bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking cessation programme in hospitalised patients due to acute respiratory disease
Authors: Guerra Sónia Isabel Silva , Vale Jorge Marques , Nunes Rui Dias
Published: August 2021

Background

Hospital environment is generally propitious to smoking cessation for several reasons, such as a legal ban on smoking in hospital facilities, greater vulnerability facing acute illness and the continuous contact with healthcare professionals.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of intensive smoking cessation intervention during hospital admission due to acute respiratory disease and a 6‐month follow up after hospital discharge.

Methods

This prospective study included patients admitted at our Pulmonology Department due to acute respiratory disease – active smokers who consented to participate in smoking cessation counselling programme – between January and December 2019. After hospital discharge, the patients completed a 6‐month follow up. Statistical analysis was performed with spss system version 24.0, using univariate analysis with Chi‐squared and t‐test.

Results

We included 30 patients, 86.7% male, with a mean age of 58.6 ± 13.6 years. The mean length of stay was 10 ± 11 days. The mean smoking time was 40.3 ± 14.4 years and the mean smoking load 40 ± 26 pack‐year units. The mean level of nicotine dependence, measured by the Fagerström test, was 4.3 ± 2.8. None of the patients accepted smoking cessation pharmacological therapy. After hospital discharge, 19 patients were seen in consultation, 11 of whom maintained smoking cessation at 6 months, determining an overall smoking cessation rate of 36.7%. There was a statistically significant difference in the smoking cessation successful group regarding the motivation to quit smoking and the Richmond test compared to the unsuccessful group.

Conclusion

Smoking cessation counselling behaviour programmes during hospitalisation, with regular follow up after hospital discharge, contribute to an increase in smoking cessation rate.
MALAT1 shuttled by extracellular vesicles promotes M1 polarization of macrophages to induce acute pancreatitis via miR‐181a‐5p/HMGB1 axis
Authors: Liu Jie , Niu Zequn , Zhang Rui , Peng Zhuo , Wang Liming , Liu Zhong , Gao Yanxia , Pei Honghong , Pan Longfei
Published: August 2021

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious condition carrying a mortality of 25–40%. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have reported to exert potential functions in cell‐to‐cell communication in diseases such as pancreatitis. Thus, we aimed at investigating the mechanisms by which EV‐encapsulated metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript‐1 (MALAT1) might mediate the M1 polarization of macrophages in AP. Expression patterns of MALAT1, microRNA‐181a‐5p (miR‐181a‐5p) and high‐mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in serum of AP patients were determined. EVs were isolated from serum and pancreatic cells. The binding affinity among miR‐181a‐5p, MALAT1 and HMGB1 was identified. AP cells were co‐cultured with EVs from caerulein‐treated MPC‐83 cells to determine the levels of M1/2 polarization markers and TLR4, NF‐κB and IKBa. Finally, AP mouse models were established to study the effects of EV‐encapsulated MALAT1 on the M1 polarization of macrophages in AP in vivo. MALAT1 was transferred into MPC‐83 cells via EVs, which promoted M1 polarization of macrophages in AP. MALAT1 competitively bound to miR‐181a‐5p, which targeted HMGB1. Moreover, MALAT1 activated the TLR4 signalling pathway by regulating HMGB1. EV‐encapsulated MALAT1 competitively bound to miR‐181a‐5p to upregulate the levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α by regulating HMGB1 via activation of the TLR4 signalling pathway, thereby inducing M1 polarization of macrophages in AP. In vivo experimental results also confirmed that MALAT1 shuttled by EVs promoted M1 polarization of macrophages in AP via the miR‐181a‐5p/HMGB1/TLR4 axis. Overall, EV‐loaded MALAT1 facilitated M1 polarization of macrophages in AP via miR‐181a‐5p/HMGB1/TLR4, highlighting a potential target for treating AP.
A novel naphthalimide derivative reduces platelet activation and thrombus formation via suppressing GPVI
Authors: Shih Tzenge‐Lien , Lin Kuan‐Hung , Chen Ray‐Jade , Chen Ting‐Yu , Kao Wei‐Ting , Liu Jen‐Wei , Wang Hsueh‐Hsiao , Peng Hsien‐Yu , Sun Yu‐Yo , Lu Wan‐Jung
Published: August 2021

