bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FTIR coupled with machine learning to unveil spectroscopic benchmarks in the Italian EVOO
Authors: Scatigno Claudia , Festa Giulia
Published: March 2022

Non‐destructive analytical analyses coupled with classification and regression algorithms are promising techniques for monitoring quality, traceability and safety assessment in food industry. To prevent food fraud, Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is particularly held in check. Here, attenuated total Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) with Machine Learning is carried out to study an Italian EVOO data set coming from 6 regions to verify the geographical traceability, the cultivar and the repeatability of the agronomical practices, till the adulterated EVOO from soy and corn. The present work is carried out without reagents or esterification processes and considering the entire frequency range without any spectral windows selection, drastically reducing time and costs. Toscana, Lazio, Puglia and Calabria result regions well reproducible in terms of geo‐traceability, unlike the Sicilia and Umbria. The model extracts spectral benchmarks in EVOO in the following vibrational modes at 3004, 2952, 2922, 2852, 1742 and 1160 cm‐1.
Management of the wound care clinic during the novel coronavirus pneumonia pandemic period: Sharing of management experience in a general hospital of China
Authors: He Zhenhua , Dela Rosa Ronnell
Published: March 2022

With the surge in the confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, medical resources in many countries have been put on red alert levels. The operation management systems of hospitals, including wound care clinics, must be innovated to ensure the normal operation of the hospital and meet the medical care needs of the people. At the same time, scientific control measures are also required to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus pneumonia in the hospital. Actually, during the novel coronavirus pneumonia pandemic, emergency management methods for wound care clinics such as online appointments and remote online diagnosis and treatment, the rational arrangement of human resources, the scientific implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures, and the strict implementation of the management of the clinic environment and item disinfection measures to strengthen the management of protective materials, wound care materials, and dressing equipment by partition have been introduced and innovated, thus helping reduce the gathering of people in wound care clinics, create a safe medical environment, and avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus pneumonia caused by diagnosis and treatment.
Fabrication of highly dense Si3N4 via record low‐content additive system for low‐temperature pressureless sintering
Authors: Kumar Kundan , Kim Mi‐Ju , Oh Hyeon‐Myeong , Park Young‐Jo , Kim Ha‐Neul , Ma Ho Jin , Lee Jae‐Wook , Ko Jae‐Woong
Published: March 2022

Dense Si3N4 ceramics were fabricated by pressureless sintering at a low temperature of 1650°C with a short holding period of 1 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. The role of ternary oxide additives (Y2O3–MgO–Al2O3, Y2O3–MgO–SiO2, Y2O3–MgO–ZrO2) on the phase, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Si3N4 was examined. Only 5 wt.% of Y2O3–MgO–Al2O3 additive was sufficient to achieve >98% of theoretical density with remarkably high biaxial strength (∼1200 MPa) and prominent hardness (∼15.5 GPa). Among the three additives used, Y2O3–MgO–Al2O3 displayed the finest grain diameter (0.54 μm), whereas Y2O3–MgO–ZrO2 produced the largest average grain diameter (∼0.95 μm); the influence was seen on their mechanical properties. The low additive content Si3N4 system is expected to have superior high‐temperature properties compared to the system with high additive content. This study shows a cost‐effective fabrication of highly dense Si3N4 with excellent mechanical properties.
Mental health outcomes in formerly incarcerated Black men: A systematic mixed studies review
Authors: Addison Helena A. , Richmond Therese S. , Lewis Lisa M. , Jacoby Sara
Published: April 2022

Aims

The aim of this review was to evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge describing the mental health of Black men who have experienced incarceration.

Design

This systematic mixed studies review employed a sequential explanatory design integrating quantitative and qualitative published research.

Data sources

PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Work and Criminal Justice databases were searched using search terms addressing core constructs of mental health, Black men, incarceration and re‐entry, January 2010 through October 2021.

Review methods

Articles identified through a search protocol were screened for inclusion as: peer‐reviewed original research, published in English and relevant to the mental health of formerly incarcerated Black men in the United States.

Results

Twenty‐three articles met inclusion criteria. Quantitative findings demonstrated significant associations between incarceration history and poor mental health, including higher levels of psychological distress, increased severity of depressive and PTSD symptoms, and delayed mental health treatment. Discrimination, negative police encounters, solitary confinement and difficulty finding employment were associated with the relationship between incarceration and mental health outcomes. Four themes were identified from the qualitative synthesis: (1) Social Determinants of Mental Health (2) Pushing Through Emotional Despair (3) Challenges to Healthcare Engagement and (4) Gender, Race and Intersections between Social Identities.

Impact

The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world and disproportionately incarcerates Black men. This review contextualizes the relationship between incarceration history and mental health in the lived experiences and perspectives of formerly incarcerated Black men. Findings indicate the need for interventions to support mental health needs and prevent downstream health consequences in this population.

