bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audible bats provide opportunities for citizen scientists
Authors: Rodhouse Thomas J. , Rose Sara , Hawkins Trent , Rodriguez Rogelio M.
Published: May 2021

Bat conservation has been impeded by a lack of basic information about species' distributions and abundances. Public participation in closing this gap via citizen (community) science has been limited, but bat species that produce low‐frequency calls audible to the unaided human ear provide an overlooked opportunity for collaborative citizen science surveys. Audible bats are rare in regional faunas but occur globally and can be under‐surveyed by traditional methods. During 2019–2020, we were joined by community members to conduct aural surveys and expand our knowledge of rare audible desert bats in western North America through a structured survey design broadly adaptable for practitioners across the globe where audible bats occur. Our study was integrated into a statistically robust but flexible master sample in use by the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat), ensuring representativeness of data contributions. We used survey results to update a Bayesian species distribution model for the rare spotted bat, Euderma maculatum, accounting for imperfect detection and including land cover occupancy predictors. Detection probability was estimated ~0.7 ± 0.1. Informative priors from a previous attempt to model E. maculatum were leveraged with the new citizen science data to support spatial predictions of occurrence previously impeded by data sparsity and which reinforced the biogeographic importance of arid cliffs and canyons. Our results are preliminary but encouraging, and future surveys can scale up through the NABat design structure and Bayesian modeling framework. We encourage future surveys to use recording devices to obtain voucher calls and double‐observer methods to address false‐positive detection errors that arise with inexperienced volunteers. Our design and model supported approach to integrating citizen science surveys into bat conservation programs can strengthen both the scientific understanding of rare species and public engagement in conservation practices.
Adaptive management to improve eagle conservation at terrestrial wind facilities
Authors: New Leslie , Simonis Juniper L. , Otto Mark C. , Bjerre Emily , Runge Michael C. , Millsap Brian
Published: May 2021

The development and installation of renewable energy comes with environmental cost, including the death of wildlife. These costs occur locally, and seem small compared to the global loss of biodiversity. However, failure to acknowledge uncertainties around these costs affects local conservation, and may lead to the loss of populations or species. Working with these uncertainties can result in adaptive management plans designed to benefit renewable energy development and conservation. An example is the U.S. government's policy for managing bald (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and golden (Aquila chrysaetos) eagle deaths at terrestrial wind facilities. Using records from 422 U.S. wind facilities we improved the precision of estimates of exposure (8.79 eagle minutes hr−1 km−3,SD: 13.64) and collision probability (0.0058 birds per minute of exposure, SD: 0.0038) currently used in U.S. policy. The new estimates for bald (exposure: 3.19 eagle minutes hr−1 km−3,SD: 2.583; collision probability: 0.007025 eagles per minute of exposure, SD: 0.004379) and golden (exposure: 1.21 eagle minutes hr−1 km−3, SD: 0.352; collision probability: 0.005648 birds per minute of exposure, SD: 0.004413) eagles had a smaller mean and standard deviation. Thus, their implementation within the government's adaptive management framework could help refine the balance between energy consumption and conservation.
Infants recognize words spoken through opaque masks but not through clear masks
Authors: Singh Leher , Tan Agnes , Quinn Paul C.
Published: May 2021

COVID‐19 has modified numerous aspects of children's social environments. Many children are now spoken to through a mask. There is little empirical evidence attesting to the effects of masked language input on language processing. In addition, not much is known about the effects of clear masks (i.e., transparent face shields) versus opaque masks on language comprehension in children. In the current study, 2‐year‐old infants were tested on their ability to recognize familiar spoken words in three conditions: words presented with no mask, words presented through a clear mask, and words presented through an opaque mask. Infants were able to recognize familiar words presented without a mask and when hearing words through opaque masks, but not when hearing words through clear masks. Findings suggest that the ability of infants to recover spoken language input through masks varies depending on the surface properties of the mask.
Environmental and biological drivers of white plague disease on shallow and mesophotic coral reefs
Authors: Chaves‐Fonnegra Andia , Panassiti Bernd , Smith Tyler B. , Brown Elizabeth , Clemens Elizabeth , Sevier Moriah , Brandt Marilyn E.
Published: May 2021

Outbreaks of coral white plague (WP) disease have caused significant regional declines of reef‐building Caribbean corals. Due to a greater availability of epidemiological data, studies have primarily focused on shallow coral reefs (< 30 m). In the U.S. Virgin Islands, however, WP disease prevalence appears to be higher on upper mesophotic (30–40 m) coral reefs when compared with shallow reefs and may be inhibiting coral recovery after environmental disturbances. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of environmental drivers with spatio‐temporal patterns of WP prevalence across shallow and mesophotic coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We recorded WP prevalence at 13 reef sites (five shallow, three mid‐depth and five upper‐mesophotic reefs) across the south shelf of St. Thomas approximately monthly between 2012 and 2015 using a drop camera method. The influence of environmental factors on disease prevalence was investigated using Bayesian inference with generalized linear mixed‐effect models. We found that WP tended to increase during the beginning of the rainy season (June), and when levels of water turbidity and temperature were higher, and levels of oxygen and salinity lower. The disease prevalence was higher on mesophotic than on shallow or mid‐depth reefs, probably due to higher availability of corals (host), and a possible temperature threshold for WP occurrence that allows long‐term persistence (year‐round) of the disease on upper‐mesophotic reefs. This is the first study to implement the drop camera method to survey a coral disease over several reef sites and depths. This method can be applied on surveys of other rapid tissue loss diseases, such as the newly emergent stony‐coral‐tissue‐loss‐disease (SCTLD).
The heterogeneous regional effects of minimum wages in Poland
Authors: Albinowski Maciej , Lewandowski Piotr
Published: May 2021

