bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable development amidst technological innovation and tourism activities in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Alola Uju Violet , Bekun Festus Victor , Alola Andrew Adewale , Ahmed Zafar U
Published: February 2022

Following global debate on clean and responsible access to energy (electricity), access to recreation (tourism), technological innovation, and economic growth for sustainable development as captured by the Human Development Index (HDI), the present study is motivated by the inconclusive guidance found in the literature on technology, tourism industry, and energy. This study adopts the Pedroni residual cointegration test to investigate the cointegration properties of the variables under consideration, while the mean group (MG), dynamic fixed effect (DFE), and the pooled mean group (PMG) estimators are employed for simultaneous short‐ and long‐run analysis. The study is based on annual frequency data from 1995 to 2016 with the adoption of panel analysis to show that technological innovation, tourism development, and access to electricity affected the HDI significantly in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) over the investigated study period. This is instructive for policymakers, as the highlighted sectors are good predictors of sustainable development. Furthermore, consolidating the results that tourism development, electricity access, and technological innovation improves economic development. On the other hand, the growth‐induced, HDI‐fitted model reflects the importance of the examined variables in the sustainable development agenda of the continent. For instance, a 1% increase in tourism increases economic growth by 0.0195%. Similarly, a 1% increase in access to electricity and technological development increases economic growth by 0.0019% and 0.0009%, respectively. In conclusion, this study highlights the multifaceted merits that can be gleaned from access to electricity, tourism, and technological innovation in SSA, as they improve economic growth and HDI indicators that comprise life expectancy, quality education, and per capita income level.
Hoplonemertean larvae are planktonic predators that capture and devour active animal prey
Authors: von Dassow George , Mendes Cecili B. , Robbins Kara , Andrade Sónia C. S. , Maslakova Svetlana A.
Published: February 2022

The superficially simple ciliated planktonic larvae of hoplonemerteans have been assumed to be lecithotrophic direct developers, even though many develop from such small eggs that it is hard to imagine how they could give rise to a viable juvenile without some phase of larval feeding. Indeed, attempts to raise such larvae to settlement without food invariably fail. Observations that some hoplonemertean larvae are found in plankton samples at a range of sizes, and much larger than hatchlings, suggest that they must indeed feed somehow. Because these so‐called planuliform larvae lack apparent means to concentrate suspended algae or other unicellular food, one alternative hypothesis is that they are planktonic predators that hunt large prey. Here we provide direct evidence that this is indeed the case for six distinct species of hoplonemerteans. We recorded wild‐caught larvae of Paranemertes californica, Paranemertes sp., Gurjanovella littoralis, Emplectonema viride, Carcinonemertes epialti, and Ototyphlonemertes sp. attacking, subduing, and devouring pelagic crustaceans, including barnacle nauplii, cyprids, copepods and their nauplii, and others. Although there is no doubt that some hoplonemerteans are genuine lecithotrophs, our evidence suggests that many species in this group both feed and grow during an extended planktonic larval period. This conclusion has important consequences for biogeographic and life history studies in this group, because it implies enhanced potential for long‐distance dispersal. More broadly, the possibility that many animal larvae are actually carnivores invites reconsideration of prevailing stereotypes about metazoan developmental modes and the trade‐offs between them.
What the curtains do not shield: A phenomenological exploration of patient‐witnessed resuscitation in hospital. Part 1: patients' experiences
Authors: Fiori Martina , Latour Jos M. , Endacott Ruth , Cutello Clara A. , Coombs Maureen
Published: February 2022

Aims

The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of hospital patients who witnessed resuscitation of a fellow patient.

Design

Descriptive phenomenology.

Methods

Patients who witnessed resuscitation were recruited from nine clinical wards in a university hospital in England. Data were collected through face‐to‐face individual interviews. Participants were interviewed twice,in 1 week and 4 to 6 weeks after the resuscitation event. Data were collected between August 2018 and March 2019. Interviews were analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological analysis.

Results

Sixteen patients participated in the first interview and two patients completed follow‐up interviews. Three themes were developed from the patients' interviews. (1) Exposure to witnessing resuscitation: patients who witness resuscitation felt exposed to a distressing event and not shielded by bed‐space curtains, but after the resuscitation attempt, they also felt reassured and safe in witnessing staff's response. (2) Perceived emotional impact: patients perceived an emotional impact from witnessing resuscitation and responded with different coping mechanisms. (3) Patients' support needs: patients needed information about the resuscitation event and emotional reassurance from nursing staff to feel supported, but this was not consistently provided.

Conclusion

The presence of other patients during resuscitation events must be acknowledged by healthcare professionals, and sufficient information and emotional support must be provided to patients witnessing such events. This study generates new evidence to improve patients' experience and healthcare professionals' support practices.

