas symbolic threat explained the increased outgroup conspiracy beliefs. Overall, our findings suggest that support for restrictive measures and outgroup conspiracy beliefs can be seen as attempts of people high in national identity certainty to address the distinct threats of COVID‐19.
Antimicrobial effect of chitosan and extracellular metabolites of Pediococcus pentosaceus CM175 against Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Enciso‐Martínez Yessica , González‐Pérez Cristóbal J. , Aispuro‐Hernández Emmanuel , Vargas‐Arispuro Irasema C. , Ayala‐Zavala Jesús F. , Martínez‐Téllez Miguel A.
Published: March 2022

Foodborne illness outbreaks caused by consuming cantaloupe melon contaminated with Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 are recurrent. The objective of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of the combination of chitosan (Q) and extracellular metabolites of Pediococcus pentosaceus CM175 (EmPp) on the surface of cantaloupe against E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium. The minimum inhibitory and bactericide concentrations (MIC and MBC) of Q and EmPp were determined by the method of microdilution in broth and viability in plate, respectively. The antimicrobial effect derived from the combination of Q and EmPp was evaluated using the chessboard technique. The antimicrobial activity of the different treatments in cantaloupe was performed employing plate counting. The viability and membrane integrity of S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 after treatments application were observed by fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that MIC and MBC of Q against S. Typhimurium were 0.1% and 0.7%, respectively; 0.004% and 0.03% for E. coli O157:H7, respectively; for EmPp, MIC was 8.0% and MBC was 10% for both bacteria. The combination of 0.1% Q and 6.6% EmPp against S. Typhimurium and 0.01% Q and 5.0% EmPp against E. coli O157:H7 showed an additive effect. The highest reductions of S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 in cantaloupe were exerted by the combinations of 0.1% Q with 6.6% EmPp and 0.01% Q with 5.0% EmPp, respectively. These results show that combination of Q and EmPp could be an effective and promising alternative against the tested pathogens.
Sphingolipid synthesis inhibitor fumonisin B1 causes verticillium wilt in cotton
Authors: Xu Fan , Huang Li , Wang Junyao , Ma Caixia , Tan Yingqing , Wang Fanlong , Fan Yanhua , Luo Ming
Published: March 2022

Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae is a major disease of cotton. Acidic protein–lipopolysaccharide complexes are thought to be the toxins responsible for its symptoms. Here, we determined that the sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor fumonisin B1 (FB1) acts as a toxin and phenocopies the symptoms induced by V. dahliae. Knocking out genes required for FB1 biosynthesis reduced V. dahliae pathogenicity. Moreover, we showed that overexpression of a FB1 and V. dahliae both downregulated gene, GhIQD10, enhanced verticillium wilt resistance by promoting the expression of brassinosteroid and anti‐pathogen genes. Our results provide a new strategy for preventing verticillium wilt in cotton.
Decisional conflicts, anxiety, and perceptions of shared decision‐making in cancer treatment trajectory among adolescents with cancer: A longitudinal study
Authors: Wu Li‐Min , Chiou Shyh‐Shin , Lin Pei‐Chin , Liao Yu Mei , Su Hsiu‐Lan
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To examine the trajectory of decisional conflict and anxiety experienced by adolescents after the cancer diagnosis, and explore their perceptions on participation in shared decision‐making (SDM). Design: This longitudinal study used incorporated data from questionnaires and interviews. Methods: Participants recruited from an academic hospital in southern Taiwan ranged in age from 13 to 20 years with a cancer diagnosis within 1 month and received cancer treatment. Each participant completed questionnaires on decisional conflict and anxiety at diagnosis, 1, 3, and 6 months later. Individual interviews were to gain an in‐depth understanding of SDM. Findings: Total scores on decisional conflict changed significantly over time (F = 2.98, p = 0.039); the scores at 1 month were higher than 3 months (t = 2.18, p = 0.04) and 6 months (t = 2.97, p = 0.008). Participants perceived significantly different levels of values clarify (F = 9.49, p < 0.01) and support (F = 8.46, p < 0.01) over time. Only 27.3% of participants were anxiety‐free. No significant differences were found in anxiety over time. The perception of SDM was a situational involvement. Conclusions: Decisional conflict changed over time. Participants experienced greater decisional conflict at 4–8 weeks after diagnosis and their anxiety did not decrease over time. The different levels of participation in SDM during their treatment trajectory were found. Clinical Relevance: Participants experienced the highest decisional conflict during diagnosis, and highlighted how their roles in healthcare discussions varied from direct participation to indirect involvement. Further research is needed to develop an SDM model which accommodates different levels of needs and implements timely support.
Botanical extracts in combination improve autosomal recessive woolly hair/hypotrichosis caused by LIPH mutations
Authors: Qu Baoquan , Meng Shengnan , Yang Chaowei , Lv Shuying , Lin Wenjun , Yang Dingquan
Published: March 2022

