bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pronounced and rapid exhumation of the Connecticut Valley Trough revealed through quartz in garnet Raman barometry and diffusion modelling of garnet dissolution–reprecipitation reactions
Authors: Wolfe Oliver M. , Spear Frank S. , Harrison T. Mark
Published: April 2021

Metamorphic rocks from the Connecticut Valley Trough (CVT), Vermont, and Massachusetts, have been examined using quartz‐in‐garnet (QuiG) and conventional thermobarometry, thermodynamic reaction modelling, diffusion modelling, and 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology to constrain their P–T–t paths during Acadian metamorphism and subsequent exhumation. Numerous samples, collected in the vicinity of the Acadian domes, contain garnet porphyroblasts that display cloudy zones characterized by numerous fluid inclusions and modified garnet compositions associated with the replacement of the original garnet by biotite±muscovite±plagioclase±quartz±low Xgrs/enriched Xsps. QuiG and conventional thermobarometry constrain both the conditions of garnet nucleation and peak P–T conditions to have occurred at ~0.85–1.05 GPa, ~550–600°C. Most notably, QuiG barometry was performed on inclusions adjacent to these reaction zones in conjunction with Gibbs method reaction modelling to reveal that these dissolution–reprecipitation reactions occurred during nearly isothermal decompression from the peak P–T conditions to around ~0.3 GPa, 550°C. Diffusion modelling reveals that the Mn zoning profiles created during garnet resorption that accompanied decompression formed in less than c. 3 Ma, which constrains the tectonic exhumation to have occurred at 8–10 mm/year. Subsequent cooling to 500°C occurred rapidly at a rate of 100°C/Ma, followed by slower cooling reaching 1.7°C /Ma by the mid Carboniferous. This is the first reported example of QuiG barometry revealing a multi‐stage metamorphic history and highlights the utility of this method for unravelling complex metamorphic terranes.
HP–UHT granulites in the East Kunlun Orogen, NW China: Constraints on the transition from compression to extension in an arc setting of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean
Authors: Bi Hengzhe , Song Shuguang , Whitney Donna L. , Wang Chao , Su Li
Published: April 2021

The East Kunlun Orogen (EKO) of the northwest part of the Central China Orogenic belt records long‐lived orogenic events from the Cambrian to the Triassic, involving the tectonic evolution from Proto‐Tethys to Palaeo‐Tethys. Although high‐ and ultra high pressure (HP‒UHP) metamorphism has been recognized in the EKO, other metamorphic events associated with the orogenic history are little known. The metamorphic history of high‐ and ultra high temperature granulites and their pressure–temperature–time (P‒T–t) path is keys to reconstructing tectonic events associated with a subduction‐to‐collision transition. In this contribution, we present P‒T–t results for the mafic and pelitic granulite facies metamorphic rocks in the Qingshuiquan region of the EKO, determined using phase equilibrium modelling and zircon geochronology. The Jingshuikou granulite terrane records a clockwise P–T path with high‐P and ultra high temperature (HP–UHT) conditions at Pmax ~900 to 950°C at 13 kbar, at Tmax of ~950°C at 9‒12 kbar, and a final stage of 800‒895°C at 6‒10 kbar. LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating of zircons provides systemic constraints on a long‐lived metamorphic age span of 530‒465 Ma, with a peak of c. 503 Ma. The HP–UHT metamorphism of the Qingshuiquan granulite terrane reveals a complete process from arc compression at the early stage of subduction to extension on the active continental margin related to rollback of the subducted slab in the Early Palaeozoic, driven by heat transfer from upwelling of the sub‐arc hot asthenosphere. The timing and P‒T conditions of the high geothermal gradient metamorphism can be used to understand the subduction and collision process of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean, including the relationship between high‐P and high‐ to ultra‐temperature metamorphism in the East Kunlun and other orogenic belts.
Exploring Large Community‐ and Clinically‐Generated Datasets to Understand Resilience Before and During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Monsen Karen A. , Austin Robin R. , Goparaju Bhavana , Clarence Jones Robert , Mathiason Michelle A. , Pirsch Anna , Eder Milton
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To explore resilience in the context of whole‐person health and the social determinants of health at the individual and community levels using large, standardized nursing datasets.

Design

A retrospective, observational, correlational study of existing deidentified Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant data using the Omaha System and its equivalent, Simplified Omaha System Terms.

Methods

We used three samples to explore for patterns of resilience: pre‐COVID‐19 community‐generated data (N = 383), pre‐COVID‐19 clinical documentation data (N = 50,509), and during‐COVID‐19 community‐generated data (N = 102). Community participants used the My Strengths + My Health (MSMH) app to generate the two community datasets. The clinical data were obtained from the Omaha System Data Collaborative. We operationalized resilience as Omaha System Status scores of 4 (minimal signs or symptoms) or 5 (no signs or symptoms) as a discrete strengths measure for each of 42 Omaha System problem concepts. We used visualization techniques and standard descriptive and inferential statistics for analysis.