Impact

The phenomenon of patient‐witnessed resuscitation requires the attention of healthcare professionals, resuscitation officers and policymakers. Study findings indicate that witnessing resuscitation has an emotional impact on patients. Strategies to support them must be improved and integrated into the management of in‐hospital resuscitation. These should include providing patients with comprehensive information and opportunities to speak about their experience; evacuating mobile patients when possible; and a dedicated nurse to look after patients witnessing resuscitation events.
Coping strategies and quality of life among Thai family carers of community‐dwelling persons living with dementia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kaewwilai Lalita , Duggleby Wendy , O'Rourke Hannah M. , Santos Salas Anna
Published: February 2022

Aims

To examine the association between coping strategies and quality of life (QOL) among Thai family carers of persons living with dementia.

Design

A descriptive correlational quantitative design.

Methods

Data were collected between January 2021 and April 2021. A multi‐pronged approach for recruitment was used. Participants completed measures assessing carer demographic characteristics, coping styles, QOL, perceived stress and perceived social support. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine the association between types of coping strategies used and QOL scores, adjusting for carer characteristics and carers' stress and social support.

Results

There were 86 participants (mean age 52.84 years), and the majority were female (87.2%). After adjusting for covariates, hierarchical multiple regression revealed that only positive emotion‐focused coping demonstrated a statistically significant association with total QOL scores. Problem‐focused coping and negative emotion‐focused coping were not significantly associated with total QOL scores of Thai family carers of persons living with dementia.

Conclusion

Positive emotion‐focused coping was associated with improved QOL scores. This finding supports the use of positive emotion‐focused coping in Thai family carers of persons living with dementia, which potentially could improve the QOL of this population.

Impact

It is essential to differentiate between positive and negative emotion‐focused coping to generate valid estimates of the association between coping and QOL. Nurses should encourage carers to use positive emotion‐focused coping strategies as these strategies were found to be helpful in enhancing carers' QOL.
Adipose‐derived stem cell spheroids are superior to single‐cell suspensions to improve fat autograft long‐term survival
Authors: El Harane Sanae , Durual Stéphane , Braschler Thomas , André‐Lévigne Dominik , Brembilla Nicolo , Krause Karl‐Heinz , Modarressi Ali , Preynat‐Seauve Olivier
Published: February 2022

Autologous fat transplantation is a widely used procedure for surgical reconstruction of tissues. The resorption rate of this transplantation remains high and unpredictable, reinforcing the need of adjuvant treatments that increase the long‐term stability of grafts. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASC) introduced as single cells in fat has been shown clinically to reduce the resorption of fat grafts. On the other hand, the formulation of ASC into cell spheroids results in the enhancement of their regenerative potential. In this study, we developed a novel method to produce highly homogeneous ASC spheroids and characterized their features and efficacy on fat transplantation. Spheroids conserved ASC markers and multipotency. A regenerative gene expression profile was maintained, and genes linked to autophagy were upregulated whereas proliferation was decreased. Their secreted proteome was enriched in comparison with single‐cell ASC suspension. Addition of spheroids to fat graft in an animal model of transplantation resulted in a better graft long‐term stability when compared to single ASC suspension. In conclusion, we provide a novel method to manufacture homogenous ASC spheroids. These ASC spheroids are superior to ASC in single‐cell suspension to improve the stability of fat transplants, reinforcing their potential in reconstructive surgery.
M2‐phenotype tumour‐associated macrophages upregulate the expression of prognostic predictors MMP14 and INHBA in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liang Zhan‐Wen , Yu Jie , Gu Dong‐Mei , Liu Xiao‐Meng , Liu Jin , Wu Meng‐Yao , Xu Meng‐Dan , Shen Meng , Duan Weiming , Li Wei
Published: February 2022

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal gastrointestinal tumours, the most common pathological type is pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). In recent year, immune imbalanced in tumour microenvironment has been shown to play an important role in the evolution of tumours progression, and the efficacy of immunotherapy has been gradually demonstrated in clinical practice. In this study, we propose to construct an immune‐related prognostic risk model based on immune‐related genes MMP14 and INHBA expression that can assess the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients and identify potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer, to provide new ideas for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We also investigate the correlation between macrophage infiltration and MMP14 and INHBA expression. First, the gene expression data of pancreatic cancer and normal pancreatic tissue were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) and The Genotype‐Tissue Expression public database (GTEx). The differentially expressed immune‐related genes between pancreatic cancer samples and normal sample were screened by R software. Secondly, univariate Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between immune‐related genes and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. A polygenic risk score model was constructed by Cox regression analysis. The prognostic nomogram was constructed, and its performance was evaluated comprehensively by internal calibration curve and C‐index. Using the risk model, each patient gets a risk score, and was divided into high‐ or low‐ risk groups. The proportion of 22 types of immune cells infiltration in pancreatic cancer samples was inferred by CIBERSOFT algorithm, correlation analysis (Pearson method) was used to analyse the correlation between the immune‐related genes and immunes cells. Then, we applied macrophage conditioned medium to culture pancreatic cancer cell line PANC1, detected the expression of MMP14 and INHBA by qRT‐PCR and Western blot methods. Knock‐down MMP14 and INHBA in PANC1 cells by transfected with shRNA lentiviruses. Detection of migration ability of pancreatic cells was done by trans‐well cell migration assay. A subcutaneous xenograft tumour model of human pancreatic cancer in nude mice was constructed. In conclusion, an immune‐related gene prognostic model was constructed, patients with high‐risk scores have poorer survival status, M2‐phenotype tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) up‐regulate two immune‐related genes, MMP14 and INHBA, which were used to establish the prognostic model. Knock‐down of MMP14 and INHBA inhibited invasion of pancreatic cancer.
Goals of cure: Perspectives on the concept of cure in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhao David
Published: February 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an archetypical chronic condition of significant prevalence. Yet the concept of cure in the context of T2D reveals an interplay between the medical imagination and clinical realities that can shift the course of a patient's care. There are two domains in which cure is sociologically constructed: the professional domain occupied by clinicians treating people with T2D, and the lay domain occupied by T2D patients. Lay epistemologies of cure tend to be focused on modifying the experience of having T2D, while professional epistemologies tend to focus on modifying the disease through medical treatment. The objective of this study is to explore the role of the concept of cure in the context of type 2 diabetes, a model for chronic disease.

