bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real Wages of Saltpetre Workers after the Crisis: A Critique on Methodological Centralism (Chile, 1932–1960)
Authors: Casanova Mauricio
Published: August 2021

This research shows that after the global economic crisis of 1929, the fall in real wages of saltpetre workers was not as severe as previous literature suggests. In comparative terms, the nitrate sector did not lag behind and the true crisis, as far as wages are concerned, did not take place until the early 1960s. It is argued that previous literature has overlooked the importance of those who stayed in the nitrate industries after the economic crisis due to a historiographical attitude that could be termed as ‘methodological centralism’: the idea that regional realities are only relevant when they are connected to the state‐making process.
Design and Evaluation of Visualization Techniques to Facilitate Argument Exploration
Authors: Khartabil D. , Collins C. , Wells S. , Bach B. , Kennedy J.
Published: August 2021

This paper reports the design and comparison of three visualizations to represent the structure and content within arguments. Arguments are artifacts of reasoning widely used across domains such as education, policy making, and science. Anargumentis made up of sequences of statements (premises) which can support or contradict each other, individually or in groups through Boolean operators. Understanding the resulting hierarchical structure of arguments while being able to read the arguments' text poses problems related to overview, detail, and navigation. Based on interviews with argument analysts we iteratively designed three techniques, each using combinations of tree visualizations (sunburst, icicle), content display (in‐situ, tooltip) and interactive navigation. Structured discussions with the analysts show benefits of each these techniques; for example, sunburst being good in presenting overview but showing arguments in‐situ is better than pop‐ups. A controlleduser study with 21 participants and three tasks shows complementary evidence suggesting that a sunburst with pop‐up for the content is the best trade‐off solution. Our results can inform visualizations within existing argument visualization tools and increase the visibility of ‘novel‐and‐effective’ visualizations in the argument visualization community.
Association between aspirin‐induced hemoglobin decline and outcome after acute ischemic stroke in G6PD‐deficient patients
Authors: Chen Yicong , Li Jianle , Ou Zilin , Zhang Yusheng , Liang Zhijian , Deng Weisheng , Huang Weixian , Ouyang Fubing , Yu Jian , Xing Shihui , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: August 2021

Aims

The risk of hemoglobin decline induced by low‐dose aspirin in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency remains unknown, and its influence on stroke outcome remains to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of G6PD deficiency on hemoglobin level during aspirin treatment and its association with outcome after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

In total, 279 patients (40 G6PD‐deficient and 239 G6PD‐normal) with acute ischemic stroke treated with aspirin 100 mg/day from a cohort study were examined. The primary safety endpoint was a hemoglobin decline ≥25 g/L or 25% from baseline within 14 days after aspirin treatment. Poor outcomes were defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≥2 at 3 months. The χ2 test was used to compare stroke outcomes, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the association between hemoglobin level and outcomes.

Results

The G6PD‐deficient group had lower baseline hemoglobin and tended to develop comorbid pulmonary infection more frequently (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients with hemoglobin decline ≥25 g/L or 25% from baseline (15.0% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.006) and anemia (30.0% vs. 14.6%; p = 0.016) after aspirin treatment was higher in the G6PD‐deficient group, which was accompanied by a more significant bilirubin increase. The rate of poor functional outcomes at 3 months after acute ischemic stroke was higher in the G6PD‐deficient group (Risk ratio = 1.31 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.56]; p = 0.017). Confounder‐adjusted analysis showed that lower hemoglobin levels (odds ratio = 0.98 [95% CI = 0.96–0.99]; adjusted p = 0.009) increased the risk of poor functional outcomes.

Conclusion

Hemoglobin decrease with bilirubin increase after aspirin treatment in patients with G6PD deficiency suggests hemolysis, which may influence stroke prognosis. The risk of hemoglobin decline should be carefully monitored in G6PD‐deficient patients with ischemic stroke taking aspirin.
The sector is ready, and the community needs Australian alcohol and other drug treatment services to ask about sexuality and gender identity
Authors: Freestone Jack , Mooney‐Somers Julie , Hudson Suzie
Published: August 2021

Sexuality and gender diverse Australians are a priority population in federal and state‐based alcohol and other drug (AOD) strategies. Research evidence shows higher prevalence of AOD use by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, riskier use and a higher proportion have accessed AOD treatment. Despite these disparities, Australian AOD treatment services do not routinely collect data on sexuality or gender identity. As a result, the treatment needs, experiences and outcomes of LGBTQ people remain largely invisible. The Australian Bureau of Statistics' recently released standardised indicators for the recording of sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics and sexual orientation presents an opportunity for the AOD sector to implement inclusive data collection as a foundational step towards achieving policy priorities for LGBTQ people. This commentary includes an implementation case study from the New South Wales non‐government AOD treatment sector, where sexuality and gender identity indicators have been collected since 2016.
Neuroimaging findings in children with cerebral palsy with autism and/or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a population‐based study
Authors: PÅhlman Magnus , Gillberg Christopher , Himmelmann Kate
Published: August 2021

Aim

To compare neuroimaging patterns according to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification System (MRICS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with and without autism and/or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method

This population‐based study assessed 184 children (97 males, 87 females) with CP born from 1999 to 2006 from the CP register of western Sweden, who had completed comprehensive screening and clinical assessment for neuropsychiatric disorders and undergone neuroimaging.

