bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging technologies in combination with probiotics for aflatoxins removal: an updated review
Authors: Abdolmaleki Khadije , Javanmardi Fardin , Gavahian Mohsen , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Ruksiriwanich Warintorn , Mir Shabir Ahmad , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: June 2022

Aflatoxins are known for their high toxicity, and their presence in food is associated with a high health risk. The levels were set for aflatoxin in different foodstuffs to protect public health. Various chemical, physical, and biological methods have been reported for decontamination and detoxifying aflatoxins. Among biological methods, probiotics have an important role in the decontamination of aflatoxins. At the same time, some emerging food processing technologies showed promising results in aflatoxin degradation. This article reviewed significant studies of the last four years that investigated the effects of probiotics on the degradation rate of aflatoxins. Discussions on the possible contribution of emerging technologies along with probiotics are also provided. The results showed that the bioavailability of aflatoxins was reduced by adsorption or binding to probiotics’ cell walls, which increased their excretion rate. Besides, the amount of aflatoxin absorbed by probiotics depends on several parameters, including the complexity of the food matrix. Therefore, probiotics can be used as an effective method to reduce the absorption of aflatoxins in combination with other methods.
Testosterone level in seminal vesicle fluid is a better indicator of erectile function than serum testosterone in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Kashiwagi Eiji , Shiota Masaki , Naganuma Hidekazu , Monji Keisuke , Imada Kenjiro , Lee Ken , Matsumoto Takashi , Takeuchi Ario , Inokuchi Junichi , Eto Masatoshi
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Semen comprises prostatic fluid and seminal vesicle fluid, and seminal vesicle fluid contains various factors such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), zinc, and testosterone, which play important roles in sperm motility. It is not known whether these factors affect erectile function. In this study, we investigated factors in seminal vesicle fluid that may affect erectile function.

Methods

After receiving institutional review board approval, we collected seminal vesicle fluid samples from 134 Japanese patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. We examined the relationship between the results of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), erection hardness score, an original questionnaire on the presence or absence of sexual desire, and concentrations of several factors in seminal vesicle fluid (testosterone, PGE2, transforming growth factor β1, and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine), as well as the serum testosterone level.

Results

Median participant age was 67 (range 51–77) years. Median concentrations were as follows: seminal vesicle testosterone 1.85 (range 0.17–4.32) ng/ml and serum testosterone 4.60 (range 1.75–10.82) ng/ml. When the SHIM score was divided into two groups, seminal vesicle testosterone concentration was significantly increased (p = 0.002) in participants with a SHIM score ≥17, and no significant difference was observed in serum testosterone levels (p = 0.661). Multivariate analysis revealed that seminal vesicle testosterone was significantly correlated with the SHIM score (≥17 vs. <17; odds ratio 2.137, 95% confidence interval 1.148–3.978, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Testosterone levels in seminal vesicle fluid can reflect erectile function in patients with prostate cancer, suggesting that seminal vesicle testosterone is very important for male erectile function.
Differences in the pattern and cost of hospital care between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis: an exploratory study
Authors: Amarasena Samath , Clark Paul J. , Gordon Louisa G. , Toombs Maree , Pratt Greg , Hartel Gunter , Bernardes Christina M. , Powell Elizabeth E. , Valery Patricia C.
Published: June 2022

Background

Liver diseases are important contributors to the mortality gap between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians.

Aims

This cohort study examined factors associated with hospital admissions and healthcare outcomes among Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis.

Methods

Patient‐reported outcomes were obtained by face‐to‐face interview (Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and Short Form 36 (SF‐36)). Clinical data were extracted from medical records and through data linkage for 534 patients (25 indigenous). Cumulative overall survival (Kaplan–Meier), rates of hospital admissions and emergency presentations, and costs were assessed by indigenous status. Incidence rate ratios (IRR; Poisson regression) were reported.

Results

Indigenous Australians admitted to hospital with cirrhosis had lower educational status compared with non‐indigenous patients (79.2% vs 43.4%; P < 0.001). The two groups had, in general, similar clinical characteristics including disease severity (P = 0.78), presence of cirrhosis complications (P = 0.67), comorbidities (P = 0.62), rates of cirrhosis‐related admissions (P = 0.86) and 5‐year survival (P = 0.30). However, indigenous patients had a lower score in the SF‐36 domain related to bodily pain (P = 0.037), more cirrhosis admissions via the emergency department (IRR = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.83) and fewer planned cirrhosis admissions (IRR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.72). The total cost for cirrhosis‐related hospital admissions for 534 patients over 6 years (July 2012 to June 2018) was A$13.7 million. The cost of cirrhosis‐related hospital admissions was double for indigenous patients (cost ratio = 2.04, 95% CI 2.04–2.05).

Conclusions

Our data highlight the disparities in health service use and patient‐reported outcomes, despite having similar clinical profiles. Integration between primary care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and liver specialists is critical for appropriate health service delivery and effective use of resources. Chronic liver disease costs the community dearly.
Osmotic demyelination syndrome: novel risk factors and proposed pathophysiology
Authors: Ambati Ravi , Kho Lay K. , Prentice David , Thompson Andrew
Published: June 2022

Background

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is non‐inflammatory demyelination in response to an osmotic challenge. It can be pontine or extrapontine in presentation.

