bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The time‐varying cardiovascular benefits of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Evidence from large multinational trials
Authors: Deo Salil V. , Marsia Shayan , McAllister David A. , Elgudin Yakov , Sattar Naveed , Pell Jill P.
Published: May 2022

Aims

To evaluate the time‐varying cardio‐protective effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) using pooled data from eight contemporary cardiovascular outcome trials using the difference in the restricted mean survival time (ΔRMST) as the effect estimate.

Material and Methods

Data from eight multinational cardiovascular outcome randomized controlled trials of GLP‐1RAs for type 2 diabetes mellitus were pooled. Flexible parametric survival models were fit from published Kaplan‐Meier plots. The differences between arms in RMST (ΔRMST) were calculated at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. ΔRMST values were pooled using an inverse variance‐weighted random‐effects model; heterogeneity was tested with Cochran's Q statistic. The endpoints studied were: three‐point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all‐cause mortality, stroke, cardiovascular mortality and myocardial infarction.

Results

We included eight large (3183‐14 752 participants, total = 60 080; median follow‐up range: 1.5 to 5.4 years) GLP‐1RA trials. Among GLP‐1RA recipients, we observed an average delay in three‐point MACE of 0.03, 0.15, 0.37 and 0.63 months at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. At 48 months, while cardiovascular mortality was comparable in both arms (pooled ΔRMST 0.163 [−0.112, 0.437]; P = 0.24), overall survival was higher (ΔRMST = 0.261 [0.08‐0.43] months) and stroke was delayed (ΔRMST 0.22 [0.15‐0.33]) in patients receiving GLP‐1RAs.

Conclusions

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists may delay the occurrence of MACE by an average of 0.6 months at 48 months, with meaningfully larger gains in patients with cardiovascular disease. This metric may be easier for clinicians and patients to interpret than hazard ratios, which assume a knowledge of absolute risk in the absence of treatment.
Civic Design as Social Practice
Authors: Ross Gordon
Published: May 2022

If communities know best, what knowledge do designers need to possess in order to be effective and equal community members working together with others who seek change in the world?

Questioning the elements present in civic design can help anticipate its possible trajectories and futures—and what that means for current and future design practitioners.
Reward versus motoric activations in nucleus accumbens core of rats during Pavlovian conditioning
Authors: Stamos Joshua P. , Ma Sisi , Pawlak Anthony P. , Engelhard Nofar , Horvitz Jon C. , West Mark O.
Published: May 2022

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) core plays an important role in processing of events related to food reward, such as conditioned cues, approach or consumption. Nonetheless, there is lack of clarity regarding whether NAc core processes these separable events differently. We used the high temporal and spatial resolution of single unit recording with trial‐by‐trial video analysis to examine firing during three distinct categories termed cue, approach and consumption in a Pavlovian task. We had three goals. First, we sought to precisely define task‐related behaviour in terms of distinct phases, in order to compare neural activity between motorically matched behaviours. We found that cue‐evoked firing did not distinguish between trials on which animals initiated an approach versus ones on which they did not. Firing associated with consumption was greater than firing associated with motorically similar uncued head entry, indicating that previously reported decreases in NAc core firing during consumption relative to approach or baseline may reflect differences in motor behaviour. Secondly, we assessed changes in firing over the course of training. We found that NAc core neurons acquired a response to the tone cue within three sessions but did not change further across 10 total sessions. Thirdly, we correlated individual neuron firing during a given event with its firing during the same event on subsequent sessions. We found substantial variation in processing of cue and approach but not consumption, indicating that a given neuron may process certain events differently from session to session, while maintaining more stable processing of appetitive reward.
Essential workers' pandemic mobilities and the changing meanings of the commute
Authors: Plyushteva Anna
Published: May 2022

This commentary reflects on the pandemic commute and its significance for, on one hand, engaging with the problematic category of essential work, and on the other, future geographical research on transport and mobilities. Drawing on essential workers' contributions to the ‘Not working from home’ public engagement project, I outline some experiences of commuting during the COVID‐19 pandemic. I illustrate the role of pandemic commuting in defining, and wrestling with, what the category of essential work might mean. I then discuss the ways in which attending to pandemic commutes may extend and reshape existing research on unequal mobilities. Some of the future research directions made more urgent by a focus on pandemic commutes include critical engagements with: first, intersectional inequalities in the journey to work; second, the category of ‘essential journeys’ as used in transport policy and practice; third, the positionality of academic researchers who work on the topic of commuting; and finally, the treatment of commuting time as an integral part of working time.
Selenite uptake by Medicago sativa L. roots
Authors: Bai Binqiang , Zhang Shengping , Suo Xitong , Chen Wei , Shen Yixin
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to examine selenite uptake in Medicago sativa L. Potted alfalfa plants were grown in sterilized quartz sand and exposed to 1 and 10 μM selenite for 21 days. Thirty‐day‐old seedlings and excised roots were used to determine the mechanism of selenite uptake in alfalfa. The following patterns of Selenium (Se) distribution in roots were as follows: lateral roots > taproots and subcellular fraction (I) > fraction (III) > fraction (II). With increasing pH, Se uptake in roots decreased markedly. The dose‐dependent Se net uptake at pH 5.5 followed the Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Addition of phosphate decreased Se uptake in the excised roots (P < 0.05), whereas a deficiency in phosphate increased Se uptake (P < 0.05). The results indicate that alfalfa mainly absorbed selenium through lateral roots. Selenite uptake by alfalfa root depended on pH, with the preferential form absorption of as H2SeO3 > HSeO31− > SeO32−. A portion of selenite was absorbed actively and may be mediated by phosphate transporter.
A review of the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of high‐purity factor X for the prophylactic treatment of hereditary factor X deficiency
Authors: Payne Jeanette , Batsuli Glaivy , Leavitt Andrew D. , Mathias Mary , McGuinn Catherine E.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Hereditary factor X (FX) deficiency (FXD) is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder. Plasma‐derived FX (pdFX) is a high‐purity FX concentrate approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment and prophylaxis of bleeding episodes and for peri‐operative management in patients with hereditary FXD (HFXD).

