bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and absorption properties of five new heterocyclic disazo dyes containing pyrazole and pyrazolone and their acute toxicities on the freshwater amphipod Gammarus roeseli
Authors: Demirçalı Aykut , Karcı Fikret , Sari Fikret
Published: February 2021

In this study, five new heterocyclic disazo dyes containing pyrazole and pyrazolone were synthesised (3a‐3e). The synthesised disazo dyes were characterised by elemental analysis and Fourier Transform–infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The effects of two different solvents upon the absorption ability of the dyes substituted with electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups were examined in detail. In addition, the acute toxicity of each synthesised azo dye was evaluated using a short‐term bioassay with Gammarus roeseli (Crustacea: Amphipoda) for 48 hours. According to the evaluations, the dyes 3a, 3b and 3d were categorised as slightly toxic, and the dyes 3c and 3e as practically non‐toxic. Considering the toxicity of the dye 3a, it was determined that the substitution of the electron‐withdrawing group in the azo dye resulted in more toxicity, while the substitution of the electron‐donating group resulted in less toxicity. It was also found that the presence of the strongly electron‐withdrawing group resulted in the azo dye becoming more toxic in comparison with the presence of the weakly electron‐withdrawing group, but that the presence of the strongly electron‐donating group resulted in the azo dye becoming less toxic in comparison with the presence of the weakly electron‐donating group. It is contended that this study is novel and of great importance in terms of synthesising new azo dyes, investigating their absorption properties and assessing their acute toxicities.
Skin tumors in xeroderma pigmentosum: Evaluation of a large series and a literature review
Authors: Baykal Can , Atcı Tuğba , Yılmaz Zeynep , Büyükbabani Nesimi
Published: February 2021

Background

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genodermatosis with a lifelong propensity to develop malignant skin tumors.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 24 XP patients were evaluated with regard to frequency and clinicopathological features of benign and malignant skin tumors.

Results

Seventeen patients had at least one malignant skin tumor diagnosed: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in 13 patients (n = 72), basosquamous carcinoma in three patients (n = 4), squamous cell carcinoma in six patients (n = 13), keratoacanthoma in three patients (n = 15), and melanoma in six patients (n = 18). Most melanomas (n = 15) were in situ lesions. Several benign skin tumors were noted such as tricholemmoma (n = 1), trichoepithelioma (n = 1), trichoblastoma (n = 1), follicular infundibulum tumor (n = 1), keratoacanthoma‐like follicular lesion (n = 1), adnexal tumors with folliculosebaceous (n = 1) and tricholemmal differentiation (n = 1), and neurofibroma (n = 1). Benign vascular proliferations including pyogenic granulomas (n = 8), widespread telangiectasias, and senile angioma‐like lesions were also observed in 3, 5, and 5 patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Similar to many reports, BCC was found to be the most common malignant skin tumor. The high prevalence of benign adnexal tumors of follicular differentiation, some of them showing mixed histopathological features and various vascular proliferations in our series raises the question of whether they indicate a formerly undescribed association with XP.
The association of acute alcohol use and dynamic suicide risk with variation in onward care after psychiatric crisis
Authors: Robins John E. , Kalk Nicola J. , Ross Kezia R. , Pritchard Megan , Curtis Vivienne , Morley Katherine I.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Despite the association of alcohol use with recurrent suicidal acts, individuals attempting suicide after drinking alcohol face barriers accessing crisis care following emergency assessment, demonstrated by higher odds of inpatient admission for those whose suicide attempt did not feature alcohol. This disparity may be due to suicidality dissipating more rapidly after a suicide attempt involving alcohol. We investigated the effect of acute alcohol use and ongoing suicidality on onward care decisions after emergency assessment.

Methods

We analysed electronic health records of 650 suicidal adults detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act (1983, amended 2007) for up to 36 h at a London psychiatric emergency care centre. We used logistic regression to estimate the association of acute alcohol use and ongoing suicidality (including their interaction) with admission to psychiatric hospital.

Results

Fifteen percent of previously intoxicated detainees expressed suicidal intent at detention end, compared to 24% of detainees who had not used alcohol prior to detention. Compared to those who were not previously intoxicated and not suicidal at detention end, acute alcohol use was associated with reduced odds of admission amongst those no longer suicidal (AOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2, 0.6). Where suicidality persisted, odds of admission rose; however, the magnitude of increase when in combination with prior alcohol use (AOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.9, 7.1) was under half that of when alcohol was not involved (AOR 8.2, 95% CI 3.5, 19.1).

Discussion and Conclusions

Acute alcohol use is associated with transient suicidality, but this only partially accounts for disparities in care following suicide attempts.
Post‐operative follow‐up of 150 patients with sentinel lymph node biopsy under tumescence local anesthesia
Authors: Eckardt Julia , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Kofler Katrin , Mroz Gabi , Scheu Alexander , Schulz Claudia , Kofler Lukas
Published: February 2021

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is useful for staging of patients with melanoma. Although SLNB is mostly performed under general anesthesia (GA), tumescence local anesthesia (TLA) can also be used. However, less data are available regarding feasibility of SLNB under TLA. Here we present a post‐operative follow‐up of 150 patients.

