bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of demographic factors on women’s participation in the Islamic microfinance scheme: an analysis using the theory of bounded rationality
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that influence the individual bounded rationality of the rural poor toward participation in borrowing from rural development scheme (RDS). Specifically, how do respondents’ demographic variables such as gender, age, education, income and religion affect their attitude, subjective norms (SNs) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) to influence bounded rationality toward actual participation in borrowing the Islamic funds from RDS?

Design/methodology/approach

To answer these questions, the theory of bounded rational planned behavior as its basis was established. Data (n = 375) were collected from rural women clients of RDS based on snow-balling sampling technique. Data were analyzed following the procedure of structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that all the demographic variables except education influence attitudes, SNs and PBC in turn influence the individual respondents’ bounded rational intention toward participation in RDS.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was not randomly drawn to represent a population to which findings could be generalized. Instead, it was a snow-balling sample, and as such, the ability to generalize the findings very far beyond the sample is limited.

Practical implications

This paper implies that respondents’ socioeconomic characteristics are important to consider changing individual subjective rationality of human being toward performing actual behavior.

Social implications

Social implications refer that rural women in Bangladesh are positively and subjectively motivated toward bounded rational intention and participation in RDS.

Originality/value

This research is based on the primary data collected from the participants in an Islamic microfinance institute called RDS. This paper draws on several insights about the participation behavior of the rural poor in Bangladesh.
Tree species with conservative foliar nutrient status and strong phosphorus homeostasis are regionally abundant in subtropical forests
Authors: Ci Hang , Guo Chao , Tuo Bin , Zheng Li‐Ting , Xu Ming‐Shan , Sai Bi‐Le , Yang Bai‐Yu , Yang Yong‐Chuan , You Wen‐Hui , Yan En‐Rong , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: May 2022

Foliar nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) status and their stoichiometric homeostasis are integral parts of the plant nutrient economy that determines the success of plant species in environments where N or P limits plant growth. Despite growing evidence for higher predictability of stoichiometric homeostasis of N (HN) than that of P (HP) on plant species abundance in temperate grasslands, no previous studies explicitly examined how foliar N and P status modulate the relationships between stoichiometric homeostasis and species distribution (regional species abundance) of woody plants, especially in P‐limited (sub)tropical ecosystems. We hypothesized that species with a conservative foliar nutrient status but a higher HP (but not HN) would be regional abundant in P‐limited forest.

We measured foliar N (LNC) and P (LPC) contents of 54 woody species, community composition and soil N and P contents across 94 forest plots in Chinese subtropical forests. Then we evaluated the species' levels of N and P stoichiometric homeostasis and their regional abundance to test our hypotheses.

HN and HP significantly increased with decreasing LNC and LPC. Foliar nutrient status positively correlated with the minimum values of both soil N and P contents, but only negatively associated with the maximum value of soil P content, indicating that conservative species can occupy a wider range of soil P‐ than N‐based nutrient niche. Meanwhile, species abundance negatively correlated with LNC and LPC, and positively correlated with HN and HP. However, the structure equation model analysis showed that species abundance increased with decline of LNC but not yet with increased HN. In contrast, species abundance enhanced with increased HP and decreased LPC via HP, rather than directly with a decline of LPC.

Synthesis. This study provides empirical evidence that species with conservative foliar nutrient status are more stable in terms of N and P stoichiometric homeostasis, and foliar N and P economy modulate species abundance distribution in different ways. Our results suggest that maintaining strong stoichiometric homeostasis of leaf P, while maintaining conservative economy of N, is a key physiochemical mechanism for shaping species abundance distribution in P‐limited forests.
A Bayesian Functional Data Model for Surveys Collected under Informative Sampling with Application to Mortality Estimation Using NHANES
Authors: Parker Paul A. , Holan Scott H.
Published: May 2022

Functional data are often extremely high-dimensional and exhibit strong dependence structures but can often prove valuable for both prediction and inference. The literature on functional data analysis is well developed; however, there has been very little work involving functional data in complex survey settings. Motivated by physical activity monitor data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we develop a Bayesian model for functional covariates that can properly account for the survey design. Our approach is intended for non-Gaussian data and can be applied in multivariate settings. In addition, we make use of a variety of Bayesian modeling techniques to ensure that the model is fit in a computationally efficient manner. We illustrate the value of our approach through two simulation studies as well as an example of mortality estimation using NHANES data.
Season‐of‐death and age‐at‐death of the easternmost European cave bears: Cementum and dentine increment analysis provides new insight into the cave bear ecology
Authors: Prilepskaya Natalya E. , Bachura Olga P. , Baryshnikov Gennady F.
Published: May 2022