Conclusion

Mental health concerns are pervasive in formerly incarcerated Black men; to address key gaps in current scientific understandings future research should focus on how Black men navigate help‐seeking experiences and use mental health services in the context of an incarceration history.
Digital‐first assessments: A security framework
Authors: LaFlair Geoffrey T. , Langenfeld Thomas , Baig Basim , Horie André Kenji , Attali Yigal , von Davier Alina A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Digital‐first assessments leverage the affordances of technology in all elements of the assessment process: from design and development to score reporting and evaluation to create test taker‐centric assessments.

Objectives

The goal of this paper is to describe the engineering, machine learning, and psychometric processes and technologies of a test security framework (part of a larger ecosystem; Burstein et al., 2021) that can be used to create systems that protect the integrity of test scores.

Methods

We use the Duolingo English Test to exemplify the processes and technologies that are presented. This includes methods for actively detecting and deterring malicious behaviour (e.g., a custom desktop app). It also includes methods for passively detecting and deterring malicious behaviour (e.g., a large item bank created through automatic generation methods). We describe the certification process that each test administration undergoes, which includes both automated and human review. Additionally, we describe our quality assurance dashboard which leverages psychometric data mining techniques to monitor test quality and inform decisions about item pool maintenance.

Results and Conclusions

As assessment developers transition to online delivery and to a design approach that places the test taker at the centre, it becomes increasingly important to take advantage of the tools and methodological advances in different fields (e.g., engineering, machine learning, psychometrics). These tools and methods are essential to maintaining the security of assessments so that the score reliability is sustained and the interpretations and uses of test scores remain valid.
Venetoclax enhances DNA damage induced by XPO1 inhibitors: A novel mechanism underlying the synergistic antileukaemic effect in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Yu Hanxi , Wu Shuangshuang , Liu Shuang , Li Xinyu , Gai Yuqing , Lin Hai , Wang Yue , Edwards Holly , Ge Yubin , Wang Guan
Published: March 2022

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous haematologic malignancy with poor prognosis. We previously showed synergistic antileukaemic interaction between exportin 1 (XPO1) inhibitor KPT‐330 (Selinexor) and Bcl‐2 inhibitor venetoclax (ABT‐199) in preclinical models of AML, which was partially meditated by Mcl‐1, although the full mechanism of action remains unknown. In this study, using real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis, we show that inhibition of XPO1 via KPT‐330 or KPT‐8602 (Eltanexor) decreases the mRNA and protein levels of c‐Myc, CHK1, WEE1, RAD51 and RRM2. KPT‐330 and KPT‐8602 induce DNA damage, as determined by alkaline comet assay. In addition, we demonstrate that venetoclax enhances KPT‐330‐ and KPT‐8602‐induced DNA damage, likely through inhibition of DNA damage repair. This study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the synergistic antileukaemic activity between venetoclax and XPO1 inhibitors against AML. Our data support the clinical evaluation of this promising combination therapy for the treatment of AML.
Early‐season brown trout (Salmo trutta) migrants grow and survive better at sea
Authors: Jensen Arne J. , Diserud Ola H. , Finstad Bengt , Fiske Peder , Thorstad Eva B.
Published: March 2022

The timing of seaward migration is a key life‐history trait for many anadromous fish species, with growth and survival at sea depending on a match/mismatch scenario between the timing of the sea entry and optimal conditions. Based on a 25‐year study with 15,226 individually tagged brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a Norwegian river, we analysed how the within‐season timing of sea migration impacted growth and survival. In both first‐time and veteran migrants, marine growth was highest for early migrating individuals, large individuals, and those with a low condition factor when entering the sea. Survival was highest for individuals entering the sea early in the season. In first‐time migrants, survival increased with body length. Survival also increased with the number of other smolts migrating simultaneously. As the early smolts were the most successful, it may seem strange that many smolts migrate later in the season. We suggest that late‐migrating smolts may not be of a size and/or physiological state suitable for early marine conditions, and may make the best of a bad situation.
Highlight on drying fruit slices with better retention of bioactive compounds
Authors: Raveendran Dhivya , Bhagwat Madhura , Chidanand Duggonahally Veeresh , Anandakumar Sugumar , Sunil Chikkaballapur Krishnappa
Published: March 2022

In the human diet, bioactive compounds are additional nutrients that are available through fruits. They positively influence human health with their antioxidant activity. To extend shelf life and produce value‐added products, fruits are dried. However, in the process of drying, bioactive compounds are degraded and reduced. In the modern fruit drying facilities, fruits are dried as slices which find their market as snacks and as garnishes for ice creams, yoghurts, and cookies. Hence, it is essential to adopt drying methods that aim at maximum retention of bioactive compounds. Conventional drying methods poorly retain the bioactive constituents and have higher processing time. Potential drying systems that better retain the bioactive compounds include vacuum dryer, hybrid dryer, and freeze dryer. The review focus on different pretreatments and drying methods employed for drying fruit slices with a highlight to the retention of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid. The review also gives an outline of the latest techniques to process dried fruit slices with high retention of bioactive compounds.

