bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translingual Disciplinary Literacies: Equitable Language Environments to Support Literacy Engagement
Authors: Stewart Mary Amanda (Mandy) , Hansen‐Thomas Holly , Flint Patricia , Núñez Mariannella
Published: April 2021

The burgeoning work of translanguaging and bilingualism has much to offer adolescent learning spaces in order to provide bi/multilingual students more equitable opportunities to engage in disciplinary literacy at the high school level, particularly where there are many low‐incidence languages. Drawing from critical theories in both literacy and language research, we conducted this three‐year study in two U.S. high schools (grades 9–12) in order to promote language equity and literacy engagement for emergent bilinguals and heritage speakers. We provided an intensive year of graduate courses on language, literacy, and equity for 27 teachers from various disciplines and school roles. Through analyzing their coursework, observations of their classes, and follow‐up surveys, we documented how their heteroglossic language ideologies were nurtured, how they enacted translingual disciplinary literacies, and what benefits they perceived from this instructional approach. The findings illustrate how schools might overcome previously unquestioned monoglossic standards and linguistically oppressive systems through a whole‐school translingual disciplinary literacies approach. Providing nuanced descriptions of how teachers engaged in translingual disciplinary literacy in various disciplines, we make a case for constructivist disciplinary literacy teacher education grounded in heteroglossic ideologies. We also draw connections from language equity to literacy engagement, suggesting that a translingual disciplinary literacies approach is a necessary instructional innovation to effect change in high school learning spaces for bi/multilingual learners. Finally, as our field pursues language equity and literacy engagement, like the teachers in this study, we must also critically evaluate our own ideologies toward literacy and language.
Daidzein modulates cocaine-reinforcing effects and cue-induced cocaine reinstatement in CD-1 male mice
Authors: Martin Miquel , Gutiérrez-Martos Miriam , Cabrera Roberto , Langohr Klaus , Maldonado Rafael , Farre Magi , de la Torre Rafael
Published: April 2021

Rationale

Cocaine addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder that lacks of an effective treatment. Isoflavones are a family of compounds present in different plants and vegetables like soybeans that share a common chemical structure. Previous studies have described that synthetic derivatives from the natural isoflavone daidzin can modulate cocaine addiction, by a mechanism suggested to involve aldehyde-dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities.

Objectives

Based on these previous studies, we investigated the effects of three natural isoflavones, daidzin, daidzein, and genistein, on the modulation of the cocaine reinforcing effects and on cue-induced reinstatement in an operant mouse model of cocaine self-administration.

Results

Chronic treatment with daidzein or genistein decreased operant responding to obtain cocaine intravenous infusions. On the other hand, daidzein and daidzin, but not genistein, were effective in decreasing cue-induced cocaine reinstatement. Complementary studies revealed that daidzein effects on cocaine reinforcement were mediated through a mechanism that involved dopamine type-2/3 receptors (DA-D2/3) activities.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that these natural compounds alone or in combination can be a potential therapeutic approach for cocaine addiction. Further clinical studies are required in order to ascertain their potential therapeutic use.
The intensity of kelp harvesting shapes the population structure of the foundation species Lessonia trabeculata along the Chilean coastline
Authors: Gouraguine Adam , Moore Pippa , Burrows Michael T. , Velasco Eliana , Ariz Luis , Figueroa-Fábrega Luis , Muñoz-Cordovez Rodrigo , Fernandez-Cisternas Italo , Smale Dan , Pérez-Matus Alejandro
Published: April 2021

Kelp are foundation species that support high levels of biodiversity and, either directly or indirectly provide a wide range of ecological goods and services to human society. In recent decades, due to the high demand for kelp-derived products such as alginate, commercial wild harvesting has increased, leading to declines of kelp biomass in some regions. Chile accounts for 40% of the global kelp harvest, with the subtidal kelp, Lessonia trabeculata being one of the main target species. Currently, however, there is a lack of information on how different degrees of harvesting intensity, governed by distinct management regimes and their enforcement influences L. trabeculata populations. Here we examined the effect different management regimes, characterised by distinct levels of exploitation of kelp and kelp-associated fauna, have on L. trabeculata density and morphology along ~ 1600 km of the Chilean coastline. The findings demonstrated that harvesting intensity likely influences both L. trabeculata density and morphology. Juvenile density of L. trabeculata was five times higher in the most harvesting-affected areas, while kelp morphology values, including holdfast diameter, number of stipes and total length, were always higher in the less-intensively harvested areas. Our study suggests that different degrees of protection can influence density and morphology of subtidal  L. trabeculata populations, which in turn has important implications for the conservation of the kelp forest ecosystems and management of this important fishery.
Mutational analyses of novel rat models with targeted modifications in inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility genes
Authors: Men Hongsheng , Hankins Miriam A. , Bock Anagha S. , Beaton Benjamin P. , Davis Daniel J. , Chesney Kari L. , Bryda Elizabeth C.
Published: April 2021

