bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating pig survival in different production phases using genomic models
Authors: Leite Natália Galoro , Knol Egbert Frank , Garcia André Luiz Seccatto , Lopes Marcos Soares , Zak Louisa , Tsuruta Shogo , Silva Fabyano Fonseca e , Lourenco Daniela
Published: July 2021

Pig survival is an economically important trait with relevant social welfare implications, thus standing out as an important selection criterion for the current pig farming system. We aimed to estimate (co)variance components for survival in different production phases in a crossbred pig population as well as to investigate the benefit of including genomic information through single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) on the prediction accuracy of survival traits compared with results from traditional BLUP. Individual survival records on, at most, 64,894 crossbred piglets were evaluated under two multi-trait threshold models. The first model included farrowing, lactation, and combined postweaning survival, whereas the second model included nursery and finishing survival. Direct and maternal breeding values were estimated using BLUP and ssGBLUP methods. Furthermore, prediction accuracy, bias, and dispersion were accessed using the linear regression validation method. Direct heritability estimates for survival in all studied phases were low (from 0.02 to 0.08). Survival in preweaning phases (farrowing and lactation) was controlled by the dam and piglet additive genetic effects, although the maternal side was more important. Postweaning phases (nursery, finishing, and the combination of both) showed the same or higher direct heritabilities compared with preweaning phases. The genetic correlations between survival traits within preweaning and postweaning phases were favorable and strong, but correlations between preweaning and postweaning phases were moderate. The prediction accuracy of survival traits was low, although it increased by including genomic information through ssGBLUP compared with the prediction accuracy from BLUP. Direct and maternal breeding values were similarly accurate with BLUP, but direct breeding values benefited more from genomic information. Overall, a slight increase in bias was observed when genomic information was included, whereas dispersion of breeding values was greatly reduced. Combined postweaning survival presented higher direct heritability than in the preweaning phases and the highest prediction accuracy among all evaluated production phases, therefore standing out as a candidate trait for improving survival. Survival is a complex trait with low heritability; however, important genetic gains can still be obtained, especially under a genomic prediction framework.
Signal-Separated Quantification of γ-Hydroxybutyrate with Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Human Urine and Serum as an Improvement of the Analyte Adduct Ion-Based Quantification
Authors: Dziadosz Marek , Klintschar Michael , Teske Jörg
Published: July 2021

The aim of the work was the development and validation of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) quantification method in urine and human serum by the use of the analyte adduct ion formation strategy. A combined detection with a conventional precursor ion in the negative electrospray mode and additionally GHB adduct ions with both sodium acetate and lithium acetate was in focus. Therefore, GHB quantification was based on separated MS-MS signals. Two tandem mass spectrometers representing different MS-MS generations (Sciex API 4000 QTrap and Sciex API 5500 QTrap) were used for method validation and comparison. Shimadzu HPLC systems equipped with a Luna 5-µm C18 (2) 100 A, 150-mm × 2-mm analytical column were successfully applied for sample analyses. Infusion experiments were performed for adduct identification and analyte detection optimization. Sample preparation could be limited to a simple and fast protein precipitation/sample dilution. An effective signal-separated GHB quantification with three independent precursor ions representing separated areas of the mass spectrum was developed, validated according to forensic guidelines and applied in the routine. The developed and applied strategy resulted in a higher safety factor for the analyte quantification performed in the forensic toxicology. A relevant analytical improvement could be achieved with this alternative adduct-based GHB analysis since a good correlation of analyte concentrations calculated on the basis of separated signals was stated as useful analytical information.
‘Antisocial Behaviour, Unfriendly Relations’: Assessing the Contemporary Value of the Categories of Unfriendly Acts and Retorsion in International Law
Authors: McDonald Neil , McLeod Anna
Published: July 2021

This article considers the international law categories of unfriendly acts and retorsion in the modern context. To date, these categories articulating the freedoms that States enjoy below the threshold of international wrongfulness have received little attention in academic debate. But we consider both categories are of increasing relevance in the context of modern international conflict (in the broadest sense) and inter-State competition, particularly in relation to the regulation of hostile cyber activity between States. Unfriendly acts denotes State activity which, while lawful as a matter of international law, would nonetheless not be welcomed by the States it targets. Retorsion covers another sub-set of lawful but unfriendly State activity, substantively the same as unfriendly acts but done in response to prior unwelcome acts of other States. Having defined these categories, including by reference to a survey of contemporary State practice and judicial treatment, this article then considers why their utility and relevance to States are increasing. The article ends on the cautionary note that while unfriendly acts and retorsion may be increasingly necessary and desirable to States as international law tools as hostile activity occupies more of the space below forcible acts, they equally need to be properly understood and ‘handled with care’ by international lawyers, to ensure they are not bestowed with legal characteristics they do not possess, unduly constraining States in the process. The risk of misuse of these categories by States also needs to be kept in mind.
Relative Precision of the Sibship and LD Methods for Estimating Effective Population Size With Genomics-Scale Datasets
Authors: Waples Robin S
Published: July 2021