Aim

To review pharmacokinetic dosing, efficacy, and safety data for pdFX as routine prophylaxis for HFXD.

Methods

Summary of the published pharmacokinetic and safety data from TEN01, TEN02, TEN05, and real‐world publications of pdFX for prophylaxis.

Results

Pharmacokinetic modelling data from the phase 3 TEN01 study supported administration of pdFX 25 IU/kg twice weekly for routine prophylaxis in adolescents/adults (aged ≥12 years). Results from nine paediatric patients in the phase 3 TEN02 study and eight adolescents/adults (aged ≥12 years) in the retrospective data‐collection TEN05 study, along with real‐world evidence, showed that routine prophylaxis with pdFX ≈40 IU/kg twice weekly in patients aged <12 years and pdFX ≈25 IU/kg twice weekly in patients aged ≥12 years was effective in bleeding prevention.

Conclusions

pdFX was well tolerated in clinical studies, with no new safety signals identified during routine prophylactic use. Based on current evidence, it is recommended that routine prophylaxis with pdFX be initiated at 25 IU/kg twice weekly in adults/adolescents ≥12 years of age, and at a dosage of 40 IU/kg twice weekly in children <12 years of age. Thereafter, FX levels should be closely monitored, and dosages should be adjusted according to clinical response and to maintain trough levels ≥5 IU/dl.
Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession
Authors: Saccucci Matteo , Zumbo Giulia , Mercuri Paola , Pranno Nicola , Sotero Selene , Zara Francesca , Vozza Iole
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are occupational illnesses concerned with different classes of professionals; dental hygienists are among those. The aim of this trial is to evaluate MSDs prevalence and significance of the symptoms in a sample of dental hygienists.

Materials and Methods

A 20‐question questionnaire was administered to a sample of dental hygienists, via social networks. The variables taken into consideration were personal data, hours of sport, working habits, years of professional activity, working hours and number of patients per week, presence or absence of pain.

Statistical Analysis

Data were evaluated using standard statistical analysis software, and an Excel database was created. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Group comparison was assessed by the chi‐square test of homogeneity and Fisher's exact test. (p‐value <0.05 as significant).

Results

468 questionnaires were examined: 396 females (85%) and 72 males (15%). The prevailing age was between 25 and 35. Among them, 91% referred to be suffering or have suffered MSDs. The most relevant affected muscular areas are neck (30.6%), shoulder (25.0%) and lumbosacral region (23.3%); the remaining 21.1% is divided among the other regions. Association and statistical analysis among the different variables showed how presence of MSDs negatively influences absenteeism and work performance; further research regarding ergonomics, type of seat, stretching and workout prevention would be important to strengthen the results collected.

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal disorders diffusion among dental hygienists is particularly high due to lack of information; the majority of interviewees showed very little awareness of it; this led to a lack of effort in facing or possibly preventing these pathologies.
Community‐acquired versus hospital‐acquired acute kidney injury at a large Australian metropolitan quaternary referral centre: incidence, associations and outcomes
Authors: Bendall Anna C. , See Emily J. , Toussaint Nigel D. , Fazio Timothy , Tan Sven‐Jean
Published: May 2022

Background

There is increasing global incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and significant short‐ and long‐term impacts on patients.

Aims

To determine incidence and outcomes of community‐acquired AKI (CA‐AKI) and hospital‐acquired AKI (HA‐AKI) among inpatients in the Australian healthcare setting using modern health information systems.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to a quaternary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019 utilising an electronic data warehouse. Participants included adult patients admitted for >24 h who had more than one serum creatinine level recorded during admission. Kidney transplant and maintenance dialysis patients were excluded. Main outcomes measured included AKI, as classified by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria, hospital length of stay and 30‐day mortality.