Practical Applications

Dried fruit slices are valued products from fruits that, after drying, retain a high level of bioactive compounds, fetch a reasonable price in the market. Various drying means for drying fruit slices have been discoursed in the study. Dry fruit makers can choose from various procedures and pretreatments, depending on the costs involved and the technology available. Consumers are watching for healthy snacking options which dry fruit slices can fulfill.
Reliability of the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis clinical research network and steatosis activity fibrosis histological scoring systems
Authors: Leung Howard Ho‐Wai , Puspanathan Pavitratha , Chan Anthony Wing‐Hung , Nik Mustapha Nik Raihan , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Chan Wah‐Kheong
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim

We aimed to determine whether lobular inflammation and ballooning grades in the Non‐alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN) scoring system can be directly translated into the same for the Steatosis Activity Fibrosis scoring system (SAF) and to look at intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreement for each individual histological component and for diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using the two scoring systems.

Methods

Four pathologists from two Asian centers scored 20 digitalized slides, twice using the NASH CRN, twice using the SAF. Intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreement was analyzed using Fleiss' kappa, weighted kappa, or Cohen kappa, where appropriate.

Results

The intra‐observer discrepancy rate when using the NASH CRN compared with the SAF was higher than when using the individual scoring system for lobular inflammation (15% comparing both scoring systems vs 10% and 1.8% for the NASH CRN and the SAF, respectively) and hepatocyte ballooning (33.8% vs 12.5% and 5%, respectively), but not for diagnosis of NASH (6.3% vs 6.3% and 0%, respectively). Intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreement was substantial to almost perfect, except for inter‐observer agreement for lobular inflammation and diagnosis of NASH, which was only fair to moderate in most instances.

Conclusion

These findings do not support the direct inter‐translation between the NASH CRN and the SAF. However, the diagnosis of NASH during examinations using the NASH CRN may be comparable with diagnosis of NASH using the SAF, vice versa. The inter‐observer agreement for lobular inflammation and NASH diagnosis needs to be improved.
The transcription factors TLR1 and TLR2 negatively regulate trichome density and artemisinin levels in Artemisia annua
Authors: Lv Zongyou , Li JinXing , Qiu Shi , Qi Fei , Su Hang , Bu Qitao , Jiang Rui , Tang Kexuan , Zhang Lei , Chen Wansheng
Published: March 2022

The important antimalarial drug artemisinin is biosynthesized and stored in Artemisia annua glandular trichomes and the artemisinin content correlates with trichome density; however, the factors affecting trichome development are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the A. annua R2R3 MYB transcription factor TrichomeLess Regulator 1 (TLR1) negatively regulates trichome development. In A. annua, TLR1 overexpression lines had 44.7%–64.0% lower trichome density and 11.5%–49.4% lower artemisinin contents and TLR1‐RNAi lines had 33%–93.3% higher trichome density and 32.2%–84.0% higher artemisinin contents compared with non‐transgenic controls. TLR1 also negatively regulates the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway genes in A. annua. When heterologously expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, TLR1 interacts with GLABROUS3a, positive regulator of trichome development, and represses trichome development. Yeast two‐hybrid and pull‐down assays indicated that TLR1 interacts with the WUSCHEL homeobox (WOX) protein AaWOX1, which interacts with the LEAFY‐like transcription factor TLR2. TLR2 overexpression in Arabidopsis and A. annua showed that TLR2 reduces trichome development by reducing gibberellin levels. Furthermore, artemisinin contents were 19%–43% lower in TLR2‐overexpressing A. annua plants compared to controls. These data indicate that TLR1 and TLR2 negatively regulate trichome density by lowering gibberellin levels and may enable approaches to enhance artemisinin yields.
Behavioural phenomena in persons with an intellectual developmental disorder according to the level of emotional development
Authors: Hermann H. , Berndt N. , Lytochkin A. , Sappok T.
Published: March 2022

Background

Challenging behaviours in people with an intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) are complex and often difficult to understand. The developmental perspective may provide additional insights into the specific behavioural patterns and underlying motives in different emotional reference ages.

Methods

The behaviours of 185 adults with IDD who were admitted to psychiatry were systematically assessed with the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) and the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS). The association of the different behaviours with various emotional reference age groups as assessed with the Scale of Emotional Development – Short (SED‐S) was analysed to deduce behavioural patterns typical for a certain level of functioning.

Results

Overall, the severity of challenging behaviours decreases in higher emotional reference age groups. Physical aggression was most prevalent in persons in the second phase of emotional development (7–18 months reference age). In SED‐S‐1 (reference age 0–6 months), the persons appeared to be searching for physical comfort and showed high scores in social withdrawal, stereotypies and aggression towards the self. Persons functioning in SED‐S‐2 (reference age 7–18 months) scored highest in irritability and physical aggression (searching for security), while those in SED‐S‐3 (19–36 months) exhibited the searching for autonomy type characterised by defiant and socially inappropriate behaviours. Persons with an emotional reference age of 4–7 years (SED‐S‐4) showed inappropriate speech, verbal self‐regulation and depressive‐like behavioural aspects (searching for identity).

