bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulator of G‐Protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) negatively modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid receptor signalling: Implication for l‐Dopa‐induced dyskinesia
Authors: Pisanò Clarissa A. , Mercatelli Daniela , Mazzocchi Martina , Brugnoli Alberto , Morella Ilaria , Fasano Stefania , Zaveri Nurulain T. , Brambilla Riccardo , O'Keeffe Gerard W. , Neubig Richard R. , Morari Michele
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Regulator of G‐protein signalling 4 (RGS4) is a signal transduction protein that accelerates intrinsic GTPase activity of Gαi/o and Gαq subunits, suppressing GPCR signalling. Here, we investigate whether RGS4 modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) opioid (NOP) receptor signalling and if this modulation has relevance for l‐Dopa‐induced dyskinesia.

Experimental Approach

HEK293T cells transfected with NOP, NOP/RGS4 or NOP/RGS19 were challenged with N/OFQ and the small‐molecule NOP agonist AT‐403, using D1‐stimulated cAMP levels as a readout. Primary rat striatal neurons and adult mouse striatal slices were challenged with either N/OFQ or AT‐403 in the presence of the experimental RGS4 chemical probe, CCG‐203920, and D1‐stimulated cAMP or phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK) responses were monitored. In vivo, CCG‐203920 was co‐administered with AT‐403 and l‐Dopa to 6‐hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats, and dyskinetic movements, striatal biochemical correlates of dyskinesia (pERK and pGluR1 levels) and striatal RGS4 levels were measured.

Key Results

RGS4 expression reduced NOFQ and AT‐403 potency and efficacy in HEK293T cells. CCG‐203920 increased N/OFQ potency in primary rat striatal neurons and potentiated AT‐403 response in mouse striatal slices. CCG‐203920 enhanced AT‐403‐mediated inhibition of dyskinesia and its biochemical correlates, without compromising its motor‐improving effects. Unilateral dopamine depletion caused bilateral reduction of RGS4 levels, which was reversed by l‐Dopa. l‐Dopa acutely up‐regulated RGS4 in the lesioned striatum.

Conclusions and Implications

RGS4 physiologically inhibits NOP receptor signalling. CCG‐203920 enhanced NOP responses and improved the antidyskinetic potential of NOP receptor agonists, mitigating the effects of striatal RGS4 up‐regulation occurring during dyskinesia expression.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc
Climate change‐related worry among Australian adolescents: an eight‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Sciberras Emma , Fernando Julian W.
Published: November 2021

Background

Worry about climate change may be associated with poorer mental health but also with greater political engagement. We determined trajectories of climate change‐related worry over adolescence and whether these were associated with depression symptoms and greater engagement with news and politics in late adolescence.

Methods

At ages 10–11, 12–13, 16–17 and 18–19 years, adolescents participating in the Kindergarten cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children rated their worry about climate change. At age 18–19 years, participants reported on depression symptoms and engagement with news and politics. Latent profile analysis determined trajectories of climate change‐related worry across all time points (N = 2244). Linear regression analyses examined the association between trajectories and outcomes at 18–19 years.

Results

Thirteen per cent (n = 290) of adolescents had high persistent worry. The largest proportions had moderate (n = 559, 24.9%) or increasing worry (n = 546, 24.3%), followed by persistent low worry (n = 376, 16.8%), slightly decreasing worry (n = 297, 13.2%) and steeply decreasing worry (n = 176, 7.8%). Adolescents with high persistent worry had higher depression symptoms at age 18–19 years compared to the moderate group, while those with increasing worry did not. The high persistent and increasing worry groups reported greater engagement with news and politics across several measures.

Conclusion

This is the first study to track climate‐related worry and outcomes in young people across adolescence. A substantial number of Australian adolescents experience high or increasing worry about climate change, which is associated with greater societal engagement.
Socioeconomic development and ecological traits as predictors of human–bird conflicts
Authors: Araneda Paola , Ohrens Omar , Ibarra José Tomás
Published: November 2021

Because of the significant impacts on both human interests and bird conservation, it is imperative to identify patterns and anticipate drivers of human–bird conflicts (HBCs) worldwide. Through a global systematic review, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we analyzed the socioeconomic factors and bird ecological traits driving the degree of knowledge and extent of HBCs. We included 166 articles published from 1971 to 2020 in our analyses through which we built a profile of the socioeconomic conditions of 52 countries with reported conflicts and the ecological traits of the 161 bird species involved in HBCs. Although HBC expanded worldwide, it had the greatest impact in less‐developed countries (estimate 0. 66 [SE 0.13],p< 0.05), where agriculture is critical for rural livelihoods. Species with a relatively greater conflict extent had a relatively broader diet (estimate 0.80 [SE 0.22],p<0.05) and an increasing population trend (estimate 0.58 [SE 0.15],p<0.05) and affected human interests, such as agriculture and livestock raising. In countries with greater biodiversity, HBCs caused greater socioeconomic impacts than in more developed countries. Our results highlight the importance of understanding and addressing HBCs from multiple perspectives (ecological, sociocultural, and political) to effectively protect both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Kinetics of response to first‐ and second‐line therapies in multiple myeloma: Assessment by both M‐spikes and light chains
Authors: Lebel Eyal , Li Xuan , Paul Harminder , Masih‐Khan Esther , Bhella Sita , Chen Christine , Prica Anca , Reece Donna , Tiedemann Rodger , Trudel Suzanne , Kukreti Vishal
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The prognostic value of kinetics of response to multiple myeloma (MM) therapy is controversial. We aimed to expand the knowledge on this topic by reviewing the kinetics of response to both first‐ and second‐line MM therapy, utilizing a homogeneously treated cohort and analyzing separately both M‐spike and light chain (LC) responses for each patient.