Results

A total of 6477 AKI episodes was identified across 43 791 admissions. Of all AKI episodes, 77% (n = 5011), 15% (n = 947) and 8% (n = 519) were KDIGO stage 1, 2 and 3 respectively. HA‐AKI accounted for 55.9% episodes. Patients required intensive care unit admission in 22.7% (n = 1100) of CA‐AKI and 19.3% (n = 935) of HA‐AKI, compared with 7.5% (n = 2815) of patients with no AKI (P = 0.001). Patients with AKI were older with more co‐morbidities, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD). Length of stay was longer in CA‐AKI (8.8 days) and HA‐AKI (11.8 days) compared with admissions without AKI (4.9 days; P < 0.001). Thirty‐day mortality was increased with CA‐AKI (10.2%) and HA‐AKI (12.8%) compared with no AKI (3.7%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The incidence of AKI detected by the electronic data warehouse was higher than previously reported. Patients who experienced AKI had greater morbidity and mortality. CKD was an important risk factor for AKI in hospitalised patients.
Biocontrol potential of Burkholderia sp. BV6 against the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Xue Luo , Yang Chen , Jihong Wang , Lin Liu , Yuqiang Zhao , Zhitong Jiang , Yanxin Wang , Zhoukun Li , Lei Fu , Zhongli Cui
Published: May 2022

Aim

To investigate the broad-spectrum antifungal activity of Burkholderia sp. BV6, that is isolated from rice roots and its biocontrol potential against rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the ability to isolate BV6 in the biological control of rice blast disease and investigated its antifungal mechanisms. BV6 strongly inhibited the hyphal growth of M. oryzae Guy11 and other plant pathogenic fungi, and pot experiments showed that BV6 significantly decreases the disease index of rice blast from 47.5 to 24.6. The secreted small-molecule secondary metabolites were regarded as weapons during the antifungal process by inhibiting the germination of M. oryzae conidia and mycelial growth, and thereby prevent the following infection. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the metabolites from the supernatant of isolate BV6 showed that the antifungal weapons of isolate BV6 are novel, small, molecular hydrophilic compounds that are different from reported antifungal compounds.

Conclusions

The isolate BV6 inhibits the M. oryzae infection by the production of small-molecule antifungal compounds.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The current study discovers the role of the Burkholderia sp. BV6 in the biocontrol of plant pathogenic fungi. Therefore, isolate BV6 is a potential candidate for developing a microbial formulation for the biocontrol of the most common disease of rice blast.
Rediscovery of the gonyaulacoid dinoflagellate Schuettiella
Authors: Gómez Fernando , Gast Rebecca J.
Published: May 2022

The Gonyaulacales includes some of the most intensely investigated genera of harmful dinoflagellates. The knowledge of the evolutionary relationships is necessary, but incomplete because genera such as Schuettiella have not been studied by contemporary methods. The morphology and molecular phylogeny of type species of the genus Schuettiella, S. mitra, have been investigated from Brazil. The first scanning electron micrographs reveal a distinctive thecal ornamentation with sunken stripes and rows with exclamation mark‐shaped pores in the postcingular plates. The Kofoidean plate formula Po, 2′, 1a, 6″ is re‐interpreted as Po, 3′, 1a, 5″, after considering the narrow mid‐ventral plate as homologous to the first apical plate, although it does not reach the apex. In the rRNA gene phylogenies, the sequences of S. mitra clustered as an independent lineage closely related to the globular and planktonic Protoceratiaceae (Ceratocorys, Pentaplacodinium, Protoceratium) and the laterally compressed benthic genus Carinadinium (formerly Thecadinium). Schuettiella and Carinadinium are considered members of the Protoceratiaceae. The possession of a single anterior intercalary plate is an apomorphic trait of this family. This reinforces the value of the number of intercalary plates as a diagnostic character for the classification of the gonyaulacalean families despite the differences in the general appearance.
Clinical analysis of alcoholic pellagra: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Chen Xi , Yang Chunsheng , Du Chichi , Jiang Guan
Published: May 2022

Background

Pellagra caused by niacin deficiency in alcoholics can be easily misdiagnosed because of similar symptoms to other alcohol‐related diseases and the lack of the classical triad of signs.

Aim

This study aimed to define the clinical presentation of alcoholic pellagra for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Methods

The clinical data of 16 alcohol‐dependent patients who had pellagra and treated in our hospital from January 2002 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The local medical ethics committee approval (Medical Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital of XuZhou Medical University, XYFY2020‐KL247‐02) for this study has been obtained.