Conclusions

The behavioural phenomena exhibited in a certain emotional reference age may support the clinician to differentiate behavioural problems from psychopathological symptoms to yield the proper diagnosis.
Comparison of unmet health care needs in children with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and both disorders combined
Authors: Haller K. , Stolfi A. , Duby J.
Published: March 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the unmet health care needs of children with intellectual disability (ID) compared with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and whether access to health insurance coverage is a contributing factor. Children with ID may be masked in the health care system due to increased diagnosis and awareness of ASD. The needs, unmet needs and insurance coverage of children with ID alone, ASD alone, and co‐occurring ID and ASD were assessed in this study.

Methods

The 2016 to 2019 United States' Census Bureau National Survey of Children's Health was used to determine differences in unmet needs, care not received and health insurance coverage during the past year for children with ID and/or ASD. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for care not received were determined controlling for sex, insurance, race, age and parents' highest education level.

Results

Children with ID were nearly four times more likely not to receive needed medical care as children with ASD. Results were similar for unmet hearing and mental health care. Children with both ID and ASD were more likely to have unmet health care but less likely to have unmet medical care compared with children with ASD alone. There were no significant differences for unmet dental or vision care. Children with ID were 3.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.6–8.0) times more likely to have inconsistent health insurance compared with children with ASD.

Conclusions

Children with ID alone are more likely to have unmet medical, hearing and mental health care needs than children with ASD alone. Children with co‐occurring ID and ASD have a large amount of general unmet health care needs but less unmet medical needs. Children with ID are less likely to have consistent health insurance than children with ASD. This hinders the ability of children with ID to receive quality care. Further research is needed to determine if the diagnosis of ASD in children in the United States is negatively affecting children with ID alone.
An appetite for growth: The role of the hypothalamic – pituitary – growth hormone axis in energy balance
Authors: Dumbell Rebecca
Published: March 2022

Links between the regulation of growth and energy balance are clear; to fuel growth, there must be consumption of energy. Therefore, it is perhaps intuitive that interactions between the hypothalamic – pituitary – growth hormone axis (growth axis) and pathways that drive metabolic processes exist. Overproduction of growth hormone has been associated with diabetes and metabolic disease for decades and the opposing effects of growth hormone and insulin have been studied since early experiments almost a century ago. The relationship between neuroendocrine axes can be complex and the growth axis is no exception, interacting with energy balance in several organ systems, both in the periphery and centrally in hypothalamic nuclei. Much is known about peripheral interactions between growth axis hormones and processes such as glucose homeostasis and adipogenesis. More is still being learned about the molecular actions of growth axis hormones in adipose and other metabolically active tissues, and recent findings are discussed in this perspective. However, less is known about interactions with central energy balance pathways in the hypothalamus. This perspective aims to summarise what is known about these interactions, taking lessons from human studies and animal genetic and seasonal models, and discusses what this may mean in an evolving landscape of personalised medicine.
Safety and efficacy of topical metformin 30% cream versus triple combination cream (Kligman's formula) in treating melasma: A randomized controlled study
Authors: AboAlsoud Eman Said , Eldahshan Ramadan Mohamed , AbouKhodair Mohammed Hassan , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Melasma is an acquired common pigmentary condition that mostly presents as pigmented macules on the face. Triple combination creams (TCC), commonly known as kligman's formula, had been regarded as the mainstay of treatment for years. Topical metformin was recently studied for its melanopenic effects and potential use in melasma.

Aim of the work

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using 30% metformin cream to that of triple combination creams (Kligman's formula) in treating melasma.

Patients and Methods

About 40 patients complaining of melasma were recruited for this controlled randomized trial and were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 20) subjects received 30% metformin cream whereas group 2 (n = 20) were treated with TCC for eight consecutive weeks. Pigmentation severity and improvements were assessed using the melasma area severity index (MASI) at baseline and after 8 weeks of using treatment.

Results

MASI score decreased dramatically from 12.18 ± 9.33 before treatment to 5.59 ± 4.61 at Week 8 with a mean decrease percentage of 55.97 ± 16.77 for group 1 (p = 0.001) and from 16.05 ± 8.73 to 7.54 ± 5.77 with a mean decrease percentage of 56.50 ± 19.44 for group 2 (p = 0.001). No significant difference was reported between the two treatment modalities regarding the reduction in melasma throughout the study period (p = 0.968).

Conclusion

Metformin cream is a safe, potential effective treatment for melasma, which needs to be verified by long‐term large scale studies in diffident populations.
Rural‐urban differences in family and paid caregiving utilization in the United States: Findings from the Cornell National Social Survey
Authors: Sterling Madeline R. , Cené Crystal W. , Ringel Joanna Bryan , Avgar Ariel C. , Kent Erin E.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

While rates of family caregiving and paid caregiving are increasing, how often they occur together (“shared care”) and whether utilization varies geographically are unknown. We examined differences in family and paid caregiving utilization by rurality and region in the United States.

