bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant‐based diets fed to juvenile meagre Argyrosomus regius with low methionine and taurine supplementation led to an overall reduction in fish performance and to an increase in muscle fibre recruitment
Authors: Saavedra Margarida , Pereira Teresa G. , Barata Marisa , Aragão Cláudia , Requeijo Bárbara , Conceição Luís E.C. , Pousão‐Ferreira Pedro
Published: August 2022

Methionine and taurine are amino acids (AA) that are usually deficient when fish meal is replaced by plant proteins. In this study, three diets were tested in juvenile meagre (initial weight: 13.4 g) for 8 weeks. The D1 diet had 0.2% methionine and 1% taurine supplementation; the D2 and D3 diets had 0.6% methionine and 1% and 2% taurine supplementation, respectively. The results showed that meagre fed the D1 diet had lower specific growth rate (2.2 to 2.5), lower feed efficiency (0.9 to 1.2) and higher food conversion rate (FCR, 1.1 to 0.8) as well as a lower activity of the alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) enzyme. Furthermore, a higher recruitment of muscle fibres (46% compared to 36%) as well as a higher fibre density was observed (1019 compared to 870 fibres mm–2). This study shows that meagre requires a sufficient quantity of methionine in plant‐based diets to avoid a reduction in fish performance. Furthermore, taurine supplementation in the D1 diet was not able to mitigate the effects of methionine deficiency. A higher taurine supplementation did not improve meagre performance.
Cross‐sectional study of the factors associated with the number of teeth in middle‐aged and older persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Nonoyama T. , Nonoyama K. , Shimazaki Y.
Published: August 2022

Background

We investigated the number of teeth in middle‐aged and older individuals with intellectual disability and evaluated the related factors.

Methods

A questionnaire survey on oral health was administered to 604 persons over 40 years old with intellectual disabilities in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The questionnaire designed for this study included items on diagnosis of disability, severity of intellectual disability and type of residence. As oral‐health‐related factors, the proxy‐reported number of teeth, family dentist, regular dental check‐ups, problems during dental treatment and tooth‐brushing frequency were evaluated. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed using the proxy‐reported number of teeth (≥20, 10–19 or 0–9) as the dependent variable, and the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of independent variables were calculated. In addition, linear regression analysis was performed using the proxy‐reported number of teeth as the dependent variable.

Results

In the multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, diagnosis of disability and type of residence were significantly associated with having 10–19 versus ≥20 teeth. Participants with autism spectrum disorder had a significantly lower OR for 10–19 teeth compared with those with intellectual disability [OR (95% CI): 0.49 (0.22–1.08)]. Age, diagnosis of disability, regular dental check‐ups and tooth‐brushing frequency were significantly associated with having 0–9 versus ≥20teeth. Participants with Down syndrome had a significantly higher OR for 0–9 teeth compared with those with intellectual disability [OR (95% CI): 3.17 (1.09–9.23)]. The ORs for 0–9 teeth of participants who did not attend regular dental check‐ups and who brushed their teeth 1 time/day compared with ≥3 times/day were significantly high, and the OR (95% CI) was 2.37 (1.06–5.30) and 4.76 (1.09–20.77), respectively. [Corrections made on 22 August 2022, after first online publication: in the previous sentence, “who attend” has been changed to “who did not attend”.] In the multivariate linear regression analysis, age, diagnosis of disability and regular dental check‐ups were significantly associated with the proxy‐reported number of teeth. The proxy‐reported number of teeth was −0.42 less with each 1‐year increase in age. With autism spectrum disorder, the proxy‐reported number of teeth was 0.74 more compared with intellectual disability. In Down syndrome, the proxy‐reported number of teeth was −0.93 less compared with intellectual disability. The proxy‐reported number of teeth was −2.12 less for those who did not have regular dental check‐ups.

Conclusions

The number of teeth in middle‐aged and older individuals with intellectual disability was related to age and the type of disability. Regular dental visits may be effective at preventing tooth loss in middle‐aged and older persons with intellectual disability.
Comparison of Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Different Denture Characterizing Composite Resins: The Effect of Different Surface Treatments
Authors: Bozoğulları Hatice Nalan , Büyükerkmen Emine Begüm , Büyüközer Özkan Hatice
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of surface treatment and type of composite resin material on the color stability and surface roughness of different denture characterizing composites.

Materials and methods

Two nanohybrids [Gradia Plus Gum, (GP) and SR Nexco Paste Gingiva, (SR)] and one microhybrid gingiva‐colored composite resin [Amaris Gingiva, (AG)] were investigated. A total of 120 disk‐shaped samples were prepared, 40 of each material. Samples were divided into two groups (n = 20) for each material according to the surface treatment applied: conventional polishing (control) and coated with a sealant in addition to the surface polishing. All groups were thermocycled. The surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer after thermal cycling. The samples were then divided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) and stored for 7 days in distilled water or coffee solution. Color differences (ΔE00) were calculated with a spectrophotometer. Results were evaluated with Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney U statistical analysis.