Findings

It was feasible to examine resilience, operationalized as strengths by problem concept, within existing Omaha System or Simplified Omaha System Terms (MSMH) data. We identified several patterns indicating strengths and resilience that were consistent with literature related to community connectedness for community participants, and sleep for individuals in the clinical data.

Conclusions

When used consistently, the Omaha System within MSMH enabled robust data collection for a comprehensive, holistic assessment, resulting in better whole‐person data including strengths, and enabled us to discover a potentially useful approach for defining resilience in new ways using standardized nursing data.

Clinical Relevance

The notion that how we assess individuals and communities (i.e., the completeness of our assessments in relation to whole‐person health) determines what we can know about resilience is seemingly in opposition to the critical need to decrease documentation burden, despite the potential to shift from a problem deficit‐based assessment to one of strengths and resilience. However, a patient‐facing comprehensive assessment that includes resilience and the social determinants of health can provide a transformative, whole‐person platform for strengths‐based care and population management.
How does COVID‐19 impact psoriasis practice, prescription patterns, and healthcare delivery for psoriasis patients? A cross‐sectional survey study
Authors: EL‐Komy Mohamed H.M. , Abdelnaby Asmaa , El‐Kalioby Mona
Published: April 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that needs continuous medical care. During COVID‐19, delivering medical service was negatively affected.

Aims

To describe the impact of COVID‐19 on psoriasis healthcare delivery, management, and practice.

Methods

This observational cross‐sectional study was conducted on 197 dermatologists using a validated online questionnaire. The survey evaluated the effect of COVID‐19 on the decisions, prescription patterns, appointments rescheduling, and healthcare delivery for psoriasis patients by dermatologists. The questionnaire was developed and validated with a reliability score >0.7.

Results

During the pandemic, most dermatologists delayed initiating biological/immunosuppressive therapy for psoriasis unless urgently needed by the patient. For patients already receiving biologics or immunosuppressive treatment, most dermatologists favored continuation of therapy. Almost half (44.2%) of participants do not perform SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR screening before initiating biologics/immunosuppressive therapy. Dermatologists also reported an increased prescription of topical medications (79.2%), natural sunlight (28.4%), acitretin (26.9%), and home UVB (21.3%). Opinions regarding the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID‐19 treatment/prophylaxis for psoriasis patients were controversial. Intervals between face‐to‐face follow‐up visits were prolonged by 71.6% of dermatologists. More than half of participants reported that their patients discontinued treatment without medical consultation. More than three fourth of responders either agreed or strongly agreed that COVID‐19 negatively affected psoriasis patients.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic has a negative impact on psoriasis management and healthcare delivery. Dermatologists are cautious about using biologics and immunosuppressive drugs during the pandemic, making case‐by‐case decisions. Psoriasis patients need compliance monitoring, and psychological support during the pandemic, which can be facilitated by teledermatology.
Evaluation of inner ear and hearing functions in lichen planus patients
Authors: Yukkaldıran Ahmet , Erdogan Osman , Dundar Rıza , An İsa , Aksoy Mustafa
Published: April 2021

Background

Lichen planus (LP), which affects skin, nails, hair, and mucosal surfaces, is a chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease, and autoimmune diseases may affect the inner ear.

Aims

This study aims to investigate hearing and inner ear functions of the LP patients.

Patients/Methods

The present study was formed by 49 patients who were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with LP and did not receive any treatment. The healthy group consisted of 52 healthy individuals. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests were used in the hearing evaluation.

Results

At frequencies of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the right ear and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the left ear in PTA, the lichen group's hearing thresholds were higher than the healthy group's. Upon comparing the hearing thresholds of LP patients with oral mucosa involvement and LP patients without oral mucosa involvement, there were significant differences between the groups at 1, 4, and 8 kHz in the right ear and at 0.25, 0.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the left ear.

Conclusion

Because of the increasing hearing thresholds, we think that hearing and inner ear functions of LP patients, particularly with oral mucosal involvement, are negatively affected.
Autologous blood injection for treatment of steroid atrophy: A case report
Authors: Kutlu Ömer , Ozdemir Cetinkaya Pınar
Published: April 2021

Background

Intramuscular corticosteroid injections are frequently used for a variety of conditions in dermatology practice. Unfortunately, many complications are associated with systemic and local administration of corticosteroids. Localized subcutaneous lipoatrophy is among the most common adverse effects that can lead to permanent disfigurement. Autologous blood is collected from peripheral veins and injected immediately to the affected tissue with the intention of stimulating the body's own tissue‐healing mechanisms through cellular and humoral mediators.

Aims

Although platelet‐rich plasma therapy, produced by centrifugation of autologous blood, is very popular in dermatology practice, autologous blood injection (ABI) is not routinely preferred. With this case, it was aimed to report that ABI can be a safe and effective option in the treatment of steroid atrophy.

Patients/Methods

A case of steroid atrophy in a female patient treated successfully with ABI was presented.

Results

A 17‐year‐old female patient presented with epidermal/dermal atrophy, depigmentation, and subcutaneous fat atrophy after intramuscular corticosteroid injection. ABI treatment was initiated because there were no signs of spontaneous improvement after 6 months. 4 cc autologous blood was injected in small volumes into the superficial, middle, and deep parts of the atrophic tissue. After 2 sessions of ABI, the size and depth of the atrophy were markedly improved and depigmentation was resolved.