Results

The main complaints of the 16 patients were skin lesions (six cases), diarrhea (six cases), and mental disorders (four cases). Then, 13 cases had typical skin lesions, and 3 patients had a full spectrum of diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis (3D). In terms of the main diagnosis, 2 patients had pellagra and Wernicke's encephalopathy, 3 patients had pellagra and alcohol‐withdrawal syndrome, and the other patients had pellagra. After sufficient amounts of niacin and multivitamin B were given, clinical symptoms improved rapidly, and no sequelae were observed during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Pellagra is rarely manifested as a full 3D spectrum, with only one or two characteristics, which lack diagnostic specificity, especially in individuals with alcoholism. Physicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion of niacin deficiency in alcoholics. Alcohol‐dependent patients with pellagra may be accompanied by complications of Wernicke's encephalopathy and alcohol‐withdrawal syndrome. Prompt identification and timely treatment with a sufficient amount of niacin in combination with other vitamins and a certain amount of Zn can achieve a good prognosis of pellagra.
Analysis of fibroblast pen usage amongst TikTok social media users
Authors: Hernandez Loren E. , Frech Fabio , Mohsin Noreen , Dreyfuss Isabella , Nouri Keyvan
Published: May 2022

Social media networks serve as convenient platforms for the dissemination of information, including that which pertains to healthcare. However, social media networks may also disseminate incorrect information, and may even propagate potentially harmful skincare trends. Since its inception in 2016, TikTok, a social media platform wherein users can create and share videos, has served as a tool for the propagation of multiple, potentially dangerous cosmetic trends, most recently the usage of fibroblast pens. Fibroblast pens, also known as plasma pens, are toted to produce a variety of skincare benefits. However, many of the pens being sold commercially, and subsequently used on TikTok, are not FDA‐regulated. Potential adverse effects include the development of dyspigmentation, scarring, and mechanical burns of the skin. This study assessed social media content to improve our understanding of fibroblast pen usage amongst TikTok creators. An initial search of public TikTok posts tagged with “#PlasmaPen,” “#PlasmaPenTreatment,” “#FibroblastPlasma,” or “#FibroblastPlasmaPen” identified 200 posts, of which 78 were eliminated after accounting for overlapping posts between hashtags, posts that were later deleted by the user, and those in languages other than English. We analyzed posts according to creator type and classified them into four main themes. The 78 videos were later re‐viewed to provide more detailed subdivisions within the four main themes. Analysis showed that 36% of the posts were created by lay‐person TikTok users, followed by 25% of posts being created by self‐proclaimed fibroblast skin tightening specialists. Major themes include advertisement of the fibroblast pen (61%), experience with the fibroblast pen (26%), education on the fibroblast pen's uses and benefits (6.5%), and warnings related to usage of the pen (6.5%). TikTok users are more likely to encounter a post regarding fibroblast pen usage from uncredentialled, non‐medical professional accounts. Only 6.5% of posts were created with the intention of serving as a warning to users, with most of these posts being created by medical doctors. Dermatologists should be aware of the misinformation regarding fibroblast pens and consider posting on social media to raise awareness about this potentially dangerous skincare trend.
The utility of telemedicine in orofacial pain: Guidelines for examination and a retrospective review at a hospital‐based practice
Authors: Bavarian Roxanne , Pharr Cameron A. , Handa Shruti , Shaefer Jeffry , Keith David A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Following the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, telemedicine has become rapidly implemented into both medical and dental practices. While guidelines for examination through telemedicine have been described in similar fields of oral medicine and neurology, the framework for a comprehensive telemedicine examination for a patient with symptoms of orofacial pain has not yet been described.

Objective

The objective of this study is to introduce the format of a telemedicine examination for a new patient with orofacial pain as well as describe the success and utility of a telemedicine consultation in a hospital‐based orofacial pain practice.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all new telemedicine consults from April 2, 2020, to March 29, 2021. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics as well as details of the initial telemedicine consult and in‐office follow up.

Results

Two hundred seventy new patients were seen. The most common diagnoses were myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles (37%), an articular disc disorder of the TMJ (21%), and TMJ arthralgia (16%), followed by obstructive sleep apnea (9%) and neuropathic orofacial pain (6%). 146 patients returned to the clinic for an in‐office follow up, 78.8% of which had an accurate telemedicine diagnosis. Difficulty discerning between masticatory myofascial pain and TMJ arthralgia was the most common reason for inaccuracy during the telemedicine diagnosis.

Conclusions

Telemedicine consultation for patients with orofacial pain can help facilitate an accurate diagnosis and expedite treatment for patients who face challenges presenting for an in‐office consultation.
The influence of packaging materials on the physiochemical properties, antioxidant properties, microbial community, and sensory characteristics of doenjang
Authors: Shin Yejin , Suh Soo Hwan , Kim Mina K.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiochemical and antioxidant characteristics, microbial community, and sensory characteristics of doenjang packaged in different storage containers. Two types of doenjang with different packaging materials (plastic (T1) and glass (T2) bottles) were selected. The physiochemical properties and antioxidant activities were determined. Metagenomic analysis based on 16 s rRNA gene sequencing was documented. The sensory characteristics were analyzed by sensory descriptive analysis using a highly trained panel (n = 6). There was no significant difference in physicochemical properties except for viscosity. Total phenolic compounds in T2 were significantly higher than those stored in T1 (p < .05). The microbial community had a higher number of species observed at T1, and T2 had a higher Bacillus ratio and a less diverse microbial community. For sensory aroma, T2 had higher intensities of pineapple, dried plums, soil, cheese, and butter, while T1 had strong fish sauce, chocolate, and pear characteristics.

