bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do progression rates of initial and moderate caries lesions and sound surfaces of primary teeth increase significantly after 7 years?
Authors: Brondani Bruna , Knorst Jessica K. , Emmanuelli Bruno , Gasperini Mariana R. C. , Braga Mariana M. , Ardenghi Thiago M. , Mendes Fausto M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Initial caries lesions in primary teeth have presented a low progression rate after 2 years, but it could be higher in longer follow‐ups.

Aim

To evaluate the progression rates of sound surfaces and initial and moderate caries lesions after 7 years.

Design

This prospective 7‐year cohort study included 639 preschool children aged 1–5 years in 2010. In 2017, 449 children were reassessed (70.3% retention rate). Dental caries was collected using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in both assessments. Incidence rate (IR) per 100 surface‐years estimated the progression rates of sound surfaces and initial and moderate lesions for worse conditions. Cox regression with shared frailty evaluated the possible risk factors.

Results

IR was 1.0% for sound surfaces, 2.8% and 4.2% for ICDAS scores 1 and 2, respectively, and about 17.0% for moderate lesions. The most significant risk factor for the progression was the presence of cavitated lesions in other teeth. The type of surface and tooth also influenced the outcome.

Conclusion

The progression rate of initial caries lesions in primary teeth remains low even after 7 years, but cavitated caries lesions in other teeth increase this risk. Moderate lesions demonstrate a higher risk of progression when compared to sound surfaces and initial caries lesions.
Examining the role of student teachers' perceived usefulness of ICT and resilience to digital distractions on their evaluation of online information
Authors: Hatlevik Ove E. , Bjarnø Vibeke
Published: May 2024

Background

With the rapid advancement of digital technology, student teachers must be proficient in evaluating digital information, resilient to digital distractions, and able to discern the usefulness of Information and Communication Technology.

Objectives

This study investigates the relationships between these concepts at two points in time.

Methods

The sample includes 153 student teachers from a Norwegian university.

Results and conclusion

Factor analysis supports a model with three unique concepts at both T1 and T2, maintaining an identical factor structure. However, five out of nine items display low levels of test–retest reliability, coupled with inadequate measurement invariance across time for the concepts. A consistent factor structure is necessary before checking for variations in items and concepts. Therefore, longitudinal studies are required for both methodological and substantive purposes. Resilience to digital distractions (T1) exhibits a positive relationship with the evaluation of digital information (T2). Further studies exploring this relationship over time appear crucial.
Honeydew: A keystone in insect–plant interactions, current insights and future perspectives
Authors: Ali Jamin , Abbas Arzlan , Abbas Sohail , Ji Yunliang , Khan Khalid Ali , Ghramh Hamed A. , Mahamood Mohammad , Chen Rizhao
Published: May 2024

Honeydew, a sugary excretion produced by sap‐feeding insects, plays a pivotal role in shaping intricate interactions between insects and plants. This review explains the multifaceted aspects of honeydew, beginning with an overview of its production mechanisms and factors influencing its variability across insect species and plant hosts. Exploring its composition, we examine the chemical components and nutritional aspects, highlighting variations based on insect species and plant sources. The impact of honeydew on microbial communities is explored, shedding light on its role in influencing the diversity and abundance of microorganisms. Furthermore, the review investigates how honeydew affects pest behaviour and population dynamics, elucidating plant responses to honeydew deposition. In the realm of biocontrol, we examine the intricate relationships between honeydew and natural enemies, considering potential implications for integrated pest management. Beyond these individual components, the paper discusses the broader ecological consequences of honeydew in ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnected relationships between insects, plants and microorganisms. The review concludes by identifying research gaps and suggesting future directions, recognizing the need for further investigation into areas with potential applications for agriculture and ecology. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current understanding of honeydew's significance in insect–plant interactions, offering insights for both researchers and practitioners in the field.
Evaluation of the green lacewing, Mallada signatus as a biological control agent for the invasive tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli
Authors: Zhou Natasha , Sarkar Shovon Chandra , Hoyle Frances , Xu Wei
Published: May 2024

The tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Šulc, originating from North and Central America, poses a serious threat to Solanaceae crops in Australia. This study investigates the potential of the Australian native and commercially available green lacewing, Mallada signatus Schneider, as a biological control agent for B. cockerelli. The effect of feeding on B. cockerelli on the development rate and survival, of M. signatus were evaluated. Further, a greenhouse cage study was conducted to determine the optimal density of M. signatus larvae needed to effectively control an established B. cockerelli population. In our study, the third instar larvae of M. signatus consumed over 75 B. cockerelli nymphs in 24 h. Following the introduction of M. signatus larvae to caged tomato plants, eight M. signatus larvae per caged tomato plant decreased B. cockerelli population by 64% at the end of the sampling. These results indicated M. signatus, particularly at the larval stage, is an effective biological control option for B. cockerelli, especially in greenhouse tomato cultivation. This research offers valuable insights for the Australian horticultural industry, presenting a viable, eco‐friendly alternative to traditional, chemical pesticide‐reliant pest management strategies.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for Aedes and Culex species and evaluation of a simple DNA preparation method for field application
Authors: Kamber Tim , Mathis Alexander
Published: May 2024

