bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide characterization and function analysis uncovered roles of wheat LIMs in responding to adverse stresses and TaLIM8‐4D function as a susceptible gene
Authors: Li Yiting , Liu Xi , Xiao Yongxin , Wen Yong , Li Keke , Ma Zhaolan , Yang Lijun , Zhu Yongxing , Yin Junliang
Published: July 2022

The Lin‐11, Isl‐1, and Mec‐3 domains (LIM) transcription factors play essential roles in regulating plant biological processes. Despite that, there is a lack of a full understanding of LIMs in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, 28 wheat
LIM
s (TaLIMs) were identified and designated as TaLIM1‐1A to TaLIM12‐7D. The cis‐regulatory element analysis showed that TaLIMs were rich in elements related to biological and abiotic stresses. Expression profiling analysis showed that certain members of TaLIMs were responsive to biotic and abiotic stresses, such as TaLIM1‐1A, TaLIM3‐2B, TaLIM8‐4D, and TaLIM10‐5D, were significantly induced by heat, drought, sodium chloride (NaCl), abscisic acid (ABA) and Fusarium graminearum stresses. Furthermore, the biological function of TaLIM8‐4D was analyzed and results showed that it was subcellular localization in the nucleus and could induce weak cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Additionally, overexpression of TaLIM8‐4D could upregulate plant pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes, promoting the infection of hemibiotrophic pathogen, implying that TaLIM8‐4D could function as susceptible gene in the nucleus by upregulating PR genes and inducing cell death to promote the colonization of hemibiotrophic agent F. graminearum. Overall, the systematic identification, characterization, expression profiling, evolutionary, and function analyses provided the ability to understand TaLIMs and laid a foundation for the further function study of LIM family members in wheat.
Risk factors for the occurrence of ampullary tumors: A case‐control study
Authors: Zaccari Piera , Archibugi Livia , Belfiori Giulio , Nista Enrico , dell'Anna Giuseppe , Crippa Stefano , Schepis Tommaso , Tacelli Matteo , Aleotti Francesca , Petrone Maria Chiara , Mariani Alberto , Costamagna Guido , Gasbarrini Antonio , Larghi Alberto , Falconi Massimo , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Capurso Gabriele
Published: July 2022

Background

The incidence of ampullary tumors is increasing but data on association with an increased exposure to certain risk factors are scanty.

Objective

To investigate risk and protective factors associated with the occurrence of ampullary tumors and whether these factors differ between ampullary tumors of the intestinal and pancreatobiliary subtypes or between adenomas and carcinomas.

Methods

The association between a large set of exposome features and ampullary tumors occurrence was investigated in a bi‐centric case‐control study after ethic committee approval and power calculation.

Results

In 223 histologically confirmed patients and 446 controls, previous cholecystectomy (odd ratio [OR] = 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34–3.20) and proton pump inhibitors use (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.16–2.37) were associated with increased risk of ampullary tumors, aspirin use (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.36–0.90) and light alcohol intake (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.38–0.76) with reduced risk. A previous cholecystectomy was also associated with tumors of intestinal subtype and with both adenomas and carcinomas, and proton pump inhibitors use with adenomas only. Smoking, body mass index, family history of cancers, previous ulcer, diabetes and use of statins, insulin and metformin were not significant factors.

Conclusion

This is the first case‐control study specifically highlighting factors associated with the occurrence of ampullary tumors. We report factors that are novel and plausible, in keeping with mechanisms described for other gastrointestinal tumors and with potential clinical relevance.
Reference gene identification for normalisation of RT‐qPCR analysis in plasma samples of the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model
Authors: Zhou Hui , Yang Xin , Yu Jiayi , Xu Jingyi , Zhang Ruiwen , Zhang Ting , Wang Xijie , Ma Jing
Published: July 2022

Objective

In quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) studies, the selection and validation of reference genes are crucial for the accurate analysis of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expression. In this work, the optimal reference genes for RT‐qPCR normalisation in plasma samples of rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models were identified.

Methods

Six rat MCAO models were established. Blood samples were collected before modelling and approximately 16–24 h after modelling. Two commonly used reference genes (U6 and 5S) and three miRNAs (miR‐24, miR‐122 and miR‐9a) were selected as candidate reference genes, and the expression of these genes was detected with RT‐qPCR. The acquired data were analysed using geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder and comparative delta threshold cycle statistical models.

Results

The analysed results consistently showed that miR‐24 was the most stably expressed reference gene. The ‘optimal combination’ calculated by geNorm was miR‐24, U6 and5S. The expression level of the target gene miR124 was similar when the most stable reference gene miR‐24 or the ‘optimal combination’ was used as a reference gene. However, compared with miR24 or the ‘optimal combination’, the less stable reference genes influenced the fold change and the data accuracy with a large standard deviation.

