bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms during the perinatal period by disability status: Findings from the United States Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System
Authors: Alhusen Jeanne L. , Hughes Rosemary B. , Lyons Genevieve , Laughon Kathryn
Published: November 2022

Aims

The aim of the current study was to compare the prevalence of depressive symptoms during the perinatal period among respondents with a disability as compared to those without a disability.

Design

We conducted a secondary analysis of nationally representative data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data from 24 participating United States between 2018 and 2020.

Methods

A cross‐sectional sample of 37,989 respondents provided data on disability, including difficulty in vision, hearing, ambulation, cognition, communication and self‐care. The outcome of interest was perinatal depressive symptoms, defined as experiencing depressive symptoms during the antenatal period or postpartum period. Regression models were used to calculate odds of depressive symptoms during these two time periods by disability status while controlling for relevant sociodemographic characteristics and depressive symptoms prior to pregnancy.

Results

Respondents with disabilities experienced a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in both the antenatal period and postpartum period as compared to those without disabilities. In fully adjusted models, respondents with disabilities had 2.4 times the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms during pregnancy and 2.1 times the odds of experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms as compared to respondents without disabilities.

Conclusion

Respondents with disabilities experience a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms throughout the perinatal period thereby increasing the risk for adverse maternal, neonatal and infant health outcomes.

Impact

Perinatal depression is a significant public health issue globally, and our findings suggest that persons with disability are at an increased risk for depressive symptoms both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Our findings represent a call to action to improve clinical and supportive services for women with disabilities during the perinatal period to improve their mental health and the consequent health of their offspring.

Patient or Public Contribution

We thank our Community Advisory Board members who have been instrumental in the conception of this study.
Predation potential of the earwig Euborellia annulipes on fruit fly larvae and trophic interactions with the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata
Authors: Coelho Rosamara S. , Pec Marvin , Silva Ana L. Rodrigues , Peñaflor Maria F. G. V. , Marucci Rosangela C.
Published: November 2022

The earwig Euborellia annulipes (Lucas) (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae), a generalist predator, has been observed in fruits infested with fruit fly larvae, which are frequently parasitized by parasitoid wasps. Neither the capacity of earwigs to predate on fruit flies nor intraguild interactions between earwigs and fruit fly parasitoids have been investigated. Here, we studied in laboratory conditions the predation on the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) by the earwig E. annulipes, and whether parasitism of fruit fly larvae by the parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) influences predation by the earwig. We evaluated the predation capacity, functional response and prey preference of E. annulipes for parasitized and non‐parasitized fruit fly larvae in choice and no‐choice tests. We found that earwigs prey on second‐ and third‐instar larvae and pupae of C. capitata and consumed larger numbers of second‐instar larvae, followed by third‐instar larvae and pupae. Females prey on larger numbers of fruit flies than did males, regardless of the prey developmental stage, but both sexes exhibited a type II functional response. Interestingly, males killed but did not consume fruit fly larvae more than did females. In no‐choice tests, earwig females consumed equal numbers of parasitized and non‐parasitized fruit fly larvae. However, in choice tests, the females avoided feeding on parasitized larvae. Subsequent tests with hexane‐washed parasitized and non‐parasitized larvae showed that putative chemical markings left on fruit flies by parasitoids did not drive the earwig preference towards non‐parasitized larvae. These findings suggest that E. annulipes is a potential biological control agent for C. capitata, and that, because the earwig avoids consuming larvae parasitized by D. longicaudata, a combination of the two natural enemies could have an additive effect on pest mortality.
Habitat associations of imperilled fishes after conservation intervention in the Cape Fold Ecoregion, South Africa
Authors: Broom Casey J. , Weyl Olaf L.F. , South Josie
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the habitat associations of a native cyprinid community of the recovering Rondegat River in the Cape Fold Ecoregion of South Africa as part of a long‐term native fish abundance monitoring project. Relative abundance data were extracted from underwater video camera footage across the longitudinal gradient of the river in three sampling instances. Using multivariate methods the authors assessed community composition with respect to habitat, its overlap with a protected area and species‐specific abiotic predictors of relative abundance. Distance from the uppermost site in the river was the most significant predictor of species abundance, indicating spatial segregation and varying overlap between species. The protected status of sites in the upper reaches, vegetated substrates and the size of individual sites were the most impactful on the relative abundance of the endangered fiery redfinPseudobarbus phlegethon. The results of this study indicate that underwater video monitoring is an effective and low‐cost approach that can inform conservation recommendations. Reducing agricultural runoff and sedimentation in the lower reaches may be useful further interventions to maintain key habitats of submerged vegetation.
Characterization of a new cytotype and ocurrence of a B microchromosome in two spot astyanax, Astyanax bimaculatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: Corrêa de Sousa Rodrigo Petry , dos Santos Jaymeson Lielson Anjos , Silva‐Oliveira Gláucia Caroline , Furo Ivanete de Oliveira , de Oliveira Edivaldo Herculano Corrêa , Vallinoto Marcelo
Published: November 2022