Aims

To retrospectively review cases involving ODS and define the spectrum of causes, risk factors, clinical and radiological presentations, and functional outcomes.

Results

The study utilised data from 15 patients with a mean age of 53.6 years. Malnutrition (9; 60%) and chronic alcoholism (10; 66.7%) were the most common associated disorders. Two (13.3%) patients had severe hyponatraemia (<120 mmol/L). The average highest single‐day change was 5.1 mmol/L. Radiologically, 14 (93.3%) had pontine and 6 (40%) had extra‐pontine lesions. Hypokalaemia (14; 93.3%) and hypophosphataemia (9; 60%) were commonly associated. Common clinical manifestations include altered consciousness/encephalopathy (9; 60%), dysphagia (4; 26.7%) and limb weakness (4; 26.7%). At 3 months, two (14.3%) had died and six (40%) were functionally independent (modified Rankin scale 0–2).

Conclusion

We found that ODS occurred despite appropriate correction rates of hyponatraemia. Factors such as malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, hypokalaemia and hypophosphataemia are thought to play a role in its pathogenesis. Approximately half of the patients survived and became functionally independent.
Improved metabolic parameters of people with diabetes attending an Aboriginal health service in regional Victoria
Authors: Eer Audrey S. , Hearn Tracey , Atkinson‐Briggs Sharon , Drake Shannon , Singh Satpal , Neoh Sandra , Pyrlis Felicity , Hachem Mariam , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Burchill Luke J. , O'Brien Richard C. , Ekinci Elif I.
Published: June 2022

Background

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have higher rates of diabetes and its complications than non‐Aboriginal people. Rumbalara Aboriginal Co‐operative is the major primary healthcare provider for Aboriginal people in the Greater Shepparton region.

Aims

To evaluate the baseline metabolic parameters and presence of diabetes complications in people with type 2 diabetes attending Rumbalara Aboriginal Co‐operative in 2017 and compare it with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies and Australian specialist diabetes services.

Methods

Clinical and biochemical characteristics, including diabetes type, age, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, micro‐ and macrovascular complications, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), haemoglobin, renal function, lipid profile, urine albumin:creatinine ratio, diabetes medications, renin angiotensin system inhibition therapies, HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors and antiplatelet agents, were determined.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐six individuals had diabetes, 121 had type 2 diabetes. One hundred and thirteen identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Median age was 57.5 (48–68) years, median HbA1c was 7.8% (6.8–9.6) and median BMI was 33.4 kg/m2 (29–42.3). Compared with other Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, this population was older and had more obesity, but with better glycaemia management. Compared with specialist diabetes services, this population was of similar age, with greater BMI but comparable HbA1c.

Conclusions

Aboriginal people living with type 2 diabetes attending this regional Aboriginal health service have comparable glycaemic management to specialist diabetes services in Australia, managed largely by primary care physicians with limited access to specialist care for the past 5 years.
Impact of aqueous solution pH on network structure of corrosion‐induced surface layers of boroaluminosilicate glass
Authors: Kaya Huseyin , Gin Stephane , Vogt Bryan D. , Kim Seong H.
Published: June 2022

Understanding of the long‐term stability of vitrified nuclear waste glass is critical to its safe storage, but knowledge gaps remain regarding the corrosion mechanism, especially with respect to surface alteration layers whose presence changes the observed corrosion rates. Here, we report the aqueous corrosion of a model boroaluminosilicate glass at ground water relevant pHs as investigated by vibrational spectroscopy to understand the network structure of the alteration layer that we hypothesize controls the corrosion rates. Both specular reflection infrared spectroscopy and infrared variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry were used to elucidate details of the structure of the alteration layers formed at pH 7 and pH 9. After 2312 days, the thickness of the alteration layer is found to be ∼2000 nm for corrosion at pH 7 and ∼300 nm for corrosion at pH 9. The interpretation of the vibrational spectra suggests that alteration layers formed at pH 7 and pH 9 both exhibit a porous network with "silica‐like" structures, but with differences in the bond lengths and bond angles in the glass network. Moreover, the relative abundance of the hydrous species within the porous network appears to be dependent on pH. Additionally, the spectroscopic data suggest that the B and Ca trapped in the alteration layer during the secondary corrosion of the pH 9 pre‐corroded sample in pH 3 solution are hydrated within the nano‐porous layer and not bound to the silicate network. However, the precise chemical form remains to be determined. Based on these findings, we propose that the combination of the network structure of the alteration layer and the relative abundance of hydrous species within the alteration layer act to control the transport of ionic species dissolved from the reaction front to the aqueous solution outside the glass.
Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation of structural and elastic properties of SiO2–P2O5–Al2O3–Na2O glass
Authors: Qian Yixiao , Song Bin , Jin Junteng , Prayogo Genki I. , Utimula Keishu , Nakano Kousuke , Maezono Ryo , Hongo Kenta , Zhao Gaoling
Published: June 2022