Results

The type of denture characterizing composite material and surface treatment method revealed statistically significant differences for the ΔE00 (after immersion both in coffee and distilled water) and the Ra values of denture characterizing composite (p < 0.001 for both). All sealed groups showed significantly higher Ra than the all polished groups. Both in the polished groups and the sealant applied groups, the GP had the highest mean Ra values (0.29 ±0.05 μm and 0.47 ±0.09 μm, respectively). It was followed by SR (0.23 ±0.06 μm and 0.41 ±0.10 μm, respectively), and AG groups (0.20 ±0.06 μm and 0.39 ±0.09 μm, respectively). According to the mean ΔE00 results, all composite groups showed significantly higher ΔE00 values immersed in coffee solutions compared to distilled water. In coffee solutions, the highest ΔE00 was observed in the polished GP (1.90 ±0.40), and the lowest ΔE00 was observed in the polished SR (0.97 ±0.36). The sealed groups showed higher ΔE00 than the polished groups, except for GP.

Conclusions

The surface roughness value of sealant applied groups were significantly higher than those of the polished groups. The surface sealant application significantly increased the staining of all composite groups compared to conventional polishing, except for GP.
Comparing associations between personality and loneliness at midlife across three cultural groups
Authors: Freilich Colin D. , Mann Frank D. , Krueger Robert F.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Loneliness represents a public health threat given its central role in predicting adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Prior research has established four of the Big Five personality traits as consistent cross‐sectional predictors of loneliness in largely western, White samples. However, it is not clear if the personality predictors of loneliness vary across cultures.

Method

The present study estimates associations between the Big Five traits and loneliness across distinct samples of White American, Black American, and Japanese adults (n = 6051 at T1). Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling were used to examine measurement invariance properties of the Big Five and loneliness across these groups. The factor structures were then carried forward to estimate associations between personality and loneliness across two assessments waves using structural equation modeling.

Results

While Neuroticism was a strong predictor across groups, low Extraversion was more predictive of loneliness in Japan than in the U.S., and low Conscientiousness was only a significant predictor in the U.S.

Conclusions

Previous literature offers a framework for interpreting these findings in that loneliness may be shaped comparatively more through interconnectedness in Japanese culture, while, in the U.S., individual goals and personal romantic expectations are more salient.
Wait your turn: Pension incentives, workplace rules, and labor supply among Philadelphia municipal workers
Authors: McCarthy David G. , Wang Po‐Lin
Published: August 2022

Little academic work has examined the labor supply response to pension incentives at the intensive margin. We explore this issue using individual‐level administrative and pension data for Philadelphia city employees, where workers have some choice about whether or not to perform overtime, which is pensionable. We document large variations across workers in the incentives to do overtime provided by pension rules. Although standard regressions show that worker overtime is positively associated with own expected pension compensation, a robust nonparametric approach that exploits the discontinuities in expected wages due to pensions shows that the elasticity of worker labor supply to expected pension compensation is likely zero: Our standard regression results are likely the consequence of the rule by which overtime is allocated in Philadelphia. We estimate that this rule adds 4% to pension costs and raises total compensation costs by around 0.7% of payroll, and examine the implications for pension underfunding.
Sexual dichromatism and throat display in spectacled salamanders: a role in visual communication?
Authors: Ancillotto L. , Vignoli L. , Martino J. , Paoletti C. , Romano A. , Bruni G.
Published: August 2022

Sexual dichromatism in animals is usually associated with mating displays and is linked to strong sexual selection. Among amphibians, it has mostly been reported in anurans and only in a few caudates. Here, we investigated sexual dichromatism in the only two extant species of the genusSalamandrina, testing for its possible role in intraspecific communication during the mating rituals of these terrestrially mating salamanders. In bothS. terdigitataandS. perspicillata, we highlighted that males have more conspicuous ventral colourations, yet this is limited to the throat region, namely featuring rounder, larger and brighter gular white patches than females. We also described a new mating ritual behaviour performed by maleS. perspicillata, that is, a stereotyped throat hyperextension, that enhances the visibility of the dimorphic colouration of the gular region of males, presumably representing a visual cue directed to females. We thereby discuss the potential role of sexual dichromatism in sexual selection and the evolutionary history of the genusSalamandrina.
Bolide fragmentation: What parts of asteroid 2008 TC3 survived to the ground?
Authors: Jenniskens Peter , Robertson Darrel , Goodrich Cyrena A. , Shaddad Muawia H. , Kudoda Ayman , Fioretti Anna M. , Zolensky Michael E.
Published: August 2022

Asteroid 2008 TC3 impacted the Earth's atmosphere with a known shape and orientation. Over 600 meteorites were recovered at recorded locations, including meteorites of nonureilite type. From where in the asteroid did these stones originate? Here, we reconstruct the meteor lightcurve and study the breakup dynamics of asteroid 2008 TC3 in 3‐D hydrodynamic modeling. Two fragmentation regimes are found that explain the lightcurve and strewn field. As long as the asteroid created a wake vacuum, the fragments tended to move into that shadow, where they mixed with small relative velocities and surviving meteorites fell along a narrow strip on the ground. But when the surviving part of the backside and bottom of the asteroid finally collapsed at 33 km altitude, it created an end flare and dust cloud, while fragments were dispersed radially with much higher relative speed due to shock–shock interactions with a distorted shock front. Stones that originated in this final collapse tended to survive in a larger size and fell over a wider area at locations on the ground. Those locations to some extent still trace back to the fragment's original position in the asteroid. We classified the stones from this “large mass” area and used this information to glean some insight into the relative location of recovered ureilites and ordinary and enstatite chondrites in 2008 TC3.
Tirhert and Aouinet Legraa: Rare unbrecciated eucrite falls
Authors: Shisseh Taha , Chennaoui Aoudjehane Hasnaa , Agee Carl B. , Boudouma Omar
Published: August 2022