Mutations and single base pair polymorphisms in various genes have been associated with increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We have created a series of rat strains carrying targeted genetic alterations within three IBD susceptibility genes: Nod2, Atg16l1, and Il23r, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. Knock-out alleles and alleles with known human susceptibility polymorphisms were generated on three different genetic backgrounds: Fischer, Lewis and Sprague Dawley. The availability of these rat models will contribute to our understanding of the basic biological roles of these three genes as well as provide new potential IBD animal models.
On Polyhedral Realization with Isosceles Triangles
Authors: Eppstein David
Published: April 2021

Answering a question posed by Joseph Malkevitch, we prove that there exists a polyhedral graph, with triangular faces, such that every realization of it as the graph of a convex polyhedron includes at least one face that is a scalene triangle. Our construction is based on Kleetopes, and shows that there exists an integer i such that all convex i-iterated Kleetopes have a scalene face. However, we also show that all Kleetopes of triangulated polyhedral graphs have non-convex non-self-crossing realizations in which all faces are isosceles. We answer another question of Malkevitch by observing that a spherical tiling of Dawson (Renaissance Banff, Bridges Conference, pp. 489–496, 2005) leads to a fourth infinite family of convex polyhedra in which all faces are congruent isosceles triangles, adding one to the three families previously known to Malkevitch. We prove that the graphs of convex polyhedra with congruent isosceles faces have bounded diameter and have dominating sets of bounded size.
Subexponential Parameterized Algorithms and Kernelization on Almost Chordal Graphs
Authors: Fomin Fedor V. , Golovach Petr A.
Published: April 2021

We study algorithmic properties of the graph class $${\textsc {Chordal}}{-ke}$$

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, that is, graphs that can be turned into a chordal graph by adding at most k edges or, equivalently, the class of graphs of fill-in at most k. It appears that a number of fundamental intractable optimization problems being parameterized by k admit subexponential algorithms on graphs from $${\textsc {Chordal}}{-ke}$$

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solvable in time $$2^{{\mathcal{O}}(\sqrt{k}\log k)}\cdot n^{{\mathcal{O}}(1)}$$

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. Examples of the problems from this class are finding an independent set of maximum weight, finding a feedback vertex set or an odd cycle transversal of minimum weight, or the problem of finding a maximum induced planar subgraph. On the other hand, we show that for some fundamental optimization problems, like finding an optimal graph coloring or finding a maximum clique, are FPT on $${\textsc {Chordal}}{-ke}$$

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when parameterized by k but do not admit subexponential in k algorithms unless ETH fails. Besides subexponential time algorithms, the class of $${\textsc {Chordal}}{-ke}$$

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graphs appears to be appealing from the perspective of kernelization (with parameter k). While it is possible to show that most of the weighted variants of optimization problems do not admit polynomial in k kernels on $${\textsc {Chordal}}{-ke}$$

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graphs, this does not exclude the existence of Turing kernelization and kernelization for unweighted graphs. In particular, we construct a polynomial Turing kernel for Weighted Clique on $${\textsc {Chordal}}{-ke}$$

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graphs. For (unweighted) Independent Set we design polynomial kernels on two interesting subclasses of $${\textsc {Chordal}}{-ke}$$

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HAG1 and SWI3A/B control of male germ line development in P. patens suggests conservation of epigenetic reproductive control across land plants
Authors: Genau Anne C. , Li Zhanghai , Renzaglia Karen S. , Fernandez Pozo Noe , Nogué Fabien , Haas Fabian B. , Wilhelmsson Per K. I. , Ullrich Kristian K. , Schreiber Mona , Meyberg Rabea , Grosche Christopher , Rensing Stefan A.
Published: April 2021

Key message

Bryophytes as models to study the male germ line: loss-of-function mutants of epigenetic regulators HAG1 and SWI3a/b demonstrate conserved function in sexual reproduction.

With the water-to-land transition, land plants evolved a peculiar haplodiplontic life cycle in which both the haploid gametophyte and the diploid sporophyte are multicellular. The switch between these phases was coined alternation of generations. Several key regulators that control the bauplan of either generation are already known. Analyses of such regulators in flowering plants are difficult due to the highly reduced gametophytic generation, and the fact that loss of function of such genes often is embryo lethal in homozygous plants. Here we set out to determine gene function and conservation via studies in bryophytes. Bryophytes are sister to vascular plants and hence allow evolutionary inferences. Moreover, embryo lethal mutants can be grown and vegetatively propagated due to the dominance of the bryophyte gametophytic generation. We determined candidates by selecting single copy orthologs that are involved in transcriptional control, and of which flowering plant mutants show defects during sexual reproduction, with a focus on the under-studied male germ line. We selected two orthologs, SWI3a/b and HAG1, and analyzed loss-of-function mutants in the moss P. patens. In both mutants, due to lack of fertile spermatozoids, fertilization and hence the switch to the diploid generation do not occur. Pphag1 additionally shows arrested male and impaired female gametangia development. We analyzed HAG1 in the dioecious liverwort M. polymorpha and found that in Mphag1 the development of gametangiophores is impaired. Taken together, we find that involvement of both regulators in sexual reproduction is conserved since the earliest divergence of land plants.
Dispersal and colonization risk of the Walnut Twig Beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, in southern Europe
Authors: Marchioro Matteo , Faccoli Massimo
Published: April 2021