Conclusion

These results confirmed the importance of selecting suitable reference genes for normalisation to obtain reliable results in RT‐qPCR studies and demonstrated that the identified reference gene miR‐24 or the ‘optimal combination’ could be used as an internal control for gene expression analysis in the rat MCAO model.
The Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations (RAEGE)
Authors: López-Pérez José A. , Ferreira João S. , González-García Javier , Beltrán-Martínez Francisco J. , Albo-Castaño Carlos , Vaquero-Jiménez Beatriz , García-Castellano Abel , López-Ramasco Javier , Azcue-Infanzón Esther , Vicente-Abad Pablo de , López-Fernández José A. , Wallenstein Francisco M. , Santos Luís R. , Pavão Sara
Published: July 2022

This paper shows the current status of the Red Atlántica de Estaciones Geodinámicas y Espaciales (RAEGE), a joint Spanish-Portuguese infrastructure of geodetic stations. When complete, it will be composed of four VGOS (VLBI Global Observing System) radio-telescopes, two in Spain (Yebes and Gran Canaria) and two in Portugal (Santa María and Flores islands, Açores archipelago). The Yebes VGOS radio-telescope is fully operational and integrated in the VGOS core network since 2016. The Santa María VGOS radio-telescope has undergone major maintenance operations and has resume regular IVS observations with its tri-band S/X/Ka receiver since end of May 2021, until it becomes a VGOS station by the second half of 2022. Additionally, each station will include GNSS receivers, gravimeters and a local-tie network. In particular, the RAEGE-Yebes station will have a Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) system, which is under construction. It can be said that RAEGE is the Spanish-Portuguese response to UN resolution 69/266 and GGOS (Global Geodetic Observing System). The current status of all the four RAEGE stations will be shown.
Can an Earth Gravitational Model Augmented by a Topographic Gravity Field Model Realize the International Height Reference System Accurately?
Authors: Huang Jianliang , Véronneau Marc , Crowley John W. , D’Aoust Bianca , Pavlic Goran
Published: July 2022

In this study, we evaluate the suitability of recent Earth Gravitational Models (EGMs) for the realization of the International Height Reference System (IHRS) in Canada. Topographic gravity field models have been used to augment EGMs to spatial resolution reaching 2′ (about 4 km), which is comparable to regional geoid models. The advantages of using an EGM over a regional approach for the IHRS are its uniform representation of the Earth’s gravity field and its conformance to international standards and conventions. The main challenge is access to, and best use of knowledge of the regional gravity and topographic data. On the one hand, we determine that two recent hybrid models (EIGEN-6C4 and XGM2019) augmented by topographic signals give geopotential values (W

p
) with accuracy of ~0.3 m2 s−2, which is close to those estimated by the Canadian regional geoid models at the 11 International Height Reference Frame sites in Canada. On the other hand, two recent augmented satellite-only models (DIR-R6 and GOCO06s) give W

p
with accuracies between 1.5 and 1.7 m2 s−2 in Canada.
The Arcadia of Innopolis
Authors: Mazzara Manuel , Succi Giancarlo , Tormasov Alexander
Published: July 2022

One aspect that strikes foreign visitors when they first come to the campus is the impressive real estate. A common impression of new visitors, since the early days, is that it had to exist for at least 20 or 30 years, while indeed it is only a few years old. What happened before the construction of the campus? Innopolis already existed as a small office on two floors in a business center in Kazan downtown. This chapter presents some memories from this Arcadia where everything had a beginning.
Online and Blended Education: After COVID-19
Authors: Mazzara Manuel , Succi Giancarlo , Tormasov Alexander
Published: July 2022

The year 2020 changed the panorama and horizon of teaching forever. Innopolis University switched to online and blended education with minor problems only. Why we were “almost” ready for the switch. This chapter presents those days, how we reacted and managed to move on. What is going to be the future of education?
Conclusion
Authors: Mazzara Manuel , Succi Giancarlo , Tormasov Alexander
Published: July 2022

The chapter presents some conclusive thoughts.
Early Days and Further Development
Authors: Mazzara Manuel , Succi Giancarlo , Tormasov Alexander
Published: July 2022

We present here the key people supporting the university development, the legacy of the Russian educational system combined with the novelty of the project. The past and the future live in Innopolis in a unique blend. As a private university, there are also challenges.
Curricula and Language of Instruction
Authors: Mazzara Manuel , Succi Giancarlo , Tormasov Alexander
Published: July 2022

In this chapter, we will cover the development of educational programs from scratch, the rationale behind the curricula, and the objectives and the bootstrapping of teaching, including the experience with CMU and the University of Amsterdam for the initial master programs. We also discuss the manifesto of our intention for what concerns the language of instruction.
The Research Environment and Our Values
Authors: Mazzara Manuel , Succi Giancarlo , Tormasov Alexander
Published: July 2022

After setting up the teaching process, research is fundamental to reach international recognition. Setting up from zero, an effective research process takes time. What assessment system should be created to motivate and incentivize researchers to perform their work at best? How to motivate professionals to join, stay, and work effectively? In this chapter, we analyze these questions and provide some answers based on our experience.
Global Antenatal Care Coverage and Content
Authors: Anumba Dilly OC , Jayasooriya Shamanthi M.
Published: July 2022