The spatial pattern of many pathogens that are transmitted by mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) is changing due to globalization and climate change. Thus, surveillance of mosquito vectors is becoming increasingly widespread as basis for risk assessment and control. Species identification by loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays is simple, fast and reliable. Specific primers for several mosquito species are available (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes geniculatus, Aedes japonicus, Aedes koreicus, species of the Anopheles funestus group and An. gambiae complex). In the present work, LAMP assays targeting the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region were developed for Ae. cretinus, a minor sister taxon of Ae. albopictus, and for Culex pipiens/Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex torrentium. The specificities of the primers designed in silico were confirmed by in vitro tests with DNA form non‐target species. Further, the release of DNA from mosquito stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, adults) was investigated, revealing that an incubation for 5 min at 80°C in water is suitable for LAMP. With this method, one specimen (egg, larva, pupa, adult) of a target species could be detected among 49 non‐targets. Thus, the assays are suitable for fast and reliable identification of mosquito species of all life stages by colour change visible to the naked eye, and they are operable under field conditions.
Review on millets dehulling and pearling technologies and machinery
Authors: Mittal Vipul , Kumar Sunil , Gupta Ravi , Panghal Anil , Kumar Nitin
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the mechanization of millet processing technologies. In the last decade, many researchers have worked on millet postharvest processing technologies and developed many machines; however, there is a lack of collective information. The design, development, and performance aspects of millet threshing, dehulling/pearling, and cleaning are comprehensively reviewed and discussed in this review. Various studies are examined, which explore these machines' operational parameters and performance. The findings highlight the significant improvements in threshing and pearling efficiency, grain damage reduction, and ergonomic benefits in comparison to traditional manual methods. This comprehensive review of millet machinery helps to identify the research gap and establish a platform for optimum design and development for the future. Additionally, this helps to improve the level of mechanization in millet processing. The paper contributes valuable insights into improving postharvest processing methods for various millet varieties, thus aiding in promoting the utilization and commercialization of these nutritious and sustainable crops.

Practical applications

Understanding of engineering properties of millets for further development and improvement of available millet dehulling machinery. The knowledge of factors involved in millet dehulling and pearling helps in testing and evaluation of millet processing machinery. The comprehensive information about the millet machinery improve mechanization of the millet‐based industries.
Psychometric properties of the Beliefs About Adults with ID Scale in American physicians: Application of classical test and Rasch measurement theories
Authors: Bacherini A. , Anselmi P. , Havercamp S. M. , Balboni G.
Published: May 2024

Background

Physicians' erroneous assumptions about individuals with intellectual disability (ID) negatively impact the quality of care provided to this population. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Beliefs About Adults with ID (BAID), an instrument we developed for measuring physicians' erroneous assumptions about adults with ID.

Methods

Two hundred ninety‐two American physicians participated. Classical test theory and Rasch measurement theory were used to refine the scale (through item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, infit and outfit mean‐squares statistics, and differential item functioning) and investigate its psychometric properties (functioning of the response scale, reliability, and validity).

Results

The BAID provided a unidimensional, reliable, valid, and precise measure in assessing high levels of erroneous assumptions. It showed convergent and divergent validity with the different factors of a scale measuring attitudes towards ID. The BAID items were discriminant, non‐redundant, unambiguous, and invariant across gender and previous ID training. The BAID response scale was found to be appropriate for measuring physicians' erroneous assumptions about adults with ID.

Conclusions

BAID is a brief instrument with good psychometric properties to assess erroneous assumptions about adults with ID in physicians of different genders and who have/have not previously received ID training. Therefore, it might be helpful for research and medical education purposes.
Marriage, cohabitation, and institutional context: Household specialization among same‐sex and different‐sex couples
Authors: Yang Chih‐lan Winnie
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study examines how marriage‐cohabitation gaps in household specialization (labor supply and earnings) vary across institutional contexts for same‐sex couples (SSCs) and different‐sex couples (DSCs) in Canada.

Background

Prior research suggests that marriage‐cohabitation gaps are smaller in contexts where cohabitation is more prevalent, but it has overlooked how legal protections (at the contextual level) and gender composition (at the couple level) moderate this association. As a result, little is known about whether differences in household specialization stem from heightened gendered expectations attached to marriage or stronger legal protections for married couples. This study posits that marriage‐cohabitation gaps will be larger in contexts where legal protections for cohabitors are less marriage‐like.

