bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Australasian emergency ultrasound: A survey on the current status
Authors: Manivel Vijay , Kennedy‐Smith Elissa , Mirmiran Behzad , Cormack Carolynne J , Garner Alan , Condous George
Published: December 2021

Objective

Emergency ultrasound (EUS) has become an integral part of emergency medicine, and the core pillars of governance, infrastructure, administration, education and quality assurance (QA) are vital for its quality and continued growth. We aimed to assess the status of these vital pillars among Australasian EDs.

Methods

A survey among the clinical leads in ultrasound (CLUS) in Australasian EDs from November 2020 to April 2021.

Results

We analysed a total of 98 responses from CLUS representing 98 EDs. Most CLUS (85%) held EUS qualifications (CCPU 57%, DDU 18%, other 9%) but 15% had none. Only 66% of CLUS had dedicated clinical support time, and a mere 5% had administrative personnel support. Up to three ultrasound machines in 62% of EDs, but only 26% of EDs had secured image archiving facilities. In‐house credentialing and the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) trainee special skills placement were available in 50% and 32% of EDs, respectively. Only 11% of EDs had regular EUS training for FACEMs, and only 66% of EDs had regular EUS education for emergency medicine trainees. Only 20 EDs had sonographer educators. Regarding EUS QA, only 33% of EDs provided formal EUS report, 23% of EDs conducted regular image reviews and 37% of EDs audited EUS performance. Only 35% of EDs had high‐level disinfection equipment, and 56% of EDs had formal transducer disinfection protocols.

Conclusion

Despite ACEM recommendations for the practice of EUS, Australasian EDs still lack vital governance, administrative support, infrastructure, education and QA processes. Prompt actions such as ACEM mandating these recommendations are required to improve resource allocation by health services.
Metastatic melanoma concurrent to the urinary bladder and endometrium: Case report
Authors: Fernandes Maria Clara , Shoushtari Alexander , Leitao Jr Mario M , Chui M. Herman , Al‐Ahmadie Hikmat , Petkovska Iva
Published: December 2021

We report a case of a 47‐year‐old woman with a history of acral lentiginous melanoma, left great toe subungual primary, metastatic to the lungs, brain, and spleen, presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. She had also palpated and removed a dark mass from her vaginal canal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed polypoidal lesions within the urinary bladder and the endometrium. The suspected differential diagnosis was endometrial and bladder melanoma metastases, based on her cancer history and MRI findings. The patient underwent cystoscopy with transurethral resection of the bladder tumor and endometrial biopsy, and pathology was consistent with metastatic melanoma. Bladder and endometrial metastatic lesions are exceedingly rare. Herein, we describe an unusual case of metastatic melanoma concurrent to the urinary bladder and endometrium.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the impact of functional cure on clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Vittal Anusha , Sharma Disha , Hu Alvin , Majeed Nehna A. , Terry Nancy , Auh Sungyoung , Ghany Marc G.
Published: December 2021

Background

Although hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is considered the ideal therapeutic endpoint for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, its impact on clinical outcomes remains uncertain.

Aim

To assess the impact of HBsAg loss on clinical outcomes following spontaneous and treatment‐related HBsAg loss.

Methods

We searched PUBMED, Embase, the Cochrane library, and published abstracts through to May 2021 for studies that reported HBsAg loss, had >1 year of follow‐up and reported at least one clinical outcome in adults with chronic HBV infection.

Results

We identified 57 studies (258 744 HBsAg‐positive patients, 63 270 with HBsAg loss). Based on 24 studies including 160 598 patients with and without HBsAg loss, HBsAg loss was associated with a non‐significant 23% relative risk reduction of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to those who remained HBsAg‐positive (RR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.38‐1.57). In subgroup meta‐analysis of 10 studies, treatment‐related HBsAg loss was associated with a non‐significant higher pooled proportion of HCC (0.94%) compared to spontaneous HBsAg loss (0.45%). HCC development after HBsAg loss was significantly higher in males, those with underlying cirrhosis, and those with a family history of HCC. HBsAg loss was associated with lower pooled proportions of incident cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, overall and liver‐related mortality compared to no HBsAg loss. Substantial heterogeneity was noted across studies for all outcomes.

Conclusion

HBsAg loss is associated with a reduced risk of clinical outcomes. However, several shortcomings in the published studies prevent a more definitive conclusion on the potential benefits of HBsAg loss.
What does community‐embedded care mean to aging‐in‐place in China? A relational approach
Authors: Li Yuan , Yu Jie , Gao Xiaolu , Rosenberg Mark W.
Published: December 2021