Access to, timely initiation of, and good quality antenatal care is crucial to reducing the global burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality which disproportionately affects low-and middle-income countries. Despite the availability of global guidance regarding the frequency and content of ANC, the utilisation of such care to assess and address the risks of preterm birth remains patchy, largely because public awareness has not been sufficiently raised regarding the evidenced risk factors for preterm birth that may be amenable to early initiation of mitigation. This chapter briefly summarises recommended global ANC coverage standards as a basis for discussions in subsequent chapters regarding how improved coverage addressing the risk factors for preterm birth in LMICs can contribute to reducing preterm birth rates.
Prenatal Risk Assessment for Preterm Birth in Low-Resource Settings: Demographics and Obstetric History
Authors: Anumba Dilly OC , Jayasooriya Shamanthi M.
Published: July 2022

Maternal demographics and past obstetric history provide important information regarding the risk of preterm birth. Careful assessment for these factors at pregnancy registration is crucial for preterm birth risk assessment and signposting of care to mitigate preterm birth where possible. Demographic factors evidenced to increase the risk of PTB include extremes of maternal age, black ethnicity, and history of domestic abuse. Obstetric risk factors include a history of previous preterm birth, late miscarriage, stillbirth, cervical surgery, or uterine variants. In an index pregnancy, multiple pregnancy is a main predictor of preterm birth. Early pregnancy risk assessment for these factors can inform generic measures aimed at mitigating the occurrence and consequences of preterm birth. Importantly, further risk assessment and surveillance, including where possible assessment of the cervix for shortening by transvaginal ultrasound, can inform antenatal care to optimise birth outcomes, by referral to a preterm birth prevention or high risk pregnancy service, or offering cervical cerclage or progesterone supplementation.
Prenatal Risk Assessment for Preterm Birth in Low-Resource Settings: Infection
Authors: Parris Kerry M. , Jayasooriya Shamanthi M.
Published: July 2022

Maternal infections are a risk factor for preterm birth (PTB); 40% to 50% of PTBs are estimated to result from infection or inflammation. Higher infection rates are reported in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and over 80% of PTBs occur in these settings. Global literature was synthesised to identify infections whose prevention or treatment could improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes and/or prevent mother-to-child transmission of infections.

Best evidenced risk factors for PTB were maternal infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (OR2.27; 95%CI: 1.2–4.3), syphilis (OR2.09; 95%CI:1.09–4.00), or malaria (aOR3.08; 95%CI:1.2–4.3). Lower certainty evidence identified increased PTB risk with urinary tract infections (OR1.8; 95%CI: 1.4–2.1), sexually transmitted infections (OR1.3; 95%CI: 1.1–1.4), bacterial vaginosis (aOR16.4; 95%CI: 4.3–62.7), and systemic viral pathogens.

Routine blood testing and treatment are recommended for HIV, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis, as well as for malaria in areas with moderate to high transmission. In high-risk populations and asymptomatic or symptomatic disease, screening for lower genital tract infections associated with PTB should be offered at the antenatal booking appointment. This should inform early treatment and management. Heath education promoting pre-pregnancy and antenatal awareness of infections associated with PTB and other adverse pregnancy outcomes is recommended.
Evaluating Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Substance Use in Pregnant Women
Authors: Salam Shumona Sharmin , Mitchell Caroline
Published: July 2022

Use of tobacco, alcohol, and psychoactive substances during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of preterm birth. Concurrent use of these substances is also quite common and further increases the risk of adverse outcomes. Health-care providers should ask pregnant women about their exposure to tobacco, second-hand smoke, alcohol, and illicit substances (past and present) at every antenatal visit using validated screening instruments and offer brief interventions.

Pregnant women with alcohol or substance dependence should be assessed individually and offered psychosocial interventions (e.g. motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, contingency management). Pregnant women should be advised to quit and referred to detoxification services or opioid substitution treatment (for opioid users). Pharmacological treatment for maintenance and relapse prevention is not recommended for amphetamine, cannabis, and cocaine dependence and requires individual risk-benefit analysis for alcohol dependence. Opioid maintenance therapy with methadone or buprenorphine is recommended for opiate dependence. Pregnant women who are current tobacco users or have recently quit should be offered psychosocial interventions (e.g. counselling, incentives, social support). Evidence on impact of pharmacological interventions for cessation of tobacco use is limited. Interventions to make public places and homes smoke-free are recommended. Evidence of impact of these interventions in reducing PTB especially in LMIC settings is low and further research recommended.
Low Voltage Warning System for Stand-Alone Metering Station Using AI on the Edge
Authors: Turchan Krzysztof , Piotrowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

Artificial intelligence is used in many different aspects of life these days. It is also increasingly used to create intelligent embedded devices. Their main task is to demonstrate intelligent features using limited hardware resources. This paper introduces the possibility of using AI on the Edge as a system to warn of low voltage on the battery in a stand-alone metering station powered by solar panels. The paper presents theoretical knowledge about artificial intelligence on the Edge, time series and algorithms in time series forecasting. In addition, a practical approach is presented in the Approach section. It also describes the stand-alone measurement station that was used, what type of data was collected and used, and what type of the time series forecasting algorithm was used. The main advantage of the approach is the practical use of Holt’s Linear Trend method in battery voltage forecasting. Work on the project is still in progress therefore the results presented in the paper are generated during simulation.
Test Framework for Collaborative Robot Graphene-Based Electronic Skin
Authors: Klimaszewski Jan , Gruszka Łukasz , Możaryn Jakub
Published: July 2022