Cementum and dentine increment analysis was used for the first time to study the remains of cave bears from European Russia, the Urals and the Caucasus. This study analysed 12 canines belonging to 12 different individuals (five males and seven females) from genetically different lineages of cave bears. The increment analysis showed that all studied cave bears belong to the categories adults and old animals (from 10 to 32.5 years). The enamel crowns of all 12 canines were broken and/or had wear facets. Seven canines studied were severely broken (more than one‐third of a canine crown missing). Significant damage to dental crowns may indicate old age, conflict between males and/or high food abrasion. The absence of significant differences in the extent of canine breakage between the youngest and the oldest animals, as well as between the males and the females, may indicate a significant role of food abrasiveness in the process of the grinding of canines. Until now, the question of whether these animals visited caves year‐round or stayed there mainly for overwintering remained open. The increment analysis showed different seasons of the bears’ death. Six individuals died in the warm season and four individuals died in the cold season. In all of the studied caves (excluding Medvezhiya Cave) the animals died in the warm season as well as in the cold season. All of the studied females perished either during the cold season or at the very beginning of the warm season. On the contrary, almost all of the examined males perished in the warm season. Thus, the cave bears visited the caves year‐round. This study raises new questions in the study of the ecology of cave bears from different parts of their range.
IFN‐α/β‐mediated NK2R expression is related to the malignancy of colon cancer cells
Authors: Xiang Huihui , Toyoshima Yujiro , Shen Weidong , Wang Xiangdong , Okada Naoki , Kii Shuhei , Sugiyama Ko , Nagato Toshihiro , Kobayashi Hiroya , Ikeo Kazuho , Hashimoto Shinichi , Tanino Mishie , Taketomi Akinobu , Kitamura Hidemitsu
Published: May 2022

Neurokinin 2 receptor (NK2R), a G protein‐coupled receptor for neurokinin A (NKA), a tachykinin family member, regulates various physiological functions including pain response, relaxation of smooth muscle, dilation of blood vessels, and vascular permeability. However, the precise role and regulation of NK2R expression in cancer cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that high NK2R gene expression was correlated with the poor survival of colorectal cancer patients, and Interferon (IFN‐α/β) stimulation significantly enhanced NK2R gene expression level of colon cancer cells in a Janus kinas 1/2 (JAK 1/2)‐dependent manner. NKA stimulation augmented viability/proliferation and phosphorylation of Extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) levels of IFN‐α/β‐treated colon cancer cells and NK2R blockade by using a selective antagonist reduced the proliferation in vitro. Administration of an NK2R antagonist alone or combined with polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid, a synthetic analog of double‐stranded RNA, to CT26‐bearing mice significantly suppressed tumorigenesis. NK2R‐overexpressing CT26 cells showed enhanced tumorigenesis and metastatic colonization in both lung and liver after the inoculation into mice. These findings indicate that IFN‐α/β‐mediated NK2R expression is related to the malignancy of colon cancer cells, suggesting that NK2R blockade may be a promising strategy for colon cancers.
Building a space to dream: Supporting indigenous children's survivance through community‐engaged social and emotional learning
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Goforth Anisa N. , Nichols Lindsey M. , Violante Amy , Christopher Kelsey , Howlett Ronda , Hogenson Debbie , Graham Niki
Published: May 2022

Indigenous communities practice survivance and challenge social and political systems to support their children's identity and well‐being. Grounded in transformative social‐emotional learning (SEL) and tribal critical race theory, this 3‐year community‐based participatory research study (2019–2021) examined how a SEL program co‐created with an Indigenous community in Flathead Nation in Montana supports anti‐racism and anti‐colonialism among Indigenous children. Critical reflexivity and thematic analyses of Community Advisory Board meetings and journals written by 60 students (Mage = 10.3, SD = 1.45; 47% girls; 60% Native American) during the SEL program revealed themes on Indigenous identity, belonging, wellness, and colonialism. These results shed light on challenging the racist and colonial roots of education to support Indigenous children's survivance and social‐emotional well‐being.
Single‐cell sequencing reveals the heterogeneity and intratumoral crosstalk in human endometrial cancer
Authors: Yu Zhicheng , Zhang Jun , Zhang Qi , Wei Sitian , Shi Rui , Zhao Rong , An Lanfen , Grose Richard , Feng Dilu , Wang Hongbo
Published: May 2022

Background

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies with increasing morbidity. Cell–cell and cell‐matrix interactions within the tumour microenvironment (TME) exert a powerful influence over the progression of EC. Therefore, a comprehensive exploration of heterogeneity and intratumoral crosstalk is essential to elucidate the mechanisms driving EC progression and develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Methods

4 EC and 2 normal endometrium samples were applied for single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis. In addition, we also included the public database to explore the clinical benefits of the single cell analysis.

Results

9 types of cells were identified with specific expression of maker genes. Both the malignant epithelial cells and cells comprising the immune microenvironment displayed a high degree of intertumoral heterogeneity. Notably, the proliferation T cells also showed an exhausted feature. Moreover, the malignant cells may induce an immunosuppressive microenvironment through TNF‐ICOS pair. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were divided into four subsets with distinct characteristics and they maintained frequent communications with malignant cells which facilitating the progression of EC. We also found that the existence of vascular CAF (vCAF) may indicate a worse prognosis for EC patients through integrating TCGA database.