Naphthalimide derivatives have multiple biological activities, including antitumour and anti‐inflammatory activities. We previously synthesized several naphthalimide derivatives; of them, compound 5 was found to exert the strongest inhibitory effect on human DNA topoisomerase II activity. However, the effects of naphthalimide derivatives on platelet activation have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the mechanism underlying the antiplatelet activity of compound 5 was determined in this study. The data revealed that compound 5 (5–10 μM) inhibited collagen‐ and convulxin‐ but not thrombin‐ or U46619‐mediated platelet aggregation, suggesting that compound 5 is more sensitive to the inhibition of glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signalling. Indeed, compound 5 could inhibit the phosphorylation of signalling molecules downstream of GPVI, followed by the inhibition of calcium mobilization, granule release and GPIIb/IIIa activation. Moreover, compound 5 prevented pulmonary embolism and prolonged the occlusion time, but tended to prolong the bleeding time, indicating that it can prevent thrombus formation but may increase bleeding risk. This study is the first to demonstrate that the naphthalimide derivative compound 5 exerts antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. Future studies should modify compound 5 to synthesize more potent and efficient antiplatelet agents while minimizing bleeding risk, which may offer a therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases.
Evolution of resistance under alternative models of selective interference
Authors: Madgwick Philip G. , Kanitz Ricardo
Published: August 2021

The use of multiple pesticides or drugs can lead to a simultaneous selection pressure for resistance alleles at different loci. Models of resistance evolution focus on how this can delay the spread of resistance through a population, but often neglect how this can also reduce the probability that a resistance allele spreads. This neglected factor has been studied in a parallel literature as selective interference. Models of interference use alternative constructions of fitness, where selection coefficients from different loci either add or multiply. Although these are equivalent under weak selection, the two constructions make alternative predictions under the strong selection that characterizes resistance evolution. Here, simulations are used to examine the effects of interference on the probability of fixation and time to fixation of a new and strongly beneficial mutation in the presence of another strongly beneficial allele with variable starting frequency. The results from simulations show a complicated pattern of effects. The key result is that, under multiplicativity, the presence of the strongly beneficial allele leads to a small reduction in the probability of fixation for the new beneficial mutation up to ~10%, and a negligible increase in the average time to fixation up to ~2%, whereas under additivity, the effect is more substantial at up to ~50% for the probability of fixation and ~100% for the average time to fixation. Consequently, the effect of interference is only an important feature of resistance evolution under additivity. Current evidence from studies of experimental evolution provides widespread support for the basic features of additivity, which suggests that interference may afford resistance a different pattern of evolution than other adaptations: rather than the gradual and simultaneous selection of many alleles with small effects, the rapid evolution of resistance may involve the sequential selection of alleles with large effects.
Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus‐associated large‐scale mortality in farmed giant gourami, Osphronemus goramy, in India
Authors: Swaminathan Thangaraj Raja , Raj Nithianantham Sundar , Preena Prasannan Geetha , Pradhan Pravata Kumar , Sood Neeraj , Kumar Rahul Girish , Sudhagar Arun , Sood Naresh Kumar
Published: August 2021

Megalocytivirus cause diseases that have serious economic impacts on aquaculture, mainly in East and South‐East Asia. Five primary genotypes are known: infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV), turbot reddish body iridovirus (TRBIV), threespine stickleback iridovirus (TSIV) and scale drop disease virus (SDDV). ISKNV‐mediated infectious spleen and kidney necrosis disease (ISKND) is a major viral disease in both freshwater and marine fish species. In this study, we report the isolation of ISKNV from diseased giant gourami, Osphronemus goramy, in India. Transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of kidney and spleen revealed the presence of numerous polygonal naked viral particles having an outer nucleocapsid layer within the cytoplasm of enlarged cells (115–125 nm). Molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the presence of ISKNV and the major capsid protein (MCP) (1,362 bp) gene in the infected fish had a high similarity to the other ISKNV‐I isolates. Moreover, ISKNV was propagated in the Astronotus ocellatus fin (AOF) cell line and further confirmed genotypically. A high mortality rate (60%) was observed in gourami fish injected with ISKNV‐positive tissue homogenate through challenge studies. Considering the lethal nature of ISKNV, the present study spotlights the implementation of stringent biosecurity practices for the proper control of the disease in the country.
Chitosan‐nanocomposites as a food active packaging: Effect of addition of tocopherol and modified montmorillonite
Authors: Dias Marali Vilela , de Azevedo Viviane Machado , Ferreira Laura Fonseca , de Oliveira Ana Carolina Salgado , Borges Soraia Vilela , de Fátima Ferreira Soares Nilda , Medeiros Eber Antonio A. , de Deus Souza Carneiro João
Published: August 2021