The Walnut Twig Beetle (WTB),Pityophthorus juglandisBlackman, is a small bark beetle native to Mexico and Southwestern USA recorded for the first time in Europe (NE Italy) in 2013. WTB attacks walnut (Juglansspp.) and wingnut trees (Pterocaryaspp.) and is the vector ofGeosmithia morbidaKolarík et al., a pathogen causing the thousand cankers disease (TCD). WTB and TCD represent a serious threat for walnut orchards in Europe. Spatiotemporal data of the WTB-TCD infestations recorded from an 8-year-long (2013–2020) monitoring conducted in 106 walnut orchards of NE Italy were used to develop a model in order to analyze: (i) the effective dispersal capacity of WTB, (ii) the factors affecting dispersal and (iii) the colonization risk of healthy walnut orchards. We registered a mean annual dispersal of 9.4 km, with peaks of about 40 km. Pest dispersal is affected by distance of suitable hosts from the nearest infested site, number of walnut orchards in the surroundings (both infested and healthy), orchard size and walnut species in the orchard. Using the model, it was also possible to calculate the colonization risk of a specific walnut orchard according to its characteristics showing, for instance, that a medium-size (5,000 trees) black walnut orchard located at 25 km from the nearest infested orchard has an infestation risk of about 50% of probability.
Time trends of perfluoroalkyl substances in blood in 30-year old Norwegian men and women in the period 1986–2007
Authors: Berg Vivian , Sandanger Torkjel Manning , Hanssen Linda , Rylander Charlotta , Nøst Therese Haugdahl
Published: April 2021

Biomonitoring studies are helpful tools and can increase our knowledge on time trends in human blood concentrations of PFASs: how they relate to emission trends and the potential prenatal exposure for future generations. In this study, serum was sampled in cross-sections of men and women who were 30 years old in each of the years 1986, 1994, 2001, and 2007 in Northern Norway and analyzed for 23 PFASs. Differences in serum concentrations across sampling years were investigated graphically and with significance testing and compared with those observed in our previous longitudinal study using repeated individual measurements in older men in the same years. The results demonstrate overall increasing blood burdens of PFASs in men and women in reproductively active ages during 1986–2001 and decreases until 2007. However, longer chained PFASs were still increasing in 2007 indicating divergent time trends between the different PFASs, underlining the importance of continued biomonitoring. Comparisons between 30-year-old men and older men within the same population demonstrated variation in time trends in the exact same years, underlining that biomonitoring studies must regard historic exposures and birth cohort effects.
Potential interplay of Uranium with geochemical variables and mineral saturation states in groundwater
Authors: Chandrasekar Thivya , Sabarathinam Chidambaram , Viswanathan Prasanna Mohan , Rajendiran Thilagavathi , Mathivanan Mahalakshmi , Natesan Devaraj , Samayamanthula Dhanu Radha
Published: April 2021

Uranium (U) is formed by the interaction of groundwater in aquifer and the surrounding rocks. The area chosen for this study is a hard rock terrain of various lithology in South India, which releases U in groundwater and affect the groundwater quality. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the geochemistry and temporal variations of U in groundwater with respect to saturation state of minerals for different seasons namely Pre-monsoon (PRM), Northeast monsoon (NEM), Southwest monsoon (SWM) and Post-monsoon (POM). A total of 216 groundwater samples were collected, representing various lithology (Fissile hornblende biotite gneiss, Charnockite, Quartzite, Granite and Flood Plain Alluvium) in the study area. The collected samples were analyzed for physical parameters such as Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solids, pH and major ions. U was measured using Laser Fluorimeter. The study infers that weathering in SWM, ion exchange in PRM and POM and anthropogenic process in NEM were the three major processes that could dominate the hydrogeochemistry of U. The higher concentration of U has been highlighted, and the water–rock interaction has been studied to know the sources of origin and it has been plotted through bivariate and ternary diagrams. The saturation index study was made and calculated for uranium, carbonate, sulfate, silicate and phosphate minerals using PHREEQC Programme. Uraninite and Coffinite are the dominant saturated states of U minerals which tend to attain near saturation to saturation state irrespective of seasons. With the increase in U concentration irrespective of seasons, it was noticed that the saturation state of minerals is also increasing. Overall, the weathering process and the lithological impact are the sources for higher concentration of U and their minerals occurring in the study area. The outcome of the study will help the policy makers for sustainable management to safeguard the groundwater resource in this region.
Chlorpromazine affects the numbers of Sox-2, Musashi1 and DCX-expressing cells in the rat brain subventricular zone
Authors: Skałbania Jakub , Pałasz Artur , Błaszczyk Iwona , Suszka-Świtek Aleksandra , Krzystanek Marek , Tulcanaz Karina Paola , Worthington John J. , Mordecka-Chamera Kinga
Published: April 2021

Background

Adult neurogenesis observed both in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and hippocampus may be regulated and modulated by several endogenous factors, xenobiotics and medications. Classical and atypical antipsychotic drugs are able to affect neuronal and glial cell proliferation in the rat brain. The main purpose of this structural study was to determine whether chronic chlorpromazine treatment affects adult neurogenesis in the canonical sites of the rat brain. At present, the clinical application of chlorpromazine is rather limited; however, it may still represent an important model in basic neuropharmacological and toxicological studies.