Tirhert and Aouinet Legraa are the only documented unbrecciated eucrite falls in Africa. Aouinet Legraa fell in Algeria on July 17, 2013. Tirhert's fall occurred about a year later in Morocco, on July 9, 2014. Both meteorites are covered by a black and glossy fusion crust as is typical of eucrites. Tirhert has a poikilitic texture with remnant subophitic pockets, and consists of millimeter‐sized grains of plagioclase (An87‐91), pigeonite (Mg# 42) with augite exsolution lamellae, and interstitial opaque minerals. Aouinet Legraa has a subophitic texture, and it is dominated by plagioclase laths (An82‐89) enclosed by pigeonite (Mg# 37), with exsolution lamellae of augite. Remnant Ca zoning in pyroxene is observed in both rocks, although it is more abundant in Aouinet Legraa than Tirhert. The presence of exsolved pyroxenes suggests that these meteorites have undergone thermal metamorphism. Equilibration temperatures estimated from pigeonite and augite pairs using the QUILF program are ∼931 °C in Tirhert and ∼758 °C in Aouinet Legraa. This indicates that these rocks had distinct thermal histories. Aouinet Legraa has trace element abundances similar to the typical main group eucrite Juvinas, confirming its origin as a main group eucrite. The trace element abundances of Tirhert fall between those of cumulate and main group eucrites. Its rare earth element pattern is flat with a positive Eu anomaly. This likely suggests that Tirhert is a partial cumulate of plagioclase from a main group magma, or a flotation cumulate formed by flotation of plagioclase in a subvolcanic chamber or by scavenging crystals during eruption.
Language and children's understanding of knowledge: Epistemic talk in early childhood
Authors: Montgomery Derek E.
Published: August 2022

Research on children's theory of mind often restricts conceptually meaningful talk about knowledge to instances whereknowreferences a corresponding mental state. This article offers a reappraisal of that view. From a social‐pragmatic perspective, even nonreferential talk is meaningful when appropriately embedded in social routines. A synthesis of corpus data suggests children's early talk about knowledge routinely occurs in question–answer contexts. It is argued that the influence of interrogative contexts is evident in children's over‐attributions of knowledge when someone is only guessing. This influence is taken as evidence for the role of linguistic practices in shaping the concept of knowledge.
Larval morphology of the avian parasitic genusPasseromyia: playing hide and seek with a parastomal bar
Authors: Walczak Kinga , Szpila Krzysztof , Nelson Leanne , Pape Thomas , Hall Martin J. R. , Alves Fernanda , Grzywacz Andrzej
Published: August 2022

The enigmatic larvae of the Old World genusPasseromyiaRodhain & Villeneuve, 1915 (Diptera: Muscidae) inhabit the nests of birds as saprophages or as haematophagous agents of myiasis among nestlings. Using light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we provide the first morphological descriptions of the first, second and third instar ofP.longicornis(Macquart, 1851) (Diptera: Muscidae), the first and third instar ofP.indecora(Walker, 1858) (Diptera: Muscidae), and we revise the larval morphology ofP.heterochaeta(Villenueve, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) andP.steiniPont, 1970 (Diptera: Muscidae). We provide a key to the third instar of examined species (excludingP.steiniandP.veitchiBezzi, 1928 (Diptera: Muscidae)). Examination of the cephaloskeleton revealed paired rod‐like sclerites, named ‘rami’, between the lateral arms of the intermediate sclerite in the second and third instar larva. We reveal parastomal bars fused apically with the intermediate sclerite, the absence of which has so far been considered as apomorphic for second and third instar muscid larvae. Examination of additional material suggests that modified parastomal bars are not exclusive features ofPasseromyiabut occur widespread in the Muscidae, and rami may occur widespread in the Cyclorrhapha.
5xFAD mice do not have myenteric amyloidosis, dysregulation of neuromuscular transmission or gastrointestinal dysmotility
Authors: Yelleswarapu Narayana Krishna , Masino Marlene , Henderson Skye , Fernandes Roxanne , Swain Greg , Galligan James J. , Xu Hui
Published: August 2022

Background

Alterations in gastrointestinal (GI) function and the gut‐brain axis are associated with progression and pathology of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Studies in AD animal models show that changes in the gut microbiome and inflammatory markers can contribute to AD development in the central nervous system (CNS). Amyloid‐beta (Aβ) accumulation is a major AD pathology causing synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. Current knowledge of the pathophysiology of AD in enteric neurons is limited, and whether Aβ accumulation directly disrupts enteric neuron function is unknown.