Methods

The 2020 Cornell National Social Survey is an annual cross‐sectional telephone‐based survey of a random sample of 1,000 US adults. Participants were asked if they have been a family caregiver, including if they provided care alongside a paid caregiver. Rural‐Urban Commuting Area Codes and Census areas classified rurality and region. The association between residence and the prevalence of caregiving was determined with multivariable Poisson regression.

Findings

Among 857 participants with geographic and caregiving data, 11.8% (n = 101) were rural dwellers and 34.2% were family caregivers. Rural residence (vs urban) was associated with a higher prevalence of family caregiving (PR: 1.59 [1.22, 2.06]), and Western residence (vs Northeast) was associated with a lower prevalence of family caregiving (PR: 0.63 [0.46, 0.87], P = .01). Forty percent of family caregivers shared care with a paid caregiver. There was no significant difference in shared care by rural residence in unadjusted (31.8% rural vs 43.1% urban, P = .22) or adjusted models (PR: 0.85 [0.51, 1.41], P = .53).

Conclusions

Although family caregiving was more prevalent in rural areas and certain regions, shared care did not differ by rurality or region. Studies are needed to understand why rural residents do more family caregiving without additional support from paid caregivers, and what the implications are for caregivers and care recipients.
Progressive muscle relaxation increases slow‐wave sleep during a daytime nap
Authors: Simon Katharine C. , McDevitt Elizabeth A. , Ragano Rocco , Mednick Sara C.
Published: March 2022

Sleep is critical for health, cognition, and restorative processes, and yet, many experience chronic sleep restriction. Sleep interventions have been designed to enhance overnight sleep quality and physiology. Components of these interventions, like relaxation‐based progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), have been studied in isolation and have shown direct effects on sleep architecture, including increasing time in restorative, slow‐wave sleep (SWS). These relaxation methods have been understudied in naps, which are effective fatigue countermeasures that reduce deleterious effects of chronic sleep restriction. We hypothesised that PMR should boost SWS in a nap, as compared to an active control. We used a between‐subject design in which healthy young adults underwent PMR training or listened to Mozart music (control) prior to a 90‐min nap opportunity. We assessed changes in the amount and lateralisation of SWS, as evidence suggests left hemispheric lateralisation may be a proxy for recuperative sleep needs, and changes to state‐dependent anxiety and fatigue before and after the nap to assess intervention success. We found PMR participants spent ~10 min more in SWS, equivalent to 125% more time, than the control group, and concomitantly, significantly less time in rapid eye movement sleep. PMR participants also had greater right lateralised slow‐wave activity and delta activity compared to the control suggesting a more well‐rested brain profile during sleep. Further, pre‐sleep anxiety levels predicted nap architecture in the intervention group, suggesting benefits may be impacted by anxiety. The feasibility and accessibility of PMR prior to a nap make this an interesting research avenue to pursue with strong translational application.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and long‐term incentives for developing vaccines: Patent law under stress
Authors: Kovac Mitja , Rakovec Lana
Published: April 2022

Continents are facing an apocalyptic pandemic that is terribly dangerous for millions of their inhabitants. This paper seeks to address the role of intellectual property (IP) law in addressing the problem of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We suggest that the current international IP law regime and the Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement are not insurmountable obstacles for access to a successful COVID‐19 vaccine. The publicly advocated fundamental reform or even abolition of the present IP law regime under serious information asymmetries might be counterproductive and distortive. Via existing compulsory licensing, advance purchase agreements and the employment of patent‐pools, research subsidies, reward mechanisms and reputational sanctions, governments can take the steps needed to effectively overcome any IP‐associated barriers to access to crucial medicines/vaccines, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Moreover, the current wave of medical research on COVID‐19 suggests the previous vaccine R&D ‘failures’ were driven by the modest demand for such vaccines and were not due to an inadequate IP‐incentive stream. The paper also suggests today's EU competition law rules on the horizontal exchange of information could be seen as an impediment to innovation and thus be temporary suspended.
High‐risk liver transplant recipients with grade 3 acute on chronic liver failure should receive the good quality graft
Authors: Singal Ashwani K. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Waleed Muhammad , Wong Robert J. , Sundaram Vinay , Jalan Rajiv
Published: March 2022

Background & Aim

We aimed to develop a risk score for LT recipients and donor selection among patients with ACLF‐3.