Methods

Using the 2006 and 2016 Canadian Census and the 2011 National Household Survey, I estimate ordinal and fractional logit models to examine marriage‐cohabitation gaps in specialization among all couples (N = 2,788,055) and couples with young children (N = 826,305).

Results

Among DSCs, marriage‐cohabitation gaps were larger in Québec than in English Canada vis‐à‐vis earnings but not labor supply. Patterns among SSCs were more heterogeneous: gaps in labor supply were larger in English Canada for female couples but larger in Québec for male couples. Gaps in earnings were generally larger in Québec, with few exceptions. However, DSCs consistently specialized more than SSCs.

Conclusion

While existing research suggests marriage‐cohabitation gaps in household specialization are largely explained by the prevalence of cohabitation, my results indicate that legal protections (at the contextual level) and gender composition (at the couple level) play a more decisive role.
Color stability of CAD‐CAM hybrid ceramic materials following immersion in artificial saliva and wine
Authors: Nagai Toshiki , Alfaraj Amal , Chu Tien‐Min G , Yang Chao‐Chieh , Lin Wei‐Shao
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To examine the color stability of 3D‐printed and milled, interim, and definitive, restorative materials after immersion in artificial saliva and wine for 1, 3, and 6 months.

Material and Methods

The study used a 2 × 5 factorial design with 10 subgroups, including 2 immersion liquids (artificial saliva and wine) and 5 manufacturing technology and restorative material combinations (n = 10). Color measurements were taken using a contact‐type digital spectrophotometer (CM‐2600d Spectrophotometer; Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas Inc) before immersion and at 1 month (T1), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T6) after immersion. The CIE2000 system was used to calculate quantitative measurements of color differences in ΔE00, and comparisons were made to the acceptability threshold (AT) and perceptibility threshold (PT). Repeated measures of ANOVA (α = 0.05) were used to compare differences in color changes between manufacturing technology/restorative material‐immersion liquid combinations at T1, T3, and T6.

Results

To compare the effect of immersion liquid and time on the manufacturing technology/restorative material groups, the ΔE00 values were compared to the PT of 0.8 and the AT of 1.8. Wine caused significant color changes in ΔE00 values beyond the PT and AT values in all groups at all time intervals, except for the AT value of milled definitive crowns (hybrid nano‐ceramic material). Wine immersion caused significant ΔE00 for all manufacturing technology/restorative material groups at all time intervals (1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) when compared to artificial saliva immersion (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Upon exposure to artificial saliva, 80%–100% of samples from all groups remained within the acceptable and perceptible color change thresholds. The wine had significant chromogenic effects on all tested restorative materials, however, the milled definitive crowns (hybrid nano‐ceramic material) showed the greatest color stability. For patients with heavy wine consumption, 3D‐printed definitive crowns (hybrid ceramic‐filled material) may show discoloration exceeding acceptable and perceptible color change limits.
Let's talk about sex: Why reproductive systems matter for understanding algae
Authors: Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A.
Published: May 2024

Sex is a crucial process that has molecular, genetic, cellular, organismal, and population‐level consequences for eukaryotic evolution. Eukaryotic life cycles are composed of alternating haploid and diploid phases but are constrained by the need to accommodate the phenotypes of these different phases. Critical gaps in our understanding of evolutionary drivers of the diversity in algae life cycles include how selection acts to stabilize and change features of the life cycle. Moreover, most eukaryotes are partially clonal, engaging in both sexual and asexual reproduction. Yet, our understanding of the variation in their reproductive systems is largely based on sexual reproduction in animals or angiosperms. The relative balance of sexual versus asexual reproduction not only controls but also is in turn controlled by standing genetic variability, thereby shaping evolutionary trajectories. Thus, we must quantitatively assess the consequences of the variation in life cycles on reproductive systems. Algae are a polyphyletic group spread across many of the major eukaryotic lineages, providing powerful models by which to resolve this knowledge gap. There is, however, an alarming lack of data about the population genetics of most algae and, therefore, the relative frequency of sexual versus asexual processes. For many algae, the occurrence of sexual reproduction is unknown, observations have been lost in overlooked papers, or data on population genetics do not yet exist. This greatly restricts our ability to forecast the consequences of climate change on algal populations inhabiting terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems. This perspective summarizes our extant knowledge and provides some future directions to pursue broadly across micro‐ and macroalgal species.
Intraprofessional boundary crossing in acute paediatric care: A rich journey for general practice and paediatric residents
Authors: van Schie Rosalin , Coolen Ester , van Tuijl Anne , van der Velden Janielle , Thoonen Bart , Scherpbier‐de Haan Nynke
Published: May 2024

Background

Achieving optimal collaboration between general practitioners and hospital‐based critical care doctors is vital yet challenging, necessitating targeted collaborative training during residency. Despite apparent benefits, implementing intraprofessional learning faces constraints. Understanding its occurrence is crucial for engaging and educating residents. Considering boundaries' learning potential, we developed and evaluated an educational programme for general practitioner (GP) and paediatric (P) residents in paediatric emergency care based on Akkerman's Boundary Crossing Theory. The study investigated how intraprofessional learning mechanisms occurred and what learning conditions facilitated or impeded learning of GP and P residents, aiming to optimise educational programme design for intraprofessional collaboration.