Patients and Methods

We prospectively analyzed data from 150 patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. We assessed pain, post‐operative complications and patients’ satisfaction after SLNB under TLA.

Results

32 % of the patients reported post‐operative pain within the first 48 h after SLNB. Seroma was the most frequent complication, as 29 seromas after SLNB were observed. Wound infection was observed in 3.3 % of the patients. 98.7 % of the patients were satisfied with SLNB under TLA.

Conclusions

SLNB under TLA is a safe and feasible option and should be considered for patients with melanoma. Especially with multimorbid or elderly patients, the risks of GA can be avoided.
Reflections on the future role of the state in Somalia from the perspective of aid effectiveness
Authors: Raballand Gaël , Fiebelkorn Andreas , Heidenhof Guenter , Schmidt Kirk
Published: February 2021

Motivation

In fragile states, due to limited domestic revenue collection, the private sector is usually the main provider of services; the state being a provider through extensive aid financing. Therefore, the current situation in Somalia raises questions about what the priorities for donors’ interventions should be.

Purpose

A key challenge in fragile states is to find the right balance between short‐term imperatives, such as the restoration of services and state authority, and long‐term state‐building objectives in a context of limited revenue generation and with unstable political settlements. What should the path of gradual state reforms in Somalia be?

Approach and Methods

Based on lessons of implementing reforms in fragile states in the last decades and from a literature review on fragile states and insights arising from years of reforms in Somalia, this article offers some reflections about the most relevant public sector reforms in the country.

Findings

In relation to the most relevant reforms, defining a new role of the state and intergovernmental fiscal relations are critical to tackle the relatively limited affordability of public interventions.

Policy implications

The questions of limited resources in Somalia, a fragile state, and a resulting dependence on aid financing, are critical for aid effectiveness and are also relevant for other fragile states.
Individual fitness is decoupled from coarse‐scale probability of occurrence in North American trees
Authors: Midolo Gabriele , Wellstein Camilla , Faurby Søren
Published: February 2021

Habitat suitability estimated with probability of occurrence in species distribution models (SDMs) is used in conservation to identify geographic areas that are most likely to harbor individuals of interest. In theory, probability of occurrence is coupled with individual fitness so that individuals have higher fitness at the centre of their species environmental niche than at the edges, which we here define as ‘fitness‐centre' hypothesis. However, such relationship is uncertain and has been rarely tested across multiple species. Here, we quantified the relationship between coarse‐scale probability of occurrence projected with SDMs and individual fitness in 66 tree species native of North America. We used 1) field data of individuals' growth rate (height and diameter standardized by age) available from the United States Forest Inventory Analysis plots; and 2) common garden data collected from 23 studies reporting individual growth rate, survival, height and diameter of individuals originated from different provenances in United States and Canada. We show ‘fitness–centre' relationships are rare, with only 12% and 11% of cases showing a significant positive correlation for field and common garden data, respectively. Furthermore, we found the ‘fitness–centre' relationship is not affected by the precision of the SDMs and it does not depend upon dispersal ability and climatic breath of the species. Thus, although the ‘fitness–centre' relationship is supported by theory, it does not hold true in nearly any species. Because individual fitness plays a relevant role in buffering local extinction and range contraction following climatic changes and biotic invasions, our results encourage conservationists not to assume the ‘fitness–centre' relationship when modelling species distribution.
Blacklegged tick population synchrony between oak forest and non‐oak forest
Authors: Borgmann‐Winter Benjamin W. , Oggenfuss Kelly M. , Ostfeld Richard S.
Published: February 2021

1. Fluctuations in abundance of blacklegged ticks in space and time are well‐documented, but the extent to which populations fluctuate synchronously across habitat types is poorly understood. In oak forests, blacklegged tick density depends on small mammal abundance, which is in turn driven by fluctuations in acorn production. It is currently unknown whether fluctuations in tick abundance in oak forest, long understood to depend largely on masting events, are shared with nearby non‐oak forest.

2. In this study, we analysed 22 years of tick population data from nine forest plots in south‐eastern New York in order to compare fluctuations of nymphal and larval blacklegged tick populations in oak‐dominant forests and non‐oak forests.

3. We found that population peak densities of nymphal ticks were strongly synchronous in oak and non‐oak forests among years and that larval population dynamics were weakly synchronous between these two forest types.