Methods

We reviewed all patients who received first‐line cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone induction followed by autologous transplant with melphalan and lenalidomide maintenance in our center between 2007 and 2019.

Results

Analyzing 360 patients, we observed no correlation between response kinetics to first‐ versus second‐line therapy at the individual patient level. Time to best response to first‐line therapy was not a predictor of outcome; however, longer time to best response was highly predictive of a favorable outcome in the second‐line setting, independent of other factors. Patients with IgA‐MM cleared their M‐spike faster than IgG‐MM, probably reflecting different half‐lives of these isotypes rather than disease biology, as the clearance of LC in both subtypes was similar.

Conclusions

Analyzing both M‐spike and LC responses in a homogenously treated cohort, we identified important insights regarding the prognostic value of kinetic patterns. Prospective analysis may shed more light on unsolved questions.
A salience hypothesis of stress in PTSD
Authors: Chakraborty Prabahan , Chattarji Sumantra , Jeanneteau Freddy
Published: November 2021

Attention to key features of contexts and things is a necessary tool for all organisms. Detecting these salient features of cues, or simply, salience, can also be affected by exposure to traumatic stress, as has been widely reported in individuals suffering from post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Interestingly, similar observations have been robustly replicated across many animal models of stress as well. By using evidence from such rodent stress paradigms, in the present review, we explore PTSD through the lens of salience processing. In this context, we propose that interaction between the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoids determines the long lasting cellular and behavioural consequences of stress salience. We also describe the dual effect of glucocorticoid therapy in the amelioration of PTSD symptoms. Finally, by integrating in vivo observations at multiple scales of plasticity, we propose a unifying hypothesis that pivots on a crucial role of glucocorticoid signalling in dynamically orchestrating stress salience.
Genomic and common garden approaches yield complementary results for quantifying environmental drivers of local adaptation in rubber rabbitbrush, a foundational Great Basin shrub
Authors: Faske Trevor M. , Agneray Alison C. , Jahner Joshua P. , Sheta Lana M. , Leger Elizabeth A. , Parchman Thomas L.
Published: November 2021

The spatial structure of genomic and phenotypic variation across populations reflects historical and demographic processes as well as evolution via natural selection. Characterizing such variation can provide an important perspective for understanding the evolutionary consequences of changing climate and for guiding ecological restoration. While evidence for local adaptation has been traditionally evaluated using phenotypic data, modern methods for generating and analyzing landscape genomic data can directly quantify local adaptation by associating allelic variation with environmental variation. Here, we analyze both genomic and phenotypic variation of rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), a foundational shrub species of western North America. To quantify landscape genomic structure and provide perspective on patterns of local adaptation, we generated reduced representation sequencing data for 17 wild populations (222 individuals; 38,615 loci) spanning a range of environmental conditions. Population genetic analyses illustrated pronounced landscape genomic structure jointly shaped by geography and environment. Genetic‐environment association (GEA) analyses using both redundancy analysis (RDA) and a machine‐learning approach (Gradient Forest) indicated environmental variables (precipitation seasonality, slope, aspect, elevation, and annual precipitation) influenced spatial genomic structure and were correlated with allele frequency shifts indicative of local adaptation at a consistent set of genomic regions. We compared our GEA‐based inference of local adaptation with phenotypic data collected by growing seeds from each population in a greenhouse common garden. Population differentiation in seed weight, emergence, and seedling traits was associated with environmental variables (e.g., precipitation seasonality) that were also implicated in GEA analyses, suggesting complementary conclusions about the drivers of local adaptation across different methods and data sources. Our results provide a baseline understanding of spatial genomic structure for E. nauseosa across the western Great Basin and illustrate the utility of GEA analyses for detecting the environmental causes and genetic signatures of local adaptation in a widely distributed plant species of restoration significance.
The impact of phosphatidylserine exposure on cancer cell membranes on the activity of the anticancer peptide HB43
Authors: Herrera‐León Claudia , Ramos‐Martín Francisco , Antonietti Viviane , Sonnet Pascal , D’Amelio Nicola
Published: November 2021

