bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsequent drought and re‐watering events cause a shift in productivity and nutritive value of alfalfa and hybrid fescue plant
Authors: Kacienė Giedrė , Miškelytėc Diana , Dikšaitytė Austra , Januškaitienė Irena , Sujetovienė Gintarė , Žaltauskaitė Jūratė , Praspaliauskas Marius , Juknys Romualdas
Published: June 2022

Global climate change leads to increasing frequency of droughts, threatening the productivity and quality of forage plants. Therefore, this glasshouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of reoccurring droughts on productivity and nutritive value of alfalfa and hybrid fescue plants. Starting from 63 days after sowing, seedlings of plants were exposed to double drought‐recovery treatments, each separate period lasting for 1 week. At the end of each treatment, growth of above‐ and below‐ground dry weight, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidative capacity, content of polyphenols, soluble and insoluble carbohydrates and proteins, as well as elemental composition of shoots were investigated. The findings confirmed our hypothesis, as growth of both plant species were mostly insignificantly affected by subsequent drought events. Whereas effect on leave redox homeostasis and plant nutritive value was much stronger, highly depending on both plant species and the order of stress event. We found significant drought‐induced increase in the content of water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSCs), starch, soluble and insoluble proteins, and polyphenols. Water shortage tended to decrease and increase the content of most macro‐ and microelements in alfalfa and fescue, respectively. These effects were reversed by re‐watering with several exceptions, such as constant reduction of Ca content in alfalfa. To conclude, alfalfa was found to be more sensitive than fescue to the first drought, but able to recover after both stress events. The second drought‐initiated prolonged accumulation of WSC implies a shift in plants metabolism towards increased resistance and herewith nutritive value with respect to soluble sugars.
Tricuspid regurgitation in His bundle pacing: A systematic review
Authors: Zaidi Syed Muhammad Jawad , Sohail Hasan , Satti Danish Iltaf , Sami Abdul , Anwar Mateen , Malik Jahanzeb , Mustafa Bilal , Mustafa Mohammad , Mehmoodi Amin
Published: June 2022

Objective

This systematic review aimed to explore an association of new TR and its quantification in patients undergoing His bundle pacing (HBP).

Methods

A literature review was conducted using Mesh terms (His bundle pacing, tricuspid regurgitation, tricuspid valve incompetence, etc.) in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library till October 2021. Relevant studies evaluating tricuspid regurgitation in HBP were included and information regarding TR and its related factors (ejection fraction (EF) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class) were retrieved from the eligible studies.

Results

Out of 196 articles, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, which consisted of 546 patients with HBP. The mean age of the patients ranged between 61.2 ± 12.3 and 75.1 ± 7.9 years with 54.1% males. The overall implant success rate was 79.2%. Only one study reported a 5% incidence of TR, while 9 studies reported no new TR after HBP. Four studies reported overall decrease in TR by 1 grade and 3 studies demonstrated increased TR from baseline. Two studies showed no change from baseline TR.

Conclusion

HBP causes improvement in TR grade after HBP for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as well as atrioventricular block (AVB). Further studies in the form of randomized controlled trials are required to further evaluate the effect of HBP on tricuspid valve functioning.
Minimally invasive, ‘en‐bloc’ seminal vesicle excision for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma: surgical technique and short‐term outcomes
Authors: Desouza Ashwin , Kazi Mufaddal , Bankar Sanket , Pandey Diwakar , Janesh Murugan , Saklani Avanish
Published: June 2022

Background

Isolated seminal vesicle invasion is a rare occurrence in patients with locally advanced rectal cancers. This study describes the surgical technique and the perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive ‘en‐bloc’ seminal vesicle excision, preserving the bladder and the prostate.

Methods

A retrospective review of 23 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive, en‐bloc resection of seminal vesicles for locally advanced, non‐metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma between May 2016 and November 2021. Perioperative outcomes and short‐term oncological outcomes were defined.

Results

Eighteen patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure while five received a robotic resection. All patients received preoperative radiation with or without consolidation chemotherapy. The median age was 42 years (range 20–64 years) and the median hospital stay was 8 days (range 3–19 days), respectively. Serious complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ IIIb) were seen in six patients (26.1%). Two patients (8.7%) had an involved circumferential resection margin. At a median follow up of 19 months (range 2–52 months), four patients developed recurrences. The 2‐year overall and disease‐free survival was 84.4% and 73.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive, en‐bloc resection of one or both seminal vesicles for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma, is feasible in a select group of patients with acceptable morbidity and short‐term outcomes.
Maresin 1 intervention reverses experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension in mice
Authors: Li Hui , Li Xinyu , Hao Yu , Wu Chenghua , Fu Yuhao , Su Nana , Chen Houlin , Ying Binyu , Wang Haixing , Su Lihuang , Cai Haijian , He Qinlian , Cai Mengsi , Sun Junwei , Lin Jing , Scott Aaron , Smith Fanggao , Huang Xiaoying , Jin Shengwei
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pulmonary vasculature obstructive disease that leads to right heart failure and death. Maresin 1 is an endogenous lipid mediator known to promote inflammation resolution. However, the effect of Maresin 1 on PAH remains unclear.