Collaborative robots are one of the key pillars of Industry 4.0. Thanks to improved sensors, they can cooperate with people in a common workspace safely. Equipping the robot with an electronic skin allows increasing its safety level. The article presents the hardware and software framework of the newly developed graphene-based electronic skin for a collaborative robot. Functional laboratory tests confirm the effectiveness of the e-skin integration with the robot control system.
Sometimes It’s Just a Game: The Pros and Cons of Using Virtual Environments in Social Influence Research
Authors: Pochwatko Grzegorz , Świdrak Justyna , Doliński Dariusz
Published: July 2022

Classic social influence effects are present both in games and virtual environments, similarly to real life. The use of games and virtual environments to study them offers the possibility to better control the experimental situation but also brings limitations. On one hand, sequential request techniques of social influence are studied in virtual environments, which enables the control of the experimental situation at the laboratory level. On the other hand, mere presence in the laboratory, devices for measuring physiological responses and awareness of participation in the game provide additional confounding variables that influence the results. We show examples of successful and unsuccessful replications of the foot-in-the-door, door-in-the-face and foot-in-the-face effects accompanied by the analysis of the indicators of physiological arousal. Virtual environments are useful tools for social psychology, but they need to be applied carefully because even a serious game is sometimes just a game.
Intergenerational Interaction with Avatars in VR: An Exploratory Study Towards an XR Research Framework
Authors: Karpowicz Barbara , Masłyk Rafał , Skorupska Kinga , Jabłoński Daniel , Kalinowski Krzysztof , Kobyliński Paweł , Pochwatko Grzegorz , Kornacka Monika , Kopeć Wiesław
Published: July 2022

The dynamic development of solutions in the field of virtual and augmented reality poses challenges to designers. These challenges relate to both technical conditions, including hardware capabilities and software solutions, as well as psychophysical constructs conditioning the end users’ reception of the generated multimedia message. One of the key elements of the virtual and augmented reality experience is the interaction with the system through a virtual agent represented by an avatar, i.e. a reflection of the image of a participant in the virtual world, carrying on a conversation with the user. This paper presents a proposed software and hardware solution for conducting multifaceted research and comparative analysis of diverse interfaces and human-computer interaction in virtual and augmented reality. In the course of this research, statistically significant results were obtained indicating differences in perception between three types of virtual agents. Each of them represented by different avatars in a specially created research environment that allowed to conduct usability tests under reproducible conditions to study user interaction in virtual reality.
Learning Affective Responses Through Evaluative Conditioning - New Developments in Affective Computing
Authors: Balas Robert , Pochwatko Grzegorz
Published: July 2022

In affective computing, the system should accurately read the user’s emotional states and respond to them adequately. It can also influence the user while having information about his temporary affective state. A vital psychological mechanism that refers to changes in affective responses due to simple pairings of stimuli is the evaluative conditioning (EC). Such form of learning might be of great importance in human-machine interactions, since such interactions are becoming a vital element of social relations that are construed, maintained, and ended via various artificial systems. In our studies, we investigated how physiological arousal moderates affective learning. Previous research showed arousal to play an important role in evaluative conditioning. However, those were declarative measures of self-assessed arousal levels. We used physiological measures of arousal and affect to show only moderate levels of arousal might support learning of affective responses. We discuss how our findings translate to the influence of artificial tools on social relations and attitudes. We also try to indicate a significant direction in the development of affective computing.
Brief Overview Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robots/Devices
Authors: Sobiech Mariusz , Wolański Wojciech , Karpiel Ilona
Published: July 2022

The rehabilitation approach has changed with the appearance of robots. As a results the rehabilitation costs significantly decrease but also time for both the patient [1], who does not have to commute for long time to the office and medical professionals. Nowadays medicine, computer science, electronics, and engineering, in general, are strongly connected. A group of specialists is working on newer and newer solutions to improve both diagnosis and therapy. This article provides an overview of basic rehabilitation robotic solutions used in the rehabilitation of upper limb functions.

The literature used is based on PubMed and Scopus databases included articles published between 1999 and 2021. Eligibility criteria included upper limb exoskeletons for rehabilitation of both the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints.

This paper provides an overview of an important research subject and highlights the current knowledge in the field. Despite extensive attempts to develop rehabilitation systems, exoskeletons are primarily uncommercialised despite a large number of prototypes.
Traditional Medicinal Knowledge of Vendors and Their Contribution Toward Community Healthcare in Baguio City, Philippines
Authors: Barcelo Racquel C. , Gallao II Mark Gamaliel S. , Balocnit Reina G. , Caballero Kate L. , Fernandez Alfonso Rafael C. , Magwa Karl Andrei B. , Valmoja Justin Dave P. , Garambas Zenaida U. , Barcelo Jonathan M.
Published: July 2022