HB43 (FAKLLAKLAKKLL) is a synthetic peptide active against cell lines derived from breast, colon, melanoma, lung, prostate, and cervical cancers. Despite its remarkable spectrum of activity, the mechanism of action at the molecular level has never been investigated, preventing further optimization of its selectivity. The alternation of charged and hydrophobic residues suggests amphipathicity, but the formation of alpha‐helical structure seems discouraged by its short length and the large number of positively charged residues. Using different biophysical and in silico approaches we show that HB43 is completely unstructured in solution but assumes alpha‐helical conformation in the presence of DPC micelles and liposomes exposing phosphatidylserine (PS) used as mimics of cancer cell membranes. Membrane permeabilization assays demonstrate that the interaction leads to the preferential destabilization of PS‐containing vesicles with respect to PC‐containing ones, here used as noncancerous cell mimics. ssNMR reveals that HB43 is able to fluidify the internal structure of cancer‐cell mimicking liposomes while MD simulations show its internalization in such bilayers. This is achieved by the formation of specific interactions between the lysine side chains and the carboxylate group of phosphatidylserine and/or the phosphate oxygen atoms of targeted phospholipids, which could catalyze the formation of the alpha helix required for internalization. With the aim of better understanding the peptide biocompatibility and the additional antibacterial activity, the interaction with noncancerous cell mimicking liposomes exposing phosphatidylcholine (PC) and bacterial mimicking bilayers exposing phosphatidylglycerol (PG) is also described.
Carbon and nitrogen dynamics in tropical ecosystems following fire
Authors: Jiang Dalong , Xu Chonghua , Xu Xia , Luo Yiqi , Chen Chen , Ju Chenghui , Chen Han Y. H. , Shi Zheng , Ruan Honghua
Published: November 2021

Aim

Tropical ecosystems have grown increasingly prone to fire over the last century. However, no consensus has yet emerged regarding the effects of fire disturbances on tropical biogeochemical cycles.

Location

Tropics.

Time period

1960–2018.

Major taxa studied

Tropical ecosystems: Above‐ and below‐ground carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics.

Methods

We analysed the impacts of fire on C and N dynamics in tropical ecosystems through a meta‐analysis of 1,420 observations from 87 studies.

Results

Fire reduced both above‐ and below‐ground C and N pools, with greater reductions above‐ than below‐ground. Fire decreased soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN) and nitrate nitrogen () and increased ammonium nitrogen () in surface mineral soil layers but did not affect those in deep layers. Fire decreased TC and TN in savanna but did not affect those in tropical dry and moist forests. Fire did not affect and in savanna because of non‐significant responses of N mineralization rate (Nmin) to fire. Conversely, fire increased and decreased in tropical dry forest, but did not affect and increased in tropical moist forest owing to thermal decomposition of soil organic N and increased soil nitrification, respectively. Moreover, declined and increased initially and then decreased with time after fire. Above‐ and below‐ground response variables to prescribed fire were mediated largely by fire frequency and experimental duration, respectively.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest a high vulnerability of the above‐ground C and N pools to fire, whereas the biogeochemical cycles below‐ground are of high complexity. Fire effects on below‐ground C and N pools, which are highly uncertain and vegetation specific, should be investigated further.
The interaction mechanism of rural housing land transition and rural development: A spatial governance perspective
Authors: Sun Dongqi , Ge Dazhuan
Published: November 2021

As a significant material carrier of rural production and life, rural housing land transition (RHLT) is an important field of rural spatial governance, and the transition process of its utilization is closely related to rural development. Applying the “matter‐ownership‐organization” perspective to the governance of rural space, this study constructs an analytic framework of the interaction between RHLT and rural development. Taking the case of Tangjiajia Village, a tourist village in the suburbs of Nanjing, this study analyzes empirically the interaction mechanism between RHLT and rural development. On the basis of the findings, the challenges of rural spatial governance of suburban tourism are discussed, and the process of multiple‐subject participation in rural spatial governance is clarified. This elucidation of the interaction mechanism between RHLT and rural development in the suburbs of big cities will provide a point of reference for rural development in underdeveloped areas.
Development and multicenter validation of FIB‐6: A novel, machine learning, simple bedside score to rule out liver cirrhosis and compensated advanced chronic liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Shiha Gamal , Soliman Reham , Mikhail Nabiel N. H. , Alswat Khalid , Abdo Ayman , Sanai Faisal , Derbala Moutaz F. , Örmeci Necati , Dalekos George N. , Al‐Busafi Said , Hamoudi Waseem , Sharara Ala I. , Zaky Samy , El‐Raey Fathiya , Mabrouk Mai , Marzouk Samir , Toyoda Hidenori
Published: November 2021

Background

Non‐invasive tests (NITs), such as Fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) and the aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), developed using classical statistical methods, are increasingly used for determining liver fibrosis stages and recommended in treatment guidelines replacing the liver biopsy. Application of conventional cutoffs of FIB‐4 and APRI resulted in high rates of misclassification of fibrosis stages.

Aim

There is an unmet need for more accurate NITs that can overcome the limitations of FIB‐4 and APRI.