Methods

In 6‐month‐old 5xFAD (transgenic AD) and wildtype (WT) male and female mice, GI function was assessed by colonic transit in vivo; propulsive motility and GI smooth muscle contractions ex vivo; electrochemical detection of enteric nitric oxide release in vitro, and changes in myenteric neuromuscular transmission using smooth muscle intracellular recordings. Expression of Aβ in the brain and colonic myenteric plexus in these mice was determined by immunohistochemistry staining and ELISA assay.

Key Results

At 6 months, 5xFAD mice did not show significant changes in GI motility or synaptic neurotransmission in the small intestine or colon. 5xFAD mice, but not WT mice, showed abundant Aβ accumulation in the brain. Aβ accumulation was undetectable in the colonic myenteric plexus of 5xFAD mice.

Conclusions

5xFAD AD mice are not a robust model to study amyloidosis in the gut as these mice do not mimic myenteric neuronal dysfunction in AD patients with GI dysmotility. An AD animal model with enteric amyloidosis is required for further study.
Temporal complementarity between roots and mycorrhizal fungi drives wheat nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Yang Haishui , Fang Chun , Li Yifan , Wu Yongcheng , Fransson Petra , Rillig Matthias C. , Zhai Silong , Xie Junjie , Tong Zongyi , Zhang Qian , Sheteiwy Mohamed S. , Li Fengmin , Weih Martin
Published: August 2022

Improving nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) to reduce the application of N fertilisers in a way that benefits the environment and reduces farmers' costs is an ongoing objective for sustainable wheat production. However, whether and how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affect NUE in wheat is still not well explored.

Three independent but complementary experiments were conducted to decipher the contribution of roots and AMF to the N uptake and utilisation efficiency in wheat.

We show a temporal complementarity pattern between roots and AMF in shaping NUE of wheat. Pre‐anthesis N uptake efficiency mainly depends on root functional traits, but the efficiency to utilise the N taken up during pre‐anthesis for producing grains (EN,g) is strongly affected by AMF, which might increase the uptake of phosphorus and thereby improve photosynthetic carbon assimilation. Root association with AMF reduced the N remobilisation efficiency in varieties with high EN,g; whilst the overall grain N concentration increased, due to a large improvement in post‐anthesis N uptake supported by AMF and/or other microbes.

The findings provide evidence for the importance of managing AMF in agroecosystems, and an opportunity to tackle the contradiction between maximising grain yield and protein concentration in wheat breeding.
Comparison of the Outcomes between AO Type B2 Thoracolumbar Fracture with and without Disc Injury after Posterior Surgery
Authors: Hu Chenbo , Zhong Weiyang , Chen Zhiyu , Peng Junmu , Li Jianxiao , Tang Ke , Quan Zhengxue
Published: August 2022

Objective

The type AO B2 thoracolumbar fracture is a kind of flexion‐distraction injury and the effect of disc injury on treatment results of patients with B2 fracture remains unclear. The objective of the current study was to compare and analyze the outcomes in AO Type B2 thoracolumbar fracture patients with and without disc injuries in terms of the Cobb angle of kyphosis, the incidence of complication, and the rate of implant failure.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. Of the 486 patients with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent posterior fixation, 38 patients with AO type B2 injuries were included. All the patients were divided into two groups according to changes in the adjoining discs. Disc injury group A included 17 patients and no disc injury group included 21 patients. Clinical and radiologic parameters were evaluated before surgery, after surgery, and at follow‐up. Clinical outcomes included visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, incidence of complications, and incidence of implant failure. Radiologic assessment was accomplished with the Cobb angle (CA), local kyphosis (LK), percentage of anterior vertebral height (AVBH%), intervertebral disc height, and intervertebral disc angle. Fisher's precision probability tests were employed and chi square test were used to compare categorical variables. Paired sample t tests and independent‐sample t tests were used to compare continuous data.

Results

Disc injury mainly involved the cranial disc (15/19, 78.9%). The mean follow‐up period for the patients was 30.2 ± 20.1 months. No neurologic deterioration was reported in the patients at the last follow‐up. Radiological outcomes at the last follow‐up showed significant differences in the CA (18.59° ± 13.74° vs 8.16° ± 9.99°, P = 0.008), LK (12.74° ± 8.00° vs 6.55° ± 4.89°, P = 0.006), and %AVBH (77.16% vs 90.83%, P = 0.01) between the two groups.Implant failure occurred after posterior fixation in five patients with disc injury who did not undergo interbody fusion during the initial surgery. Additionally, in the subgroup analysis, interbody fusion in the implant failure group were significantly different than in the no implant failure group (0% vs 75%, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

AO B2 fracture patients with disc injury have higher risk of complications, especially implant failure after posterior surgery. Interbody fusion should be considered in AO type B2 fracture patients with disc injury.
Delayed Hemorrhage Followed by Vertebral Artery Injury during Cervical Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion Surgery: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yongjun Tong , Yaming Xie , Biao Chen , Yonghong Yang , Xinhua Zhao
Published: August 2022

Background

Vertebral artery injury (VAI) during cervical spine surgery is rare. Anterior controllable ante‐displacement and fusion (ACAF) surgery is a novel technique for treating degenerative cervical spine disorders, especially ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. To date, there have been no reports of VAI during cervical ACAF surgery. Here, we report a rare case of perioperative complication of VAI during ACAF surgery. The available English literature that provides treatment instructions were reviewed.