4. Our results suggest that drivers of immature tick density in oak‐dominant forest, including climatic factors and mast‐driven host dynamics, may also influence tick population fluctuations in the surrounding landscape.
Ecophylogenetics redux
Authors: Davies T. Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Species’ evolutionary histories shape their present‐day ecologies, but the integration of phylogenetic approaches in ecology has had a contentious history. The field of ecophylogenetics promised to reveal the process of community assembly from simple indices of phylogenetic pairwise distances – communities shaped by environmental filtering were composed of closely related species, whereas communities shaped by competition were composed of less closely related species. However, the mapping of ecology onto phylogeny proved to be not so straightforward, and the field remains mired in controversy. Nonetheless, ecophylogenetic methods provided important advances across ecology. For example the phylogenetic distances between species is a strong predictor of pest and pathogen sharing, and can thus inform models of species invasion, coexistence and the disease dilution/amplification effect of biodiversity. The phylogenetic structure of communities may also provide information on niche space occupancy, helping interpret patterns of facilitation, succession and ecosystem functioning – with relevance for conservation and restoration – and the dynamics among species within foodwebs and metacommunities. I suggest leveraging advances in our understanding of the process of evolution on phylogenetic trees would allow the field to progress further, while maintaining the essence of the original vision that proved so seductive.
Sentiment‐scaled CAPM and market mispricing
Authors: Doukas John A. , Han Xiao
Published: February 2021

This study explores the conditional version of the capital asset pricing model on sentiment to provide a behavioural intuition behind the value premium and market mispricing. We find betas (β) and the market risk premium to vary over time across different sentiment indices and portfolios. More importantly, the state β derived from this sentiment‐scaled model provides a behavioural explanation of the value premium and a set of anomalies driven by mispricing. Different from the static β–return relation that gives a flat security market line, we document upward security market lines when plotting portfolio returns against their state βs and portfolios with higher state βs earn higher returns.
Stochastic models for single‐cell data: Current challenges and the way forward
Authors: Hsu Ian S. , Moses Alan M.
Published: February 2021

Although the quantity and quality of single‐cell data have progressed rapidly, making quantitative predictions with single‐cell stochastic models remains challenging. The stochastic nature of cellular processes leads to at least three challenges in building models with single‐cell data: (a) because variability in single‐cell data can be attributed to multiple different sources, it is difficult to rule out conflicting mechanistic models that explain the same data equally well; (b) the distinction between interesting biological variability and experimental variability is sometimes ambiguous; (c) the nonstandard distributions of single‐cell data can lead to violations of the assumption of symmetric errors in least‐squares fitting. In this review, we first discuss recent studies that overcome some of the challenges or set up a promising direction and then introduce some powerful statistical approaches utilized in these studies. We conclude that applying and developing statistical approaches could lead to further progress in building stochastic models for single‐cell data.
A novel unified characterization parameter of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints based on critical CTOA
Authors: Zhen Ying , Chang Qun , Cao Yuguang , Niu Ruiyan
Published: February 2021

There is much controversy in using laboratory specimens to predict the fracture behavior of large industrial constructions because of their different constraints. Although several parameters have been proposed to characterize the constraint effect, there are still some limitations. To address this issue, a novel unified characterization parameter of constraint based on the critical crack tip opening angle (CTOAC) is defined. Firstly, the calibrated finite element technologies for simulation of static and dynamic crack are used to determine the equivalent plastic strain (εp) distribution around the crack tip and the evolution history of CTOA for specimens with different in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints, respectively. Secondly, the feasibility of the equivalent plastic strain at the crack tip when CTOA reaches its critical value to unified measure both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints is investigated. The results indicate that the areaAPEEQsurrounded by the isoline of equivalent plastic strainεpcan describe both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints and the interaction between them. Finally, a novel constraint characterization parameterηis defined. It is found that there is a linear relationship, which depends only on the material and regardless of the selection of theεpisoline, between the normalized fracture toughness CTOAC/CTOArefandη1/2. The work in this paper is expected to realize the matching of constraints between different laboratory specimens or industrial constructions.
Novel approach for intermaxillary fixation of fractured mandible using gunning splints for easy disengagement: A case report
Authors: Mohanani Karishma , Bhat Srinidhi , Maiya Ramakrishna , Kamath Giridhar
Published: February 2021

Intermaxillary fixation of gunning splints with an archwire necessitates precision in removal, which can prove hazardous during a life‐threatening emergency. This case report describes the treatment of parasymphseal fracture of a patient hailing from remote location with inaccessibility to health care system. Intermaxillary fixation was performed with gunning splints using heavy orthodontic elastics, facilitating ease of removal in case of an emergency.
Edentulism‐free life expectancy among older Brazilian adults: SABE study, 2006‐2016
Authors: Oliveira Eduardo José Pereira , Alves Luciana Correia , Duarte Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira , Bof de Andrade Fabíola
Published: February 2021

Aim

To assess edentulism‐free life expectancy (EFLE) and the related inequalities by sex and schooling among older Brazilian adults from 2006 to 2016.

Background

Tooth loss is related to shortened longevity and unhealthy life expectancy in old age.

Materials and Methods

The outcome of the study was EFLE, assessed by age, sex and schooling. EFLE was estimated using the Sullivan method, considering the years and proportion of remaining life and the prevalence of edentulism—assessed in the Health, Well‐being, and Aging cohort study, as well as the official mortality data for adults aged 60 years or older living in São Paulo, Brazil.

