bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plurilateral Cooperation as an Alternative to Trade Agreements: Innovating One Domain at a Time
Authors: Hoekman Bernard , Sabel Charles
Published: April 2021

At the end of 2017 different groups of WTO members decided to launch talks on four subjects, setting aside the WTO consensus working practice. This paper argues that these ‘joint statement initiatives’ (JSIs) should seek to establish open plurilateral agreements (OPAs) even in instances where the outcome can be incorporated into existing schedules of commitments of participating WTO members. Designing agreements as OPAs provides an institutional framework for collaboration among the responsible national authorities, transparency, mutual review and learning, as well as alternatives to default WTO dispute settlement procedures which may not be appropriate for supporting cooperation on the matters addressed by the JSIs. In parallel, WTO members should establish enforceable multilateral principles to ensure OPAs are compatible with an open global trade regime.
Effects of landscape structure and climate seasonality on pollen intake by honeybees in Neotropical highland agroecosystems
Authors: Montoya‐Pfeiffer Paula María , González‐Chaves Adrian , Nates‐Parra Guiomar
Published: April 2021

Pollen is the main protein source for honeybee brood and so colony development relies heavily on the availability of pollen in the environment. Intensification of agriculture and climate seasonality are known to alter honeybee pollen intake in temperate regions through changes in resource availability; however, little is known about how honeybees respond to such environmental factors in tropical regions.

Pollen collected by honeybees was sampled from apiaries in a Neotropical highland region of Colombia. Pollen species were identified and the effects of landscape diversity, forest area and mean monthly precipitation on the pollen intake by honeybees were evaluated for all pollen species together and pollen species segregated according to forest and anthropic areas.

Honeybees were found to be much more associated with anthropic than forest pollen species regardless of landscape structure or precipitation. However, pollen intake from all species and forest species responded positively to landscape diversity and forest area. Precipitation was found not to be related to the overall amount and overall richness of pollen collected by honeybees. Nonetheless, overall pollen diversity was negatively affected by precipitation in less diverse landscapes, whereas anthropic pollen diversity was negatively affected by precipitation in more forested landscapes.
Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change through Growing Season Adjustments: Evidence from Corn in China
Authors: Cui Xiaomeng , Xie Wei
Published: April 2021

Recent studies have shown that climate change will impose severe challenges on agriculture with profound implications. Although some hypothetical simulations have suggested that an optimal re‐arrangement of the growing season can substantially mitigate yield losses under future climate, no causal estimate has been provided on quantifying the extent to which farmers are adapting through growing‐season adjustments. Using a novel microlevel data with detailed crop progress information in China over 1993–2013, we show that both planting dates and growing season lengths significantly respond to contemporaneous temperature and precipitation. Our estimates suggest that, for a median site in our sample, the adaptive behavior in growing season adjustments can lead to a two to six days earlier planting date and another three to six days shorter growing season by the end of this century. These induced adjustments can avoid up to 9% of the crop damages caused by climate change. However, our empirical analysis does not find clear evidence of long‐run response or accompanied input adjustments, suggesting potential for developing policies and tools to further aid the adaptive process.
The Geography of Repression and Opposition to Autocracy
Authors: Bautista Maria Angélica , González Felipe , Martínez Luis R. , Muñoz Pablo , Prem Mounu
Published: April 2021

State repression is a prominent feature of nondemocracies, but its effectiveness in quieting dissent and fostering regime survival remains unclear. We exploit the location of military bases before the coup that brought Augusto Pinochet to power in Chile in 1973, which is uncorrelated to precoup electoral outcomes, and show that counties near these bases experienced more killings and forced disappearances at the hands of the government during the dictatorship. Our main result is that residents of counties close to military bases both registered to vote and voted “No” to Pinochet's continuation in power at higher rates in the crucial 1988 plebiscite that bolstered the democratic transition. Potential mechanisms include informational frictions on the intensity of repression in counties far from bases and shifts in preferences caused by increased proximity to the events. Election outcomes after democratization show no lasting change in political preferences.
RNA viruses in the house dust mite Dermatophagoidespteronyssinus, detection in environmental samples and in commercial allergen extracts used for in vivo diagnosis
Authors: Vidal‐Quist José Cristian , Vidal Carmen , Escolar Fernando , Lambrecht Bart N. , Rombauts Stephane , Hernández‐Crespo Pedro
Published: April 2021

Background

Allergy to house dust mites (HDM), the most important source of indoor allergens worldwide, is diagnosed and treated using natural extracts from cultures that can contain immunoactive components from the HDM microbiome, including mite‐infecting viruses. This study aimed to contribute to the discovery and characterization of RNA viruses from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, followed by their detection in different mite‐derived sources.

Methods

Viruses were assembled after in silico metatranscriptomic analysis of D. pteronyssinus RNA samples, visualized by electron microscopy, and RNA detected by direct RT‐PCR or data mining. Mite culture performance was evaluated in vivo.