Although Astyanax bimaculatus is the most representative species of the genus in the Amazon region, there are no cytogenetic studies of A. bimaculatus species in Amazon region. Thus, we aimed to analyse the chromosome complements of specimens from this area using classic and molecular cytogenetic approaches. The results revealed the existence of a distinct cytotype and this is the first report of the occurrence of a B microchromosome in the species. Overall, these data indicate that the karyotypic evolution of this species is complex, involving the occurrence of chromosomal rearrangements.
Recovery of Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus from cloned cDNA
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Xiaodong , Xu Zhendong , Huang Zhiyang , Zhong Junyao , Zhu Yinzhi , Wei Yongwei
Published: November 2022

Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) is an important pathogen that infects mandarin fish. A reverse genetics system is an important technical platform for virus research. In this study, the minigenome in which the enhanced green fluorescent protein gene is flanked by the viral genomic ends of SCRV and transcribed using a T7 promoter‐terminator cassette was constructed. Co‐transfection of the minigenome construct with SCRV‐supporting plasmids of N, P, and L in BSRT7 cells resulted in the expression of the reporter gene. Transcription of a positive‐strand RNA copy from cDNA of the SCRV genome along with the viral N, P, and L proteins resulted in the recovery of infectious SCRV in cells. Viral titre up to 108 PFU/ml was achieved. Recombinant SCRV was verified by the detection of a unique restriction site engineered into the SCRV genome. The phenotypes of the recombinant SCRV and the parental virus were evaluated by plaque size, replication kinetics in vitro, and pathogenicity in vivo. The recovered SCRV from cDNA showed similar phenotypes compared to the parental virus. The established reverse genetics system is of great significance and value for the functional genome study of SCRV and for laying a foundation for the development of the viral vector and SCRV vaccine.
Experimental assessment of a low GWP nonflammable new refrigerant in a closed heat pump drying system
Authors: Fu Quanqu , Yang Zhao , Ma Haiyun , Duan Chenjun , Feng Biao , Zhang Yong , Chen Yubo
Published: November 2022

Low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants are vital to mitigating the effect of heat systems on climate change. A low GWP mixture, RGT2 (R134a/R1234yf/R161, 54%/43%/3% weight), was proposed as an alternative refrigerant for R134a in heat pump systems. This article presented the results of an experimental investigation evaluating RGT2 as a possible replacement for R134a in a closed heat pump drying (CHPD) system and studying the drying characteristics of fig slices. The experiment concluded that RGT2 has a higher coefficient of performance (COPhp) value than R134a, on average, by 1.92%, achieving lower discharge temperature and pressure ratio at different condensing temperatures (45°C–70°C). Although the heating capacity of RGT2 was slightly lower, it still met the requirements of HPD. With careful consideration of the environment, performance, and safety, RGT2 was a suitable substitute for R134a in the drying field. In addition, the drying characteristics of fig slices were significantly affected by the air temperature. The effective diffusion coefficient (Deff) and specific moisture extracted ratio (SMER) are increased by increasing temperature and air flow rate. The two‐term model was the better model to accurately predict the fig slices drying process. The highest mean Deff and SMER of CHPDS were obtained as 6.4518 × 10−10 m2/s and 39.197 g/kWh, respectively, at the highest drying air temperature.

Practical Application

A mixed refrigerant (RGT2) was proposed to replace R134a, and its GWP value was about 61% lower than that of R134a. Most of the studies on substituting R134a in the literature are simulations. This paper aims to evaluate the substitutions' feasibility theoretically and experimentally. The results have been assessed to provide better information about RGT2 as a potential substitute for R134a with superior comprehensive performance. Drying kinetics has also been determined experimentally, which helped to simulate fig drying. This study will provide a reference for refrigerants replacement in heat pump drying.
Evaluation of the spatial distribution and dynamic succession of microbial community and quality properties during fermentation in Chinese medium‐temperature Daqu
Authors: Ding Li , Zhao Meng‐Meng , Zhao Xiao‐Fang , Chen Guo‐Yue , Jiang Qian‐Tao , Liu Miao , Xiong Yan‐fei , Zhang Xiu , Wang Xiao‐Jun , Wei Yu‐Ming , Zheng You‐Liang , Li Wei
Published: November 2022

The spatial characterization of qualities and microbial community of Chinese Baijiu Daqu during solid‐state fermentation remains unclear. The physicochemical indexes and microbial of the core (CDB) and the surface (SDB) of medium‐temperature Daqu (MT‐Daqu) at eight fermenting stages were investigated. The results indicated the difference in physicochemical indices, enzymatic activities, and starch granule fracture between the CDB and SDB. The dominant bacteria were Lactobacillus, Weissella, Pediococcus, and Methylobacterium in the SDB, as Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Thermoactinomyces, and Undibacterium in the CDB. The dominant fungi were Dipodascus, Wickerhamomyces, Hyphopichia, and Saccharomyces in the SDB, like Aspergillus, Thermoacscus, Theromyces, and Candida in the CDB. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that different factors strongly affected the bacteria and fungi in the SDB and CDB, respectively. The temperature, moisture, and starch content were the critical factors for the microbial composition of Daqu. This study provides further valuable information for knowing the fermentation mechanism of MT‐Daqu.