Results

EFLE increased from 10.9 (95% CI: 10.4‐11.5) to 13.8 (95% CI: 13.2‐14.5) years, considering data from 2006 to 2016, among 60‐year‐old individuals. In relative terms, these individuals expected to live 50.7% (95% CI: 48.1‐53.2) of their remaining life free of edentulism in 2006, while this expectation was 62.8% (95% CI: 60.0‐65.6) in 2016. Within both years, women and the less educated had lower EFLE than men and the higher educated.

Conclusion

EFLE increased from 2006 to 2016. However, inequalities concerning sex and education remained significant, thereby highlighting the need to continuously address inequalities in tooth loss throughout life to contribute to a healthy ageing.
Perceived oral health and oral health behaviours among home‐dwelling older people with and without domiciliary care
Authors: Salmi Riikka , Närhi Timo , Suominen Auli , Suominen Anna Liisa , Lahti Satu
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The aim was to compare the perceived oral health and oral health behaviours of home‐dwelling older people with and without domiciliary care.

Background

Oral health is poor in long‐term care, but less is known about perceived oral health of home‐dwelling older people receiving domiciliary care.

Materials and methods

Data from the Health 2000 and Health 2011 surveys (BRIF8901) were used. Interview participants were at least 70 years old and living at home with or without domiciliary care (n = 1298 in 2000 and n = 1027 in 2011). Differences in perceived oral health (subjective oral health, pain, eating difficulties) and oral health behaviours (hygiene, use of services) were compared based on the use of domiciliary care and stratified by gender. Differences between groups were compared with the chi‐square test.

Results

In 2011, compared to non‐clients, domiciliary care clients more often had poor subjective oral health (40.3% vs. 28.9%, P = .045). In both surveys, they also used oral health services less recently (2000, 76.4% vs. 60.9%; and 2011, 61.1% vs. 46.6%) and more often had difficulties chewing hard food (2000, 50.6% vs. 34%, P < .001; and 2011, 38.4% vs. 20.7%, P < .001) than non‐clients. In 2000, clients had more difficulty eating dry food without drinking (39.5% vs. 21.6%, P < .001) and cleaning their teeth and mouth (14.3% vs. 1.1%, P < .001) than non‐clients. Women clients in 2011 brushed their teeth less often than non‐clients (43.5% vs. 23.7%, respectively, P = .001).

Conclusion

Domiciliary care clients have poorer perceived oral health, and greater difficulties with eating and oral hygiene maintenance than non‐clients.
Microstructure, phase and dielectric strength of thermally sprayed alumina layers in coating‐based heating systems
Authors: Mohammadian Bajgiran Morvarid , Rezvani Rad Milad , McDonald Andre , Moreau Christian
Published: February 2021

In coating‐based resistive heating systems applied on an electrically conductive substrate, an intermediary dielectric layer is required to minimize or eliminate leakage of current from the heating surface to the substrate. Aluminum oxide has widely been used for electrical insulation purposes. In this study, alumina was deposited onto carbon steel substrates by using suspension plasma spraying and flame spraying processes. Then, Ni‐20Cr, as the heating element, was deposited on the alumina layer by using air plasma spraying. The resultant microstructure and phase composition of the alumina layers were evaluated by using scanning electron microscope images, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The breakdown voltage of alumina layers was measured independently and within the heating system. It was found that the dielectric properties of alumina layers were significantly affected by its microstructural features. It was observed that penetration of metal topcoat into the alumina layer decreased the overall breakdown voltage of the system.
Determinants, mechanisms, and functional outcomes of myeloid cell diversity in cancer
Authors: Caronni Nicoletta , Montaldo Elisa , Mezzanzanica Luca , Cilenti Francesco , Genua Marco , Ostuni Renato
Published: February 2021

Most, if not all, aspects of carcinogenesis are influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex architecture of cells, matrix components, soluble signals, and their dynamic interactions in the context of physical traits of the tissue. Expanding application of technologies for high‐dimensional analyses with single‐cell resolution has begun to decipher the contributions of the immune system to cancer progression and its implications for therapy. In this review, we will discuss the multifaceted roles of tumor‐associated macrophages and neutrophils, focusing on factors that subvert tissue immune homeostasis and offer therapeutic opportunities for TME reprogramming. By performing a critical analysis of available datasets, we elaborate on diversification mechanisms and unifying principles of myeloid cell heterogeneity in human tumors.
What place does nurse‐led research have in the COVID‐19 pandemic?
Authors: Castro‐Sánchez E. , Russell A.M. , Dolman L. , Wells M.
Published: February 2021

Aim

Reflect upon the visibility of nursing‐led research during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

The emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has galvanized collaborative and multidisciplinary efforts in clinical and research practice worldwide. The scarce evidence‐base to manage patients with COVID‐19 has included limited nurse‐led research.

Introduction

Clinical research nurses have greatly contributed to the delivery of COVID‐19 research, yet the number of COVID‐19 nursing‐led research papers appears to be limited, with even fewer nurse‐led research projects funded.

Methods

Authors’ views and PubMed search on ‘COVID‐19 and nursing’.