Computer simulations were used to compare relative precision of 2 widely used single-sample methods for estimating effective population size (Ne)—the sibship method and the linkage disequilibrium (LD) method. Emphasis is on performance when thousands of gene loci are used, which now can easily be achieved even for nonmodel species. Results show that unless Ne is very small, if at least 500–2000 diallelic loci are used, precision of the LD method is higher than the maximum possible precision for the sibship method, which occurs when all sibling relationships have been correctly identified. Results also show that when precision is high for both methods, their estimates of Ne are highly and positively correlated, which limits additional gains in precision that might be obtained by combining information from the 2 estimators.
Emerging neurotropic features of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhan Wen-Rong , Huang Jing , Zeng Peng-Ming , Tian Wei-Ya , Luo Zhen-Ge
Published: July 2021

The prevailing coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has presented some neurological manifestations including hyposmia, hypogeusia, headache, stroke, encephalitis, Guillain–Barre syndrome, and some neuropsychiatric disorders. Although several cell types in the brain express angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), the main SARS-CoV-2 receptor, and other related proteins, it remains unclear whether the observed neurological manifestations are attributed to virus invasion into the brain or just comorbidities caused by dysregulation of systemic factors. Here, we briefly review the neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2, summarize recent evidence for the potential neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2, and discuss the potential mechanisms of COVID-19-associated neurological diseases.
The virological impacts of SARS-CoV-2 D614G mutation
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Zheng You , Niu Zubiao , Jiang Xiaoyi , Sun Qiang
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019 has caused more than 140 million infections worldwide by the end of April 2021. As an enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, SARS-CoV-2 underwent constant evolution that produced novel variants carrying mutation conferring fitness advantages. The current prevalent D614G variant, with glycine substituted for aspartic acid at position 614 in the spike glycoprotein, is one of such variants that became the main circulating strain worldwide in a short period of time. Over the past year, intensive studies from all over the world had defined the epidemiological characteristics of this highly contagious variant and revealed the underlying mechanisms. This review aims at presenting an overall picture of the impacts of D614G mutation on virus transmission, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of D614G in virus pathogenicity, and providing insights into the development of effective therapeutics.
Efficacy of Brincidofovir in Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Recipients With Adenovirus Infections
Authors: Ehlert Karoline , Schulte Johannes H , Kühl Jörn-Sven , Lang Peter , Eggert Angelika , Voigt Sebastian
Published: July 2021

Background

Adenovirus (AdV) infections are of particular concern in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients as therapeutic options are limited. Brincidofovir (BCV) is the lipid-conjugated pro-drug of cidofovir (CDV) with oral bioavailability and higher intracellular concentrations of the active drug.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center analysis, we included allogeneic pediatric HSCT recipients with refractory AdV infections because of contraindications or insufficient response to CDV. Common posttransplant viruses were monitored at least weekly by PCR in blood, stool, and urine.

Results

Each of the 8 patients received 6 to 12 doses of BCV. BCV treatment was initiated between days +5 and +77. AdV DNAemia and intestinal AdV infection disappeared completely in 6/8 patients. Early AdV DNAemia before day +21 did not result in increased mortality. One patient with a systemic, acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 infection responded rapidly to BCV. Four patients did not survive. AdV infection-related death in 2 patients was accompanied by >1 × 109/mL AdV copy numbers in the blood. Two more patients died of graft-vs-host disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively, both not related to AdV.

Conclusions

AdV DNAemia and intestinal infection subsided completely in 75% of pediatric HSCT recipients treated with BCV. AdV DNAemia exceeding 1 × 109/mL and a poor lymphocyte recovery of <250/µL were associated with high mortality. Early AdV DNAemia before day +21, however, did not result in a worse outcome. Although access to BCV is currently suspended, further clinical trials are needed to clarify the role of BCV in HSCT recipients with AdV infections and its potential benefit in preventing AdV DNAemia in immunocompromised patients.
Economic assessment of urban space and blue-green infrastructure in Singapore
Authors: Lim Mabel , Xenarios Stefanos
Published: July 2021