The development of natural biodegradable polymers to partially or totally replace synthetic polymers may be advantageous in food packaging, mainly when are associated with additional features such as active packaging. This article aimed to evaluate the effect of tocopherol concentration (0, 5, 10, and 20%) and modified montmorillonite clay (MMT15A) nanoparticles (0 and 1%) on the properties of chitosan (CS) films. The addition of tocopherol provided antioxidant activity and improved the thermal stability of the films, and acted as a plasticizer, decreasing the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and glass transition temperature of the films. Although MMT15A and tocopherol did not change the water vapor permeability, an improvement of the mechanical strength and lower equilibrium moisture content was observed when compared to the treatment made with CS alone. Both MMT15A and tocopherol allowed the production of bio‐nanocomposites with thermal, morphological, mechanical, and water‐resistant properties to be used as an antioxidant in packaging materials.

Practical Applications

The films containing both montmorillonite (MMT15A) and tocopherol presented an improved mechanical strength, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity when compared to the films containing the only tocopherol. Therefore, it was possible to develop antioxidant chitosan films with improved properties using up to 20% tocopherol and MMT15A. At this tocopherol and MMT 15A concentrations, the films may also be used to nutritionally enrich food, adding value to the package and the conditioned product. Furthermore, the films can also be considered edible films with combined properties.
Spontaneous pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Mineshige Takayuki , Inoue Takashi , Kawai Kenji , Seki Fumiko , Yurimoto Terumi , Hata Jun‐ichi , Watanabe Kenichi , Kobayashi Yoshiyasu , Sasaki Erika
Published: August 2021

A seven‐year‐old female common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) presented with weight loss. Imaging revealed a left thoracic mass, confirmed at necropsy. Histology and immunohistochemistry suggested a well‐differentiated pulmonary adenocarcinoma. No evidence of local lymphovascular invasion or distant metastasis was observed. This is the first report of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in marmosets.
Serum level of serum amyloid A1 protein in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Akl Essam Mohamed , Halim Walid A Abdel
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) protein is involved in many pathological diseases. The increased secretion of SAA1 can maintain inflammatory conditions. Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous glands and may be associated with systemic manifestations.

Aim of the work

This study aimed to evaluate the serum level of SAA1 in patients with AV.

Subjects and Methods

120 participants were included in this study: 60 patients with AV and 60 apparently healthy volunteers as a control group. These participants were subjected to dermatological examination and assessments of lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and serum SAA1.

Results

Both serum SAA1 and FBG are significantly elevated in patients with AV than control (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there are positive correlations between AV severity and SAA1 and FBG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

Serum amyloid A1 is increased in AV, and this elevation may play a role in the inflammatory milieu of AV.
Laser‐induced macular neovascularization following accidental exposure to Alexandrite laser and excellent response to anti‐VEGF: A case report
Authors: Alizadeh Yousef , Dourandeesh Maryam , Akbari Mitra
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to report a case of laser‐induced macular neovascularization (MVN) following accidental exposure to Alexandrite laser.

Methods

A young female presented with a painless visual blurring of the right eye 25 days after direct inadvertent exposure to a single discharge from a 750‐nm Alexandrite hair removal procedure. The best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the right eye was finger count 3 m (M). Ophthalmoscopic findings, spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography were evaluated.

Results

Fundus examination of the right eye revealed intraretinal hemorrhage and a round yellow‐grayish subretinal lesion just beneath the fovea. SD‐OCT of the right eye showed retinal thickening, subretinal hyperreflective lesion, subretinal and mild intraretinal fluid, and a small retinal pigment epithelium defect beneath the fovea. Optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrated MNV type 2. After the administration of intravitreal injection of three monthly anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor, BCVA improved to 20/20.
Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 patients with telogen effluvium
Authors: Yorulmaz Ahu , Hayran Yildiz , Ozdemir Ahmet Kagan , Sen Orhan , Genc Ilgaz , Gur Aksoy Gunes , Yalcin Basak
Published: August 2021

Background

Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common form of non‐scarring alopecia, characterized by excessive shedding of telogen club hairs.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment strategies in TE.

Methods

Electronic records of 3028 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data, as well as serum parameters screening for iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate and zinc deficiencies, thyroid function, and ANA titers, were evaluated.