Methods and Results

A total of 7166 adult LT recipients (mean age 53 years, 63% males, 56% Caucasians, 42% obese, median MELD score 36.5) using deceased donor grafts in the UNOS database (01/2002–06/2018) who were in ACLF‐3 at LT as per EASL‐CLIF criteria were analysed. Cox regression model on the derivation dataset (N = 3583) showed recipient age, non‐alcohol aetiology, pulmonary failure, brain failure and cardiovascular failure to be associated with 1‐year patient survival. Observed and expected post‐transplant 1‐year survival showed excellent correlation (R = .920). Risk score from cox model on derivation dataset stratified 3583 recipients in validation cohort using cut‐off scores 7.55 and 11.57 to low (N = 1211), medium (N = 1168) and high risk (N = 1199), with 1‐year patient survival of 89%, 82% and 80% respectively. Based on poor versus good quality graft (donor risk index cut‐off at 1.50), 1‐year patient survival for low, medium and high‐risk categories were 90 versus 89% (p = .490), 83 versus 82% (p = .390) and 83 versus 78% (p = .038) respectively. Among recipients with a high‐risk score, donor factors of age ≥60 years, grafts obtained from national sharing and macro‐steatosis >15% were associated with 1‐year patient survival below 66%.

Conclusion

Among ACLF‐3 liver transplant recipients, those with high risk at the time of transplant receiving better quality graft will improve post‐transplant outcomes. Prospective studies using additional characteristics are needed to derive an accurate risk score model in predicting post‐transplant outcomes among recipients with ACLF‐3.
Impact of a Mediterranean diet on hepatic and metabolic outcomes in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: The MEDINA randomised controlled trial
Authors: George Elena S. , Reddy Anjana , Nicoll Amanda J. , Ryan Marno C. , Itsiopoulos Catherine , Abbott Gavin , Johnson Nathan A. , Sood Siddharth , Roberts Stuart K. , Tierney Audrey C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is predominantly managed by lifestyle intervention, in the absence of effective pharmacotherapies. Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is the recommended diet, albeit with limited evidence.

Aims

To compare an ad libitum MedDiet to low‐fat diet (LFD) in patients with NAFLD for reducing intrahepatic lipids (IHL) by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). Secondary outcomes include insulin resistance by homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA‐IR), visceral fat by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and other metabolic outcomes.

Methods

In this parallel multicentre RCT, subjects were randomised (1:1) to MedDiet or LFD for 12 weeks.

Results

Forty‐two participants (25 females [60%], mean age 52.3 ± 12.6 years) were included, 23 randomised to LFD and 19 to MedDiet.; 39 completed the study. Following 12 weeks, there were no between‐group differences. IHL improved significantly within the LFD group (−17% [log scale]; p = .02) but not within the MedDiet group (−8%, p = .069). HOMA‐IR reduced in the LFD group (6.5 ± 5.6 to 5.5 ± 5.5, p < .01) but not in the MedDiet group (4.4 ± 3.2 to 3.9 ± 2.3, p = .07). No differences were found for LSM (MedDiet 7.8 ± 4.0 to 7.6 ± 5.2, p = .429; LFD 11.8 ± 14.3 to 10.8 ± 10.2 p = .99). Visceral fat reduced significantly in both groups; LFD (−76% [log scale], p = <.0005), MedDiet (−61%, p = <.0005).

Conclusions

There were no between‐group differences for hepatic and metabolic outcomes when comparing MedDiet to LFD. LFD improved IHL and insulin resistance. Significant improvements in visceral fat were seen within both groups. This study highlights provision of dietary interventions in free‐living adults with NAFLD is challenging.
Microbial communities in sandy beaches from the three domains of life differ by microhabitat and intertidal location
Authors: Okamoto Noriko , Keeling Patrick J. , Leander Brian S. , Tai Vera
Published: April 2022

The microbial communities of sandy beaches are poorly described despite the biogeochemical importance and ubiquity of these ecosystems. Using metabarcoding of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes, we investigated the diversity, microhabitats (with or between sand grains) and intertidal distributions of microorganisms (including meiofauna) from pristine sandy beaches in British Columbia, Canada, and hypothesized that abiotic variations due to microhabitat or intertidal gradients influence the distribution of microorganisms on local scales. Bacterial, archaeal and protistan communities of the sand were clearly distinct from interstitial communities, and from planktonic communities of the overlying seawater, which correlated with differences in function and lifestyle (e.g., sulphur reduction and gliding motility). In contrast, meiofaunal communities could not be distinguished by sample type, suggesting that they are more frequently mobilized between these microhabitats. Across intertidal zones, high intertidal, mid intertidal and low intertidal/swash communities were distinct and correlated with moisture, organic carbon and phosphate content, implying that the distribution of microorganisms is influenced by intertidal abiotic gradients. However, few taxa at the genus or species level individually contributed to this zonation pattern; rather, a unique combination of multiple microbial taxa was probably responsible. Although significant differences in microbial community composition on sandy beaches can be attributed to microhabitat and intertidal gradients, further investigations are needed to assess community assembly processes, the consistency of these distributions, and the functions of the majority of the microorganisms observed in the sand and their effects on the biogeochemistry and ecology of sandy beaches.
Estimating proportions of identical twins and twin survival rates in cetaceans using fetal data
Authors: Drinkwater Ruth W. , Branch Trevor A.
Published: April 2022