Findings

There is a dearth of nursing‐led research. Most papers describe the nursing contribution to COVID‐19 care, changes in nursing working arrangements and emotional burden. There are opportunities to explore the consequences to vulnerable population groups of public health measures implemented to stop the progress of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Discussion

Workforce gaps, limited integration in research structures and clinical redeployment may have hampered nurse‐led research. COVID‐19 may exacerbate staffing deficits by disrupting the education pipeline, obstructing the transition from clinical to academic practice, particularly in areas where clinical academic roles are yet to emerge.

Conclusion

The absence of nurse‐led research in COVID‐19 can be explained by chronic, underlying factors and the features of the pandemic response. Emerging models of care, effective staffing and inequalities related to COVID‐19 appear obvious research areas. Nursing leadership needs to strengthen its political voice and lobbying skills to secure nurse‐led research funding.

Implications for Nursing Policy

Embracing international nursing research, strengthening collaborations and lobbying policymakers for investment in nurse‐sensitive research would enhance the response to COVID‐19.
Detection of bacterial fluorescence from in vivo wound biofilms using a point‐of‐care fluorescence imaging device
Authors: Lopez Andrea J. , Jones Laura M. , Reynolds Landrye , Diaz Rachel C. , George Isaiah K. , Little William , Fleming Derek , D'souza Anna , Rennie Monique Y. , Rumbaugh Kendra P. , Smith Allie Clinton
Published: February 2021

Wound biofilms must be identified to target disruption and bacterial eradication but are challenging to detect with standard clinical assessment. This study tested whether bacterial fluorescence imaging could detect porphyrin‐producing bacteria within a biofilm using well‐established in vivo models. Mouse wounds were inoculated on Day 0 with planktonic bacteria (n = 39, porphyrin‐producing and non‐porphyrin‐producing species, 107 colony forming units (CFU)/wound) or with polymicrobial biofilms (n = 16, 3 biofilms per mouse, each with 1:1:1 parts Staphylococcus aureus/Escherichia coli/Enterobacter cloacae, 107 CFU/biofilm) that were grown in vitro. Mouse wounds inoculated with biofilm underwent fluorescence imaging up to Day 4 or 5. Wounds were then excised and sent for microbiological analysis. Bacteria‐matrix interaction was assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histopathology. A total of 48 hours after inoculation with planktonic bacteria or biofilm, red fluorescence was readily detected in wounds; red fluorescence intensified up to Day 4. Red fluorescence from biofilms persisted in excised wound tissue post‐wash. SEM and histopathology confirmed bacteria‐matrix interaction. This pre‐clinical study is the first to demonstrate the fluorescence detection of bacterial biofilm in vivo using a point‐of‐care wound imaging device. These findings have implications for clinicians targeting biofilm and may facilitate improved visualisation and removal of biofilms.
Anxiety characteristics in individuals with Williams syndrome
Authors: Royston Rachel , Oliver Chris , Howlin Patricia , Waite Jane
Published: February 2021

Background

Williams syndrome anxiety research predominantly focuses on disorder prevalence and symptomatology, categorised using standardised mental health classifications. However, the use of these assessments may not fully capture the phenotypic features of anxiety in Williams syndrome. In this study, we examined characteristics of anxiety using a formulation framework.

Method

A semi‐structured interview was conducted with thirteen parents of individuals with Williams syndrome (median age: 19, age range: 12–45, 8 females).

Results

Various anxiety triggers were reported, including anxiety triggered by phobias, uncertainty and negative emotions in others. The range of described behaviours was diverse with both avoidant and active coping strategies for anxiety management reported.

Conclusions

Many of the characteristics described were consistent with findings in the intellectual disability and typically developing literature, although novel information was identified. The study demonstrates the utility of a formulation framework to explore anxiety characteristics in atypical populations and has outlined new avenues for research.
Characterization of Pre‐mRNA Splicing and Spliceosomal Machinery in Porphyridiumpurpureum and Evolutionary Implications for Red Algae
Authors: Wong Donald K. , Stark Martha S. , Rader Stephen D. , Fast Naomi M.
Published: February 2021

Pre‐mRNA splicing is a highly conserved eukaryotic process, but our understanding of it is limited by a historical focus on well‐studied organisms such as humans and yeast. There is considerable diversity in mechanisms and components of pre‐mRNA splicing, especially in lineages that have evolved under the pressures of genome reduction. The ancestor of red algae is thought to have undergone genome reduction prior to the lineage's radiation, resulting in overall gene and intron loss in extant groups. Previous studies on the extremophilic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae revealed an intron‐sparse genome with a highly reduced spliceosome. To determine whether these features applied to other red algae, we investigated multiple aspects of pre‐mRNA splicing in the mesophilic red alga Porphyridium purpureum. Through strand‐specific RNA‐Seq, we observed high levels of intron retention across a large number of its introns, and nearly half of the transcripts for these genes are not spliced at all. We also discovered a relationship between variability of 5′ splice site sequences and levels of splicing. To further investigate the connections between intron retention and splicing machinery, we bioinformatically assembled the P. purpureum spliceosome, and biochemically verified the presence of snRNAs. While most other core spliceosomal components are present, our results suggest highly divergent or missing U1 snRNP proteins, despite the presence of an uncharacteristically long U1 snRNA. These unusual aspects highlight the diverse nature of pre‐mRNA splicing that can be seen in lesser‐studied eukaryotes, raising the importance of investigating fundamental eukaryotic processes outside of model organisms.
Assessment of Flavobacterium psychrophilum‐associated mortality in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Bruce Timothy J. , Ma Jie , Jones Evan M. , Vuglar Brent M. , Oliver Luke P. , Knupp Christopher , Loch Thomas P. , Cain Kenneth D.
Published: February 2021