Experimental Approach

The serum Maresin 1 concentration was assessed using UPLC. A mouse model of PAH was established by combining the Sugen 5416 injection and hypoxia exposure. After treatment with Maresin 1, the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular function were measured by haemodynamic measurement and echocardiography, respectively. Vascular remodelling was evaluated by histological staining. Confocal microscopy and western blot were used to test related protein expression. In vitro cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed in primary rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Western blotting and siRNA transfection were used to clarify the mechanism of Maresin 1.

Key Results

Endogenous serum Maresin 1 was decreased in PAH patients and mice. Maresin 1 treatment decreased RVSP and attenuated right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in the murine PAH model. Maresin 1 reversed abnormal changes in pulmonary vascular remodelling, attenuating endothelial to mesenchymal transformation and enhancing apoptosis of α‐SMA positive cells. Furthermore, Maresin 1 inhibited PASMC proliferation and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting STAT, AKT, ERK, and FoxO1 phosphorylation via LGR6.

Conclusion and Implications

Maresin 1 improved abnormal pulmonary vascular remodelling and right ventricular dysfunction in PAH mice, targeting aberrant PASMC proliferation. This suggests Maresin 1 may have a potent therapeutic effect in vascular disease.
Efficacy of soft tissue substitutes, in comparison with autogenous grafts, in surgical procedures aiming to increase the peri‐implant keratinized mucosa: A systematic review
Authors: Montero Eduardo , Molina Ana , Matesanz Paula , Monje Alberto , Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Herrera David
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of soft tissue substitutes compared to autogenous gingival grafts in surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of keratinized mucosa (KM) around dental implants.

Materials and Methods

Two focused questions were developed: PICOS #1) “What is the efficacy of surgical procedures using soft tissue substitutes, as compared to autogenous grafts, to increase the amount of peri‐implant keratinized mucosa, in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs)?”; and PICOS #2) “What is the effectiveness of soft tissue substitutes to increase the amount of peri‐implant keratinized mucosa, in RCTs, CCTs, cohort studies or case series?”. Besides KM augmentation, other relevant outcomes such as clinical and radiographic peri‐implant outcomes, incidence of biological complications, surgical time, or patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected. Meta‐analyses were performed whenever possible.

Results

Ten publications and an unpublished study were included. KM augmentation was significantly greater for autogenous grafts (n = 6; weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.9 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI) [−1.4; −0.3]; p = .001). However, no significant differences between autogenous grafts and soft tissue substitutes were observed when exclusively xenografts were considered (n = 5; WMD=−0.8 mm; 95% CI [−1.6; 0.0]; p = .062). Surgical time and postsurgical pain seemed to be reduced by the use of soft tissue substitutes.

Conclusions

Free gingival grafts (FGG) are more effective in the augmentation of KM mucosa around dental implants than soft tissue substitutes. However, substitutes of xenogeneic origin may be an alternative to autogenous tissues.
Relationship between heart rate variability and performance in eccentric training with blood flow restriction
Authors: Santos Igor F. , Lemos Leonardo K. , Biral Taíse M. , de Cavina Allysiê P. S. , Pizzo Junior Eduardo , Teixeira Filho Carlos Alberto T. , Vendrame Julia Waszczuk , Vanderlei Franciele M.
Published: June 2022

Background

The resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) presents results in strength gain and muscle hypertrophy. However, there are no data that evaluate the long‐term adaptation of the autonomic nervous system and its influence on the performance, especially with eccentric contractions.

Objective

To perform a systematic autonomous monitoring during eccentric training with BFR at different loads and to correlate them with possible changes in the performance

Methods

This is a 4‐arms, randomized controlled and single blind trial. Sixty men were randomized in four groups: low and high load eccentric exercise (LL and HL); LL and HL with BFR (LL‐BFR and HL‐BFR). The participants underwent 18 sessions of eccentric exercise for the dominant quadriceps femoris muscle in the isokinetic dynamometer. The performance (strength through isometric, concentric and eccentric peaks torque on the isokinetic dynamometer and Single‐leg Hop Test) was evaluated 1 week before, in the fourth week and 1 week after the end of the training programme. Heart rate variability (HRV) through vagal and global indices was evaluated daily for 15 min before each session.

Results

There was a significant correlation between performance and HRV for LL and HL‐BFR groups, with an increase in parasympathetic indices in the first group and an increase in performance in the second group.