Conclusion

The TME of human EC remains highly heterogeneous. Out finding that malignant cells interact closely with immune cells and vCAFs identifies potential therapeutic targets.
Landscape connectivity for the invisibles
Authors: Mony Cendrine , Uroy Léa , Khalfallah Fadwa , Haddad Nick , Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe
Published: May 2022

Because of land use changes, a worldwide decrease in biodiversity is underway, mostly driven by habitat degradation and fragmentation. Increasing landscape connectivity (i.e. the degree to which the landscape facilitates movement between habitat patches) has been proposed as a key landscape‐level strategy to counterbalance the negative effects of habitat fragmentation. A robust theoretical and methodological framework has been developed for the concept of connectivity, and an increasing body of empirical evidence supports the relevance of connectivity for biodiversity. However, the framework was built ignoring species that represent the dominant proportion of biodiversity on earth: microorganisms. The extent to which the existing conceptual and methodological frameworks on connectivity can be applied to microorganisms remain unknown. We reviewed existing evidence and analyzed methods to test the influence of connectivity on microorganisms. We included all types of microorganisms, from symbiotic to pathogenic and free‐living microorganisms, across all ecosystems. We describe the effect of connectivity on microorganism populations and communities, and identify the limitations and large gaps in current knowledge. Microorganisms can differ from macroorganisms in their response to connectivity due to short (distance less than a meter) dispersal distance of some groups, longer time lag of microorganisms response (possibly accompanied by evolutionary processes) and host association. The latter relies on tight interactions and feedback effects that drive microbial‐landscape relationships and lead to possible coadaptation processes. Incorporating the connectivity concept in microbial community assembly rules to preserve the diversity of microbial communities and the ecosystem services they provide could be a crucial step forward in the face of pressing global changes.
Movement of nest‐searching bumblebee queens reflects nesting habitat quality
Authors: Pugesek Genevieve , Crone Elizabeth E.
Published: May 2022

Movement of foraging animals can be used as an indirect index of habitat quality because movement patterns are expected to shift in association with resources resulting in increased time spent in high‐quality habitat. Here, we observed movement of bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) queens as an indirect metric of nesting habitat quality.

At a farm in Massachusetts, we recorded flight paths by visual observation of nest‐searching B. impatiens queens in three land cover types (hay fields, meadows and forests). According to previous research at this field site, these land cover types represent both high‐quality (meadows, forests) and low‐quality habitat (hay fields) for nesting bumblebees. Using flight path data, we estimated diffusion coefficients of nest‐searching queens (i.e., the rate at which queens explore habitat during nest‐searching), as an integrative measure of movement.

We found that nest‐searching queens explored meadows and forests more slowly than hay fields; we calculated diffusion coefficients of 0.198, 0.272, and 0.762 m2 s−1 for bees searching for nests in meadows, forests, and hay fields, respectively. In hay fields, nest‐searching queens had smaller step lengths and straighter flightpaths than in other land cover types.

Nesting ecology of bumblebees is a key knowledge gap. We showed that nest‐searching queens search more thoroughly in areas associated with previously reported high nest densities. Therefore, our research suggests that behaviour of nest‐searching queens can also be a proxy for nesting habitat quality. Extending these methods to other Bombus species in other landscapes would be a valuable direction for future research.
LongHest project: A prospective, observational study of extended half‐life treatment in the musculoskeletal health of patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Cuesta‐Barriuso Rubén , Pérez‐Llanes Raúl , Donoso‐Úbeda Elena , Ucero‐Lozano Roberto
Published: May 2022

Background

Prophylactic treatment is the gold standard in the treatment of patients with haemophilia. Prophylaxis with extended half‐life (EHL) treatment has shown long‐term safety and efficacy in patients with haemophilia.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of prophylaxis with EHL treatment in the frequency of haemarthrosis and musculoskeletal health in adult patients with severe haemophilia A.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Forty‐six patients with severe haemophilia A were recruited. The frequency of haemarthrosis (self‐reports), joint condition (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), pain intensity (visual analogue scale), range of motion (goniometry), and strength (dynamometry) and muscle activation (surface electromyography) were evaluated. Three assessments were carried out: at baseline (T0), at 6 months (T1) and at 12 months following treatment (T2).