Practical applications

The findings from this study reveal that the microbial community and sensory characteristics of doenjang may vary depending on the packaging material, suggesting the importance of the packaging material in the quality of the doenjang.
Effects of wet brewers grains on fermentation quality and in vitro ruminal digestibility of mixed silage prepared with corn stalk, sweet potato peel and dried apple pomace in southeast China
Authors: Dai Tongtong , Dong Dong , Wang Jian , Yin Xuejing , Zong Cheng , Jia Yushan , Shao Tao
Published: May 2022

The effects of wet brewers grains (WBG) on fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro ruminal digestibility of mixed silages prepared with corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato peel were evaluated. A mixture of corn stalk, sweet potato peel and dried apple pomace (50/30/20) was ensiled with 0, 10%, 20% and 30% WBG on a fresh weight (FW) basis for 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 30 days respectively. The results showed that the application of WBG increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid, acetic acid and total volatile fatty acids contents, and decreased (p < 0.05) pH, dry matter, water‐soluble carbohydrates content and ammonia‐nitrogen/total nitrogen during ensiling. The pH in all silages was below 4.03 during ensiling. Treating with WBG increased (p < 0.05) crude protein content, and decreased (p < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose content after 30 days of ensiling. After 72 h of incubation, cumulative gas production, potential gas production and in vitro crude protein digestibility increased (p < 0.05) with the increasing proportions of WBG. However, in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fibre, and metabolisable energy were similar in all silages. The 20% and 30% WBG‐treated silages showed better fermentation quality and greater or higher in vitro digestibility, which were indicated by greater or higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid content, in vitro crude protein digestibility, and lower (p < 0.05) pH, ammonia‐nitrogen/total nitrogen ratio as compared with the control. Therefore, ensiling agro‐food by‐products with at least 20% WBG were recommended for improving fermentation quality.
Study on manipulation of ruminal fermentation using a bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Aguilar‐González Mariana , Buitrón Germán , Shimada Armando , Ayala‐Sumuano Jorge , González‐Dávalos Laura , Varela‐Echavarría Alfredo , Mora Ofelia
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this work was to develop a two‐chamber bioelectrochemical cell to modify the metabolic activity of rumen microorganisms by applying an electric potential to the ruminal liquid. Carbohydrate fermentation changes were evaluated along with a molecular characterization by DNA sequencing of the ruminal microbial community. We observed that an electrochemical stimulation potential of 0.75 V enhanced basal acetate, propionate, and butyrate production by 71%, 86%, and 63%, respectively, with no detectable effects on grass substrate disappearance. The applied electric potential also led to changes in the volatile fatty acids production but not on the core microbiome.
Development of a novel one-step triplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of porcine circovirus type 2, porcine parvovirus and classical swine fever virus in a single tube
Authors: Rajkhowa S. , Choudhury M. , Pegu S.R. , Sarma D.K. , Gupta V.K.
Published: May 2022

Co-infection of multiple pathogens complicates diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures based on clinical signs. Therefore, reliable diagnostic tool for timely reporting of suspected diseases is very much essential. A novel one-step triplex PCR assay was developed and evaluated for simultaneous detection of three important viruses namely porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine parvovirus (PPV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) involved in reproductive problems in pigs. Each of the three pairs of oligonucleotide primers exclusively amplified the targeted fragment of the specific viruses. The multiplex PCR assay was found to be sensitive in detecting at least 300 pg of viral genomic DNA or RNA from a mixture of three viruses in a reaction. No amplification was obtained from other common viruses or pathogens, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), porcine group A rotavirus (PoRVA), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus thereby indicating that the developed multiplex PCR has high specificity. Because of the sensitivity and specificity, the developed multiplex PCR assay will be a useful tool for clinical diagnosis of mixed infections of DNA and RNA viruses in pigs.
Hemodialysis and brain diseases in older individuals
Authors: Iimura Ayako , Sakakibara Ryuji , Sawai Setsu , Ogata Tsuyoshi , Terayama Keiichiro , Mizuno Hirohito , Katsuragawa Shuichi , Nagao Takaaki , Nemoto Masaaki , Suzuki Keiko , Izawa Kaori , Haruki Shin‐ichi , Okada Nobuyuki , Ohashi Yasushi , Yamazaki Keisuke
Published: May 2022

Background

It is known that age‐related brain symptoms (namely gait difficulty and/or dementia/delirium) occur in older individuals under hemodialysis (HD). However, it is not known which types of brain disease underlie such symptoms most.

Objective

The aim of this study was to correlate brain symptoms with brain diseases in patients undergoing HD.

Methods

This was a retrospective study at a multi‐faculty university hospital in Japan over a 12‐month period. All subjects were hospital inpatients undergoing HD (either started during hospitalization or maintenance therapy), with a diagnosis of brain symptoms resulting in referral to the neurogeriatric team (dementia/delirium support team, DST).