Conclusion

HRV indices are correlated with performance. However, in the LL group, there was an increase in parasympathetic indices without repercussions on performance while, in the HL‐BFR group, there was an increase in performance and no repercussion in the autonomic indices.
The ruling Islamism
Authors: Saad Mamado Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Drawing on the cases of Iraq and Sudan, it can be argued that the mobilization of economic, cultural, and organizational resources along with the concentration of state resources have led to the radicalization of Islamist parties' positions and political discourse. The concentration of resources was an incentive to reward loyalists, support hard‐line discourse, and target opponents by excluding them from political competition. This situation has helped develop a secular and national protest movement that does not believe in the change through elections and political–legal tools, but rather through protest and, in some cases, violent confrontations. However, this secular trans‐sectarian national movement still lacks the ability to mobilize alternative political, economic, and leadership resources to present a coherent and counter a vision for the ruling Islamist parties.
Antiviral treatment with fluoxetine for rituximab‐associated chronic echovirus 13 meningoencephalitis and myofasciitis
Authors: Vermeersch Gaël , Laenen Lies , Lens Géraldine , van der Elst Kim C. M. , Thal Dietmar Rudolf , Jentjens Sander , Demaerel Philippe , Van Nieuwenhuyse Tine , Wollants Elke , Boeckx Nancy , Verhaert Nicolas , Dubois Benedicte , Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Woei‐A‐Jin F. J. Sherida H.
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Enterovirus infections pose a serious threat for patients with humoral deficiencies and may be lethal, whilst the efficacy of proposed treatment options such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins and fluoxetine remains debated.

Methods

Viral clearance was investigated in a patient with rituximab‐induced B‐cell depletion and chronic echovirus 13 (E13) meningoencephalitis/myofasciitis in response to intravenous immunoglobulins and fluoxetine using sequential semi‐quantitative E13 viral load measurements by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Fluoxetine concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were determined by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Results

Intravenous immunoglobulins appeared ineffective in this case of E13 infection, whereas virus clearance in cerebrospinal fluid was obtained after 167 days of oral fluoxetine. Since treatment with corticosteroids resulted in a flare of symptoms, rechallenge with viral load measurements was not attempted.

Conclusion

In this report of a patient with rituximab‐associated chronic echovirus 13 meningoencephalitis, viral clearance in response to single treatment options is assessed for the first time. Our observations further support the in vivo efficacy of fluoxetine against enteroviral infections. More research is needed to establish its efficacy in different enterovirus strains.
Out‐of‐pocket expenditures, catastrophic household finances, and quality of life among hemodialysis patients in Kerala, India
Authors: Valsa Jose Josephine , Susan George Jyothi , Joseph Rajesh , Arun Thomas E. T. , Philip John Geo
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Kidney replacement therapy in chronic kidney disease patients can result in catastrophic health costs, pushing them into poverty in lower middle‐income countries. There are only limited studies from India focusing on the financial hardship of these patients. Data on direct nonmedical and indirect cost of hemodialysis (HD) are also limited. This study aims to find the different components of cost for HD and its association with quality of life (QOL) among HD patients.

Methods

Primary objective was to find the cost of HD, which include direct medical, direct nonmedical and indirect cost. Secondary objective was to study whether the ratio of out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payments for HD to household income can affect the QOL. The QOL was assessed using EQ‐5D‐5L instrument. Catastrophic health care expenditure was defined as OOP health care expenditure exceeding 40% of the household income and distress financing as borrowing money or selling assets to meet the OOP expenditure for treatment.

Findings

Of the 152 patients enrolled for the study, 103 (67.8%) were males. Mean age was 60.9 ± 12.5 years. Monthly OOP expenditure for dialysis was USD 478.4 (362.6–663.6) of which direct nonmedical and indirect expenses constitute USD 115.6 (88.4–292.4). Median percentage of household income spent for dialysis was 194.5 (IQR 128–297). One hundred and forty‐two (93.4%) had catastrophic healthcare expenditure and 76 (50%) had distressing health care expenditure. On multivariable linear regression, proportion of total household income spend for dialysis was associated with poor QOL in patients undergoing HD; coefficient = −0.04 (95% CI −0.008 − 0.092), p = 0.039.

Discussion

Nonmedical direct and indirect cost is substantial among patients undergoing HD. Nine of 10 patients had catastrophic health care expenditure, which pushed 50% of the patients to distress financing.
Liobagrus brevispina, a new species of torrent catfish (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the upper Chang‐Jiang basin, South China
Authors: Xie Rui‐Xia , Cao Liang , Zhang E
Published: June 2022

A new species of Liobagrus is unearthed in the Nan‐Jiang flowing into the Jialing‐Jiang of the upper Chang‐Jiang basin in which currently recognized Chinese congeners have a concentrated distribution. This small‐sized (less than 100.0 mm LS) torrent fish belongs to the species group defined by the presence of a smooth posterior edge of the pectoral‐fin spine and upper and lower jaws of equal length or a lower jaw slightly longer than the upper jaw in length. It is distinct from Liobagrus aequilabris and Liobagrus formosanus by the presence of a pectoral‐fin spine extending short of (vs. beyond) the vertical through the dorsal‐fin origin, maxillary barbels reaching the middle of the pectoral fin (vs. pectoral‐fin insertion or slightly beyond), 17–19 anal‐fin rays (vs. 15–16 in L. formosanus), 39–41 (vs. 35–37 in L. aequilabris) post‐Weberian vertebrae and the pectoral‐fin spine length 3.6%–7.4% of LS (vs. 7.6–10.5 in L. aequilabris). It differs from Liobagrus marginatoides by the presence of upper and lower jaws of equal length (vs. a lower jaw slightly longer than the upper jaw in length) and a rounded or unevenly rounded (vs. subtruncate) caudal fin. The validity of the new species is confirmed by its monophyly recovered in a cytochrome b gene‐based phylogenetic analysis and its significant genetic distance with sampled congeneric species.
Age‐based life history of three groupers in the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Renán Ximena , Brulé Thierry , Galindo‐Cortes Gabriela , Colás‐Marrufo Teresa
Published: June 2022