Patients and methods

Machine learning with the random forest algorithm was used to develop a non‐invasive index using retrospective data of 7238 patients with biopsy‐proven chronic hepatitis C from two centers in Egypt; derivation dataset (n = 1821) and validation set in the second center (n = 5417). Receiver operator curve analysis was used to define cutoffs for different stages of fibrosis. Performance of the new score was externally validated in cohorts from two other sites in Egypt (n = 560) and seven different countries (n = 1317). Fibrosis stages were determined using the METAVIR score. Results were also compared with three established tools (FIB‐4, APRI, and the aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐alanine aminotransferase ratio [AAR]).

Results

Age in addition to readily available laboratory parameters such as aspartate, and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, albumin (g/dl), and platelet count (/cm3) correlated with the biopsy‐derived stage of liver fibrosis in the derivation cohort and were used to construct the model for predicting the fibrosis stage by applying the random forest algorithm, resulting in an FIB‐6 index, which can be calculated easily at http://fib6.elriah.info. Application of the cutoff values derived from the derivation group on the validation groups yielded very good performance in ruling out cirrhosis (negative predictive value [NPV] = 97.7%), compensated advance liver disease (NPV = 90.2%), and significant fibrosis (NPV = 65.7%). In the external validation groups from different countries, FIB‐6 demonstrated higher sensitivity and NPV than FIB‐4, APRI, and AAR.

Conclusion

FIB‐6 score is a non‐invasive, simple, and accurate test for ruling out liver cirrhosis and compensated advance liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C and performs better than APRI, FIB‐4, and AAR.
Differential responses of coexisting owls to annual small mammal population fluctuations in temperate mixed forest
Authors: Ratajc Urška , Breskvar Martin , Džeroski Sašo , Vrezec Al
Published: November 2021

Montane temperate forests in central and southern Europe host diverse small mammal assemblages, but the fluctuations in these assemblages in correlation with owl predators are still poorly explored. The key questions of our study were how coexisting owls responded to different prey fluctuations and whether any particular small mammal species governed predator–prey co‐dynamics. We conducted a long‐term study (2004–2020) in low‐elevation (300–1100 m above sea level) mixed Beech and Silver Fir forest in the northern Dinaric Alps (central Slovenia). Monitoring data on the main small mammal groups – mice Muridae, voles Cricetidae, dormice Gliridae and shrews Soricidae – and three owl species – the Ural OwlStrix uralensis, Tawny OwlStrix alucoand Boreal OwlAegolius funereus– were collected annually. To find relationships between prey and predator populations, we used two types of supervised machine learning approaches and addressed three predictive modelling tasks of multi‐target regression. The dominant species in the small mammal assemblage, the Yellow‐necked MouseApodemus flavicollis, had a key role in determining predator populations and their breeding performance. We noted higher sensitivity to small mammal fluctuations in boreal zone owl species (Boreal Owl and Ural Owl), which reach their southern distribution limit in the Dinaric Alps, whereas the temperate zone species (Tawny Owl) seemed to be less affected. In years of prey shortage, the Boreal Owl was found to presumably abandon its territories, the Ural Owl suppressed breeding and the Tawny Owl sustained breeding activity by shifting prey selection. Low‐elevation forests appeared to be suboptimal habitat for the competitive subordinate Boreal Owl, which may exploit occasional outbreaks of small mammal populations in these habitats even in the presence of larger competitors. Whether low‐elevation forests can play a role in maintaining threatened and cold‐adapted Boreal Owl populations in central and southern Europe in the face of recent ecosystem changes due to climate and environmental changes remains an open scientific question.
Early‐life development of contrasting outbound and return migration routes in a long‐lived seabird
Authors: Wynn Joe , Guilford Tim , Padget Oliver , Perrins Chris M. , McKee Neville , Gillies Natasha , Tyson Chris , Dean Ben , Kirk Holly , Fayet Annette L.
Published: November 2021

Although mechanisms of genetic and social inheritance have been implicated in determining the migratory routes of birds, it is unclear what their relative contributions are in species where outbound and return migration routes differ (‘loop migrants’). Here, we used biologging devices to follow Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus, a long‐lived seabird with a trans‐Atlantic loop migration, from before their first migration until their 3rd calendar year. We found that Shearwaters undertake first migration without their parents, setting off almost immediately upon fledging and moving along a more direct trajectory than adults, before wintering in the same part of the South Atlantic as adult conspecifics and subsequently iteratively developing their return migration route over the next 3 years, each time returning – unlike adults – via a Western Atlantic route. We propose that the first outbound migration in Manx Shearwaters is broadly consistent with a genetically inherited vector, that both the outbound and the return migration trajectories are unlikely to be learnt from experienced conspecifics, and that return migration in Manx Shearwaters (and perhaps loop migrants more generally) may be informed by genetically inherited information and/or local environmental conditions.
Friction dynamics of moisturized human skin under non‐linear motion
Authors: Sakata Yuka , Mayama Hiroyuki , Nonomura Yoshimune
Published: November 2021

Objective

Evaluating friction in human skin is important to assess its condition and the effects of skincare cosmetics. In this study, we evaluated the friction dynamics of moisturized skin to show the effects of moisturization on its mechanical properties.