Multiplet pregnancies are rare in cetaceans, and live‐born multiple births even rarer. We used whaling data collected from pregnant females and held by the International Whaling Commission to examine multiplets in 16 cetacean species, finding that 0.87% (2,197 out of 252,651) of pregnancies included multiple fetuses, including 12 instances of five or more fetuses in five different species, all rorquals. For six species, we estimate the proportion of twins that are identical using Weinberg's differential rule. Identical twins are less common than fraternal twins in all species (4%–34%) except humpback whales (57%). To infer survival rates of twins to term, we fitted models to the proportion of twins by fetal length, finding that the probability of surviving twins declined exponentially to near zero with increasing fetal length for sei, fin, and blue whales; but not for sperm, humpback, and Antarctic minke whales. Because some fetuses may be missed at smaller lengths, we repeated this analysis excluding fetuses shorter than 2 ft (61 cm), finding that twin survival declined with increasing fetal length for sei, fin, blue, and Antarctic minke whales. We conclude that few multiple pregnancies (<1 in 500) end in live birth, and even these pregnancies experience high mortality after birth.
Molecular insights into the biochemical functions and signalling mechanisms of plant NLRs
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Wan Li
Published: March 2022

Plant intracellular immune receptors known as NLR (nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat) proteins confer immunity and cause cell death. Plant NLR proteins that directly or indirectly recognize pathogen effector proteins to initiate immune signalling are regarded as sensor NLRs. Some NLR protein families function downstream of sensor NLRs to transduce immune signalling and are known as helper NLRs. Recent breakthrough studies on plant NLR protein structures and biochemical functions greatly advanced our understanding of NLR biology. Comprehensive and detailed knowledge on NLR biology requires future efforts to solve more NLR protein structures and investigate the signalling events between sensor and helper NLRs, and downstream of helper NLRs.
Fitness cost of malathion resistance in Egyptian Culex pipiens populations
Authors: Elhawary Noura A. , Soliman Mohamed A. , Seif Amal I. , Meshrif Wesam S.
Published: March 2022

The extensive use of insecticides in agriculture and public health has resulted in the rapid development of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate insecticide resistance costs on the fitness of Culex pipiens. Two Cx. pipiens field populations (Beheira malathion‐resistant and Gharbia malathion‐susceptible) were compared to the reference (sensitive) population. The biochemical composition and expression of four genes relevant to insecticide resistance were estimated in third instar larvae. Adult survival, female fecundity and egg hatchability were also determined. As per our findings, it was found that the total protein and carbohydrate contents in Beheira malathion‐resistant larvae were significantly lower than that in the reference larvae. Beheira malathion‐resistant larvae had higher phenoloxidase (PO) specific activity than the reference population. In terms of the relevant genes, only cytochrome P450 (CYP6F1) expression showed elevated levels in the Gharbia malathion‐susceptible population compared to the Beheira malathion‐resistant population. In esterases (Estα and Estβ) and glutathione S‐transferase, the tested populations did not show any significant differences. Compared to the reference mosquito population, Gharbia malathion‐susceptible Cx. pipiens males exhibited significantly longer median survival. Female fecundity and hatchability showed nonsignificant differences among the populations tested. In conclusion, malathion resistance can induce lower protein and carbohydrate contents, but higher PO activity in larvae.
New insights into the regulation of Arabidopsis cryptochrome 1
Authors: Batschauer Alfred
Published: March 2022

This article is a Commentary on Liu et al. (2022), 234: 1332–1346 and Miao et al. (2022), 234: 1347–1362.
Evolution of plant drought strategies and herbivore tolerance after two decades of climate change
Authors: Rauschkolb Robert , Li Zixin , Godefroid Sandrine , Dixon Lara , Durka Walter , Májeková Maria , Bossdorf Oliver , Ensslin Andreas , Scheepens J. F.
Published: March 2022

Ongoing global warming, coupled with increased drought frequencies, together with other biotic drivers may have resulted in complex evolutionary adaptation. The resurrection approach, comparing ancestors raised from stored seeds with their contemporary descendants under common conditions, is a powerful method to test for recent evolution in plant populations.

We used 21–26‐yr‐old seeds of four European plant species – Matthiola tricuspidata, Plantago crassifolia, Clinopodium vulgare and Leontodon hispidus – stored in seed banks together with re‐collected seeds from their wild populations. To test for evolutionary changes, we conducted a glasshouse experiment that quantified heritable changes in plant responses to drought and simulated insect herbivory.

In three out of the four studied species, we found evidence that descendants had evolved shorter life cycles through faster growth and flowering. Shifts in the osmotic potential and leaf dry matter content indicated that descendants also evolved increased drought tolerance. A comparison of quantitative genetic differentiation (QST) vs neutral molecular differentiation (FST) values, using double digest restriction‐site associated DNA (ddRAD) genotyping data, suggested that directional selection, and therefore adaptive evolution, was underlying some of the observed phenotypic changes.