The three most important grouper fishery species in southern Gulf of Mexico, Epinephelus morio, Mycteroperca bonaci and Mycteroperca microlepis, do not have life history parameters data reported such as growth, age and natural mortality essential to management. Individuals from the three species were captured in the Campeche Bank (CB) at different times from 1988 to 2001. Sagittae were thin‐sectioned to count annuli: n = 1081 for E. morio, n = 920 for M. bonaci and n = 251 for M. microlepis. Otoliths from the three species exhibited successive opaque and translucent bands deposited with an annual frequency, occurring between January and April for E. morio and M. bonaci, and between January and March for M. microlepis. Estimated age in the three grouper species ranged from 0+ to 20 years. The most frequent ages were 7–10 years for E. morio and 8–12 years for M. bonaci and M. microlepis. The von Bertallanfy Growth Function model parameters (L∞, K and t0) were consistent with reported growth patterns for Epinephelidae family species, as established by growth performance Ф' (near 3). The CB groupers appear to reach maximum ages over 13 years with K values between 0.09 and 0.12 year−1, indicating all three studied species displayed relatively slow growth rate and medium longevity. Lifespan values ranged from 13 to 33 years for E. morio, from 18 to 30 years for M. bonaci and from 17 to 33 years for M. microlepis. A50 was 6.1 years for E. morio and 5.5 years for both M. bonaci and M. microlepis. Age at which all females were mature was 8 years for M. bonaci and 10 years for E. morio and M. microlepis. P50 was 9.3 years for E. morio, 13.6 years for M. bonaci and 11.6 years for M. microlepis. Age at which 100% of individuals were male was 13 years for E. morio, 19 years for M. bonaci and 15 years for M. microlepis. Values of M at age exhibited an exponential decrease with age for all three species, but overall values were 0.13 year−1 for E. morio, 0.14 year−1 for M. bonaci and 0.17 year−1 for M. microlepis. For the three species size at age varied by geographical distribution area, but particularly for E. morio the discrepancy in average size between published studies may be the consequence of the fishing effort exerted on the stock and/or the lack of regulation for the fishery prior to 2001; after this stock biomass fell below the reference limit point and was declared overexploited. Resource managers could use the information provided in this study as a reference, representing pre‐overexploitation values, to evaluate the current status of these populations and ensure sustainable management actions for the CB grouper fisheries.
Osmotic dehydration of fruits using unconventional natural sweeteners and non‐thermal‐assisted technologies: A review
Authors: Kaur Damanpreet , Singh Manpreet , Zalpouri Ruchika , Singh Iqbal
Published: June 2022

In the food preservation process, drying or dehydration reduces the moisture content that is needed for the growth and multiplicity of microorganisms that cause food spoilage. Among the most effective and appropriate methods for extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables is osmotic dehydration. This process encourages the movement of water molecules from the food to the osmo‐active solution and a small amount of solute from the solution into the food, resulting in an organoleptic and functional product. Sugar, which is the most popular osmotic agent, presents many health risks. Therefore, this review discusses the mechanisms of osmotic dehydration and the use of unconventional natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, coconut sugar, stevia, and sugar beet molasses as an osmotic agent. Furthermore, certain non‐thermal methods to help osmotic dehydration have been reviewed that may improve the drying and quality parameters of different fruits.

Practical applications

The osmotic dehydration process in fruits reduces postharvest losses, as well as maintaining the initial fruit characteristics such as color, aroma, texture, and nutritional content. The uses of natural sweeteners viz. jaggery and honey as osmotic agents have numerous health benefits. Due to these benefits, it can be used at small scales, home‐scale industries, and large‐scale industries. Various methods can be used to enhance osmotic dehydration, such as pulsed electric fields, high pressure, vacuum, microwave, centrifugal force, or ultrasound, which can be applied to large‐scale industries.
A molecular framework for signaling crosstalk between jasmonate and ethylene in anthocyanin biosynthesis, trichome development, and defenses against insect herbivores in Arabidopsis
Authors: Song Susheng , Liu Bei , Song Junqiao , Pang Shihai , Song Tianxue , Gao Shang , Zhang Yue , Huang Huang , Qi Tiancong
Published: June 2022