Methods

Friction force was evaluated using a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation system. The skin of the upper arm of 20 subjects was rubbed using a contact probe. The water content of the stratum corneum and the softness of the skin were measured using a Corneometer and a Cutometer, respectively.

Results

When human skin was treated with water or 10 wt% glycerol aqueous solution, the friction coefficients increased by 0.23 ± 0.01 and 0.17 ± 0.14, respectively, and the delay times (normalized by calculating the time interval from contact with the probe to the friction response divided by the friction time for one round trip) increased by 0.048 ± 0.034 and 0.055 ± 0.024, respectively. Three different friction profiles were observed: (a) a stable pattern, in which a smooth profile was observed during the sliding process; (b) an oscillation pattern, in which significant oscillation was obtained; and (c) a stick pattern, in which the friction coefficient increased even during the deceleration process. In the case of untreated skin, the oscillation pattern was observed for the majority of subjects. The appearance rate of the stick pattern increased by 80.3% ± 29.4% after treatment with 10 wt% glycerol aqueous solution. These characteristic friction profiles can be explained by a two‐step friction model consisting of two modes: (a) friction at the skin surface and (b) the delayed response due to skin deformation.

Conclusion

Moisturizing the skin with water or 10 wt% glycerol aqueous solution increased the friction coefficient and delay time, dramatically changing the friction profile. These changes were considered to be due to the swelling and softening of the stratum corneum and the increased true contact area between the contact probe and the skin surface.
Quantitative assessment of contrast‐enhancement patterns of the healthy dental pulp by magnetic resonance imaging: A prospective in vivo study
Authors: Juerchott Alexander , Jelinek Constanze , Kronsteiner Dorothea , Jende Johann M. E. , Kurz Felix T. , Bendszus Martin , Heiland Sabine , Hilgenfeld Tim
Published: November 2021

Aim

This prospective in vivo study aimed to optimize the assessment of pulpal contrast‐enhancement (PCE) on dental magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and investigate physiological PCE patterns.

Methodology

In 70 study participants, 1585 healthy teeth were examined using 3‐Tesla dMRI before and after contrast agent administration. For all teeth, the quotient of post‐ and pre‐contrast pulp signal intensity (Q‐PSI) was calculated to quantify PCE. First, pulp chambers were analysed in 10 participants to compare the coefficient of variation of mean versus maximum Q‐PSI values (Q‐PSImean versus Q‐PSImax). Second, dynamic PCE was evaluated in 10 subjects to optimize the time interval between contrast agent application and image acquisition. Finally, 50 participants (age groups: 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 and 60–69 years) were examined to analyse age, gender, tooth types and maxilla versus mandible as independent factors of PCE. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and linear mixed models.

Results

PCE assessment based on Q‐PSImax was associated with a significantly smaller coefficient of variation compared with Q‐PSImean, with median values of 0.17 versus 0.21 (p = .002). Analysis of dynamic PCE revealed an optimal timing interval for image acquisition 4 min after contrast media application. No significant differences in PCE were observed by comparing age groups, female versus male participants and maxillary versus mandibular teeth (p > .05). Differences between tooth types were small (median Q‐PSImax values of 2.52/2.32/2.30/2.20 for molars/premolars/canines/incisors) but significant (p < .05), except for the comparison of canines versus premolars (p = .80).

Conclusions

PCE in dMRI was a stable intra‐individual marker with only minor differences between different tooth types, thus forming an important basis for intra‐individual controls when assessing teeth with suspected endodontic pathosis. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that PCE is independent of age, gender and jaw type. These findings indicate that dMRI‐based PCE analysis could be a valuable diagnostic tool for the identification of various pulp diseases in future patient studies.
Microstructures and mechanical properties of α‐SiC ceramics after high‐temperature laser shock peening
Authors: Wang Fei , Chen Xin , DeLellis Daniel P. , Krause Amanda R. , Lu Yongfeng , Cui Bai
Published: November 2021

A novel high‐temperature laser shock peening (HT‐LSP) process was applied to polycrystalline α‐SiC to improve the mechanical performance. HT‐LSP prevents microcrack formation on the surface while induces plastic deformation in the form of dislocation slip on the basal planes, which may be caused by the combination of high shock pressure and a lower critical resolved shear stress at 1000℃. A maximum compressive residual stress of 650 MPa, measured with Raman spectroscopy, was introduced into the surface of α‐SiC by HT‐LSP, which can increase the nanohardness and in‐plane fracture toughness of α‐SiC by 8% and 36%, respectively. This work presents a fundamental base for the promising applications of HT‐LSP to brittle ceramics to increase their plasticity and mechanical properties.
Preparations of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) and cerium hexaboride (CeB6)
Authors: Wang Yu , Chou Kuo‐Chih , Zhang Guo‐Hua
Published: November 2021