Conclusion

There are several treatment options for localized steroid atrophy with varying success rates. This is the first report that shows ABI is a simple, effective, and safe procedure for correction of corticosteroid‐induced cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy with satisfying results.
National market analysis for body contouring providers: Medical spas and physician practices
Authors: Wang Jordan V. , Murgia Robert D. , Noell Claire , Saedi Nazanin , Zachary Christopher B. , Weiss Robert , Geronemus Roy G.
Published: April 2021

Background

Non‐invasive body contouring has experienced recent growth. To meet demand, medical spas and non‐physician operators have grown. Insights into their practice can provide information on their impact.

Objective

Our study investigated the current market distribution of body contouring providers in the aesthetic field.

Materials and Methods

For the 30 most populous cities, data were collected for non‐invasive body contouring providers in medical spas and physician practices. Descriptive ratios were calculated, and various local factors were examined.

Results

The cities with the greatest number of body contouring providers were New York (138), Los Angeles (106), and Houston (87). Population size had a significant relationship, while median household income did not. For number of body contouring providers per 100 000 persons, the top cities were Austin (4.87), Houston (3.74), and Las Vegas (3.41). The mean ratio of providers in medical spas to physician practices was 1.81. In total, 70.0% of cities had equal or more body contouring providers in medical spas than physician practices.

Conclusion

Certain cities have experienced an unequal distribution of body contouring providers, and many cities are skewed in favor of medical spas over physician‐based practices.
A bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most‐cited articles in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine (1972–2020)
Authors: Arakeri Gururaj , Patil Shankargouda , Quadri Mir Faeq Ali , Alqahtani Khaled M. , Rao US Vishal , Paiva Fonseca Felipe , Brennan Peter A.
Published: April 2021

Objective

The steady and continued increase of the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine's (JOPM) popularity prompted a bibliometric analysis of the journal. The purpose was to assess the significance and effect of the published research articles in the Journal from 1972 and 2020, aiding the identification of landmark articles. We performed a bibliometric analysis using the top 100 cited papers in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine.

Materials and Methods

An extensive review of the Web of Science was undertaken. Standard information such as author details, affiliated institutions, publication year and the country of origin was recorded.

Results

The top 100 cited articles in JOPM were assessed. The maximum and minimum number of citations in the top 100 articles was 1459 and 95, respectively. A total of 16 790 citations were recorded for these 100 articles. Authors were affiliated to 28 different countries, 17 research articles from the UK and 12 from the USA. Other countries furnished seven or fewer articles.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis provides a synopsis of research published in the journal over a 48‐year period. Recent interest in the journal shows a healthy increase in submissions and profile.
Multiple tumour recurrence in oral, head and neck cancer: Characterising the patient journey
Authors: Wang Weilan , Adeoye John , Thomson Peter , Choi Siu‐Wai
Published: April 2021

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the 15th most common cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide and approximately one oral cancer‐related death occurs for every two new diagnoses. Death‐due‐to‐disease is usually ascribed to inoperable primary tumours, treatment complications, second primary tumours arising due to field cancerization, or locoregional recurrence and distant metastases.

Methods

A retrospective review of OSCC patients treated over a 19‐year period, betweenOctober 1st, 2000 and October 1st, 2019. Patient demographic records were collected from consecutively treated adult patients with clinical subtypes corresponding to ICD‐10 C00‐C06, C09 and C10 were retrieved from the database. Patients who had suffered three or more recurrences after diagnosis of the primary tumour are defined as multiple‐recurrent patients.

Results

A total of 467 OSCC patients were treated during the study period. One hundred and fifty‐five patients developed recurrent OSCC, amongst which 22 were designated as multiple cases. The time between initial OSCC diagnosis and first tumour recurrence varied from 3 to 276 months. Nine of the 22 multiple patients (41%) were diagnosed with buccal mucosal SCC as the primary tumour, which is significantly higher than the average prevalence (or 4.4, 95% CI (1.8, 10.8), p < 0.001) for buccal tumours within the cohort.

All patients were treated initially by surgical tumour excision. There were no demonstrable differences in adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy regimes in any of the study groups.

Conclusion

Multiple OSCC development may occur either synchronously or metachronously during the course of oral cancer disease and poses an important management problem in contemporary oncology practice.
Complete Digital Workflow for Mandibular Full‐Arch Implant Rehabilitation in 3 Appointments
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , De Souza Andre , Bathija Anshu , Kang Kiho , Chochlidakis Konstantinos
Published: April 2021