Results

Autism (total prevalence 30%) and ADHD (31%) were common in all neuroimaging patterns, including normal. Autism and ADHD were not more prevalent in children with bilateral than unilateral lesions, contrary to other associated impairments. Children with predominant white matter injury, related to insults in the late second or early third trimester, had the highest prevalence of autism (40%). Children who had sustained a middle cerebral artery infarction had the highest prevalence of ADHD (62%).

Interpretation

Although autism and ADHD are common regardless of neuroimaging patterns, timing and localization of insult appear to be of importance for the occurrence of autism and ADHD in children with CP. Neuroimaging may be of prognostic value for these associated impairments. Further in‐depth neuroimaging studies may lead to a better understanding of the association between CP and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Teaching Spreadsheet‐Based Analysis of Multisource Continuous Facility Location Problems
Authors: Brusco Michael
Published: August 2021

The center‐of‐gravity, Weber, and rectilinear minisum problems are common exemplars in single‐facility (single‐source) continuous location theory and the first of these is covered in many operations management (OM) textbooks. Extensions to multiple‐facility (or multisource) continuous location problems are seldom covered in OM textbooks. I have developed an Excel workbook for analyzing multisource extensions of each of the three single‐source location problems. The workbook can be used in OM courses for several purposes, which include: (i) illustrating the basic principles of single‐source continuous location theory, (ii) highlighting solution differences that might result from different assumptions concerning distance measurement, and, most importantly, (iii) demonstrating the more complex multisource continuous location problems that require positioning of multiple‐source facilities and the assignment of demand sites to those facilities.
Temporal dynamics of freshwater fish assemblages, their background and methods of quantifications—A synthesis
Authors: Czeglédi István , Specziár András , Erős Tibor
Published: August 2021

The temporal dynamics of biotic communities have been widely examined by ecologists. However, systematic reviews on how habitat features, sampling and data evaluation influence temporal patterns are rather sporadic. Here, we reviewed 307 peer‐reviewed scientific articles to characterize the methods and the approaches, as well as to identify the knowledge gaps in the assessment of the temporal dynamics of freshwater fish assemblages with special regard to their stability patterns. The number of publications increased exponentially over decades. We revealed a highly uneven distribution of the studies among continents and ecosystems with a dominant number of papers derived from North America and Europe, and from lotic systems, especially. We also found large variability among studies even within similar habitat types in the examined spatial and temporal scales, sampling methods used, examined assemblage attributes, potential stressors and data analyses. Several knowledge gaps, such as the limited number of large‐scale studies, the insufficient knowledge on the long‐term dynamics of early life history stages and on trait‐based assemblage organization, were highlighted. For enabling meaningful comparisons of fish assemblage dynamics in space and time, further developments in standardization procedures are needed across sampling and data evaluation possibilities. Publicly accessible long‐term data sets with more details on sampling and environmental parameters would also be critically important to determine the effect of a variety of factors on the stability vs. variability of fish assemblages.
Perceived stress and pain severity in individuals with chronic migraine: A longitudinal cohort study using daily prospective diary data
Authors: Vives‐Mestres Marina , Casanova Amparo , Hershey Andrew D. , Orr Serena L.
Published: August 2021

Objective

We aimed to describe patterns of peak attack severity from day‐to‐day, and in relation to same‐day perceived stress, in individuals with chronic migraine (CM).

Background

Although changes in perceived stress are often believed to trigger attacks, little is known about the relationship between perceived stress and attack severity, and about the role of perceived stress in the day‐to‐day experience of individuals with CM, as opposed to those with less frequent attacks.

Methods

This was an observational prospective longitudinal cohort study among adults with CM. Daily data about headache, symptoms, and lifestyle factors were collected using the N1‐Headache™ digital health platform for 90 days. Days were classified as “migraine days” when a headache occurred that met the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria. Perceived stress was measured using a 0–10 rating scale. On migraine days, peak pain severity was recorded on a four‐point categorical pain scale. Participant‐level plots of daily peak severity, colored by perceived stress score, were generated. The relationship between peak severity and perceived stress was also modeled and adjusted for sex, age, continuous headache, presence of menstrual bleeding, day of the week, and disability.

Results

Data on 136 participants with 8216 migraine days were analyzed. Sixty‐nine percent (94/136) of participants reported the same peak severity on the majority (≥50%) of their migraine days. For every one unit increase in perceived stress, the odds of reporting a higher peak severity were 10% higher (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.10 [1.07–1.14]). The inclusion of random effects for the intercept and slope improved the model and demonstrated that there were large differences in individuals’ reporting of peak severity and in the relationship between perceived stress and peak severity.