Results

There were significant changes in the within‐subject effect in the frequency of haemarthrosis in elbow (F(1.05;96.20) = 3.95; P < .001) and knee (F(1.73;157.99) = 9.96; P < .001). Significant within‐subject effect in elbow pain intensity (F(2;182) = 63.51; P < .001) was found. The mean values of the frequency haemarthrosis in elbow (from .66±1.01 to .04±.20) and knees (from .55±.68 to .33±.53) decrease after the period study. The intensity of elbow pain and (from 3.08±1.69 to 2.67±1.73), decrease after the 12‐month follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Prophylaxis with extended half‐life treatment reduces the frequency of haemarthrosis in elbow and knee in adult patients with haemophilia. EHL treatment reduces the intensity of elbow pain in patients with haemophilic arthropathy.
Characterisation, rheological properties and immunomodulatory efficiency of corn silk polysaccharides
Authors: Abdin Mohamed , El‐Beltagy Alaa El‐Dein , Naeem Mohamed Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Corn silk polysaccharide (CSP) was isolated by heated 80 °C ethanol 70%. The extracted light (83.70 L*) with a yellowish (13.09 b*) reddish (1.98 a*) CSP had an ash content of 2.53 ± 0.03%. It is mainly composed of seven monosaccharides (xylose 23.64, glucose 16.65, ribose 17.35, galactose 13.64, rhamnose 11.93, arabinose 11.87 and mannose 4.85 mol%) and showed four peaks in 13C NMR correlated to the anomeric carbon of arabinose and/or xylose residues. The thermal characteristics exhibited the breakdown of CSP glycosidic bonds at 321.16 °C. The rheological properties showed that the raising of share rate (γ) caused a reduction in apparent viscosity for all tested concentrations, whilst the elastic G′ and viscous G″ storage moduli of CSP were enhanced by increasing the oscillation frequency. The immunomodulatory effects of CSP on RAW264.7 cells showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in NO secretion up to a concentration of 80 μg mL−1 from CSP. Additionally, the phagocytosis index and acid phosphatase activity were enhanced (P < 0.05) in a dose‐dependent manner by increasing CSP concentrations.
Differential distribution of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants and its expression in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: De Azevêdo Silva Jaqueline , de Lima Suelen Cristina , Fragoso Thiago Sotero , Cavalcanti Catarina Addobbati Jordão , Barbosa Alexandre Domingues , Borborema Maria Eduarda de Albuquerque , de Lucena Thays Maria Costa , Duarte Angela Luzia Branco Pinto , Crovella Sergio , Sandrin‐Garcia Paula
Published: May 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disorder that displays an important genetic background. Vitamin D3 (VD3) through its receptor (VDR) plays an important immunomodulatory role in autoimmune misbalance, being capable of modulating immune responses. Genetic alterations in VDR gene may contribute to an altered risk in SLE development and clinical manifestations. We investigated VDR SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) frequencies in 128 SLE patients and 138 healthy controls (HC) and mRNA differential expression in 29 patients and 17 HC regarding SLE susceptibility as well as clinical features. We observed that rs11168268 G allele (OR = 1.55, p = .01) and G/G genotype (OR = 2.69, p = .008) were associated with increased SLE susceptibility. The rs2248098 G allele and A/G and G/G genotypes were associated to lower SLE susceptibility (OR = 0.66, p = .01; OR = 0.46, p = .01; OR = 0.44, p = .02, respectively). Regarding clinical features, we observed lower risk for: rs11168268 A/G genotype and nephritis (OR = 0.31, p = .01); rs4760648 T/T genotype and photosensitivity (OR = 0.24, p = .02); rs1540339 T/T genotype and antibody anti‐dsDNA (OR = 0.19, p = .015); rs3890733 T/T genotype and serositis (OR = 0.10, p = .01). We identified a significant downregulation in VDR expression levels when compared patients and controls overall (p = 1.04e–7), in Cdx‐2 A/G and G/G (p = .008 and p = .014, respectively) and in patients with nephritis (p = .016)

Our results suggested that VDR SNPs influence upon SLE susceptibility and in particular clinical features, acting on mRNA expression in SLE patients overall and the ones with nephritis.
Crystal structure and luminescence mechanism of novel Fe3+‐doped Mg0.752Al2.165O4 deep red‐emitting phosphors
Authors: Qi Fei , Tu Guangsheng , Tu Bingtian , Wang Hao , Zhang Jian , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi
Published: May 2022

Nonstoichiometric alumina‐rich spinel provides diverse and changeable local environments for transition‐metal dopants. In this contribution, novel Mg0.752Al2.165−xO4:xFe3+ deep red‐emitting phosphors were designed and prepared by the solid‐state reaction method. The red emission presents an unexpected shift from 735 to 770 nm by comparing with Fe3+‐doped MgAl2O4. The excitation spectrum of Mg0.752Al2.165−xO4:xFe3+ is broadened in the UV region with a new strong peak at 320 nm. The crystal structure refinement and NMR spectra fitting reveal that the cation vacancies and disorder increase with excess Al3+ entering the spinel crystal lattice. According to the results of EPR, NMR, and PL/PLE measurements, it was proposed that the Fe3+ ions locate at the distorted octahedral coordination. The changes of the local structure of Fe3+ ions promote the doublet state's involvement in the d−d transition. It was proposed that the new excitation peak at 320 nm in Mg0.752Al2.165−xO4:xFe3+ is associated with the transitions from the ground state 6A1g(6S) to the 4A2g(4F)/T1g(4P) and doublet states. The transition between the lower energy excited state of 2T2g(2I) and 6A1g(6S) mainly contributes to the deep red emission and the red‐shifting effect.
Bacterial levels and diversity in kitchen sponges and dishwashing brushes used by consumers
Authors: Møretrø Trond , Ferreira Vânia B. , Moen Birgitte , Almli Valérie L. , Teixeira Paula , Kasbo Ida M. , Langsrud Solveig
Published: May 2022

Aims

The purpose of the work was to investigate bacterial levels and diversity as well as survival of Salmonella in used dish washing sponges and brushes and identify consumer practices that can potentially explain bacterial status of these items.