Background

Mutation in the lipase H (LIPH) gene is a main reason for autosomal recessive woolly hair (ARWH)/hypotrichosis. Although some studies reported that topical minoxidil could improve ARWH, an effective treatment method for this disease is still lacking.

Aim

We attempt to explore potential treatment options for ARWH.

Materials & Methods

A female 6‐year‐old child was diagnosed with ARWH/hypotrichosis caused by LIPH mutations. And she was treated with combined treatment of botanical extracts.

Results

After 6 months of treatment, the patient's hair grew remarkably. After 4 years of treatment, the patient's hair remained dense.

Discussion

After the combination treatment, the patient saw a favorable clinical effect. However, the specific mechanisms of action for botanical extracts require further validation. In addition, some regenerative strategies may be considered as potential treatment options for ARWH. We should actively attempt treatment for ARWH patients and encourage prenatal diagnosis due to the great impact of hair loss.

Conclusion

The combined therapy of botanical extracts may improve ARWH long‐term with a sustainable therapeutic effect.
Development of a cream formulation containing bee venom and other bee products
Authors: Tanuğur Samancı Aslı Elif , Kekeçoğlu Meral
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to develop a prototype skincare product with bee venom, propolis, honey, beeswax, and royal jelly. The prototype formulation contained 0.1% bee venom, 0.3% propolis extract, 0.45% honey, and 1.0% royal jelly. The prototype body cream was analyzed for stability, antioxidant activity, dermatological response, and cytotoxicity. In addition, a panel test evaluated the prototype for the claims such as skin smoothness, feelings of nourishment, moisturizing, skin tone, brightness, and visibility of wrinkles. According to the stability test, the prototype was stable for up to 90 days at room temperature and +40°C. The formulation was found to have a high antioxidant capacity at 85.45%. Cell viability detected over 70% indicated that the prototype body cream was not cytotoxic. The dermatological analysis revealed no irritation or allergic reaction in non‐allergic individuals. Panel test showed that the prototype makes skin silky smooth, contributes to hydration, brightens and nourishes the skin, evens the skin tone, reduces the visibility of wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, and smoothes wrinkles. This prototype formulation requires further research to evaluate its effectiveness against skin aging on different skin types. Nevertheless, the side effects of such products need particular attention in developing a commercial product containing bee venom in susceptible individuals.
Topical finasteride for male and female pattern hair loss: Is it a safe and effective alternative?
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Talukder Mesbah
Published: March 2022

Background

Oral finasteride is an FDA‐approved treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Topical finasteride, while not FDA‐approved, lacks the systemic adverse effects associated with oral finasteride. The efficacy of topical finasteride has been evaluated.

Aim

To review whether topical finasteride is a safe and effective treatment for male and female pattern hair loss.

Method

A structured search in PubMed and Google Scholar identified 864 records, with 32 articles meeting the inclusion criteria for review.