Salmonid diseases caused by infections of Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease, remain difficult to manage as novel, pathogenic strains continue to emerge in aquaculture settings globally. To date, much of the research regarding treatment options and vaccine development has focused on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), but other inland‐reared salmonids are also impacted by this Gram‐negative bacterium. As such, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were injection‐challenged with a variety of previously reported F. psychrophilum strains isolated from disease diagnostic cases in salmonids, as well as a standard and well‐studied F. psychrophilum strain (CSF 259–93) known to be virulent in rainbow trout. In three separate virulence assessments (Trials A, B and C), strains US063 (isolated from lake trout; Salvelinus namaycush) and US149 (isolated from Atlantic salmon) caused a significantly higher cumulative per cent mortality (CPM) relative to other strains in Atlantic salmon (p <.001 for all trials), with US149 causing significantly greater mortality than US063 in Trials A (CPM 97% vs. 65%, p =.008) and B (CPM 96% ± 2.3% vs. 81.33% ± 4.8%, p =.014). Trial C used a lower dose (1.86 × 108 CFU/mL) for US149, resulting in a lower mortality (78.67% ± 9.33%) relative to Trials A and B. CSF259‐93 did not cause significant mortality in any trials. In brook trout, the strain 03–179 (originally isolated from steelhead trout; Oncorhynchus mykiss) was significantly more virulent than any other (CPM 100% ± 0%, p <.001), followed by US063 (73% ± 3.8%) and US149 (40% ± 6.1%,) respectively. Again, CSF259‐93 did not cause significant mortality relative to a mock challenge treatment. Results provide information about the applicability of strain selection in F. psychrophilum virulence testing in Atlantic salmon and brook trout, demonstrating the high virulence of US063 and US149 for these salmonid species. This information is applicable for the development of therapeutics and vaccines against F. psychrophilum infections and demonstrates the reproducibility of the experimental challenge model.
Fire‐Sale Spillovers and Systemic Risk
Authors: DUARTE FERNANDO , EISENBACH THOMAS M.
Published: February 2021

We identify and track over time the factors that make the financial system vulnerable to fire sales by constructing an index of aggregate vulnerability. The index starts increasing quickly in 2004, before most other major systemic risk measures, and triples by 2008. The fire‐sale‐specific factors of delevering speed and concentration of illiquid assets account for the majority of this increase. Individual banks' contributions to aggregate vulnerability predict other firm‐specific measures of systemic risk, including SRISK and CoVaR. The balance‐sheet‐based measures we propose are therefore useful early indicators of when and where vulnerabilities are building up.
Left ventricular assist device in pregnancy: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Malik Alexa , Winchester Mae‐Lan , Gorman Kelly , Parrott Jessica , Parrish Marc
Published: February 2021

Left ventricular assist devices have emerged as a safe and effective therapy for end‐stage heart failure patients. However, little is known about the safety of these devices during pregnancy. We describe a 23‐year‐old woman who received a left ventricular device for nonischemic cardiomyopathy of uncertain origin. She became pregnant approximately 1 year later. With close monitoring of her hemodynamic parameters, she was able to achieve a gestational age of 34 weeks, at which time she delivered a healthy male infant by cesarean delivery. Pregnancies in women with left ventricular assist devices may be successful, but remain medically challenging and complex pregnancies. Close multidisciplinary involvement and frequent assessment of device parameters during pregnancy is warranted.
Local News Online: Aggregators, Geo‐Targeting and the Market for Local News*
Authors: George Lisa M. , Hogendorn Christiaan
Published: February 2021