Methods and Results

Used washing up utensils were collected from consumers. The bacterial numbers (TVC) were very variable with an extremely high median level (10.3 log cfu/item) in Portuguese sponges and lower levels in Norwegian items (7.3 and 7.0 cfu/item for sponges and brushes). No self-reported practices or household composition could explain differences found in TVC levels among the collected sponges. Lower mean TVC levels were found in unworn brushes and brushes regularly cleaned with soap, but the differences were modest (1.5 log or less). A common set of bacteria was found in brushes and sponges, dominated by Acinetobacter, Chryseobacterium, Enhydrobacter, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas. There was no difference in TVC or bacterial diversity between conventional and antimicrobial sponges containing silver after 4 weeks of use. For used brushes inoculated with Salmonella and allowed to dry overnight, a significant reduction in Salmonella numbers was observed. No reduction was observed for brushes stored in humid conditions (in a plastic bag) or for sponges regardless of storing conditions.

Conclusions

Overall, lower bacterial levels were observed in used brushes than in sponges, and Salmonella died more rapidly in brushes. A common set of non-pathogenic bacteria dominated in brushes and sponges.

Significance and Impact of Study

The study demonstrates that the use of brushes may be more hygienic than the use of sponges.
Inhibition of TRPC4 channel activity in colonic myocytes by tricyclic antidepressants disrupts colonic motility causing constipation
Authors: Jeong Byeongseok , Sung Tae Sik , Jeon Dongju , Park Kyu Joo , Jun Jae Yeoul , So Insuk , Hong Chansik
Published: May 2022

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have been used to treat depression and were recently approved for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients with severe or refractory IBS symptoms. However, the molecular mechanism of TCA action in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract remains poorly understood. Transient receptor potential channel canonical type 4 (TRPC4), which is a Ca2+‐permeable nonselective cation channel, is a critical regulator of GI excitability. Herein, we investigated whether TCA modulates TRPC4 channel activity and which mechanism in colonic myocytes consequently causes constipation. To prove the clinical benefit in patients with diarrhoea caused by TCA treatment, we performed mechanical tension recording of repetitive motor pattern (RMP) in segment, electric field stimulation (EFS)‐induced and spontaneous contractions in isolated muscle strips. From these recordings, we observed that all TCA compounds significantly inhibited contractions of colonic motility in human. To determine the contribution of TRPC4 to colonic motility, we measured the electrical activity of heterologous or endogenous TRPC4 by TCAs using the patch clamp technique in HEK293 cells and murine colonic myocytes. In TRPC4‐overexpressed HEK cells, we observed TCA‐evoked direct inhibition of TRPC4. Compared with TRPC4‐knockout mice, we identified that muscarinic cationic current (mIcat) was suppressed through TRPC4 inhibition by TCA in isolated murine colonic myocytes. Collectively, we suggest that TCA action is responsible for the inhibition of TRPC4 channels in colonic myocytes, ultimately causing constipation. These findings provide clinical insights into abnormal intestinal motility and medical interventions aimed at IBS therapy.
Variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors among older adults in the Hunter Community Study cohort: A comparison of diet quality versus polygenic risk score
Authors: Reay William R. , Haslam Rebecca , Cairns Murray J. , Moschonis George , Clarke Erin , Attia John , Collins Clare Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Background

The interplay between cardiovascular disease (CVD) genetic risk indexed by a polygenic risk score (PRS) and diet quality still requires further investigation amongst older adults or those with established or treated CVD. The present study aimed to evaluate the relative contribution of diet quality, measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) and PRS, with respect to explaining variation in plasma lipids CVD outcomes in the Hunter Cohort.

Methods

The study comprised a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data from the Hunter Cohort study. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms from previously derived polygenic scores (PGSs) for three lipid classes were obtained: low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein and triglycerides, as well as PRS for coronary artery disease (CAD) from the PGS catalogue. Regression modelling and odds ratios were used to determine associations between PRS, ARFS and CVD risk.

Results

In total, 1703 participants were included: mean ± SD age 66 ± 7.4 years, 51% female, mean ± SD total ARFS 28.1 ± 8 (out of 74). Total diet quality and vegetable subscale were not significantly associated with measured lipids. By contrast, PGS for each lipid demonstrated a markedly strong, statistically significant correlation with its respective measured lipid. There was a significant association between CAD PRS and 5/6 CVD phenotypes (all except atrial fibrillation), with the largest effect size shown with coronary bypass. Adding dietary intake as a covariate did not change this relationship.

Conclusions

Lipid PGS explained more variance in measured lipids than diet quality. However, the poor diet quality observed in the current cohort may have limited the ability to observe any beneficial effects. Future research should investigate whether the diet quality of older adults can be improved and also the effect of these improvements on changes in polygenic risk.
A personalised diet approach study: Interaction between PPAR‐γ Pro12Ala and dietary insulin indices on metabolic markers in diabetic patients
Authors: Abaj Faezeh , Rafiee Masoumeh , Koohdani Fariba
Published: May 2022

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the interaction between peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) Pro12Ala polymorphisms and dietary insulin load and insulin index (DIL and DII) on cardio‐metabolic markers among diabetic patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 393 diabetic patients. A food‐frequency questionnaire was used for DIL and DII calculation. PPAR‐γ Pro12Ala was genotyped by a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Biochemical markers, including total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein, triglyceride, superoxide dismutase, C‐reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, pentraxin‐3, isoprostaneF2α, interleukin‐18, leptin and ghrelin, were measured by a standard protocol.