Results

In the study group, the most frequently performed test type was serum ferritin level (82.3%), followed by complete blood count (81%), both of which revealed that 6.2% of the patients had iron deficiency anemia. 4.6% of the patients had thyroid dysfunction. In screened patients, vitamin and mineral deficiencies were as follows: vitamin D (72.2%), vitamin B12 (30.7%), folate (4.4%), and zinc (2.1%). Women were more likely to be prescribed vitamin D replacement therapy. Iron replacement was the most frequently ordered treatment, comprising 37.5% of total prescriptions.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive retrospective study having the largest number of patients with TE. Our results will not only help to augment knowledge about TE, but also provide a diagnostic algorithm for the laboratory and clinical workup of patients with TE.
Alopecia areata: A psychodermatological perspective
Authors: Torales Julio , Castaldelli‐Maia João Mauricio , Ventriglio Antonio , Almirón‐Santacruz José , Barrios Iván , O’Higgins Marcelo , García Oscar , Navarro Rodrigo , Melgarejo Osvaldo , Jafferany Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Background

Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune dermatological disease that could be influenced by psychological factors as part of the pathophysiology of the illness.

Aims

This review article aims to report on psychodermatological and psychopathological aspects involved in the etiopathogenesis and comorbidities of AA, as well as on the psychiatric and psychological management of affected patients.

Methods

We conducted a literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar from January 1980 to May 2021 employing the search terms of alopecia areata, psychological factors, psychological impact, psychodermatology, and psychopathology. All lists of references from the identified articles were screened for further relevant studies. The search was limited to English and Spanish language articles and was supplemented with themed books and book chapters. No specific quality criteria were used for the studies selection.

Results

Several authors have found a high comorbidity rate between AA and mental disorders, concluding that stress and psychological factors are involved in both the development and exacerbation of the illness. More evidences are needed in order to describe the associations between the immune response, stress, and the physiological factors observed in AA patients.

Conclusion

AA is a complex illness characterized by multifactorial etiology. An interaction between genetic, autoimmune, hormonal, neural, and psychological factors is supposed. Psychopathological aspects of illness need to be better described and considered in the clinical setting.
Galectin‐3 and Interleukin‐17: A potential role in the pathogenesis of human papilloma virus infection
Authors: NW Mikhael , GA Attya , AA El‐Fallah , AM Hamed
Published: August 2021

Background

In many cases, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is self‐limiting, as innate and adaptive cell‐mediated immunity is needed for infection elimination; however, the inability of the immune system in some patients to clear the infection is a matter of debate. The interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) family cytokines play an important protective role in host immune response to infections, through maintaining immunity against specific pathogens, induction of antimicrobial proteins, and recruitment of neutrophils to sites of invasion. Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) may be considered as a marker of viral infection as many studies reported its increased serum level in viral infections.

Aims

To evaluate levels of serum Gal‐3 and IL‐17 in patients with verrucas and to explore the potential role of these markers in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Methods

Fifty patients suffering from HPV Infection, and fifty healthy controls were included in this study. Serum levels of Gal‐3 and IL‐17 were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The patients’ serum Gal‐3 was significantly higher, while IL‐17 was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls (p‐value < 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between Gal‐3 serum level and disease duration and number of warts. Significant negative correlation exists between IL‐17 and Gal‐3 levels.

Conclusion

Our results indicate a potential role of both IL‐17 and Gal‐3 in the pathogenesis of warts and open a new opportunity in targeting these markers in the future in treating warts.
Rescripting—A grounded theory study of the contribution that fathers make to Family‐Based Treatment when a young person has anorexia nervosa
Authors: McMahon Karen , Stoddart Kathleen , Harris Fiona
Published: August 2021

Aim

To present a grounded theory of the contribution that fathers make to family‐based treatment when a young person has anorexia nervosa.

Background

Research indicates a potential to improve outcomes by involving both parents in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. However, fathers are underrepresented both within treatment and research. Family‐based treatment requiring the involvement of both parents presents an opportunity to better understand the role of the father in treatment.

Design

Classic grounded theory.

Methods

Individual interviews conducted with fifteen fathers involved in family‐based treatment. The COREQ checklist was followed.

Results

Fathers valued being involved in family‐based treatment and felt they had an important contribution to make. The analysis captures the overall contribution that fathers make and the impact of their involvement. Four categories; Being on the Outside, Finding a Way In, Finding a Way to Be and Finding a Way to Let Go and one core category Repositioning were generated from the data. A substantive theory of Rescripting, generated from categories and the core category, describes the way that participating in family‐based treatment changes fathers and their role.

Conclusions

Fathers make an important and significant contribution to family‐based treatment when a young person has anorexia nervosa. The findings inform clinicians about the importance of including fathers in the treatment of young people with anorexia nervosa. They highlight the importance of incorporating support mechanisms into family‐based treatment to harness and maximise the paternal contribution.