Transitioning towards community‐based alternatives for service provision, health geographers have turned their gaze towards the changing meanings of place across dynamic landscapes for older people. Yet, little is known about how such a transition has manifested as a new phenomenon in a non‐western country, within a variegated geo‐historical context. Using a relational approach, this paper examines what it means to embed care services in a community for supporting aging‐in‐place through a new model, community‐based care centre (CBCC) in Beijing, China. Interview data were obtained from 47 participants (including administrative staff, service providers, and older people) to understand how stakeholders envision the transition towards the CBCC model. Our findings show that embedding CBCCs into communities is a three‐dimensional process: 1) the dynamics of locating services and socio‐relational distance in shaping a sense of place; 2) the blurring of formal and informal care relations in creating care spaces; and 3) the interweaving of collectivism and individualism in a transition from “work‐unit” to community. These interactions indicate that community‐embedded care is geographically, socially, politically, and culturally constructed and needs to be understood as dynamic and relational. Our findings suggest that the theoretical underpinnings of aging‐in‐place need to broaden to include non‐western perspectives.
Panic‐like responses of female Wistar rats confronted by Bothrops alternatus pit vipers, or exposure to acute hypoxia: Effect of oestrous cycle
Authors: Ferreira‐Sgobbi Renata , de Figueiredo Rebeca Machado , Frias Alana Tercino , Matthiesen Melina , Batistela Matheus Fitipaldi , Falconi‐Sobrinho Luiz Luciano , Vilela‐Costa Heloísa Helena , Sá Susana Isabel , Lovick Thelma Anderson , Zangrossi Hélio , Coimbra Norberto Cysne
Published: December 2021

Anxiety‐related diseases are more than twice as common in women than in men, and in women, symptoms may be exacerbated during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Despite this, most research into the underlying mechanisms, which drives drug development, have been carried out using male animals. In an effort to redress this imbalance, we compared responses of male and female Wistar rats during exposure to two unconditioned threatening stimuli that evoke panic‐related defensive behaviours: confrontation with a predator (Bothrops alternatus) and acute exposure to hypoxia (7% O2). Threatened by venomous snake, male and female rats initially displayed defensive attention, risk assessment, and cautious interaction with the snake, progressing to defensive immobility to overt escape. Both males and females displayed higher levels of risk assessment but less interaction with the predator. They also spent more time in the burrow, displaying inhibitory avoidance, and more time engaged in defensive attention, and non‐oriented escape behaviour. In females, anxiety‐like behaviour was most pronounced in the oestrous and proestrus phases whereas panic‐like behaviour was more pronounced during the dioestrus phase, particularly during late dioestrus. Acute hypoxia evoked panic‐like behaviour (undirected jumping) in both sexes, but in females, responsiveness in late dioestrus was significantly greater than at other stages of the cycle. The results reveal that females respond in a qualitatively similar manner to males during exposure to naturally occurring threatening stimuli, but the responses of females is oestrous cycle dependent with a significant exacerbation of panic‐like behaviour in the late dioestrus phase.
A randomised clinical trial on the effect of oral antimicrobial sprays in institutionalised elders
Authors: Zhang Jiaguan , McGrath Colman , Chan Karen M. K. , Lam Otto L. T.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide, chlorhexidine and placebo sprays in improving oral hygiene among institutionalised elders.

Background

Available evidence suggests that oral sprays may be an effective alternative delivery method for plaque control; however, few studies have evaluated antimicrobial agents other than chlorhexidine.

Materials and Methods

A total of 228 elders across 11 nursing homes in Hong Kong were recruited into the clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated into one of the following groups: 0.1% pH‐balanced chlorine dioxide spray, 0.2% chlorhexidine spray or sterile water spray (placebo control), once daily. Dental plaque, gingival bleeding and other clinical oral health outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Participant acceptability of the interventions was assessed at the end of the clinical trial.

Results

Review assessments were conducted for 135 elders at 6 months. Significantly greater reductions in plaque index scores were observed with the chlorhexidine spray (0.4) and chlorine dioxide spray (0.3) than the placebo spray (0.1). While significant reductions in gingival bleeding scores were observed within the chlorhexidine (7.4), chlorine dioxide (7.5) and placebo (5.3) sprays after 6 months, change scores were not significantly different between groups. Significantly greater increases in the levels of staining were observed in the chlorhexidine spray group (−0.1) than the chlorine dioxide (0.0) and placebo spray (0.0) groups.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial sprays were shown to be effective among institutionalised elders. Chlorine dioxide spray showed equivalent effects on dental plaque and gingival bleeding relative to the chlorhexidine spray over a 6‐month period.
Experiment and Simulation of Non‐Reactive Solute Transport in Porous Media
Authors: Li Yihan , Bian Jianmin , Wang Qian , Li Tiesong
Published: December 2021

To more accurately predict the migration behavior of pollutants in porous media, we conduct laboratory scale experiments and model simulation. Aniline (AN) is used in one‐dimensional soil column experiments designed under various media and hydrodynamic conditions. The advection‐dispersion equation (ADE) and the continuous‐time random walk (CTRW) were used to simulate the breakthrough curves (BTCs) of the solute transport. The results show that the media and hydrodynamic conditions are two important factors affecting solute transport and are related to the degree of non‐Fickian transport. The simulation results show that CTRW can more effectively describe the non‐Fickian phenomenon in the solute transport process than ADE. The sensitive parameter in the CTRW simulation process is , which can reflect the degree of non‐Fickian diffusion in the solute transport. Understanding the relationship of with velocity and media particle size is conducive to improving the reactive solute transport model. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for better prediction of pollutant transport in groundwater.
How do consumers respond when presented with novel doctor performance information? A multivariate regression analysis
Authors: Hanson Michelle B.
Published: December 2021

Background

There is an array of attributes one may consider when selecting a doctor. Consumers must generally select providers in the absence of any standardized performance information about these attributes at the doctor level. Some attributes may be less salient to consumers until presented with novel performance data. Innate decision‐making regret, style and skill may be important, given the complexity of processing and trading off on numerous attributes.