Methods

The number of neural progenitors and immature neurons was enumerated using immunofluorescent detection of Sox2, Musashi1 and doublecortin (DCX) expression within SVZ.

Results

Chlorpromazine has a depressive effect on the early phase of adult neurogenesis in the rat subventricular zone (SVZ), as the mean number of Sox-2 immunoexpressing cells decreased following treatment.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results may suggest that long-term treatment with chlorpromazine may decrease neurogenic stem/progenitor cell formation in the rat SVZ and may affect rostral migratory stream formation.
Measuring Progress of Regulatory Convergence and Cooperation Among Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Member Economies in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chong Sannie Siaw Foong , Kim Mirinea , Limoli Michelle , Obscherning Eric , Wu Patricia , Feisee Lila , Nakashima Nobumasa , Lim John C. W.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Regulatory convergence and cooperation among medical product regulatory authorities are essential to delivering safe and efficacious products quickly to patients. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for streamlined regulatory approval processes—which can be achieved in part through regulatory convergence and cooperation—both to accelerate availability of COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics and to maintain the availability of the existing medical products unrelated to COVID-19.

Methods

The Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Life Sciences Innovation Forum (LSIF) established the Regulatory Harmonization Steering Committee (RHSC) in 2008 to advance regulatory convergence among APEC’s 21 member economies. Key performance indicators (KPIs) were developed in 2018 to measure convergence.

Results

This paper reports survey results collected from KPI tracking in March 2020 from medical product regulatory authorities in all 21 APEC economies concerning areas of regulatory practice in which they could converge and cooperate. For example, from 2008 to 2020, there was a 14.3% increase in the number of APEC member economy regulatory authorities sharing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certificates and a 28% increase in the number of regulatory authorities accepting multisite licenses in that same period. In addition, this paper explores how APEC economies could realize a maximum level of regulatory convergence and cooperation.

Conclusions

Convergence efforts within APEC can accelerate availability of medical products including that related to COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics, while maintaining the availability of the existing medical products unrelated to COVID-19 vaccines and treatment. New KPIs and capability building are to be considered to enable a new era of innovation ushered in by COVID-19.
The Princess Casamassima
Authors: James Henry
Published: April 2021

The Cambridge Edition of the Complete Fiction of Henry James provides, for the first time, a scholarly edition of a major writer whose work continues to be read, quoted, adapted and studied. Published in three volumes in 1886, The Princess Casamassima follows Hyacinth Robinson, a young London craftsman who carries the stigma of his illegitimate birth, and his French mother's murder of his patrician English father. Deeply impressed by the poverty around him, he is driven to association with political dissidents and anarchists including the charismatic Princess Casamassima - who embodies the problems of personal and political loyalty by which Hyacinth is progressively torn apart. This edition is the first to provide a full account of the context in which the book was composed and received. Extensive explanatory notes enable modern readers to understand its nuanced historical, cultural and literary references, and its complex textual history.
Variance Based Sensitivity Analysis of FLake Lake Model for Global Land Surface Modeling
Authors: Bernus A. , Ottlé C. , Raoult N.
Published: April 2021

Given the ever increasing spatial resolution of climate models and the significant role of lakes on the regional climate, it becomes important to represent water bodies in climate models. Such developments have started in the IPSL (Institut Pierre Simon Laplace) climate model and its land surface component, ORganizing Carbon and Hydrology In Dynamic Ecosystems (ORCHIDEE), with the Freshwater Lake model, FLake. To answer the questions raised by these new developments, such as the lake differentiation and related model parameters, we analyze spatial distributions of lake characteristics in the whole world to perform a global sensitivity analysis of the FLake parameters. As a result, three different climates and four lake depth configurations were selected as test cases. The Sobol method as sensitivity analysis based on variance decomposition was chosen to rank parameters impact on the model output, that is, lake surface water temperature, latent and sensible heat fluxes. We focus on the 11 parameters of the FLake model, which are the lake depth, the albedo and light extinction coefficient of water, snow, and ice respectively, the fetch, and the relaxation coefficient of the thermocline shape factor. The results show different sensitivity features according to the lake type and climate. The dominant role and time varying contribution of the lake depth, radiative parameters (albedo, light extinction coefficient) and thermocline relaxation coefficient linked to the atmospheric conditions, were clearly highlighted. These findings will lead us to distinguish between different lake categories in each grid cell of ORCHIDEE in the future implementation.
Statistically Determining the Spatial Extent of Relativistic Electron Precipitation Events Using 2‐s Polar‐Orbiting Satellite Data
Authors: Gasque L. Claire , Millan Robyn M. , Shekhar Sapna
Published: April 2021