Results

Seven RNA viruses were identified in our laboratory stock colony. Picornavirus‐like viral particles were detected in epithelial cells of the digestive system and in fecal pellets. Most of these viruses could be persistently transmitted to an inbred virus‐free colony by inoculating fecal material from the stock colony. Upon viral infection, no significant effect could be seen on mite population growth. Transcriptomic screening confirmed the presence of homolog sequences to these viruses in independent laboratory stocks of D. pteronyssinus and in other Astigmata mites. Noteworthy, RNA from most of the viruses could be detected by RT‐PCR on house dust samples, reference standards, and/or commercial diagnostic D. pteronyssinus extracts.

Conclusions

Our results show that viral infections are common and widespread in D. pteronyssinus, both in natural and culture‐based growth conditions. Potential effects on the mites themselves and consequences toward allergenicity in humans whether exposed naturally or after immunotherapy are discussed.
Preliminary evidence for the efficacy of single‐session transcranial direct current stimulation to the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex for reducing subclinical paranoia in healthy individuals
Authors: Springfield Cassi R. , Isa Rabab S. , Bass Emily L. , Vanneste Sven , Pinkham Amy E.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Paranoia manifests similarly in subclinical and clinical populations and is related to distress and impairment. Previous work links paranoia to amygdala hyperactivity and reduced activation of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), a region thought to regulate amygdala activity.

Methods

This study aimed to reduce subclinical paranoia in 40 undergraduates by increasing activity of the VLPFC via single‐session transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). A double‐blind, crossover (active vs. sham stimulation) design was used.

Results

Paranoia significantly decreased after active stimulation (dz = 0.51) but not sham (dz = 0.19), suggesting that tDCS of VLPFC was associated with mean‐level reductions in paranoia.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate preliminary support for the role of single‐session active stimulation to the VLPFC for reducing subclinical paranoia in healthy individuals.

Practitioner points

In both clinical and subclinical populations, paranoia is related to distress and poorer functional outcomes.

Paranoia has been linked to overactivation of the amygdala, a brain region responsible for detecting salience and threat, and reduced activation of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), a region thought to modulate and regulate amygdala activity.

In this study, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the VLPFC reduced self‐reported paranoia in healthy undergraduate students.

tDCS may be a promising intervention for reducing paranoia in subclinical and clinical populations.

Effects were relatively small and require replication with larger subclinical samples and with clinical samples.
Parental monitoring by foster parents, youth behaviours and the youth–foster parent relationship
Authors: Cooley Morgan E. , Thompson Heather M. , Wojciak Armeda Stevenson , Mihalec‐Adkins Brittany P.
Published: April 2021

Youth in foster care overwhelmingly display heightened risks for both internalizing and externalizing behaviours. Few studies document how and under what conditions foster parents effectively respond to child behaviours. The overarching purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between foster parents' parental monitoring, youth behaviours and foster parent–youth relationship. This study utilized secondary data from National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well‐being (NSCAW II) to examine the experiences of 298 youth and their caregivers. Results indicated that parental monitoring was positively associated with lower rates of internalizing and externalizing behaviours. Interestingly, higher parental monitoring was also associated with a more positive relationship between the child and caregiver, as perceived by the youth. Demographic characteristics of youth or foster parents were not significantly associated with parental monitoring. The youth–foster parent relationship mediated associations between parental monitoring and both (a) self‐reported internalizing and externalizing behaviours and (b) caregiver reports of adolescents' externalizing but not internalizing behaviours. These findings suggest that the youth–foster parent relationship is a key mechanism to focus on and underscores the need for specialized foster parent training that emphasizes a relational approach to dealing with behavioural concerns. Future research should continue to explore these associations longitudinally.
970. CYNORKIS KIEHNII
Authors: Hermans Johan , Rajaovelona Landy , Sieder Anton
Published: April 2021

Cynorkis kiehnii Hermans, Sieder & Prehsler from Madagascar was first described in 2020. It is illustrated here; a full description and conservation assessment are provided. It is compared with similar species from the region, especially Cynorkis elephantina and C. mammuthus.
Patient‐reported outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes in global real‐world clinical practice: The SAGE study
Authors: Wilmot Emma G. , Close Kelly L. , Jurišić‐Eržen Dubravka , Bruttomesso Daniela , Ampudia‐Blasco F. Javier , Bosnyak Zsolt , Roborel de Climens Aude , Bigot Grégory , Peters Anne L. , Renard Eric , Berard Lori , Calliari Luis Eduardo , Seufert Jochen
Published: April 2021

Aims

To conduct a secondary analysis of the SAGE study to evaluate the association between glycaemic control and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) across different age groups and regions.

Materials and methods

SAGE was a multinational, cross‐sectional, observational study in adults with T1DM. Data were collected at a single visit, analysed according to predefined age groups (26‐44, 45‐64, and ≥65 years), and reported across different regions. PRO questionnaires were applied to assess hypoglycaemia fear (Hypoglycemia Fear Survey‐II), diabetes‐related distress (Problem Areas In Diabetes questionnaire), insulin treatment satisfaction (Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire), and diabetes‐specific quality of life (QoL; Audit of Diabetes‐Dependent Quality of Life). Multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) target achievement (<7% and individualised targets) with PRO scores.