The urban conglomeration has accentuated the role of urban greenery as a determinant factor for sustainable living, especially in highly dense cities. The country of Singapore has consistently attempted to develop and rehabilitate urban greenery by attempting to align the green space policy with the pursuit of better life quality. In this study, we assess the benefits arising from the rehabilitated Bishan-Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Park in north Singapore and the effects on economic welfare. The Bishan-AMK Park was initially constructed in the late 70 s as a drainage area for the avoidance of flooding incidents. In 2012, a pilot project was introduced to create a blue-green infrastructure (BGI) space for the provision of drainage and flood prevention but also for recreational and environmental improvement in the area. Yet, the benefits emerging from BGI are not well explored and still underestimated. To this extent, we evaluate selected services related to recreational, socio-cultural and tourism-related values by indicating the economic benefits from the introduction of BGI in condensed urban environments like Singapore. The findings indicate that the benefits deriving from the selected services could be within the range of US$100 million to US$220 million with a mean value of US$160 million per year by substantially contributing to human well-being. The assessment of environmental services can raise the awareness of residents and local authorities on the contribution of urban greenery to livelihoods and economic development in Singapore and similar densely populated areas.
Compromised ‘consent’ in Australian Family Law Proceedings
Authors: Kaye Miranda , Booth Tracey , Wangmann Jane
Published: July 2021

Most people whose relationships breakdown are able to reach agreement about parenting and financial matters outside the Australian family court system. Even for those parties who commence litigation, the emphasis remains on reaching an agreement with the vast majority of matters being resolved by consent orders rather than judicial determination. Reaching agreement in relation to parenting and property matters is stressful, and this stress is exacerbated once legal proceedings have commenced.

Drawing on data from a large study that explored the experiences of self-represented litigants (SRLs) in Australian family law proceedings involving allegations about family violence, this article examines the pressures experienced by female SRLs, who are victims of family violence, to consent to orders. These pressures include: judicial pressure, lawyers’ practices, fear of their former partner, and the financial and emotional costs of litigation. These pressures are significant and can impede the extent to which these agreements can be viewed as consensual. Participants reported that these significant and intersecting pressures resulted in them ‘agreeing’ to orders that they saw as unsafe, or financial orders that were less than they were entitled to. Whilst these orders are subject to judicial scrutiny; this study raises questions about the quality and utility of resultant consent orders.
Role of host galaxy in the formation of multiple stellar populations: analysis of NGC 1786 and NGC 1898
Authors: Vanaraj Viswajith , Niederhofer Florian , Goudfrooij Paul
Published: July 2021

Even after decades of research, the origin of multiple stellar populations in globular clusters (GCs) remains enigmatic. The question as to whether the galaxy environment plays a role in their formation remains unanswered. To that extent, we analysed two classical (>10 Gyr old) Large Magellanic Cloud GCs, NGC 1786 and NGC 1898, using imaging data from Hubble Space Telescope to compare and contrast them with ancient Galactic GCs to assess systematic differences that might exist between their abundance variations. We calculated their red giant branch width, subtracted the effect of metallicity, and compared it with the available data on Galactic GCs by plotting them against initial and current cluster mass. We see that the two clusters follow the same general trend as that of the Galactic GCs, and Galactic GCs from different progenitors follow the same general trend as one another, indicating that the galaxy environment may only play a minor role in the formation of multiple stellar populations within GCs.
V404 Cygni with Fermi-LAT
Authors: Harvey Max , Rulten Cameron B , Chadwick Paula M
Published: July 2021

We revisit the well-studied outburst of the low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) system V404 Cygni, and claims of γ-ray excesses observed with the Fermi-LAT instrument. Upon analysing an 11.5 yr data set with the 8-yr LAT point source catalogue and 8-yr background models, we find no evidence to suggest that there is high energy γ-ray emission during the outburst period (or at any other time) from V404 Cygni. This is due to the proximity of V404 Cygni to the γ-ray emitting blazar B2023+336, a luminous source approximately 0.3○ away, which causes source confusion at the position of V404 Cygni, the luminous γ-ray background, and the use of older background models and catalogues in previous studies.
Morphology of weak lensing convergence maps
Authors: Munshi D , Namikawa T , McEwen J D , Kitching T D , Bouchet F R
Published: July 2021

We study the morphology of convergence maps by perturbatively reconstructing their Minkowski functionals (MFs). We present a systematic study using a set of three generalized skew spectra as a function of source redshift and smoothing angular scale. These spectra denote the leading-order corrections to the Gaussian MFs in the quasi-linear regime. They can also be used as independent statistics to probe the bispectrum. Using an approach based on pseudo-Sℓs, we show how these spectra will allow the reconstruction of MFs in the presence of an arbitrary mask and inhomogeneous noise in an unbiased way. Our theoretical predictions are based on a recently introduced fitting function to the bispectrum. We compare our results against state-of-the-art numerical simulations and find an excellent agreement. The reconstruction can be carried out in a controlled manner as a function of angular harmonics ℓ and source redshift zs, which allows for a greater handle on any possible sources of non-Gaussianity. Our method has the advantage of estimating the topology of convergence maps directly using shear data. We also study weak lensing convergence maps inferred from cosmic microwave background observations, and we find that, though less significant at low redshift, the post-Born corrections play an important role in any modelling of the non-Gaussianity of convergence maps at higher redshift. We also study the cross-correlations of estimates from different tomographic bins.
TESS survey of rotational and pulsational variability of mercury–manganese stars
Authors: Kochukhov O , Khalack V , Kobzar O , Neiner C , Paunzen E , Labadie-Bartz J , David-Uraz A
Published: July 2021