Objective

There has been limited opportunity to study consumer behaviour in the presence of doctor‐level quality information, as these data are not widely available. This study explores how consumers interact with doctor‐level performance data, considering their decision‐making regret, style and skill. Specifically, it examines how consumers rate 10 doctor attributes before and after exposure to doctor‐level quality information.

Methods

The study utilizes data from the SelectMD 2.0 Provider Choice Experiment. Respondents (n = 1247) were presented with a mock website reporting quality information and asked to choose a doctor. Difference scores are calculated based on participants' ratings of 10 attributes before and after the experiment and a multivariate ordered probit regression is considered to study the association between the predictors and 10 response outcomes.

Results

Consumers change their valuation of doctor attributes following exposure to quality data. As expected, consumers upgrade their valuation of the safety and technical quality attributes, but this is specifically associated with a greater tendency to regret decisions. Instead, those with a more dependent decision‐making style downgrade reputation, while those with better decision‐making skill downgrade the bedside manner and safety attributes.

Patient or Public Contribution

Consumers/patients participated in the pilot testing of the website used for the experiment.
Liposomal co‐delivery strategy to improve stability and antioxidant activity of trans‐resveratrol and naringenin
Authors: Huang Meigui , Wang Jin , Tan Chen , Ying Ruifeng , Wu Xian , Chen Wei , Liu Jianhua , Ahmad Mehraj
Published: December 2021

Dietary polyphenols, viz. naringenin and trans‐resveratrol, are widely consumed by the humans. Nevertheless, being oxidation prone and highly unstable, their utilisation in food systems has been considerably limited. Here, we developed a co‐delivery liposome system to improve the storage and antioxidative stability of naringenin and trans‐resveratrol. Mean particle diameter, polydispersity index and transmission electron microscopy, of single and co‐encapsulated liposomes containing polyphenols were evaluated. Higher encapsulation efficiency was noticed in co‐loaded liposomes (RNLIP; 86.89 ± 1.75%) than liposomes separately loaded with naringenin (NLIP; 77.72 ± 2.42%) and trans‐resveratrol (RLIP; 61.98 ± 1.68%), and the effect was in an additive fashion. Co‐loaded liposomes showed the stronger environmental stability, including pH, temperature and sodium chloride than single encapsulation. In addition, co‐encapsulated liposomes exhibited higher antioxidant activity, which was evaluated by DPPH radical‐scavenging activity, ferric reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition ability. Therefore, these results confirmed that the strategy of co‐encapsulated trans‐resveratrol (stilbene) and naringenin (flavanone) liposome could maximise polyphenols’ application in food systems.
Production, immobilization and application of invertase from new wild strain Cunninghamella echinulata PA3S12MM
Authors: Rasbold Letícia Mara , Delai Vitória Maciel , da Cruz Kerber Caroline Marlene , Simões Márcia Regina , Heinen Paulo Ricardo , da Conceição Silva José Luis , de Cássia Garcia Simão Rita , Kadowaki Marina Kimiko , Maller Alexandre
Published: December 2021

Aims

The objective of this study was to determine the best conditions to produce invertase by Cunninghamella echinulata PA3S12MM and to immobilize and apply the enzyme.

Methods and Results

The maximum production was verified in 8 days of cultivation at 28°C supplemented with 10 g L–1 apple peel, reaching 1054.85 U ml–1. The invertase was purified from the DEAE-Sephadex column. The derivative immobilized in alginate-gelatin-calcium phosphate showed reusability >50% for 19 cycles. The derivative immobilized in glutaraldehyde-chitosan showed greater thermostability and at a different pH. The hydrolysis of 15 ml of sucrose 500 g L–1 in a fixed bed reactor (total volume of 31 ml) produced 24.44 µmol min–1 of glucose and fructose at a residence time of 30 min and a conversion factor of 0.5.

Conclusions

The new wild strain C. echinulata PA3S12MM presents high invertase production in medium supplemented with an agro-industrial residue and the immobilized enzyme showed high thermal stability and resistance at a different pH.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The fungus C. echinulata PA3S12MM is an excellent producer of invertases in Vogel medium supplemented with apple peel. The enzyme is promising for industrial application since it has good performance in reusability and inverted sugar production.
Impact of gas ultrafine bubbles on the potency of chlorine solutions against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms
Authors: Sekhon Amninder Singh , Unger Phoebe , Singh Arshdeep , Yang Yaeseol , Michael Minto
Published: December 2021