Results and discussion

In a phase III, randomized, controlled trial, the efficacies of topical 0.25% w/w finasteride spray (1–4 sprays; 50–200 μl/day) and once‐daily finasteride 1 mg oral tablet were similar when administered for 24 weeks (mean change from baseline, 20.2 vs. 21.1 hairs/cm2). Additionally, a double‐blind, randomized trial compared the efficacies of twice‐daily finasteride 1% topical gel and once‐daily finasteride 1 mg oral tablet for 6 months, and found similar results in both groups. Moreover, a combination of topical minoxidil and topical finasteride may enhance efficacy.

Topical finasteride reduces both scalp and plasma DHT levels. In an open‐label pharmacodynamic study, a 7‐day treatment of twice‐daily finasteride 0.25% topical solution and once‐daily finasteride 1 mg oral tablet provided similar inhibition of plasma DHT.

Topical finasteride reduces the potential for systemic side effects, including the risk of sexual dysfunction. The side effects are localized to the application site, for example, scalp pruritus, burning sensation, irritation, contact dermatitis, and erythema.

Conclusion

Topical finasteride may be an alternative for those concerned about the oral formulation's systemic side effects.
Recurrent births (multiparity) lead to permanent changes in cardiac structure
Authors: Yılmaz Mücahid , Korkmaz Hasan
Published: March 2022

Aim

Although the effects of pregnancy on the cardiovascular system have been covered by many studies, permanent changes in the hearts of multiparous women have not been investigated. This study therefore aimed to examine the permanent structural changes in the cardiac structure of multiparous women via transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Method

This case–control study included 366 females who had given birth to 1–21 children, and 218 females with no previous deliveries. Anamnesis, physical examination, electrocardiography (ECG), TTE, and exercise stress tests were used to determine whether the cases had additional systemic pathologies. The structural cardiac parameters of all cases were recorded with TTE.

Results

The study revealed that LV mass, LV mass index, left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) were observed higher in women with five or more deliveries when compared to nulliparous women. On the other hand, ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower in the same group. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the prediction sensitivity for the presence of eccentric hypertrophy was 74% among women who had given >10.5 births, and its specificity was 97.8% (AUC: 0.949, 95% CI 0.905–0.993; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The results showed that women with recurrent births had increased left ventricular end diastolic volume, left ventricular total mass in myocardium and decreased EF due to increased end diastolic volume. The results also showed delivering at frequent intervals (especially the birth of 11 or more) may be one of the causes of eccentric hypertrophy, in women of the low‐to‐middle income countries.
Technology Protectionism and the Patent System: Evidence from China
Authors: de Rassenfosse Gaétan , Raiteri Emilio
Published: March 2022

Governments have strong incentives to allow their inventors to free ride on foreign technologies. They can achieve this result by discriminating against foreigners in the patent system—by refusing to grant foreigners a patent for their inventions. International patent law treaties forbid this practice, which may lower the global innovation incentives and may hurt international trade. Using data on half a million inventions submitted to the Chinese patent office, we find robust evidence of anti‐foreign bias in the issuance of patents in ‘strategic’ technology areas. Foreigners are about fifty per cent more likely to be refused a strategic patent than locals.
The intraruminal redox potential is stabilised by opposing influences during fermentation
Authors: Rietmann Stefan J. , Gäbel Gotthold , Dengler Franziska
Published: March 2022