Case Presentation

A patient diagnosed with mixed ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) underwent ACAF surgery from C2–C6. Two level transverse foramina were ruptured, and severe bleeding was encountered during ACAF osteotomy. Hemostatic tamponade was performed using bone waxes. The patient had delayed hemorrhage on postoperative day 6. Emergence angiography revealed two vertebral artery pseudoaneurysms in the ruptured transverse foramina. A balloon‐expandable covered stent was deployed to treat the pseudoaneurysm. The patient recovered without complications.

Conclusion

ACAF surgery is a good choice for multiple‐level OPLL disease, but special attention should be paid to VAI in the perioperative period. Intraoperative tamponade with bone wax and postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are effective in preventing disaster‐related hemorrhage.
Loss of cardiac synchronization due to automatic sense testing
Authors: Römers Hans , Liebregts Max , Koyak Zeliha , Balt Jippe C.
Published: August 2022

In the latest generation Biotronik cardiac resynchronization devices, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be inadvertently interrupted due to automatic sense testing. This issue can easily be recognized during device interrogation by the “CRT interrupt warning.”To avoid CRT interruption, both understanding of the algorithm and correct device programming are critical.

The automatic sense testing algorithm has no built‐in protection to avoid CRT interrupted pacing. When implanting this generation of devices programming needs to be adequate to avoid the occurrence of this phenomenon.
From Brad to worse: Rule‐consequentialism and undesirable futures
Authors: Mulgan Tim
Published: August 2022

This paper asks how rule‐consequentialism might adapt to very adverse futures, and whether moderate liberal consequentialism can survive into broken futures and/or futures where humanity faces imminent extinction. The paper first recaps the recent history of rule‐consequentialist procreative ethics. It outlines rule‐consequentialism, extends it to cover future people, and applies it to broken futures. The paper then introduces a new thought experiment—the “ending world”—where humanity faces an extinction that is unavoidable and imminent, but not immediate. The paper concludes by explaining why this thought experiment challenges rule‐consequentialism's commitment to procreative liberty, and briefly asking how rule‐consequentialism might respond to that challenge.
Unusual cases of peritonitis: A case series of five patients
Authors: Billah Marzuq , Uribarri Jaime , Charen Elliot , Sharma Shuchita
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Peritonitis is a complication in patients on peritoneal dialysis that frequently results from touch contamination. Most cases of peritoneal dialysis‐related peritonitis are caused by skin organisms. Herein, we are presenting a series of peritonitis cases with unusual organisms in a single home dialysis center at an academic hospital in New York City. Methods: The records of five patients with an unusual cause of peritonitis were reviewed by a clinician. We have chronologically tabulated the cell count of the dialysate, microbiologic cultures, and antibiotics received by each patient. Additionally, both a table and figure detail the microbiologic organisms that our dialysis unit encountered over the 3‐year period concurrent with the infections reported. Results: The first patient presented with refractory polymicrobial peritonitis due to a liver abscess. Another patient presented with diverticulitis and developed enteric peritonitis with various organisms. The following patient had peritonitis in the setting of bowel pathologies and from Rhizobium after exposure to plants. The next patient developed Pasteurella peritonitis from his cat. The final patient developed multiple episodes of peritonitis from organisms including flora native to soil and water. Conclusion: These uncommon cases of peritonitis with unusual circumstances bring awareness to various elements that can lead to peritonitis.
Digital agriculture killjoy: Happy objects and cruel quests for the good life
Authors: Carolan Michael
Published: August 2022

This article brings together phenomena not often connected in the rural studies cannon to show an underlying relationality connecting digital agriculture, conceptions of the good life and pursuits of happiness. Drawing from the scholarship of Sara Ahmed and Lauren Berlant, Agriculture 4.0 technologies are described as ‘cruel’ happiness pointers. These platforms are shown to direct actors towards happiness while potentially accelerating the very conditions that produced the problems they are promising to solve. Highlighting conceptions of the good life that are fluid, contested and multiple, which have connections to sayings and doings associated with these platforms, the analysis makes visible norms and values animating the so‐called digital revolution. At the same time, the article interrogates what these changing affective politics means for the future of farming and farm‐based identities, at least in Western countries. The data analysed, from individuals who had adopted smart farming applications in the US, were collected from focus groups and personal interviews, the latter conducted pre (2019) and post coronavirus (COVID‐19) outbreak (2020 and 2021).
Impact of early diagnosis of impaired glucose regulation in tuberculosis: Comparison of clinical outcomes in people with tuberculosis in Tanzania
Authors: Byashalira Kenneth C. , Chamba Nyasatu G. , Alkabab Yosra , Mbelele Peter M. , Mpolya Emmanuel A. , Ntinginya Nyanda E. , Shayo PendoMartha J. , Ramaiya Kaushik L. , Lillebaek Troels , Heysell Scott K. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Bygbjerg Ib C. , Mpagama Stellah G. , Christensen Dirk L. ,   the ADEPT consortium
Published: August 2022

Objective

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been known to compromise tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes. Association data are limited for early hyperglycaemia detection and TB treatment outcomes. Thus, we assessed treatment outcomes including time to sputum conversion and death in TB participants with or without hyperglycaemia.