Mercury–manganese (HgMn) stars are late-B upper main sequence chemically peculiar stars distinguished by large overabundances of heavy elements, slow rotation, and frequent membership in close binary systems. These stars lack strong magnetic fields typical of magnetic Bp stars but occasionally exhibit non-uniform surface distributions of chemical elements. The physical origin and the extent of this spot formation phenomenon remain unknown. Here, we use 2-min cadence light curves of 64 HgMn stars observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) during the first 2 yr of its operation to investigate the incidence of rotational modulation and pulsations among HgMn stars. We found rotational variability with amplitudes of 0.1–3 mmag in 84 per cent of the targets, indicating ubiquitous presence of star-spots on HgMn-star surfaces. Rotational period measurements reveal six fast-rotating stars with periods below 1.2 d, including one ultra-fast rotator (HD 14228) with a 0.34-d period. We also identify several HgMn stars showing multiperiodic g-mode pulsations, tidally induced variation and eclipses in binary systems.
An orbital release model for the Orion BN/KL fingers
Authors: Raga A C , Rivera-Ortiz P R , Cantó J , Rodríguez-González A , Castellanos-Ramírez A
Published: July 2021

We present a simple model in which the bullets that produce the ‘Orion fingers’ (ejected by the BN/KL object) are interpreted as protoplanets or low-mass protostars in orbit around a high-mass star that has a supernova explosion. As the remnant of the SN explosion has only a small fraction of the mass of the pre-supernova star, the orbiting objects then move away in free trajectories, preserving their orbital velocity at the time of release. We show that a system of objects arranged in approximately coplanar orbits results in trajectories with morphological and kinematical characteristics resembling the Orion fingers. We show that, under the assumption of constant velocity motions, the positions of the observed heads of the fingers can be used to reconstruct the properties of the orbital structure from which they originated, resulting in a compact disc with an outer radius of ∼2.4 au.
Sexual Antagonism, Temporally Fluctuating Selection, and Variable Dominance Affect a Regulatory Polymorphism in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Glaser-Schmitt Amanda , Wittmann Meike J , Ramnarine Timothy J S , Parsch John
Published: July 2021

Understanding how genetic variation is maintained within species is a major goal of evolutionary genetics that can shed light on the preservation of biodiversity. Here, we examined the maintenance of a regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the X-linked Drosophila melanogaster gene fezzik. The derived variant at this site is at intermediate frequency in many worldwide populations but absent in populations from the ancestral species range in sub-Saharan Africa. We collected and genotyped wild-caught individuals from a single European population biannually over a period of 5 years, which revealed an overall difference in allele frequency between the sexes and a consistent change in allele frequency across seasons in females but not in males. Modeling based on the observed allele and genotype frequencies suggested that both sexually antagonistic and temporally fluctuating selection may help maintain variation at this site. The derived variant is predicted to be female-beneficial and mostly recessive; however, there was uncertainty surrounding our dominance estimates and long-term modeling projections suggest that it is more likely to be dominant. By examining gene expression phenotypes, we found that phenotypic dominance was variable and dependent upon developmental stage and genetic background, suggesting that dominance may be variable at this locus. We further determined that fezzik expression and genotype are associated with starvation resistance in a sex-dependent manner, suggesting a potential phenotypic target of selection. By characterizing the mechanisms of selection acting on this SNP, our results improve our understanding of how selection maintains genetic and phenotypic variation in natural populations.
Ligand-mediated delivery of RNAi-based therapeutics for the treatment of oncological diseases
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed M , Kasinski Andrea L
Published: July 2021

RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics (miRNAs, siRNAs) have great potential for treating various human diseases through their ability to downregulate proteins associated with disease progression. However, the development of RNAi-based therapeutics is limited by lack of safe and specific delivery strategies. A great effort has been made to overcome some of these challenges resulting in development of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) ligands that are being used for delivery of siRNAs for the treatment of diseases that affect the liver. The successes achieved using GalNAc-siRNAs have paved the way for developing RNAi-based delivery strategies that can target extrahepatic diseases including cancer. This includes targeting survival signals directly in the cancer cells and indirectly through targeting cancer-associated immunosuppressive cells. To achieve targeting specificity, RNAi molecules are being directly conjugated to a targeting ligand or being packaged into a delivery vehicle engineered to overexpress a targeting ligand on its surface. In both cases, the ligand binds to a cell surface receptor that is highly upregulated by the target cells, while not expressed, or expressed at low levels on normal cells. In this review, we summarize the most recent RNAi delivery strategies, including extracellular vesicles, that use a ligand-mediated approach for targeting various oncological diseases.
The association between dietary patterns and the novel inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: a systematic review
Authors: English Carolyn J , Mayr Hannah L , Lohning Anna E , Reidlinger Dianne P
Published: July 2021