Results

The PRO scores showed relatively low levels of diabetes‐related emotional distress and fear of hypoglycaemia, moderate to high treatment satisfaction, and low diabetes‐related impact on QoL. Results were generally comparable across age groups with some regional variability. Achievement of the HbA1c <7% target was associated with less worry about hypoglycaemia, lower diabetes‐related emotional distress, higher insulin treatment satisfaction, and higher QoL. Achievement of individualised HbA1c targets was associated with lower diabetes‐related emotional distress and higher insulin treatment satisfaction.

Conclusions

Better glycaemic control was most closely associated with low emotional distress due to diabetes and high patient‐reported insulin treatment satisfaction.
White blood count, D‐dimers, and ferritin levels as predictive factors of pulmonary embolism suspected upon admission in noncritically ill COVID‐19 patients: The French multicenter CLOTVID retrospective study
Authors: Galland Joris , Thoreau Benjamin , Delrue Maxime , Neuwirth Marie , Stepanian Alain , Chauvin Anthony , Dellal Azeddine , Nallet Olivier , Roriz Melanie , Devaux Mathilde , London Jonathan , Martin‐Lecamp Gonzague , Froissart Antoine , Arab Nouara , Ferron Bertrand , Groff Marie‐Helene , Queyrel Viviane , Lorut Christine , Regard Lucile , Berthoux Emilie , Bayer Guillaume , Comarmond Chloe , Lioger Bertrand , Mekinian Arsène , Szwebel Tali‐Anne , Sené Thomas , Amador‐Boreiro Blanca , Mangin Olivier , Sellier Pierre‐Olivier , Mouly Stephane , Kevorkian Jean‐Philippe , Siguret Virginie ,   Lariboisière COVID Group, Vodovar Dominique , Sene Damien
Published: April 2021

Background

A high prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) has been described during COVID‐19. Our aim was to identify predictive factors of PE in non‐ICU hospitalized COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

Data and outcomes were collected upon admission during a French multicenter retrospective study, including patients hospitalized for COVID‐19, with a CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) performed in the emergency department for suspected PE. Predictive factors significantly associated with PE were identified through a multivariate regression model.

Results

A total of 88 patients (median [IQR] age of 68 years [60‐78]) were analyzed. Based on CTPA, 47 (53.4%) patients were diagnosed with PE, and 41 were not. D‐dimer ≥3000 ng/mL (OR 8.2 [95% CI] 1.3‐74.2, sensitivity (Se) 0.84, specificity (Sp) 0.78, P = .03), white blood count (WBC) ≥12.0 G/L (29.5 [2.3‐1221.2], Se 0.47, Sp 0.92, P = .02), and ferritin ≥480 µg/L (17.0 [1.7‐553.3], Se 0.96, Sp 0.44, P = .03) were independently associated with the PE diagnosis. The presence of the double criterion D‐dimer ≥3000 ng/mL and WBC ≥12.0 G/L was greatly associated with PE (OR 21.4 [4.0‐397.9], P = .004).

Conclusion

The white blood count, the D‐dimer and ferritin levels could be used as an indication for CTPA to confirm PE on admission in non‐ICU COVID‐19 patients.
Behavioral tagging as a mechanism for aversive‐memory formation under acute stress
Authors: Lopes da Cunha Pamela , Tintorelli Ramiro , Correa Julieta , Budriesi Pablo , Viola Haydee
Published: April 2021

The behavioral tagging (BT) hypothesis postulates that a weak learning experience, which only induces short‐term memory, may benefit from another event that provides plasticity‐related proteins (PRPs) to establish a long‐lasting memory. According to BT, the weak experience sets a transient learning tag at specific activated sites, and its temporal and spatial convergence with the PRPs allows the long‐term memory (LTM) formation. In this work, rats were subjected to a weak inhibitory avoidance (IAw) training and we observed that acute stress (elevated platform, EP) experienced 1 hr before IAw promoted IA‐LTM formation. This effect was dependent on glucocorticoid‐receptor activity as well as protein synthesis in the dorsal hippocampus. However, the same stress has negative effects on IA‐LTM formation when training is strong, probably by competing for necessary PRPs. Furthermore, our experiments showed that EP immediately after training did not impair the setting of the learning tag and even facilitated IA‐LTM formation. These findings reveal different impacts of a given acute stressful experience on the formation of an aversive memory that could be explained by BT processes.
Sensitized rotatory motion perception and increased susceptibility to motion sickness in vestibular migraine: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wurthmann Sebastian , Naegel Steffen , Roesner Miriam , Nsaka Michael , Scheffler Armin , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Holle Dagny , Obermann Mark
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose

Vestibular migraine (VM) patients are ictally and interictally hypersensitive for self‐motion and visual perception. Increased cortical excitability of the vestibular system represented by lowered motion perception thresholds might play an important role in the pathophysiology of VM. We aimed to compare motion perception thresholds and the vegetative response to rotatory motion, as well as the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) during rotation in VM patients compared to healthy controls (HC).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 28 female VM patients in the interictal state and 33 age‐ and gender‐matched HC were investigated sitting in a motorized rotary chair shielded regarding visual and acoustic stimuli for 20 min with slowly increasing velocity (maximum = 72°/s). The motion perception threshold was indicated by the participants by pushing a button. During and after rotation, participants rated the presence and extent of motion sickness using a sickness rating scale.