Novelty impact statement

This study provided information on the spatial characterization of qualities and microbial community of Chinese Baijiu Daqu during solid‐state fermentation of medium‐temperature Daqu (MT‐Daqu).

This study revealed the difference between the surface brick samples (SDB) and the core brick samples (CDB) in the fermentation process of Daqu, which increased the diversity of fermentation.

The temperature, moisture, and starch content were the critical factors in influencing the difference between Daqu microorganisms of the core (CDB) and the surface (SDB) of medium‐temperature Daqu (MT‐Daqu).
Measuring working alliance and technical alliance from the perspective of healthcare professionals working with people with mild intellectual disabilities: adaptation, factor structure and reliability
Authors: Oudshoorn C. E. M. , Frielink N. , Riper H. , Embregts P. J. C. M.
Published: November 2022

Background

The establishment of a valuable and meaningful working alliance between people with mild intellectual disabilities (IDs) and healthcare professionals is critically important for improving both the quality of life and impact of therapy for people with mild IDs. Measuring the working alliance as a treatment or support component is therefore of utmost relevance. In light of the increased use of eHealth tools, it is also essential to measure the alliance using these tools, which is referred to as technical alliance. There was a lack of validation of these two measurements for healthcare professionals working with people with mild IDs, which this study sought to address.

Method

Both the validated Working Alliance Inventory – Short Form – MID (WAI‐SF‐MID) and Technical Alliance Inventory – Short Form – MID (TAI‐SF‐MID) for general patient populations were adapted for healthcare professionals working with people with mild IDs. A two‐step approach was conducted to systematically adapt both measurements with an expert group of healthcare professionals. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test a three‐factor structure for both the WAI‐SF‐MID (N = 199) and the TAI‐SF‐MID (N = 139), and internal consistency was determined for both scales.

Results

An acceptable‐to‐good model fit was found for both the WAI‐SF‐MID and the TAI‐SF‐MID; confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a three‐factor model for both measurements. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were excellent for both total scales (≥0.90) and acceptable to good for sub‐scales of both versions.

Conclusion

Both the WAI‐SF‐MID and the TAI‐SF‐MID are promising measurements for determining healthcare professionals' perspective on the (digital) working alliance with people with mild IDs.
Experiences of Mothers Participating in a Mother–Child Video Therapy Program
Authors: Hackley Barbara , Hammer Monica , Barnhart Erika , Abramowitz Kelly , Chinitz Emily , Sharma Chanchal , Shapiro Alan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Responsive and sensitive parenting promotes the development of self‐regulation and lowers stress in children, which in turn is associated with greater educational and economic achievement and better physical and emotional health later in life. Dyadic parent–child video‐feedback programs can help parents learn effective parenting skills, yet these programs are estimated to retain only about half of eligible participants. Programs vary widely, and little is known about what is valued by parents who do complete these programs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the goals, experiences, and outcomes important to mothers who completed a video‐feedback program.

Methods

Transcripts of exit interviews of participants in a video‐feedback program (N = 31) were analyzed using qualitative description methodology. Trustworthiness was achieved through deep engagement with the material, following an iterative process in analyzing transcripts, and member checks to confirm results.

Results

Mothers enrolled in the program to better understand their child, help their child learn, and to develop closer connections with their child. Elements of the program that helped mothers achieve these goals were (1) positive feedback and support by the therapist, (2) dedicated one‐on‐one time spent with their infant, (3) help with concrete needs, and (4) learning from watching videotaped play sessions. As a result, mothers reported greater confidence as caregivers, use of more responsive and sensitive parenting strategies, and improvements in their children's behaviors and their own mental health.

Discussion

Incorporating elements of the program found to be most useful in this study into video‐feedback programs may make video‐feedback programs more attractive to parents and increase retention. Midwives and women's health care providers may incorporate elements of the program into their clinical practice and advocacy, with special attention to elements most valued by parents themselves.
Patterns and predictors of change in energy and mood around a vacation from the workplace: Distinguishing the effects of supplemental work activity and work‐related perseverative cognition
Authors: Flaxman Paul E. , Stride Christopher B. , Newman Sonja A. , Ménard Julie
Published: November 2022