Due to strong anti‐poisoning ability, good emission stability, high emission current density, lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) and cerium hexaboride (CeB6) have been maturely applied in electron emission emitter. In this paper, a new manufacturing method for LaB6 (or CeB6) powder was proposed by using La2O3 (or CeO2), B4C, and Al as raw materials. After high‐temperature reaction in the range of 1673–1773 K and the following alkaline leaching at 90°C, LaB6 or CeB6 powder with particle size of about 10 μm was obtained. Furthermore, by Al metal flux method, the obtained powder was used to manufacture single crystal block with size of several millimeters.
Microbiological safety of spinach throughout commercial supply chains in Gauteng Province, South Africa and characterization of isolated multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Richter Loandi , du Plessis Erika M. , Duvenage Stacey , Korsten Lise
Published: November 2021

Aim

To investigate the microbiological quality, potential foodborne pathogen presence, and to phenotypically (antimicrobial resistance [AMR] profiles) and genotypically (DNA fingerprints and diarrhoeagenic genes) characterize Escherichia coli isolated throughout spinach production systems from farm-to-sale.

Methods and Results

Samples (n = 288) were collected from two commercial supply chains using either river or borehole irrigation water. E. coli was enumerated throughout the chain where river water was directly used for overhead irrigation at levels between 0.00 and 3.22 log colony forming unit (CFU) g−1. Following enrichment, isolation and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification, E. coli was isolated from 22.57% (n = 65/288) of all samples. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 3% (n = 9/288) of river and irrigation water samples on one farm, and no Listeria monocytogenes was detected throughout the study. Of the 80 characterized E. coli isolates, one harboured the stx2 virulence gene, while 43.75% (n = 35) were multidrug resistant. Overall, 26.30% of the multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates were from production scenario one that used river irrigation water, and 17.50% from the second production scenario that used borehole irrigation water. A greater percentage of resistance phenotypes were from water E. coli isolates (52.50%), than isolates from spinach (37.50%). E. coli isolates from spinach and irrigation water clustered together at high similarity values (>90%) using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chan reaction analysis.

Conclusions

This study reported the presence of multidrug-resistant environmental E. coli throughout spinach production from farm, during processing and up to retail. Furthermore, the similarity of multi-drug resistant E. coli isolates suggests transfer from irrigation water to spinach in both scenarios, reiterating that irrigation water for vegetables consumed raw, should comply with standardized microbiological safety guidelines.

Significance and Impact of Study

Multidrug-resistant E. coli presence throughout spinach production emphasizes the necessity of increased surveillance of AMR in fresh produce and the production environment within a One Health paradigm to develop AMR mitigation strategies.
Editorial Perspective: The mental health impact of school closures during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Almeida Marcela , Challa Mamatha , Ribeiro Monique , Harrison Alexandra M , Castro Marcia C
Published: November 2021

School closures were one of the earlier actions taken as the world tried to contain the COVID‐19 outbreak, a decision impacting nearly three‐fourths of the learners worldwide. One year into the pandemic, over 200 million students still faced disruptions to their education. Nearing the end of another academic year that has occurred entirely during the pandemic, many schools remained fully or partially closed for in‐person education, altering routines and representing potential hardships to the next generation and their families.

This article will explore the potential impacts of school closures on children and adolescents related to increased screen time, irregular sleep patterns, less balanced diets, learning difficulties, and changes in social interaction. In addition, we note broader familial difficulties likely accompanying the loss of the mitigating effects of schools and their associated support systems, such as parental stress and work responsibilities, loss of employment, intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, and parental substance abuse, which appear to have increased during the pandemic.

Considering what is known about the impact from previous natural catastrophes, the populations at risk, and the early but not yet definitive data from the current pandemic, we stress the urgent need for robust data as we prepare for a new academic year in the Northern Hemisphere. Although we currently lack consistent and complete data, signs for concern include a rise in pediatric emergency room visits for mental health and substance use issues in many parts of the world. This paper aims to stimulate a discussion about the potential mental health effects of school closures for children and adolescents in the context of a pandemic.
Too dry or too wet soils have a negative impact on larval pupation of fall armyworm
Authors: Tian Tianqi , Ren Qilin , Fan Jingyu , Haseeb Muhammad , Zhang Runzhi
Published: November 2021

Soil moisture has an important effect on lepidopteran species, considering larval pupation in soil. The major pest of maize, fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an invasive pest rapidly spreading across the world and has recently invaded China. Similar to other lepidopteran species, the FAW pupation commonly occurs in soils to protect itself against adverse external environments. To study effects of soil moisture on FAW pupation, five soil moisture levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) were selected. The treatment of 100% soil moisture was excluded since FAW larvae cannot burrow and pupate in such saturated soils. We found that 1) FAW larvae spent more time building pupal chambers at 0% and 75% soil moisture contents than those at 25% and 50%, and chambers at 0% and 75% soil moisture contents had shallower depth; 2). Pupal development times at 0% and 75% soil moisture contents were longer, and 3). FAW larvae at 0% and 75% soil moisture levels had lower percentages of burrowing and pupation. Our study indicates that too dry (0%) or too wet (75%) soils have significantly negative impacts on the larval pupation of FAW. The analysis of FAW responses to soil moisture provides a valuable supplement to pupation ecology about responses of lepidopteran insects to soil moisture. In practice, understanding soil moisture in the cultivation of maize contributes to practical applications of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in controlling FAW.
Impact of pay disparities between chief executive officers and chief financial officers on corporate financial and investment policies
Authors: Han Feng , Che Xin , He Enya
Published: November 2021