Results

We detected lower motion perception thresholds (7.54°/s vs. 23.49°/s; p < 0.001) in VM patients compared to HC but no difference at the basic VOR thresholds. Furthermore, the patients showed enhanced susceptibility to motion sickness during and after the rotation.

Conclusions

We provide evidence for decreased motion perception thresholds and pronounced susceptibility to motion sickness in VM patients in the interictal state, which could indicate alterations in higher levels of vestibular processing. Future studies should determine whether this could be the pathophysiological hallmark of VM either as a unique disease entity or in differentiation from other forms of migraine.
Towards therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid in mucous membrane pemphigoid: A retrospective single‐centre study
Authors: Woillard Jean‐Baptiste , Assikar Safae , Monchaud Caroline , Couraud Amélie , Marquet Pierre , Bédane Christophe
Published: April 2021

Background

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is theoretically a treatment of choice for mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), due to its good long‐term tolerance and efficacy especially in elderly patients. However, no therapeutic monitoring is currently performed despite its large inter‐individual variability.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure/effect relationship based on the area under the curve (AUC) or trough level of mycophenolic acid in MMP patients.

Methods

Thirteen patients (n = 29 AUC measurements performed between February 2013 and November 2016) treated for MMP at Limoges University Hospital were evaluated using the Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid Disease Area Index score, and patients were classified as improvement (>50% decrease vs. baseline) vs. stabilisation (<50%) or non‐response (no improvement). AUC was estimated using a population pharmacokinetic model and Bayesian estimation. The association between exposure parameters, demographic variables and response group was investigated using time‐dependent Cox models, and an AUC threshold for ‘improvement’ was also investigated.

Results

An improvement was observed in approximately 70% of the patients. Only the MPA AUC0–24 h was retained in the multivariate analysis with a decreased risk of stabilisation/non‐response per 10 mg*h/L increase, (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = [0.43–0.94], P = 0.0038). That led to an AUC0–24 h threshold of 89 mg*h/L associated with excellent performances (AUC ROC = 0.828, Sen = 75%, Spe = 100%, P = 0.0001).

Discussion/Conclusion

An association between MPA exposure and disease was observed. Therapeutic drug monitoring can be proposed with an AUC0–24 h threshold of 89 mg*h/L. It might improve the long‐term response of patients to this drug with better tolerance than rituximab or cyclophosphamide.
Taking a Shot: Access to Justice, Judging and eCourt
Authors: Williams R. James
Published: April 2021

Access to Justice issues have shown us that our traditional adversarial dispute resolution model is slow, costly, divisive and complex ‐ for both self represented litigants and those with lawyers. Addressing these issues through the provision of information to litigants has not been enough. Family Justice reports speak of the need for “culture change” and judicial leadership in affecting change. Judges have created options to the traditional adversarial model with processes such as Settlement Conferences, Binding Settlement Conferences, Informal Trials and Case Management. COVID19 has “forced” courts to embrace Virtual and telephone proceedings. There are now choices in Court based, Judicially‐run dispute resolution processes. Nova Scotia's Supreme Court, Family Division has a process “add” ‐ an eCourt Pilot instituting an electronic, chat‐based Court process that gives litigants and Judges a new “choice” of process.
Histone degradation by the proteasome regulates chromatin and cellular plasticity
Authors: Shmueli Merav D. , Sheban Daoud , Eisenberg‐Lerner Avital , Merbl Yifat
Published: April 2021

Histones constitute the primary protein building blocks of the chromatin and play key roles in the dynamic control of chromatin compaction and epigenetic regulation. Histones are regulated by intricate mechanisms that alter their functionality and stability, thereby expanding the regulation of chromatin‐transacting processes. As such, histone degradation is tightly regulated to provide spatiotemporal control of cellular histone abundance. While several mechanisms have been implicated in controlling histone stability, here, we discuss proteasome‐dependent degradation of histones and the protein modifications that are associated with it. We then highlight specific cellular and physiological states that are associated with altered histone degradation by cellular proteasomes.
Brooded coral offspring physiology depends on the combined effects of parental press and pulse thermal history
Authors: Wong Kevin H. , Goodbody‐Gringley Gretchen , de Putron Samantha J. , Becker Danielle M. , Chequer Alex , Putnam Hollie M.
Published: April 2021