An optimal fermentation process in the forestomach is pivotal for the wellbeing and performance of ruminants. Complex carbohydrates are broken down into short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) which form the major energy source for the animal. A strong interrelationship of this process with intraruminal pH and redox potential (Eh) exists. These parameters can be measured with intraruminal sensors, but the interpretation of the measurements, especially of Eh, and their meaning for intraruminal homeostasis is not completely clear. In this study, factors influencing intraruminal Eh were elucidated. We hypothesised that intraruminal Eh is influenced by the fermentation process as such, but not by its end products SCFA. We measured Eh and pH in ruminal fluid from fasting cannulated sheep after the addition of 0.06 m Na‐acetate, ‐propionate, ‐butyrate or glucose in vitro. Furthermore, we assessed the interrelation of pH and Eh. Basal Eh and pH values were −120 ± 41 mV and 7.0 ± 0.3, respectively, in native ruminal fluid in vitro. While the addition of SCFA did not induce any changes, glucose addition caused a significant decrease in both pH and Eh compared to the values before the addition (paired Student's t‐test, p < 0.05). We attribute the decrease in Eh to an increased production of H2 in the process of generating SCFA, predominantly acetate. By titrating both native and particle‐free ruminal fluid to more acidic and basic pH values (4.5–8.5), we found a non‐linear inverse correlation of pH and Eh, counteracting the H2‐driven decrease of Eh during fermentation. Thus, the intraruminal Eh is influenced by pH and H2 output during SCFA formation. The opposed character of these factors stabilises the intraruminal homeostasis which might help maintain symbiotic microbiota in the rumen. Understanding, monitoring, and supporting this system will be an essential part of modern cattle production.
Linguistic Priming and Learning Adjacent and Nonadjacent Dependencies in Serial Reaction Time Tasks
Authors: Wang Felix Hao , Kaiser Elsi
Published: March 2022

Although syntactic priming has been well studied and is commonly assumed to involve implicit learning, the mechanisms behind this phenomenon are still under debate. Recent studies have suggested that exposure to nonlinguistic statistical patterns may influence language users’ relative clause attachment biases, but whether the priming effect comes from implicit learning or explicit experimental task demands has remained unclear. In this study, we tested whether implicit learning of adjacent and nonadjacent sequences occurs in a nonlinguistic task (the serial reaction time task), and if so, whether these implicitly learned dependencies can cause syntactic priming in the linguistic domain. We found no priming effects even though dependencies in the serial reaction time task were successfully learned: learning of nonlinguistic dependencies did not prime relative clause attachment biases when dependency learning was strictly implicit in nature. This work provides novel evidence that implicit knowledge from a domain‐general sequencing task alone does not necessarily induce syntactic priming.
A tutorial on articulatory muscles and ArtiSynth: Tongue and suprahyoid muscles, and 3D tongue model
Authors: Jang Hayeun
Published: March 2022

This article has two main purposes: (i) to review the placement and function of the tongue and suprahyoid muscles concerning speech articulation, and (ii) as a biomechanical simulation tool to study how those muscles are involved in articulation, to introduce a 3D tongue model distributed by a 3D modelling platform called ArtiSynth. The 3D tongue model can be combined with other structural models to provide the outline of the oral cavity. This article presents examples of muscular simulations for/i/and/ɑ/using the jaw‐hyoid‐tongue model in ArtiSynth.
Varied diversification patterns and distinct demographic trajectories in Ethiopian montane forest bird (Aves: Passeriformes) populations separated by the Great Rift Valley
Authors: Manthey Joseph D. , Bourgeois Yann , Meheretu Yonas , Boissinot Stéphane
Published: March 2022

Taxon‐specific characteristics and extrinsic climatic and geological forces may both shape population differentiation and speciation. In geographically and taxonomically focused investigations, differentiation may occur synchronously as species respond to the same external conditions. Conversely, when evolution is investigated in taxa with largely varying traits, population differentiation and speciation is complex and shaped by interactions of Earth's template and species‐specific traits. As such, it is important to characterize evolutionary histories broadly across the tree of life, especially in geographic regions that are exceptionally diverse and under pressures from human activities such as in biodiversity hotspots. Here, using whole‐genome sequencing data, we characterize genomic variation in populations of six Ethiopian Highlands forest bird species separated by a lowland biogeographic barrier, the Great Rift Valley (GRV). In all six species, populations on either side of the GRV exhibited significant but varying levels of genetic differentiation. Species’ dispersal ability was negatively correlated with levels of population differentiation. Isolation with migration models indicated varied patterns of population differentiation and connectivity among populations of the focal species. We found that demographic histories—estimated for each individual—varied by both species and population but were consistent between individuals of the same species and sampling region. We found that genomic diversity varied by half an order of magnitude across species, and that this variation could largely be explained by the harmonic mean of effective population size over the past 200,000 years. Overall, we found that even in highly dispersive species like birds, the GRV acts as a substantial biogeographic barrier.
A deep neural network framework for real‐time on‐site estimation of acceleration response spectra of seismic ground motions
Authors: Fayaz Jawad , Galasso Carmine
Published: March 2022