Conclusion

Individuals with CM report distinct patterns of peak severity from day‐to‐day. Although overall higher perceived stress was associated with higher peak severity, there is a substantial amount of variation between individuals in this relationship.
Statin gap in patients living with HIV: assessing dose appropriateness
Authors: Pincus Kathleen J. , Blackman Alison L. , Suen Samuel Y. , Devabhakthuni Sandeep , Gale Stormi , Noel Zachary R. , Seung Hyunuk , Pandit Neha Sheth
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Patients living with HIV (PLWH) are predisposed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), resulting in concomitant antiretroviral and statin use. A statin prescribing gap for PLWH has been reported, but appropriateness of statin selection and dosing (ASD) has not been described.

Methods

This is a comparative, retrospective study reviewing ASD in PLWH vs. uninfected patients at two outpatient clinics within an academic medical centre. Adults > 21 years old indicated for statin therapy were included. The primary outcome was percentage of PLWH prescribed an appropriately dosed statin, accounting for clinical‐ and patient‐related variables, compared with uninfected patients. The secondary outcome was to identify patient characteristics associated with inappropriately dosed statins.

Results

After propensity score matching, 879 PLWH and 879 uninfected patients were included for analysis. Fewer PLWH (27.8%, n = 244) were prescribed an ASD compared with uninfected patients (40.5%, n = 356, P < 0.001). Similar rates of statin omission were seen in both populations (P = 0.11). More PLWH received too low a dose compared with the uninfected population (P < 0.0064). There were lower ASD rates in PLWH for subgroups of patients with clinical ASCVD (P = 0.00013) and 10‐year ASCVD risk ≥7.5% (P = 0.00055), but not in patients with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥190 mg/dL or diabetes.

Conclusions

Although a statin gap exists in both PLWH and uninfected patients, the clinical significance may be greater for PLWH given the increased risk of ASCVD. This study confirms a larger statin gap in PLWH, particularly when underdosing of statin medications is considered. Additional analysis is warranted to investigate reasons for the ASD gap and beneficial clinical interventions.
The three as: Alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation and their impact on apoptosis in immune function
Authors: Blake Davia , Lynch Kristen W.
Published: August 2021

The latest advances in next‐generation sequencing studies and transcriptomic profiling over the past decade have highlighted a surprising frequency of genes regulated by RNA processing mechanisms in the immune system. In particular, two control steps in mRNA maturation, namely alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation, are now recognized to occur in the vast majority of human genes. Both have the potential to alter the identity of the encoded protein, as well as control protein abundance or even protein localization or association with other factors. In this review, we will provide a summary of the general mechanisms by which alternative splicing (AS) and alternative polyadenylation (APA) occur, their regulation within cells of the immune system, and their impact on immunobiology. In particular, we will focus on how control of apoptosis by AS and APA is used to tune cell fate during an immune response.
DNM3OS regulates GAPDH expression and influences the molecular pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Dong Xiaoyu , Cong Shuyan
Published: August 2021

Emerging studies have suggested that dysregulated long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) including Huntington's disease (HD); however, the pathophysiological mechanism by which lncRNA dysregulation participates in HD remains to be elucidated. Here, we aim to analyse the expression of lncRNA‐DNM3OS and identify the possible DNM3OS/miR‐196b‐5p/GAPDH pathway. PC12 cells induced by rat pheochromocytoma expressing HD gene exon 1 fragment with either 23 or 74 polyglutamine repeats fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) were cultured. Our results show that GAPDH and DNM3OS were upregulated in HD PC12 cells, downregulation of which lead to inhibition of aggregate formation accompanied by a decreased apoptosis rate and increased relative ROS levels and cell viability. Moreover, upregulated DNM3OS decreased the expression of miR‐196b‐5p by sponging, and GAPDH was a direct target of miR‐196b‐5p, playing an important pathogenic role in the formation of aggregates in the HD cell model. Our study uncovers a novel DNM3OS/miR‐196b‐5p/GAPDH pathway involved in the molecular pathogenesis of HD, which may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for HD.
Advances in peeling techniques for fresh produce
Authors: Kohli Deepika , Champawat Padam Singh , Mudgal Vishwambhar Dayal , Jain Sanjay Kumar , Tiwari Brijesh K.
Published: August 2021