Reef‐building corals respond to the temporal integration of both pulse events (i.e., heat waves) and press thermal history (i.e., local environment) via physiological changes, with ecological consequences. We used a “press‐pulse‐press” experimental framework to expose the brooding coral Porites astreoides to various thermal histories to understand the physiological response of temporal dynamics within and across generations. We collected adult colonies from two reefs (outer Rim reef and inner Patch reef) in Bermuda with naturally contrasting thermal regimes as our initial “press” scenario, followed by a 21‐day ex situ “pulse” thermal stress of 30.4°C during larval brooding, and a “press” year‐long adult reciprocal transplant between the original sites. Higher endosymbiont density and holobiont protein was found in corals originating from the lower thermal variability site (Rim) compared to the higher thermal variability site (Patch). The thermal pulse event drove significant declines in photosynthesis, endosymbiont density, and chlorophyll a, with bleaching phenotype convergence for adults from both histories. Following the reciprocal transplant, photosynthesis was higher in previously heated corals, indicating recovery from the thermal pulse. The effect of origin (initial press) modulated the response to transplant site for endosymbiont density and chlorophyll a, suggesting contrasting acclimation strategies. Higher respiration and photosynthetic rates were found in corals originating from the Rim site, indicating greater energy available for reproduction, supported by larger larvae released from Rim corals post‐transplantation. Notably, parental exposure to the pulse thermal event resulted in increased offspring plasticity when parents were transplanted to foreign sites, highlighting the legacy of the pulse event and the importance of the environment during recovery in contributing to cross‐generational or developmental plasticity. Together, these findings provide novel insight into the role of historical disturbance events in driving differential outcomes within and across generations, which is of critical importance in forecasting reef futures.
Developing clinical practice guidelines for physiotherapists working with people with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Mulder Kathy , McCabe Erin , Strike Karen , Nilson JoAnn
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Several bleeding disorders are characterized by haemorrhage into joints and muscles. These conditions are best managed by interdisciplinary teams that include physiotherapists. In 1997, physiotherapists from haemophilia treatment centres in Canada formed the Canadian Physiotherapists in Hemophilia Care (CPHC). The guiding principles of the CPHC reflect a commitment to evidence‐based practice, education and collaboration.

Aim

To describe the process used by CPHC to develop evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines to inform best practice, guide decision‐making and help educate physiotherapists, students, and other team members about the physiotherapy management of people with bleeding disorders.

Methods

We followed the procedures outlined in the American Physical Therapy Association's Clinical Practice Guideline Process Manual (2018). Namely, we selected a working group, determined the scope of the guidelines, performed a literature search, selected and appraised the evidence, drafted the guidelines as practice statements, assigned a strength of recommendation to each practice statement and disseminated the guidelines.

Results

Thirty‐nine practice statements were developed in nine practice areas. Strength of evidence was strong for two statements, moderate for one and weak for three. The remainder were graded as theoretical or best practice.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, these are the first evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines that cover all aspects of physiotherapy management of people with bleeding disorders. Some areas, such as exercise and manual therapy, have been well investigated. However, the overall low levels of evidence and low strengths of recommendations highlight the need for more rigorous research with this population.
Rheology and processing of UV‐curable textured alumina inks for additive manufacturing
Authors: Rosenberger Andrew , Ku Nicholas , Vargas‐Gonzalez Lionel , Alazzawi Mustafa , Haber Richard
Published: April 2021

A UV‐curable resin containing alumina (Al2O3) powder and platelets was developed and characterized using a proof‐of concept tape‐casting system and trialed on a commercially available 3D‐printing platform (Admatec Admaflex 130). The influence of solids loading and solids platelet fraction on resin viscosity and depth of cure was investigated. Resins containing up to 40 vol% solids loading at platelet fractions up to 50% were found to have sufficiently low viscosity for tape casting and cure depths ranging from 0.29 to 0.39 mm. Alumina platelets were observed to lower ink viscosity but also reduce shear thinning behavior compared to inks containing only powder. Printability of inks was assessed by layered tape casting, and verified with a trial build on an Admaflex 130. Due to the low solids loading of the resin, hot pressing at 1300°C and 66 MPa was employed to sinter specimens containing no platelets and 15% platelet fractions, yielding specimens with near theoretical densities (99.7%) and average grain sizes of 0.96 µm and 0.83 µm, respectively. Alignment before and after sintering was assessed by SEM and XRD, with lotgering factors of 0.045±0.005 and 0.114 measured in the green and sintered specimens, respectively.
Food‐related oral discomfort: A cross‐sectional survey assessing the sensory dimension of oral discomfort in French independently living adults
Authors: Braud Adeline , Lourtioux Flore , Picouet Pierre , Maitre Isabelle
Published: April 2021

Background

Discomfort encountered during oral processing may cause food avoidance and increase the risk of malnutrition in older adults. The aim of the present survey was to explore the relationships between oral health and the oral discomfort experienced while eating in senior people.

Materials and methods

In a cross‐sectional study, oral discomfort was assessed in a sample of 119 independently living participants aged between 35 and 81 years. Statistical analyses were used to identify categorical variables associated with food‐related oral discomfort, including age, oral health‐related quality of life (OHQoL), saliva secretion, occluding support, oral diseases and denture use.

Results

Food‐related oral discomfort concerned 28.5% of the participants. Within the sample study, the risk of experiencing food‐related oral discomfort was increased for participants perceiving average (OR = 7.968, CI 95% = 2.603–24.381, p = .000) or poor OHQoL (OR = 17.109, CI 95% = 4.398–66.552, p = .000) and presenting strictly fewer than 7 occlusal functional units (OFUs) (OR = 3.396, CI 95% = 1.206–9.561, p = .020). Textured foods including fibrous (66.6%), heterogenous (60.6%) and grainy foods (42.4%) were mostly cited as food‐related oral discomfort trigger factors. Within the 66–80 years group, participants having 0–6 OFUs were four times more likely to experience oral discomfort related to fibrous foods than participants having more than 7 OFUs (OR = 4.812, CI 95% = 1.192–19.415, p = .024). Within this group, participants having their teeth replaced by denture were also four times more likely to develop oral discomfort related to foods with heterogeneous textures (OR = 4.714, CI 95% = 1.030–21.562, p = .045) and grainy foods (OR = 7.285, CI 95% = 1.308–40.568, p = .023) than non‐denture wearers.