Context

Atherosclerosis is a disease of chronic inflammation. Recent research has identified 2 novel inflammatory biomarkers: platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Diet has been proposed as a mediator of inflammation, but to date, the focus for these novel biomarkers has been on individual foods and nutrients rather than overall dietary patterns.

Objective

To systematically review the literature on the association between dietary patterns and PAF and Lp-PLA2.

Data Sources

The PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL literature databases were searched.

Data Analysis

Study quality was evaluated using the Quality Criteria Checklist. Sixteen studies (n = 4 observational and n = 12 interventional) were included and assessed for associations between dietary patterns and PAF and Lp-PLA2.

Conclusion

Study quality varied from neutral (n = 10) to positive (n = 6). Mediterranean, heart healthy, and vegetarian dietary patterns were associated with improved levels of PAF and Lp-PLA2. Conversely, Western dietary patterns were less favorable. A range of well-established, healthier dietary patterns may lower inflammation and the risk of atherosclerosis. More well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify other dietary patterns that improve inflammation.
Beyond Surviving to Thriving: The Case for a ‘Compassion towards Thriving’ Approach in Public Mental Health Ethics
Authors: Bielby Phil
Published: July 2021

In this article, I argue for a novel understanding of compassion—what I call a ‘compassion towards thriving’ approach—to inform public mental health ethics. The argument is developed through two main parts. In the first part, I develop an account of compassion towards thriving that builds upon Martha Nussbaum’s philosophical work on compassion. This account expands the ambit of compassion from a focus on the alleviation of existing suffering to the prevention of potential future suffering through the facilitation of personal growth based on a ‘psychosocial’ understanding of mental health. In the second part of the article, I discuss the aims of public mental health and examine compassion towards thriving’s normative synergies with existing approaches in public health ethics. I explain how compassion towards thriving supports a vision of public health ethics which is concerned with solidarity, social justice and flourishing. I then apply this compassion towards thriving approach to evaluate the ‘Every Mind Matters’ public mental health campaign in England, highlighting its affinities with the ethos of the campaign. I also identify and explain two ways in which the application of a compassion towards thriving approach could enhance its delivery.
Daugavet Points in Projective Tensor Products
Authors: Dantas Sheldon , Jung Mingu , Rueda Zoca Abraham
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we are interested in studying when an element z in the projective tensor product $X {\widehat{\otimes}_\pi} Y$ turns out to be a Daugavet point. We prove first that, under some hypothesis, the assumption of $X {\widehat{\otimes}_\pi} Y$ having the Daugavet property implies the existence of a great amount of isometries from Y into X*. Having this in mind, we provide methods for constructing non-trivial Daugavet points in $X {\widehat{\otimes}_\pi} Y$. We show that C(K)-spaces are examples of Banach spaces such that the set of the Daugavet points in $C(K) {\widehat{\otimes}_\pi} Y$ is weakly dense when Y is a subspace of C(K)*. Finally, we present some natural results on when an elementary tensor $x \otimes y$ is a Daugavet point.
Risk, Risk Aversion, and Agricultural Technology Adoption ─ A Novel Valuation Method Based on Real Options and Inverse Stochastic Dominance
Authors: Spiegel Alisa , Britz Wolfgang , Finger Robert
Published: July 2021

Risk and risk preferences belong to the key determinants of investment-based technology adoption in agriculture. We develop and apply a novel approach in which an inverse second order stochastic dominance approach is integrated into a stochastic dynamic farm-level model to quantify the effect of both risk and risk aversion on the timing and scale of agricultural technology adoption. Our illustrative example on short rotation coppice adoption shows that risk aversion leads to technology adoption that takes place earlier, but to a smaller extent. In contrast, higher levels of risk exposure lead to postponed but overall larger adoption. These effects would be obscured if technology adoption is not analyzed in a farm-scale context or considered as a now-or-never decision, the still dominant approach in the literature.
An observation of the impact of tailored messages on participant non-compliance during Desire2Move
Authors: Davis Ashlee S , Wilson Kathryn E , Ellis Rebecca
Published: July 2021