The effects of P2O5 content on the structural and mechanical properties of phosphoaluminosilicate glasses were studied using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Structural simulations involving the partial radial distribution functions, angle distributions, and proportions of bridging oxygen and nonbridging oxygen species were performed. The results indicated that an increase in the phosphorus content disordered the distributions of the bond length and bond angle. At low phosphorus contents (P2O5 < 5.17 mol%), phosphorus captured sodium ions in the Si–ONBO–Na linkage and formed a P–ONBO–Na linkage, completing the silicate network. With P2O5 contents ranging from 5.17 mol% to 8.62 mol%, PO4 units existed in the glass network in the form of Si–OBO–P and Al–OBO–P linkages. At higher phosphorus contents (18.97 mol% < P2O5 < 50.00 mol%), silicate glass network transformed into a phosphate glass network, the negative charge generated by AlO4 units was compensated by Al–OBO–P linkage. In particular, the generation mechanisms of oxygen triclusters and five‐coordinate aluminum as well as their evolutions were elaborated. Regarding the mechanical properties, atomic bonding strength was examined to analyze the intrinsic nature of the elastic modulus in phosphoaluminosilicate glass. The results indicated that P‐O bonding strength significantly contributed to the elastic modulus.
Quantitative inspection of grain‐scale chemical inhomogeneities in high‐entropy AlB2‐type transition metal diborides
Authors: Monteverde Frédéric , Saraga Federico , Gaboardi Mattia , Feng Lun , Hilmas Gregory , Fahrenholtz William
Published: June 2022

The chemical homogeneity of single phase high‐entropy AlB2‐type Ti‐Zr‐Hf‐Ta‐TM diboride (TM = Cr, V, W, Mo), as well as Ti‐Zr‐Hf‐Mo‐W solid solutions was investigated using a new method based on the comparative examination of information provided by electron microscopy and structural parameters. The study of the densification behavior was accomplished, and strong correlations among densification rate‐grain coarsening‐long range chemical randomization were found. High‐resolution synchrotron radiation X‐ray diffraction supported by grain‐scale chemical analyses by energy dispersive spectroscopy indicated that homogenization of the metals was incomplete, with direct impact on the refined lattice μ‐strain. The chemical inhomogeneity was on the same length scale as the grain size, which makes it hardly detectable by typical chemical mapping using energy dispersive spectroscopy. Based on this analysis, the resulting μ‐strain broadening is not an intrinsic property of the material, but strongly depends on its processing history.
Sintering and foaming of bioactive glasses
Authors: Blaeß Carsten , Müller Ralf
Published: June 2022

Sintering, crystallization, and foaming of 44.8SiO2–2.5P2O3–36.5CaO–6.6Na2O–6.6K2O–3.0CaF2 (F3) and 54.6SiO2–1.7P2O3–22.1CaO–6.0Na2O–7.9K2O–7.7MgO (13–93) bioactive glass powders milled in isopropanol and CO2 were studied via heating microscopy, differential thermal analysis, vacuum hot extraction (VHE), Infrared spectroscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Full densification was reached in any case and followed by significant foaming. VHE studies show that foaming is driven by carbon gases and carbonates were detected by Infrared spectroscopy to provide the major foaming source. Carbonates could be detected even after heating to 750°C, which hints on a thermally very stable species or mechanical trapping. Otherwise, dark gray compact colors for milling in isopropanol indicate the presence of residual carbon as well. Its significant contribution to foaming, however, could not be proved and might be limited by the diffusivity of oxygen needed for carbon oxidation to carbon gas.
Association of human leukocyte antigen DQ-rs3920AG genotype with Helicobacter pylori recurrence in Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
Authors: Ghazy Amany A. , Taha Ahmed E.
Published: June 2022

Aims

The aim was to evaluate the role of HLA-DP/DQ single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Helicobacter pylori infection in Kafrelsheikh governorate, Egypt.

Methods and results

The study enrolled 120 persons; 48 naïve H. pylori-infected patients, 42 relapsers and 30 H. pylori-free controls. Gastroscopy, H. pylori stool antigen, anti-CagA and anti-VacA antibodies were determined. Genotyping of HLA-DPA1rs3077 (A/G) SNP and HLA-DQ-rs3920(A/G) SNP was done using real-time PCR. The antibody profile against H. pylori showed that 85.7% of patients with recurrent infection have IgG against CagA (p = 0.001*). There was a significant association between the occurrence of H. pylori infection and both HLA-DPA1rs3077AA and HLA-DQ-rs3920AG genotypes. Concerning H. pylori relapse, the HLA-DQ-rs3920AG genotype was detected in 78.6% of patients with recurrent infection (p = 0.002*). Patients carrying this genotype tend to be relapsers 9.8 times more than patients carrying other genotypes.

Conclusions

HLA-DPA1rs3077AA and/or HLA-DQ-rs3920AG genotypes could be risk factors for the occurrence of H. pylori infection. HLA-DQ-rs3920AG genotype is markedly linked to recurrent H. pylori infection.

Significance and impact of the study

Host factors as HLA gene polymorphism could be a predisposing factor for susceptibility, recurrence or chronicity of H. pylori and should be studied in different ethnic groups.
Infection and antibiotic treatment have prolonged effects on gut microbiota, muscle and hepatic fatty acids in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Parshukov Aleksey N. , Fokina Natalia N. , Sukhovskaya Irina V. , Kantserova Nadezhda P. , Lysenko Liudmila A.
Published: June 2022

Aims

The aim of the present study was to investigate the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and bacterium-specific fatty acid occurrence in the muscle and hepatic lipids of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792), both healthy and those naturally infected with bacterial pathogens.