Conclusion

Poor oral health conditions may generate oral discomfort with foods in the elderly especially with fibrous, heterogenous and grainy textures, and thus affect mealtime experience.
Coordinating monetary policy and macroprudential policy: Bureaucratic politics, regulatory intermediary, and bank lobbying
Authors: Coban Mehmet Kerem
Published: April 2021

We tend to overlook the linkages between how policy coordination within bureaucracy is achieved and the nontrivial implications of policy coordination for business power over the policy process. This article addresses this gap by exploring macroprudential regulatory governance in Turkey. Drawing on elite interviews and written sources, the article argues that analytically and operationally more capable and politically endorsed central bank subordinated the autonomous bank regulator, as the latter assumed a de facto regulatory intermediary role between the former and the regulatee. Within this setting, the regulatee could not rely on its structural and institutional power for mobilization of instrumental power to contest and overturn macroprudential measures. The article contributes to our understanding of the conditions of policy coordination within bureaucracy, how de jure regulator could be subordinated as a de facto regulatory intermediary, and why influential business power needs both a politically and bureaucratically enabling setting.
Exogenous trehalose protects photosystem II by promoting cyclic electron flow under heat and drought stresses in winter wheat
Authors: Luo Y. , Xie Y. , He D. , Wang W. , Yuan S.
Published: April 2021

Drought and rising global temperatures are important factors that reduce wheat production. Trehalose protects the reaction centres and improves photosystem II (PSII) activity under diverse stress conditions. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Cyclic electron flow (CEF) plays an important role in protecting PSII under environmental stresses.

Our study focused on the effects of exogenous trehalose on the activity of PSII, D1 protein content, plastoquinone (PQ) pool and ATP synthase activity in wheat seedlings under heat and drought stresses to explore the relationship between trehalose and CEF.

The results indicated that heat and drought stresses decreased maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and electron transport rate of PSII (EFR(II)), whereas the trehalose pretreatment improved photochemical efficiency and electron transport rate of PSII. The trehalose pretreatment stimulated CEF under heat and drought stresses. Furthermore, the proton gradient (ΔpH) across the thylakoid membrane and ATPase activity increased. The higher ΔpH and ATPase activity played a key role in protecting PSII under stresses. Trehalose pretreatment could reduce inhibition caused by heat and drought stresses on the PQ pool.

Thus, our results indicated that photoinhibition in heat‐ and drought‐stressed plants was alleviated by the trehalose pretreatment, which was mediated by CEF and the PQ pool.
Aetiology of garlic rot, an emerging disease in France
Authors: Chrétien Paul L. , Morris Cindy E. , Duffaud Magali , Leyronas Christel
Published: April 2021

The incidence of garlic rot has constantly increased in France since the early 2000s. To set up an efficient method of garlic protection against this disease, we have clarified its aetiology. This was achieved by surveying garlic from the two main French basins of garlic production over 3 years. Fungi were isolated from 5,493 garlic cloves belonging to pink, purple, and white garlic types. Sequencing of the translation elongation factor 1α gene of 1,171 strains revealed that 94% of the strains belonged to the species Fusarium proliferatum and 6% belonged to F. oxysporum. The pathogenicity of both species on garlic was confirmed by artificial inoculations and reisolations. There was significantly more F. oxysporum in garlic cloves with symptoms coming from the southeast basin (9.44%) than from the southwest basin (2.76%). This study confirms that garlic rot is present in pink, purple, and white types. However, pink type garlic harbours F. oxysporum significantly less frequently (1.59%) than white (9.39%) and purple (7.34%) types. Sequencing of rpb1, rpb2, ITS, and IGS regions of a subsample of strains revealed that there is little genetic diversity in the French population of F. proliferatum.
Resting heart rate variability modulates the effects of concurrent working memory load on affective startle modification
Authors: Yang Xiao , Spangler Derek P. , Thayer Julian F. , Friedman Bruce H.
Published: April 2021

Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is thought to index top–down control processes in emotion regulation. According to the Generalized Unsafety Theory of Stress (GUTS), resting vmHRV indexes top–down resources that are needed to inhibit subcortical threat circuits, which is important for context‐appropriate affective responding. Although this notion has been supported by studies of affective startle (SR) modification, direct evidence that top–down resources are the linking mechanism between vmHRV and context‐appropriate affective responding has been lacking. To investigate this possible mechanism, college‐aged participants (n = 92) were recruited to complete a picture viewing task and a concurrent working memory (WM) task. Concurrent WM load was manipulated, and the auditory SR stimulus was delivered while viewing affective pictures. Electrocardiography and electromyography were recorded to assess vmHRV and SR eyeblink, respectively. Results showed that WM load attenuated affective SR modification. As expected, the attenuating effects of load on affective SR modification were stronger among low vmHRV relative to high vmHRV individuals, indicating that vmHRV is linked to context‐appropriate affective responding through the mechanism of top–down resources. These results support the GUTS and suggest that atypical affective responding among low vmHRV individuals is attributed to the lack of WM resources. Our findings highlight the relation between vmHRV and top–down resources that have been implicated in emotion regulation and contribute to a better understanding of emotion dysregulation in psychopathology.
A Bayesian analysis of boar spermatozoa kinematics and head morphometrics and their relationship with litter size fertility variables
Authors: Barquero Vinicio , Soler Carles , Sevilla Francisco , Calderón‐Calderón Josué , Valverde Anthony
Published: April 2021