We examine how placement of geo‐targeted local news links on Google News affected local news consumption. Using a sample of news visits by 36,876 U.S. households before and after a Google News design change, we find that aggregation increased the level and share of local news consumed online. Magnitudes are modest: consumption of local news among heavy Google News users rose by 25% after the redesign, but from a low base. Geo‐targeting increased weekly consumption variety and reduced concentration among local outlets but did not raise overall consumption variety, suggesting that aggregators play a limited role in product discovery.
Impaired Distal Perfusion Predicts Length of Hospital Stay in Patients with Symptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Havenon Adam de , Honda Tristan , Hinman Jason D. , Raychev Radoslav , Sharma Latisha K. , Kim Song , Feldmann Edward , Romano Jose G. , Prabhakaran Shyam , Liebeskind David S.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Perfusion imaging can risk stratify patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis. We aim to determine the association between perfusion delay and length of hospital stay (LOS) in symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center over 5 years with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 7 days of symptom onset due to MCA stenosis (50‐99%) and underwent perfusion imaging. Patients were divided into three groups: mismatch volume ≥ 15 cc based on T max > 6 second delay, T max 4‐6 second delay, and <4 second delay. The outcome was LOS, both as a continuous variable and categorical (≥7 days [prolonged LOS] vs. <7 days). We used adjusted regression analyses to determine the association between perfusion categories and LOS.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy eight of 194 patients met the inclusion criteria. After adjusting for age and NIHSS, T max >6 second mismatch was associated with prolonged LOS (OR 2.94 95% CI 1.06‐8.18; P = .039), but T max 4‐6 second was not (OR 1.45 95% CI .46‐4.58, P = .528). We found similar associations when LOS was a continuous variable for T max > 6 second (β coefficient = 2.01, 95% CI .05‐3.97, P = .044) and T max 4‐6 second (β coefficient = 1.24, 95% CI –.85 to 3.34, P = .244).

CONCLUSION

In patients with symptomatic MCA stenosis, T max > 6 second perfusion delay is associated with prolonged LOS. Prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.
Using an online photo based questionnaire to predict tasted liking and amount sampled of familiar and unfamiliar foods by female nutrition students
Authors: Colla Kathryn , Keast Russell , Hartley Isabella , Liem Djin Gie
Published: February 2021

The present study investigated the relationship between online questionnaire and laboratory taste tests. Participants (n = 111 females, mean age; 24.0 ± 4.5 years) rated familiarity (5‐point Likert scale), predicted liking (9‐point hedonic scale) and prospective consumption (9‐point category scale) of 23 snacks using an online photo questionnaire. One week later participants rated liking and prospective consumption of five of those snacks in the laboratory (in‐lab). Predicted liking explained 19.2 and 34.5% of the variation in in‐lab liking of familiar and unfamiliar snacks, respectively. Prospective consumption (online) explained 11.2 and 5.4% of the variation in in‐lab prospective consumption of familiar and unfamiliar snacks, respectively. Differences in snack familiarity did not influence the strength of the relationships between online and in‐lab measures (p > .05). Compared to predicted liking, tasted liking was more predictive of prospective consumption, even if foods were familiar, highlighting the importance of experiencing all sensory properties.

Practical applications

The present research aimed to determine if an online photo based questionnaire could provide results on liking and prospective consumption, were related to perceptual, hedonic, and behavioral (i.e., consumption) results obtained within a sensory laboratory. Specifically, do consumers need to taste food to rate liking and prospective consumption, or can they simply look at a photograph? Moreover, is such a questionnaire only appropriate for foods that are highly familiar, or can they be used for unfamiliar foods? This investigation may be relevant for researchers and professionals who wish to overcome the limitations of traditional sensory testing within a laboratory, such as time constraints, satiation, fatigue, location, and other logistical considerations. The present research confirms that liking and prospective consumption measured using online photo based questionnaires is poorly correlated with the gold standard of tasted measures of liking and prospective consumption. These findings make an important contribution to the field of consumer science, which is continuously aiming to optimize testing procedures.
“From schoolboy to counsellor: An autoethnography of deconstructions and reconstructions of the self as a learner”
Authors: Summers Neil
Published: February 2021

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject

Autoethnographic methods can explore key learning experiences and significant occurrences over a particular lifespan.

In this paper, the author has explored and employed these methods to examine the constructs of the self and how such learning may enrich the lifespan of a trainee counsellor.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge

These findings will add to the research literature in the field that is limited in relation to identity formation, impact of education on learners and men becoming therapists.

Key themes emerged, “He's a sensitive boy”—learning to hide, help through others—I can learn and re‐construction—restoration and healing.

What are the implications for practice

Despite the introspective nature of autoethnography, findings from this narrative have a bearing on the importance of inter‐dependant relationships and support and how they can impact on learning and how people are viewed and labelled by communities and societies.

These findings also illuminate the understanding of the construction and re‐construction of the self and inform how a person, in therapy, can rebuild their lives by considering more than the negative narratives about themselves?
A methodology for measuring the total displacements of structures using a laser–camera system
Authors: Nasimi Roya , Moreu Fernando
Published: February 2021

Railroad bridge inspection manuals recommend measuring bridge displacements under train crossing events. Traditional displacement measurement methods require humans climbing the infrastructure for sensor installation, which is unsafe. Therefore, bridge inspectors are interested in noncontact methods. The authors of this paper developed a methodology that measures the noncontact, reference‐free total transverse displacement of structures using a laser and a camera. Total displacement refers to both dynamic and pseudostatic components of displacement. The developed method can be implemented with off‐the‐shelf hardware components that are lightweight, and simple enough, so researchers can build their own system and test it in the field. First, the paper presents the methodology and tests it with a 1 degree of freedom (DOF) estimation with neither rotation nor elevation change. Subsequently, authors developed a new algorithm combining both laser and camera under arbitrary 6 DOF motion. The results of this research support noncontact reference‐free total displacement measurements of railroad bridges.
Interaction between transforming Theileria parasites and their host bovine leukocytes
Authors: Tajeri Shahin , Haidar Malak , Sakura Takaya , Langsley Gordon
Published: February 2021