Methods

We developed an educational programme with three activities: joint medical assessments of paediatric patients in each other's context, mutually mini‐Clinical Evaluation Exercises (mini‐CEXs) about intraprofessional collaboration skills and educational meetings about collaborative care. We performed a qualitative study with a constructivist approach to explore experiences of the programme. We conducted focus group interviews and analysed mini‐CEXs, utilising Boundary Crossing theory for template analysis.

Results

Ten GP and eight P residents participated in our study. Learning mechanisms of identification and coordination dominated the joint medical assessments. Mini‐CEXs stimulated reflection. Educational meetings with supervisors about intraprofessional barriers initiated transformation. Facilitated learning conditions were bidirectional crossing, enthusiastic supervisors, residents being familiar with each other, clear mini‐CEX design and authentic paediatric cases. Unclear mutual expectations during joint medical assessments impeded learning of residents.

Conclusions

Working in each other's context triggers learning mechanisms of identification, coordination and reflection, forming the basis for intraprofessional learning in paediatric emergency care for GP and P residents. For development of new collaboration practices, supervisors are necessary to translate reflection into transformation. Mutual responsibilities and expectations should be made more explicit to create a safer intraprofessional learning environment. Our findings extend to other medical training contexts, leveraging boundaries for learning.
Bureaucratic redundancy and administrative burden: Evidence from public‐private partnerships (PPPs) in China
Authors: Xiong Wei , Wang Feng , Christensen Tom , Casady Carter B.
Published: May 2024

Administrative burden is experienced by both individuals and businesses when dealing with government entities. While previous literature suggests administrative burden arises from the deliberate choices of political actors, this study highlights how bureaucratic redundancies also lead to administrative burden. Using a dataset of public‐private partnerships (PPPs) in China, this study explored the influence of bureaucratic redundancy on administrative burden, in particular contractors' compliance costs caused by PPP regulations. The analysis found that bureaucratic redundancy has a positive and curvilinear relationship with compliance costs, which in turn has a positive relationship with the likelihood of PPP contract termination. These results hold even after controlling for political and economic factors. Nevertheless, such effects can be mitigated through government reforms, such as jurisdictional reduction and legislative centralization.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 regulates salt tolerance via GIGANTEA degradation in roots
Authors: Ji Myung Geun , Khakurel Dhruba , Hwang Ji‐Won , Nguyen Cam Chau , Nam Byoungwoo , Shin Gyeong‐Im , Jeong Song Yi , Ahn Gyeongik , Cha Joon‐Yung , Lee Sung‐Ho , Park Hee Jin , Kim Min Gab , Yun Dae‐Jin , Rubio Vicente , Kim Woe‐Yeon
Published: May 2024

Excess soil salinity significantly impairs plant growth and development. Our previous reports demonstrated that the core circadian clock oscillator GIGANTEA (GI) negatively regulates salt stress tolerance by sequestering the SALT OVERLY SENSITIVE (SOS) 2 kinase, an essential component of the SOS pathway. Salt stress induces calcium‐dependent cytoplasmic GI degradation, resulting in activation of the SOS pathway; however, the precise molecular mechanism governing GI degradation during salt stress remains enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that salt‐induced calcium signals promote the cytoplasmic partitioning of CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1), leading to the 26S proteasome‐dependent degradation of GI exclusively in the roots. Salt stress‐induced calcium signals accelerate the cytoplasmic localization of COP1 in the root cells, which targets GI for 26S proteasomal degradation. Align with this, the interaction between COP1 and GI is only observed in the roots, not the shoots, under salt‐stress conditions. Notably, the gi‐201 cop1‐4 double mutant shows an enhanced tolerance to salt stress similar to gi‐201, indicating that GI is epistatic to COP1 under salt‐stress conditions. Taken together, our study provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms governing the COP1‐mediated proteasomal degradation of GI for salt stress tolerance, raising new possibilities for developing salt‐tolerant crops.
Cardiac function evaluation in children with spinal muscular atrophy: A case–control study
Authors: He Xiufang , Li Xuandi , Yan Mengzhen , Peng Huimin , Zhang Lili , Liang Yujian , Tang Wen , Li Shujuan
Published: May 2024

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by degeneration of lower motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. However, little is known regarding the cardiac function of children with SMA.