Relativistic electron precipitation (REP) from the outer radiation belt into Earth's atmosphere poses risks for satellites and affects Earth's climate, producing ozone‐destroying compounds. Characterizing the spatial extent of REP events, which are periods of precipitation localized in space and time, is important for quantifying these effects and improving understanding of outer radiation belt dynamics, allowing quantification of the relative roles of atmospheric and magnetopause particle loss. Following Shekhar et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JA024716), who used 16 s resolution data from particle detectors onboard NOAA's Polar‐orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) and the ESA's Meterological Operational (MetOp) Satellites, we work to more precisely determine the spatial extent of REP events using higher‐resolution (2 s) data from the same instruments. We algorithmically search through 6 years of data (October 2012 to December 2018) from a maximum of seven simultaneously orbiting satellites, identifying REP events and determining their start and end times and locations. We find that the majority of events are highly localized spatially and, unlike Shekhar et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JA024716), we do not observe a cluster of broad events around midnight magnetic local time (MLT). Based on case studies, we suggest that this discrepancy results from the differences in data resolution, indicating that the broad regions of precipitation around midnight MLT identified by Shekhar et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JA024716) may be composed of several adjacent but narrowly confined regions of precipitation, potentially with independent causes. Additional work is necessary to further classify events and identify their likely mechanisms.
Targeting Tryptophan for Tagging through Photoinduced Electron Transfer
Authors: Taylor Michael T. , Orellana Norberto V.
Published: April 2021

The chemical modification of tryptophan (Trp) has been the subject of interest for nearly 100 years, yet the development of modification conditions that exploit the inherent photolability of Trp has remained elusive. With this perspective, we discuss our recently reported method for Trp photobioconjugation that uses N-carbamoyl pyridinium salts to engage Trp in photoinduced electron transfer. We detail our inspiration and rationale, and we place our report in the context of selected prior art in the field.

1 Introduction

2 Light Activation as a Design Principle in Bioconjugation

3 Targeting Tryptophan with Light

4 Reaction Design and Proof of Concept

5 Mechanistic Considerations

6 Establishing Mechanistic Control

7 Conclusions and Outlook
Zinc supplementation improves growth performance in small ruminants: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis
Authors: Angeles-Hernandez J. C. , Miranda M. , Muñoz-Benitez A. L. , Vieyra-Alberto R. , Morales-Aguilar N. , Paz E. A. , Gonzalez-Ronquillo M.
Published: April 2021

Appropriate supplementation of trace minerals is fundamental to enhance the metabolic status of growing animals and promote an adequate expression of genetic potential. Zinc (Zn) is an essential mineral fundamental in many biological processes that are related to growth, energy balance and immunity. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of Zn supplementation on growth parameters in small ruminants by using a meta-analytic approach. Sources of heterogeneity were explored using a meta-regression analysis. The final database was integrated from a total of 53 trials. Only indexed articles that provided an effect size measure, variability measure, sample size and randomisation of the procedure were considered. The dependent variables considered for the study were average daily gain (ADG), dry-matter intake (DMI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), final bodyweight, and glucose blood concentration. The exploratory variables included species (sheep and goat), breed, production level, Zn source and dosage. The ‘meta’ package in R statistical software was used to conduct the meta-analyses. For response variables that showed substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 50%), mixed-effect models (meta-regression analysis) were constructed to explore the sources of heterogeneity using the ‘Metafor’ package. DMI was higher in animals supplemented with Zn (>21.08 g/day, P = 0.0001). Breed, species, production level, and dosage reduced heterogeneity of DMI response from I2 = 84.8 to I2 = 48.1%. Zn-supplemented animals showed higher ADG (17.39 g/day, P = 0.001), which was affected by species, breed dosage and Zn-source. Zn supplementation improved feed efficiency, with lower values of FCR (–1.56 g/g, P < 0.0001). There was a positive relationship between the dosage and effect size in all outcome variables (P < 0.05). Zn-proteinate showed the best response in both species to ADG, FCR and final body weight. Our findings of the systematic review concluded that dietary Zn supplementation improves growth performance in small ruminants and their level of response is influenced mainly by species, production level, and Zn-source and dosage.
Race/Ethnic Differences in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Patients With Hypertension: Analysis From 143 Primary Care Clinics
Authors: Khatib Rasha , Glowacki Nicole , Lauffenburger Julie , Siddiqi Alvia
Published: April 2021

Background

While it is known that sex and race/ethnic disparities persist for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), disparities in risk factor control have not been well-described in primary care where ASCVD can be prevented.