Ultrafine bubble technology is a novel concept in food safety that can improve the potency of antimicrobials against biofilms. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of gas (air, CO2, or N2) ultrafine bubbles incorporation in 100 and 200 ppm chlorine (Cl2) solutions to inactivate fresh Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel. Listeria monocytogenes biofilms were grown on stainless steel coupons through static incubation at 37°C for 72 hr by immersing in L. monocytogenes inoculated brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. The coupons were treated by dipping in water or Cl2 solutions with or without ultrafine bubbles for 1 min. Random pre‐determined areas on coupons were swabbed into Dey–Engley neutralizing broth before and after treatments and enumerated using BHI agar. Air and CO2 nanobubbles in 100 ppm Cl2 resulted in greater log reductions (5.0 and 4.9 log CFU/cm2, respectively) in L. monocytogenes biofilms compared with 100 ppm Cl2 without gas ultrafine bubbles (3.7 log CFU/cm2). Incorporation of air, CO2, and N2 ultrafine bubbles in water and 200 ppm Cl2 did not have any impact on the efficacy of biofilm inactivation.
Bank Regulation, Network Topology, and Systemic Risk: Evidence from the Great Depression
Authors: DAS SANJIV R. , MITCHENER KRIS JAMES , VOSSMEYER ANGELA
Published: December 2021

We study how bank regulation interacts with network topology to influence systemic stability. Employing unique hand‐collected data on the correspondent network for all U.S. banks prior to the Great Depression and a methodology that captures bank credit risk and network position, we demonstrate how the pyramid‐shaped network topology was inherently fragile and systemically risky. We measure its contribution to banking distress, and show that a bank's network position as well as its network neighbors' risk are strong predictors of bank survivorship. Institutional alternatives, such as branch banking, and alternative topologies deliver networks that are more stable than that of 1929.
A longitudinal and cross‐sectional study of plasma neurofilament light chain concentration in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Rossor Alexander Martin , Kapoor Mahima , Wellington Henny , Spaulding Emily , Sleigh James N. , Burgess Robert W. , Laura Matilde , Zetterberg Henrik , Bacha Alexa , Wu Xingyao , Heslegrave Amanda , Shy Michael E. , Reilly Mary M.
Published: December 2021

Advances in genetic technology and small molecule drug development have paved the way for clinical trials in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT); however, the current FDA‐approved clinical trial outcome measures are insensitive to detect a meaningful clinical response. There is, therefore, a need to identify sensitive outcome measures or clinically relevant biomarkers. The aim of this study was to further evaluate plasma neurofilament light chain (NFL) as a disease biomarker in CMT. Plasma NFL was measured using SIMOA technology in both a cross‐sectional study of a US cohort of CMT patients and longitudinally over 6 years in a UK CMT cohort. In addition, plasma NFL was measured longitudinally in two mouse models of CMT2D. Plasma concentrations of NFL were increased in a US cohort of patients with CMT1B, CMT1X and CMT2A but not CMT2E compared with controls. In a separate UK cohort, over a 6‐year interval, there was no significant change in plasma NFL concentration in CMT1A or HSN1, but a small but significant reduction in patients with CMT1X. Plasma NFL was increased in wild type compared to GARSC201R mice. There was no significant difference in plasma NFL in GARSP278KY compared to wild type mice. In patients with CMT1A, the small difference in cross‐sectional NFL concentration vs healthy controls and the lack of change over time suggests that plasma NFL may lack sufficient sensitivity to detect a clinically meaningful treatment response in adulthood.
A point prevalence study of palliative care need and referral rates in adult inpatients
Authors: Cooper Alannah L. , Mazzer Jacqueline , Martin‐Robins Dipna , Brown Janie A.
Published: December 2021

Aim and objectives

To gain an understanding of palliative care need and service utilisation in adult inpatients. The objectives were to 1) Determine the size and characteristics of the population of adult inpatients who were appropriate for palliative care referral, 2) Establish what percentage of patients, who were appropriate for a palliative care referral, had been referred to and/or were receiving palliative care.

Background

Internationally there is evidence of high levels of unmet palliative care need. Early access to palliative care is associated with improved outcomes including improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.

Design

An observational point prevalence study was reported using the STROBE guidelines.

Methods

Data were collected directly from inpatient medical records at a 578‐bed tertiary private‐not‐for‐profit hospital by three Registered Nurses on 3 June 2021. Palliative care need was assessed using the prognostic criteria for the 12 conditions outlined in the Gold Standards Framework.

Results

A total of 270 inpatients met study inclusion criteria. At a hospital population level, 29% (n = 78) of adult inpatients could have benefitted from palliative care. Of the 78 patients assessed as meeting criteria for palliative care, 29% (n = 23) were currently receiving palliative care with a majority of patients 71% (n = 55) not receiving palliative care.

Conclusions

This study prospectively collected data and included all 12 conditions outlined in the Gold Standards Framework and found a high level of palliative care need. There was evidence of a high level of unmet palliative care need across conditions and treating specialities.