This study contributes to the vacation literature by exploring predictors of change in school teachers' negative affective states around a 2‐week (Christmas) vacation. Drawing from a combination of self‐regulatory and effort‐recovery theoretical principles, we hypothesized that supplemental work activity during the vacation might have some positive consequences for mood state, while simultaneously impairing the ability to recover from work‐related exhaustion. Ninety teachers completed measures across eight consecutive weeks, spanning the period before, during and after vacation (710 observations in total). Teachers' weekly levels of emotional exhaustion, anxious mood and depressed mood decreased significantly from before to during the vacation. Following the vacation, anxious mood showed the most rapid rate of increase, returning to its prevacation level within 2 weeks of work resumption. Exhaustion and depressed mood re‐emerged more gradually across 4 consecutive weeks following the vacation. Supplemental work activity during the vacation was associated with weaker recovery from exhaustion, but did not exhibit a detrimental relationship with change in anxious or depressed mood. Of note, supplemental working during the vacation was associated with a less pronounced re‐emergence of anxious mood after the vacation. Work‐related perseverative cognition (worry and rumination) during the vacation impeded energy restoration and mood repair and was related to faster fade out of beneficial vacation effects. These findings demonstrate the utility of examining discrete energy and mood states in respite research, reveal the mixed functions of engaging in supplemental work activity during vacations and highlight the harmful impact of perseverative cognition on the recovery from work process.
Outcome of chronic inflammatory enteropathy in cats: 65 cases (2011‐2021)
Authors: Bandara Y. , Priestnall S. L. , Chang Y. M. , Kathrani A.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Feline chronic inflammatory enteropathy is an idiopathic disease with limited information on variables that might affect treatment outcome and survival. The aim of this study was to determine if clinicopathological variables were associated with death due to gastrointestinal disease in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy.

Materials and Methods

Three medical records databases were retrospectively searched for cats diagnosed with chronic inflammatory enteropathy at the Royal Veterinary College between June 2008 and November 2021. Intestinal biopsy specimens of eligible cases were re‐reviewed by one board‐certified veterinary pathologist. Outcome information was obtained by contact with the referring veterinary surgeon. Two univariable binary logistic regression models and a Fisher's exact test were performed to assess the association between the outcome of death due to gastrointestinal disease or its short‐term survival (≤ versus >1 year) with clinicopathological variables and the attainment of clinical remission.

Results

Sixty‐five cats diagnosed with chronic inflammatory enteropathy between September 2011 and August 2021 were included in the study with follow‐up information available for 54 cats (83%). Of these 54 cats, 20 (37%) were euthanised due to gastrointestinal disease (median 129.5 days; range 8 to 2970 days). Twenty‐five (46%) cats were alive and in clinical remission (median 916 days; range 78 to 2113 days) with 16 (64%) diagnosed with food‐responsive enteropathy. Attaining clinical remission reduced the likelihood of subsequent death due to gastrointestinal disease.

Clinical Significance

Measured physical and laboratory variables at the time of histopathological diagnosis of chronic inflammatory enteropathy were not predictors of death. Alternative diagnostic measures are required to definitively investigate outcome and survival in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy.
The impact of intrapartum and immediate post‐partum complications and newborn care practices on breastfeeding initiation in Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mohammed Shamsudeen , Abukari Alhassan S. , Afaya Agani
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the impact of intrapartum and post‐partum complications and newborn care practices on early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF). Data for the study came from a prospective cohort study in Ethiopia that recruited and followed pregnant and post‐partum women from 2019 to 2021. Resident enumerators conducted interviews at enrolment in 2019 and follow‐ups at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year post‐partum. The present analysis is based on data from the baseline survey and 6 weeks follow‐up. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of newborn care practices and intrapartum and post‐ partum complications on EIBF (the proportion of newborns who initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth). Overall, 2660 mother–infant pairs were included in this analysis. After adjustment, EIBF was less likely among women who experienced intrapartum haemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–0.97), malpresentation (AOR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30–0.72) and convulsions (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.34–0.66) during childbirth. Mother–newborn skin‐to‐skin contact increased the likelihood of EIBF (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11–1.94). Women who experienced post‐partum haemorrhage (AOR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47–0.84), retained placenta for more than 30 min (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.24–0.52) and convulsions after delivery (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.41–0.79) were less likely to initiate breastfeeding early. Also, women who had a caesarean birth (AOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.18–0.41), delivered outside of a healthcare facility (AOR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50–0.99) or had twin birth (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22–0.85) were less likely to initiate breastfeeding early. Skin‐to‐skin contact should be encouraged whenever possible, and women with obstetric complications should be encouraged and supported to initiate breastfeeding early.
Co‐coverage of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health interventions shows wide inequalities and is associated with child nutritional outcomes in Ethiopia (2005–2019)
Authors: Baye Kaleab , Laillou Arnaud , Chitekwe Stanley
Published: November 2022