We evaluate the impact of large minimum wage hikes on employment and wage growth in Poland between 2004 and 2018. We estimate panel data models utilizing the considerable variation in wage levels, and in minimum wage bites, across 73 Polish NUTS 3 regions. We find that minimum wage hikes had a significant positive effect on wage growth and a significant negative effect on employment growth only in regions of Poland that were in the first tercile of the regional wage distribution in 2007. These effects were moderate in size, and appear to be more relevant for wages. Specifically, if the ratio of minimum wage to average wage had remained constant after 2007, by 2018, the average wages in these regions would have been 3.2% lower, while employment would have been 1.2% higher. In the remaining two‐thirds of Polish regions, we find no significant effects of minimum wage hikes on average wages or on employment.
Status of the alveolar bone after autotransplantation of developing premolars to the anterior maxilla assessed by CBCT measurements
Authors: Plakwicz Paweł , Andreasen Jens Ove , Górska Renata , Burzykowski Tomasz , Czochrowska Ewa
Published: May 2021

Background/Aims

Autotransplantation of developing premolars is an established treatment to replace missing teeth in the anterior maxilla in growing patients with a reported success rate of over 90%. The normal shape of the alveolus is observed after transplantation, but data on the presence and amount of alveolar bone after healing has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to look for potential differences in alveolar bone dimensions between sites where autotransplanted premolars replaced missing incisors and control sites of contralateral incisors.

Material/Methods

There were 11 patients aged between 10 and 12 years five months (mean age: 10 years and 7 months) who underwent autotransplantation of a premolar to replace a central incisor. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) performed at least 1 year after transplantation served to evaluate bone at sites of autotransplanted premolars and controls (contralateral maxillary central incisor). The thickness of the labial bone, plus the height and width of the alveolar process were measured on scans and compared at transplant and control sites.

Results

Mean thicknesses of the labial bone at the transplant and control sites were 0.78 mm and 0.82 mm respectively. Mean alveolar bone height was 15.15 mm at the transplant sites and 15.12 mm at the control sites. The mean marginal thickness of the alveolus was 7.75 mm at the transplant sites and 7.98 mm at the control sites. Mean thicknesses of the alveolus for half of its vertical dimension at the transplant and control sites were 7.54 mm and 8.03 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The mean values of bone thickness, width and height of the alveolar process at sites of transplanted premolars were comparable to the mean values for the control incisors. Successful autotransplantation of developing premolars to replace missing central incisors allowed preservation of alveolar bone in the anterior maxilla.
Activity of grindelanes against important maize pest Spodoptera frugiperda and their selectivity of action on non‐target environmental bacteria
Authors: Mesurado María de los A. , Chalup Adriana , Ortiz Javier , Puchol José D. Zaragoza , Feresin Gabriela E. , Bardón Alicia , Cartagena Elena
Published: May 2021

In the search for new plant‐derived products with antifeedant and insecticidal potential against economically important insects, 11 grindelanes (two as natural acids and nine as methylated derivatives) purified from the foliar tissue of Grindelia chiloensis (Cornel.) Cabrera (Asteraceae) were evaluated against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Larvae of this moth are considered to be the main pest of maize that causes severe losses on local agricultural production. Remarkable alterations in feeding behavior, larval weight, larval and pupal stage lengths, and adult fertility, as well as malformations and mortality in specimens during their life cycle were noticed in the feeding preference tests and no‐choice diet assays. Antifeedant indexes (AI%) calculated in food preference bioassays reached up to 79% for the lipophilic grindelane 3b, the most potent antifeedant agent. Grindelane 7b showed a better insecticidal activity (median lethal dose, LD50 = 26.49 µg g−1) and 8b was potentially neurotoxic due to acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Ultrastructure of the middle portion of the digestive tract of larvae fed with small amounts of natural grindelane 9a supplemented to the diet revealed cell damage, and thickening of the peritrophic membrane and a striking number of mitochondria, as evident signs of defense against toxic substances ingested by the larvae. Besides, this study demonstrated that these effective insecticides did not have inhibitory effects on beneficial plant and soil bacteria which would allow ecological pest management.
Interspecific competition drives gall‐inducing insect species distribution on leaves of Matayba guianensis Aubl. (Sapindaceae)
Authors: Santos Jean Carlos , Maldonado‐López Yurixhi , Venâncio Henrique , de Almeida Wanessa Rejane , Felício Daniel Tirapeli , Cintra Fernanda Cristina Franco , Barros Leví Oliveira , dos Reis Rodrigo Alves , Moreira Thaís Ribeiro , da Costa Silva Vitor Miguel , Cuevas‐Reyes Pablo
Published: May 2021