Results

Risk‐allele carriers (CG, GG) had higher obesity indices [body mass index (pinteraction = 0.006) and WC (pinteraction = 0.04)] compared to individuals with the CC genotype when they consumed a diet with higher DIL and DII respectively. Besides, carriers of the G‐allele who were in the highest tertile of DIL had lower high‐density lipoprotein (pinteraction = 0.04) and higher isoprostaneF2α (pinteraction = 0.03) and pentraxin‐3 (pinteraction = 0.03). Moreover, the highest tertile of the DII, showed an increase in interleukin‐18 (pinteraction = 0.01) and lower superoxide dismutase (pinteraction = 0.03) for risk‐allele carriers compared to those with CC homozygotes.

Conclusions

We revealed that the PPAR‐γ Pro12Ala polymorphism was able to intensify the effect of DIL and DII on cardiovascular disease risk factors; risk‐allele carriers who consumed a diet with high DIL and DII score were more likely to be obese and have higher inflammatory markers. Also, protective factors against cardiovascular disease risk factors were reduced significantly in this group compared to CC homozygotes.
One hundred years of insulin: Is it time for smart?
Authors: Gilor C. , Fleeman L. M.
Published: May 2022

Smarter understanding of diabetes pathophysiology and pharmacology of insulin therapy can lead to better clinical outcomes. Rather than looking for an insulin formulation that is considered “best” for a general population, it could be appropriate to seek the “smart” insulin choice, tailored to the specific clinical situation. Different treatment goals should be considered, with pros and cons to each. Ideally, insulin therapy in most diabetic dogs should mimic a “basal‐bolus” pattern. The “intermediate”‐acting insulin formulations might provide better “bolus” treatment in dogs than the rapid‐acting formulations used in people. In patients with some residual beta cell function such as many diabetic cats, administering only a “basal” insulin might lead to complete normalisation of blood glucose concentrations. Insulin suspensions (neutral protamine Hagedorn, neutral protamine Hagedorn/regular mixes, lente and protamine zinc insulin) as well as insulin glargine U100 and detemir are “intermediate”‐acting formulations that are administered twice daily. For a formulation to be an effective and safe “basal” insulin, its action should be roughly the same every hour of the day. Currently, only insulin glargine U300 and insulin degludec meet this standard in dogs, whereas in cats, insulin glargine U300 is the closest option.
Effect of α‐amylase and pH on the rheological properties of thickened liquids containing starch in in vitro conditions relevant to oral processing and swallowing
Authors: Lavoisier Anaïs , Boudrag Sabrina , Ramaioli Marco
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate quantitatively the impact of saliva on the rheological properties of thickened drinks (IDDSI level 3) with different pH. Oral digestion was simulated and followed using a rheometer. An insalivation ratio measured from spitted boli, was used in the in vitro oral digestion experiments, comparing unstimulated human saliva to artificial saliva. The initial viscosity of thickened water samples (pH 5.3 and 7.4) was reduced by 80% after only 5 s of in vitro oral digestion. A similar viscosity decay was observed with the artificial saliva. This decrease in viscosity was attributed to the breakdown of the starch granule structure by α‐amylase and in a lesser extent to a dilution effect. In contrast, the rheological properties of thickened lemon drink (pH = 2.7) and thickened orange juice (pH = 4.0) were not influenced significantly by human salivary amylase. These results suggest that at these pHs, starch‐based thickened drinks can maintain their initial IDDSI level, despite a strong dilution with saliva, which could help in the management of dysphagia. Clinical trials should be performed to confirm this hypothesis. Only human salivary α‐amylase should be used to study products between pH 3 and 5 to imitate the structural and rheological breakdown happening before swallowing, while α‐amylase from Bacillus sp. could also be used outside this range. The method developed in this study can be used to quantify the impact of food oral processing and evaluate rheological properties relevant for swallowing in the presence of saliva.
Antiviral effect and mechanism of metformin against grouper iridovirus infection
Authors: Zhang Qin , Huang Yaming , Ke Ke , Li Mengmeng , Huang Shuaishuai , Liao Wenyu , Li Pengfei , Tong Tong , Liu Mingzhu
Published: May 2022