Theileria are tick‐transmitted parasites that cause often fatal leuko‐proliferative diseases in cattle called tropical theileriosis (T. annulata) and East Coast fever (T. parva). However, upon treatment with anti‐theilerial drug‐transformed leukocytes die of apoptosis indicating that Theileria‐induced transformation is reversible making infected leukocytes a powerful example of how intracellular parasites interact with their hosts. Theileria‐transformed leukocytes disseminate throughout infected cattle causing a cancer‐like disease and here, we discuss how cytokines, noncoding RNAs and oncometabolites can contribute to the transformed phenotype and disease pathology.
Chitosan inhibits septin‐mediated plant infection by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae in a protein kinase C and Nox1 NADPH oxidase‐dependent manner
Authors: Lopez‐Moya Federico , Martin‐Urdiroz Magdalena , Oses‐Ruiz Miriam , Were Vincent M. , Fricker Mark D. , Littlejohn George , Lopez‐Llorca Luis V. , Talbot Nicholas J.
Published: February 2021

Chitosan is a partially deacetylated linear polysaccharide composed of β‐1,4‐linked units of d‐glucosamine and N‐acetyl glucosamine. As well as a structural component of fungal cell walls, chitosan is a potent antifungal agent. However, the mode of action of chitosan is poorly understood.

Here, we report that chitosan is effective for control of rice blast disease. Chitosan application impairs growth of the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae and has a pronounced effect on appressorium‐mediated plant infection. Chitosan inhibits septin‐mediated F‐actin remodelling at the appressorium pore, thereby preventing repolarization of the infection cell.

Chitosan causes plasma membrane permeabilization of M. oryzae and affects NADPH oxidase‐dependent synthesis of reactive oxygen species, essential for septin ring formation and fungal pathogenicity. We further show that toxicity of chitosan to M. oryzae requires the protein kinase C‐dependent cell wall integrity pathway, the Mps1 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and the Nox1 NADPH oxidase. A conditionally lethal, analogue (PP1)‐sensitive mutant of Pkc1 is partially remediated for growth in the presence of chitosan, while ∆nox1 mutants increase their glucan : chitin cell wall ratio, rendering them resistant to chitosan.

Taken together, our data show that chitosan is a potent fungicide which requires the cell integrity pathway, disrupts plasma membrane function and inhibits septin‐mediated plant infection.
Morality is in the eye of the beholder: the neurocognitive basis of the “anomalous‐is‐bad” stereotype
Authors: Workman Clifford I. , Humphries Stacey , Hartung Franziska , Aguirre Geoffrey K. , Kable Joseph W. , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: February 2021

Are people with flawed faces regarded as having flawed moral characters? An “anomalous‐is‐bad” stereotype is hypothesized to facilitate negative biases against people with facial anomalies (e.g., scars), but whether and how these biases affect behavior and brain functioning remain open questions. We examined responses to anomalous faces in the brain (using a visual oddball paradigm), behavior (in economic games), and attitudes. At the level of the brain, the amygdala demonstrated a specific neural response to anomalous faces—sensitive to disgust and a lack of beauty but independent of responses to salience or arousal. At the level of behavior, people with anomalous faces were subjected to less prosociality from participants highest in socioeconomic status. At the level of attitudes, we replicated previously reported negative character evaluations made about individuals with facial anomalies, and further identified explicit biases directed against them as a group. Across these levels of organization, the specific amygdala response to facial anomalies correlated with stronger just‐world beliefs (i.e., people get what they deserve), less dispositional empathic concern, and less prosociality toward people with facial anomalies. Characterizing the “anomalous‐is‐bad” stereotype at multiple levels of organization can reveal underappreciated psychological burdens shouldered by people who look different.
Understanding data use and preference of data visualization for public health professionals: A qualitative study
Authors: Park Seungeun , Bekemeier Betty , Flaxman Abraham D.
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study aimed to assess public health professionals’ use of data, information, and evidence and to understand perceptions and preferences regarding data visualization to inform future design of data visualization tools.

Design

We conducted qualitative interviews with public health professionals who use data for decision making as part of community health assessment and program planning from state and local health departments across six states.

Results

We identified four themes: 1) collection of data, information, and evidence; 2) management and analysis of data and information to inform decisions; 3) use of data to support public health practice; and 4) preferences for data visualization and how visualization is being used. Public health professionals use data, information, and evidence from various resources for communicating with co‐workers, stakeholders, and the public, and decision making regarding their programs and services.

Conclusion

Data visualization tools can help public health professionals improve their understanding and communication, their education of stakeholders, and their decision making using data, information, and evidence. Public health professionals believe in the value of using data, information, and evidence. Opportunities exist in ways to support public health professionals’ data use by adopting data visualization tools and by mitigating systematic challenges in public health information systems.