Peeling is a significant stage of post‐harvest processing of fruits or vegetables. The most adopted peeling methods are mechanical, steam, chemical, and manual peeling. Apart from these methods, some other methods such as enzymatic, infrared, and some methods like ohmic heating, ultrasound‐assisted lye peeling, and pulse electric field‐assisted steam peeling are also used. To concern the freshness of the product, manual peeling is the most ideal method but it consumes an inefficient amount of time and physical labor. Mechanical method consumes less time and under this process, the collected peel can be utilized in the by‐product stream. Lye peeling is an efficient method but the disposal of lye after the process is an environmental concern. Adjusting this system to include ultrasound, ohmic heating and CO2 laser drilling coupled with moderate electric fields can be used to reduce the lye requirement. Enzymatic peeling produces good quality products with low waste but can only be applied to fruits whose distinct separation of peel from the flesh is needed. PEF‐assisted steam peeling helps immensely in terms of cost‐saving by reducing the high use of steam. Infrared dry‐peeling only heats the superficial layer of fruits and possesses minimal effect in an edible inner portion of fruit. It uses less time with low peeling loss, high peelability, high peeling yields, thin skin is peeled‐off, but needs more research to justify industry implementation. In conclusion, the novel method assisted peeling can be used to save the time, environment, and quality of the fruit or vegetables.

Practical applications

Peeling is the primary post‐harvest process applies to the group of foods and it is crucial to have minimal damage to the products at this stage. For utilization of the peeling process in any processing, the knowledge of the all available and efficient peeling process for the individual fruit or vegetable is necessary. The main objective of the review is to outline the applicable current and novel peeling techniques for the commodities with their process conditions, mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages.
A skeleton in the cupboard in ghrelin research: Where are the skinny dwarfs?
Authors: Peris‐Sampedro Fiona , Le May Marie V. , Stoltenborg Iris , Schéle Erik , Dickson Suzanne L.
Published: August 2021

Based on studies delivering ghrelin or ghrelin receptor agonists, we have learned a great deal about the importance of the brain ghrelin signalling system for a wide range of physiological processes that include feeding behaviours, growth hormone secretion and glucose homeostasis. Because these processes can be considered as essential to life, the question arises as to why mouse models of depleted ghrelin signalling are not all skinny dwarfs with a host of behavioural and metabolic problems. Here, we provide a systematic detailed review of the phenotype of mice with deficient ghrelin signalling to help better understand the relevance and importance of the brain ghrelin signalling system, with a particular emphasis on those questions that remain unanswered.
The impact of a tailored mindfulness‐based program for resident physicians on distress and the quality of care: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fendel Johannes C. , Aeschbach Vanessa M. , Schmidt Stefan , Göritz Anja S.
Published: August 2021

Background

Many resident physicians suffer from distress, which endangers their individual health and the quality of care.

Objective

To examine the impact of a tailored mindfulness‐based program (MBP) for resident physicians on distress and the quality of care.

Methods

A single‐centre, two‐armed, longitudinal randomised controlled trial. The intervention group took part in an 8‐week, tailored MBP that included a coursebook. The MBP was followed by a 4‐month maintenance phase. The active control group received the coursebook for self‐study. Assessments were at baseline (t0, 0 months), after the intervention (t1, 2 months), after the maintenance phase (t2, 6 months), and at follow‐up (t3, 12 months). The primary outcome was a change in burnout at t2. Secondary outcomes included perceived stress, mental distress, perceived job strain, depression, anxiety, hair cortisol secretion, self‐reported medical errors and third‐party ratings by patients, supervisors and colleagues.

Results

Seventy‐six participants were randomised to the intervention and 71 to the control group. The intervention group showed greater improvements in the primary outcome (burnout at t2, d = 0.32, p = 0.046), in perceived stress (d = 0.31, p = 0.046) and perceived job strain (d = 0.33, p = 0.026) at t1, and in supervisor rated empathy (d = 0.71, p = 0.037) and colleague rated attentiveness (d = 0.85, p = .006) at t2. There was no difference between groups in the other outcomes.

Conclusion

A tailored MBP for resident physicians improved burnout and might have improved other aspects of distress and the quality of care.
Effects of therapeutic exercise and aerobic exercise programmes on pain, anxiety and oral health‐related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Moleirinho‐Alves Paula Manuela Mendes , Almeida André Mariz Coelho Santos de , Exposto Fernado Gustavo , Oliveira Raul Alexandre Nunes da Silva , Pezarat‐Correia Pedro Luís Camecelha de
Published: August 2021

Background

Pain and anxiety contribute to decreasing quality of life related to oral health in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Evidence‐based practice has shown that therapeutic and aerobic exercise programmes are adequate strategies for modifying these factors.

Objective

To assess the effects of aerobic exercise on pain, anxiety and quality of life related to oral health in patients with TMD.

Methods

Forty‐five patients diagnosed with TMD were divided into three groups of 15 participants: a therapeutic exercise programme (G1, mean 26.9 ± 5.5 years), a therapeutic and aerobic exercise programme (G2, mean 26 ± 4.4 years) and an aerobic exercise programme (G3, mean 24.9 ± 3.4 years). Pain intensity was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS), anxiety level and quality of life related to oral health through GAD‐7 and OHIP‐14, respectively. These parameters were evaluated twice at baseline (T0a/T0b), ending 8‐week intervention period (T1) and 8–12 weeks after ending intervention (T2).