Herbal plants are among the products sold in many urban markets in Asia. They play a vital role in alleviating various and common ailments among city-dwellers. People buy them because of their availability, ease of preparation, low cost, and effectiveness as compared to synthetic and commercial drugs. This study was conducted to identify and document the uses of the medicinal plants sold in the streets and market places of Baguio City, Philippines. Information on the part/s used, method of preparation, and mode of use/application were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. The data gathered from 42 local street and stall vendors were analysed using use value (UV) as a quantitative tool. A total of 59 species belonging to 52 genera and 29 families were recorded to treat various health-related problems or ailments and diseases. More than 50 health problems were identified. Cough is the most common ailment treated. The leaves are the most frequently used plant part for the treatment of various diseases. Decoction and drinking are the most common modes of preparation and administration respectively. Over-all, Lamiaceae is the most dominant (11 species) and important family (UV 2.26), while Angelica keiskei (Miq) Koidz is the most important species (UV 1.05). Thus, this study shows that medicinal plants continue to be widely sold by local vendors for primary health care in an urban context.
Remarks on the quadratic orthogonal bisectional curvature
Authors: Broder Kyle
Published: July 2022

We exhibit a curious link between the Quadratic Orthogonal Bisectional Curvature, combinatorics, and distance geometry. The Weitzenböck curvature operator, acting on real (1, 1)–forms, is realized as the Dirichlet energy of a finite graph, weighted by a matrix of the curvature. These results also illuminate the difference in the nature of the Quadratic Orthogonal Bisectional Curvature and the Real Bisectional Curvature.
Notfallversorgung – Reformbedarf aus ambulanter Sicht
Authors: von Stillfried Dominik , Mangiapane Sandra
Published: July 2022

Seit Jahren stehen Reformen der Akut- und Notfallversorgung auf der gesundheitspolitischen Agenda. So auch im aktuellen Koalitionsvertrag. Zur Einordnung der Ausgangslage werden ein inhaltlicher Rückblick sowie eine Analyse der Abrechnungsdaten aus der ambulanten und stationären Notfallversorgung vorgenommen. Folgt man der Hypothese, dass bisherige Reformansätze insbesondere auf einen Anstieg ambulant vertragsärztlich behandelbarer Fälle in der Notfallversorgung reagierten, muss die Fallzahlentwicklung in der Dekade bis zum Pandemiebeginn (2010–2019) zur Kenntnis genommen werden. Sie zeigt eine Stagnation der Fallzahl in Notaufnahmen und einen seit 2016 rückläufigen Trend insbesondere bei ambulanten Notfallbehandlungen durch Krankenhäuser. Dieser Effekt kann nicht zweifelsfrei auf bereits eingeführte Maßnahmen zur Patientensteuerung (Bereitschaftspraxen, Telefontriage) zurückgeführt werden. Die Analyse der Abrechnungsdiagnosen spricht dafür, dass eine klare Arbeitsteilung zwischen Bereitschaftspraxen und Notaufnahmen besteht. Die konsistente Verlagerung der Fälle hochbetagter Patienten in die ambulante Versorgung durch Notaufnahmen legt aber eine notwendige Weiterentwicklung dieser Arbeitsteilung nahe. Weitere Maßnahmen der Steuerung durch Weiterleitung von Patienten aus Notaufnahmen in die vertragsärztliche Versorgung müssen noch im Detail beschlossen und umgesetzt werden (§ 120 Abs. 3b Sozialgesetzbuch [SGB] V). In der Diskussion wird die Auffassung vertreten, dass Implementierung und Evaluation dieser Maßnahmen abgewartet werden sollten, bevor weitergehende Reformschritte ergriffen werden.
Genome-wide association mapping identifies common bunt (Tilletia caries) resistance loci in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) accessions of the USDA National Small Grains Collection
Authors: Ehn Magdalena , Michel Sebastian , Morales Laura , Gordon Tyler , Dallinger Hermann Gregor , Buerstmayr Hermann
Published: July 2022

Key message

Association mapping and phenotypic analysis of a diversity panel of 238 bread wheat accessions highlights differences in resistance against common vs. dwarf bunt and identifies genotypes valuable for bi-parental crosses.

Common bunt caused by Tilletia caries and T. laevis was successfully controlled by seed dressings with systemic fungicides for decades, but has become a renewed threat to wheat yield and quality in organic agriculture where such treatments are forbidden. As the most efficient way to address this problem is the use of resistant cultivars, this study aims to broaden the spectrum of resistance sources available for breeders by identifying resistance loci against common bunt in bread wheat accessions of the USDA National Small Grains Collection. We conducted three years of artificially inoculated field trials to assess common bunt infection levels in a diversity panel comprising 238 wheat accessions for which data on resistance against the closely related pathogen Tilletia controversa causing dwarf bunt was already available. Resistance levels against common bunt were higher compared to dwarf bunt with 99 accessions showing $$\le$$
≤
1% incidence. Genome-wide association mapping identified six markers significantly associated with common bunt incidence in regions already known to confer resistance on chromosomes 1A and 1B and novel loci on 2B and 7A. Our results show that resistance against common and dwarf bunt is not necessarily controlled by the same loci but we identified twenty accessions with high resistance against both diseases. These represent valuable new resources for research and breeding programs since several bunt races have already been reported to overcome known resistance genes.
Dietary Saturated Fat and Bone Health in Young Adults: The Young Finns Cohort
Authors: Tolonen S. , Juonala M. , Fogelholm M. , Pahkala K. , Laaksonen M. , Kähönen M. , Sievänen H. , Viikari J. , Raitakari O.
Published: July 2022