The aim of this clinical report is to describe a complete digital workflow protocol for mandibular full‐arch implant rehabilitation from guided surgery to definitive prosthesis in only 3 appointments. This expedited protocol allows for guided implant placement with a system of stackable surgical templates and CAD/CAM prosthodontic rehabilitation using a digital workflow. At the first appointment, a guided implant placement protocol with the stackable template concept was done followed by immediate loading with a prefabricated interim prosthesis. At the same appointment, the Double Digital Scanning (DDS) technique was used for scanning, maxillomandibular relationship registration and virtual articulation. The anchor pins from guided surgery were used as fiducial markers for DDS data superimposition. At the second appointment, the prosthesis prototype was tried‐in and adjustments were made. At the third appointment, the definitive monolithic zirconia full‐arch prosthesis was delivered.
Online betting intensity is linked with Extraversion and Conscientiousness
Authors: Palomäki Jussi , Laakasuo Michael , Castrén Sari , Saastamoinen Jani , Kainulainen Tuomo , Suhonen Niko
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Extraversion and Conscientiousness are well‐studied personality traits associated with reward processing and goal prioritization, respectively, and bear on individual differences in financial risk‐taking. Using unique large datasets, we investigated the link between these traits and male online gamblers' actual betting participation and intensity.

Method

We combined datasets containing online horse betting data (during 2015–2016) from the Finnish monopoly betting company, administrative registry data from Statistics Finland, and personality trait measures from the Finnish Defence Forces corresponding to Extraversion and Conscientiousness as defined in the five‐factor model. We modelled associations between these traits and betting participation (n = 471,968) and intensity (n = 11,217) among male horse bettors (age = 36–53).

Results

Controlling for demographics and IQ, individuals scoring high on Conscientiousness (or Extraversion) were less (or more) likely to bet and less (or more) intensive bettors—even when personality was measured 16–34 years before betting occurred. One SD personality score increase represented an annual decrease (Conscientiousness) or increase (Extraversion) of €570–754 in spending.

Conclusions

Extraversion and Conscientiousness are implicated in real‐life financial behavior with tangible consequences for individuals. These effects are stronger than for many known demographic variables used in gambling studies and persist up to 34 years after personality has been measured.
Melatonin inhibits seed germination by crosstalk with abscisic acid, gibberellin, and auxin in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lv Yan , Pan Jinjing , Wang Houping , Reiter Russel J. , Li Xia , Mou Zongmin , Zhang Jiemei , Yao Zhengping , Zhao Dake , Yu Diqiu
Published: April 2021

Seed germination, an important developmental stage in the life cycle of seed plants, is regulated by complex signals. Melatonin is a signaling molecule associated with seed germination under stressful conditions, although the underlying regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we showed that a low concentration (10 µM or 100 µM) of melatonin had no effect on seed germination, but when the concentration of melatonin increased to 500 µM or 1000 µM, seed germination was significantly inhibited in Arabidopsis. RNA sequencing analysis showed that melatonin regulated seed germination correlated to phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), and auxin. Further investigation revealed that ABA and melatonin synergistically inhibited seed germination, while GA and auxin antagonized the inhibitory effect of seed germination by melatonin. Disruption of the melatonin biosynthesis enzyme gene serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (SNAT) or N‐acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT) promoted seed germination, while overexpression of ASMT inhibited seed germination. Taken together, our study sheds new light on the function and mechanism of melatonin in modulating seed germination in Arabidopsis.
Aquaporin: targets for dietary nutrients to regulate intestinal health
Authors: Lv Hao , Li Ying , Xue Chenyu , Dong Na , Bi Chongpeng , Shan Anshan
Published: April 2021

Aquaporins (AQP) are a class of water channel membrane proteins that are widely expressed in the gut. The biological functions of aquaporins, which regulate the absorption and secretion of water molecules and small solutes, maintain the stable state of the intestine, regulate cell proliferation and migration, participate in the process of intestinal inflammation, and mediate tumorigenesis, demonstrate the physiological significance of these channels in intestinal health. The pathology of many intestinal diseases is associated with changes in the location and expression of aquaporins, such as intestinal infection, which can change the expression and distribution of AQPs in intestinal tissues/cells by affecting cytokines and chemokines. This can lead to various intestinal diseases such as diarrhoea, which also suggests the importance of aquaporins in the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases. This review summarizes the relationship between aquaporins and intestinal physiology and diseases and focuses on drugs (such as plant extracts) or diets that can regulate intestinal health by regulating aquaporins. It provides a basis for establishing aquaporins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for intestinal health.
Deciphering the global phylogeography of a coastal shrub (Scaevola taccada) reveals the influence of multiple forces on contemporary population structure
Authors: Banerjee Achyut Kumar , Wu Hai‐Dan , Guo Wu‐Xia , Ng Wei‐Lun , Li Wei‐Xi , Ma Yan , Feng Hui , Huang Ye‐Lin
Published: April 2021