Methods

We recruited SMA patients younger than 18 years of age from January 1, 2022, to April 1, 2022, in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University. All patients underwent a comprehensive cardiac evaluation before treatment, including history taking, physical examination, blood tests of cardiac biomarkers, assessment of echocardiography and electrocardiogram. Age/gender‐matched healthy volunteers were recruited as controls.

Results

A total of 36 SMA patients (26 with SMA type 2 and 10 with SMA type 3) and 40 controls were enrolled in the study. No patient was clinically diagnosed with heart failure. Blood tests showed elevated values of creatine kinase isoenzyme M and isoenzyme B (CK‐MB) mass and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients. Regarding echocardiographic parameters, SMA children were detected with lower global left and right ventricular longitudinal strain, abnormal diastolic filling velocities of trans‐mitral and trans‐tricuspid flow. The results revealed no clinical heart dysfunction in SMA patients, but subclinical ventricular dysfunction was seen in SMA children including the diastolic function and myocardial performance. Some patients presented with elevated heart rate and abnormal echogenicity of aortic valve or wall. Among these SMA patients, seven patients (19.4%) had scoliosis. The Cobb's angles showed a significant negative correlation with LVEDd/BSA, but no correlation with other parameters, suggesting that mild scoliosis did not lead to significant cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions

Our findings warrant increased attention to the cardiac status and highlight the need to investigate cardiac interventions in SMA children.
Virtual speed dating: Utilizing online‐meeting platforms to study initial attraction and relationship formation
Authors: French Juliana E. , Bolton Lindsay J. , Meltzer Andrea L.
Published: May 2024

There is still much to learn about attraction and relationship formation. Here, we introduce an innovative method that utilizes modern technology to permit large‐scale, observational study of dyadic behavior that may yield new empirical insights into how people choose partners and form relationships: virtual speed dating. In doing so, we provide a methodological overview of a recent virtual speed‐dating study that we conducted, and we provide guidance for other scholars who wish to conduct such a study. Not only does virtual speed dating permit a feasible way to conduct large‐scale speed‐dating research and observe dyadic behavior during initial meeting and dating interactions, but it can benefit relationship science in myriad other ways, including the ability to (a) study novel research questions about first‐impression formation, romantic rivalries, and affiliative behaviors, (b) study diverse types of relationships, and (c) increase representation of diverse individuals in relationship science.
Narcissism and romantic relationship functioning: The mediating role of the desire for power
Authors: Zeigler‐Hill Virgil , Hicks Paxton , Brosch Nathan
Published: May 2024

We investigated the potential role played by the desire for power in the connections between narcissistic personality traits and indicators of romantic relationship functioning. In Study 1, we discovered that antagonistic narcissism had indirect connections with indicators of romantic relationship functioning via the desire for power. In Study 2, we observed actor associations in romantic couples. More specifically, antagonistic narcissism exhibited indirect links with romantic relationship functioning through the desire for power for both men and women. Additionally, partner associations emerged from these analyses. For women and men, their antagonistic narcissism had an indirect association with the romantic relationship functioning of their partners through their own desire for power. Furthermore, the antagonistic narcissism of women was associated with the romantic relationship functioning of both themselves and their male partners, mediated by the desire for power as reported by their male partners. The associations that emerged for the other narcissistic personality traits were somewhat weak and inconsistent across these studies. In our discussion, we explore how the concept of the desire for power can offer insights into understanding the complex dynamics often observed in romantic relationships characterized by certain aspects of narcissism.
Bacillus subtilis promotes plant phosphorus (P) acquisition through P solubilization and stimulation of root and root hair growth
Authors: Jensen Camilla Niketa Gadomska , Pang Janet Ka Yan , Gottardi Michele , Kračun Stjepan Krešimir , Svendsen Birgit Albrecht , Nielsen Kristian Fog , Kovács Ákos T. , Moelbak Lars , Fimognari Lorenzo , Husted Søren , Schulz Alexander
Published: May 2024