Methods and Results

From June 2017 (L1) to September 2018 (L8), 74 specimens of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (with an average weight from 139.2 ± 7.1 g (L1) to 2191.7 ± 85.1 g (L8)) were studied. Amplicon sequencing targeted to the V3–V4 region of 16S rRNA gene fragments is used for the identification of the taxonomic composition of gut bacterial communities. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes and Fusobacteria were the major phyla. Besides behavioural and physiological manifestations of the bacterial mixed disease (yersiniosis, pseudomonosis and flavobacteriosis), some disorders induced by both the infection and followed antibiotic treatment were detected in the host organism, including (1) a progressive decrease in the content of odd-chain saturated fatty acids of bacterial origin within the trout lipid molecules and (2) abnormalities in trout GI tract microbiota, such as the elimination of LAB and progressive occurrence of certain bacterial taxa, particularly Mycoplasmataceae.

Conclusions

The GI bacterial flora varied principally due to Mycoplasmataceae and Lactobacillaceae, which could be considered in the search for bioindicators. The content of specific bacterium-derived fatty acids incorporated into the lipids of trout muscle and hepatic seems to be related to the prevalence of bacterial taxa, and their deficit could be regarded as an early warning sign of microbiota disturbance.

Significance and impact of study

Our results demonstrated that infectious disease and antibiotic treatment of reared species can cause a pertinent imbalance in their gut microbiota and reduce the abundance of specific fatty acids. This can be useful for the sustainable aquaculture industry due to the development of early indication technologies for rapid disease diagnosis.
Probiotic potentials of the silkworm gut symbiont Enterococcus casseliflavus ECB140, a promising L-tryptophan producer living inside the host
Authors: Liang Xili , He Jintao , Zhang Nan , Muhammad Abrar , Lu Xingmeng , Shao Yongqi
Published: June 2022

Aims

L-tryptophan is an essential aromatic amino acid for the growth and development of animals. Studies about enteric L-tryptophan-producing bacteria are scarce. In this report, we characterized the probiotic potential of Enterococcus casseliflavus ECB140, focusing on its L-tryptophan production abilities.

Methods and results

ECB140 strain was isolated from the silkworm gut and can survive under strong alkaline environmental conditions. Bacterial colonization traits (motility and biofilm) were examined and showed that only ECB140 produced flagellum and strong biofilms compared with other Enterococcus strains. Comparative genome sequence analyses showed that only ECB140 possessed a complete route for L-tryptophan synthesis among all 15 strains. High-performance liquid chromatography and qRT-PCR confirmed the capability of ECB140 to produce L-tryptophan. Besides, the genome also contains the biosynthesis pathways of several other essential amino acids, such as phenylalanine, threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine and lysine. These results indicate that ECB140 has the ability to survive passage through the gut and could act as a candidate probiotic.

Conclusions

The study describes a novel, natural silkworm gut symbiont capable of producing L-tryptophan. Enterococcus casseliflavus ECB140 physical and genomic attributes offer possibilities for its colonization and provide L-tryptophan for lepidopteran insects.
Quid Pro Quo. The Effect of Issue Linkage on Member States' Bargaining Success in European Union Lawmaking
Authors: Kirpsza Adam
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates how issue linkage between the European Parliament (EP) and the Council affects Member States' bargaining success in European Union lawmaking. Drawing from the spatial model of EU decision‐making and the relais actors thesis, it theorizes the general and conditional effect of inter‐institutional package deals on states' bargaining satisfaction. Using the DEUII dataset, the analysis reveals the following findings. First, issue linkage has a varying effect on preference attainment as cross‐legislation packages decrease states' bargaining success, while within‐legislation logrolls increase it. Second, states with centrist preferences are less successful when issue linkage occurs. By contrast, package deals favour Member States sharing positions with the EP and those holding the EP rapporteur and the Council presidency. However, these effects vary with the type of package deals and the voting rule in the Council. Third, in contrast to conventional negotiations, issue linkage produces a relatively symmetric distribution of bargaining success among Member States.
The progression of flood risk in southern Alberta since the 2013 flood
Authors: Bryant Seth P. , Davies Evan G. R. , Sol David , Davis Sandy
Published: June 2022

After a century of semi‐restricted floodplain development, Southern Alberta, Canada, was struck by the devastating 2013 Flood. Aging infrastructure and limited property‐level floodproofing likely contributed to the $4–6 billion (CAD) losses. Following this catastrophe, Alberta has seen a revival in flood management, largely focused on structural protections. However, concurrent with the recent structural work was a 100,000+ increase in Calgary's population in the 5 years following the flood, leading to further densification of high‐hazard areas. This study implements the novel Stochastic Object‐based Flood damage Dynamic Assessment (SOFDA) model framework to quantify the progression of the direct‐damage flood risk in a mature urban neighborhood after the 2013 Flood. Five years of remote‐sensing data, property assessment records, and inundation simulations following the flood are used to construct the model. Results show that in these 5 years, vulnerability trends (like densification) have increased flood risk by 4%; however, recent structural mitigation projects have reduced overall flood risk by 47% for this case study. These results demonstrate that the flood management revival in Southern Alberta has largely been successful at reducing flood risk; however, the gains are under threat from continued development and densification absent additional floodproofing regulations.
Sharenting in an evolving digital world: Increasing online connection and consumer vulnerability
Authors: Ong L. Lin , Fox Alexa K. , Cook Laurel Aynne , Bessant Claire , Gan Pingping , Hoy Mariea Grubbs , Nottingham Emma , Pereira Beatriz , Steinberg Stacey Barell
Published: June 2022