Methods

A prospective cohort study recruited TB participants receiving anti‐TB treatment at health facilities in Tanzania between October 2019 and September 2020. Hyperglycaemia was defined as having pre‐existing DM or pre‐treatment random blood glucose of ≥7.8 mmol/L, in combination categorised as impaired glucose regulation (IGR). Those with IGR were further screened for hyperglycaemia severity using glycated haemoglobin. In case of unknown status, participants were tested for HIV. Time to death was determined at 6 months of TB treatment.

Results

Of 1344 participants, 187 (13.9%) had IGR, of whom 44 (23.5%) were HIV co‐infected. Overall treatment success was 1206 (89.7%), and was similar among participants with or without IGR (p > 0.05). Time to death for participants with and without IGR was 18 versus 28 days (p = 0.870), respectively. Age ≥ 40 years (p = 0.038), bacteriological positive (p = 0.039), HIV (p = 0.009), or recurrent TB (p = 0.017) predicted death or treatment success during TB treatment in adjusted multivariable models.

Conclusion

IGR did not influence clinical outcomes in TB patients with or without IGR in a programme of early IGR diagnosis and integration TB, HIV and DM care. Early detection and co‐management of multi‐morbidities among people diagnosed with TB may reduce likelihood of poor treatment outcomes in a programmatic setting.
An RxLR effector from Plasmopara viticola suppresses plant immunity in grapevine by targeting and stabilizing VpBPA1
Authors: Yin Xiao , Fu Qingqing , Shang Boxing , Wang Yunlei , Liu Ruiqi , Chen Tingting , Xiang Gaoqing , Dou Mengru , Liu Guotian , Xu Yan
Published: August 2022

Grapevine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most devastating diseases in viticulture. Plasmopara viticola secretes RxLR effectors to modulate immune responses in grapevine. Here, we report an RxLR effector RxLR50253 from P. viticola that can interfere with plant immune response and thus promote pathogen colonization. RxLR50253 was induced at an early stage of P. viticola infection and could suppress elicitor (INF1 and Bax)‐triggered cell death. RxLR50253 promote pathogen colonization in both tobacco and grapevine leaves. VpBPA1 was found to be the host target of RxLR50253 by yeast two‐hybrid screening, and interaction between RxLR50253 and VpBPA1 was confirmed by multiple in vivo and in vitro assays. Further analysis revealed that VpBPA1 promoted pathogen colonization and decreased H2O2 accumulation in transgenic tobacco and grapevine, while there was enhanced resistance and H2O2 accumulation in NbBPA1‐silenced Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Moreover, transient expression of VpBPA1 in NbBPA1‐silenced N. benthamiana leaves could reduce the accumulation of H2O2. Experiments in vivo demonstrated that RxLR50253 inhibits degradation of VpBPA1. Taken together, our findings showed that RxLR50253 targets and stabilizes VpBPA1 to attenuate plant immunity through decreasing H2O2 accumulation during pathogen infection.
The mitotic regulator polo‐like kinase 1 as a potential therapeutic target for c‐Myc‐overexpressing canine osteosarcomas
Authors: Gola Cecilia , Licenziato Luca , Accornero Paolo , Iussich Selina , Morello Emanuela , Buracco Paolo , Modesto Paola , Aresu Luca , De Maria Raffaella
Published: August 2022

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumour in dogs, characterized by a locally aggressive and highly metastatic behaviour. Despite the current standards of care, most dogs succumb to the disease, indicating the need for novel treatment strategies. Polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) is dysregulated in a variety of human cancer types, including osteosarcoma, and induces c‐Myc accumulation. The crosstalk between the two molecules coordinates cell proliferation, differentiation, self‐renewal and apoptosis. Therefore, PLK1 has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic target, mainly in tumours overexpressing c‐Myc. BI 2536 is a selective PLK1 inhibitor promoting mitotic arrest and apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. This research aimed at evaluating PLK1 and c‐Myc protein expression in 53 appendicular canine osteosarcoma (cOSA) samples and the in vitro effects of BI 2536 on a c‐Myc and PLK1‐overexpressing cOSA cell line (D17). PLK1 and c‐Myc expression in cOSA samples showed no correlation with clinicopathological data. However, c‐Myc overexpression was associated with a significantly reduced overall survival (p = .003). Western Blot and RT‐qPCR assays revealed that D17 expressed high protein and transcript levels of both PLK1 and MYC. When treated with BI 2536 (range 2.5–15 nM) for 24 h, D17 showed a substantial decrease in cell growth, inducing apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, under BI 2536 treatment, D17 showed decreased c‐Myc protein levels. Consistent with human OSA, these preliminary data outline the prognostic value of c‐Myc expression in cOSA and highlight the potential role of PLK1 as an antiproliferative therapeutic target for tumours overexpressing c‐Myc.
Cell‐free therapy based on stem cell‐derived exosomes: A promising approach for wound healing
Authors: Azaryan Ehsaneh , Karbasi Samira , Zarban Asghar , Naseri Mohsen
Published: August 2022