Bacteria can be applied as biofertilizers to improve crop growth in phosphorus (P)‐limited conditions. However, their mode of action in a soil environment is still elusive. We used the strain ALC_02 as a case study to elucidate how Bacillus subtilis affects dwarf tomato cultivated in soil‐filled rhizoboxes over time. ALC_02 improved plant P acquisition by increasing the size and P content of P‐limited plants. We assessed three possible mechanisms, namely root growth stimulation, root hair elongation, and solubilization of soil P. ALC_02 produced auxin, and inoculation with ALC_02 promoted root growth. ALC_02 promoted root hair elongation as the earliest observed response and colonized root hairs specifically. Root and root hair growth stimulation was associated with a subsequent increase in plant P content, indicating that a better soil exploration by the root system improved plant P acquisition. Furthermore, ALC_02 affected the plant‐available P content in sterilized soil differently over time and released P from native P pools in the soil. Collectively, ALC_02 exhibited all three mechanisms in a soil environment. To our knowledge, bacterial P biofertilizers have not been reported to colonize and elongate root hairs in the soil so far, and we propose that these traits contribute to the overall effect of ALC_02. The knowledge gained in this research can be applied in the future quest for bacterial P biofertilizers, where we recommend assessing all three parameters, not only root growth and P solubilization, but also root hair elongation. This will ultimately support the development of sustainable agricultural practices.
Rhizobial‐induced phosphatase GmPP2C61A positively regulates soybean nodulation
Authors: Gao Yongkang , Qu Dejie , Zhou Miaomiao , Tang Ruiheng , Ye Junjie , Li Xia , Wang Youning
Published: May 2024

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) is crucial for legumes, providing them with the nitrogen necessary for plant growth and development. Nodulation is the first step in the establishment of SNF. However, the determinant genes in soybean nodulation and the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms governing nodulation are still limited. Herein, we identified a phosphatase, GmPP2C61A, which was specifically induced by rhizobia inoculation. Using transgenic hairy roots harboring GmPP2C61A::GUS, we showed that GmPP2C61A was mainly induced in epidermal cells following rhizobia inoculation. Functional analysis revealed that knockdown or knock‐out of GmPP2C61A significantly reduced the number of nodules, while overexpression of GmPP2C61A promoted nodule formation. Additionally, GmPP2C61A protein was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and exhibited conserved phosphatase activity in vitro. Our findings suggest that phosphatase GmPP2C61A serves as a critical regulator in soybean nodulation, highlighting its potential significance in enhancing symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Data governance for the ecological transition: An infrastructure perspective
Authors: Ducuing Charlotte
Published: May 2024

This article uses infrastructure studies to provide a critical analysis of the European Union's (EU) ambition to regulate data for the ecological transition. The EU's regulatory project implicitly qualifies data as an infrastructure for a better economy and society. However, current EU law does not draw all the logical consequences derived from this qualification of data as infrastructure, which is one main reason why EU data legislation for the ecological transition may not deliver on its high political expectations. The ecological transition does not play a significant normative role in EU data legislation and is largely overlooked in the data governance literature. By drawing inferences from the qualification of data as an infrastructure more consistently, the article opens avenues for data governance that centre the ecological transition as a normative goal.
Retrospective study of a pilot program focused on educating dental patients on human papillomavirus and vaccination in a hospital setting
Authors: Piscatelli Nicole , Claus Jonathan , George Devin , Schlecht Nicolas F. , Seserman Michael , Alvarado Alan , Sullivan Maureen , Frustino Jennifer
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an epidemic currently affecting 80 million people in the United States. The HPV virus can be passed from one person to another via sexual intercourse, oral sex, open mouth kissing and skin‐to‐skin contact. In some cases, the infection is not eliminated by the immune system and can cause cancer of the head and neck, cervix, anus, and genitals. There has been a rise in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) associated with HPV, which can be missed on conventional dental screening examinations. Dentists should engage in promoting HPV vaccination as a primary measure for OPC prevention. The goal of this HPV pilot program was to educate and offer same day HPV vaccination to dental patients by using a multidisciplinary approach in a hospital setting.

Methods

Patients 18 through 26 years of age who presented to the Erie County Medical Center's dental clinic were approached and educated on HPV. Eligible patients received a direct recommendation for the HPV vaccine. Those interested in same day vaccination were referred to the division of infectious diseases’ YOU Center for Wellness.

A retrospective chart review was completed for patients who were HPV educated from March 5, 2020, through December 15, 2021. Charts were evaluated for age, sex, race, ethnicity, reason for visit, HPV vaccine referral, and HPV vaccine administration.

Results

326 patients were included in the chart review. The prominent sex, race, and ethnicity were male, Black or African American, and non‐Hispanic origin. The median age was 23. Most patients presented to the dental clinic for an emergency visit and were not previously vaccinated against HPV. 110 patients were unvaccinated, and 44 patients were referred to the division of infectious disease for same day vaccination. Of these 44, 24 patients initiated the vaccination process. Five patients received all three doses, three patients received two doses, and 16 patients received one dose.