Relevance to clinical practice

Estimates of palliative care need can be used to improve access to palliative care and assess operational requirements, including the staffing levels required to meet the level of palliative care need for adult inpatients.
Guillain–Barré syndrome during pregnancy: A case series
Authors: Ždraljević Mirjana , Radišić Vanja , Perić Stojan , Kačar Aleksandra , Jovanović Dejana , Berisavac Ivana
Published: December 2021

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in pregnancy may be a serious disease associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present the long‐term maternal and fetal outcomes of five pregnant GBS patients from our center. The mean age of pregnant GBS patients was 29.8 ± 3.1. Two patients had a severe disability at admission. Three patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, while the remaining two were treated with symptomatic therapy. One year after disease onset, one patient had a mild disability, while the remaining four had normal neurological findings. All babies born were healthy and developed normally. GBS in pregnancy may affect both maternal and neonatal outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the outcome. Most patients and their babies have a favorable long‐term outcome.
Revisiting the systematics of the genera Grateloupia, Phyllymenia, and Prionitis (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) with a description of a new species—Prionitis taiwani‐borealis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Prieto Conxi , De Clerck Olivier , Guiry Michael D. , Lin Showe‐Mei
Published: December 2021

The taxonomy of the genera Grateloupia, Phyllymenia, and Prionitis has been revised several times but remains controversial. The anatomy of female reproductive structures in combination with phylogenetic reconstructions is mostly used to define the genera. However, the architecture and behavior of the auxiliary cell ampullae before and after diploidization are not well documented for most species. To fill this knowledge gap, we examined the female reproductive structures of a new species (Prionitis taiwani‐borealis sp. nov.) from Taiwan and compared our observations to the species currently placed in the Phyllymenia/Prionitis complex. The female reproductive structures of the Phyllymenia/Prionitis complex are characterized by (1) 2‐celled carpogonial branches with the supporting cell being the basal cell of a third‐order ampullar filament; (2) auxiliary cell ampullae composed of three orders of unbranched ampullar filaments before diploidization; (3) cells of auxiliary cell ampullar filaments forming a cellular cluster after diploidization and surrounding the developing gonimoblasts; (4) gonimoblast initials produced from the diploidized auxiliary cells before fusing with them; and (5) branched auxiliary cell ampullar and secondary medullary filaments involved in early pericarp formation. A monophyletic relationship of species possessing female structures similar to those of Pr. taiwani‐borealis and related species was highly supported based on combined rbcL and LSU rDNA sequence analyses. The female reproductive structures of other species of Grateloupia sensu lato, phylogenetically closely related to the Prionitis and Phyllymenia assemblage, require reinvestigation as correct interpretations of pre‐ and post‐fertilization events have proven to be informative for resolving the systematics of the Halymeniaceae.
Frequency effects in reading are powerful – But is contextual diversity the more important variable?
Authors: Caldwell‐Harris Catherine L.
Published: December 2021

For decades word frequency has been one of the most important variables in psycholinguistics. Frequent words are more easily recognized and processed more efficiently than rare words. In the fields of word recognition and psycholinguistics, all researchers are reminded to statistically control for word frequency. But is that advice still correct? Are other variables which are correlated with word frequency more important for human language processing? These questions have arisen because of the recent construction of text corpora of billions of words. Also important is the growing practice of archiving word recognition data in databases accessible for anyone to mine. A key result is that words that typically appear in restricted contexts are processed less efficiently than words appearing in diverse contexts. But the new variable of contextual diversity hasn't simply replaced word frequency. This paper traces the history of contextual diversity findings, including the twists and turns towards a more sophisticated understanding of what makes words easy to learn and process. Myriad findings of the last 20 years are discussed: the rational theory of memory, spacing effects in learning, phrase frequency effects, the neural basis of repetition suppression, and why reverse frequency effects are observed in semantic aphasia. Methods reviewed include artificial language learning, event‐related potentials, and eye movement studies. The result is a new appreciation that word processing skills emerge from complex brain networks which include information about words' typical contexts of occurrence.
Kinase‐dead mutation: A novel strategy for improving soybean resistance to soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines
Authors: Piya Sarbottam , Hawk Tracy , Patel Bhoomi , Baldwin Logan , Rice John H. , Stewart C. Neal , Hewezi Tarek
Published: December 2021

Protein kinases phosphorylate proteins for functional changes and are involved in nearly all cellular processes, thereby regulating almost all aspects of plant growth and development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. We generated two independent co‐expression networks of soybean genes using control and stress response gene expression data and identified 392 differentially highly interconnected kinase hub genes among the two networks. Of these 392 kinases, 90 genes were identified as “syncytium highly connected hubs”, potentially essential for activating kinase signalling pathways in the nematode feeding site. Overexpression of wild‐type coding sequences of five syncytium highly connected kinase hub genes using transgenic soybean hairy roots enhanced plant susceptibility to soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) Hg Type 0 (race 3). In contrast, overexpression of kinase‐dead variants of these five syncytium kinase hub genes significantly enhanced soybean resistance to SCN. Additionally, three of the five tested kinase hub genes enhanced soybean resistance to SCN Hg Type 1.2.5.7 (race 2), highlighting the potential of the kinase‐dead approach to generate effective and durable resistance against a wide range of SCN Hg types. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that kinase‐dead mutations do not alter protein cellular localization, confirming the structure–function of the kinase‐inactive variants in producing loss‐of‐function phenotypes causing significant decrease in nematode susceptibility. Because many protein kinases are highly conserved and are involved in plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses, our approach of identifying kinase hub genes and their inactivation using kinase‐dead mutation could be translated for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance.
Idiopathic brachial plexopathy after pacemaker implant
Authors: Kumar Devesh , Singal Aayush K , Bansal Raghav , Das Animesh , Rangarajan Krithika , Kumar Atin
Published: December 2021