The health system is the primary vehicle for the delivery of nutrition‐specific interventions that aim to reduce maternal and child malnutrition. The integration of nutrition interventions into existing health interventions is promising, but to ensure that no one is left behind requires that access to essential health services is equitably distributed. This study aims to assess trends and socioeconomic inequalities in coverage of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) and assess its association with child nutritional outcomes in Ethiopia. Using the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (2005, 2011, 2016, and 2019), we estimated the coverage of RMNCH interventions in Ethiopia using the co‐coverage index, which is a count of the number of interventions accessed. We assessed the trend and inequalities in co‐coverage and evaluated its association with child nutritional outcomes like stunting, wasting, and minimum dietary diversity (MDD). The national co‐coverage index has shown a significant increase over the 2005–2019 period. However, all of the RMNCH interventions constituting the co‐coverage index showed a pro‐rich and pro‐urban distribution (p < 0.05). The highest inequality, based on the slope index of inequality (SII), was observed for skilled assistance during delivery (SII: 80.4%), followed by access to an improved source of drinking water (SII: 62.6%), and antenatal care visits (SII: 55.5%). The low coverage in RMNCH and the observed inequality were associated with stunting, wasting, and MDD. Reducing socioeconomic inequality in RMNCH is key to achieve the health, nutrition and equity‐related goals of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Metatranscriptomics reveals contrasting effects of elevation on the activity of bacteria and bacterial viruses in soil
Authors: Merges Dominik , Schmidt Alexandra , Schmitt Imke , Neuschulz Eike Lena , Dal Grande Francesco , Bálint Miklós
Published: November 2022

Soil microbial diversity affects ecosystem functioning and global biogeochemical cycles. Soil bacterial communities catalyse a diversity of biogeochemical reactions and have thus sparked considerable scientific interest. One driver of bacterial community dynamics in natural ecosystems has so far been largely neglected: the predator–prey interactions between bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) and bacteria. To generate ground level knowledge on environmental drivers of these particular predator–prey dynamics, we propose an activity‐based ecological framework to simultaneous capture community dynamics of bacteria and bacteriophages in soils. An ecological framework and specifically the analyses of community dynamics across latitudinal and elevational gradients have been widely used in ecology to understand community‐wide responses of innumerable taxa to environmental change, in particular to climate. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the activity of bacteria and bacteriophages codeclines across an elevational gradient. We used metatranscriptomics to investigate bacterial and bacteriophage activity patterns at five sites across 400 elevational metres in the Swiss Alps in 2015 and 2017. We found that metabolic activity (transcription levels) of bacteria declined significantly with increasing elevation, but activity of bacteriophages did not. We showed that bacteriophages are consistently active in soil along the entire gradient, making bacteriophage activity patterns divergent from that of their putative bacterial prey. Future efforts will be necessary to link the environment‐activity relationship to predator–prey dynamics, and to understand the magnitude of viral contributions to carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling when infection causes bacterial cell death, a process that may represent an overlooked component of soil biogeochemical cycles.
Severe cerebrovascular pathology of the first supercentenarian to be autopsied in the world
Authors: Iwase Tamaki , Yoshida Mari , Hashizume Yoshio , Inagaki Toshiaki , Iwasaki Yasushi
Published: November 2022

We report on a 116‐year‐old Japanese woman who was the first officially documented supercentenarian to be autopsied in the world. She lived a remarkably healthy life until suffering cerebral infarction at 109 years of age. She became Japan's oldest person at 113 years and died in 1995 from colon cancer at 116 years 175 days. Her medical records show the delayed onset of stroke, cancer, dementia, and heart disease and the importance of appropriate medical treatment and intensive dedicated care provided during the last stage of her life. She was the longest‐lived person in Japan for 21 years from 1993 until 2014. The neuropathological findings of her autopsied brain were briefly reported in the Japanese literature in 1997. In this study, we reinvestigated her brain and spinal cord in more detail. Severe cerebrovascular lesions and cervical spondylotic myelopathy were found to be the main causes of her disability. Although the density of senile plaques was relatively high, the distribution of neurofibrillary tangles was limited. Ghost tangles and argyrophilic grains were mild. The mildness of tau pathological changes in her neurons, in other words the resistance of neurons to tau pathology, may be a factor responsible for her longevity.
Inhibition of the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA reductase diminishes the survival and size of chondrocytes during orofacial morphogenesis in zebrafish
Authors: Signore Iskra A. , Palma Karina , Soto Gabriela , Sepúlveda Santiago , Suazo José , Aránguiz Millisent , Colombo Alicia
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) is the enzyme controlling the rate‐limiting step in the synthesis of cholesterol, sterols, and isoprenoids in the mevalonate biosynthetic pathway. Impaired function of HMGCR in zebrafish produces craniofacial malformations and orofacial cleft, mainly affecting the post‐migratory neural crest cells with little earlier effect. Here we investigate morphogenetic and cellular mechanisms underlying the generation of these malformations.

Methods

The morphology of chondrocytes in the lower jaw and the proliferation/apoptosis in the ethmoid plate were analysed in hmgcr1b mutants and in embryos treated with atorvastatin. In the ceratohyal of treated embryos, we measured the number and dimensions of chondrocytes. In the ethmoid plate, we performed proliferation and apoptosis assays to quantify the number of cells undergoing each process in both hmgcr1b mutants and pharmacologically treated embryos. All embryos were imaged using confocal microscopy and processed to obtain maximum intensity z‐projection.