Conclusion

This pilot program successfully vaccinated 24 patients with at least a single dose of the HPV vaccine. This multidisciplinary model can be implemented in other health care settings.
Historically conjoined, religiously disjoined: Religion and Nigeria’s political trajectory since 1986
Authors: Eze Okonkwo C. , Alaku Emmanuel C. , Nwamuo Bright , Nwaoha Chimaroke C. , Ngwu Elias C.
Published: May 2024

Nigeria is a motley of about 250 ethnic nationalities spread across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This omnibus political union rests on a twin tripod provided by the three major religions namely African Traditional Religion, Islam and Christianity as well as three major ethnic groups: Igbo; Hausa; and Yoruba, though these are not coterminous with the three religions. This study explores the intricate tapestries among religion, ethnicity and politics and its implication for nationhood in Nigeria. The study argues that this interface has created two laws and two nations in Nigeria between whom there is hardly any intercourse. It found entrenched, systematic segregation along ethno‐religious fault lines, and concludes that it is this deliberate exclusion of peoples from the plums of office that has engendered the recurring ethno‐religious upheavals and separatist agitations.
A geometry‐based method for visualizing time‐varying flow fields on web map platforms using texture polymorphism
Authors: Shu Yucheng , Tang Zihao , Zhang Yiming , Wen Yongning , Chen Min , Yue Songshan
Published: May 2024

Global climate change has escalated flood risks, necessitating advanced hydrodynamic models for predicting watershed dynamics. Integrating flow‐field visualization with web maps offers a time‐sensitive, geographic context for sharing and understanding these dynamic changes virtually. Traditional methods use texture series on maps for flow visualization but fall short in interactive detail examination. Drawing geometric shapes directly on maps has been limited by low efficiency. Addressing the need for interactive visualization and efficiency, this study presents a texture polymorphism strategy for geometric visualization of time‐varying flow fields. This approach combines geometric style simulation with texture‐assisted computation, optimizing interactivity and performance on web map platforms. Our evaluation confirms that this method enhances usability and integration, ensuring high performance in visualizing flow dynamics.
Possibility and quality assessment in seafloor modeling relative to the sea surface using hybrid data
Authors: Idzikowska Magdalena , Pająk Katarzyna , Kowalczyk Kamil
Published: May 2024

The development of reliable seafloor topography models is a complex, multi‐track process, which is due to the diversity of available sets of data, their resolution, acquisition methods, complex seafloor forms, and the multitude of interpolation techniques. This article is aimed at assessing the suitability of different algorithms for seafloor modelling based on hybrid datasets (multi‐beam soundings and raster GEBCO models). The study involves the selection of optimum solutions as well as a comparative analysis of sea level change trends based on altimetric data. The study area relates to four forms of seafloor topography, namely the oceanic trench, the submarine canyon, the seamount region, and the undulating areas. The most reliable models were built by interpolating by the Kriging methods at a 0.01‐degree grid spacing. The smallest residues and the greatest correlation are found between models generated from all available sounding datasets. Raster GEBCO models can be an alternative in the additional model densification. The results show the following relationships: the greater the variation in the topography, the greater the divergence in the values of the sea level change trends. As for seamounts, hills, and folds, when the terrain rises rapidly, the trend values also increase and then decrease during the decline. Seafloor structure mapping enables the search for relationships between the seafloor topography and the changes occurring at the water surface.
Risk factors for the development of severe or very severe respiratory syncytial virus‐related lower respiratory tract infection in Indian infants: A cohort study in Melghat, India
Authors: Crow Rowena , Satav Ashish , Potdar Varsha , Satav Shilpa , Dani Vibhawari , Simões Eric A. F.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is undoubtedly the single most important cause of severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) globally. While new prevention measures in young infants have become available, their use in developing countries is likely many years away. While risk factors for severe or very severe RSV LRTI in impoverished rural areas likely differ to urban areas, there are very few studies, especially those conducted in India, the major country contributing to the global burden of disease.

Methods

Active surveillance for acute LRTI in enrolled infants and children <2 years of age, was conducted through weekly home visits in 93 villages of Melghat, India, from August 2016 to December 2020. Local hospitals and primary health centres were surveyed for admissions of enrolled subjects. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children with severe, or very severe LRTIs and all who died, with RSV testing using nucleic acid tests at ICMR, National Institute of Virology Pune. Risk factors for both RSV associated and non‐RSV associated, severe and very severe LRTI were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

There were 483 severe or very severe RSV LRTI cases and 2807 non‐RSV severe or very severe LRTI infections in a cohort of 13,318 children. Weight for age z‐score ≤−2, the use of kerosene or wood for cooking, obtaining drinking water from a public tap and low gestational age significantly increased the risk of RSV LRTI. A higher wealth score index and water purification were protective. Comparison with non‐RSV LRTI showed male sex as an additional risk factor. The analysis highlighted the risk of kerosene use [OR = 17.8 (3.0–104.4) (p ≤ 0.001)] and [OR = 3.4 (0.8–14.4) (p ≤ 0.05)] for RSV and non‐RSV LRTIs, respectively.