The phylogeography of coastal plant species is heavily influenced by past sealevel fluctuations, dispersal barriers, and life‐history traits, such as long‐distance dispersal ability of the propagules. Unlike the widely studied mangroves, phylogeographic patterns have remained mostly obscure for other coastal plant species. In this study, we sampled 42 populations of Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb., a coastal shrub of the family Goodeniaceae, from 17 countries across its distribution range. We used five chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and 14 nuclear microsatellite (simple sequence repeat [SSR]) markers to assess the influence of abiotic factors and population genetic processes on the phylogeographic pattern of the species. Geographical distribution of cpDNA haplotypes suggests that the species originated in Australia, followed by historical dispersal and expansion of its geographic range. Multiple abiotic factors, including the sealevel changes during the Pleistocene, the presence of landmasses like the Malay Peninsula, and contemporary oceanic circulation patterns, restricted gene flow between geographically distinct populations, thereby creating low haplotype diversity and a strong population structure. Population genetic processes acted on these isolated populations, leading to high nuclear genetic diversity and population differentiation, as revealed from analyzing the polymorphic SSR loci. Although genetic divergence was mostly concordant between cpDNA and SSR data, asymmetrical gene flow and ancestral polymorphism could explain the discordance in the detailed genetic structure. Overall, our findings indicate that abiotic factors and population genetic processes interactively influenced the evolutionary history and current phylogeographic pattern of S. taccada across its distribution range.
Out‐of‐District Donors and Representation in the US House
Authors: Canes‐Wrone Brandice , Miller Kenneth M.
Published: April 2021

US House members have become increasingly reliant on out‐of‐district individuals for fundraising. Yet we have little evidence on how such donations might affect representatives' policy decisions. Given the high partisanship known to dominate House roll calls, do the preferences of individual donors influence policymaking at all? And are members who rely on out‐of‐district contributions more responsive to the preferences of the national donor base? This article examines these and related questions, producing three main findings. First, even accounting for well‐established partisanship in House voting, representatives are responsive to the policy preferences of the national donor base. Second, this donor responsiveness is positively associated with electoral safety, including when redistricting exogenously induces the safety. Third, the higher a member's reliance on out‐of‐district donations, the greater is their responsiveness to the preferences of the national donor base. Together, these findings suggest that current fundraising dynamics skew representation in significant ways.
Externalities in private ownership production economies with possibility functions. An existence result
Authors: Platino Vincenzo
Published: April 2021

We consider a private ownership production economy with consumption and production externalities. Each household is characterized by a consumption set described by a possibility function, an endowment of commodities, and preferences described by a utility function. Each firm is owned by households and it is characterized by technology described by a transformation function. The choices of all agents (households and firms) affect individual consumption sets, individual preferences, and production technologies. Describing equlibria in terms of first‐order conditions and market clearing conditions, and using a homotopy approach, under differentiability and boundary conditions, we prove the non‐emptiness and the compactness of the set of competitive equilibria with consumptions and prices strictly positive.
MetR is a molecular adaptor for pneumococcal carriage in the healthy upper airway
Authors: Zhang Chengwang , An Haoran , Hu Jiao , Li Jing , Zhang Wenhao , Lan Xun , Deng Haiteng , Zhang Jing‐Ren
Published: April 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae resides in the human upper airway as a commensal but also causes pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, and otitis media. It remains unclear how pneumococci adapt to nutritional conditions of various host niches. We here show that MetR, a LysR family transcriptional regulator, serves as a molecular adaptor for pneumococcal fitness, particularly in the upper airway. The metR mutant of strain D39 rapidly disappeared from the nasopharynx but was marginally attenuated in the lungs and bloodstream of mice. RNA‐seq and ChIP‐seq analyses showed that MetR broadly regulates transcription of the genes involved in methionine synthesis and other functions under methionine starvation. Genetic and biochemical analyses confirmed that MetR is essential for the activation of methionine synthesis but not uptake. Co‐infection of influenza virus partially restored the colonization defect of the metR mutant. These results strongly suggest that MetR is particularly evolved for pneumococcal carriage in the upper airway of healthy individuals where free methionine is severely limited, but it becomes dispensable where environmental methionine is relatively more abundant (e.g., inflamed upper airway and sterile sites). To the best of our knowledge, MetR represents the first known regulator particularly for pneumococcal carriage in healthy individuals.
Teaching and Learning Through Class Projects: Improving Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Schoolchildren
Authors: Copeland Toni
Published: April 2021

Participation in research prepares students for conducting future projects, academic, and professional success. Service learning combines classroom instruction with meaningful community engagement. This article presents an example of a class project that combined service learning and research to increase knowledge of and familiarity with fruits and vegetables through hands‐on food identification. The aim was to encourage kindergarten students to eat more fruits and vegetables by acquainting them with these foods. This project was developed for a mixed undergraduate and graduate anthropology Research Methods class to provide students the opportunity to learn by applying textbook information and anthropological methods to real world issues. In addition to presenting results from a pre‐ and posttest research design that included interviews, taste tests, flashcard identification, time in the garden, and additional hands‐on activities, the teaching method is assessed. Results were shared with the school and the garden program to optimize future healthy eating curriculum.
Growth–defense trade‐offs and yield loss in plants with engineered cell walls
Authors: Ha Chan Man , Rao Xiaolan , Saxena Garima , Dixon Richard A.
Published: April 2021