There are several successive and overlapping phases in wound healing as a complex process. By the disruption of each of these phases, chronic non‐healing wounds are resultant. Despite the present soothing surgeries, standard wound dressings and topical gels, the wound is often not completely closed. Today, stem cells have attracted a huge deal of attention therapeutically and pharmaceutically considering their unique features. However, they have some restrictions. Moreover, it is hoped to eliminate the limitations of cellular therapies based on their derivatives known as exosomes. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted from cells. They have a diameter of almost 30–150 nm and miRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins that are possibly different from the source cell are included in exosomal contents. Such nanovesicles have a key role in the intercellular communication of pathological and physiological procedures. Exosome‐based therapy is a new significant method for wound healing. By exosomes effects, wound management may be improved and a new therapeutic model may be highlighted for cell‐free therapies with reduced side effects for the wound repair.
Constrained for G1 cubic trigonometric spline curve interpolation
Authors: Munir Nur Azliana Azlin , Abdul Hadi Normi , Nasir Mohd Agos Salim
Published: August 2022

This paper presented the G1 cubic trigonometric spline function with three shape parameters that generate a constrained curve that interpolates 2D data. The purpose of this research is to ensure the generated curve passes through all data point yet satisfied the three cases of line constraints given. The three cases are: the data must lie above line Li the data must lie below line Li and lastly, the data must lie between two lines Li,1 and Li,2. A simpler theorem is implemented involving the roles of shape parameters.  Two of the shape parameters are set free, while another parameter is fixed to fulfil all the three cases stated. The results show that a smooth curve of the G1 cubic trigonometric spline function can be produced within the constrained line by using the theorem developed while the hereditary shape of the data is preserved. Numerical examples are illustrated and discussed.
Acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses to 20 versus 40% velocity loss in males and females before and after 8 weeks of velocity‐loss resistance training
Authors: Walker Simon , Häkkinen Keijo , Virtanen Roosa , Mane Shashank , Bachero‐Mena Beatriz , Pareja‐Blanco Fernando
Published: August 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do males and females differ in fatiguability during dynamic loadings, and what are the acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses to 20 versus 40% velocity‐loss resistance loadings? How does an 8‐week velocity‐loss resistance training period modify acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses in males and females?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Using resistance training methods that regulated the within‐set fatigue limit, males appeared to be more susceptible to fatigue than females before the training period. This between‐sex difference was diminished after training. The predominant mechanisms of fatigue from 20 and 40% velocity‐based resistance training appear to be within the musculature.

Scientific examination of velocity‐based resistance training (VBRT) has increased recently, but how males and females respond to different VBRT protocols or how these acute responses are modified after a period of training is unknown. Habitually resistance‐trained males and females followed either a 20 or 40% velocity‐loss programme for 8 weeks. Acute squat loading tests (five sets, 70% one‐repetition maximum load, 3 min rest) were performed before and after the training period. Tests of maximum neuromuscular performance and blood sampling were conducted before, within 10 min of completion (POST) and 24 h after each acute loading test. Testing included countermovement jump, resting femoral nerve electrical stimulation and bilateral isometric leg press. Blood samples were analysed for whole‐blood lactate, serum testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone and creatine kinase concentrations. Countermovement jump height, maximum isometric bilateral leg‐press force and the force from a 10 Hz doublet decreased in all groups at POST after 20 and 40% velocity loss. Only males showed reduced force from the 100 Hz doublet and voluntary force over 100 ms at POST before training. The 40% velocity loss led to increased blood lactate and growth hormone responses before training in both males and females. After training, more systematic and equivalent responses in force over 100 ms, force from a 100 Hz doublet and blood lactate were observed regardless of sex/VBRT protocol. Overall, acute responses were greater from 40% VBRT, and males were more susceptible to acute loss in force production capacity before the training period. These VBRT protocol‐ and sex‐related differences were diminished after training.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy estimation of combined skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and O2 diffusion capacity in humans
Authors: Pilotto Andrea M. , Adami Alessandra , Mazzolari Raffaele , Brocca Lorenza , Crea Emanuela , Zuccarelli Lucrezia , Pellegrino Maria A. , Bottinelli Roberto , Grassi Bruno , Rossiter Harry B. , Porcelli Simone
Published: August 2022

The final steps of the O2 cascade during exercise depend on the product of the microvascular‐to‐intramyocyte difference and muscle O2 diffusing capacity (). Non‐invasive methods to determine in humans are currently unavailable. Muscle oxygen uptake (m) recovery rate constant (k), measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using intermittent arterial occlusions, is associated with muscle oxidative capacity in vivo. We reasoned that k would be limited by when muscle oxygenation is low (kLOW), and hypothesized that: (i) k in well oxygenated muscle (kHIGH) is associated with maximal O2 flux in fibre bundles; and (ii) ∆k (kHIGH – kLOW) is associated with capillary density (CD). Vastus lateralis k was measured in 12 participants using NIRS after moderate exercise. The timing and duration of arterial occlusions were manipulated to maintain tissue saturation index within a 10% range either below (LOW) or above (HIGH) half‐maximal desaturation, assessed during sustained arterial occlusion. Maximal O2 flux in phosphorylating state was 37.7 ± 10.6 pmol s−1 mg−1 (∼5.8 ml min−1 100 g−1). CD ranged 348 to 586 mm–2. kHIGH was greater than kLOW (3.15 ± 0.45 vs. 1.56 ± 0.79 min–1, P < 0.001). Maximal O2 flux was correlated with kHIGH (r = 0.80, P = 0.002) but not kLOW (r = –0.10, P = 0.755). Δk ranged –0.26 to –2.55 min–1, and correlated with CD (r = –0.68, P = 0.015). m k reflects muscle oxidative capacity only in well oxygenated muscle. ∆k, the difference in k between well and poorly oxygenated muscle, was associated with CD, a mediator of . Assessment of muscle k and ∆k using NIRS provides a non‐invasive window on muscle oxidative and O2 diffusing capacity.