Results

NRS significantly decreased in G1 (mean difference T0a/T1 = 5.2, p ˂ .001), G2 (mean difference T0a/T1 = 6.0, p ˂ .001) and G3 (mean difference T0a/T1 = 2.2, p = 0.001). OHIP‐14 significantly decreased in G1 (mean difference T0a/T1 = 13.5, p ˂ .001) and G2 (mean difference T0a/T1 = 15.8, p ˂ 0.001) but not in G3 (mean difference T0a/T1 = 1.2, p = 0.55). There were no significant differences between groups regarding GAD‐7. Between T1 and T2, there were no significant differences in variables.

Conclusion

Therapeutic exercises and therapeutic excercises combined with aerobic exercise groups had a significant decrease in pain and oral health‐related quality of life at 8 and 12 weeks. These decreases were not seen for the aerobic exercise group.
Generalist, selective or ‘mixed’ foragers? Feeding strategies of two tropical toads across suburban habitats
Authors: Petrozzi F. , Akani G. C. , Eniang E. A. , Ajong S. N. , Funk S. M. , Fa J. E. , Amadi N. , Dendi D. , Luiselli L.
Published: August 2021

Suitable habitats for anurans can be found in the ever‐growing tropical urban environments but anurans' adaptations to urban conditions, including their trophic ecology remain largely unknown. We studied the food habits of two generalist, widespread West African Sclerophrys adult toads: African common (Sclerophrys regularis) and Hallowell's toad (Sclerophrys maculata). The first was studied in Lomé (Togo), Cotonou (Benin) and Ikeja (Nigeria), and the second in Port Harcourt and Ikeja (both Nigeria); the latter city represents the only studied sympatric occurrence. Mean dietary overlap between population pairs was relatively high, and diet composition of the two species when sympatric did not differ significantly. Food niche width was significantly positively correlated with local rainfall in both species, and diet composition changed significantly between the dry and wet seasons. Diversity metrics revealed that females had a more diversified diet, with higher evenness and lower dominance index values than males. The diet of both species was not correlated to prey type availability, in both the wet and dry season. Both toad species targeted specific food items rather than opportunistically consume prey as observed in most anurans which may be a response to high anuran diversity typically found in the tropics or an adjustment to urban habitats.
Conducting qualitative research in the new norms: Are we ready?
Authors: Abdul Rashid Nor'ain , Lee Khuan , Jamil Nurul Akma
Published: August 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has considerably hampered research practices, putting many research activities on hold. Researchers may experience difficulties arising from the unprecedented challenge, specifically during the data collection process. The main difficulties include delayed projects due to the movement control order imposed by the government. However, the advancement of information technology and the broad use of smartphones have favorable implications on qualitative research during the pandemic. This article is based on two qualitative researchers' experience doing fieldwork, specifically the difficulties encountered by the research teams and the strategies adopted to ensure the success of the projects. Both research projects used in‐depth interviews as the main method for data collection. Reflective journals and field notes were used to enhance the quality of information obtained in both studies. It is hoped that this article may benefit other qualitative researchers by facilitating a successful data collection process during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Attenuation of cytosolic translation by RNA oxidation is involved in singlet oxygen‐mediated transcriptomic responses
Authors: Koh Eugene , Cohen Dekel , Brandis Alexander , Fluhr Robert
Published: August 2021

Singlet oxygen (1O2) production is associated with stress signalling. Here, using Arabidopsis as a model system, we study the effects of the accumulation of 8‐hydroxyguanosine (8‐oxoG), a major product of 1O2‐mediated RNA oxidation. We show that 8‐oxoG can accumulate in vivo when 1O2 is produced in the cytoplasm. Conditions for such production include the application of RB in the light, dark‐to‐light transitions in the flu mutant, or subjecting plants to combined dehydration/light exposure. Transcriptomes of these treatments displayed a significant overlap with transcripts stimulated by the cytosolic 80S ribosomal translation inhibitors, cycloheximide and homoharringtonine. We demonstrate that 8‐oxoG accumulation correlates with a decrease in RNA translatability, resulting in the rapid decrease of the levels of labile gene repressor elements such as IAA1 and JAZ1 in a proteasome‐dependent manner. Indeed, genes regulated by the labile repressors of the jasmonic acid signalling pathway were induced by cycloheximide, RB or dehydration/light treatment independently of the hormone. The results suggest that 1O2, by oxidizing RNA, attenuated cellular translatability and caused specific genes to be released from the repression of their cognate short half‐life repressors. The findings here describe a novel means of gene regulation via the direct interaction of 1O2 with RNA.
A case for conserving plant pathogens
Authors: Ingram David S.
Published: August 2021