1. The authors analysed the potential effects of interspecific competition on spatial distribution of two gall‐inducing insects, Bystracoccus mataybae (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) and Lopesia mataybae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), that co‐occurring simultaneously in Matayba guianensis. Overall, the authors hypothesised that spatial gall distribution between and within leaflets is shaped by interspecific competition.

2. The authors determine: i) the B. mataybae distribution between two different habitats; ii) the B. mataybae and L. mataybae distribution in the same habitat; and iii) the B. mataybae distribution when L. mataybae is present and absent in the habitat. For all experimental designs, the authors measured gall abundance along leaflet sizes, as well used a new Cartesian plane technique to map spatial gall distribution within the leaflet to obtain gall density.

3. In Campo‐cerrado, B. mataybae induced galls on small leaflets and in Cerrado on large leaflets, with similar spatial distribution within leaflets. Within the same habitat, B. mataybae induced galls on small leaflets, with higher gall density in the right basal of the blade, and L. mataybae on large leaflets, occupying the right apical area. In habitat with interspecific competition pressure (L. mataybae present), B. mataybae selected small leaflets with higher gall density on the right basal area, and in habitat without interspecific competition (L. mataybae absent), B. mataybae selected larger leaflets with broader distribution over within the blade.

4. The study's findings confirm that both gall‐inducing insect species diverge in their distribution, avoiding overlapping niches confirming that the spatial gall distribution of both gall‐inducing species are driven by interspecific competition.
How hungry were the poor in late 1930s Britain?†
Authors: Gazeley Ian , Newell Andrew , Reynolds Kevin , Rufrancos Hector
Published: May 2021

This article re‐examines energy and nutrition available to British working‐class households in the late 1930s using individual household expenditure and consumption data. We use these data to address a number of questions. First, what was the extent of malnutrition in late 1930s Britain? Second, how did the incidence change over time? Third, what were the nutritional consequences of the school meals and school milk schemes? We conclude that, for working households, energy and nutritional availability improved significantly compared with current estimates of availability before the First World War. These improvements were not equally shared, however. In the late 1930s, homes with an unemployed head of household had diets that provided around 20 per cent less energy than their working counterparts and female‐headed households had diets that provided around 10 per cent fewer kcal per capita than the average male‐headed household. The availability of most macro‐ and micronutrients showed similar relative reductions. State interventions designed to improve diet and nutrition, such as school meals and school milk, made children's diets significantly healthier, even if they did not eliminate macro‐ and micronutrient deficiencies completely. Not surprisingly, they made the greatest difference to children in households where the head of household was unemployed.
Climate‐induced range shifts shaped the present and threaten the future genetic variability of a marine brown alga in the Northwest Pacific
Authors: Song Xiao‐Han , Assis Jorge , Zhang Jie , Gao Xu , Gao Han‐Gil , Duan De‐Lin , Serrão Ester A. , Hu Zi‐Min
Published: May 2021

Glaciation‐induced environmental changes during the last glacial maximum (LGM) have strongly influenced species' distributions and genetic diversity patterns in the northern high latitudes. However, these effects have seldom been assessed on sessile species in the Northwest Pacific. Herein, we chose the brown alga Sargassum thunbergii to test this hypothesis, by comparing present population genetic variability with inferred geographical range shifts from the LGM to the present, estimated with species distribution modelling (SDM). Projections for contrasting scenarios of future climate change were also developed to anticipate genetic diversity losses at regional scales. Results showed that S. thunbergii harbours strikingly rich genetic diversity and multiple divergent lineages in the centre‐northern range of its distribution, in contrast with a poorer genetically distinct lineage in the southern range. SDM hindcasted refugial persistence in the southern range during the LGM as well as post‐LGM expansion of 18 degrees of latitude northward. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) analysis further suggested that the multiple divergent lineages in the centre‐northern range limit stem from post‐LGM colonization from the southern survived lineage. This suggests divergence due to demographic bottlenecks during range expansion and massive genetic diversity loss during post‐LGM contraction in the south. The projected future range of S. thunbergii highlights the threat to unique gene pools that might be lost under global changes.
Perceived goal importance, knowledge and accessibility of performance information: Testing mediation and moderation effects on medical professionals’ achievement of performance targets1
Authors: Cifalinò Antonella , Mascia Daniele , Morandin Gabriele , Vendramini Emanuele
Published: May 2021