Methods

Adult patients with a hypertension diagnosis without ASCVD were included in this analysis of electronic health records from a large US healthcare system from 2018. Patients were categorized based on risk factor control defined as blood pressure (BP) <130/80 mm Hg; statin prescription among patients with indications, HbA1c of <7%, and not smoking. Multivariable Poisson regressions were developed to explore associations with race/ethnicity. Results are presented as relative risk (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Among 5,227 patients, 55.8% women and 60.0% men had uncontrolled BP, 47.3% women and 46.4% men with statin therapy indication did not have a prescription, 34.9% women and 40.9% men had uncontrolled HbA1c values, and 9.3% women and 13.7% men were smokers. African Americans were more likely to have uncontrolled BP (women: RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.30; men: RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.05–1.34) and more likely to lack a statin prescription (women: RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05–1.45; men: RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.51) compared to Caucasians. Differences in HbA1c control were not statistically significant among Hispanic/Latino compared to Caucasians (women: RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.86–1.90; men: RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.72–1.97).

Conclusions

Disparities in controlling ASCVD risk factors in primary care persist and were not fully explained by demographic or clinical characteristics. Monitoring changes in disparities is important to ensure equity as interventions to prevent ASCVD in primary care are developed and implemented.
Energy political ecologies in the South Pacific: the politics of energy transitions in Vanuatu
Authors: Munro Paul G
Published: April 2021

In this article, I develop a political ecology analysis of Vanuatu’s grid electricity policies, with a specific focus on Espiritu Santo Island. I show how the global political economy looms large in shaping the island’s energy geographies. Colonial legacies, ideologically conflictive donor aid programmes, multinational corporate legal discords, parliamentary political caprices and the vicissitudes of the local environment all intersect to shape the spatial dynamics of electricity access that raises numerous energy justice concerns. The development of the island’s electricity infrastructure is not neutral; rather, it is a socio-technical product of these political economy mediations.
The Effect of a Consumer-Based Activity Tracker Intervention on Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Time Among Retirees: A Randomized Controlled REACT Trial
Authors: Suorsa Kristin , Leskinen Tuija , Pulakka Anna , Pentti Jaana , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Heinonen Ilkka , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari
Published: April 2021

Background

Effective strategies to reverse the increasing trend of sedentary behavior after retirement are needed. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 12-month activity tracker-based intervention on daily total and prolonged sedentary time (≥60 minutes) among recent retirees.

Methods

Randomization to intervention and control groups was performed to 231 retirees (mean age 65.2 [SD 1.1] years, 83% women). Intervention participants wore a consumer-based wrist-worn activity tracker (Polar Loop 2, Polar, Kempele, Finland), including daily activity goal, every day and night for 12 months. The activity tracker also gave vibrating reminders to break up uninterrupted inactivity periods after 55 minutes. A wrist-worn triaxial ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer was used to measure sedentary time at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month time points.

Results

The use of an activity tracker did not reduce daily total or prolonged sedentary time over 12 months (p values for time * group interaction 0.39 and 0.27, respectively). In the post hoc analysis focusing on short- and medium-term effects on prolonged sedentary time, no differences between the intervention and control groups over 3 months were found, but a tendency for a greater decrease in prolonged sedentary time in the intervention group over 6 months was seen (mean difference in changes between the groups 29 minutes, 95% CI −2 to 61).

Conclusions

The activity tracker with inactivity alerts did not elicit changes in sedentary time over 12 months among recent retirees. Alternative approaches may be needed to achieve long-term changes in sedentary time among retirees.

Clinical Trials registration Number: NCT03320746
Effect of Aerobic or Resistance Exercise, or Both, on Intermuscular and Visceral Fat and Physical and Metabolic Function in Older Adults With Obesity While Dieting
Authors: Waters Debra L , Aguirre Lina , Gurney Burke , Sinacore David R , Fowler Kenneth , Gregori Giulia , Armamento-Villareal Reina , Qualls Clifford , Villareal Dennis T
Published: April 2021

Background

Obesity exacerbates age-related effects on body composition and physical and metabolic function. Which exercise mode is most effective in mitigating these deleterious changes in dieting older adults with obesity is unknown.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, we performed a head-to-head comparison of aerobic (AEX), resistance (REX), or combination (COMB) exercise during matched ~10% weight loss in 160 obese older adults. Prespecified analyses compared 6-month changes in intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) assessed using MRI, insulin sensitivity index (ISI) by oral glucose tolerance test, physical function using Modified Physical Performance Test (PPT), VO2peak, gait speed, and knee strength by dynamometry.

Results

IMAT and VAT decreased more in COMB than AEX and REX groups (IMAT; −41% vs −28% and −23% and VAT: −36% vs −19% and −21%; p = .003 to .01); IMAT and VAT decreased in all groups more than control (between-group p < .001). ISI increased more in COMB than AEX and REX groups (86% vs 50% and 39%; p = .005 to .03). PPT improved more in COMB than AEX and REX groups, while VO2peak improved more in COMB and AEX than REX group (all p < .05). Knee strength improved more in COMB and REX than AEX group (all p < .05). Changes in IMAT and VAT correlated with PPT (r = −0.28 and −0.39), VO2peak (r = −0.49 and −0.52), gait speed (r = −0.25 and −0.36), and ISI (r = −0.49 and −0.52; all p < .05).