Conclusions

Nutritional status and environmental air quality are predisposing factors for developing an RSV LRI in young children, factors which are amenable to environmental and behavioural interventions.
Cytological evaluation, culture and genomics to evaluate the microbiome in healthy rabbit external ear canals
Authors: Makri Nikoleta , Ring Natalie , Shaw Darren J. , Athinodorou Athinodoros , Robinson Victoria , Paterson Gavin K. , Richardson Jenna , Gow Debbie , Nuttall Tim
Published: May 2024

Background

Lop‐eared rabbits may be predisposed to otitis externa (OE) as a consequence of their ear conformation. Although otoscopy, otic cytological evaluation and culture are valuable tools in dogs and cats, published data on rabbits remain lacking.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This study aimed to assess the utility of otoscopy and cytological results in evaluating healthy rabbit external ear canals (EECs) and to characterise ear cytological and microbiological findings through culture techniques and metagenomic sequencing.

Animals

Sixty‐three otitis‐free client‐owned rabbits.

Materials and Methods

All rabbits underwent otoscopy and ear cytological evaluation. In a subset of 12 rabbits, further bacterial and fungal culture, fungal DNA assessment and metagenomic sequencing were performed.

Results

Otic cytological results revealed yeast in 73%, cocci in 42.9% and rods in 28.6% of healthy rabbit EECs. Compared to upright‐eared rabbits, lop‐eared rabbits had more discharge and more bacteria per oil immersion field. Culture isolated eight different species yet metagenomic sequencing identified 36, belonging to the Bacillota (Firmicutes), Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota phyla. Staphylococcus were the most commonly observed species with both methods. Ten of 12 rabbits were yeast‐positive on cytological evaluation with only three yielding fungal growth identified as Yarrowia (Candida) lipolytica, Eurotium echinulatum and Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Healthy rabbit EECs lack inflammatory cells yet can host yeast and bacteria, emphasising the need to evaluate cytological results alongside the clinical signs. Lop‐ear anatomy may predispose to bacterial overgrowth and OE. Notably, yeasts may be present despite a negative culture.
Static and moving minimum audible angle: Independent contributions of reverberation and position
Authors: Dietze Anna , Clapp Samuel W. , Seeber Bernhard U.
Published: May 2024

Two measures of auditory spatial resolution, the minimum audible angle and the minimum audible movement angle, have been obtained in a simulated acoustic environment using Ambisonics sound field reproduction. Trajectories were designed to provide no reliable cues for the spatial discrimination task. Larger threshold angles were found in reverberant compared to anechoic conditions, for stimuli on the side compared to the front, and for moving compared to static stimuli. The effect of reverberation appeared to be independent of the position of the sound source (same relative threshold increase) and was independently present for static and moving sound sources.
Covert RNA viruses in medflies differ in their mode of transmission and tissue tropism
Authors: Hernández-Pelegrín Luis , Huditz Hannah-Isadora , García-Castillo Pablo , de Ruijter Norbert C. A. , van Oers Monique M. , Herrero Salvador , Ros Vera I. D.
Published: May 2024

Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of covert viral infections in insects. These infections can be transmitted in insect populations via two main routes: vertical from parents to offspring, or horizontal between nonrelated individuals. Thirteen covert RNA viruses have been described in the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly). Some of these viruses are established in different laboratory-reared and wild medfly populations, although variations in the viral repertoire and viral levels have been observed at different time points. To better understand these viral dynamics, we characterized the prevalence and levels of covert RNA viruses in two medfly strains, assessed the route of transmission of these viruses, and explored their distribution in medfly adult tissues. Altogether, our results indicated that the different RNA viruses found in medflies vary in their preferred route of transmission. Two iflaviruses and a narnavirus are predominantly transmitted through vertical transmission via the female, while a nodavirus and a nora virus exhibited a preference for horizontal transmission. Overall, our results give valuable insights into the viral tropism and transmission of RNA viruses in the medfly, contributing to the understanding of viral dynamics in insect populations.

IMPORTANCE

The presence of RNA viruses in insects has been extensively covered. However, the study of host-virus interaction has focused on viruses that cause detrimental effects to the host. In this manuscript, we uncovered which tissues are infected with covert RNA viruses in the agricultural pest
Ceratitis capitata
, and which is the preferred transmission route of these viruses. Our results showed that vertical and horizontal transmission can occur simultaneously, although each virus is transmitted more efficiently following one of these routes. Additionally, our results indicated an association between the tropism of the RNA virus and the preferred route of transmission. Overall, these results set the basis for understanding how viruses are established and maintained in medfly populations.