This article contributes to prior accounting and public management research on performance measurement systems’ (PMSs) effectiveness in professional organisations, exploring how medical professionals’ perception regarding goal importance, knowledge of performance information, and accessibility of performance information affect their achievement of individual‐level performance targets. The study draws on primary and secondary data from 128 Italian public healthcare professionals about their perceptions of performance information and their factual performance. The findings show that perceived goal importance is positively related to one's knowledge of individual and peer performance information; that this relation is positively moderated by perceived information accessibility, and that knowledge of individual (but not peer) performance information fully mediates the relation between perceived goal importance and achievement of individual‐level performance targets.
Drift diving: A quick and accurate method for assessment of anadromous salmonid spawning populations
Authors: Skoglund Helge , Vollset Knut Wiik , Lennox Robert , Skaala Øystein , Barlaup Bjørn Torgeir
Published: May 2021

The accuracy of drift diving surveys of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. and sea trout, Salmo trutta L., was evaluated by comparing the abundance and size distribution with catches in a fish trap over 6 years in the River Etneelva, western Norway. The population count from drift diving accounted for on average 96.3% of the salmon in the trap after accounting for the catches during fishing. Size structure registered during drift diving corresponded with trap catches of salmon, but the number of small salmon (<3 kg) appeared to be somewhat underestimated, while large salmon (>7 kg) were overestimated in drift diving. For sea trout, the match between drift diving counts and trap registrations was poorer (average 76.3%), but may have been affected by the surveys being performed too late with regards to sea trout spawning time. The study illustrates the utility of drift counting for estimating the entire population of anadromous salmonids in a river.
A Method for Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Measurement of Lithium Isotopes in Garnet: The Utility of Glass Reference Materials
Authors: Hoover William F. , Penniston‐Dorland Sarah C. , Baumgartner Lukas P. , Bouvier Anne‐Sophie , Baker Don , Dragovic Besim , Gion Austin
Published: May 2021

We present a novel method for the measurement of lithium isotopes in garnet utilising glass reference materials and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Measured lithium isotopic compositions of natural garnets are heterogeneous, making them unreliable reference materials for in situ determination. However, SIMS lithium isotope measurements of glasses derived from these natural garnets are isotopically identical to their parent garnets and more homogeneous, demonstrating that they can be used as reliable reference materials. To characterise the composition dependence of instrumental mass fractionation (IMF), oxide and silicate powders were used to synthesise custom‐made glass reference materials (CGRMs) with garnet‐equivalent compositions. Results for six CGRMs measured by SIMS show a significant linear relationship between IMF and FeO and MnO contents. Corrections for this compositional IMF result in changes of up to 12‰ within the compositional range explored. Uncertainty in IMF‐corrected SIMS analyses with a 20 μm spot is in the range of 2.5 to 4.5‰, depending on the garnet composition and reference materials used. The method for in situ lithium isotope measurement in garnet by SIMS presented here is highly adaptable, valid across a range of Al‐rich garnet compositions, and yields spatial resolution and precision necessary to address a range of geological applications.
Relative education of recent refugees in Germany and the Middle East: Is selectivity reflected in migration and destination decisions?
Authors: Welker Jörg
Published: May 2021

In this paper, relative education profiles of recent refugees arriving to Germany from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan are described and compared to the profiles of Syrians in Jordan and Lebanon and of internally displaced Iraqis. Relative education describes a migrant's position in the educational distribution of the origin population. For recent refugees, relative education could be reflected in the decision of where to migrate: those who are relatively better educated may be more able to reach a distant destination. The empirical analyses use data from the project ‘ReGES – Refugees in the German Educational System’, the IAB‐BAMF‐SOEP Survey of Refugees, the Arab Barometer and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). The findings suggest that on average, Syrians and Afghans in Germany and Syrians in Jordan are positively selected on education, while Syrians in Lebanon and internally displaced Iraqis appear slightly negatively selected. The findings for Iraqis in Germany show mixed evidence.
Comparative biogeography and the evolution of population structure for bottlenose and common dolphins in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Gray Howard W. I. , Chen Ing , Moura André E. , Natoli Ada , Nishida Shin , Tanabe Shinsuke , Minton Gianna , Ponnampalam Louisa S. , Kiani Muhammad S. , Culloch Ross , Gore Mauvis , Särnblad Anna , Amir Omar , Berggren Per , Collins Tim , Willson Andrew J. , Baldwin Robert , Hoelzel A. Rus
Published: May 2021

Aim

In the marine environment, where there are few physical boundaries to gene flow, there is often nevertheless intraspecific diversity with consequences for effective conservation and management. Here, we compare two closely related dolphin species with a shared distribution in the Indian Ocean (IO) to better understand the biogeographic drivers of their population structure.

Location

Global oceans and seas with a focus on the Indian Ocean

Taxon

Tursiopssp. andDelphinussp.

Methods

Bayesian, ordination, assignment, statistical and phylogenetic analyses to assess phylogeography, connectivity and population structure using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA genetic markers.