Conclusions

Weight loss plus combination aerobic and resistance exercise was most effective in improving ectopic fat deposition and physical and metabolic function in older adults with obesity.
Political integration and the career opportunities of immigrants in political parties: Experiences from Swedish party organisations
Authors: Soininen Maritta , Qvist Martin
Published: April 2021

Political parties are an important part of the institutional framework for migrants’ political integration, but remain an underdeveloped area of research in the literature on political opportunity structures (POS) for migrants. Departing from the POS framework, this article addresses the question of what role the intra-party structure of candidate recruitment has for enabling the political career path of people with migrant background. It focuses on the case of Sweden, which has one of the most open POS in terms of formal political rights. Based on an interview study with party officials and political candidates with migrant background, we identify a number of party-internal factors in this POS. The empirical analysis combines two approaches in institutional theory in order to differentiate between ‘thresholds’ related to strategic considerations and short-term vote-maximisation, and ‘barriers’ embedded in roles, identities and organisational practices. In addition to making a contribution to research on the responsiveness of political systems in open-POS countries, the article discusses how the institutional approach can be useful for identifying possible solutions for supporting the political career of immigrants.
Measuring cosmological distances using cluster edges as a standard ruler
Authors: Wagoner Erika L , Rozo Eduardo , Aung Han , Nagai Daisuke
Published: April 2021

The line-of-sight velocity dispersion profile of galaxy clusters exhibits a ‘kink’ corresponding to the spatial extent of orbiting galaxies. Because the spatial extent of a cluster is correlated with the amplitude of the velocity dispersion profile, we can utilize this feature as a gravity-calibrated standard ruler. Specifically, the amplitude of the velocity dispersion data allows us to infer the physical cluster size. Consequently, observations of the angular scale of the ‘kink’ in the profile can be translated into a distance measurement to the cluster. Assuming the relation between cluster radius and cluster velocity dispersion can be calibrated from simulations, we forecast that with existing data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey we will be able to measure the Hubble constant with 3.0 per cent precision. Implementing our method with data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) will result in a 1.3 per cent measurement of the Hubble constant. Adding cosmological supernova data improves the uncertainty of the DESI measurement to 0.7 per cent. While these error estimates are statistical only, they provide strong motivation for pursuing the necessary simulation program required to characterize and calibrate the systematic uncertainties impacting our proposed measurement. Whether or not our proposed measurement can in fact result in competitive H0 constraints will depend on what the eventual systematics floor for this method is.
Using precision phenotyping to inform de novo domestication
Authors: Fernie Alisdair R , Alseekh Saleh , Liu Jie , Yan Jianbing
Published: April 2021

An update on the use of precision phenotyping to assess the potential of lesser cultivated species as candidates for de novo domestication or similar development for future agriculture.
PARP-1 overexpression does not protect HaCaT cells from DNA damage induced by SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Gong Chun-Mei , Xu Yuan-Fei , Liang Xiong-Shun , Mo Jun-Luan , Zhuang Zhi-Xiong
Published: April 2021

Nano-SiO2 is increasingly used in diagnostic and biomedical research because of its ease of production and relatively low cost and which is generally regarded as safe and has been approved for use as a food or animal feed ingredient. Although recent literature reveals that nano-SiO2 may present toxicity and DNA damage, however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Since in previous studies, we found that nano-SiO2 treatment down-regulated the expression of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases-1 (PARP-1), a pivotal DNA repair gene, in human HaCaT cells and PAPR-1 knockdown can aggravate DNA damage induced by nano-SiO2. Therefore, we speculate whether PARP-1 overexpression can protect DNA from damage induced by nano-SiO2. However, our data demonstrated that overexpression of PARP-1 in HaCaT cells slightly enhanced the cellular proliferation of undamaged cells, when compared with both empty vector control cells and parental cells, but had drastic consequences for cells treated with nano-SiO2. The PARP-1 overtransfected cells were sensitized to the cytotoxic effects and DNA damage of nano-SiO2 compared with control parental cells. Meanwhile, flow cytometric analysis of nano-SiO2 stimulated poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis revealed consistently larger fractions of cells positive for this polymer in the PARP-1 overexpression cells than in control clones. Combining our previous research on PARP-1 knockdown HaCaT cells, we hypothesize that an optimal level of cellular poly(ADP-ribose) accumulation exists for the cellular recovery from DNA damage.
Modelling the impact of extending dose intervals for COVID-19 vaccines in Canada
Authors: Nam Austin , Ximenes Raphael , Yeung Man Wah , Mishra Sharmistha , Wu Jianhong , Tunis Matthew , Sander Beate
Published: April 2021