As a major component of plant secondary cell walls, lignin provides structural integrity and rigidity, and contributes to primary defense by providing a physical barrier to pathogen ingress. Genetic modification of lignin biosynthesis has been adopted to reduce the recalcitrance of lignified cell walls to improve biofuel production, tree pulping properties and forage digestibility. However, lignin‐modification is often, but unpredictably, associated with dwarf phenotypes. Hypotheses suggested to explain this include: collapsed vessels leading to defects in water and solute transport; accumulation of molecule(s) that are inhibitory to plant growth or deficiency of metabolites that are critical for plant growth; activation of defense pathways linked to cell wall integrity sensing. However, there is still no commonly accepted underlying mechanism for the growth defects. Here, we discuss recent data on transcriptional reprogramming in plants with modified lignin content and their corresponding suppressor mutants, and evaluate growth‐defense trade‐offs as a factor underlying the growth phenotypes. New approaches will be necessary to estimate how gross changes in transcriptional reprogramming may quantitatively affect growth. Better understanding of the basis for yield drag following cell wall engineering is important for the biotechnological exploitation of plants as factories for fuels and chemicals.
Shade‐induced reduction of stem nonstructural carbohydrates increases xylem vulnerability to embolism and impedes hydraulic recovery in Populus nigra
Authors: Tomasella Martina , Casolo Valentino , Natale Sara , Petruzzellis Francesco , Kofler Werner , Beikircher Barbara , Mayr Stefan , Nardini Andrea
Published: April 2021

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) have been suggested to affect xylem transport under fluctuating water availability, but conclusive evidence is still lacking. We tested the effect of shade‐induced NSC depletion on xylem vulnerability to embolism and hydraulic recovery on Populus nigra saplings.

Vulnerability was assessed in light‐exposed (L) and shaded (S) plants with the hydraulic method, and in vivo with the optical method and X‐ray micro‐computed tomography. Plants were stressed to 80% loss of hydraulic conductance (PLC) and re‐irrigated to check for possible recovery. We measured PLC, bark and wood NSC content, as well as xylem sap pH, surface tension (γsap) and sugar concentration, before, during and after drought.

Shading induced depletion of stem NSC (mainly starch) reserves. All methods converged in indicating higher xylem vulnerability in S than in L plants. This difference was not explained by xylem vessel and pit anatomy or by γsap. Shading impeded sap acidification and sugar accumulation during drought in S plants and prevented hydraulic recovery, which was observed in L plants.

Our results highlight the importance of stem NSCs to sustain xylem hydraulic functioning during drought and suggest that light and/or adequate stem NSC thresholds are required to trigger xylem sap chemical changes involved in embolism recovery.
On the Value of Birth Weight*
Authors: Clarke Damian , Oreffice Sonia , Quintana‐Domeque Climent
Published: April 2021

A large body of evidence documents the educational and labour market returns to birth weight, which are reflected in investments in large social safety net programmes targeting birth weight and early life health. However, there is no direct evidence on the private valuation of birth weight. In this paper, we estimate the willingness to pay for birth weight in the United States, using a series of discrete choice experiments. Within the normal birth weight range (2,500–4,000 g), we find that individuals are, on average, willing to pay $1.47 (95% CI: [$1.24, $1.70]) for each additional gram of birth weight when the value of birth weight is estimated linearly, or $2.40 (95% CI: [$2.03, $2.77]) when the value of birth weight is estimated non‐parametrically.
Platelet and neutrophil responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis in human whole blood
Authors: Chen William A. , Fletcher Hansel M. , Payne Kimberly J. , Aka Sheryl , Thornburg Melanie B. , Gheorghe Joseph D. , Safi Shahnaj Binte , Shavlik David , Oyoyo Udochukwu , Boskovic Danilo S.
Published: April 2021

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a causative agent for periodontal disease. Binding of platelets to this gram‐negative anaerobe can regulate host hemostatic (thrombus forming) and immune (neutrophil interacting) responses during bacterial infection. Additionally, in response to bacterial pathogens neutrophils can release their DNA, forming highly prothrombotic neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which then further enhance platelet responses. This study evaluates the role of P. gingivalis on platelet expression of CD62P, platelet–neutrophil interactions, and labeled neutrophil‐associated DNA. Human whole blood was preincubated with varying P. gingivalis concentrations, with or without subsequent addition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Flow cytometry was employed to measure platelet expression of CD62P using PerCP‐anti‐CD61 and PE‐anti‐CD62P, platelet–neutrophil interactions using PerCP‐anti‐CD61 and FITC‐anti‐CD16, and the release of neutrophil DNA using FITC‐anti‐CD16 and Sytox Blue labeling. Preincubation with a high (6.25 × 106 CFU/mL) level of P. gingivalis significantly increased platelet expression of CD62P in ADP treated and untreated whole blood. In addition, platelet–neutrophil interactions were significantly increased after ADP stimulation, following 5–22 min preincubation of blood with high P. gingivalis CFU. However, in the absence of added ADP, platelet–neutrophil interactions increased in a manner dependent on the preincubation time with P. gingivalis. Moreover, after ADP addition, 16 min preincubation of whole blood with P. gingivalis led to increased labeling of neutrophil‐associated DNA. Taken together, the results suggest that the presence of P. gingivalis alters platelet and neutrophil responses to increase platelet activation, platelet interactions with neutrophils, and the level of neutrophil antimicrobial NETs.
Association between vitamin D status and allergen sensitization in pediatric subjects in the Balearic Islands
Authors: Segovia‐Ortí Raquel , Barceló Bennasar Antonia , De Sotto‐Esteban Diego , Sanchís Cortés Pilar , Pons Jaime
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Vitamin D has known effects on the immune system, and its deficiency has been associated with allergen sensitization.