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Key points

We determined post‐exercise recovery kinetics of quadriceps muscle oxygen uptake (m) measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in humans under conditions of both non‐limiting (HIGH) and limiting (LOW) O2 availability, for comparison with biopsy variables.

The m recovery rate constant in HIGH O2 availability was hypothesized to reflect muscle oxidative capacity (kHIGH) and the difference in k between HIGH and LOW O2 availability (∆k) was hypothesized to reflect muscle O2 diffusing capacity.

kHIGH was correlated with phosphorylating oxidative capacity of permeabilized muscle fibre bundles (r = 0.80).

∆k was negatively correlated with capillary density (r = −0.68) of biopsy samples.

NIRS provides non‐invasive means of assessing both muscle oxidative and oxygen diffusing capacity in vivo.
A Set of Estimation and Decision Preference Experiments for Exploring Risk Assessment Biases in Engineering Students
Authors: Gernand Jeremy M.
Published: August 2022

Engineering decisions that have the greatest effect on worker and public safety occur early in the design process. During these decisions, engineers rely on their experience and intuition to estimate the severity and likelihood of undesired future events like failures, equipment damage, injuries, or environmental harm. These initial estimates can then form the basis of investment of limited project resources in mitigating those risks. Behavioral economics suggests that most people make significant and predictable errors when considering high consequence, low probability events. Yet, these biases have not previously been studied quantitatively in the context of engineering decisions. This paper describes results from a set of computer-based engineering assessment and decision experiments with undergraduate engineering students estimating, prioritizing, and making design decisions related to risk. The subjects included in this experiment overestimated the probability of failure, deviated significantly from anticipated risk management preferences, and displayed worsening biases with increasing system complexity. These preliminary results suggest that considerably more effort is needed to understand the characteristics and qualities of these biases in risk estimation and understand what kinds of interventions might best ameliorate these biases and enable engineers to more effectively identify and manage the risks of technology.
Evaluation of Risk and Uncertainty for Model-Predicted NOAELs of Engineered Nanomaterials Based on Dose-Response-Recovery Clusters
Authors: Ramchandran Vignesh , Gernand Jeremy M.
Published: August 2022

Experimental toxicology studies for the purposes of setting occupational exposure limits for aerosols have drawbacks including excessive time and cost which could be overcome or limited by the development of computational approaches. A quantitative, analytical relationship between the characteristics of emerging nanomaterials and related in vivo toxicity can be utilized to better assist in the subsequent mitigation of exposure toxicity by design. Predictive toxicity models can be used to categorize and define exposure limitations for emerging nanomaterials. Model-based no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) predictions were derived for toxicologically distinct nanomaterial clusters, referred to as model-predicted no observed adverse effect levels (MP-NOAELs). The lowest range of MP-NOAELs for the polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) response observed by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was found to be 21–35 μg/kg (cluster “A”), indicating that the CNT belonging to cluster A showed the earliest signs of adverse effects. Only 25% of the MP-NOAEL values for the CNTs can be quantitatively defined at present. The lowest observed MP-NOAEL range for the metal oxide nanoparticles was Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (cluster III) for the macrophage (MAC) response at 54–189 μg/kg. Nearly 50% of the derived MP-NOAEL values for the metal oxide nanoparticles can be quantitatively defined based on current data. A sensitivity analysis of the MP-NOAEL derivation highlighted the dependency of the process on the shape and type of the fitted dose-response model, its parameters, dose selection and spacing, and the sample size analyzed.
Vorticity Shedding and Acoustic Resonance Excitation of a Square Tube Array: Effect of Flow Approach Angle
Authors: Mohany Atef , Alziadeh Mohammed , Hassan Marwan
Published: August 2022

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the vorticity shedding and the susceptibility of acoustic resonance excitation for a square tube array with an intermediate tube spacing (i.e., pitch-to-diameter ratio (P/D) of 1.73). The tube array could be rotated about an axis normal to the flow direction so that the effect of the flow approach angle could be investigated. Various Strouhal periodicities (St) were detected, and their strength and value were dependent on the position measured within the tube bundle and the tube bundle's angular orientation. However, not all of the Strouhal periodicities measured caused self-excitation of acoustic resonance. This work illustrates the importance of considering the flow approach angle in the heat exchanger design phase to avoid the undesirable effects of acoustic resonance excitation during operation.