Results

(1) More than half our HD patients (n = 133) were ≥ 65 years (mean age, 67 years) and male. (2) 37.6% of them showed brain symptoms and were DST‐referred, among whom 62.4% were > 65 years) (P < 0.05). (3) Of the referred patients, 16% had episodes of fall‐related surgery and 30% had aspiration pneumonia (all older). (4) 23.3% of referred patients needed restraint for the safety of HD (mostly older). (5) Most of the neurological disorders were age‐related brain diseases, for example, most commonly a combination of white matter disease (WMD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (85%, overlap counted), followed by alcoholism and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Conclusion

In HD patients, age‐related brain symptoms (needed restraint for HD, or with recent fall and/or aspiration) increased with age. The most common underlying brain disease seemed to be a combination of WMD and AD.
Holm oak decline is determined by shifts in fine root phenotypic plasticity in response to belowground stress
Authors: Encinas‐Valero Manuel , Esteban Raquel , Hereş Ana‐Maria , Vivas María , Fakhet Dorra , Aranjuelo Iker , Solla Alejandro , Moreno Gerardo , Curiel Yuste Jorge
Published: May 2022

Climate change and pathogen outbreaks are the two major causes of decline in Mediterranean holm oak trees (Quercus ilexL. subsp.ballota(Desf.) Samp.). Crown‐level changes in response to these stressful conditions have been widely documented but the responses of the root systems remain unexplored. The effects of environmental stress over roots and its potential role during the declining process need to be evaluated.

We aimed to study how key morphological and architectural root parameters and nonstructural carbohydrates of roots are affected along a holm oak health gradient (i.e. within healthy, susceptible and declining trees).

Holm oaks with different health statuses had different soil resource‐uptake strategies. While healthy and susceptible trees showed a conservative resource‐uptake strategy independently of soil nutrient availability, declining trees optimized soil resource acquisition by increasing the phenotypic plasticity of their fine root system.

This increase in fine root phenotypic plasticity in declining holm oaks represents an energy‐consuming strategy promoted to cope with the stress and at the expense of foliage maintenance. Our study describes a potential feedback loop resulting from strong unprecedented belowground stress that ultimately may lead to poor adaptation and tree death in the Spanish dehesa.
Virulence strategies of an insect herbivore and oomycete plant pathogen converge on host E3 SUMO ligase SIZ1
Authors: Liu Shan , Lenoir Camille J. G. , Amaro Tiago M. M. M. , Rodriguez Patricia A. , Huitema Edgar , Bos Jorunn I. B.
Published: May 2022

Pathogens and pests secrete proteins (effectors) to interfere with plant immunity through modification of host target functions and disruption of immune signalling networks. The extent of convergence between pathogen and herbivorous insect virulence strategies is largely unexplored.

We found that effectors from the oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora capsici, and the major aphid pest, Myzus persicae target the host immune regulator SIZ1, an E3 SUMO ligase. We used transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana as well as Arabidopsis mutants to further characterize biological role of effector–SIZ1 interactions in planta. We show that the oomycete and aphid effector, which both contribute to virulence, feature different activities towards SIZ1. While M. persicae effector Mp64 increases SIZ1 protein levels in transient assays, P. capsici effector CRN83_152 enhances SIZ1‐E3 SUMO ligase activity in vivo.

SIZ1 contributes to host susceptibility to aphids and an oomycete pathogen. Knockout of SIZ1 in Arabidopsis decreased susceptibility to aphids, independent of SNC1, PAD4 and EDS1. Similarly SIZ1 knockdown in N. benthamiana led to reduced P. capsici infection.

Our results suggest convergence of distinct pathogen and pest virulence strategies on an E3 SUMO ligase to enhance host susceptibility.
Association between alveolar bone height changes in mandibular incisors and three‐dimensional tooth movement in non‐extraction orthodontic treatment with Invisalign
Authors: Zhang Yishan , Cai Ping
Published: May 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between alveolar bone height changes on the labial and lingual sides in mandibular incisors and three‐dimensional orthodontic tooth movement, involving apex displacement, tooth inclination, and angulation.

Materials and Methods

The samples consisted of 43 adult patients treated with Invisalign aligners. All subjects were skeletal Class I patients without extraction in mandible. Pre‐treatment and post‐treatment cone‐beam computed tomographic images were obtained to measure labial and lingual alveolar bone height and bone thickness at apex level in four mandibular incisors. An x, y, z coordinate system, superimposing on mandibular body, was established to analyse three‐dimensional apex movement and tooth inclination and angulation changes. Multiple linear regression was applied to identify the determining factors of marginal bone changes during orthodontic treatment.

Results

Three directions of apex movement (anteroposterior, vertical, transverse) significantly associated with alveolar bone height changes. Inclination changes had a strong effect on lingual marginal bone, while tooth angulation had no significant effect on alveolar bone height. Incisors with lingual bodily movement were more susceptible to lingual marginal bone recession compared with lingual tipping movement.