Various earthquake early warning (EEW) methodologies have been proposed globally for speedily estimating information (i.e., location, magnitude, ground‐shaking intensities, and/or potential consequences) about ongoing seismic events for real‐time/near real‐time earthquake risk management. Conventional EEW algorithms have often been based on the inferred physics of a fault rupture combined with simplified empirical models to estimate the source parameters and intensity measures of interest. Given the recent boost in computational resources, data‐driven methods/models are now widely accepted as effective alternatives for EEW. This study introduces a highly accurate deep‐learning‐based computational framework named ROSERS (i.e., Real‐time On‐Site Estimation of Response Spectra) to estimate the acceleration response spectrum (Sa(T)) of the expected on‐site ground‐motion waveforms using early non‐damage‐causing early p‐waves and site characteristics. The framework is trained using a carefully selected extensive database of recorded ground motions. Due to the well‐known correlation of Sa(T) with structures’ seismic response and resulting damage/losses, rapid and accurate knowledge of expected on‐site Sa(T) values is highly beneficial to various end‐users to make well‐informed real‐time and near‐real‐time decisions. The framework is thoroughly assessed and investigated through multiple statistical tests under three historical earthquake events. These analyses demonstrate that the overall framework leads to excellent prediction power and, on average, has an accuracy above 85% for hazard‐consistent early‐warning trigger classification.
Visualizing Emergent Turn Construction: Seeing Writing While Speaking
Authors: GREER TIM , NANBU ZACHARY
Published: March 2022

This study draws on multimodal conversation analysis to emically account for moments in second language (L2) English interaction in which speakers appear to be visualizing text as they talk. One way they do this is by slotting out elements of a turn‐in‐progress in the air, shifting their hand in a slotting gesture from left to right as they say each word to display to their recipient that they are visualizing certain elements of the turn. In other cases, participants use their fingers to ‘write’ elements of the turn‐in‐progress on their palms or in the air. The embodied practices of visualizing a turn component by component as it is formulated therefore make public the temporality of its in situ grammatical production. These multimodally accomplished visualizations also provide the speaker with access to a recalled text that helps them produce the spoken equivalent. The study suggests that English‐as‐a‐foreign language (EFL) learners may therefore support their spoken interaction by visualizing written grammar or lexical items, and that multimodal practices such as the precision‐timed deployment of gaze and gesture make a seemingly intrapsychological process like visualization a social matter. The data are taken from a corpus of 94 video‐recorded paired discussion tests among EFL learners whose first language (L1) was Japanese.
Functional Diversification and Progressive Routinization of a Multiword Expression in and for Social Interaction: A Longitudinal L2 Study
Authors: PEKAREK DOEHLER SIMONA , SKOGMYR MARIAN KLARA
Published: March 2022