Relevance to clinical practice

Paternal contribution to family‐based treatment can be maximised to improve outcomes for young people with anorexia nervosa.
What is the “opposite” of a value? A lexical investigation into the structure of generally undesirable goal content
Authors: Wilkowski Benjamin M. , Williamson Laverl Z. , Rivera Emilio , Fetterman Adam , Meier Brian P.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Past taxonomies of goal‐content have focused (either exclusively or predominantly) on generally‐desirable values, and they suggest that some values oppose other values. However, many goals are generally‐undesirable (i.e., the average person is committed to avoiding them), and these “vices” have been under‐studied. This is an important gap because other models suggest that the “opposite” of a value is actually a vice.

Methods

To fill this gap, we conducted a lexical investigation. Two large samples (involving 504 undergraduates & 257 online participants) first rated their commitment to approaching or avoiding a large number of goals from the English lexicon.

Results

Analyses indicated that vices can be summarized in terms of Elitism, Rebellion, and Disrepute, which appear opposite from Inclusiveness, Tradition, and Prominence values (respectively) in MDS models. In Study 3 (involving 280 undergraduates) and Study 4 (involving 261 online participants), we found that Schwartz values of Universalism, Tradition, and Self‐Enhancement actually appeared opposite from Elitism, Rebellion, and Disrepute (respectively) in MDS models, rather than from other values.

Conclusions

This investigation develops an instrument which can distinguish between different vices at a holistic level, and it suggests that they are actually the opposite of select values.
Too Lonely to Help: Early Adolescents’ Social Connections and Willingness to Help During COVID‐19 Lockdown
Authors: Sabato Hagit , Abraham Yael , Kogut Tehila
Published: August 2021

We examined early adolescents’ social connections, their emotional state, and their willingness to act prosocially during COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown. In two studies—comparing fourth to sixth graders during lockdown with a similar sample in pre‐pandemic times, and longitudinally examining the same sample of participants, twice—we found that overall, early adolescents’ emotional state during lockdown was significantly worse than in normal times (before the pandemic). This decline was explained by the participants’ ratings of their loneliness, which was linked to their social (virtual) connections during lockdown. Importantly, participants with fewer social connections (in the virtual world as well as in face‐to‐face interactions) were less willing to help a lonely peer—even though they experienced similar pangs of loneliness.
The Impact of COVID‐19 on Adolescents’ Daily Lives: The Role of Parent–Child Relationship Quality
Authors: Janssens Julie J. , Achterhof Robin , Lafit Ginette , Bamps Eva , Hagemann Noëmi , Hiekkaranta Anu P. , Hermans Karlijn S. F. M. , Lecei Aleksandra , Myin‐Germeys Inez , Kirtley Olivia J.
Published: August 2021

COVID‐19 lockdown measures have profoundly impacted adolescent’ daily life, with research suggesting an increase in irritability, stress, loneliness, and family conflict. A potential protective factor is parent–child relationship quality; however, no studies have investigated this. We used data from SIGMA, a longitudinal, experience sampling cohort study, in which N = 173 adolescents aged 11 to 20 were tested before and during COVID‐19. Multilevel analyses showed decreased daily‐life irritability and increased loneliness from pre‐ to mid‐pandemic. Daily‐life stress levels were unchanged. Relationship quality was negatively associated with irritability and loneliness and buffered against the increase in loneliness. Effect sizes were small and do not support a strong effect of the first lockdown on irritability, stress, loneliness, and family conflict in adolescents.
Social Disconnection During COVID‐19: The Role of Attachment, Fear of Missing Out, and Smartphone Use
Authors: Parent Natasha , Dadgar Kyle , Xiao Bowen , Hesse Cassandra , Shapka Jennifer D.
Published: August 2021