A middle‐aged woman presented with symptomatic complete heart block and underwent an uneventful dual chamber pacemaker implantation. Three weeks post procedure, she developed left arm pain and weakness, with neurological localization to the lower trunk of left brachial plexus. Possibilities of traumatic compression by the device/leads or postoperative idiopathic brachial plexopathy were considered. After ruling out traumatic causes, she was started on oral steroids, to which she responded remarkably. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this rare cause of brachial plexopathy following pacemaker implantation, because not only does an expedited diagnosis and medical treatment lead to prompt recovery with minimal neurological deficits, but it also circumvents an unnecessary surgical re‐exploration.
Growth in positive relationship quality with mothers, fathers, and siblings and associations with depressive symptoms and emotionally supportive prosocial behaviors during the transition to adulthood
Authors: Memmott‐Elison Madison K. , Jorgensen McKell A. , Padilla‐Walker Laura M.
Published: December 2021

Despite theoretical underpinnings that social influences increase in salience with age, it is currently unclear how relationships with mothers, fathers, and siblings might change during the transition to adulthood and what roles the quality of those relationships play in young adults’ longitudinal adjustment. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was twofold. Firstly, we explored longitudinal growth in positive relationship quality with mothers, fathers, and siblings across the transition to adulthood. Secondly, we assessed comparative associations between positive relationship quality with mothers, fathers, and siblings and young adults’ depressive symptoms and emotionally supportive prosocial behaviors toward strangers and family members from 18 to 20 years. Participants included 402 young adults (51% female; 69.39% White; Mage at T1 = 18.36 years). Mother‐youth positive relationship quality slightly increased during the transition to adulthood, while both father and sibling positive relationship quality remained stable. Young adults with more positive relationship quality with mothers reported experiencing fewer depressive symptoms, and young adults with more positive relationship quality with siblings were more likely to engage in emotionally supportive prosocial behaviors toward both strangers and family members. The increasing strength of mother‐youth relationships during the transition to adulthood and the comparatively salient role of sibling relationships are highlighted.
Turning Points
Authors: Barness Jessica , Papaelias Amy , Sadre‐Orafai Stephanie , Zender Mike
Published: December 2021

This dialogue is part of a cross‐platform collaboration with Visible Language, the oldest peer‐reviewed design journal. Animated by questions about visual methods, genre, form, and analysis—how they differ or converge between design and anthropology, what each field has to offer the other—it contextualizes current issues in academic journal publishing from the perspective of visual studies, social science, and design, fields that do not drive contemporary transformations in journal publishing. It considers the academic journal as a form, editorial labor and politics, reaching audiences beyond the paywall, and measuring the value of scholarship, journals, and visual research.
Partial parotid sialoadenectomy in a horse with parotid ductal carcinoma: Surgical description and case report
Authors: Zetterström Sandra M. , Matz Brad M. , Neto Rachel L. A. L. T. , Lindley Stephanie E. S. , Cole Robert C. , Wilhite Ray , Boone Lindsey H.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To describe the surgical findings, histopathological features, and long‐term outcome for a horse with parotid salivary carcinoma.

Study design

Case report

Animals

Twelve year old American Quarter Horse gelding.

Methods

The gelding was presented for a 10 × 10 cm swelling below the base of the right ear. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a mass involving the right parotid salivary gland. Incisional biopsy was consistent with parotid carcinoma. The tumor was marginally excised. The lateral wall of the guttural pouch was excised with the mass and was reconstructed with a porcine small intestinal submucosal (SIS) sheet. Cisplatin beads were implanted in the wound bed prior to closure. Firocoxib (0.1 mg/kg orally, daily, every 24 h) treatment was initiated.

Results

Postoperative complications included right‐sided facial nerve paralysis, difficulty with deglutition of fibrous feeds, and surgical site dehiscence. Wound healing was achieved by second intention. Partial improvement in nerve function was observed within the first 6 months. At 12 months postparotidectomy, no sign of tumor reoccurrence or metastatic disease was present, and the gelding returned to work.

Conclusion

Partial parotid sialoadenectomy was performed with a favorable long‐term outcome. Regional anatomic knowledge is crucial.
Impact of Backward Linkages and Domestic Contents of Exports on Labor Productivity and Employment: Evidence from Japanese Industrial Data
Authors: dine Mohamedou Nasser , Chalil Tengku Munawar
Published: December 2021

This study examines how backward linkages (foreign value added [FVA] exports) and domestic value-added (DVA) exports impact industry-level labor productivity and employment in Japan by estimating a static and dynamic panel model using data drawn from the World Input-Output Dataset and Socio-Economic Accounts. We find that the domestic content of trade is a key driver of productivity and employment in Japan for all industries, while backward linkages lead to declining productivity and foster labor displacement. A sectoral analysis reveals that productivity benefits most of the backward linkages and domestic value-added exports in the manufacturing industry but weakens as the backward linkages increase in the service industry. We find that the DVA exports variable promotes employment, whereas the FVA variable displaces it.
Shear-induced memory effects in boehmite gels
Authors: Sudreau Iana , Manneville Sébastien , Servel Marion , Divoux Thibaut
Published: December 2021