Methods

Through surveys and interviews of T2D patients, providers and researchers at an urban academic medical centre, I explore the perspectives and attitudes each group have towards the concept of cure in T2D. Semi‐structured interviews of T2D professionals and patient surveys consisting of free response questions and Likert scale items were thematically analysed for perspectives on cure in T2D.

Results

Sixteen T2D patients met inclusion criteria and consented to the survey and ten T2D professionals were interviewed. Cure is conceived of heterogeneously both within and between epistemologies. Patients carry hopes of cure predicated on eliminating the unpleasant experiences of T2D and its treatments, while T2D professionals tend to avoid invoking the concept of cure, at least to patients, on grounds of clinical uncertainty. However, the concept of cure is a significant motivator of treatment in both lay and professional epistemologies.

Conclusion

Different viewpoints on cure in T2D present an opportunity for shared meaning and decision making between patients and their providers that can frame the best possible outcome for patient care.
Quantification of cracks in concrete thin sections considering current methods of image analysis
Authors: Patzelt Max , Erfurt Doreen , Ludwig Horst‐Michael
Published: February 2022

Image analysis is used in this work to quantify cracks in concrete thin sections via modern image processing. Thin sections were impregnated with a yellow epoxy resin, to increase the contrast between voids and other phases of the concrete. By the means of different steps of pre‐processing, machine learning and python scripts, cracks can be quantified in an area of up to 40 cm2. As a result, the crack area, lengths and widths were estimated automatically within a single workflow. Crack patterns caused by freeze‐thaw damages were investigated. To compare the inner degradation of the investigated thin sections, the crack density was used. Cracks in the thin sections were measured manually in two different ways for validation of the automatic determined results. On the one hand, the presented work shows that the width of cracks can be determined pixelwise, thus providing the plot of a width distribution. On the other hand, the automatically measured crack length differs in comparison to the manually measured ones.
Phase separation of the mammalian prion protein: Physiological and pathological perspectives
Authors: do Amaral Mariana J. , Freire Maria Heloisa O. , Almeida Marcius S. , Pinheiro Anderson S. , Cordeiro Yraima
Published: February 2022

Abnormal phase transitions have been implicated in the occurrence of proteinopathies. Disordered proteins with nucleic acidbinding ability drive the formation of reversible micron‐sized condensates capable of controlling nucleic acid processing/transport. This mechanism, achieved via liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), underlies the formation of long‐studied membraneless organelles (e.g., nucleolus) and various transient condensates formed by driver proteins. The prion protein (PrP) is not a classical nucleic acid‐binding protein. However, it binds nucleic acids with high affinity, undergoes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, contains a long intrinsically disordered region rich in glycines and evenly spaced aromatic residues, among other biochemical/biophysical properties of bona fide drivers of phase transitions. Because of this, our group and others have characterized LLPS of recombinant PrP. In vitro phase separation of PrP is modulated by nucleic acid aptamers, and depending on the aptamer conformation, the liquid droplets evolve to solid‐like species. Herein, we discuss recent studies and previous evidence supporting PrP phase transitions. We focus on the central role of LLPS related to PrP physiology and pathology, with a special emphasis on the interaction of PrP with different ligands, such as proteins and nucleic acids, which can play a role in prion disease pathogenesis. Finally, we comment on therapeutic strategies directed at the non‐functional phase separation that could potentially tackle prion diseases or other protein misfolding disorders.

image
The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT)
Authors: Reckweg Johannes T. , Uthaug Malin V. , Szabo Attila , Davis Alan K. , Lancelotta Rafael , Mason Natasha L. , Ramaekers Johannes G.
Published: February 2022