Material and methods

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the association between 25(OH)vitamin D (25(OH)D) and specific IgE for the most frequent allergens in our area in children and adolescents. All subjects under 15 years of age with a determination of Phadiatop® or Phadiatop Infant® and close serum 25(OH)D determination were included, from 2012 to 2019. From this sample, demographic and analytical variables were collected: specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; dog and cat dander; grass, olive, and pellitory pollens; egg white; and cow milk; as well as complete blood count analysis and immunoglobulins.

Results

A total of 749 subjects were recruited. Clusters according to deficiency, insufficiency, or sufficiency of 25(OH)D showed an association with age, Phadiatop®, D. pteronyssinus, cat and dog dander specific IgE, and a higher frequency of positive allergen sensitization (P < .05). Logistic regression, compared with vitamin D levels of greater than 30 ng/mL after age adjustment, showed that deficient 25(OH)D was associated with D. pteronyssinus (OR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.25‐2.90) and dog dander (OR, 2.10; 1.10‐4.02); whereas insufficient 25(OH)D was associated with cat dander (OR, 2.46; 1.15‐5.28) and also with D. pteronyssinus (OR, 1.55; 1.06‐2.29) (P < .05). No associations were found between 25(OH) D levels and other analytical parameters.

Conclusion

Vitamin D status is associated with sensitization to D. pteronyssinus, and cat and dog dander in children and adolescents, and also with a higher number of positive specific IgE.
The performance of the heart rate variability‐derived Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation Index as a measure of early postoperative pain and discomfort in infants—A prospective observational study
Authors: Verweij Laura M. , Kivits Jaap T. S. , Weber Frank
Published: April 2021

Background

The heart rate variability‐derived Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE™) Index is a continuous noninvasive tool for the assessment of pain and discomfort in infants. Little is known about its performance in the early postoperative setting, where assessment of pain/discomfort is usually based on discontinuous observational scoring systems or personal experience of medical staff.

Aims

To investigate the performance of the NIPE as a measure of early postoperative pain and/or discomfort in infants.

Methods

The potential of the NIPE to detect pain/discomfort, as assessed by two clinical scoring systems (FLACC and COMFORT‐B scale), was investigated in postoperative infants (0–2 years).

Results

Receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses investigating the power of the NIPE to distinguish between comfort and pain/discomfort, revealed areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 for the FLACC, 0.81 for the COMFORT‐B score, and 0.77 for a combination of FLACC & COMFORT‐B. Logistic regression analysis provided initial evidence that the NIPE is an independent predictor of a FLACC score ≥4 and/or a COMFORT‐B score ≥17, though R2 values were below .2. NIPE values associated with a FLACC ≥4 (48 [45–56]), a COMFORT‐B score ≥17 (47 [42–53]), and a FLACC ≥4 & COMFORT‐B ≥17 (47 [42–57]) were lower than NIPE values associated with a FLACC <4 (60 [53–68], 95% CI of difference −14 to −8, p < .0001), a COMFORT‐B score <17 (61 [54–68], 95% CI of difference −16 to −10, p < .0001), and a FLACC <4 & COMFORT‐B score <17 (60 [53–68], 95% CI of difference −15 to −8, p < .0001). We found no evidence of a predictive value of the NIPE regarding the occurrence of pain.

Conclusions

The NIPE detected pain and discomfort in infants after general anesthesia with reasonable areas under the ROC curve (±0.8), whereas it was not predictive of clinically detectable pain or discomfort.
Reasons for discontinuation of acute postoperative pain ketamine infusions: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Gil Laura V. , Mazzeffi Michael A. , Cai Yi , McLeod Whitney W. , Porter Steven B.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate factors associated with early discontinuation of low‐dose ketamine infusions due to adverse drug events (ADEs).

Methods

A retrospective, matched case‐control study of surgical patients who received low‐dose ketamine infusions for postoperative pain over 6 years was conducted. Forty‐seven study patients, who required early discontinuation of their infusion due to ADEs, were included and matched 1:1 with 47 controls, who did not experience ADEs, for a total of 94 patients. The two groups were compared based on surgery type, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, administration of specific perioperative anxiolytic, anesthetic, and analgesic medications, and use of regional anesthesia.

Results

Of the study patients, 44.7% underwent spine procedures (vs. 34% of controls), 27.6% underwent abdominal procedures (vs. 8.5% of controls), 19.2% underwent orthopedic procedures (vs. 46.8% of controls), and 8.5% underwent thoracic procedures (vs. 6.4% of controls). There were no statistically significant differences in ASA classification, pre‐operative gabapentinoid and antidepressant use, average ketamine infusion dose, or postoperative use of peripheral nerve catheters, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, muscle relaxants, and nonbenzodiazepine sleep aides. Study patients had higher rates of intra‐operative volatile anesthetic use (78.7% vs. 57.7%, p = 0.03) and more postoperative opioid patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) use (53.2% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.02) than controls. Control patients had higher rates of preoperative opioid use (76.7% vs. 53.2%, p = 0.02) and premedication with midazolam (89.4% vs. 70.2%, p = 0.02) than study patients.