Colloidal gels are formed by the aggregation of Brownian particles into clusters that are, in turn, part of a space-spanning percolated network. In practice, the microstructure of colloidal gels, which dictates their mechanical properties, strongly depends on the particle concentration and on the nature of their interactions. Yet another critical control parameter is the shear history experienced by the sample, which controls the size and density of the cluster population, via particle aggregation, cluster breakup, and restructuring. Here, we investigate the impact of shear history on acid-induced gels of boehmite, an aluminum oxide. We show that following a primary gelation, these gels display a dual response depending on the shear rate γ˙p used to rejuvenate their microstructure. We identify a critical shear rate γ˙c, above which boehmite gels display a gel-like viscoelastic spectrum upon flow cessation, similar to that obtained following the primary gelation. However, upon flow cessation after shear rejuvenation below γ˙c, boehmite gels display a glassylike viscoelastic spectrum together with enhanced elastic properties. Moreover, the nonlinear rheological properties of boehmite gels also differ on both sides of γ˙c: weak gels obtained after rejuvenation at γ˙p>γ˙c show a yield strain that is constant, independent of γ˙p, whereas strong gels obtained with γ˙p<γ˙c display a yield strain that significantly increases with γ˙p. Our results can be interpreted in light of the literature on shear-induced anisotropy, which accounts for the reinforced elastic properties at γ˙p<γ˙c, while we rationalize the critical shear rate γ˙c in terms of a dimensionless quantity, the Mason number, comparing the ratio of the strength of the shear flow with the interparticle bond force.
Understanding Athletic Trainers’ Knowledge, Intervention, and Barriers Toward Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition
Authors: Rush Justin L. , Sherman David A. , Bazett-Jones David M. , Ingersoll Christopher D. , Norte Grant E.
Published: December 2021

Context: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a common neurophysiological response to joint injury. While athletic trainers (ATs) are constantly treating patients with AMI, it is unclear how clinicians are using the available evidence to treat the condition. Objective: To investigate ATs’ general knowledge, clinical practice, and barriers for treating AMI. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was utilized. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 3000 ATs from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and through social media. 143 board certified ATs (age: 34.6 [10.3] y; experience: 11.7 [9.8] y) from various clinical settings and educational backgrounds were included in the analysis. Results: One hundred one respondents were able to correctly identify the definition of AMI. The majority of these respondents correctly reported that joint effusion (n = 95, 94.1%) and abnormal activity from joint receptors (n = 91, 90.1%) resulted in AMI. Of the 101 respondents, only 58 (57.4%) reported using disinhibitory interventions to treat AMI. The most frequently used evidence supported interventions were transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (n = 38, 65.5%), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (n = 33, 56.9%), and focal joint cooling (n = 25, 43.1%). The interventions used correctly most often based on current evidence were neuromuscular electrical stimulation (n = 29/33, 87.9%) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (n = 26/38, 68.4%). Overall, difficulty quantifying AMI (n = 62, 61.24%) and lack of education (n = 71, 76.2%) were most frequently perceived as barriers. Respondents that did not use disinhibitory interventions perceived lack of experience treating AMI, understanding the terminology, and access to therapeutic modalities more often than the respondents that reported using disinhibitory interventions. Conclusion: Further education about concepts and treatment about AMI is warranted for ATs. Continued understanding of ATs’ clinical practice in regard to AMI may help identify gaps in athletic training clinical education.
The neural basis of delayed gratification
Authors: Gao Zilong , Wang Hanqing , Lu Chen , Lu Tiezhan , Froudist-Walsh Sean , Chen Ming , Wang Xiao-Jing , Hu Ji , Sun Wenzhi
Published: December 2021

Sustained ramping of dopaminergic activation helps individuals resist impulsivity and wait for a later but larger reward.
A neural circuit linking two sugar sensors regulates satiety-dependent fructose drive in
Drosophila
Authors: Musso Pierre-Yves , Junca Pierre , Gordon Michael D.
Published: December 2021

Satiety-encoding
Drosophila
neurons detect hemolymph glucose and signal to fructose sensors to regulate sugar feeding.
Light-powered soft steam engines for self-adaptive oscillation and biomimetic swimming
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Myung Nosang Vincent , Yin Yadong
Published: December 2021

Light-powered soft steam engines enable self-adaptive photothermal oscillation and biomimetic neuston-like swimming.
Polyphenol Utilization Proteins in the Human Gut Microbiome
Authors: Zheng Bo , He Yinchao , Zhang Pengxiang , Huo Yi-Xin , Yin Yanbin
Published: December 2021

Long-term consumption of polyphenol-rich foods has been shown to lower the risk of various human diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and metabolic diseases. Raw polyphenols are often enzymatically processed by gut microbiome, which contains various polyphenol utilization proteins (PUPs) to produce metabolites with much higher bioaccessibility to gastrointestinal cells.
Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Expression Is Tightly Regulated by N6-Methyladenosine Modification of Its mRNA
Authors: Kim Geon-Woo , Siddiqui Aleem
Published: December 2021