5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine that primarily acts as an agonist at the 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A receptors, whereby affinity for the 5‐HT1A subtype is highest. Subjective effects following 5‐MeO‐DMT administration include distortions in auditory and time perception, amplification of emotional states, and feelings of ego dissolution that usually are short‐lasting, depending on the route of administration. Individual dose escalation of 5‐MeO‐DMT reliably induces a “peak” experience, a state thought to be a core predictor of the therapeutic efficacy of psychedelics. Observational studies and surveys have suggested that single exposure to 5‐MeO‐DMT can cause rapid and sustained reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. 5‐MeO‐DMT also stimulates neuroendocrine function, immunoregulation, and anti‐inflammatory processes, which may contribute to changes in mental health outcomes. To date, only one clinical trial has been published on 5‐MeO‐DMT, demonstrating the safety of vaporized dosing up to 18 mg. Importantly, the rapid onset and short duration of the 5‐MeO‐DMT experience may render it more suitable for individual dose‐finding strategies compared with longer‐acting psychedelics. A range of biotech companies has shown an interest in the development of 5‐MeO‐DMT formulations for a range of medical indications, most notably depression. Commercial development will therefore be the most important resource for bringing 5‐MeO‐DMT to the clinic. However, fundamental research will also be needed to increase understanding of the neurophysiological and neural mechanisms that contribute to the potential clinical effects of 5‐MeO‐DMT and its sustainability and dissemination over time. Such studies are less likely to be conducted as part of drug development programs and are more likely to rely on independent, academic initiatives.

image
Protective effects of a day/night dual‐antioxidant serum on skin: A randomized, regimen‐controlled study in Chinese women exposed to air pollution
Authors: Liu Wei , Jie Liyun , Liu Dan , Makino Elizabeth T. , Krutmann Jean , Mehta Rahul C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic exposure to air pollution can negatively affect skin health.

Aims

To assess the efficacy of the LUMIVIVE® System (LVS), a skincare system consisting of individual day and night serums, in Chinese women exposed to air pollution.

Patients/Methods

In this single‐center, vehicle‐controlled study, eligible females (mean age, 49.02 years) were randomized 1:1 to treatment group (LVS plus basic moisturizer) or control group (basic moisturizer). Skin color, sebum content, barrier function, elasticity, and texture were measured at baseline and at each follow‐up visit (days 28, 56, and 84). Air pollution parameters were collected throughout the study.

Results

Air pollution levels, including PM2.5 and NO2, were consistently high during the study. The treatment group showed significantly higher skin color L* (p ≤ 0.0001) and lower a* values (p ≤ 0.05) at all follow‐up visits compared with the control group, indicating lower skin pigmentation and redness, respectively. Skin color L* and a* values remained unchanged over time for the control group but were significantly different at all follow‐up visits compared to baseline (p ≤ 0.0001 and p ≤ 0.05, respectively) for the treatment group. There was an increasing trend for sebum content in the control group, which was not observed in the treatment group. Both groups showed improvements over time in other skin physiology parameters.

Conclusions

The current analysis demonstrates the efficacy of LVS plus basic moisturizer compared with basic moisturizer alone to reduce skin pigmentation and redness, as well as to mitigate sebum production, in Chinese women exposed to air pollution.
Common Risk Factors in Cryptocurrency
Authors: LIU YUKUN , TSYVINSKI ALEH , WU XI
Published: February 2022

We find that three factors—cryptocurrency market, size, and momentum—capture the cross‐sectional expected cryptocurrency returns. We consider a comprehensive list of price‐ and market‐related return predictors in the stock market and construct their cryptocurrency counterparts. Ten cryptocurrency characteristics form successful long‐short strategies that generate sizable and statistically significant excess returns, and we show that all of these strategies are accounted for by the cryptocurrency three‐factor model. Lastly, we examine potential underlying mechanisms of the cryptocurrency size and momentum effects.
Establishing a predictive model for the evaluation of fecundity
Authors: Zhan Qiong , Zhao Jing , Paziliya Yasheng , Zhao Junda , La Xiaolin , Yao Hua
Published: February 2022

Aim

We aim to establish a predictive model for the evaluation of fecundity based on infertility‐related factors.

Methods

A total of 410 expectant couples who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University on January 1, 2017 and June 10, 2019 were included in this study. The 1‐year follow‐up was carried out to investigate the pregnancy of the female. They were divided into model group and test group, respectively. The basic information, life behavior and clinical indices were screened using the Logistics regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis. In addition, the multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the model for the prediction of fecundity risk.

Results

The risk factors for the predictive model included female age and occupational pressure, gynecological disease, anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), depression, as well as male smoking. The area under the curve (AUC) for the model A and model B was 0.954 (0.931 ~ 0.978) and 0.955 (0.931 ~ 0.979), respectively. The AUC in the test group was 0.917 (0.869 ~ 0.965) and 0.921 (0.873 ~ 0.968). There were no statistical differences in the fitting value and measured values in the model group.