Conclusions

Alveolar bone height changes on the labial and lingual sides were associated with three‐dimensional apex movement, inclination changes, and movement patterns. Appropriate tooth movement should be considered to avoid excessive marginal bone loss around mandibular incisors.
Effect of interocular differences on binocular visual performance after inducing forward scattering
Authors: Martino Francesco , Castro‐Torres José J. , Casares‐López Miriam , Ortiz‐Peregrina Sonia , Ortiz Carolina , Jiménez José R.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To assess binocular visual performance by means of binocular summation on visual function after inducing monocular forward scattering, and to study the influence of interocular differences on ocular parameters.

Methods

Seven young healthy subjects were recruited. Four Bangerter foils and five fog filters were used to induce monocular forward scattering. To analyse the impact of the scatter, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual discrimination capacity and distance stereoacuity were measured binocularly with the filter placed over the dominant eye. Additionally, interocular differences were calculated for four ocular parameters: the Objective Scatter Index (OSI), Strehl ratio (SR), modulation transfer function cut‐off (MTF cut off) and straylight (log[s]). Binocular summation was determined for these visual functions.

Results

A statistically significant deterioration in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereoacuity was seen for all of the filter conditions with respect to the natural state (baseline), with the largest change being recorded for the Bangerter foils. Similarly, the interocular difference for the three retinal image quality parameters (OSI, SR and MTF cut‐off) and log(s) increased significantly for the Bangerter foil condition, but not for the fog filters (except log(s)). Binocular summation declined gradually with the Bangerter foils, but not for the fog filters. Statistically significant correlations were found, that is, the greater the interocular differences, the lower the binocular summation of the visual functions and the greater the distance stereoacuity.

Conclusion

Increased forward scattering in the dominant eye resulted in interocular differences, which reduced the overall binocular visual performance, including the binocular summation of several visual functions and distance stereoacuity. The results suggest that marked interocular differences in ocular parameters should be avoided in cases of ocular pathology, amblyopia and emmetropisation procedures (such as refractive surgery) or a monovision correction for presbyopia.
Fruit processing by‐products in the aquafeed industry: A feasible strategy for aquaculture sustainability
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud A. O. , Habotta Ola A. E. , Elsabagh Mabrouk , Azra Mohamad Nor , Van Doan Hien , Kari Zulhisyam Abdul , Sewilam Hani
Published: May 2022

The aquaculture sector is steadily growing due to the increasing demand for healthy and cheap animal protein sources. Consequently, the high demand for nutritionally balanced aquafeed increases, but requires sustainable and feasible feed ingredients. However, the high cost of fish and soybean meals opens the door to looking for suitable non‐traditional feed ingredients. The processing of fruits results in high amounts of waste and by‐products, which are risky for the environment but rich in nutritional value. Recycling fruit waste in aquafeed is successfully applied and results in high growth performance, productivity and well‐being of aquatic animals. Fruit by‐products are also potential functional feed additives devoted to their high content of polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides and peptides. As functional components, fruit by‐products enhance the antioxidative and immune responses of aquatic animals and increase their tolerance for biotic and abiotic stressors. In light of reducing antimicrobial chemicals in aquaculture to mitigate antimicrobial resistance, dietary feed additives extracted from fruit by‐products can be used as eco‐friendly substances. The investigations involved in evaluating the incorporation of fruit by‐products and their derivatives in aquafeeds are explored in this review. An overview of the possibility of using non‐traditional plant products in aquaculture as a feasible and sustainable concept is addressed in this review. Academic knowledge with enough information for more development and research to maximise the utilisation of fruit by‐products in the aquafeed industry is also enriched.
Evaluation of sperm membrane functionality during epididymal transit in red‐rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina)
Authors: Dantas Maiko Roberto Tavares , Luz Nayra Rachel Nascimento , Bezerra Luana Grasiele Pereira , Moreira Samara Sandy Jerônimo , de Oliveira Moacir Franco , Silva Alexandre Rodrigues
Published: May 2022

We studied the sperm membrane functionality through the epididymal transit by comparing different hypoosmotic solutions and verifying possible associations among osmotic response and functional parameters of sperm in red‐rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). For this purpose, epididymal sperm from six sexually mature male agoutis were collected via flotation. Then, analyses of sperm parameters and hypoosmotic swelling test using different hypoosmotic solutions (0, 50 and 200 mOsm/L) in different regions of the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda) were performed. There was an increase (p < .05) in the values for sperm concentration, the total number of sperm recovered, total and progressive motility, average path velocity, straight‐line velocity, curvilinear velocity, and rapid and medium subpopulations following the caput‐corpus‐cauda direction. Regardless of the hypoosmotic solution, the agouti sperm membrane presented similar functional integrity in all the epididymal regions. Moreover, the highest (p < .05) osmotic responses were reached with the use of 50 mOsm/L solution in comparison to 0 and 200 mOsm/L for all the regions. Significant correlations among osmotic response and some sperm kinetic parameters were observed, especially in epididymal caput, while no correlations were found in the region of the cauda. In summary, red‐rumped agouti sperm present similar membrane functionality during epididymal transit, but there are evident correlations among such functionality and sperm kinetic parameters, especially in the caput region. Moreover, we indicate the use of a 50 mOsm/L hypoosmotic solution for the analysis of this parameter through the hypoosmotic swelling test.
Ecological information and approaches needed for risk communication dialogs for acute or chronic environmental crises
Authors: Burger Joanna
Published: May 2022