Results

The shortening of the ceratohyal is produced by a moderate reduction in the number of cells combined with isometric shrinkage of the chondrocytes. At the same time, the shortening of the ethmoid plate is due to a combination of a slightly diminished proliferation with massive abnormal apoptosis at the proliferation front.

Conclusion

HMGCR function is necessary for the normal survival and morphology of chondrocytes during condensation and chondrogenesis in the developing palate and jaw. Further studies are required to establish the pathways through which HMGCR acts on apoptosis, proliferation, and cell size during normal craniofacial development.
A negative emotional context disrupts the framing effect on outcome evaluation in decision making under uncertainty: An ERP study
Authors: Tao Ruiwen , Zhang Can , Zhao Hanxuan , Xu Yan , Han Tianqi , Dai Mengge , Zheng Kexin , Zhang Naifu , Xu Sihua
Published: November 2022

The framing effect refers to the phenomenon that different descriptions of the same option lead to a shift in the choice of the decision maker. Several studies have found that emotional contexts irrelevant to a decision in progress still influence the framing effect on decision making. However, little is known about the potential role of emotional contexts in the framing effect on outcome evaluation under uncertainty and the related neural mechanisms. The present study measured event‐related potentials (ERPs) to capture the time series of brain activities during the processing of gain‐ and loss‐framed choices and outcomes primed with neutral and negative emotional contexts. The results revealed that in the neutral emotional context, the P300 amplitudes following both positive and negative feedback were greater in the gain‐framed condition than those in the loss‐framed condition, demonstrating a framing effect, whereas in the negative emotional context, this effect was unstable and observed only following negative feedback. In contrast, regardless of whether the feedback was positive or negative, the framing effect on the feedback‐related negativity (FRN) amplitudes was insensitive to neutral and negative emotional contexts. Furthermore, the time‐frequency analysis showed that the framing effect on the theta power related to the FRN was also insensitive to neutral and negative emotional contexts. Our findings suggest that brain responses to framing effects on outcome evaluation in a later cognitive appraisal stage of decision making under uncertainty may depend on the emotional context, as the effects were observed only following negative feedback in the negative emotional context.
Cognitive reappraisal and need to belong predict prosociality in Mexican‐origin adolescents
Authors: Hodge Ryan T. , Guyer Amanda E. , Carlo Gustavo , Hastings Paul D.
Published: November 2022

This 2‐year longitudinal study examined Mexican‐origin adolescents’ need to belong and cognitive reappraisal as predictors of multiple forms of prosocial behavior (i.e., general, emotional, and public prosocial behaviors). Prosocial behaviors, which are actions intended to benefit others, are hallmarks of social proficiency in adolescence and are influenced by intrapersonal abilities and motivations that typically develop during adolescence. Yet, few studies of Mexican‐origin or other U.S. Latinx youths have examined whether such individual difference characteristics, specifically social motivation and emotion regulation skills, support prosocial behavior. In a sample of 229 Mexican‐origin youth (Mage = 17.18 years, SD = .42, 110 girls), need to belong, cognitive reappraisal, and general prosocial behaviors were assessed at ages 17 and 19. Emotional and public forms of prosociality also were assessed at age 19. Cognitive reappraisal was positively associated with concurrent general prosociality at age 17, whereas need to belong was positively associated with concurrent public prosociality at age 19. Moderation analyses revealed that general and emotional types of prosocial behaviors at age 19 were lowest for youth with both lower need to belong and less use of cognitive reappraisal at 19 years. Greater cognitive reappraisal skills and need to belong may reflect distinct motivations for engaging in varying forms of prosocial behavior in late adolescence.
Radiofrequency‐assisted subcision combined with polycaprolactone‐based dermal fillers in the management of atrophic facial acne scars: A pilot investigative study
Authors: Lotfi Elaheh , Shafie'ei Mohammad , Ahramiyanpour Najmeh
Published: November 2022

Objective

The scar's appearance and psychological burden are the most esthetically challenging issues in acne vulgaris. This study investigated the effectiveness and safety profile of combined radiofrequency‐assisted subcision, which, even though effective on both Icepeak and Rolling subtypes, is only mildly effective on boxcar lesions, and polycaprolactone‐based dermal filler with collagen stimulation potency in managing atrophic postacne scars.

Methods

Our quasi‐experimental single‐arm study, after the inclusion of 10 cases over the age of 18 with moderate to severe mixed atrophic facial acne scarring, was carried out in two 3‐month separate sessions, during and after the intended intervention of which the experienced lesion improvements and also adverse events were documented. Moreover, all cases were followed for 3 months after the last session, evaluating the differences in the mentioned outcomes.