Conclusions

We established a predictive model for the evaluation of fecundity, which showed a satisfactory accuracy and discriminatory power.
Phylogenetics of global Camellia (Theaceae) based on three nuclear regions and its implications for systematics and evolutionary history
Authors: Zhao Dong‐Wei , Hodkinson Trevor R. , Parnell John A.N.
Published: February 2022

Camellia contains tea, oil camellia, and camellias which benefit people globally. Its infrageneric classification is, however, controversial and unstable, and former phylogenetic analyses failed to yield robust and consistent trees. Here, we aimed to reconstruct a robust phylogenetic tree, date all clades and discuss the evolutionary history of Camellia. Emphasizing the taxonomically comprehensive sampling rather than more DNA data, orthologous nuclear RPB2 introns 11–15 and 23, and waxy were sequenced for 99 taxa of Camellia to reconstruct its phylogenetic history. Ten clades are identified in Camellia: Camellia II, Camelliopsis, Corallina, Furfuracea, Heterogenea, Paracamellia, Piquetia, Stereocarpus, Thea and Yellow camellias II. Camellia grijsii and C. shensiensis are not closely related with other oil camellias that form the clade Paracamellia. Sections Camelliopsis and Theopsis together form the clade Camelliopsis, while clade Furfuracea consists of sect. Furfuracea and C. hongkongensis. Camellia connata is separated from C. lanceolata but nested in the clade Heterogenea, and C. longissima is nested in the clade Thea, suggesting a new germplasm for tea breeding. Molecular dating using four fossil calibration points suggests that the crown age of Camellia is 39.5 Ma with clade Corallina probably the earliest infrageneric clade to diversify and the most widespread clade, Paracamellia, the latest. Our findings provide new insights into the phylogenetic relationships, systematics and evolutionary history of Camellia.
Phylogenomics and biogeography of Torreya (Taxaceae)—Integrating data from three organelle genomes, morphology, and fossils and a practical method for reducing missing data from RAD‐seq
Authors: Zhou Wenbin , Harris AJ , Xiang Qiu‐Yun (Jenny)
Published: February 2022

Restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) enables obtaining thousands of genetic markers for phylogenomic studies. However, RAD‐seq data are subject to allele dropout (ADO) due to polymorphisms at enzyme cutting sites. We developed a new pipeline, RAD‐seq Allele Dropout Remedy in our study of the gymnosperm genus, Torreya, to mitigate ADO in outgroups by recovering missing loci from previously published transcriptomes. By using RADADOR to supplement Rad‐seq data in combination with plastome and mitochondrial gene sequences, morphology, and fossil records, we reconstructed the phylogenetic and biogeographic histories of the genus and tested hypotheses on anomalies of biodiversity  of the eastern Asian‐North American floristic disjunction. Our results showed that our pipeline recovered many loci missing from the outgroup, and the improved data yielded a more robust phylogeny for Torreya. Using the fossilized birth–death model and divergence–extinction–cladogenesis method, we resolved a detailed biogeographic history of Torreya that suggested a Jurassic origin spanning Laurasia and differential speciation and extinction among continents accounting for modern diversity, which is biased toward eastern Asia (EA). The biogeographic results also supported a vicariance origin of modern Torreya from a widespread ancestor in EA and North America (NA) in the mid‐Eocene, and cross Beringian exchange in the early Paleogene before the vicariant isolation, in contrast to the “out of NA” pattern common to gymnosperms and to the “out of EA” hypothesis previously proposed for the genus. Furthermore, we observed phylogenetic discordance between the nuclear and plastid phylogenies for Torreya jackii, suggesting differential lineage sorting of plastid genomes among species of Torreya or plastid genome capture in T. jackii.
Urinary cortisol‐creatinine ratio in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Del Baldo Francesca , Gerou Ferriani Magda , Bertazzolo Walter , Luciani Matteo , Tardo Antonio Maria , Fracassi Federico
Published: February 2022

Background

Basal serum cortisol (BSC) ≥2 μg/dL (>55 nmol/L) has high sensitivity but low specificity for hypoadrenocorticism (HA).

Objective

To determine whether the urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio (UCCR) can be used to differentiate dogs with HA from healthy dogs and those with diseases mimicking HA (DMHA).

Animals

Nineteen healthy dogs, 18 dogs with DMHA, and 10 dogs with HA.

Methods

Retrospective study. The UCCR was determined on urine samples from healthy dogs, dogs with DMHA, and dogs with HA. The diagnostic performance of the UCCR was assessed based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, calculating the area under the ROC curve.

Results

The UCCR was significantly lower in dogs with HA (0.65 × 10−6; range, 0.33‐1.22 × 10−6) as compared to healthy dogs (3.38 × 10−6; range, 1.11‐17.32 × 10−6) and those with DMHA (10.28 × 10−6; range, 2.46‐78.65 × 10−6) (P < .0001). There was no overlap between dogs with HA and dogs with DMHA. In contrast, 1 healthy dog had a UCCR value in the range of dogs with HA. The area under the ROC curve was 0.99. A UCCR cut‐off value of <1.4 yielded 100% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity in diagnosing HA.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The UCCR seems to be a valuable and reliable screening test for HA in dogs. The greatest advantage of this test is the need for only a single urine sample.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of the effects of azithromycin on antral motility and gastric emptying in healthy cats
Authors: Rutherford Stephanie , Gaschen Frederic , Husnik Roman , Fletcher Jon , Gaschen Lorrie
Published: February 2022

Background

Erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic with motilin agonist properties, shortens gastric emptying (GE) time in healthy cats. Azithromycin, another macrolide antibiotic, is effective for treatment of gastric paresis in people.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of azithromycin on GE and gastric motility in healthy cats in comparison with erythromycin (positive control) and placebo.