Results

BothTursiopssp. andDelphinussp. showed population structure across the western IO and, in each case, populations in the Arabian Sea (off India, Pakistan and Oman) were most differentiated. Comparisons with other populations worldwide revealed independent lineages in this geographic region for both genera. ForT.aduncus, (for which multiple sites within the IO could be compared), Bayesian modelling best supported a scenario of expansion southwards following a bottleneck event resulting in differentiation between the northern and western IO. ForDelphinus,the same pattern is even more pronounced. Populations in the Arabian Sea region of the north‐western IO show genetic isolation for each of the two genera, consistent with other studies of cetacean species in this region.

Main conclusions

We propose that changes in the intensity of the southwest monsoon during the climate cycles of the Pleistocene could have affected regional patterns of productivity and represent an important biogeographic driver promoting the observed patterns of differentiation and population dynamics seen in our focal species. Patterns of population genetic structure are consistent with phenotypic differences, suggesting an influence from distinct habitats and resources, and emphasising the need for effective conservation measures in this geographic region.
Human impact, climate and dispersal strategies determine plant invasion on islands
Authors: Irl Severin D. H. , Schweiger Andreas H. , Steinbauer Manuel J. , Ah‐Peng Claudine , Arévalo José Ramón , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Chiarucci Alessandro , Daehler Curtis C. , Fernández‐Palacios José María , Flores Olivier , Kueffer Christoph , Maděra Petr , Otto Rüdiger , Schweiger Julienne M.‐I. , Strasberg Dominique , Jentsch Anke
Published: May 2021

Aim

Biological invasions are likely determined by species dispersal strategies as well as environmental characteristics of a recipient region, especially climate and human impact. However, the contribution of climatic factors, human impact, and dispersal strategies in driving invasion processes is still controversial and not well embedded in the existing theoretical considerations. Here, we study how climate, species dispersal strategies, and human impact determine plant invasion processes on islands distributed in all major oceans in the context of directional ecological filtering.

Location

Six mountainous, tropical, and subtropical islands in three major oceans: Island of Hawai'i and Maui (Pacific), Tenerife and La Palma (Atlantic), and La Réunion and Socotra (Indian Ocean).

Taxon

Vascular Plants.

Methods

We recorded 360 non‐native species in 218 plots along roadside elevational transects covering the major temperature, precipitation and human impact (i.e., road density) gradients of the islands. We collected dispersal strategies for a majority of the recorded species and calculated the environmental niche per species using a hypervolume approach.

Results

Non‐native species’ generalism (i.e., mean community niche width) increased with precipitation, elevation and human impact but showed no relationship with temperature. Increasing precipitation led to environmental filtering of non‐native species resulting in more generalist species under high precipitation conditions. We found no directional filtering for temperature but an optimum range of most species between 10 and 20°C. Niche widths of non‐native species increased with the prevalence of certain dispersal strategies, particularly anemochory and anthropochory.

Main conclusions

Plant invasion on tropical and subtropical islands seems to be mainly driven by precipitation and human impact, while temperature seems to be of little importance. Furthermore, anemochory and anthropochory are dispersal strategies associated with large niche widths of non‐native species. Our study allows a more detailed look at the mechanisms behind directional ecological filtering of non‐native plant species in non‐temperature‐limited ecosystems.
Role of immunosuppressive therapy in the management refractory postprocedural pericarditis
Authors: Narasimhan Bharat , Turagam Mohit K. , Garg Jalaj , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Gopinathannair Rakesh , Biase Luigi Di , Romero Jorge , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Natale Andrea , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel immunosuppressive regimen—combination Methotrexate/Prednisone (cMtx/P)—in the management of severe refractory rPPP.

Methods

In this multicenter, nonrandomized, retrospective, observational study, 408 consecutive patients diagnosed with persistent rPPP between 2017 and 19 were included. Patients with refractory symptoms despite 3 months of conventional therapy were initiated on a 4‐week regimen of oral steroids. Persistence of symptoms at this point, that is, rPPP (n = 25; catheter based = 18, open surgical = 7) prompted therapy with Methotrexate (7.5–15 mg weekly) with folate supplementation along with low dose prednisone (5 mg PO) for a further 3 months. Patients were followed for a total of 11.3 ± 1.8 months.

Results

Treatment refractory rPPP occurred in 6.1% of the study population prompting immunosuppressive therapy with cMtx/P. All patients demonstrated complete symptom resolution following 3 months of treatment with an 85% decline in clinically significant pericardial effusions. One patient developed recurrent pericarditis during the 11‐month follow‐up. Therapy was well tolerated with no significant drug related adverse effects.