Results

We found the combined intervention to be highly effective in improving the intended outcomes, with the total number of acne lesions (p‐value < 0.001), along with the total number of Ice peak (p‐value = 0.002), Rolling (p‐value < 0.001), and boxcar (p‐value = 0.023) lesions demonstrating statistically significant changes.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency‐assisted subcision combined with polycaprolactone‐based dermal fillers can be an effective intervention in managing postacne scars. However, we recommend that randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes be carried out for a more precise conclusion.
Impact of belatacept and tacrolimus on cytomegalovirus viral load control and relapse in moderate and high‐risk cytomegalovirus serostatus kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Magua Wairimu , Johnson Aileen C. , Karadkhele Geeta M. , Badell Idelberto R. , Vasanth Payaswini , Mehta Aneesh K. , Easley Kirk A. , Newell Kenneth A. , Rickert Joseph B. , Larsen Christian P.
Published: November 2022

Background

Belatacept improves long‐term graft survival, but control of some primary viral infections may be impaired. We evaluated the impact of belatacept and tacrolimus on cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral control, remission and relapse in CMV high‐risk and moderate‐risk recipients.

Methods

Using a multistate Markov model, we evaluated viral load state transitions of 173 kidney transplant recipients with at least one episode of viremia within 1 year after transplant: state 1, undetectable/low viral load; state 2, moderate viremia; and state 3, severe viremia.

Results

Among high‐risk recipients, belatacept‐treated recipients exhibited a significantly higher probability of entering moderate viremia (.36; 95% CI = .31, .41) than tacrolimus‐treated recipients (.20; 95% CI = .13, .29). The expected number of days in viremic states differed. High‐risk belatacept‐treated recipients persisted in moderate viremia for significantly longer (128 days, 95% CI = 110, 146) than did tacrolimus‐treated recipients (70.0 days, 95% CI = 45.2, 100) and showed a trend of shorter duration in low/undetectable viral load state (172 days, 95% CI = 148, 195) than did tacrolimus‐treated recipients (239 days, 95% CI = 195, 277). Moderate‐risk recipients showed better viral load control and with no differences by immunosuppression.

Conclusion

High‐risk belatacept‐treated recipients showed defects in sustaining viral control relative to tacrolimus‐treated recipients. Avoidance of initial use belatacept in high‐risk recipients or development of modified management protocols should be considered.

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Localization and circulation: vesicle trafficking in regulating plant nutrient homeostasis
Authors: Gao Yi‐Qun , Chao Dai‐Yin
Published: November 2022

Nutrient homeostasis is essential for plant growth and reproduction. Plants, therefore, have evolved tightly regulated mechanisms for the uptake, translocation, distribution, and storage of mineral nutrients. Considering that inorganic nutrient transport relies on membrane‐based transporters and channels, vesicle trafficking, one of the fundamental cell biological processes, has become a hotspot of plant nutrition studies. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the study of how vesicle trafficking regulates nutrient homeostasis to contribute to the adaptation of plants to heterogeneous environments. We also discuss new perspectives on future studies, which may inspire researchers to investigate new approaches to improve the human diet and health by changing the nutrient quality of crops.
Current trends in ESP research in the Asia Pacific region
Authors: Basturkmen Helen
Published: November 2022

ESP is the field of second or foreign English language teaching that seeks to prepare learners to use English in a particular domain, such as a workplace or profession, or in study or academic settings. The present review identifies topical themes in current ESP research in the Asia Pacific region using evidence from articles reporting empirical research that were published in the flagship journal in this field, English for Specific Purposes, between 2018–2020. Studies from the region were identified based on the information that the authors had provided about their institutional affiliations. For the purposes of the present review, a subset of around half the studies was collated. This subset included articles from institutions in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Predictive Thermal Modeling and Characterization of Ultrasonic Consolidation Process for Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Kirby Madeline , Naderi Armaghan , Palardy Genevieve
Published: November 2022

Ultrasonic consolidation (USC) of thermoplastic composites is a highly attractive and promising method to manufacture high-performance composites. This work focuses on USC of dry carbon fiber (CF) fabrics with high-temperature polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) films. Experimental trials to assess feasibility of the process are time-consuming. Consequently, a predictive thermal model would facilitate process parameters selection to reduce expensive trial-and-error approaches. This paper presents a 2D finite element model of samples under consolidation, incorporating equations for viscoelastic heating, matrix phase change, and material properties. Theoretical temperature profiles for nodes of interest were compared to the corresponding experimental temperature curves for various control parameters (i.e., weld time and vertical displacement of sonotrode) and showed good agreement during heating phase. It was found that welding time values below 1750 ms were insufficient to reach melting temperature, whereas weld times above 3000 ms led to the lowest average void content (2.43 ± 0.81%). More specifically, the time the material spent above melting temperature, i.e., residence time, was established as a parameter that could estimate cases resulting in better consolidation and lower void content (time above 2600 ms for void content below 2.5%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization revealed that the USC process led to mostly amorphous PPS, due to the high cooling rates (70 °C/s to 108 °C/s). Overall, the thermal model and micro-structural outcomes confirmed the feasibility of the USC process for layered composites made from dry fabric and high-temperature thermoplastic films.
A Streamline-Guided Dehomogenization Approach for Structural Design
Authors: Wang Junpeng , Westermann Rüdiger , Wu Jun
Published: November 2022