Animals

Eight healthy purpose‐bred cats.

Methods

Prospective, blinded, crossover study. Cats received either azithromycin (3.5 mg/kg PO q24h), erythromycin (1 mg/kg PO q8h), or placebo for 24 hours before and during evaluation of GE. A validated method using ultrasound for sequential measurements of antral area as well as amplitude and frequency of contractions was used to assess GE and evaluate gastric antral motility postprandially over an 8‐hour period.

Results

GE was significantly faster (P < .05) after administration of azithromycin and erythromycin when compared to placebo in the late phase of fractional emptying from 75% (mean ± SD: 327 ± 51 minutes, 327 ± 22 minutes, and 367 ± 29 minutes, respectively), to 95% fractional emptying (399 ± 52 minutes, 404 ± 11 minutes, and 444 ± 24 minutes, respectively). The drugs had no significant effect on antral motility variables at any time point.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Azithromycin and erythromycin shorten GE time in a comparable manner in healthy cats. Evaluation of their efficacy in cats with gastric dysmotility is warranted.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of repeat dosing of gabapentin in adult horses
Authors: Gold Jenifer R. , Grubb Tamara L. , Cox Sherry , Malavasi Lais , Villarino Nicholas L.
Published: February 2022

Background

The repeated administration of high doses of gabapentin may provide better analgesia in horses than current clinical protocols.

Hypothesis and Objectives

Administration of gabapentin at 40 and 120 mg/kg PO q 12 h for 14 days will not alter serum biochemistry findings or cause adverse effects. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of gabapentin on serum biochemistry, physical examination, and plasma pharmacokinetics of gabapentin.

Animals

Six healthy adult mares.

Methods

Horses received 40 and 120 mg/kg of gabapentin orally q 12 h for 14 days. Horses were examined and scored for ataxia and sedation daily. Serum biochemistry variables were analyzed before treatment and days 7 and 14 after gabapentin administration. Plasma disposition of gabapentin was evaluated after the first and last drug administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using noncompartmental analysis.

Results

No changes occurred in physiologic or biochemical variables. Median (range) maximal plasma gabapentin concentrations (μg/mL) after the last dose (day 15) were 7.6 (6.2‐11) and 22 (14‐33) for 40 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg doses respectively. Maximal concentration of gabapentin was reached within 1 hour after drug administration. Repeated administration of gabapentin resulted in a median (range) area under the curve (AUC0‐12 hours) last/first dose ratio of 1.5 (1.00‐2.63) and 2.92 (1.4‐3.8) for the 40 and 120 mg/kg regimens, respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our results suggest that horses tolerate gabapentin up to 120 mg/kg PO q 12 h for 14 days. The analgesic effect of the dosage regimens evaluated in our study warrants further research.
Muscarinic M3 positive allosteric modulator ASP8302 enhances bladder contraction and improves voiding dysfunction in rats
Authors: Okimoto Risa , Ino Katsutoshi , Ishizu Kenichiro , Takamatsu Hajime , Sakamoto Kazuyuki , Yuyama Hironori , Imazumi Katsunori , Ohtake Akiyoshi , Masuda Noriyuki , Takeda Masahiro
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Muscarinic M3 (M3) receptors mediate cholinergic smooth muscle contraction of the bladder. Current drugs targeting bladder M3 receptors for micturition disorders have a risk of cholinergic side effects due to excessive receptor activation and insufficient selectivity. We investigated the effect of ASP8302, a novel positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of M3 receptors, on bladder function in rats.

Methods

Modulation of carbachol‐induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ was assessed in cells expressing rat muscarinic receptors. Potentiation of bladder contractions was evaluated using isolated rat bladder strips and by measuring intravesical pressure in anesthetized rats. Conscious cystometry was performed to investigate the effects on residual urine volume and voiding efficiency in rat voiding dysfunction models induced by the α1‐adrenoceptor agonist midodrine and muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine, and bladder outlet obstruction. To assess potential side effects, the number of stools and tracheal insufflation pressure were measured in conscious and anesthetized rats, respectively.

Results

ASP8302 demonstrated PAM effects on the rat M3 receptor in cell assays, and augmented cholinergic bladder contractions both in vivo and in vitro. ASP8302 improved voiding efficiency and reduced residual urine volume in two voiding dysfunction models as effectively as distigmine bromide, but unlike distigmine bromide did not affect the number of stools or tracheal insufflation pressure.