The phytohormones ethylene (ET) and jasmonate (JA) regulate plant development, growth, and defense responses; however, the molecular basis for their signaling crosstalk is unclear. Here, we show that JA‐ZIM‐domain (JAZ) proteins, which repress JA signaling, repress trichome initiation/branching and anthocyanin accumulation, and inhibit the transcriptional activity of the basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH)‐MYB members (GLABRA3 (GL3)‐GL1 and TRANSPARENT TESTA 8 (TT8)‐MYB75) of WD‐repeat/bHLH/MYB (WBM) complexes. The ET‐stabilized transcription factors ETHYLENE‐INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) and EIN3‐LIKE1 (EIL1) were found to bind to several members of WBM complexes, including GL3, ENHANCER OF GLABRA3 (EGL3), TT8, GL1, MYB75, and TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (TTG1). This binding repressed the transcriptional activity of the bHLH‐MYB proteins and inhibited anthocyanin accumulation, trichome formation, and defenses against insect herbivores while promoting root hair formation. Conversely, the JA‐activated bHLH members GL3, EGL3, and TT8 of WBM complexes were able to interact with and attenuate the transcriptional activity of EIN3/EIL1 at the HOOKLESS1 promoter, and their overexpression inhibited apical hook formation. Thus, this study demonstrates a molecular framework for signaling crosstalk between JA and ET in plant development, secondary metabolism, and defense responses.
Changes in the number of babies born with Down syndrome in Japan
Authors: Sugo Yoshinobu , Kurasawa Kentaro , Saigusa Yusuke , Hamanoue Haruka , Hirahara Fumiki , Miyagi Etsuko
Published: June 2022

Aim

The number of babies born with Down syndrome has changed in recent years because of widespread availability of prenatal screening and advanced maternal age at delivery. In Japan, which has no public institutions that record data on babies born with chromosomal abnormalities (including Down syndrome), the accurate number remains unknown.

Methods

The Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Birth Defects Monitoring Program (hereafter the JAOG Program) is the only national survey of congenital anomalies in Japan. Using data from this survey and vital statistics, we investigated the changes in the number of babies born with Down syndrome in Japan from 2006 to 2019.

Results

On performing linear regression analysis with the proportion of babies born with Down syndrome as the response variable, and the proportion of mothers giving birth at the age of 35 years or older as the explanatory variable, the regression coefficient was 0.0054 (p < 0.001). The proportion of mothers giving birth at the age of 35 years or older was useful for predicting the proportion of babies born with Down syndrome. This proportion has increased since 2006 but has remained almost unchanged since 2015. In 2019, it was 1/734.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the proportion of mothers giving birth at the age of 35 years or older strongly affected the proportion of babies born with Down syndrome. We assume that the proportion of babies is slightly affected by the increased number of pregnant women currently undergoing prenatal screening after the introduction of noninvasive prenatal genetic testing in 2013.
How social exclusion makes radicalism flourish: A review of empirical evidence
Authors: Pfundmair Michaela , Wood Natasha R. , Hales Andrew , Wesselmann Eric D.
Published: June 2022

In recent years, researchers of various disciplines have developed many theories to understand the radicalization process. One key factor that may promote radicalization is social exclusion, the state of being kept apart from others. Indeed, experimental studies have provided initial evidence for a relation between exclusion and radicalism. The current review outlines and builds upon these research programs, arguing that social exclusion has been shown (a) to increase the willingness to fight‐and‐die, (b) to promote the approval for extreme, even violent, political parties and actions, and (c) to push the willingness to engage in illegal and violent action for a political cause. We close with an agenda for future research and critically discuss implications of this work for social policy.
Temporal and interspecific dietary variation in wintering ducks in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Ando Haruko , Ikeno Susumu , Narita Ayu , Komura Taketo , Takada Atsushi , Isagi Yuji , Oguma Hiroyuki , Inoue Tomomi , Takenaka Akio
Published: June 2022

Farmlands are becoming more important as waterfowl foraging habitats, while natural wetlands are being lost globally. However, it is unclear how waterfowl coexist in agricultural landscapes by resource partitioning. We evaluated the diets of seven sympatric dabbling ducks foraging in rice paddy and lotus fields around Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan, during two wintering seasons (from November to February) by faecal DNA metabarcoding using chloroplast trnL and mitochondrial CO1 region sequences. We examined 420 faecal samples and found different patterns of dietary diversity and composition among the duck species. The pattern also differed between plant and invertebrate food. Dietary niche partitioning was clear in plant food. Large‐bodied ducks intensively use crop plants, and other ducks might mediate competition by using terrestrial and aquatic plants that are suitable for their foraging behaviours or microhabitats. Dietary segregation among species was the most apparent in February, when the abundance of foraging ducks was the largest. This study illustrated the complex pattern of dietary niche partitioning of dabbling ducks in agricultural landscapes, which might be difficult to evaluate by conventional approaches. The availability of crop plants, as well as other plant food resources in flooted areas and farmland dikes, may enable ducks to coexist by spatial or behavioural resource partitioning.
Re‐opening Pandora's box: Who owns professionalism and is it time for a 21st century definition?
Authors: Goddard Viktoria C. T. , Brockbank Susannah
Published: June 2022

Background

The concept of professionalism is dominant within health care education and the lives of practising clinicians globally, and yet there is no single agreed definition nor framework applied universally across the health care professions. This article questions how much attention is paid to where definitions of the concept of professionalism came from and whether the accepted norms within the dominant discourses are still truly applicable to a 21st century workforce.

Method

Taking a critical look at the existing body of literature on professionalism using a locus of medical education, this article reviews who the dominant voices have been in the creation of current understandings of professionalism. Using a pragmatic and targeted approach, regulatory body definitions of professionalism from across the world are compared to demonstrate the complexities of finding a universally accepted definition of the concept.