Previous studies suggest that saturated fat (SFA) intake may negatively impact on bone. However, few human studies on the topic exist. Women and men aged 31–46 years from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study attended the peripheral quantitative computed tomography and ultrasound bone measurements in 2008 (n = 1884–1953, ~ 56% women). In addition, fracture diagnoses in 1980–2018 were searched for the national health care registers and 431 participants had at least one fracture. Food consumption was gathered with the 48-h dietary recall interviews and food frequency questionnaire in 1980–2007. In the present study, radial, tibial, and calcaneal bone traits, and fractures were examined relative to the long-term intake of SFA. No consistent associations were seen between bone outcomes and SFA intake that would have replicated in both women and men. The only evidence for differential distributions was seen in cortical density and cortical-to-total area ratio at the radial shaft, and speed of sound at the calcaneus, which were 0.1–0.4% higher in women in the lowest tertile of SFA intake compared with the highest tertile. In addition, among men, the odds ratio (OR) of fractures was greater in the second (OR 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–3.33) and third tertile of SFA intake (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.38–4.36) compared with the lowest tertile, independently of many risk factors of osteoporosis. In this observational study, we found no robust evidence of the associations of dietary long-term SFA intake with bone outcomes. Therefore, additional studies are needed to confirm the association of dietary SFA with bone health in humans.
The relative influence of environmental cues on reproductive allocation of a highly iteroparous coral reef fish
Authors: Mitterwallner Pauline , Shima Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2022

Pelagic eggs and larvae of many coral reef fishes will encounter a dynamic and risky environment as they disperse between the reef and offshore habitats. Life-history theory predicts that spawning adults should synchronize their reproductive effort with specific environmental conditions that facilitate offspring survival. Favourable conditions for reproduction may be determined by local environmental conditions at the spawning site, or signalled by larger-scale environmental cues, such as the lunar cycle. Multiple cues may interact in complex ways to cause additional variation in spawning intensity. We evaluated a set of environmental variables that potentially determine temporal and spatial variation in spawning patterns of a highly iteroparous fish, the sixbar wrasse (Thalassoma hardwicke). Specifically, we monitored focal territories of terminal-phase males over a 5-month period, quantified spawning activities, and evaluated a hierarchical set of predictive models using a model selection approach (AICc). Temporal variation in spawning (and population densities at the spawning site) was most strongly associated with the lunar cycle and maximal around the new moon. Local hydrodynamic conditions and other environmental variables observable at the spawning site were less strongly correlated with temporal variation in spawning. Territory proximity to the reef edge was a strong predictor of spatial variation in spawning intensity; territories closest to the reef edge experienced more spawning. These observations suggest that females make predictable decisions about where and when they spawn. Females appear to recognize strong, persistent spatial gradients in spawning habitat quality, and primarily vary their spawning effort in accordance with a large-scale environmental cue (the lunar cycle).
Migration of repetitive DNAs during evolution of the permanent translocation heterozygosity in the oyster plant (Tradescantia section Rhoeo)
Authors: Golczyk Hieronim , Hřibová Eva , Doležel Jaroslav , Cuadrado Ángeles , Garbsch Frauke , Greiner Stephan , Janeczko Monika , Szklarczyk Marek , Masłyk Maciej , Kubiński Konrad
Published: July 2022

Due to translocation heterozygosity for all chromosomes in the cell complement, the oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea) forms a complete meiotic ring. It also shows Rabl-arrangement at interphase, featured by polar centromere clustering. We demonstrate that the pericentromeric regions of the oyster plant are homogenized in concert by three subtelomeric sequences: 45S rDNA, (TTTAGGG)n motif, and TSrepI repeat. The Rabl-based clustering of pericentromeric regions may have been an excellent device to combine the subtelomere-pericentromere sequence migration (via inversions) with the pericentromere-pericentromere DNA movement (via whole arm translocations) that altogether led to the concerted homogenization of all the pericentromeric domains by the subtelomeric sequences. We also show that the repetitive sequence landscape of interstitial chromosome regions contains many loci consisting of Arabidopsis-type telomeric sequence or of TSrepI repeat, and it is extensively heterozygous. However, the sequence arrangement on some chromosomal arms suggest segmental inversions that are fully or partially homozygous, a fact that could be explained if the inversions started to create linkages already in a bivalent-forming ancestor. Remarkably, the subterminal TSrepI loci reside exclusively on the longer arms that could be due to sharing sequences between similarly-sized chromosomal arms in the interphase nucleus. Altogether, our study spotlights the supergene system of the oyster plant as an excellent model to link complex chromosome rearrangements, evolution of repetitive sequences, and nuclear architecture.
Acute and chronic kidney complications in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rivetti Giulio , Hursh Brenden E. , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Marzuillo Pierluigi
Published: July 2022

Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have an increased risk of developing kidney involvement. Part of the risk establishes at the beginning of T1DM. In fact, up to 65% of children during T1DM onset may experience an acute kidney injury (AKI) which predisposes to the development of a later chronic kidney disease (CKD). The other part of the risk establishes during the following course of T1DM and could be related to a poor glycemic control and the subsequent development of diabetic kidney disease. In this review, we discuss the acute and chronic effects of T1DM on the kidneys, and the implications of these events on the long-term prognosis of kidney function.
Datenbasierte Modellierung einer nass betriebenen Rührwerkskugelmühle
Authors: Zeismann Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Die im Jahr 2020 angeschaffte containerbasierte Rührwerkskugelmühle des Lehrstuhls für Aufbereitung und Veredlung wurde nach der bereits erfolgreichen Inbetriebnahme im Rahmen des Dissertationsprojekts B. Zeismann (Projekt „Smart Grinding light“) um ein für den nassen Anwendungsbereich konzipiertes Online-Korngrößenmessinstrument der Firma CEMTEC Cement and Mining Technology GmbH (kurz: CEMTEC) erweitert. Ziel des Projekts ist der Aufbau eines Datenbanksystems sowie die Messdatenkontrolle mit einer multivarianten Prozessanalyse. Hierfür wurde in Kooperation mit den Forschungspartnern LCM (Linz Center of Mechatronics) und CEMTEC eine Datenbankstruktur auf einem eigenen Server eingerichtet, um sämtliche Prozess- sowie Dispersitätsdaten der Produkte in Echtzeit erfassen und speichern zu können. Anhand der generierten Daten soll ein physikalisch basiertes, praktikables Mühlensimulationsmodell in Form eines Digital Twins abgeleitet werden.
Effects of staining and artificial aging on optical properties of gingiva-colored resin-based restorative materials
Authors: Miletic Vesna , Trifković Branka , Stamenković Dejan , Tango Rubens Nisie , Paravina Rade Dušan
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To evaluate CIEDE2000/CIELAB differences in color (ΔE00/ΔEab), and translucency parameter (ΔTP00/ΔTPab), and gloss of gingiva-colored resin-based restorative materials upon staining/aging.

Materials and methods

Disc-shaped, 10 mm in diameter, and 2-mm-thick samples (n = 5/group) were made from giomer (Beautifil II gingiva), oligomer-based (crea.lign GUM gel), CAD/CAM polymethyl-methacrylate-based (IvoBase CAD), PMMA-based (ProBase Hot), and dimethacrylate-based (SR Nexco Paste Gingiva). Color and gloss were recording using a benchtop spectrophotometer and gloss meter, respectively, at baseline (T0), and upon staining in coffee or red wine for 60 (T1) and 120 h (T2), or artificial aging of 150 kJ/m2 (T1) and 300 kJ/m2 (T2). Three-way analysis of variance (materials x staining conditions x time intervals), Tukey’s test (α = 0.05), and Pearson’s correlation test were used in analytical statistics.

Results

CIEDE2000 color differences ranged from 1.0 to 4.4 (coffee), 1.5 to 5.3 (wine), and 0.9 to 2.0 after artificial aging, with ΔE00 values being significantly higher for Beautifil than other materials (p < 0.05). ΔTP00 values ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 and were statistically higher upon staining in wine compared to artificial aging (p < 0.05). Gloss values at T0 were 76.7–87.0. Beautifil exhibited the lowest gloss retention (50.8–60.2%) after staining, compared to > 90% of other materials (p < 0.05). ΔE00/ΔEab and ΔTP00/ΔTPab were positively correlated (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Color, translucency, and gloss changes of gingiva-colored restorative materials were material- and staining/aging-dependent. Generally, wine caused greatest changes in color (with IvoBase CAD being the most color stable) and translucency parameter. All materials except Beautifil gingiva II exhibited staining- and aging-dependent gloss retention greater than 90% for all compared time intervals.

Clinical relevance

Optical properties of resin-based gingiva-colored restorative materials depend on material, staining/aging conditions, and exposure time. Certain materials should be avoided in individuals with high consumption of red wine and coffee.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental healthcare consultations among children and adolescents in Norway: a nationwide registry study
Authors: Evensen Miriam , Hart Rannveig Kaldager , Godøy Anna Aasen , Hauge Lars Johan , Lund Ingunn Olea , Knudsen Ann Kristin Skrindo , Grøtting Maja Weemes , Surén Pål , Reneflot Anne
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions may have affected children and adolescent’s mental health adversely. We cast light on this question using primary and specialist consultations data for the entire population of children of age 6–19 years in Norway (N = 908 272). Our outcomes are the monthly likelihood of having a consultation or hospitalization related to mental health problems and common mental health diagnoses. We compared a pandemic (2019–2021) to a pre-pandemic (2017–2019) cohort using event study and difference-in-difference designs that separate the shock of the pandemic from linear period trends and seasonal variation. We found temporary reductions in all mental health consultations during lockdown in spring 2020. In fall 2020 and winter 2021, consultation volumes in primary care increased, stabilizing at a higher level in 2021. Consultations in specialist care increased from spring 2021. Our findings could suggest a worsening of mental health among adolescents.
Ribosomal RNA-Depletion Provides an Efficient Method for Successful Dual RNA-Seq Expression Profiling of a Marine Sponge Holobiont
Authors: Xiang Xueyan , Poli Davide , Degnan Bernard M. , Degnan Sandie M.
Published: July 2022