Conclusions

Our results in rats indicate that ASP8302 improves voiding dysfunction by potentiating bladder contraction with fewer effects on cholinergic responses in other organs, and suggest a potential advantage over current cholinomimetic drugs for treating micturition disorders caused by insufficient bladder contraction.
Suppression of XopQ–XopX‐induced immune responses of rice by the type III effector XopG
Authors: Deb Sohini , Gokulan C. G. , Nathawat Rajkanwar , Patel Hitendra K. , Sonti Ramesh V.
Published: February 2022

Effectors that suppress effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) are an essential part of the arms race in the co‐evolution of bacterial pathogens and their host plants. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae uses multiple type III secretion system (T3SS) secreted effectors such as XopU, XopV, XopP, XopG, and AvrBs2 to suppress rice immune responses that are induced by the interaction of two other effectors, XopQ and XopX. Here we show that each of these five suppressors can interact individually with both XopQ and XopX. One of the suppressors, XopG, is a predicted metallopeptidase that appears to have been introduced into X. oryzae pv. oryzae by horizontal gene transfer. XopQ and XopX interact with each other in the nucleus while interaction with XopG sequesters them in the cytoplasm. The XopG E76A and XopG E85A mutants are defective in interaction with XopQ and XopX, and are also defective in suppression of XopQ–XopX‐mediated immune responses. Both mutations individually affect the virulence‐promoting ability of XopG. These results indicate that XopG is important for X. oryzae pv. oryzae virulence and provide insights into the mechanisms by which this protein suppresses ETI in rice.
RXLR effector gene Avr3a from Phytophthora sojae is recognized by Rps8 in soybean
Authors: Arsenault‐Labrecque Geneviève , Santhanam Parthasarathy , Asselin Yanick , Cinget Benjamin , Lebreton Amandine , Labbé Caroline , Belzile François , Gijzen Mark , Bélanger Richard R.
Published: February 2022

The use of resistance genes in elite soybean cultivars is one of the most widely used methods to manage Phytophthora sojae. This method relies on effector‐triggered immunity, where a Resistant to P. sojae (Rps) gene product from the plant recognizes a specific effector from the pathogen, encoded by an avirulence (Avr) gene. Many Avr genes from P. sojae have been identified in the last decade, allowing a better exploitation of this type of resistance. The objective of the present study was to identify the Avr gene triggering immunity derived from the soybean resistance gene Rps8. The analysis of a segregating F2 progeny coupled with a genotyping‐by‐sequencing approach led to the identification of a putative Avr8 locus. The investigation of this locus using whole‐genome sequencing data from 31 isolates of P. sojae identified Avr3a as the likely candidate for Avr8. Long‐read sequencing also revealed that P. sojae isolates can carry up to five copies of the Avr3a gene, compared to the four previously reported. Haplotype and transcriptional analyses showed that amino acid changes and absence of Avr3a transcripts from P. sojae isolates caused changes in virulence towards Rps8. Functional analyses using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and constitutive expression demonstrated that Rps8 interacted with Avr3a. We also showed that a specific allele of Avr3a is recognized by Rps3a but not Rps8. While Rps3a and Rps8 have been previously described as closely linked, this is the first report of a clear distinction hitherto undefined between these two resistance genes.
Herbert McCabe's Realism
Authors: Dunch Matthew Ian
Published: February 2022

This paper defends Herbert McCabe OP against anti-realist charges, particularly Francesca Murphy's extended criticisms of McCabe as a ‘Story Thomist’. McCabe stands accused of reading Thomas Aquinas, in part through Wittgenstein, such that concern for method and language displaces concern for God. Rather, McCabe's story is one of God raising up human beings so that their language and activities develop as they grow in divine life. Beginning with his account of religious obedience, I argue that McCabe is a realist sensitive to the journey of finite creatures towards the mystery of God. Developing in divine life is not primarily informational, but is an entering into the mystery of God so as to share in God's own self-knowledge, a knowledge that humans cannot claim to possess on their own terms. McCabe's Wittgensteinian-inflected Thomism embraces the real gift of divine self-knowledge and the ongoing development of human language and activities in receiving this gift.
A comparison of COVID‐19 vaccination status among pregnant Israeli Jewish and Arab women and psychological distress among the Arab women
Authors: Taubman – Ben‐Ari Orit , Weiss Efrat , Abu‐Sharkia Salam , Khalaf Enas
Published: February 2022

The public debate surrounding the COVID‐19 vaccine is especially intense regarding pregnant women, who are concerned with its effects on themselves and their fetus, and a vulnerable at‐risk population for psychological distress. We aimed at describing differences in vaccination status between pregnant Jewish and Arab women and understanding factors contributing to psychological distress among Arab women. Pregnant women (n = 860) aged 19–46 completed self‐report questionnaires during the national vaccination program (March–April 2021). The questionnaires related to background, COVID‐19‐related vaccination status and intentions in this regard, COVID‐19‐related anxiety, and the Mental Health Inventory—Short Form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t‐ and chi‐square tests, Pearson correlations, and a hierarchical regression. Considerably fewer Jewish women had been infected and more were vaccinated than Arab women. Poorer health, lower economic status, being a mother, not being vaccinated, higher anxiety over economic damage, a family member being infected, delivery, and raising the baby contributed to higher distress. Findings offer novel insights for nurses in their efforts to encourage vaccination, highlighting the need to understand women's concerns during the vulnerable period of pregnancy.
Plant sizes and shapes above and belowground and their interactions with climate
Authors: Tumber‐Dávila Shersingh Joseph , Schenk H. Jochen , Du Enzai , Jackson Robert B.
Published: February 2022

Although the above and belowground sizes and shapes of plants strongly influence plant competition, community structure, and plant–environment interactions, plant sizes and shapes remain poorly characterized across climate regimes. We investigated relationships among shoot and root system size and climate.