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) infection is associated with high mortality in mariculture, and effective treatments are urgently required. Given the wide‐ranging applications of metformin, we aimed to assess the effects of metformin against SGIV. The safe and effective concentration of metformin in grouper spleen cells was determined as 250 μg/mL. We detected the inhibitory activity of metformin against SGIV infection in grouper spleen cells using an aptamer‐based fluorescent molecular probe and reverse transcription‐quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Metformin effectively inhibited SGIV infection in a dose‐dependent manner and showed an excellent inhibitory effect against SGIV in vitro (70%). We further investigated metformin's possible antiviral mechanism and showed that metformin did not damage SGIV invading host cells, but could damage SGIV particles (59.57%) and interfere with SGIV binding (23.25%) and replication (29.48%) in host cells. Metformin mainly inhibited SGIV by damaging SGIV particles. Overall, these results suggested that metformin had direct and host‐mediated antiviral effects against SGIV and thus had great potential for the development of effective drugs to control SGIV infection in aquaculture.
Ancient mitochondrial and modern whole genomes unravel massive genetic diversity loss during near extinction of Alpine ibex
Authors: Robin Mathieu , Ferrari Giada , Akgül Gülfirde , Münger Xenia , von Seth Johanna , Schuenemann Verena J. , Dalén Love , Grossen Christine
Published: May 2022

Population bottlenecks can have dramatic consequences for the health and long‐term survival of a species. Understanding of historic population size and standing genetic variation prior to a contraction allows estimating the impact of a bottleneck on the species' genetic diversity. Although historic population sizes can be modelled based on extant genomics, uncertainty is high for the last 10–20 millenia. Hence, integrating ancient genomes provides a powerful complement to retrace the evolution of genetic diversity through population fluctuations. Here, we recover 15 high‐quality mitogenomes of the once nearly extinct Alpine ibex spanning 8601 BP to 1919 CE and combine these with 60 published modern whole genomes. Coalescent demography simulations based on modern whole genomes indicate population fluctuations coinciding with the last major glaciation period. Using our ancient and historic mitogenomes, we investigate the more recent demographic history of the species and show that mitochondrial haplotype diversity was reduced to a fifth of the prebottleneck diversity with several highly differentiated mitochondrial lineages having coexisted historically. The main collapse of mitochondrial diversity coincides with elevated human population growth during the last 1–2 kya. After recovery, one lineage was spread and nearly fixed across the Alps due to recolonization efforts. Our study highlights that a combined approach integrating genomic data of ancient, historic and extant populations unravels major long‐term population fluctuations from the emergence of a species through its near extinction up to the recent past.
Predator control alters wolf interactions with prey and competitor species over the diel cycle
Authors: Frey Sandra , Tejero Daniel , Baillie‐David Katherine , Burton A. Cole , Fisher Jason T.
Published: May 2022

Predator control remains one of the most common strategies for the conservation of threatened prey species. Despite significant and ongoing efforts to reduce predator populations, little is known about the impacts on the behaviour and interactions of target and non‐target species following numerical and potentially behavioural suppression of predators. We used camera‐trap data collected before and after an intensive wolf control program in northeastern Alberta's boreal forest to evaluate changes in activity patterns and overlap in wolves, competitors and prey. We hypothesized wolves would shift their activity toward increased nocturnality to avoid diurnal control efforts, and thereby cause a behavioural cascade where other species shift activity to maintain temporal segregation from wolves. Wolves shifted activity into the nighttime following predator control, reducing temporal overlap with the other, mostly diurnal, members of the community. Decreases in activity overlap between wolves and other species indicates reduced potential for wolf interactions with ungulate prey and large competitor species. Predator control may therefore not only release species from top to down regulation and competition following numerical suppression of top predators, but also through de‐coupling of temporal overlap, with potential effects on species interactions. Understanding the indirect impacts of conservation strategies such as predator control on both target and non‐target species provides insight into potential disruptions to top–down regulation and the associated species interactions that shape community structure.
Du13 encodes a C2H2 zinc‐finger protein that regulates Wxb pre‐mRNA splicing and microRNA biogenesis in rice endosperm
Authors: Cai Yue , Zhang Wenwei , Fu Yushuang , Shan Zhuangzhuang , Xu Jiahuan , Wang Peng , Kong Fei , Jin Jie , Yan Haigang , Ge Xinyuan , Wang Yongxiang , You Xiaoman , Chen Jie , Li Xin , Chen Weiwei , Chen Xingang , Ma Jing , Tang Xiaojie , Zhang Jie , Bao Yiqun , Jiang Ling , Wang Haiyang , Wan Jianmin
Published: May 2022

Amylose content is a crucial physicochemical property responsible for the eating and cooking quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain and is mainly controlled by the Waxy (Wx) gene. Previous studies have identified several Dull genes that modulate the expression of the Wxb allele in japonica rice by affecting the splicing efficiency of the Wxb pre‐mRNA. Here, we uncover dual roles for a novel Dull gene in pre‐mRNA splicing and microRNA processing. We isolated the dull mutant, du13, with a dull endosperm and low amylose content. Map‐based cloning showed that Du13 encodes a C2H2 zinc‐finger protein. Du13 coordinates with the nuclear cap‐binding complex to regulate the splicing of Wxb transcripts in rice endosperm. Moreover, Du13 also regulates alternative splicing of other protein‐coding transcripts and affects the biogenesis of a subset of microRNAs. Our results reveal an evolutionarily conserved link between pre‐mRNA splicing and microRNA biogenesis in rice endosperm. Our findings also provide new insights into the functions of Dull genes in rice and expand our knowledge of microRNA biogenesis in monocots.
PrivyTo: A privacy‐preserving location‐sharing platform
Authors: McKenzie Grant , Romm Daniel , Zhang Hongyu , Brunila Mikael
Published: May 2022