Conclusion

cMtx/P therapy is a safe and effective adjunct in the management of rPPP refractory to standard therapy.
Bioinformatic analysis and validation of microRNA‐508‐3p as a protective predictor by targeting NR4A3/MEK axis in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Ma Yi , Chen Shu‐Shu , Jiang Fen , Ma Ru‐Yi , Wang Huan‐Liang
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) featured a debilitating progressive disorder. Here, we intend to determine diagnosis‐valuable biomarkers for PAH and decode the fundamental mechanisms of the biological function of these markers. Two mRNA microarray profiles (GSE70456 and GSE117261) and two microRNA microarray profiles (GSE55427 and GSE67597) were mined from the Gene Expression Omnibus platform. Then, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), respectively. Besides, we investigated online miRNA prediction tools to screen the target gene of DEMs. In this study, 185 DEGs and three common DEMs were screened as well as 1266 target genes of the three DEMs were identified. Next, 16 overlapping dysregulated genes from 185 DEGs and 1266 target gene were obtained. Meanwhile, we constructed the miRNA gene regulatory network and determined miRNA‐508‐3p‐NR4A3 pair for deeper exploring. Experiment methods verified the functional expression of miR‐508‐3p in PAH and its signalling cascade. We observed that ectopic miR‐508‐3p expression promotes proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC). Bioinformatic, dual‐luciferase assay showed NR4A3 represents directly targeted gene of miR‐508‐3p. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that down‐regulation of miR‐508‐3p advances PASMC proliferation and migration via inducing NR4A3 to activate MAPK/ERK kinase signalling pathway. Altogether, our research provides a promising diagnosis of predictor and therapeutic avenues for patients in PAH.
Sestrin2 as a gatekeeper of cellular homeostasis: Physiological effects for the regulation of hypoxia‐related diseases
Authors: Pan Cunyao , Chen Zhaoli , Li Chao , Han Tie , Liu Hui , Wang Xinxing
Published: May 2021

Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a conserved stress‐inducible protein (also known as hypoxia‐inducible gene 95 (HI95)) that is induced under hypoxic conditions. SESN2 represses the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provides cytoprotection against various noxious stimuli, including hypoxia, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and DNA damage. In recent years, the determination of the regulation and signalling mechanisms of SESN2 has increased our understanding of its role in the hypoxic response. SESN2 has well‐documented roles in hypoxia‐related diseases, making it a potential target for diagnosis and treatment. This review discusses the regulatory mechanisms of SESN2 and highlights the significance of SESN2 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in hypoxia‐related diseases, such as cancer, respiratory‐related diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular diseases.
Emerging role of interleukin‐13 in cardiovascular diseases: A ray of hope
Authors: Qian Ningjing , Gao Ying , Wang Jian’an , Wang Yaping
Published: May 2021

Despite the great progress made in the treatment for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the morbidity and mortality of CVDs remains high due to the lack of effective treatment strategy. Inflammation is a central pathophysiological feature of the heart in response to both acute and chronic injury, while the molecular basis and underlying mechanisms remains obscure. Interleukin (IL)‐13, a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, has been known as a critical mediator in allergy and asthma. Recent studies appraise the role of IL‐13 in CVDs, revealing that IL‐13 is not only involved in more obvious cardiac inflammatory diseases such as myocarditis but also relevant to acute or chronic CVDs of other origins, such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. The goal of this review is to summarize the advancement in our knowledge of the regulations and functions of IL‐13 in CVDs and to discuss the possible mechanisms of IL‐13 involved in CVDs. We highlight that IL‐13 may be a promising target for immunotherapy in CVDs.
NRP1 and MMP9 are dual targets of RNA‐binding protein QKI5 to alter VEGF‐R/ NRP1 signalling in trophoblasts in preeclampsia
Authors: Yang Xingyu , Chen Dan , He Biwei , Cheng Weiwei
Published: May 2021

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by placental ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in abnormal casting of the uterine spiral artery, which is mainly caused by insufficient trophoblastic cell infiltration. A reduction in levels of growth factor‐based signalling via Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) has been shown to contribute to dysfunctional trophoblast development. In this study, we showed that the RNA‐binding protein, QKI5, regulated NRP1 expression and significantly improved trophoblast proliferation in vitro and in vivo. QKI5 and NRP1 expressions were significantly reduced in human PE placentas and in trophoblasts during hypoxia. Overexpression of these factors significantly improved cell proliferation and migration in vitro, in contrast to a decrease upon siRNA knockdown of QKI5 and NRP1 in HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Using RIP and RNA pull‐down assays, we further showed that QKI5 directly interacted with the 3'‐UTR region of NRP1, to mediate cell proliferation and migration via matrix metalloprotease‐9. Further, similar to NRP1, QKI5 also targets matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) involved in secretion of growth factors and its effects can be counteracted by NRP1 overexpression. In vivo studies using a PE mouse model revealed that QKI5 overexpression alleviated PE‐related symptoms such as elevated blood pressure and proteinuria. Taken together, we found that QKI5 was a novel regulator, of VEGF‐R/NRP1 signalling pathway functioning in trophoblast proliferation and migration, resulting in major contributors to the pathogenesis of PE. While careful evaluation of the broad implications of QKI5 expression is still necessary, this study identified QKI5 as a promising target for treatment strategies in acute PE patients.
The detrimental effect of iron on OA chondrocytes: Importance of pro‐inflammatory cytokines induced iron influx and oxidative stress
Authors: Jing Xingzhi , Du Ting , Li Tao , Yang Xiaoxia , Wang Guodong , Liu Xiaoyang , Jiang Zhensong , Cui Xingang
Published: May 2021