In this article, we bring together conversation analysis and usage‐based linguistics to investigate the second language (L2) developmental trajectory of a linguistic construction within the complex multimodal ecology of naturally occurring social interaction. We document how, over the course of 15 months, an L2 speaker's use of the French multiword expression comment on dit [how do you say] diversifies in both form and function. Two types of longitudinal change are observed: (a) The expression expands in its context of use: “Literal” uses are observed initially to request a candidate lexical item but are later also found in requests for confirmation, (b) these literal uses become proportionally less frequent, and the expression progressively routinizes as a marker‐like element used for indexing cognitive search and floor‐holding, and eventually also as a preface to self‐correction. This routinization entails erosion in form and meaning, in concert with systematic change in co‐occurring bodily‐visual conduct, in particular gaze and gesture. By documenting change over time in the functional use and the multimodal delivery of the target construction, the findings evidence the longitudinal development of L2 grammar‐for‐interaction and showcase how linguistic and bodily resources may interface in L2 development. They also have important implications for language teaching and learning.
Two independent approaches converge to the cloning of a new Leptosphaeria maculans avirulence effector gene, AvrLmS‐Lep2
Authors: Xiang Neik Ting , Ghanbarnia Kaveh , Ollivier Bénédicte , Scheben Armin , Severn‐Ellis Anita , Larkan Nicholas J. , Haddadi Parham , Fernando Dilantha W. G. , Rouxel Thierry , Batley Jacqueline , Borhan Hossein M. , Balesdent Marie‐Hélène
Published: March 2022

Brassica napus (oilseed rape, canola) seedling resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of blackleg (stem canker) disease, follows a gene‐for‐gene relationship. The avirulence genes AvrLmS and AvrLep2 were described to be perceived by the resistance genes RlmS and LepR2, respectively, present in B. napus ‘Surpass 400’. Here we report cloning of AvrLmS and AvrLep2 using two independent methods. AvrLmS was cloned using combined in vitro crossing between avirulent and virulent isolates with sequencing of DNA bulks from avirulent or virulent progeny (bulked segregant sequencing). AvrLep2 was cloned using a biparental cross of avirulent and virulent L. maculans isolates and a classical map‐based cloning approach. Taking these two approaches independently, we found that AvrLmS and AvrLep2 are the same gene. Complementation of virulent isolates with this gene confirmed its role in inducing resistance on Surpass 400, Topas‐LepR2, and an RlmS‐line. The gene, renamed AvrLmS‐Lep2, encodes a small cysteine‐rich protein of unknown function with an N‐terminal secretory signal peptide, which is a common feature of the majority of effectors from extracellular fungal plant pathogens. The AvrLmS‐Lep2/LepR2 interaction phenotype was found to vary from a typical hypersensitive response through intermediate resistance sometimes towards susceptibility, depending on the inoculation conditions. AvrLmS‐Lep2 was nevertheless sufficient to significantly slow the systemic growth of the pathogen and reduce the stem lesion size on plant genotypes with LepR2, indicating the potential efficiency of this resistance to control the disease in the field.
Personalized immunosuppression after kidney transplantation
Authors: Cheung Chi Yuen , Tang Sydney Chi Wai
Published: March 2022

With advances in immunosuppressive therapy, there have been significant improvements in acute rejection rates and short‐term allograft survival in kidney transplant recipients. However, this success has not been translated into long‐term benefits by the same magnitude. Optimization of immunosuppression is important to improve the clinical outcome of transplant recipients. It is important to note that each patient has unique attributes and immunosuppression management should not be a one‐size‐fits‐all approach. Elderly transplant patients are less likely to develop acute rejection but more likely to die from infectious and cardiovascular causes than younger patients. For those with post‐transplant cancers and BK polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy, reduction of immunosuppression can increase the risk of rejection. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is routinely used for dosage adjustment of several immunosuppressive drugs. It has been hoped that pharmacogenetics can be used to complement TDM in optimizing drug exposure. Among the various drug‐genotype pairs being investigated, tacrolimus and CYP3A5 gives the most promising results. Different studies have consistently shown that CYP3A5 expressers require a higher tacrolimus dose and take longer time to achieve target blood tacrolimus levels than nonexpressers. However, for pharmacogenetics to be widely used clinically, further trials are necessary to demonstrate the clinical benefits of genotype‐guided dosing such as reduction of rejection and drug‐related toxicities. The development of different biomarkers in recent years may help to achieve true personalized therapy in transplant patients.
Practices and experiences of European frontline nurses under the shadow of COVID‐19
Authors: Melnikov Semyon , Kagan Ilya , Felizardo Helena , Lynch Marion , Jakab‐Hall Charlotte , Langan Lisa , Vermeir Peter , Luiking‐Martin Marie‐Louise
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused health professionals to deal with new situations they have not encountered before. Nurses were forced to cope with increased workloads, seriously ill patients, numerous patient deaths, and unresolved ethical dilemmas. This study aimed to examine the lived experiences of nurses across Europe during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. This was a qualitative narrative research study. Eighteen nurses from eight European countries (four each from the UK and Israel, three from Portugal, two each from the Netherlands and Ireland, and one each from Belgium, Italy, and Sweden) submitted narratives about their professional experiences during May–June 2020. The narratives were analyzed using thematic analysis. Seven categories across the narratives were condensed and interpreted into three themes: opportunities and growth, care management, and emotional and ethical challenges. The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected nurses emotionally and provided an opportunity to actively develop systems and skills needed to minimize harm and maximize benefits to patients and nurses.
Population structure and phylogeography ofElymus mutabilisand its genetic relationships withE. transbaicalensis(Poaceae)
Authors: Leo Jonatan , Bengtsson Therése , Carlsson Anders S. , Brassac Jonathan , von Bothmer Roland
Published: March 2022