Conclusion

Patients who required discontinuation of their low‐dose ketamine infusion due to ADEs were more likely to be opioid naïve, received less pre‐operative benzodiazepines, and had greater postoperative opioid PCA requirements. Control patients, on the other hand, had higher rates of pre‐operative opioid use and experienced fewer ADEs despite greater total ketamine doses.
Cytokinin glucosyl transferases, key regulators of cytokinin homeostasis, have potential value for wheat improvement
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhao Jing , Song Jiancheng , Jameson Paula E.
Published: April 2021

The cytokinins, which are N6‐substituted adenine derivatives, control key aspects of crop productivity. Cytokinin levels are controlled via biosynthesis by isopentenyl transferase (IPT), destruction by cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX), and inactivation via glucosylation by cytokinin glucosyl transferases (CGTs). While both yield components and tolerance to drought and related abiotic stressors have been positively addressed via manipulation of IPT and/or CKX expression, much less attention has been paid to the CGTs. As naming of the CGTs has been unclear, we suggest COGT, CNGT, CONGT and CNOGT to describe the O‐, N‐ and dual function CGTs. As specific CGT mutants of both rice and arabidopsis showed impacts on yield components, we interrogated the wheat genome database, IWGSC RefSeq v1.0 & v2.0, to investigate wheat CGTs. Besides providing unambiguous names for the 53 wheat CGTs, we show their expression patterns in 70 developmental tissues and their response characteristics to various stress conditions by reviewing more than 1000 RNA‐seq data sets. These revealed various patterns of responses and showed expression generally being more limited in reproductive tissues than in vegetative tissues. Multiple cis‐regulatory elements are present in the 3 kb upstream of the start codons of the 53 CGTs. Elements associated with abscisic acid, light and methyl jasmonate are particularly over‐represented, indicative of the responsiveness of CGTs to the environment. These data sets indicate that CGTs have potential value for wheat improvement and that these could be targeted in TILLING or gene editing wheat breeding programmes.
Immunoproteomic analysis of fish ectoparasite, Argulus siamensis antigens
Authors: Das Priyanka , Badhe Mohan R. , Sahoo Pramoda Kumar , Reddy Raudu Rajendra Kumar , Suryawanshi Amol R. , Mohanty Jyotirmaya
Published: April 2021

Aim

An immunoproteomic approach was followed to identify immunoreactive antigens of fish ectoparasite, Argulus siamensis with rohu (Labeo rohita) immune sera for screening of potential vaccine candidates.

Materials and results

The whole adult Argulus antigen was run in 2D electrophoresis with IEF in 7 cm IPG strips of pH 4‐7 and SDS‐PAGE with 12% acrylamide concentration. Two parallel gels were run; one was stained with silver stain, and the other was Western blotted to nitrocellulose paper (NCP) and reacted with rohu anti‐A siamensis sera. Fourteen protein spots corresponding to the spots developed in NCP were picked from the silver‐stained gel and subjected to mass spectrometry in MALDI‐TOF/TOF. The MS/MS spectra were analysed in MASCOT software with taxonomy ‘other metazoa’ and the proteins identified based on similarity with the proteins from heterologous species. The gene ontology analysis revealed a majority of proteins being involved in binding activity in ‘molecular function’ and belonging to metabolic processes in ‘biologic process’ categories. The possibility of these proteins as vaccine candidates against A siamensis is discussed in the paper.

Conclusion

Three of the identified proteins namely, bromodomain‐containing protein, anaphase‐promoting complex subunit 5 and elongation factor‐2 could possibly serve as vaccine candidates against argulosis in carps.
Exposure and Aversion to Human Transmissible Diseases Predict Conservative Ideological and Partisan Preferences
Authors: O'Shea Brian A. , Vitriol Joseph A. , Federico Christopher M. , Appleby Jacob , Williams Allison L.
Published: April 2021

The objective prevalence of and subjective vulnerability to infectious diseases are associated with greater ingroup preference, conformity, and traditionalism. However, evidence directly testing the link between infectious diseases and political ideology and partisanship is lacking. Across four studies, including a large sample representative of the U.S. population (N > 12,000), we demonstrate that higher environmental levels of human transmissible diseases and avoidance of germs from human carriers predict conservative ideological and partisan preferences. During the COVID‐19 pandemic (N = 848), we replicated this germ aversion finding and determined that these conservative preferences were primarily driven by avoidance of germs from outgroups (foreigners) rather than ingroups (locals). Moreover, socially conservative individuals expressed lower concerns of being susceptible to contracting infectious diseases during the pandemic and worried less about COVID‐19. These effects were robust to individual‐level and state‐level controls. We discuss these findings in light of theory on parasite stress and the behavioral immune system and with regard to the political implications of the COVID‐19 pandemic.