This mixed‐methods study explored adolescents’ (n = 682) feelings of social connection in the time of the COVID‐19 pandemic and examined potential risk (fear of missing out, problematic smartphone use) and protective (parent/peer attachment, smartphone use) factors to social disconnection. Data were collected from two schools in Canada using an online survey with questionnaires and open‐ended questions. Three themes regarding adolescents’ feelings of social connection during the pandemic were identified through thematic content analysis: (1) feeling socially connected, (2) feeling socially disconnected, and (3) feeling socially indifferent. Moreover, regression analysis identified secure peer attachments as a protective factor against social disconnection in the time of the COVID‐19 pandemic, while fear of missing out was identified as an independent risk factor.
Slow Life History Strategies and Increases in Externalizing and Internalizing Problems During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Chang Lei , Liu Yuan Yuan , Lu Hui Jing , Lansford Jennifer E. , Bornstein Marc H. , Steinberg Laurence , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Rothenberg W. Andrew , Skinner Ann T. , Dodge Kenneth A.
Published: August 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic is but one of many instances of environmental adversities that have recurred in human history. Biobehavioral resource allocation strategies, known as fast (reproduction‐focused) versus slow (development‐focused) life history (LH) tradeoff strategies, evolved to deal with environmental challenges such as infectious diseases. Based on 141 young people and their mothers observed prior to (ages 9 and 13) and during (age 20) COVID‐19, we investigated longitudinal relations involving slow LH strategies. The results support the adaptive role of slow LH strategies in reducing COVID‐related increases in externalizing problems. In addition, the effect of early adversity on COVID‐related increases in externalizing was mediated, and the effect on COVID‐related increases in internalizing was moderated, by slow LH strategies.
Adolescent and Maternal Anxiety Symptoms Decreased but Depressive Symptoms Increased before to during COVID‐19 Lockdown
Authors: Hollenstein Tom , Colasante Tyler , Lougheed Jessica P.
Published: August 2021

Mothers (n = 155) and their adolescent children (n = 146; aged 12–13 at pre‐COVID wave [Time 1, September 2019 to March 2020]) repeated measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and details about the impacts of the pandemic and social distancing at Time 2 (May‐June 2020). Average slopes of mother and adolescent depression increased but anxiety symptoms decreased from Time 1 to Time 2. Adolescent decreases in anxiety symptoms were driven by males, whereas depression increase was driven by females. Adolescents’ depression slopes were steeper for those who reported more negative changes. Implications are discussed relative to findings from other regions and later phases of the pandemic.
Egyptian and Roma Adolescents’ Perspectives on Their Developmental Assets in Albania During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Miconi Diana , Dervishi Eglantina , Wiium Nora , Johnson‐Lafleur Janique , Ibrahimi Silva , Rousseau Cécile
Published: August 2021

This mixed‐method study explores the accessibility of developmental assets among Egyptian and Roma minority youth in Albania during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Six focus groups were conducted in August 2020 with Egyptian (n = 16) and Roma (n = 15) adolescents (14–20 years, Mage = 16.71; SDage = 2.00; 14 girls and 17 boys). In addition, adolescents rated how much they experienced each developmental asset. Descriptive and thematic analyses highlighted: (1) low developmental assets and barriers to accessing resources, (2) mental health concerns and coping strategies, (3) the role of proximal contexts of life, and (4) experiences within the society in terms of discrimination, integration, and contribution to society. Inter‐sectoral community‐based interventions are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on minority youth.
COVID‐19 Impact on Parental Emotion Socialization and Youth Socioemotional Adjustment in Italy
Authors: Di Giunta Laura , Lunetti Carolina , Fiasconaro Irene , Gliozzo Giulia , Salvo Giuseppe , Ottaviani Cristina , Aringolo Katia , Comitale Clementina , Riccioni Chiara , D’Angeli Gessica
Published: August 2021

This study examines the change and associations in parental emotion socialization strategies in response to children’s negative emotions and youths’ adjustment, comparing before the Covid‐19 pandemic hit Italy and since the pandemic began. Participants were convenient cross‐sectional/normative (Study 1) and clinical/longitudinal (Study 2) samples of Italian parents whose children were in middle childhood and adolescence. In Study 1, self‐reported socialization strategies, youths’ maladjustment, and emotion dysregulation increased since the pandemic began. Whereas, in Study 2, socialization strategies and youths’ maladjustment decreased since the pandemic started. In both studies, unsupportive parental emotion socialization predicted youths’ maladjustment and emotion dysregulation, while supportive parental emotion socialization predicted adaptive emotion regulation. This study advances knowledge about the impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on the family context.
Are feeding disorders and feeding tube dependency the same?: A discrimination study between feeding disorders, feeding tube dependency and healthy eaters
Authors: Wilken Markus , Hesse Maximillia , Jockenhöfer Antonia , Pohl Nadine
Published: August 2021

Aim

Feeding disorders (FD) and feeding tube dependency (FTD) are defined by a persistent pattern of food aversion, but data regarding the frequency of food aversion symptoms are scarce. In this study, the frequency of aversion symptoms for FD, FTD and healthy eaters (HE) were compared.

Methods

We compared the frequency of food aversion symptoms in a group with FD (n = 32) and FTD (n = 39) to HE (n = 38) using the AFT questionnaire. This includes growth data as well as the feeding aversion scale and the frequency of food aversion symptoms.