We study whether and how pay disparities between chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief financial officers (CFOs) affect corporate policies. Consistent with the tournament theory, we find a positive association between the CEO–CFO pay disparity and aggressiveness in corporate financial and investment policies. Specifically, a firm with a large CEO–CFO pay disparity tends to have an aggressive capital structure and tilt toward high‐risk investments. Furthermore, we test the impact of the CEO–CFO pay disparity on firm value and show that the pay disparity is positively associated with firm value. Overall, we conclude that CEO–CFO pay disparities provide CFOs with tournament incentives to not only adopt aggressive corporate policies but also select better investment projects. Our research highlights the career‐enhancing and value‐creating effects of CEO–CFO pay disparities as well as the important role of CFOs’ incentives on the treasurer side of their duties.
MRI‐based thalamic volumetry in multiple sclerosis using FSL‐FIRST: Systematic assessment of common error modes
Authors: Lyman Cassondra , Lee Dongchan , Ferrari Hannah , Fuchs Tom A. , Bergsland Niels , Jakimovski Dejan , Weinstock‐Guttmann Bianca , Zivadinov Robert , Dwyer Michael G.
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

FSL's FMRIB's Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool (FSL‐FIRST) is a widely used and well‐validated tool. Automated thalamic segmentation is a common application and an important longitudinal measure for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, FSL‐FIRST's algorithm is based on shape models derived from non‐MS groups. As such, the present study sought to systematically assess common thalamic segmentation errors made by FSL‐FIRST on MRIs from people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods

FSL‐FIRST was applied to generate thalamic segmentation masks for 890 MR images in PwMS. Images and masks were reviewed systematically to classify and quantify errors, as well as associated anatomical variations and MRI abnormalities. For cases with overt errors (n = 362), thalamic masks were corrected and quantitative volumetric differences were calculated.

Results

In the entire quantitative volumetric group, the mean volumetric error of FSL‐FIRST was 2.74% (0.360 ml): among only corrected cases, the mean volumetric error was 6.79% (0.894 ml). The average percent volumetric error associated with seven error types, two anatomical variants, and motions artifacts are reported. Additional analyses showed that the presence of motion artifacts or anatomical variations significantly increased the probability of error (χ2 = 18.14, p < .01 and χ2 = 64.89, p < .001, respectively). Finally, thalamus volume error was negatively associated with degree of atrophy, such that smaller thalami were systematically overestimated (r = –.28, p < .001).

Conclusions

In PwMS, FSL‐FIRST thalamic segmentation miscalculates thalamic volumetry in a predictable fashion, and may be biased to overestimate highly atrophic thalami. As such, it is recommended that segmentations be reviewed and corrected manually when appropriate for specific studies.
The oral histopathological and immunological characteristics of a xenogeneic mouse chronic graft‐versus‐host disease model
Authors: Jiang Qiaozhi , Yong Xiangzhi , Liu Zhenmin , Zhou Yuxi , Mei Guocheng , Chen Qianming , Wu Tiantian , Tao Renchuan
Published: November 2021

Background

Oral lesions are important clinical manifestations of chronic graft‐verse‐host disease (cGVHD). However, the oral characteristics of cGVHD mouse model are not yet clear. This study aims to demonstrate oral histopathological and immunological characteristics of a xenogeneic cGVHD mouse model.

Materials and methods

2.5 × 106, 5.0 × 106, 7.5 × 106, and 10.0 × 106 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) were intravenously transplanted into NCG mice to induce cGVHD. After transplantation, clinical observations were recorded. Tissue samples from salivary glands and oral mucosa were stained with H&E, Masson Trichrome, and immunofluorescence, and the histopathology of oral tissues was scored according to our modified criteria.

Results

NCG mice showed signs of cGVHD onset after transplantation. The oral histopathological lesion incidences in each group were 37.50%, 50.00%, 62.50%, and 75.00%, respectively. Oral histopathological lesion incidence and histopathological scores were positively correlated with the amount of infused hPBMCs. Epithelial atrophy, epithelial cells vacuolar degeneration, and basal cells liquefaction denaturation were observed in oral mucosa, and acinar destruction and collagen deposition were observed in the salivary glands. Human CD45+, CD4+, CD8+, IL‐17+, and FoxP3+ cells infiltrated into oral tissues. In the 5.0 × 106 hPBMCs group, oral histopathological changes mainly began between days 30 and 45 post‐transplantation, and became more severe after day 45. The oral histopathological scores also gradually increased.