We present a novel dehomogenization approach for the efficient design of high-resolution load-bearing structures. The proposed approach builds upon a streamline-based parametrization of the design domain, using a set of space-filling and evenly spaced streamlines in the two mutually orthogonal direction fields that are obtained from homogenization-based topology optimization. Streamlines in these fields are converted into a graph, which is then used to construct a quad-dominant mesh whose edges follow the direction fields. In addition, the edge width is adjusted according to the density and anisotropy of the optimized orthotropic cells. In a number of numerical examples, we demonstrate the mechanical performance and regular appearance of the resulting structural designs and compare them with those from classic and contemporary approaches.
Rotordynamic Design and Experimental Validation of a sCO2 Centrifugal Compressor Equipped With a Pocket Damper Seal
Authors: Vannini Giuseppe , Dozzini Matteo , Cangioli Filippo
Published: November 2022

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) is the fluid medium for those novel thermodynamic cycles aiming to produce electric power at a reduced environmental impact. CO2 at supercritical conditions is still in the gas phase but very close to the liquid-gas transition, it is a dense fluid allowing to design more compact size turbomachinery delivering same power. The centrifugal compressor which shall be employed into this thermodynamic cycle is supposed managing sCO2 at suction (79.8bar, 33°C). The Authors’ Company has been working in a EU project called sCO2Flex (H2020 founded program, grant agreement #764690) with the aim to design and test a 5MW prototype which has been finally tested at full density and full load in a dedicated test loop at the Authors’ premises.

Main subject of this paper is the prototype rotordynamic design with a special focus on the balance piston seal design. Since the compressor is operating at very high density (600kg/m3 at suction and 800kg/m3 at delivery) the stability aspect is the main concern and seal design is very critical. During the design phase a trade-off between alternative damper seals was performed and a Pocket Damper Seal (PDS) was selected. PDS showed more stability with respect to honeycomb seal, together with a lower stiffness level. PDS predictions are considered reliable enough since they are based on a proprietary numerical code which has been calibrated on high pressure experimental data, nevertheless, the very high-density level of the current application requires an experimental validation. PDS was also selected due to the good performance shown in managing liquid phase (as experienced previously by authors) which might be present in the balance piston seal during transient operation close to the supercritical conditions.

From rotordynamic viewpoint the test was conducted through steps: at the beginning a mechanical running test with nitrogen at 10bara was performed to assess the vibration behaviour of rotor running on journal bearings. After that the CO2 test started, the pressure level was increased by steps and the main compressor operating parameters were continuously monitored. The vibration behaviour during machine startup/shutdown showed a very damped response with no indications of any critical speed. When compressor was running at steady speed the vibration spectrum showed only the synchronous component and relevant minor harmonics. The whole compressor operating curve was explored, from choke to near surge conditions, and no major subsynchronous vibrations was detected. At the same time high frequency vibration data were recorded and postprocessed through OMA approach: no mode was identified due to the very high damping level.

The test campaign finally confirmed all the positive design indications for the PDS technology application in sCO2 service.
A Probabilistic Framework for Minimum Low Cycle Fatigue Life Prediction
Authors: Enright Michael P. , Moody Jonathan P. , Zaman Yasin , Sobotka James C. , McClung R. Craig
Published: November 2022

The traditional approach to low-cycle fatigue (LCF) life prediction involves statistical characterization of total LCF life based on extensive testing of smooth fatigue specimens under multiple stress and temperature conditions. Total LCF life is modeled as a single random variable with a unimodal probability density function (PDF) from which a minimum (e.g., B0.1) life is derived. Recent studies have shown that LCF lives for some materials consist of a short-life group that initiates cracks near the first cycle of loading and a long-life group that forms cracks later in life. The combined lives of these two groups can be modeled as a bimodal distribution. Minimum LCF lives associated with the bimodal PDF are typically longer than those associated with the traditional unimodal PDF. Minimum LCF lives of the bimodal distribution are dominated by the short-life group, and the lifetimes of this group can be estimated using probabilistic damage tolerance (PDT) concepts. In this paper, a probabilistic framework is presented for prediction of minimum LCF lives of the short-life group. It extends a previously developed minimum LCF life model for smooth fatigue specimens for application to full components. It is based on a probabilistic damage tolerance methodology that was previously developed for rare material anomalies in aircraft gas turbine engine materials. The framework is demonstrated via two illustrative examples including a representative gas turbine engine component. The results promote improved understanding of the PDT approach and its application to LCF life prediction.