Results

HE were reported to have minor frequency of symptoms, while FD children were reported to have daily aversive symptoms. FTD patients had the highest frequency in total. There were significant differences between FD and FTD regarding the frequency of food refusal, vomiting and bizarre eating patterns, and there were different correlative patterns of food aversion.

Conclusions

Children with FD and FTD show significantly different patterns of feeding behaviour compared to healthy norms as well as to each other. This suggests individualised assessment and treatment programs may be most beneficial for the needs of children with FD and FTD.
Acquired cervical scoliosis in two dogs with inflammatory central nervous system disease
Authors: Poad Lydia , De Decker Steven , Fenn Joe
Published: August 2021

Acquired cervical scoliosis previously has been reported in dogs as a clinical sign associated with Chiari‐like malformation and syringomyelia but has not been described with inflammatory central nervous system disease. A 9‐month‐old Flat‐Coated Retriever was presented with an acute onset of cervical scoliosis with no other neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a focal, poorly defined intramedullary lesion within the cranial cervical spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated mononuclear pleocytosis consistent with a diagnosis of meningomyelitis of unknown etiology. A second dog, a 3‐year‐old female spayed German Shepherd, developed an acute onset of cervical scoliosis with mild generalized proprioceptive ataxia 2 months after commencing immunosuppressive corticosteroid treatment for presumed steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis. Magnetic resonance imaging at the time of diagnosis disclosed a similar intramedullary lesion within the cranial cervical spinal cord, with a neutrophilic pleocytosis on CSF analysis. Both dogs were treated with immunosuppressive dosages of prednisolone, along with cytosine arabinoside in the first dog, with resolution of cervical scoliosis seen in both. To our knowledge, this is the first report of acute onset acquired, reversible cervical scoliosis in dogs with presumed immune‐mediated meningomyelitis.
Divergence in the Aquilegia ecalcarata complex is correlated with geography and climate oscillations: Evidence from plastid genome data
Authors: Xue Cheng , Geng Fang‐Dong , Li Jiao‐Jie , Zhang Dan‐Qing , Gao Fei , Huang Lei , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Kang Ju‐Qing , Zhang Jian‐Qiang , Ren Yi
Published: August 2021

Quaternary climate oscillations and geographical heterogeneity play important roles in determining species and genetic diversity distribution patterns, but how these factors affect the migration and differentiation of East Asian plants species at the population level remains poorly understood. The Aquilegia ecalcarata complex, a group that originated in the Late Tertiary and is widely distributed throughout East Asia, displays high genetic variation that is suitable for studying elaborate phylogeographic patterns and demographic history related to the impact of Quaternary climate and geography. We used plastid genome data from 322 individuals in 60 populations of the A. ecalcarata complex to thoroughly explore the impact of Quaternary climate oscillations and geography on the phylogeographic patterns and demographic history of the A. ecalcarata complex through a series of phylogenetic, divergence time estimation, and demographic history analyses. The dry, cold climate and frequent climate oscillations that occurred during the early Pleistocene and the Mid‐Pleistocene transition led to the differentiation of the A. ecalcarata complex, which was isolated in various areas. Geographically, the A. ecalcarata complex can be divided into Eastern and Western Clades and five subclades, which conform to the divergence of the East Asian flora. Our results clearly show the impact of Quaternary climate and geography on evolutionary history at the population level. These findings promote the understanding of the relationship between plant genetic differentiation and climate and geographical factors of East Asia at the population level.
Of telomeres and temperature: Measuring thermal effects on telomeres in ectothermic animals
Authors: Friesen Christopher R. , Wapstra Erik , Olsson Mats
Published: August 2021

Ectotherms are classic models for understanding life‐history tradeoffs, including the reproduction–somatic maintenance tradeoffs that may be reflected in telomere length and their dynamics. Importantly, life‐history traits of ectotherms are tightly linked to their thermal environment, with diverse or synergistic mechanistic explanations underpinning the variation. Telomere dynamics potentially provide a mechanistic link that can be used to monitor thermal effects on individuals in response to climatic perturbations. Growth rate, age and developmental stage are all affected by temperature, which interacts with telomere dynamics in complex and intriguing ways. The physiological processes underpinning telomere dynamics can be visualized and understood using thermal performance curves (TPCs). TPCs reflect the evolutionary history and the thermal environment during an individual's ontogeny. Telomere maintenance should be enhanced at or near the thermal performance optimum of a species, population and individual. The thermal sensitivity of telomere dynamics should reflect the interacting TPCs of the processes underlying them. The key processes directly underpinning telomere dynamics are mitochondrial function (reactive oxygen production), antioxidant activity, telomerase activity and telomere endcap protein status. We argue that identifying TPCs for these processes will significantly help design robust, repeatable experiments and field studies of telomere dynamics in ectotherms. Conceptually, TPCs are a valuable framework to predict and interpret taxon‐ and population‐specific telomere dynamics across thermal regimes. The literature of thermal effects on telomeres in ectotherms is sparse and mostly limited to vertebrates, but our conclusions and recommendations are relevant across ectothermic animals.
Irony Comprehension in Bidialectal Speakers
Authors: ANTONIOU KYRIAKOS , MILAKI EMMANOUELA
Published: August 2021