We assessed the impact of tailored versus targeted messages on program non-compliance during Desire2Move (D2M), an 8-week eHealth program that promotes physical activity (PA). Participants recorded minutes of PA using MapMyFitness, which counted toward their departments’ PA total. Departments were randomized into the targeted messaging (TM) or tailored messaging (TM+) group based on participant-reported goals. Participants who did not provide a goal were assigned to the control group (CG). Eligible participants were employees from invited departments who were non-compliant for at least 1 week of D2M. Upon initial non-compliance, participants across groups received a targeted email message prompting program resumption. For subsequent non-compliance, the TM group continued to receive the same targeted message. The TM+ group received a message tailored to the participant’s program goal. The CG group did not receive additional messages. Participants (n = 149) were mostly female (68.5%), staff (44.3%), with an average age of 43.7 (SD = 11.1). Analyses revealed significant group differences in non-compliance between TM+ (M = 2.6, SD = 1.9) and TM (M = 4.0, SD = 2.1), F(16,88) = 3.4, p < .01; d = .64, and between TM+ (M = 2.6, SD = 1.9) and CG (M = 3.8, SD = 2.1), F(1,74) = 13.3, p < .01; d = .56. There was no significant group difference between TM and CG, F(1,80) = 0.1, p = .75; d = .02. Tailored messages improved individual program compliance. More research is needed to assess the relationship between program compliance and PA behavior change.
Predicting healthcare-seeking behavior based on stated readiness to act: development and validation of a prediction model
Authors: Green Eric P , Pradheep Shyam , Heinzelman Jessica , Nyanchoka Anne , Achieng Daphine , Goyal Siddhartha , Cusson Laura , Kurz A Solomon , Bellows Benjamin
Published: July 2021

A starting point of many digital health interventions informed by the Stages of Change Model of behavior change is assessing a person’s readiness to change. In this paper, we use the concept of readiness to develop and validate a prediction model of health-seeking behavior in the context of family planning. We conducted a secondary analysis of routinely collected, anonymized health data submitted by 4,088 female users of a free health chatbot in Kenya. We developed a prediction model of (future) self-reported action by randomly splitting the data into training and test data sets (80/20, stratified by the outcome). We further split the training data into 10 folds for cross-validating the hyperparameter tuning step in model selection. We fit nine different classification models and selected the model that maximized the area under the receiver operator curve. We then fit the selected model to the full training dataset and evaluated the performance of this model on the holdout test data. The model predicted who will visit a family planning provider in the future with high precision (0.93) and moderate recall (0.75). Using the Stages of Change framework, we concluded that 29% of women were in the “Preparation” stage, 21% were in the “Contemplation” stage, and 50% were in the “Pre-Contemplation” stage. We demonstrated that it is possible to accurately predict future healthcare-seeking behavior based on information learned during the initial encounter. Models like this may help intervention developers to tailor strategies and content in real-time.
Temperature memory and non-structural carbohydrates mediate legacies of a hot drought in trees across the southwestern USA
Authors: Peltier Drew M P , Guo Jessica , Nguyen Phiyen , Bangs Michael , Wilson Michelle , Samuels-Crow Kimberly , Yocom Larissa L , Liu Yao , Fell Michael K , Shaw John D , Auty David , Schwalm Christopher , Anderegg William R L , Koch George W , Litvak Marcy E , Ogle Kiona
Published: July 2021

Trees are long-lived organisms that integrate climate conditions across years or decades to produce secondary growth. This integration process is sometimes referred to as ‘climatic memory.’ While widely perceived, the physiological processes underlying this temporal integration, such as the storage and remobilization of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), are rarely explicitly studied. This is perhaps most apparent when considering drought legacies (perturbed post-drought growth responses to climate), and the physiological mechanisms underlying these lagged responses to climatic extremes. Yet, drought legacies are likely to become more common if warming climate brings more frequent drought. To quantify the linkages between drought legacies, climate memory and NSC, we measured tree growth (via tree ring widths) and NSC concentrations in three dominant species across the southwestern USA. We analyzed these data with a hierarchical mixed effects model to evaluate the time-scales of influence of past climate (memory) on tree growth. We then evaluated the role of climate memory and the degree to which variation in NSC concentrations were related to forward-predicted growth during the hot 2011–2012 drought and subsequent 4-year recovery period. Populus tremuloides exhibited longer climatic memory compared to either Pinus edulis or Juniperus osteosperma, but following the 2011–2012 drought, P. tremuloides trees with relatively longer memory of temperature conditions showed larger (more negative) drought legacies. Conversely, Pinus edulis trees with longer temperature memory had smaller (less negative) drought legacies. For both species, higher NSC concentrations followed more negative (larger) drought legacies, though the relevant NSC fraction differed between P. tremuloides and P. edulis. Our results suggest that differences in tree NSC are also imprinted upon tree growth responses to climate across long time scales, which also underlie tree resilience to increasingly frequent drought events under climate change.
Evolution and phylogeny of glass-sponge-associated zoantharians, with a description of two new genera and three new species
Authors: Kise Hiroki , Montenegro Javier , Santos Maria E A , Hoeksema Bert W , Ekins Merrick , Ise Yuji , Higashiji Takuo , Fernandez-Silva Iria , Reimer James D
Published: July 2021