Sharenting (using social media to share content about one's child) is a progressively common phenomenon enabled by society's increased connection to digital technology. Although it can encourage positive connections to others, it also creates concerns related to children's privacy and well‐being. In this paper, we establish boundaries and terminology related to sharenting in an evolving digital world. We conceptualize a modern sharenting ecosystem involving key stakeholders (parents, children, community, commercial institutions, and policymakers), by applying consumer vulnerability theory to explore the increased online connection that occurs as work, school, and socialization become increasingly more virtual. Next, we expand the characterization of sharenting by introducing a spectrum of sharenting awareness that categorizes three types of sharenting (active, passive, and invisible). Finally, we provide a research agenda for policymakers and consumer welfare researchers.
A critical review focusing the effect of ingredients on the textural properties of plant‐based meat products
Authors: Younis Kaiser , Ashfaq Alweera , Ahmad Alisha , Anjum Zayeema , Yousuf Owais
Published: June 2022

Plant‐based meat alternatives have been studied for decades, but have recently gained more attraction in the food industries and research communities. Concern about animal welfare, health, environment and moral beliefs acts as a driving force for the growth of plant‐based meat products. The most challenging task in the development of meat analog is to imitate the texture of conventional meat products. The fabrication of plant‐based meat product requires a wise selection and formulation of ingredients to perfectly mimic the fibrous structure of meat. Top‐down and bottom‐up approaches are the two most commonly used structuring techniques for the preparation of plant‐based meat products. Development of comminuted meat product is easy as compared with the whole‐muscle type plant‐based meat products. Several plant‐based ingredients such as texturized and non‐texturized proteins, fats, binding agents, flavoring and coloring agents accompanied with different processing techniques (extrusion, shear cell, wet spinning, electrospinning, and freeze structuring) are used in the preparation of meat analogs. This article aims to discuss the impact of ingredients on the textural properties of plant‐based meat products.
Pharmacokinetic characteristics of azithromycin in freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) after intramuscular administration at three different dosages
Authors: Sukkheewan Rattapong , Poapolathep Amnart , Giorgi Mario , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Wongwaipairoj Tara , Udomkusonsri Pareeya , Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Poapolathep Saranya
Published: June 2022

The study evaluated the pharmacokinetic features of azithromycin (AZM) in 15 freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Thailand. The crocodiles were administered a single intramuscular (i.m.) injection of AZM at three different dosages of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at pre‐assigned times up to 168 h. The plasma concentrations of AZM were measured using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. The plasma concentration of AZM were quantifiable for up to 168 h after i.m. administration at the three different dosages. A non‐compartmental model was used to fit the plasma concentration of AZM versus the time curve for each crocodile. The elimination half‐life values of AZM were 33.70, 38.11, and 34.80 h following i.m. injection after dosages of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg b.w., respectively. There were no significant differences among groups. The results indicated that the overall rate of elimination of AZM in freshwater crocodiles was relatively slow. The maximum concentration and area under the curve from zero to the last values of AZM increased in a dose‐dependent fashion. The average binding percentage of AZM to plasma protein was 48.66%. Based on the pharmacokinetic data, the susceptibility break‐point and the surrogate PK‐PD index (T > MIC), the intramuscular administration of AZM at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. might be appropriate for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections (MIC < 4 μg/ml) in freshwater crocodiles.
Hierarchical regulation of Burkholderia glumae type III secretion system by GluR response regulator and Lon protease
Authors: Marunga Joan , Kang Yongsung , Goo Eunhye , Hwang Ingyu
Published: June 2022