Concern over the privacy of our personal location is at an all‐time high, yet the desire to share our lives with friends, family, and the public persists. Current methods and applications for sharing location content with the range of people in our lives are sorely lacking. Application users are often limited to sharing a single spatial resolution with all individuals, regardless of relation, and with little control over how this content is shared. Processes for sharing typically involve allowing a for‐profit company access to one’s location before it can be transmitted to the intended recipient. In this work we propose a set of design goals and a design pattern for sharing personal location information that are realized through a prototype mobile web application. Our approach is built on the novel idea of obfuscated and encrypted location views, and promotes a uniquely open method for sharing. The intention of this article is to demonstrate that location sharing need not require one to expose private location information to third parties, and that methods exist to put an individual back in control of their content.
Cost‐effectiveness of pathogen reduction technology for plasma and platelets in Québec: A focus on potential emerging pathogens
Authors: Grégoire Yves , Delage Gilles , Custer Brian , Rochette Samuel , Renaud Christian , Lewin Antoine , Germain Marc
Published: May 2022

Background

The last economic evaluation of pathogen reduction technology (PRT) in Canada was conducted in 2007. We reassessed the cost‐effectiveness of PRT in the province of Québec (which has its own blood supplier) and included an evaluation of the potential impact of emerging pathogens on cost‐effectiveness.

Study Design and Methods

Decision analytic Markov models were developed to simulate the costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) associated with PRT as an addition to existing safety measures for plasma and platelet products (except for bacterial culture). Models accounted for several infectious and noninfectious transfusion reactions, recipients' productivity losses ensuing from these reactions, and the impact of PRT on platelet function. Scenario analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of a new highly contagious human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐like or West Nile virus (WNV)‐like pathogen, assuming various epidemiological scenarios.

Results

In the base case, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of PRT was estimated at $8,088,974/QALY gained. Assuming the presence of an HIV‐like pathogen, the ICER was $265,209/QALY gained in the “average transmission” scenario, $1,274,445/QALY gained in the “rapid testing scenario,” and $123,063/QALY gained in the “highly contagious” scenario. Assuming the presence of a WNV‐like pathogen, the ICER was $7,469,167/QALY gained in the “average transmission” scenario and $6,652,769/QALY gained in the “highly contagious” scenario.

Conclusion

The cost‐effectiveness of PRT may substantially improve in the event of a new, blood‐borne pathogen. Given their significant impact on cost‐effectiveness, the emergence of new pathogens should be considered when deciding whether to adopt PRT.
Accuracy of needle arthroscopy for the diagnosis of medial meniscal tears in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Evers Johanna S. , Kim Stanley E. , Johnson Matthew D. , Lazarus Matthew A.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine the accuracy of needle arthroscopy (NA) for the diagnosis of medial meniscal tears in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR).

Study design

Prospective clinical trial.

Animals

Twenty‐six client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs with CCLR and scheduled to undergo tibial plateau leveling osteotomy were recruited for the study. Needle arthroscopy was performed by an experienced surgeon; the same dog subsequently underwent standard arthroscopy (SA) by another experienced surgeon who was blinded to the NA findings. The SA arthroscopy findings were used as the gold standard. Arthroscopy time, visibility of the menisci, ability to probe the menisci, and the presence of meniscal tears were recorded for both arthroscopies. The degree of lameness before and after NA was subjectively quantified.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity to diagnose medial meniscal tears with NA was 95% and 100%, respectively. Visibility of the menisci was lower (P < .01), probing of the lateral meniscus was harder (P = .0017), and procedure time was shorter (P = .073) with NA when compared to SA. The lameness scores did not differ before and after NA (P = .25).

Conclusion

Needle arthroscopy could be performed rapidly with low morbidity, and had high accuracy for detecting medial meniscal tears in dogs with CCLR.

Clinical significance

Needle arthroscopy is a promising minimally invasive technique for diagnosing medial meniscal tears in dogs with CCLR.
Sub-Second Prediction of the Heatmap of Powder-Beds in Additive Manufacturing Using Deep Encoder–Decoder Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Sofi Ardalan R. , Ravani Bahram
Published: May 2022

Physical modeling of the transient temperature during the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Additive Manufacturing (AM) process is essential for the characterization of the quality and structural integrity of the final products. The conventional numerical models used to simulate the thermal field of Additively Manufactured structures (AM structures) are time-consuming and could not be directly used to develop a real-time simulation or a process control system. This paper presents a deep learning encoder–decoder Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model to predict the thermal field of AM structures. For deep learning training purposes, a time-consuming physics-based simulation was used to create a dataset including thousands of two-dimensional (2D) position-time representations of the laser head with different process parameters and their corresponding heatmap of AM structures. The deep learning model developed based on this dataset is capable of sub-second prediction of the heatmap being more than 41,000 times faster than the physics-based model. The resulting sub-second computational time of the developed deep learning model allows real-time process simulation as well as provides a basis for developing a process control system for the AM process in the future.