Results

The article suggests that the extant definitions are grounded but also stuck in a background of Western, White, heteronormative view of society and the professions of the past and argues that we need to better understand the expectations of professionalism from the perspectives of those who now work in health care and health care education, as well as reviewing the views of the “public” within this debate.

Conclusions

By reopening the “Pandora's box” of professionalism, this article argues that we can improve the quality of definitions—and thus application—of professionalism for health care professionals and patients.
Far right: The significance of an umbrella concept
Authors: Pirro Andrea L P
Published: June 2022

This contribution makes the case for a shift in boundaries between the (populist) radical right and the extreme right, arguing for the systematic use of the term ‘far right’. The significance of a deliberately generic but fundamentally meaningful concept such as ‘far right’ is motivated by the growing links between illiberal‐democratic (‘radical right’) and anti‐democratic (‘extreme right’) collective actors. This begs considering the conceptual grounds for differentiation among far‐right collective actors, their underlying dynamics, and why it is important to look at what they do to tackle this phenomenon in practice—that is, to extrapolate their ideological essence and their varying allegiances to democracy. The complexity of far‐right politics questions the long‐standing conceptual distinctions internally defining it. The use of an umbrella concept may thus enhance precision in the discussion of this phenomenon, at the same time highlighting the unfolding of a new phase in nativist politics.
Simulation for ultrasound‐guided renal biopsy using boiled egg
Authors: Tsuji Kenji , Kitamura Shinji , Uchida Haruhito A. , Wada Jun
Published: June 2022

Real‐time ultrasound‐guided renal biopsy is generally applied to diagnose multiple kidney diseases. A practical simulation model is desired since it is an invasive technique with higher risks of complications such as bleeding. We developed a simple simulation tool for ultrasound‐guided renal biopsy using boiled eggs. Boiled chicken eggs were embedded in the agar, and a biopsy simulation was performed using a real‐time ultrasound‐guided technique as the renal biopsy simulator by trainees and biopsy‐proficient nephrologists, and the feedback from the participants was obtained. The ultrasonographic evaluation revealed a clear contrast between egg yolk and white, which clearly mimicked the kidney cortex and medulla region. In addition, we observed the needle entering the egg white under needle penetration, and we obtained the biopsy core consisting of egg white. As for the simulations, all the participants succeeded in obtaining the appropriate samples. A total of 92% of the trainees agreed that the simulation could reduce their fears of performing renal biopsies in patients. In addition, all the trainees and biopsy‐proficient nephrologists recommend using the simulator for trainees before conducting renal biopsies on patients. The total cost of the simulator was low (<USD 1/simulator). Collectively, our simulation tool using boiled eggs may be a good candidate for practical simulation models of renal biopsy.
Functional traits influence patterns in vegetative and reproductive plant phenology – a multi‐botanical garden study
Authors: Sporbert Maria , Jakubka Desiree , Bucher Solveig Franziska , Hensen Isabell , Freiberg Martin , Heubach Katja , König Andreas , Nordt Birgit , Plos Carolin , Blinova Ilona , Bonn Aletta , Knickmann Barbara , Koubek Tomáš , Linstädter Anja , Mašková Tereza , Primack Richard B. , Rosche Christoph , Shah Manzoor A. , Stevens Albert‐Dieter , Tielbörger Katja , Träger Sabrina , Wirth Christian , Römermann Christine
Published: June 2022

Phenology has emerged as key indicator of the biological impacts of climate change, yet the role of functional traits constraining variation in herbaceous species’ phenology has received little attention. Botanical gardens are ideal places in which to investigate large numbers of species growing under common climate conditions. We ask whether interspecific variation in plant phenology is influenced by differences in functional traits.

We recorded onset, end, duration and intensity of initial growth, leafing out, leaf senescence, flowering and fruiting for 212 species across five botanical gardens in Germany. We measured functional traits, including plant height, absolute and specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, leaf carbon and nitrogen content and seed mass and accounted for species’ relatedness.

Closely related species showed greater similarities in timing of phenological events than expected by chance, but species' traits had a high degree of explanatory power, pointing to paramount importance of species’ life‐history strategies. Taller plants showed later timing of initial growth, and flowered, fruited and underwent leaf senescence later. Large‐leaved species had shorter flowering and fruiting durations.

Taller, large‐leaved species differ in their phenology and are more competitive than smaller, small‐leaved species. We assume climate warming will change plant communities’ competitive hierarchies with consequences for biodiversity.
Skin conditions among pediatric dermatology outpatients in Botswana
Authors: Sethomo Warona , Williams Victoria L. , Tladi Paseka , Gabaitiri Lesego , Mazhani Loeto , Steenhoff Andrew P. , Kovarik Carrie
Published: June 2022

Background

An understanding of the prevalence patterns of skin diseases in children in Botswana is needed to guide national dermatological policy development, training, and resource allocation to improve patient care.

Objective

To describe local skin disease patterns in children aged 0–18 years presenting for dermatologic care in Botswana.

Methods

A retrospective review of records from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2016 was conducted at the outpatient dermatology clinic of Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Gaborone, Botswana and outreach clinic sites.