Expression of type III secretion system (T3SS) genes, which are important for the virulence of phytopathogenic bacteria, is induced in the plant apoplastic environment or artificially amended growth conditions. Wild‐type Burkholderia glumae BGR1, which causes rice panicle blight, induced a hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco plants, whereas the T3SS genes were not significantly expressed in the commonly used hrp induction medium. T3SS gene expression in B. glumae was dependent on HrpB, a well known T3SS gene transcriptional regulator. Here, we report a stepwise mechanism of T3SS gene regulation by the GluR response regulator and Lon protease in addition to HrpB‐mediated control of T3SS genes in B. glumae. The gluR mutant showed no HR in tobacco plants and exhibited attenuated virulence in rice plants. GluR directly activated hrpB expression, indicating that hrpB belongs to the GluR regulon. The lon mutation allowed high expression of the T3SS genes in nutrient‐rich media. Lon directly activated gluR expression but repressed hrpB expression, indicating that Lon acts as a regulator rather than a protease. However, the lon mutant failed to induce an HR and virulence, suggesting that Lon not only acts as a negative regulator, but also has an essential, yet to be determined role for T3SS. Our results demonstrate the involvement of the two‐component system response regulator GluR and Lon in T3SS gene regulation, providing new insight into the complex interplay mechanisms of regulators involved in T3SS gene expression in bacteria–plant interactions.
Smartphone‐based home workout program for shift‐work nurses working during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Baek Yunmi , Han Kihye , Kim Jieun , Yoo Hae Young
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to develop a smartphone‐based home workout program for shift‐work nurses to increase their levels of exercise and examine its effects on health (sleep disturbance, fatigue, musculoskeletal problems, and resilience) and nursing performance. For this quasiexperimental study with a nonequivalent control group, 54 shift‐work nurses were recruited from two general wards at a hospital in Korea and assigned to the intervention and control groups. Nurses in the intervention group were encouraged to exercise regularly using the home workout application for 18 weeks. For the first 12 weeks, text‐message counseling and environmental improvement were carried out; only environmental improvement was implemented in the remaining 12–18 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. After excluding dropouts, the data of the final 25 participants in the intervention group and 24 participants in the control group were analyzed. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in physical and psychological health. Hospital organizations could adopt a smartphone‐based home workout program to overcome obstacles to exercise, which could lead to positive health outcomes for shift‐work nurses.
The ecology of palm genomes: repeat‐associated genome size expansion is constrained by aridity
Authors: Schley Rowan J. , Pellicer Jaume , Ge Xue‐Jun , Barrett Craig , Bellot Sidonie , Guignard Maïté S. , Novák Petr , Suda Jan , Fraser Donald , Baker William J. , Dodsworth Steven , Macas Jiří , Leitch Andrew R. , Leitch Ilia J.
Published: June 2022

Genome size varies 2400‐fold across plants, influencing their evolution through changes in cell size and cell division rates which impact plants' environmental stress tolerance. Repetitive element expansion explains much genome size diversity, and the processes structuring repeat ‘communities’ are analogous to those structuring ecological communities. However, which environmental stressors influence repeat community dynamics has not yet been examined from an ecological perspective.

We measured genome size and leveraged climatic data for 91% of genera within the ecologically diverse palm family (Arecaceae). We then generated genomic repeat profiles for 141 palm species, and analysed repeats using phylogenetically informed linear models to explore relationships between repeat dynamics and environmental factors.

We show that palm genome size and repeat ‘community’ composition are best explained by aridity. Specifically, Ty3‐gypsy and TIR elements were more abundant in palm species from wetter environments, which generally had larger genomes, suggesting amplification. By contrast, Ty1‐copia and LINE elements were more abundant in drier environments.

Our results suggest that water stress inhibits repeat expansion through selection on upper genome size limits. However, elements that may associate with stress‐response genes (e.g. Ty1‐copia) have amplified in arid‐adapted palm species. Overall, we provide novel evidence of climate influencing the assembly of repeat ‘communities’.
Specialist root herbivore modulates plant transcriptome and downregulates defensive secondary metabolites in a brassicaceous plant
Authors: Karssemeijer Peter N. , de Kreek Kris A. , Gols Rieta , Neequaye Mikhaela , Reichelt Michael , Gershenzon Jonathan , van Loon Joop J. A. , Dicke Marcel
Published: June 2022

Plants face attackers aboveground and belowground. Insect root herbivores can lead to severe crop losses, yet the underlying transcriptomic responses have rarely been studied.

We studied the dynamics of the transcriptomic response of Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) primary roots to feeding damage by cabbage root fly larvae (Delia radicum), alone or in combination with aboveground herbivory by cabbage aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) or diamondback moth caterpillars (Plutella xylostella). This was supplemented with analyses of phytohormones and the main classes of secondary metabolites; aromatic, indole and aliphatic glucosinolates.

Root herbivory leads to major transcriptomic rearrangement that is modulated by aboveground feeding caterpillars, but not aphids, through priming soon after root feeding starts. The root herbivore downregulates aliphatic glucosinolates. Knocking out aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis with CRISPR‐Cas9 results in enhanced performance of the specialist root herbivore, indicating that the herbivore downregulates an effective defence.

This study advances our understanding of how plants cope with root herbivory and highlights several novel aspects of insect–plant interactions for future research. Further, our findings may help breeders develop a sustainable solution to a devastating root pest.
Effect of early‐life exposure to PM2.5 on childhood asthma/wheezing: a birth cohort study
Authors: Chen Guimin , Zhou He , He Guanhao , Zhu Sui , Sun Xiaoli , Ye Yufeng , Chen Hanwei , Xiao Jianpeng , Hu Jianxiong , Zeng Fangfang , Yang Pan , Gao Yanhui , He Zhongrong , Wang Jiong , Cao Ganxiang , Chen Yumeng , Feng Hao , Ma Wenjun , Liu Chaoqun , Liu Tao
Published: June 2022

Background

Although studies have investigated the association between early‐life exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and childhood asthma/wheezing, results are inconsistent and the susceptible exposure window remains largely unknown.