The semen movement and sperm head size patterns of boar ejaculates were analysed using computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA)‐Mot and ‐Morph systems. The aim of the present study was to compare morphometric and kinematics variables from boars and to determine the relationship with sow fertility variables related to litter size. The females were from maternal crossing schemes such as the continuous 3‐generation cross between York (Y), Landrace (L), and Pietrain (P) hybrid sows and Pietrain boars. Semen samples were collected from 11 sexually mature boars from two sire lines. Samples were analysed using the ISAS®v1 system to evaluate eight kinematic variables of sperm velocity, progressiveness and undulations. Four morphometric parameters of sperm head size (length, width, area and perimeter) were analysed. Bayesian analysis revealed relevant differences in four kinematic variables (VSL, LIN, STR and WOB) between sire lines, with a probability of relevance (PR) of 0.79–0.91, and Pietrain boars were associated with higher progressive motility compared with Duroc x Pietrain boars. Moreover, there were relevant differences in all morphometric variables (PR = 0.82–0.85) between sire lines. The dam line Y‐L‐50 (½ Y × ½ L) had higher total born per litter and piglets born alive, and YLP‐75 (1/8 Y × 1/8 L × 3/4 P) was associated with higher values of litter weight at birth (highest posterior density region at 95% = 9.92, 16.41 kg). There are relevant differences in kinematic variables between the assessed sire lines and the differences in morphometric and litter size variables were also relevant. The York‐Landrace hybrid sows had higher total born per litter and piglets born alive, and there were relevant differences when compared with YLP‐50 (¼ York × ¼ Landrace × ½ Pietrain). Differences in kinematic and morphometric variables between sire and dam lines related to fertility need to be further studied.
Summary and comparison of the perforin in teleosts and mammals: A review
Authors: Xu Jiahui , Yang Ning , Xie Ting , Yang Guiwen , Chang Linrui , Yan Dongchun , Li Ting
Published: April 2021

Perforin, a pore‐forming glycoprotein, has been demonstrated to play key roles in clearing virus‐infected cells and tumour cells due to its ability of forming ‘pores’ on the cell membranes. Additionally, perforin is also found to be associated with human diseases such as tumours, virus infections, immune rejection and some autoimmune diseases. Until now, plenty of perforin genes have been identified in vertebrates, especially the mammals and teleost fish. Conversely, vertebrate homologue of perforin gene was not identified in the invertebrates. Although recently there have been several reviews focusing on perforin and granzymes in mammals, no one highlighted the current advances of perforin in the other vertebrates. Here, in addition to mammalian perforin, the structure, evolution, tissue distribution and function of perforin in bony fish are summarized, respectively, which will allow us to gain more insights into the perforin in lower animals and the evolution of this important pore‐forming protein across vertebrates.
Black Feminist Figures: Interventions and Inheritances
Authors: Stewart Lindsey
Published: April 2021

In both popular culture and academic disciplines, feminism, especially feminisms of women of color, is increasing in popularity. But with that popularity comes certain challenges. It would seem that, due to its popularity, Black feminism has gained a nominal invite to professional philosophy’s (largely) white school social affair. But it has been invited by hosts who don’t quite know what to do with Black feminism once it’s arrived.
Who Trusts the WHO? Heuristics and Americans’ Trust in the World Health Organization During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Bayram A. Burcu , Shields Todd
Published: April 2021

Objective

Why do some Americans trust the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but others do not? To date, there has been no examination of trust in the WHO. Yet the global nature of the pandemic necessitates expanding our scholarship to international health organizations. We test the effects of partisanship, ideology, the cooperative internationalist foreign policy orientation, and nationalism on trust in the WHO and subsequently examine how this trust relates to preventive health behavior.

Methods

Multivariate analysis of original survey data from a representative sample of Americans.

Results

Democrats, liberals, and those with a strong cooperative internationalist foreign policy orientation are more likely to trust the WHO's competence and integrity in responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic while Republicans, conservatives, and nationalists are less likely. Even though trust in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has the largest impact on preventive health behaviors, trust in the competence of the WHO is also an important factor. These results remain robust after controlling for other covariates.

Conclusion

Pandemic politics in the United States is polarized along party and ideological lines. However, our results show that a fuller understanding Americans’ political trust and health behaviors during COVID‐19 requires taking the international dimensions of the pandemic seriously.
One Bad Apple Spoils the Bunch: Kavanaugh and Change in Institutional Support for the Supreme Court
Authors: Carrington Nathan T. , French Colin
Published: April 2021

Objective

We analyze the extent to which, if any, institutional support of the U.S. Supreme Court was influenced by the confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh.