N6-methyladenosien (m6A) modifications recently have been implicated in the HBV life cycle. Previously, we observed that m6A modification occurs in the adenosine at nt 1907 of the HBV genome, and this modification regulates the viral life cycle.
Cell Strain-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as an Isogenic Approach To Investigate Age-Related Host Response to Flaviviral Infection
Authors: Bifani Amanda M. , Tan Hwee Cheng , Choy Milly M. , Ooi Eng Eong
Published: December 2021

Aging has been a risk factor for poor clinical outcome in several infectious diseases, including dengue. However, age-dependent responses to dengue and other flaviviral infection or vaccination have remained incompletely understood due partly to lack of suitable laboratory tools.
First structural observation around the hinge of the Mongolian Orocline (Central Asia): Implications for the geodynamics of oroclinal bending and the evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean
Authors: Li Pengfei , Sun Min , Narantsetseg Tserendash , Jourdan Fred , Hu Wanwan , Yuan Chao
Published: December 2021

To understand the origin of curved subduction zones has been one of the major challenges in plate tectonics. The Mongol-Okhotsk Orogen in Central Asia is characterized by the development of a U-shaped oroclinal structure that was accompanied by the continuous subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic plate. Therefore, it provides a natural laboratory to understand why and how a subduction system became tightly curved. In this study, we provide the first structural observation around the hinge of the Mongolian Orocline (the Zag zone in Central Mongolia), with an aim to constrain the oroclinal geometry and to link hinge zone structures with the origin of the orocline. Our results show that rocks in the Zag zone are characterized by the occurrence of a penetrative foliation that is commonly subparallel to bedding. Both bedding and dominant fabric in the Zag zone are steeply dipping, and their strike orientations in a map view follow a simple curve around the hinge of the Mongolian Orocline, thus providing the first structural constraint for 3D geometry of the orocline. A secondary penetrative fabric parallel to the axial plane of the orocline was not observed, indicating a low degree of orogen-parallel shortening during oroclinal bending. Combining with available geological and geophysical data, we conclude that the Mongolian Orocline was developed in a period of Permian to Jurassic, and its origin was linked to the subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic slab. We consider that the low-strain oroclinal bending likely resulted from the along-strike variation in trench retreat, which was either triggered by the negative buoyancy of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic slab, or driven by the relative rotation of the Siberian and North China cratons. Our results shed a light on 3D geometry and geodynamic mechanisms of large-scale oroclinal bending in an accretionary orogen.
Possible shock-induced crystallization of skeletal quartz from supercritical SiO2-H2O fluid: A case study of impact melt from Kamil impact crater, Egypt
Authors: Fazio Agnese , Folco Luigi , Langenhorst Falko
Published: December 2021

Since its discovery, the Kamil crater (Egypt) has been considered a natural laboratory for studying small-scale impact cratering. We report on a previously unknown shock-related phenomenon observed in impact melt masses from Kamil; that is, the shock-triggered formation of skeletal quartz aggregates from silica-rich fluids. These aggregates are unshocked and characterized by crystallographically oriented lamellar voids and rounded vesicles. The distribution of the aggregates can be correlated with former H2O- and impurity-rich heterogeneities in precursor quartz; i.e., fluid inclusions. The heterogeneities acted as hot spots for local melting. Due to the presence of H2O and the high impact pressure and temperature, the formation of a localized supercritical fluid is plausible. Below the upper critical end point of the SiO2–H2O system (temperature <1100 °C and pressure <1 GPa), SiO2 melt and H2O fluid become immiscible, leading to the rapid and complete crystallization of skeletal quartz.
Preferential dissolution of uranium-rich zircon can bias the hafnium isotope compositions of granites
Authors: Gao Peng , Yakymchuk Chris , Zhang Jian , Yin Changqing , Qian Jiahui , Li Yanguang
Published: December 2021

Hafnium (Hf) isotopes in zircon are important tracers of granite petrogenesis and continental crust evolution. However, zircon in granites generally shows large Hf isotope variations, and the reasons for this are debated. We applied U-Pb geochronology, trace-element, and Hf isotope analyses of zircon from the Miocene Himalayan granites to address this issue. Autocrystic zircon had εHf values (at 20 Ma) of–12.0 to–4.3 (median =–9). Inherited zircon yielded εHf values (at 20 Ma) of–34.8 to +0.3 (median =–13); the majority of εHf values were lower than those of autocrystic zircon. The εHf values of inherited zircon with high U concentrations resembled those of autocrystic zircon. Geochemical data indicates that the granites were generated during relatively low-temperature (<800 °C) partial melting of metasedimentary rocks, which, coupled with kinetic hindrance, may have led to the preferential dissolution of high-U zircon that could dissolve more efficiently into anatectic melt due to higher amounts of radiation damage. Consequently, Hf values of autocrystic zircon can be biased toward the values of U-rich zircon in the source. By contrast, literature data indicate that granites generated at high temperatures (>820–850 °C) generally contain autocrystic and inherited zircons with comparable Hf isotope values. During higher-temperature melting, indiscriminate dissolution of source zircon until saturation is reached will result in near-complete inheritance of Hf isotope ratios from the source. Our results impose an extra layer of complexity to interpretation of the zircon Hf isotope archive that is not currently considered.