Iron overload is common in elderly people which is implicated in the disease progression of osteoarthritis (OA), however, how iron homeostasis is regulated during the onset and progression of OA and how it contributes to the pathological transition of articular chondrocytes remain unknown. In the present study, we developed an in vitro approach to investigate the roles of iron homeostasis and iron overload mediated oxidative stress in chondrocytes under an inflammatory environment. We found that pro‐inflammatory cytokines could disrupt chondrocytes iron homeostasis via upregulating iron influx transporter TfR1 and downregulating iron efflux transporter FPN, thus leading to chondrocytes iron overload. Iron overload would promote the expression of chondrocytes catabolic markers, MMP3 and MMP13 expression. In addition, we found that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction played important roles in iron overload‐induced cartilage degeneration, reducing iron concentration using iron chelator or antioxidant drugs could inhibit iron overload‐induced OA‐related catabolic markers and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our results suggest that pro‐inflammatory cytokines could disrupt chondrocytes iron homeostasis and promote iron influx, iron overload‐induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play important roles in iron overload‐induced cartilage degeneration.
Technofunctional, rheological, thermal and structural properties of gorgon nut (Eurayle ferox) as affected by drying temperature
Authors: Bhat Mohmad Sayeed , Arya Shalini Subhash
Published: May 2021

The effect of drying at different temperatures viz; 60, 70, 80, and 90°C on gorgon nut flour (GNF) was envisaged by the hot air oven method. The resultant flours were known as GNF‐60, GNF‐70, GNF‐80, and GNF‐90, respectively. The effect of drying on rheology and technofunctional properties was studied. The drying at different temperatures resulted in significant changes in technofunctional and pasting properties of GNF. The water and oil absorption capacities increased with the increase in drying temperature from 0.45 to 0.70 g/g and 0.35 to 0.46 g/g, respectively. The viscosity of the GNF decreased with the increase in drying temperature from 1592 to 990 cP. The increase in the drying temperature resulted in an increase in the swelling power and solubility from 7 to 11 g/g and 29% to 117%, respectively. The rise in temperature increased the gelatinisation peak temperature and reduced the gelatinization enthalpy.. The shear rate dependency on study shear stress and study shear viscosity showed a nonNewtonian behavior for all the samples. The storage modulus, G′ was found greater than the loss modulus, G″ and increased with the rise in temperature from 60 to 90°C indicating the dominance of elastic behavior. The FTIR and XRD spectra revealed structural characteristic peaks with increased intensities at a higher temperature. The drying of the GNF at different temperatures is being reported for the first time and resulted in a significant alteration of the technofunctional and rheological properties. The study will serve a basis for the exploration of the GNF in industrial‐related processing operations.

Practical implications

According to the report jointly published by the World Health Organization, Food and Agricultural Organization and the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, about 650 million of the total world's population went hungry in 2019, with the expected 120 million addition to this figure due to Covid‐19 pandemic by the end of 2020. The economically lower class people are mainly involved in hunger and malnutrition due to either unavailability or higher costs of the nutritionally rich food resources. Exploration of underutilized and nutritionally rich sources becomes the need of the hour in this type of situation. Gorgon nut being a nutritionally rich and underutilized crop of mainly Asian continent, can serve as an affordable food source to fight this hunger and malnutrition problem.
Integrated management of surface water and groundwater to mitigate flood risks and water scarcity in arid and semi‐arid regions
Authors: Fathy Ismail , Ahmed Ashraf , Abd‐Elhamid Hany F.
Published: May 2021

Water scarcity in arid and semi‐arid regions represents a significant obstruction to social and economic development. Also, flood hazards affect the life of many people in these areas. This study aims to develop a new model for integrated management of surface water and groundwater, which involves rainwater harvesting and recharge to groundwater aquifers. Integrated hydrological models, including geographic information system (GIS), watershed modelling system (WMS) and groundwater modelling system (GMS) were used. This research provides an integrated vision for exploiting the rainwater in Wadi Watier, South Sinai, Egypt and shows new insights on how to protect these areas from flood risks and store water to solve the water scarcity in this region. Based on physical properties of sub‐basins and soil properties, fourteen dams were suggested and designed to protect the study area from flood risks; five dams were used for storage and nine dams for groundwater recharge. The results showed that the dams could collect about 160.72 million m3 of rainwater which can be stored or recharged into groundwater aquifers. This will increase the national income and provide stability for residents in these areas that suffer from water shortage. Decision‐makers can use these models for sustainable flood management in similar areas.
Incidence of Guillain‐Barré syndrome in an Uruguayan population. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Chiesa Mercedes , Decima Rodrigo , Bertinat Andrés , Poggi Luciana , Hackembruch Heber , Montenegro Cecilia , Chiparelli Hector , Vázquez Cristina
Published: May 2021

Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune peripheral inflammatory neuropathy and the most frequent cause of non‐poliovirus acute flaccid paralysis worldwide. Background annual GBS incidence rates (IRs) in Latin America (LA) varies from 0.40 to 2.12/100000 persons per year. We performed a prospective population‐based epidemiological study to determine the incidence and clinical profile of GBS in the most densely populated regions in Uruguay. The incidence of GBS in the population living in Montevideo and Canelones was studied in the period between June 01, 2018 and May 31, 2020. Patients older than 16 years of age diagnosed with GBS were prospectively enrolled. The mean global annual IR in the Uruguayan population was 1.7/100000 persons (95% CI 1.25‐2.25). The highest rate was observed in the 65 to 74 age group among men (5.25/100000 per year) and in the 55 to 64 age group among women (2/100.000 per year). The mean age was 53.9 ± 19.5, years, without difference by sex (53.5 women, 54.5 men). The in‐hospital mortality rate was 5.8%. A total of 51 patients were diagnosed with GBS: 42 (82%) had typical GBS, 5 (10%) Miller‐Fisher syndrome (MFS), 3 (7%) a bilateral facial nerve palsy, 1 patient had a GBS‐MFS overlap (2.3%). This is the first population‐based GBS incidence study in LA using a prospective design. Our IR can be a useful tool in establishing the background rate to examine future disease trends caused by the introduction of new viruses or vaccines in Uruguay.
Chief Digital Officers: An Analysis of the Presence of a Centralized Digital Transformation Role
Authors: Firk Sebastian , Hanelt André , Oehmichen Jana , Wolff Michael
Published: May 2021

By appointing a chief digital officer (CDO), firms decide for a central role responsible for their digital transformation. While CDOs have recently appeared in the C‐suites of firms across the globe, the current literature lacks insights into the specific antecedents of CDO presence. Grounded in the peculiarities of the digital age, we provide theoretical arguments explaining how the decision to centralize digital transformation responsibilities might be related to transformation urgency and coordination needs. Empirical analyses based on a panel data set of 913 US and European firms support that transformation urgency and coordination needs predict CDO presence. An additional analysis of moderating temporal effects reveals that, over time, the effect of transformation urgency is weakened and the effect of coordination needs on CDO presence is strengthened. We discuss implications for research and practice regarding the antecedents of CDO presence, TMT research more generally, and centralization in the digital age.
Effect of Guiding Sleeve Design on Intraosseous Heat Generation During Implant Site Preparation (In Vitro Study)
Authors: Ashry Amal , Elattar Mohamed Sherine , Elsamni Osama Ahmed , Soliman Ingy Saied
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To compare the effect of different designs of guiding sleeves on heat generation during implant surgery while using different cooling fluid temperatures.

Material and Methods

Temperature measurements were performed during guided implant site preparation in bovine rib samples using two K‐ type thermocouples at 2 mm and 8 mm depths. Three groups were tested according to guiding sleeve design: conventional cylindrical sleeve, open C‐shaped sleeve, and modified cylindrical sleeve. Each group was irrigated with three fluid temperatures: 10°C, 15°C, and 20°C. The groups were compared using Kruskal Wallis test followed by post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni correction. The level of statistical significance was set at p = 0.05.

Results

Surgical guides with conventional cylindrical sleeve design showed significantly higher heat generation during implant site preparation than guides with both the open C‐shaped and the modified cylindrical sleeve designs at both 2mm and 8mm depths. The difference between C‐shaped and modified cylindrical sleeves was not significant in any group. Using pre‐cooled irrigation fluids (10°C and 15°C) reduced the generated heat; however, the differences within the same group were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The use of a surgical guide with the conventional cylindrical sleeves led to higher heat generation than other sleeve designs, which might reach or near the critical threshold of bone thermal necrosis. Using surgical guides with open sleeves or modified cylindrical sleeves could be helpful in irrigation fluid delivery and decreasing the generated heat.
Regional growth and disparities in a post‐COVID Europe: A new normality scenario
Authors: Capello Roberta , Caragliu Andrea
Published: May 2021

This paper addresses the important question “Which European areas will be able to better react to the crisis induced by COVID‐19 and how regional disparities will look like?” To provide an answer, a “new normality” scenario is built, comprising the structural changes likely to take place in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. To develop such scenario, two intermediate steps are necessary, in both cases relying on the use of the latest generation of the MAcroeconomic, Sectoral, Social, Territorial (MASST4) model. First, short‐run costs of the COVID‐induced lockdowns, in terms of missed GDP, are calculated for all European NUTS2 regions, needed because of the lack of short‐run statistics about the extent of the regional costs caused by the lockdowns that will only appear in 2 years. Second, a long‐run simulation of the economic rebound expected to take place from 2021 through 2030 is presented, assuming, among other trends, that no further national lockdowns will be undertaken in European countries. In the “new normality” scenario, regional disparity trends will decrease as a result of a decisive rebound of those countries mostly hit by the pandemic.