Methods

A prospective birth cohort study was conducted to recruit pregnant women during their early pregnancy, and to follow up them and their children up to 3–4 years old. Diagnosis of asthma/wheezing was extracted from children's medical records. A spatiotemporal land‐use regression (ST‐LUR) model was used to assess maternal exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy and their children's exposure after birth. The Cox proportional hazards model and accelerated failure time model (for violation of proportional hazards assumption) were applied to estimate the effects of prenatal and postnatal exposures to PM2.5 on the risk of childhood asthma/wheezing.

Results

A total of 3725 children were included, and 392 children (10.52%) were diagnosed with asthma/wheezing. Both prenatal and postnatal exposures to PM2.5 were positively associated with the risk of asthma/wheezing. Each interquartile range (IQR) increment in PM2.5 exposure during the entire pregnancy (4.8 μg/m3) and the period from birth to the end of follow‐up (1.5 μg/m3) was associated with adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.44 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13, 1.85] and 2.74 (95% CI: 2.59, 2.91), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed greater HRs for PM2.5 exposures during the pseudoglandular stage (6–16 gestational weeks [GWs]: IQR = 4.8 μg/m3, HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.18) and canalicular stage (16–24 GWs: IQR = 4.8 μg/m3, HR = 1.13, 95% CI:1.03, 1.23) than other stages, and also showed significant effects in the first three‐year period after birth (IQR = 1.5 μg/m3, HR = 2.37, 95% CI: =2.24, 2.51).

Conclusion

Higher prenatal and postnatal PM2.5 exposures may increase the risk of childhood asthma/wheezing. The pseudoglandular stage, canalicular stage, and the first three years after birth may be key susceptible to exposure windows.
Exogenous melatonin enhances soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) seedling tolerance to saline‐alkali stress by regulating antioxidant response and DNA damage repair
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Chen Suyu , Wang Guangda , Du Yanli , Zhang Zhaoning , Yu Gaobo , Ren Chunyuan , Zhang Yuxian , Du Jidao
Published: June 2022

Saline‐alkali (SA) stress induces excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in plant cells, resulting in oxidative damages of membranes, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Melatonin has antioxidant protection effects in living organisms and thus has received a lot of attention. This study aimed to investigate the effect and regulating mechanism of melatonin treatment on soybean tolerance to SA stress. In this study, cultivars Heihe 49 (HH49, SA‐tolerant) and Henong 95 (HN95, SA‐sensitive) were pot‐cultured in SA soil, then treated with MT (0–300 μM) at V1 stage. SA stress induced ROS accumulation and DNA damage in the seedling roots of both cultivars, causing G1/S arrest in HN95 and G2/M arrest in HH49. Melatonin treatment enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes in soybean seedling roots and reduced ROS accumulation. Additionally, melatonin treatment upregulated DNA damage repair genes, thus enhancing the reduction of DNA oxidative damage under SA stress. The effects of melatonin treatment were manifested as decreased RAPD polymorphism, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanine (8‐OH‐dG) level, and relative density of apurinic sites (AP‐sites). Meanwhile, melatonin treatment partially alleviated the SA‐induced G1/S arrest in HN95 and G2/M arrest in HH49, thus enhancing soybean seedling tolerance to SA stress.
Data‐driven approach for automatic detection of aortic valve opening: B point detection from impedance cardiogram
Authors: Sheikh Shafa‐at Ali , Gurel Nil Z. , Gupta Shishir , Chukwu Ikenna V. , Levantsevych Oleksiy , Alkhalaf Mhmtjamil , Soudan Majd , Abdulbaki Rami , Haffar Ammer , Vaccarino Viola , Inan Omer T. , Shah Amit J. , Clifford Gari D. , Bahrami Rad Ali
Published: June 2022

Pre‐ejection period (PEP), an indicator of sympathetic nervous system activity, is useful in psychophysiology and cardiovascular studies. Accurate PEP measurement is challenging and relies on robust identification of the timing of aortic valve opening, marked as the B point on impedance cardiogram (ICG) signals. The ICG sensitivity to noise and its waveform's morphological variability makes automated B point detection difficult, requiring inefficient and cumbersome expert visual annotation. In this article, we propose a machine learning‐based automated algorithm to detect the aortic valve opening for PEP measurement, which is robust against noise and ICG morphological variations. We analyzed over 60 hr of synchronized ECG and ICG records from 189 subjects. A total of 3657 averaged beats were formed using our recently developed ICG noise removal algorithm. Features such as the averaged ICG waveform, its first and second derivatives, as well as high‐level morphological and critical hemodynamic parameters were extracted and fed into the regression algorithms to estimate the B point location. The morphological features were extracted from our proposed “variable” physiologically valid search‐window related to diverse B point shapes. A subject‐wise nested cross‐validation procedure was performed for parameter tuning and model assessment. After examining multiple regression models, Adaboost was selected, which demonstrated superior performance and higher robustness to five state‐of‐the‐art algorithms that were evaluated in terms of low mean absolute error of 3.5 ms, low median absolute error of 0.0 ms, high correlation with experts' estimates (Pearson coefficient = 0.9), and low standard deviation of errors of 9.2 ms. For reproducibility, an open‐source toolbox is provided.
Say it again with feeling: Issue ownership and candidate communication using Twitter
Authors: Enders Adam M. , Gainous Jason , Wagner Kevin M.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

We investigate to what extent partisan political candidates in the United States pay attention to different issues in their campaign communication, and whether they systematically deliver messages using different types of sentiment.