A case is made for the counter‐intuitive proposal that plant pathologists and plant pathological societies should consider the development of policies for the conservation of plant pathogens. First the report of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, entitled The State of the World's Plants and Fungi 2020, is reviewed briefly. Next, the reasons why plant pathologists should take this report seriously are outlined and the risks to plant pathogen diversity assessed. In this section and all that follow, the paper focuses on fungal (sensu lato) pathogens, although it is suggested that the general principles developed apply to most plant pathogens, whatever their taxonomic status. There then follows an assessment of native plant pathogens in the functioning, stability, and productivity of unmanaged and partially managed plant populations and communities. It is concluded that there is now compelling and growing evidence that very many do play a significant role. Also assessed, more briefly, is the actual or potential value of plant pathogens to human activities, such as selecting for novel disease‐resistance factors in evolving populations of wild crop relatives, developing novel, sustainable plant disease and weed control strategies, use in industrial processes, and use as model systems for research. New and evolving genomics technologies are likely to facilitate significantly the study or selection of the benefits of plant pathogens to ecosystems or human activities. Potential strategies for the conservation of plant pathogens are outlined briefly, including in situ in unmanaged and partially managed ecosystems and centres of diversity of the progenitors of crop species, and ex situ in culture, spore, DNA, and herbarium collections. In these and many other areas of plant pathology, citizen science research groups have a potentially significant role. It is concluded that there is a strong case for plant pathologists and plant pathological societies to develop and act upon strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of plant pathogens.
Exceptional preservation of a barred shoreline under forced‐regressive conditions (Lower Cretaceous, Neuquén Basin, Argentina)
Authors: Isla Manuel F. , Olivo Mariana S. , Zuazo Jerónimo J. , Schwarz Ernesto , Veiga Gonzalo D.
Published: August 2021

Forced‐regressive conditions have been widely described by sequence‐stratigraphic conceptual models, and the resulting deposits have been widely documented in sequences and parasequences. However, how forced‐regressive conditions might impact on the short‐term to mid‐term evolution and the high‐resolution stratigraphic record (102to 105kyr) of barred shoreline environments represents an unexplored issue. This contribution presents a bedset characterization of Lower Cretaceous, barred shoreline deposits accumulated after a relative sea‐level fall. Parasequence PS400 of the Pilmatué Member in the Neuquén Basin (Argentina) comprises several bedsets, most of them bounded by transgressive surfaces. However, one of them, the bedset BS400.5, is bounded below by a high‐relief surface of truncation, here interpreted as an erosional regressive surface. This surface indicates incision of the underlying deposits and the onset of forced‐regressive conditions at intra–parasequence scale. The internal architecture of the studied bedset exhibits seaward‐dipping clinoforms that bound clinothems within the upper‐shoreface deposits. These clinoforms were interpreted as the result of seaward‐shifting events during the shoreline progradation. A sequence‐stratigraphic conceptual model is proposed for the high‐frequency evolution of a barred shoreline under forced‐regressive conditions. The model explains how the intra–bedset evolution under low and stillstand sea‐level conditions and cross‐shore imbalances in the sediment budget controlled the exceptional preservation of bar and rip‐channel deposits.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*24:538 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Visentin Jonathan
Published: August 2021

HLA‐A*24:538 differs from HLA‐A*24:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon −21 in exon 1.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*44:02:73 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Wojciechowski Elodie , Visentin Jonathan
Published: August 2021

HLA‐B*44:02:73 differs from HLA‐B*44:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 89 in exon 2.
Enhanced Longitudinal Heat Transfer in Oscillatory Channel Flow—A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: van Buren Simon H. , Polifke Wolfgang
Published: August 2021

Enhanced longitudinal heat transfer in viscous, laminar, single-phase, oscillatory channel flow is investigated in this paper. Kurzweg (ASME J. Heat Transfer-Trans. ASME. 107, 1985) analyzed this case theoretically and derived a correlation for a nondimensionalized effective thermal conductivity in terms of Prandtl and Womersley numbers. The present investigation contributes analysis of limiting cases and physical interpretation to the results of Kurzweg. A simplified model with isothermal walls is proposed, applicable if working fluid and channel wall material exhibit sufficiently large differences in thermal inertia. Examined over a wide range of Womersley numbers, this model reveals six distinct regimes characterized by the Prandtl number of the fluid. The respective thickness of hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layers relative to the channel width is relevant in this context. Maximum effective thermal conductivity is attained when the thermal boundary layer expands over the full channel width. The influence of Womersley number is discussed and explained in terms of the interplay of hydrodynamic and thermal flow characteristics. These patterns reveal either quasi-steady parabolic or oscillating bulk characteristics. The importance of the thermal boundary layer thickness motivates the introduction of a new nondimensional group, making it easier to classify the various regimes of enhanced longitudinal heat transfer.
Prognostics and Health Management Features for Large Circuit Boards to Be Implemented Into Electric Drivetrain Applications
Authors: Otto A. , Kaulfersch E. , Singh P. , Romano C. , Hildebrandt M. , Rzepka S.
Published: August 2021