Methods

We use a nationally representative survey supplemented with an online survey experiment using a hypothetical nominee both conducted shortly after the Senate confirmed Kavanaugh to the bench.

Results

We find a strong relationship between negative feelings toward Kavanaugh and support for reform of the Court and confirm the direction of this relationship in the subsequent experiment.

Conclusion

In contrast to Krewson and Schroedel, our findings show that appointing a nominee who behaves in an overtly political manner during their confirmation hearings can significantly and meaningfully affect the institutional support afforded to the nation's highest court.
Carbapenem‐resistant Serratia marcescens bloodstream infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: Will it be the next challenge?
Authors: do Prado Gladys V. B. , Mendes Elisa T. , Martins Roberta C. R. , Perdigão‐Neto Lauro V. , Freire Maristela P. , Spadão Fernanda , de Castro Lima Victor A. C. , Rossi Flavia , Guimarães Thais , Levin Anna S. , Rocha Vanderson , Costa Silvia F.
Published: April 2021

Surveillance programs have been reporting decreasing rates of carbapenem‐sensitivity in Serratia marcescens, leading to a concern regarding the few remaining therapeutic options to treat these multidrug‐resistant (MDR) organisms. Here, we describe a case series of 11 stem cell hematopoietic transplantation patients infected (N = 6) or colonized (N = 5) by carbapenem‐resistant S marcescens (CrSm) from 2010 to 2013. The comorbidities found were acute renal insufficiency (3/11), neutropenia (7/11), and mucositis (8/11), and the mortality rate was 64%. KPC was the most prevalent carbapenemase detected (8/11) and tigecycline and gentamicin were the antimicrobials used as treatment.
Mechanisms shaping the synergism of zeaxanthin and PsbS in photoprotective energy dissipation in the photosynthetic apparatus of plants
Authors: Welc Renata , Luchowski Rafal , Kluczyk Dariusz , Zubik‐Duda Monika , Grudzinski Wojciech , Maksim Magdalena , Reszczynska Emilia , Sowinski Karol , Mazur Radosław , Nosalewicz Artur , Gruszecki Wieslaw I.
Published: April 2021

Safe operation of photosynthesis is vital to plants and is ensured by the activity of processes protecting chloroplasts against photo‐damage. The harmless dissipation of excess excitation energy is considered to be the primary photoprotective mechanism and is most effective in the combined presence of PsbS protein and zeaxanthin, a xanthophyll accumulated in strong light as a result of the xanthophyll cycle. Here we address the problem of specific molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect of zeaxanthin and PsbS. The experiments were conducted with Arabidopsis thaliana, using wild‐type plants, mutants lacking PsbS (npq4), and mutants affected in the xanthophyll cycle (npq1), with the application of molecular spectroscopy and imaging techniques. The results lead to the conclusion that PsbS interferes with the formation of densely packed aggregates of thylakoid membrane proteins, thus allowing easy exchange and incorporation of xanthophyll cycle pigments into such structures. It was found that xanthophylls trapped within supramolecular structures, most likely in the interfacial protein region, determine their photophysical properties. The structures formed in the presence of violaxanthin are characterized by minimized dissipation of excitation energy. In contrast, the structures formed in the presence of zeaxanthin show enhanced excitation quenching, thus protecting the system against photo‐damage.
Demographic, clinical, and biochemical predictors of pica in a large cohort of blood donors
Authors: Liu Hefei , Burns Robert T. , Spencer Bryan R. , Page Grier P. , Mast Alan E. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study (REDS)‐III
Published: April 2021

Background

Pica is characterized as repeatedly eating or chewing a non‐nutritious substance including, but not limited to ice, clay and dirt, starch, raw pasta, chalk, coal, paint, or paper. Pica symptoms can be intense and addiction‐like and disrupt quality of life. It is strongly linked to iron deficiency. Since substantial iron loss occurs during blood donation, blood donors may be susceptible to development of pica behaviors.

Methods

We investigated demographic, clinical, hematological, and biochemical factors associated with pica using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis in a cohort of 11,418 racially diverse blood donors. Pica was defined by questionnaire responses as consuming at least 8 oz of ice daily and/or consumption of non‐ice substances regardless of the amount and frequency.

Results

Pica was present in 2.2% of the donors. The sensitivity and specificity of pica in iron‐deficient donors were 36% and 82%, respectively. Lower ferritin (p = .001), non‐Asian race (p < .001), higher red cell distribution width (p < .001), younger age, and restless legs syndrome (p = .008) were independently associated with pica. Female sex is associated with iron deficiency but was not an independent predictor of pica suggesting that iron deficient males and females were equally susceptible to the development of pica behaviors. Donors with normal ferritin levels also reported pica, reinforcing the role of non‐iron related factors in its presentation.

Conclusions

We have identified demographic, clinical, and biochemical predictors of pica that help identify those most at risk for developing pica behaviors, and thereby assist in its clinical diagnosis and treatment.