Results

There were 4413 pediatric visits constituting 18.6% of all dermatology visits. There was a slight male predominance of 1.2:1. The majority of disorders were noninfectious 80.1% (3537/4413) versus infectious 14.6% (645/4413), with 5.2% (231/4413) unclassified. In the noninfectious category, two‐thirds were inflammatory, followed by disorders of nails, skin appendages, and pigmentary disorders. Atopic dermatitis was the most common inflammatory disorder. Over half of infectious skin diseases were viral, followed by fungal and bacterial disorders. In the HIV‐related disorders, the majority were verrucae 94% (108/115) followed by Kaposi sarcoma. The nine most common skin diagnoses accounted for close to 70% of all skin diseases seen at the clinic, and these included atopic dermatitis (almost half of all cases), followed by verruca, acne, and vitiligo.

Conclusion

There is a high burden of skin disorders in children in Botswana. In our cohort, a small number of skin conditions made up the vast majority of pediatric diagnoses. This information can be used to guide dermatology training and resource allocation to better manage these common diseases.
Projection in the Face of Centrism: Voter Inferences About Candidates' Party Affiliation in Low‐Information Contexts
Authors: Kevins Anthony , Lee Seonghui
Published: June 2022

When are voters more likely to project their own political position onto a candidate for office? We investigate this question by examining the assumed partisanship of a (self‐declared) centrist politician, using data from a survey experiment fielded in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In doing so, we build on the social categorization model as well as recent U.S.‐focused political science research on projection and ingroup/outgroup racial divides—extending our analysis to incorporate racial and class similarities/differences across three countries where these divides likely vary in salience. We thus seek: (1) to contribute to research on the inferences citizens draw in nonpartisan elections and low‐information contexts generally and (2) to highlight some potential methodological complications of using partisanship‐less candidates in vignette experiments. Results suggest that even in the face of a self‐declared centrist, voters from across the political spectrum tended to assume shared partisanship in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Examining projection by ingroup/outgroup divisions indicated that class appears to shape projection across all three countries, but that the racial divide only mattered in the United States. Finally, we also find evidence of counterprojection toward outgroup members—but once again only in the American context.
Primary Investigation of Ilmenite Dosage Effect on the Water-Based Drilling Fluid Properties
Authors: Aljaberi Jaber Brak , Bageri Badr , Elkatatny Salaheldin Mahmoud
Published: June 2022

A high-density mud is required for deep drilling operations to keep formation pressure under control and avoid the kick. The high-density mud showed several challenges including sagging issues, undesirable rheology parameters, and higher possibility of inducing formation damage. Ilmenite is a weighting material that is used to increase the density of the drilling fluid. The effect of ilmenite dosage on the density of drilling fluid, rheological parameters, filtration, and filter cake qualities was explored in this study. Three different models were used to match the rheological properties including the Bingham model, the power-law model, and the Herschel–Bulkley model. The results showed that the prepared drilling mud density was correlated exactly with the amount of ilmenite added to the formulation. Similarly, the viscosity parameters were increased as ilmenite dosage increased. Even so, the results show that the rheological behavior seems to exhibit perfect matching using the three models, Herschel–Bulkley model was showing the highest accuracy compared to the other investigated models. Notably, the filtration behavior was dominated greatly by ilmenite dosage. The filtration volume and filter cake increased drastically as the ilmenite concentration increased. Correspondingly, the filter cake permeability was increased as the ilmenite concentration increased. Meanwhile, the dense packing of ilmenite particles at high concentrations produced lower filter cake porosity. Correlations were found with excellent accuracy between the ilmenite dosage and the filtration volume and filter cake properties.
Practical Method for Optimizing Capacities of Private Generators Installed in Hospital Buildings During Power Outages
Authors: Uemichi Akane , Kaito Naoki , Yamasaki Yudai , Kaneko Shigehiko
Published: June 2022

In stand-alone operations, on-site generators must balance and meet demand at any time for second-by-second fluctuations in output and load demand. However, the previous optimization tool for private generator configuration in hospital buildings did not consider demand sufficiency. Herein, this qualitative electricity problem was solved by proposing a new optimization method that considers the balance of power supply and demand in the stand-alone operation of on-site generators during power outages. As a demand sufficiency condition, a power balance simulator obtained available configurations of private generators that can be operated within the standard alternating current (AC) frequency range of 49–51 Hz. We also compared case study results by applying these constraints to the findings of earlier studies. The same case study from an earlier paper reported that the optimal amount of photovoltaic systems installed is approximately the upper limit (set at 600 m2 in this calculation) and the optimal solution. In contrast, the optimization results with additional constraints to keep frequency fluctuations within specified limits yielded an optimal value significantly less than the previous optimization; one case study showed that the optimal installation amount of photovoltaics was 0 m2. However, the key equipment in this study was the emergency diesel generator. The emergency generator compensates for power shortages and balances supply and demand under power outages. The results suggest that case studies with demand-satisfying conditions tend to select equipment configurations that effectively improve the expected power shortage rate.
Inherent Magnetic Sensor for Estimation of Fatigue Damage in Type 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Kinoshita Katsuyuki
Published: June 2022