Canary structures being used as early warning indicators represent an important tool for condition and health monitoring of electronic components and systems. In this paper, printed circuit boards (PCBs) with canary structures based on surface mounted device (SMD)-2512 ceramic chip resistors with reduced solder pad sizes were studied. Focus of these investigations was set on thermomechanical and mechanical stresses caused by passive thermal cycling as well as by vibrational loads. For this purpose, experimental methods such as deformation analysis and accelerated aging tests as well as finite element (FE) based methods were applied. In addition, an outlook on the implementation of these canary structures into dual inverter electronic control boards for electrical powertrain applications will be given.
Evaluation of electron currents from cesium-coated tungsten emitter arrays with inclusion of space charge effects, workfunction changes, and screening
Authors: Guo Dong , Sami Sayeed N. , Diaz Leopoldo , Sanati Mahdi , Joshi Ravindra P.
Published: August 2021

Evaluations of electron current output from tungsten emitter arrays with Cs and CsI coatings are carried out. The approach is based on first-principles calculations of the material physics including evaluation of the internal potentials, electronic wavefunctions, tunneling probabilities, and work function to predict field emission currents. This is coupled to time-dependent kinetic simulations for the assessment of emitter array currents with an inclusion of many-body Coulomb contributions from the electron swarm, geometric field enhancements with shielding based on a line charge model and dynamic screening from the swarm. Our numerical evaluations for arrays with a hexagonal lattice show the expected role of field screening with reductions in emitter separation. For scaling with emitter number, the results indicate nearest neighbor separations of more than 2.5 times the emitter height, in keeping with previous reports.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Itraconazole for Disseminated Infection Caused by Talaromyces marneffei
Authors: Stott Katharine E. , Le Thuy , Nguyen Thu , Whalley Sarah , Unsworth Jennifer , Ly Vo Trieu , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi , Hope William
Published: August 2021

First-line treatment of talaromycosis with amphotericin B deoxycholate (DAmB) is labor-intensive and toxic. Itraconazole is an appealing alternative antifungal agent.
Development of Novel Immunoprophylactic Agents against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections
Authors: Lovey Arianne , Krel Mila , Borchardt Allen , Brady Thomas , Cole Jason N. , Do Quyen-Quyen , Fortier Joanne , Hough Grayson , Jiang Wanlong , Noncovich Alain , Tari Les , Zhao Qiping , Balkovec James M. , Zhao Yanan , Perlin David S.
Published: August 2021

The widespread emergence of antibiotic resistance, including multidrug resistance in Gram-negative (G–) bacterial pathogens, poses a critical challenge to the current antimicrobial armamentarium. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), primarily used in anticancer therapy, offer a promising treatment alternative due to their ability to deliver a therapeutic molecule while simultaneously activating the host immune response.
Imipenem-Relebactam Susceptibility and Genotypic Characteristics of Carbapenem-Resistant
Enterobacterales
Identified during Population-Based Surveillance
Authors: Horwich-Scholefield Sam , Lloyd Tyler , Varghese Vici , Yette Emily , Huang Sandra , Pandori Mark
Published: August 2021

Laboratories submit all carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacter
,
Escherichia coli
, and
Klebsiella
species to the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD). ACPHD evaluated 75 isolates submitted during 9 months for susceptibility to imipenem-relebactam (I-R) and, using whole-genome sequencing, identified β-lactamase genes.
Relationship between Plasma and Intracellular Concentrations of Bedaquiline and Its M2 Metabolite in South African Patients with Rifampin-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Ngwalero Precious , Brust James C. M. , van Beek Stijn W. , Wasserman Sean , Maartens Gary , Meintjes Graeme , Joubert Anton , Norman Jennifer , Castel Sandra , Gandhi Neel R. , Denti Paolo , McIlleron Helen , Svensson Elin M. , Wiesner Lubbe
Published: August 2021

Bedaquiline is recommended for the treatment of all patients with rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). Bedaquiline accumulates within cells, but its intracellular pharmacokinetics have not been characterized, which may have implications for dose optimization.
Detection and Characterization of VIM-52, a New Variant of VIM-1 from a Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolate
Authors: de Barsy Marie , Mercuri Paola Sandra , Oueslati Saoussen , Elisée Eddy , Huang Te-Din , Sacré Pierre , Iorga Bogdan I. , Naas Thierry , Galleni Moreno , Bogaerts Pierre
Published: August 2021

Over the last two decades, antimicrobial resistance has become a global health problem. In Gram-negative bacteria, metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), which inactivate virtually all β-lactams, increasingly contribute to this phenomenon.
SigV Mediates Lysozyme Resistance in Enterococcus faecalis via RsiV and PgdA
Authors: Parthasarathy Srivatsan , Wang Xiaofei , Carr Kristen R. , Varahan Sriram , Hancock Elyssa B. , Hancock Lynn E.
Published: August 2021

Enterococcus faecalis
causes health care-associated infections and displays resistance to a variety of antibiotics and molecules of the innate immune system. SigV has been shown to play an important role in enterococcal lysozyme resistance.
Eocene thickening without extra heat in a collisional orogenic belt: A record from Eocene metamorphism in mafic dike swarms within the Tethyan Himalaya, southern Tibet
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Zeng Lingsen , Gao Li-E , Chen Zhenyu , Li Sanzhong
Published: August 2021