In summary, our study revealed evolutionary changes in plant populations over the last decades that are consistent with adaptation of drought escape and tolerance as well as herbivory avoidance.
The shape of root systems in a mountain meadow: plastic responses or species‐specific architectural blueprints?
Authors: Herben Tomáš , Šašek Jan , Balšánková Tereza , Hadincová Věroslava , Krahulec František , Krak Karol , Pecháčková Sylvie , Skálová Hana
Published: April 2022

The efficient uptake of nutrients depends on the ability of roots to respond to gradients of these resources. Although pot experiments have shown that species differ in their ability to proliferate their roots in nutrient‐rich patches, the role of such differences in determining root shapes in the field is unclear.

We used fine‐scale quantitative (q)PCR‐based species‐specific mapping of roots in a grassland community to reconstruct species‐specific root system shapes. We linked them with data from pot experiments on the ability of these species to proliferate in nutrient‐rich patches and their rooting depth.

We found remarkable diversity in root system shapes, from cylindrical to conical. Interspecific differences in rooting depths in pots were the main determinant of rooting depths in the field, whereas differences in foraging ability played only a minor role. Although some species with strong foraging ability did place their roots into nutrient‐rich soil layers, it was not a universal pattern.

The results imply that although the vertical differentiation of grassland species is pronounced, it is primarily not driven by the differential plastic response of species to soil nutrient gradients. This may constrain the coexistence of species with similar rooting depths and may instead favour coexistence of species differing in their architectural blueprints.
Quality improvement in New Zealand pediatric anesthesia: National quality direction, patient experience, equity, and collaboration
Authors: Taylor Elsa , Webster Craig S.
Published: March 2022

The current priorities of the quality and safety of patient care in New Zealand at a central government level are described, with a focus on equity and patient experience. Priorities between stakeholders differ. We report the current quality activities of New Zealand pediatric anesthetists in relation to these governance aims, seeking gaps and suggesting future directions to align governance priorities and local activities. International relevance is also outlined. New Zealand Māori experience health inequity. Complex systemic factors including those of systemic racism and prejudice contribute to the inequity. The specific contributions to health inequity from pediatric anesthetists are unknown but could include aspects of cultural safety, delays in treatment and treatment deficits. Patient experience is correlated positively with other quality domains. Peri‐operative patient experience tools require outcomes of interest that matter to patients, including relevant cultural safety domains. Risk identification and critical event review contribute to local learnings in departments and institutions, and more widely to national and binational (with Australia) learnings. Several collaborative projects in Australia and New Zealand, whilst not primarily quality improvement projects, may improve pediatric anesthesia. These collaborations include a pediatric anesthesia professional network, a curriculum for a pediatric anesthetic fellowship, contributions to a document on standards for pediatric anesthesia, and a national quality group researching key performance indicators across New Zealand.
Analysis of Ozone Photochemistry over Southern Tropical Megacity, Bengaluru, India
Authors: Gopi Dhanya , Pranesha Talya Shreenivasa Rao , Chate Dilip Motiramji , Beig Gufran
Published: April 2022

Rapid infrastructure development, increased population, shift in land use practices and higher vehicular emissions have all influenced Ozone (O3) production through its precursor gases in southern megacity, Bengaluru, India. We have investigated the photochemistry using hourly measurements of O3 and associated precursor gases conducted in Bengaluru during January to December 2019. The rate of formation of O3 is analyzed for Bengaluru for the first time using a photochemical model involving NOx cycle. On the diurnal scale, O3 showed a midday peak (1200–1500 IST), while its precursors showed a bimodal trend with peaks at 0900 IST and 2100 IST. The photolytic rate constants for and were derived from the tropospheric ultraviolet and visible (TUV) radiation model. Using the photolytic rate constants for and under the triad NO‐NO2‐O3, photostationary state (PSS), Leighton ratio (Ф) and its deviations from unity were estimated over Bengaluru. Positive anomalies (Φ > 1) were obtained, and the computed Φ was utilized to determine the total mixing ratios of the peroxy radical (PO2). The seasonal variation in revealed that in the presence of intense solar radiation and NOx, VOCs, CO and NMVOCs in the mixing layer, O3 forms photochemically over the surface.
Regression Discontinuity Designs for Time-to-Event Outcomes: An Approach using Accelerated Failure Time Models
Authors: Adeleke Mariam O. , Baio Gianluca , O'Keeffe Aidan G.
Published: March 2022

Regression discontinuity designs (RDDs) have been developed for the estimation of treatment effects using observational data, where a treatment is administered using an externally defined decision rule, linked to a continuous assignment variable. Typically, RDDs have been applied to situations where the outcome of interest is continuous and non-temporal. Conversely, RDDs for time-to-event outcomes have received less attention, despite such outcomes being common in many applications. We explore RDDs for a time-to-event outcome subject to right censoring. An accelerated failure time (AFT) approach is used to establish a treatment effect estimate for a fuzzy RDD (where treatment is not always strictly applied according to the decision rule). This estimation approach is robust to different levels of fuzziness and unobserved confounding, assessed using simulation studies and compares favourably to established structural AFT models. A motivating example is presented in which models are fitted to estimate the effect of metformin on mortality and cardiovascular disease rate using real observational data from UK Primary Care.