In this study, the fatigue damage in type 304 stainless steel was estimated using an inherent magnetic sensor via plane-bending fatigue tests and the electromagnetic impedance method. The sensor was a magnetic composite material incorporating a ferromagnetic martensite phase generated in type 304 stainless steel by a surface finish process during the production stage. The output properties of this sensor as a function of the number of cycles were evaluated under various conditions. It was demonstrated that this sensor could detect fatigue damage starting from the zeroth cycle. The sensor output repeatability was evaluated, and the variation in the output between the inherent magnetic sensors was approximately 10% regardless of the sensor type and total strain amplitude. By using the two proposed estimation methods, the specific fatigue level and the number of cycles could be estimated with errors of 3–27%. These results indicated that the inherent magnetic sensor was suitable for use for fatigue damage estimation.
On modeling the induced charge in density-functional calculations for field emitters
Authors: Masur S. M. , Edgcombe C. J. , Barnes C. H. W.
Published: June 2022

The default assumption of many density-functional theory codes that the simulation cell is spatially periodic implies that any unbalanced charge in the cell will cause the solution to diverge, unless the imbalance is removed in some unphysical way. Periodic solution thus makes it difficult to model accurately the charge and field that are induced at the apex of a single carbon nanotube (CNT) when a background electric field is applied. We describe how the charge induced in a single cell containing 1.8 nm of the capped end of a (5,5) CNT can be calculated from a macroscopic model of the CNT with an external field acting on the whole CNT. With this method, a cell containing the CNT tip has been analyzed using the program ONETEP, a linear-scaling code that iterates the density kernel and the localized orbitals self-consistently to minimize the Helmholtz free energy. The results shown include (1) the sheath of mobile charge outside the framework of nuclei; (2) Kohn–Sham (KS) orbitals including the localized end states that are occupied when the field is applied; (3) total effective potential distribution as a function of the applied field; and (4) an induced field-enhancement factor of 50 deduced from the change of potential with the applied field. The computation also shows that (5) the charge density in zero field extends into the potential barrier over a distance of at least 0.12 nm beyond the Fermi equipotential, consistent with KS theory for the boundary between emitter and barrier.
Plasma and Interstitial Fluid Pharmacokinetics of Prophylactic Cefazolin in Elective Bariatric Surgery Patients
Authors: Ryan Rochelle L. , Jackson Dwane , Hopkins George , Eley Victoria , Christensen Rebecca , Van Zundert Andre A. J. , Wallis Steven C. , Lipman Jeffrey , Parker Suzanne L. , Roberts Jason A.
Published: June 2022

Guidelines for surgical prophylactic dosing of cefazolin in bariatric surgery vary in terms of recommended dose. This study aimed to describe the plasma and interstitial fluid (ISF) cefazolin pharmacokinetics in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to determine an optimum dosing regimen.
The Association of Human Astrovirus with Extracellular Vesicles Facilitates Cell Infection and Protects the Virus from Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Baez-Navarro Carlos , Quevedo Iván R. , López Susana , Arias Carlos F. , Iša Pavel
Published: June 2022

Astroviruses are an important cause of diarrhea in vulnerable population, particularly children; recently some reports have found these viruses in extra-intestinal organs, including the central nervous system, causing unexpected clinical disease. In this work, we found that human astrovirus strain Yuc8 associates with extracellular vesicles, possibly during or after their cell egress.
Glutamine Is Required for M1-like Polarization of Macrophages in Response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Jiang Qingkui , Qiu Yunping , Kurland Irwin J. , Drlica Karl , Subbian Selvakumar , Tyagi Sanjay , Shi Lanbo
Published: June 2022

Macrophages play essential roles in determining the progression and final outcome of human infection by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. While upregulation of hypoxia-inducible-factor 1 (HIF-1) and a metabolic reprogramming to the Warburg Effect-like state are known to be critical for immune cell activation in response to
M. tuberculosis
infection, our overall knowledge about the immunometabolism of M1-like macrophages is poor.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Listeria monocytogenes Strain from a Sample of Kale Salad
Authors: Duceppe Marc-Olivier , Naushad Sohail , Mathews Amit , Kang Mingsong , Wang Lin Ru , Huang Hongsheng
Published: June 2022

Listeria monocytogenes
is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium that is an important foodborne bacterial pathogen for humans worldwide, with high mortality rates. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a
Listeria monocytogenes
strain that was isolated from kale salad in Canada.
Environment Constrains Fitness Advantages of Division of Labor in Microbial Consortia Engineered for Metabolite Push or Pull Interactions
Authors: Beck Ashley E. , Pintar Kathryn , Schepens Diana , Schrammeck Ashley , Johnson Timothy , Bleem Alissa , Du Martina , Harcombe William R. , Bernstein Hans C. , Heys Jeffrey J. , Gedeon Tomas , Carlson Ross P.
Published: June 2022

Most naturally occurring microorganisms persist in consortia where metabolic interactions are common and often essential to ecosystem function. This study uses synthetic ecology to test how different cellular interaction motifs influence performance properties of consortia.