Scientists, social scientists, risk communicators, and many others are often thrust into a crisis situation where they need to interact with a range of stakeholders, including governmental personnel (tribal, U.S. federal, state, local), local residents, and other publics, as well as other scientists and other risk communicators in situations where information is incomplete and evolving. This paper provides: (1) an overall framework for thinking about communication during crises, from acute to chronic, and local to widespread, (2) a template for the types of ecological information needed to address public and environmental concerns, and (3) examples to illustrate how this information will aid risk communicators. The main goal is providing an approach to the knowledge needed by communicators to address the challenges of protecting ecological resources during an environmental crisis, or for an on‐going, chronic environmental issue. To understand the risk to these ecological resources, it is important to identify the type of event, whether it is acute or chronic (or some combination of these), what receptors are at risk, and what stressors are involved (natural, biological, chemical, radiological). For ecological resources, the key information a communicator needs for a crisis is whether any of the following are present: threatened or endangered species, species of special concern, species groups of concern (e.g., neotropical bird migrants, breeding frogs in vernal ponds, rare plant assemblages), unique or rare habitats, species of commercial and recreational interest, and species/habitats of especial interest for medicinal, cultural, or religious activities. Communication among stakeholders is complicated with respect to risk to ecological receptors because of differences in trust, credibility, empathy, perceptions, world view valuation of the resources, and in many cases, a history of misinformation, disinformation, or no information. Exposure of salmon spawning in the Columbia River to hexavalent chromium from the Hanford Site is used as an example of communication challenges with different stakeholders, including Native Americans with Tribal Treaty rights to the land.
Trade policy in a sovereign Palestinian State: What are the options in a final settlement?
Authors: Agbahey Johanes , Siddig Khalid , Grethe Harald , Luckmann Jonas
Published: May 2022

This paper quantifies the economy‐wide effects of different trade policies on the Palestinian economy, using a detailed database and a general equilibrium model adjusted to the particularities of the Palestinian economy. The findings show that a liberal and non‐discriminatory trade regime provides the highest benefits for the Palestinian economy, in terms of welfare effects, GDP growth and job creation. The choice of an exchange rate regime has a considerable influence on the effects of trade policy. Accordingly, a full control over trade and monetary policy instruments could improve the capacity of the Palestinian National Authority to address the prevailing high unemployment and sluggish economic growth.
Short-Term Cross-Sectional Time-Series Wear Prediction by Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Nugraha Renaldy Dwi , He Ke , Liu Ang , Zhang Zhinan
Published: May 2022

Wear is one of the major causes that affect the performance and reliability of tribo-systems. To mitigate its adverse effects, it is necessary to monitor the wear progress so that preventive maintenance can be timely scheduled. An online visual ferrograph (OLVF) apparatus is used to obtain online measurements of wear particle quantities, and monitor the wearing of a four-ball tribometer under different lubrication conditions, and several popular deep learning algorithms are evaluated for their effectiveness in providing maintenance decisions. The obtained data are converted to the cross-sectional time series (CSTS), for its effectiveness in representing the variation trends of multiple variables, and the data are used as the input to the deep learning algorithms. Experimental results indicate that the CSTS together with the bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) architecture outperforms other tested settings in terms of the mean-squared error (MSE). Increased prediction accuracy is observed for tribological pairs with a stochastically changing coefficient of friction.
Mechanics of Three-Dimensional Soft Network Materials With a Class of Bio-Inspired Designs
Authors: Chang Jiahui , Yan Dongjia , Liu Jianxing , Zhang Fan , Zhang Yihui
Published: May 2022

Inspired by the helix-shaped microstructures found in many collagenous tissues, a class of three-dimensional (3D) soft network materials that incorporate similar helical microstructures into periodic 3D lattices was reported recently. Owing to their high stretchability, high air permeability, defect-insensitive behavior, and capabilities of reproducing anisotropic J-shaped stress–strain curves of real biological tissues (e.g., heart muscles), these 3D soft network materials hold great promise for applications in tissue engineering and bio-integrated devices. Rapid design optimization of such soft network materials in practical applications requires a relevant mechanics model to serve as the theoretical basis. This paper introduces a nonlinear micromechanics model of soft 3D network materials with cubic and octahedral lattice topologies, grounded on the development of finite-deformation beam theory for the 3D helical microstructure (i.e., the building-block structure of 3D network materials). As verified by finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental measurements, the developed model can well predict the anisotropic J-shaped stress–strain curves and deformed configurations under large levels of uniaxial stretching. The theoretical model allows a clear understanding of different roles of microstructure parameters on the J-shaped stress–strain curve (that is characterized by the critical strain of mode transition, as well as the stress and the tangent modulus at the critical strain). Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of the theoretical model in the design optimization of 3D soft network materials to reproduce the target isotropic/anisotropic stress–strain curves of real biological tissues.