Elymus mutabilisis a morphologically diverse species in the Poaceae family growing in Eurasia from northern Europe to far east Russia and southwards to central Asia.Elymus transbaicalensisoccurs in similar habitats and is considered closely related toE. mutabilisand sometimes even referred to as a subspecies or synonym. Based on high similarity in morphology and habitat, molecular studies are needed to establish whetherE. mutabilisandE. transbaicalensiscan be considered as two distinct species. Thus, the objective of this study was to study diversity, relationships among populations and the phylogeographical structure ofE. mutabilisandE. transbaicalensisusing genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS). In total 68 individuals ofE. mutabiliswere sampled from 18 populations collected from northern Europe, central Asia and far east Russia, representing the central and two peripheral parts of the natural distribution of the species. The results reveal a clear distinction betweenE. mutabilisandE. transbaicalensisand no introgression. The phylogeographic structure ofE. mutabilisfollows the geographical distribution of the species. Populations from northern Europe, southern Siberia and far east Russia together form a clade separated from the peripheral populations in central Asia, indicating a common ancestry of the latter. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a radiation pattern among populations in northern Europe indicating a founding followed by rapid dispersal.
Armet from whitefly saliva acts as an effector to suppress plant defences by targeting tobacco cystatin
Authors: Du Hui , Xu Hong‐Xing , Wang Fang , Qian Li‐Xin , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Wei
Published: March 2022

Arginine rich, mutated in early stage of tumours (Armet), is a well‐characterized bifunctional protein as an unfolded protein response component intracellularly and a neurotrophic factor extracellularly in mammals. Recently, a new role of Armet as an effector protein mediating insect–plant interactions has been reported; however, its molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of plant defences remain unclear.

We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying whitefly‐secreted Armet‐mediated regulation of insect–plant interaction by agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression, RNA interference, electrical penetration graph, protein–protein interaction studies, virus‐induced gene silencing assay, phytohormone analysis and whitefly bioassays.

Armet, secreted by Bemisia tabaci whitefly, is highly expressed in the primary salivary gland and is delivered into tobacco plants during feeding. Overexpression of the BtArmet gene in tobacco enhanced whitefly performance, while silencing the BtArmet gene in whitefly interrupted whitefly feeding and suppressed whitefly performance on tobacco plants. BtArmet was shown to interact with NtCYS6, a cystatin protein essential for tobacco anti‐whitefly resistance, and counteract the negative effects of NtCYS6 on whitefly.

These results indicate that BtArmet is a salivary effector and acts to promote whitefly performance on tobacco plants through binding to the tobacco cystatin NtCYS6. Our findings provide novel insight into whitefly–plant interactions.