Methods

We analyze the 267,538 tweets issued by candidates for the U.S. Congress during the 2018 midterm elections using a combination of latent topic modeling, sentiment analysis, and regression analysis, estimating both issue emphasis and the emotional tone of communications.

Results

We find that candidates discussed a small number of distinct issues. Sentiment analysis reveals that the emotions used to convey these topics varied considerably more than interparty emphasis. Moreover, we observe that Democrats and Republicans discussed the same topics in very different ways, with Democrats—the out‐party at the time—proving more negative in their messaging.

Conclusions

When partisans discuss those issues their respective parties “own,” there are asymmetries in the emotion they use to communicate about these issues. The concept and measurement of issue ownership are complicated.
Unworthy victims and threatening adversaries: Islam, Muslims, and U.S. foreign policy
Authors: Sandlin Evan W. , Simmons Daniel J.
Published: June 2022

Objective

We examine the role of how a hostile discourse toward Islam influences American public opinion regarding U.S. foreign policy actions toward Muslim populations and Muslim‐majority nations.

Methods

Using a survey experiment with two vignettes, we test how Americans’ foreign policy preferences are affected by Islamic identity. In the first vignette, a minority group is facing ethnic cleansing. Second, a country is developing chemical weapons.

Results

We find that Americans are less likely to see Muslim minorities abroad as under threat or to support costly foreign policy actions to assist them. We also find that Americans are more likely to see Muslim countries as threatening and to support the use of military force against Muslim states.

Conclusion

Our evidence suggests that the political effects of Islamophobia are not restricted to domestic policy but include foreign policy preferences too.
The novel HLA‐C allele, HLA‐C*03:537 in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhao Shuoxian , Chen Nanying , He Yanmin , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: June 2022

HLA‐C*03:537 allele is identical to HLA‐C*03:03:01:01 except for a single nucleotide substitution G257C.
U.S. cities will not meet blood product resuscitation standards during major mass casualty incidents: Results of a THOR‐AABB working party prospective analysis
Authors: Cannon Jeremy W. , Igra Noah M. , Borge P. Dayand , Cap Andrew P. , Devine Dana , Doughty Heidi , Geng Zhi , Guzman Jessica F. , Ness Paul M. , Jenkins Donald H. , Rajbhandary Srijana , Schmulevich Daniela , Stubbs James R. , Wiebe Douglas J. , Yazer Mark H. , Spinella Philip C.
Published: June 2022

Background

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) create an immediate surge in blood product demand. We hypothesize local inventories in major U.S. cities would not meet this demand.

Study Design and Methods

A simulated blast in a large crowd estimated casualty numbers. Ideal resuscitation was defined as equal amounts of red blood cells (RBCs), plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. Inventory was prospectively collected from six major U.S. cities at six time points between January and July 2019. City‐wide blood inventories were classified as READY (>1 U/injured survivor), DEFICIENT (<10 U/severely injured survivor), or RISK (between READY and DEFICIENT), before and after resupply from local distribution centers (DC), and features of DEFICIENT cities were identified.

Results

The simulated blast resulted in 2218 injured survivors including 95 with severe injuries. Balanced resuscitation would require between 950 and 2218 units each RBC, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. Inventories in 88 hospitals/health systems and 10 DCs were assessed. Of 36 city‐wide surveys, RISK inventories included RBCs (n = 16; 44%), plasma (n = 24; 67%), platelets (n = 6; 17%), and cryoprecipitate (n = 22; 61%) while DEFICIENT inventories included platelets (n = 30; 83%) and cryoprecipitate (n = 12; 33%). Resupply shifted most RBC and plasma inventories to READY, but some platelet and cryoprecipitate inventories remained at RISK (n = 24; 67% and n = 12; 33%, respectively) or even DEFICIENT (n = 11; 31% and n = 6; 17%, respectively). Cities with DEFICIENT inventories were smaller (p <.001) with fewer blood products per trauma bed (p <.001).

Discussion

In this simulated blast event, blood product demand exceeded local supply in some major U.S. cities. Options for closing this gap should be explored to optimize resuscitation during MCIs.
UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE WITH THE SUCCESS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Ahmad Latiffi Aryani , Zulkiffli Noorul Adharina
Published: June 2022

Since the construction industry has been focused on sustainable construction projects presently, the roles of project manager as a leader have become more complex as they have to balance various stakeholders' interests to create sustainability approach mainly in the pre-construction phase. This study aims to investigate the relationship of leadership skills of project managers in the pre-construction phase with the success of sustainable construction projects. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to analyse data collected from a questionnaire survey of 153 project managers with experience managing Malaysian sustainable construction projects. The findings imply that communication skills, planning and goal setting skills, team building skills, and conflict management skills in the pre-construction phase have a significant relationship with the success of sustainable construction projects. This study has a theoretical implication that can assist the project manager and construction organisation to understand better that the leadership skills of a project manager in the pre-construction phase can lead towards the success of sustainable construction projects. The findings of this study may be useful for the project manager and construction organisations to deliver a successful sustainable construction project.