Investigations of host-symbiont interactions can benefit enormously from a complete and reliable holobiont gene expression profiling. The most efficient way to acquire holobiont transcriptomes is to perform RNA-Seq on both host and symbionts simultaneously. However, optimal methods for capturing both host and symbiont mRNAs are still under development, particularly when the host is a eukaryote and the symbionts are bacteria or archaea. Traditionally, poly(A)-enriched libraries have been used to capture eukaryotic mRNA, but the ability of this method to adequately capture bacterial mRNAs is unclear because of the short half-life of the bacterial transcripts. Here, we address this gap in knowledge with the aim of helping others to choose an appropriate RNA-Seq approach for analysis of animal host-bacterial symbiont transcriptomes. Specifically, we compared transcriptome bias, depth and coverage achieved by two different mRNA capture and sequencing strategies applied to the marine demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica holobiont. Annotated genomes of the sponge host and the three most abundant bacterial symbionts, which can comprise up to 95% of the adult microbiome, are available. Importantly, this allows for transcriptomes to be accurately mapped to these genomes, and thus quantitatively assessed and compared. The two strategies that we compare here are (i) poly(A) captured mRNA-Seq (Poly(A)-RNA-Seq) and (ii) ribosomal RNA depleted RNA-Seq (rRNA-depleted-RNA-Seq). For the host sponge, we find no significant difference in transcriptomes generated by the two different mRNA capture methods. However, for the symbiont transcriptomes, we confirm the expectation that the rRNA-depleted-RNA-Seq performs much better than the Poly(A)-RNA-Seq. This comparison demonstrates that RNA-Seq by ribosomal RNA depletion is an effective and reliable method to simultaneously capture gene expression in host and symbionts and thus to analyse holobiont transcriptomes.
Enabling value-in-use with digital healthcare technologies: combining service logic and pragmatic constructivism
Authors: Tiitola Vesa , Marek Maria , Korhonen Tuomas , Laine Teemu
Published: July 2022

The paper discusses how healthcare providers can enable value-in-use (VIU) using digital technologies in complex healthcare service contexts. Technology providers and public healthcare organizations can have difficulties understanding one another, hindering the possibilities for value-in-use to emerge. Plenty of studies have investigated the value creation in healthcare, often looking at health as value for the patient. We focus on how healthcare providers can create value for themselves to improve their operations and justify the price of new technologies while fully acknowledging the value for the patient as well. The paper uses two in-depth interventionist case studies in Nordic health care: automated screening technology for hospital laboratories and medicine dispensing robotics for home care. We use a novel combination of pragmatic constructivism (PC) and service logic (SL) as method theories to understand the value creation in our cases. Our empirical evidence provide practical examples of how digital technologies can be used to change healthcare practices and how VIU can stem from these changes. As a contribution, we show that healthcare providers can enable value-in-use with digital technologies by altering how care is carried out without hindering what the outcome of the care is for the patient. Digital technologies are there to facilitate such change, but the change still requires that actors involved in care have intention to change how they work. While healthcare bears the responsibility for these changes, technology providers can also have plenty of opportunities for interaction to support or even co-create value together with their customers.
Costs of Specialist Referrals From Employer-Sponsored Integrated Health Care Clinics Are Lower Than Those From Community Providers
Authors: Wright John R. , Madhusudhan Divya K. , Lawrence David C. , Watts Sharon A. , Lord Daniel J. , Whaley Christopher , Bravata Dena M.
Published: July 2022

Background

There have been very few published studies of referral management among commercially insured populations and none on referral management from employer-sponsored health centers.

Objective

Describe the referral management system of an integrated employer-sponsored health care system and compare specialist referral rates and costs of specialist visits between those initiated from employer-sponsored health clinics and those initiated from community providers.

Design

Retrospective, comparative cohort study using multivariate analysis of medical claims comparing care initiated in employer-sponsored health clinics with propensity-matched controls having specialist referrals initiated by community providers.

Patients

Adult patients (≥ 18 years) eligible for employer-sponsored clinical services incurring medical claims for specialist referrals between 12/1/2018 and 12/31/2020. The study cohort was comprised of 3129 receiving more than 75% of their care in the employer-sponsored clinic matched to a cohort of 3129 patients receiving care in the community.

Intervention

Specialist referral management program implemented by Crossover Health employer-sponsored clinics.

Main Measures

Rates and costs of specialist referrals.

Key Results

The relative rate of specialist referrals was 22% lower among patients receiving care in employers-sponsored health clinics (35.1%) than among patients receiving care in the community (45%, p <0.001). The total per-user per-month cost for patients in the study cohort was $372 (SD $894), compared to $401 (SD $947) for the community cohort, a difference of $29 (p<0.001) and a relative reduction of 7.2%. The lower costs can be attributed, in part, to lower specialist care costs ($63 (SD $140) vs $76 (SD $213) (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Employer-sponsored health clinics can provide effective integrated care and may be able to reduce avoidable specialist utilization. Standardized referral management and care navigation may drive lower specialist spend, when referrals are needed.