We assembled and analyzed, to our knowledge, the largest global database describing the maximum rooting depth, lateral spread, and shoot size of terrestrial plants – more than doubling the Root Systems of Individual Plants database to 5647 observations.

Water availability and growth form greatly influence shoot size, and rooting depth is primarily influenced by temperature seasonality. Shoot size is the strongest predictor of lateral spread, with root system diameter being two times wider than shoot width on average for woody plants.

Shoot size covaries strongly with rooting system size; however, the geometries of plants differ considerably across climates, with woody plants in more arid climates having shorter shoots, but deeper, narrower root systems. Additionally, estimates of the depth and lateral spread of plant root systems are likely underestimated at the global scale.
The effect of mental load on psychophysical and visual evoked potential visual acuity
Authors: Mahjoob Monireh , Heravian Shandiz Javad , Anderson Andrew J
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Under real‐world conditions, tasks dependent on visual acuity may need to be performed in the presence of a mental load arising from concurrent, non‐visual tasks. Therefore, measuring visual acuity concurrently with mentally demanding tasks may reflect a patient's vision more accurately. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of task‐induced mental load on high contrast visual acuity, as measured using a letter chart and estimated via sweep visual evoked potentials (sweep VEP).

Methods

Visual acuity was determined using the Freiburg Vision Test, and also using sweep VEP tested stepwise, from coarse to fine, over 13 spatial frequencies, in 31 healthy participants (aged 22.4 ± 3.6 years). Recordings were repeated while participants concurrently performed an auditory 2‐back task. Mental load of the n‐back task was confirmed through subjective ratings.

Results

Visual acuity determined with the Freiburg Vision Test worsened from −0.02 ± 0.12 to 0.04 ± 0.15 logMAR under mental load (p = 0.03). Visual acuities estimated by sweep VEPs worsened from 0.38 ± 0.1 to 0.47 ± 0.1 logMAR (p < 0.001). While the slope of the VEP amplitude versus spatial frequency function steepened significantly with mental load (p = 0.01), VEP noise levels were not significantly affected (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Visual acuity reduces significantly with a concurrent task that produces mental load. At least part of this reduction appears to be related to alterations in responses within the visual cortex, rather than being purely attributable to higher‐level distraction effects.
Developing an Extubation strategy for the difficult pediatric airway—Who, when, why, where, and how?
Authors: Weatherall Andrew D. , Burton Renee D. , Cooper Michael G. , Humphreys Susan R.
Published: February 2022

Comprehensive airway management of the pediatric patient with a difficult airway requires a plan for the transition back to a patent and protected airway. Multiple techniques are available to manage the periextubation period. Equally important is performing a comprehensive risk assessment and developing a strategy that optimizes the likelihood of safe extubation. This includes team‐focused communication of the desired goals, critical steps in the process, and potential responses in the case of failed extubation. This review summarizes extubation of pediatric patients with difficult airways along with one suggested framework to manage this challenging period.
Rice NIN‐LIKE PROTEIN 3 modulates nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield under nitrate‐sufficient conditions
Authors: Zhang Zi‐Sheng , Xia Jin‐Qiu , Alfatih Alamin , Song Ying , Huang Yi‐Jie , Sun Liang‐Qi , Wan Guang‐Yu , Wang Shi‐Mei , Wang Yu‐Ping , Hu Bin‐Hua , Zhang Guo‐Hua , Qin Peng , Li Shi‐Gui , Yu Lin‐Hui , Wu Jie , Xiang Cheng‐Bin
Published: February 2022

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for crop growth and yield. Improving the N use efficiency (NUE) of crops is important to agriculture. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying NUE regulation remain largely elusive. Here we report that the OsNLP3 (NIN‐like protein 3) regulates NUE and grain yield in rice under N sufficient conditions. OsNLP3 transcript level is significantly induced by N starvation and its protein nucleocytosolic shuttling is specifically regulated by nitrate. Loss‐of‐function of OsNLP3 reduces plant growth, grain yield, and NUE under sufficient nitrate conditions, whereas under low nitrate or different ammonium conditions, osnlp3 mutants show no clear difference from the wild type. Importantly, under sufficient N conditions in the field, OsNLP3 overexpression lines display improved grain yield and NUE compared with the wild type. OsNLP3 orchestrates the expression of multiple N uptake and assimilation genes by directly binding to the nitrate‐responsive cis‐elements in their promoters. Overall, our study demonstrates that OsNLP3, together with OsNLP1 and OsNLP4, plays overlapping and differential roles in N acquisition and NUE, and modulates NUE and the grain yield increase promoted by N fertilizer. Therefore, OsNLP3 is a promising candidate gene for the genetic improvement of grain yield and NUE in rice.