Conclusion

Inflammation in oral mucosa epithelium and salivary glands, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells dominating infiltration are the main oral features in the xenogeneic cGVHD mouse model. The severity of oral histopathological lesions shows a dose and time correlation. These may be helpful to oral cGVHD research.
Leveraging community engagement to increase the health literacy of youth in rural Pennsylvania: The ACHIEVE program
Authors: Hearn Madison , Fowler Maria , Worley Sarah C. , Moss Jennifer L.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Limited health literacy is prevalent within rural populations and associated with poor health outcomes. This study examined a school‐based, community‐engaged program called ACHIEVE (Advancing Community Health Innovation through Education, Vision, and Empowerment) for preliminary efficacy in improving knowledge and self‐efficacy related to health literacy among youth in rural Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Methods

ACHIEVE was designed using an iterative process that utilized validated sources, educational standards, and community engagement. Five novel health literacy modules were piloted by the program in Huntingdon Area High School and delivered to ∼269 students during the 2019‐2020 and 2020‐2021 school years. To determine the impact of the program, we assessed participants’ change in health knowledge and self‐efficacy using pre‐ and post‐tests for each module. Responses were collected via anonymous surveys and analyzed using unequal variance t‐tests and chi‐square tests.

Findings

The overall mean difference between pre‐ and post‐tests ranged from 0.07 to 0.67, with a significant increase in participants’ assessment scores following 4 out of the 5 program modules (P < .05). Across the 5 modules, both knowledge and self‐efficacy domains displayed a significant improvement from pre‐ to post‐test (P < .001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that community partnerships in rural communities can be used to create effective community health interventions, such as our health literacy program, which significantly increased high school students’ knowledge and self‐efficacy.
Defiance of democracy in Oaxaca
Authors: López Vences Rita B. , López Reyes José R.
Published: November 2021

This article describes the quality of democracy in Oaxaca, Mexico, its evolution in recent years, and how it compares with the national index. It then analyzes political competitiveness in recent local elections, based on election results and several factors that influence them, including violence and social movements. Finally, it analyzes how the coexistence of two electoral systems—political parties and indigenous normative systems—affects the quality of democracy in Oaxaca and what changes may come about in the political forces or the consolidation of current power.
Spatial predictors and species’ traits: evaluating what really matters for medium‐sized and large mammals in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Rios Elaine , Benchimol Maíra , De Vleeschouwer Kristel , Cazetta Eliana
Published: November 2021

Habitat loss and the conversion of natural environments to anthropogenic land uses are among the main drivers of biodiversity decline worldwide. The remaining habitats are inserted in highly modified landscapes, presenting contrasting patch and landscape features. Understanding species’ responses to these anthropogenic land‐use changes is essential for informing conservation planning.

We evaluate which spatial predictors (measured at the patch and landscape scales) and species’ life‐history traits best predict the occurrence of medium‐sized and large mammals in forest fragments of the threatened Atlantic Forest of South America.

We gathered occurrence data for 36 medium‐sized and large mammal species recorded by camera traps, distributed over 220 forest fragments spanning the entire Atlantic Forest biome. Species were classified according to their characteristics as follows: ‘hunted forest‐dependent’, ‘non‐hunted forest‐dependent’, and ‘generalist’ species. Further, each species’ occurrence was related to spatial predictors and life‐history trait variables.

We revealed a severe defaunation of forest mammals occurring in most forest fragments in the Atlantic Forest. Landscapes containing large forest patches, low road density, and high human population density harboured high numbers of mammal species, including those exhibiting greater body mass. Nevertheless, mammal groups diverge in their sensitivity to landscape changes. Hunted forest‐dependent species mainly occurred in landscapes with lower edge density and numbers of patches and with less anthropogenic disturbance, while non‐hunted forest‐dependent species mainly occupied large forest fragments. Finally, generalist species also occurred in landscapes with low edge density and number of patches, but were more prevalent in landscapes with higher human population density.

We stress the importance of maintaining large forest fragments, considering the effects of landscape configuration on conservation strategies, and reducing anthropogenic disturbances to ensure a greater persistence of mammal species in the Atlantic Forest.
The toll of staying dry in a sea of context
Authors: Sarraf‐Yazdi Shiva , Compton Scott
Published: November 2021

Compton and Sarraf‐Yazdi explore the role of context, drawing Connections across articles focused on the concept of Situation to advocate for collaborative communities with multidisciplinary expertise to improve scholarship in the field.
Measuring aggregate morphologies based on three‐dimensional curvature analysis
Authors: Wang Feng , Xiao Yue , Cui Peide , Mo Liantong
Published: November 2021

Digital image processing has become the mainstream method for measuring aggregate morphologies. However, the results of the image method are seriously affected by the laying style of aggregates. This study proposes a morphological analysis method based on three‐dimensional curvature analysis. The results show that the values of maximum curvature and standard deviation of Gaussian curvature on the aggregate surface can be used to represent the angularity and texture, respectively. The relative ranking of methods according to the accuracy places the curvature method as the largest and the image method as the least, with the profile method falling in between. The proposed method could provide a new possibility to accurately quantify the aggregate morphologies and contribute to the design of the mixture. Better quality of asphalt pavement could be obtained by taking into account the comprehensive morphologies reported in this study.