Hexactinellid sponges are important members of deep-sea benthic ecosystems because they provide available hard substrate habitats for filter-feeding invertebrates. However, symbioses between hexactinellid sponges and their symbionts are poorly known. Zoantharians associated with hexactinellid sponges have been reported widely from deep-sea marine ecosystems, either on the bodies or stalks of hexactinellid sponges. Despite these records, there has been a lack of research on their diversity and phylogenetic relationships. In this study, 20 specimens associated with amphidiscophoran and hexasterophoran sponges were collected from the waters of Australia and Japan in the Pacific, and from Curaçao in the southern Caribbean, and these were examined in addition to museum specimens. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological observations, we formally describe two new genera and three new species of Zoantharia and report several previously described species. The results suggest at least two independent origins for the symbioses between hexactinellid sponges and zoantharians. Our results demonstrate that the diversity of hexactinellid sponge-associated zoantharians is much higher than has been previously thought. The new taxa described in this work further reconfirm that the deep-sea harbours high levels of undescribed zoantharian diversity.
Review of Pythium Species Causing Damping-Off in Corn
Authors: Bickel John T. , Koehler Alyssa M.
Published: July 2021

Seedling blights and root rots caused by Pythium species account for almost US$25 million in annual losses to corn (Zea mays) production in the United States and Ontario. Variations in annual rainfall and increasing use of no-till agriculture can favor soilborne pathogens like Pythium. To date, 44 species have been reported as pathogenic to corn in the United States. The average annual corn planting date in the United States has shifted approximately 1 week earlier in the past decade, exposing young corn plants to longer germination periods of generally cooler temperatures, favoring attack by Pythium. Optimal temperatures, aggressiveness, and response to chemical and biological treatment options vary by species. This review consolidates the species of Pythium reported as corn pathogens in literature to date. It also provides an insight into management strategies and discusses variations in fungicide sensitivity observed in corn-related Pythium species.
First Report of Mycosphaerella dearnessii, Teleomorph of Lecanosticta acicola, in Europe
Authors: Mesanza Nebai , Hernández Mónica , Raposo Rosa , Iturritxa Eugenia
Published: July 2021

Conifers severely affected by brown needle blight disease caused by the ascomycete Lecanosticta acicola (Thüm.) Syd. show defoliation, reduced growth, and death. Although L. acicola has been known in Europe since 1942, its teleomorph, Mycosphaerella dearnessii Rostrup, has not yet been found. In this brief, we address the occurrence of Mycosphaerella dearnessii in dead needles cast from Pinus radiata D. Don collected in the north of Spain (Basque country). To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. dearnessii, teleomorph of L. acicola, in Europe.
Admission Hyperglycemia Is a Risk Factor for Deep Surgical-Site Infection in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients
Authors: Anderson Braden M. , Wise Brent T. , Joshi Manjari , Castillo Renan , O'Toole Robert V. , Richards Justin E.
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To evaluate the association of admission blood glucose ≥200 mg/dL and surgical site infection in orthopaedic trauma surgery.

Design:

Retrospective, case control study.

Setting:

Academic trauma center.

Patients:

Four hundred sixty-five nondiabetic, noncritically ill orthopaedic trauma patients with an extremity, pelvic, or acetabular fracture and requiring open reduction and internal fixation or intramedullary nailing.

Intervention:

None.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Ninety-day deep surgical site infection.

Results:

Admission blood glucose ≥200 mg/dL was significantly associated with the primary outcome (8/128, 6.3% vs. 35/337, 1.8%; P = 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression modeling demonstrated that admission blood glucose ≥200 mg/dL was a significant risk factor for deep surgical site infections [odds ratio (OR): 4.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–15.7], after controlling for male gender (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–3.1), prior drug or alcohol abuse (OR: 1.9, 95% CI 0.9–4.0), open fracture (OR: 6.4, 95% CI 3.7–11.0), and fracture region (upper extremity OR: reference; pelvis/hip OR: 3.9, 95% CI 1.6–9.7; femur OR: 2.0, 95% CI 0.88–4.8; tibia/ankle OR: 3.3, 95% CI 1.7–6.2; and foot OR: 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.3).