Background

Dual dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccines demonstrate high efficacy and will be critical in public health efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its health consequences; however, many jurisdictions face very constrained vaccine supply. We examined the impacts of extending the interval between two doses of mRNA vaccines in Canada in order to inform deliberations of Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

Methods

We developed an age-stratified, deterministic, compartmental model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and disease to reproduce the epidemiologic features of the epidemic in Canada. Simulated vaccination comprised mRNA vaccines with explicit examination of effectiveness against disease (67% [first dose], 94% [second dose]), hospitalization (80% [first dose], 96% [second dose]), and death (85% [first dose], 96% [second dose]) in adults aged 20 years and older. Effectiveness against infection was assumed to be 90% relative to the effectiveness against disease. We used a 6-week mRNA dose interval as our base case (consistent with early program rollout across Canadian and international jurisdictions) and compared extended intervals of 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks. We began vaccinations on January 1, 2021 and simulated a third wave beginning on April 1, 2021.

Results

Extending mRNA dose intervals were projected to result in 12.1-18.9% fewer symptomatic cases, 9.5-13.5% fewer hospitalizations, and 7.5-9.7% fewer deaths in the population over a 12-month time horizon. The largest reductions in hospitalizations and deaths were observed in the longest interval of 24 weeks, though benefits were diminishing as intervals extended. Benefits of extended intervals stemmed largely from the ability to accelerate coverage in individuals aged 20-74 years as older individuals were already prioritized for early vaccination. Conditions under which mRNA dose extensions led to worse outcomes included: first-dose effectiveness < 65% against death; or protection following first dose waning to 0% by month three before the scheduled 2nd dose at 24-weeks. Probabilistic simulations from a range of likely vaccine effectiveness values did not result in worse outcomes with extended intervals.

Conclusion

Under real-world effectiveness conditions, our results support a strategy of extending mRNA dose intervals across all age groups to minimize symptomatic cases, hospitalizations, and deaths while vaccine supply is constrained.
Hepcidin regulation in Kenyan children with severe malaria and non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteremia
Authors: Abuga Kelvin M. , Muriuki John Muthii , Uyoga Sophie M. , Mwai Kennedy , Makale Johnstone , Mogire Reagan , Macharia Alex W. , Mohammed Shebe , Mwarumba Salim , Mturi Neema , Bejon Philip , Scott J. Anthony G. , Nairz Manfred , Williams Thomas N. , Atkinson Sarah H.
Published: April 2021

Background

Severe malaria and invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are life-threatening infections that often co-exist in African children. The iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin is highly upregulated during malaria and controls the availability of iron, a critical nutrient for bacterial growth, within the Salmonella-containing vacuole.

Methods

We first investigated the relationship between Plasmodium falciparum malaria and NTS bacteremia in all pediatric admissions aged ≤5 years between August 1998 and October 2019 (n=75,015). We then assayed hepcidin and measures of iron status in five groups: (1) children with concomitant severe malaria anemia (SMA) and NTS (SMA+NTS, n=16); and in matched children with (2) SMA alone (n=33); (3) NTS alone (n=33); (4) cerebral malaria (CM, n=34); and (5) community-based children.

Results

In hospitalized children SMA, but not other malaria phenotypes, was associated with an increased risk of NTS (adjusted OR 2.88 [95% CI 1.97, 4.23]; P<0.0001). Risk of NTS increased by 30% with each 1g/dl decrease in hemoglobin concentrations. In hospitalized children median hepcidin levels were lower in the SMA+NTS (9.3 ng/mL [interquartile range 4.7, 49.8]) and SMA (31.1 ng/mL [5.5, 61.2]) groups, compared to levels in those with CM (90.7 ng/mL [38.7, 176.1]) or NTS (105.8 ng/mL [17.3, 233.3]), despite similar ferritin and CRP levels. Soluble transferrin receptor levels were lower in the CM group compared to the other hospitalized groups.

Conclusion

SMA was associated with increased risk of NTS and with reduced hepcidin levels. We hypothesized that reduced hepcidin might allow increased movement of iron into the Salmonella-containing vacuole favoring bacterial growth.
Involvement of the habenula in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Germann Jürgen , Gouveia Flavia Venetucci , Brentani Helena , Bedford Saashi A. , Tullo Stephanie , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Devenyi Gabriel A.
Published: April 2021

The habenula is a small epithalamic structure that has rich widespread connections to multiple cortical, subcortical and brainstem regions. It has been identified as the central structure modulating the reward value of social interactions, behavioral adaptation, sensory integration and circadian rhythm. Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by social communication deficits, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and frequently associated with altered sensory perception and mood and sleep disorders. The habenula is implicated in all these behaviors and results of preclinical studies suggest a possible involvement of the habenula in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Using anatomical magnetic resonance imaging and automated segmentation we show that the habenula is significantly enlarged in children and adults with ASD compared to age matched controls. The present study is first to provide evidence of the involvement of the Hb in the pathophysiology of ASD.