Knowledge of the nature of the earliest metamorphism experienced by collisional orogenic belts is essential for reconstruction of tectonic processes that build high mountain chains and their environmental consequences. Understanding the metamorphic nature of Eohimalayan-phase orogeny of the Himalayan orogen, one of the typical examples of orogenic belts worldwide, could provide some important constraints to test different tectonic models (shallow continental subduction vs. slab breakoff) for the early phases of the development of large-scale orogenic belts. As exhumed middle- to lower-crustal rocks in the Kangmar gneiss dome, the garnet amphibolites with a protolith age of 176.4 ± 3.6 Ma experienced a phase of metamorphism at 47.2 ± 1.8 Ma with an increase in pressure as well as temperature from 3–5 kbar and 550–600 °C to over ~11 kbar and 650 °C. This suggests that the middle- to lower-crustal rocks experienced heating at least by ~50 °C while they underwent compression and thickening. Heat-flow estimation further demonstrates that the self-produced heat was high enough to achieve the observed pressure-temperature conditions recorded by the garnet amphibolite. Therefore, an additional heat supply is not required during early Eocene metamorphism. A breakoff of the leading part of the subducting Indian continental slab, if it occurred, should be younger than ca. 47 Ma.
Supplemental Material: A molecular biomarker for end-Permian plant extinction in South China
Authors: Wang Chunjiang , Visscher Henk
Published: August 2021

Data Table S1 and information about samples, analytical methods, biomarker quantification, MADAO identification, and marattialean forests.
Risk factors for musculoskeletal-related occupational disability among US Army soldiers
Authors: Clifton Daniel R , Nelson D A , Choi Y S , Edgeworth D B , Nelson K J , Shell D , Deuster P A
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Minimising temporary and permanent disability associated with musculoskeletal conditions (MSK-D) is critical to the mission of the US Army. Prior research has identified potentially actionable risk factors for overall military disability and its MSK-D subset, including elevated body mass index, tobacco use and physical fitness. However, prior work does not appear to have addressed the impact of these factors on MSK-D when controlling for a full range of factors that may affect health behaviours, including aptitude scores that may serve as a proxy for health literacy. Identifying risk factors for MSK-D when providing control for all such factors may inform efforts to improve military readiness.

Methods

We studied 494 757 enlisted Army soldiers from 2014 to 2017 using a combined medical and administrative database. Leveraging data from the Army’s digital‘eProfile’system of duty restriction records, we defined MSK-D as the first restriction associated with musculoskeletal conditions and resulting in the inability to deploy or train. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the associations between incident MSK-D and selected risk factors including aptitude scores, physical fitness test scores, body mass index and tobacco use.

Results

Among the subjects, 281 278 (45.14%) experienced MSK-D. In the MSK-D hazards model, the highest effect size was for failing the physical fitness test (adjusted HR=1.63, 95% CI 1.58 to 1.67, p<0.001) compared with scoring ≥290 points.

Conclusions

The analysis revealed the strongest associations between physical fitness and MSK-D. Additional efforts are warranted to determine potential mechanisms for the observed associations between selected factors and MSK-D.
Impact of the introduction of falls risk assessment toolkit on falls prevention and psychotropic medicines’ utilisation in Walsall: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Aladul Mohammed Ibrahim , Patel Bharat , Chapman Stephen Robert
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine the impact of the introduction of a falls risk assessment toolkit (FRAT) in a UK medical centre on the number and cost of non-elective admissions for falls and psychotropic medication utilisation.

Design

Interrupted time series analysis quantifying the number and cost of non-elective admissions for falls and primary care use data for Rushall Medical Centre before and after the implementation of FRAT at July 2017.

Setting

Data on the monthly number and cost of non-elective admissions for falls and number of referrals and assessment to the falls service were provided by Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group. Primary care prescribing cost and volume data for Rushall Medical Centre was derived from the Openprescribing.net website for prescriptions dispensed between April 2015 and November 2018.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The number and cost of non-elective admissions for falls and number of referrals and assessment to the falls service, and the volume of utilisation of psychotropic medicines.

Results

Following the implementation of FRAT at Rushall Medical Centre in July 2017, the number of non-elective admissions for falls decreased at a rate of 0.414 admissions per month (p<0.033, 95% CI –0.796 to –0.032). The utilisation of psychotropic medications (alimemazine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, olanzapine and risperidone) decreased. The expenditure on psychotropic medications prescribed/used at Rushall Medical Centre decreased by at least £986 per month (p<0.001, 95% CI –2067 to –986).

Conclusions

The implementation of FRAT at Rushall Medical Centre was associated with a reduction in the number of non-elective admissions for falls. Assessment of these patients together with deprescribing of psychotropic medications resulted in a reduction in the number of non-elective admissions for falls and associated costs.