Conclusions:

Admission glucose ≥200 mg/dL was a significant independent risk factor for 90-day deep surgical site infections in orthopaedic trauma patients and may serve as an important marker for infection risk.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Periprosthetic Supracondylar Femoral Fractures Above a Total Knee Replacement: An Updated Compatibility and Technique Guide for Fixation With a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail
Authors: Gerow Daniel E. , Ross Hunter L. , Bodrogi Andrew , Johnson Kory J. , Endres Terrence J.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Multiple studies have described retrograde nailing as a treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures (OTA/AO type 33A-C) above total knee replacements (TKRs). It is often difficult to discern which TKRs will be compatible with intramedullary nailing because the femoral component design and intercondylar distance is highly variable among total knee designs. The goal of our study is 3-fold: (1) Review and update previous work of intercondylar distances of all currently available prostheses in the United States. (2) Review retrograde nails currently on the market and associated driving end to nail shaft diameter mismatch and opening reamer sizing. (3) Review technical tricks for executing a retrograde femoral nail for the treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures.

Methods:

Data for the intercondylar distance of the femoral components, diameter of retrograde nails and reamers, and notch compatibility were gathered.

Results:

The results were compiled and recorded. A “technical tricks” section was included that highlights reduction and fixation techniques.

Conclusions:

This update further empowers surgeons to use all the tools available when treating periprosthetic femur fractures and allows efficient identification of the compatibility of different TKR designs with various intramedullary nails.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Liposomes, new carriers for delivery of genes and anticancer drugs: a systematic review
Authors: Salari Nader , Rasoulpoor Shna , Valipour Elahe , Mansouri Kamran , Bartina Yalda , Dokaneheifard Sadat , Mohammadi Masoud , Abam Farzaneh
Published: July 2021

Today, nanoscience has grown and developed in various fields of medicine and treatment, including cancer treatment. Currently, the existing treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cause side effects that are unpleasant to the patient. Due to the fact that anticancer drugs cause severe and widespread side effects, liposomes are considered as new drug carriers to minimize the untimely destruction of the drug when it is delivered to the target tissue and to prevent the side effects of toxic drugs. This systematic review study examined the importance of using liposomes as new drug carriers for the delivery of genes and anticancer drugs. The articles published in English in the databases of Google scholar, WoS, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and science direct were reviewed. According to the results of this study, a new targeted nanosystem has been used for loading and delivering anticancer drugs, genes and controlled drug release which has a significant therapeutic effect compared to the same amount of free drug. In general, liposomal systems have been considered because of their capability in preserving the effect of the drug along with reducing the side effects and toxicity of the drug, especially in the case of anticancer drugs. Accumulation of the drug in a target tissue which results in a reduction of the drug entry into other tissues is the main reason for reducing the side effects of these drugs.
Low-dose ipilimumab combined with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in patients with metastatic melanoma following anti-PD-1 treatment failure
Authors: Klee Gina , Kurzhals Jonas , Hagelstein Victoria , Zillikens Detlef , Recke Andreas , Langan Ewan A. , Terheyden Patrick
Published: July 2021

Combined immunotherapy is associated with a significant risk of severe and potentially fatal immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the side profile and efficacy of low-dose ipilimumab (1 mg/kg, IPI1) combined with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in patients who progressed after anti-PD-1 monotherapy. Nine patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma treated with combined low-dose ipilimumab (1 mg/kg, IPI1) and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, following progression after anti-PD-1 treatment, were identified. Treatment response and irAEs were recorded. Grade 3 irAEs occurred in one-third of patients. Interestingly, there were no grade 4 or 5 irAEs. In fact, four out of the nine patients experienced no irAEs at all. One patient discontinued combined immunotherapy due to immune-related colitis. The mean time to the onset of grade 3 irAEs was 14.3 weeks. The objective response rate was 33.3% and a disease control rate of 66.7% was achieved. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.7 months and median overall survival (OS) was 21.6 months. The median PFS when IPI1 and anti-PD-1 treatment was administered in the second-line setting was not reached, but only 2.8 months when used in subsequent treatment settings. Combined IPI1 and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy was well tolerated. Its use in the third-line or above setting was associated with a significantly poorer prognosis than in the second-line setting. Larger, prospective studies are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this dosing regimen following anti-PD-1 treatment failure.
Proteomic profiles of melanoma cell-derived exosomes in plasma: discovery of potential biomarkers of melanoma progression
Authors: Mondal Sujan Kumar , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: July 2021

Cancer liquid biopsy encompassing circulating tumor cells (CTC), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and/or tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) emerges as a novel approach to early detection, noninvasive monitoring of responses to therapy and predicting patient survival. TEX are a key component of liquid biopsy because they mimic tumor cells in their proteomic and genetic content. Two recent proteomic analyses of TEX released into plasma by melanoma cells confirms the potential of TEX as diagnostic and prognostic markers in melanoma.