Parallel to globalization, our world is becoming increasingly multilingual. We examined the effect of multilingualism on irony comprehension, focusing on a specific type of multilinguals, that is, bidialectal speakers of two dialects of the same language (Cypriot Greek and Standard Modern Greek). Specifically, we investigated the effects of second language (L2) proficiency and use on a continuous scale. We also examined the cognitive factors that underpin irony interpretation, focusing on executive control. Finally, we aimed to adjudicate between the direct and delayed access models of irony processing. We used an act‐out test involving short videos, where irony was indexed by different (combinations of) cues (context, intonation, and face). Experiment 1 validated that ironic cues were perceived as such and were distinguishable from other comparable nonironic cues. Experiment 2 revealed that increased bidialectalism (specifically, higher L2 use) was associated with faster irony processing. Moreover, better working memory resulted in faster ironic interpretations. Finally, ironic interpretations were processed as fast as literal meanings, at least in some experimental conditions. The latter result supports the direct access model of irony. We discuss our findings in the context of 2 accounts of multilingual pragmatics—namely, that multilinguals enjoy a pragmatic advantage and that they have a monolingual‐like pragmatic system.
Community response of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to extreme drought in a cold‐temperate grassland
Authors: Fu Wei , Chen Baodong , Rillig Matthias C. , Jansa Jan , Ma Wang , Xu Chong , Luo Wentao , Wu Honghui , Hao Zhipeng , Wu Hui , Zhao Aihua , Yu Qiang , Han Xingguo
Published: August 2021

Climate extremes pose enormous threats to natural ecosystems. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are key plant symbionts that can affect plant community dynamics and ecosystem stability. However, knowledge about how AM fungal communities respond to climate extremes in natural ecosystems remains elusive.

Based on a grassland extreme drought experiment in Inner Mongolia, we investigated the response of AM fungal communities to extreme drought in association with plant communities. The experiment simulated two types of extreme drought (chronic/intense) of once‐in‐20‐year occurrence.

AM fungal richness and community composition exhibited high sensitivity to extreme drought and were more sensitive to intense drought than chronic drought. This community sensitivity (i.e. decline in richness and shifts in community composition) of AM fungi can be jointly explained by soil moisture, plant richness, and aboveground productivity. Notably, the robustness of the plant–AM fungal community co‐response increased with drought intensity.

Our results indicate that AM fungal communities are sensitive to climate extremes, and we propose that the plant community mediates AM fungal community responses. Given the ubiquitous nature of AM associations, their climate sensitivity may have profound consequences on plant communities and ecosystem stability under climate change.
Deep learning‐based quantification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plant roots
Authors: Evangelisti Edouard , Turner Carl , McDowell Alice , Shenhav Liron , Yunusov Temur , Gavrin Aleksandr , Servante Emily K. , Quan Clément , Schornack Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Soil fungi establish mutualistic interactions with the roots of most vascular land plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are among the most extensively characterised mycobionts to date. Current approaches to quantifying the extent of root colonisation and the abundance of hyphal structures in mutant roots rely on staining and human scoring involving simple yet repetitive tasks which are prone to variation between experimenters.

We developed Automatic Mycorrhiza Finder (AMFinder) which allows for automatic computer vision‐based identification and quantification of AM fungal colonisation and intraradical hyphal structures on ink‐stained root images using convolutional neural networks.

AMFinder delivered high‐confidence predictions on image datasets of roots of multiple plant hosts (Nicotiana benthamiana, Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus, Oryza sativa) and captured the altered colonisation in ram1‐1, str, and smax1 mutants. A streamlined protocol for sample preparation and imaging allowed us to quantify mycobionts from the genera Rhizophagus, Claroideoglomus, Rhizoglomus and Funneliformis via flatbed scanning or digital microscopy, including dynamic increases in colonisation in whole root systems over time.

AMFinder adapts to a wide array of experimental conditions. It enables accurate, reproducible analyses of plant root systems and will support better documentation of AM fungal colonisation analyses. AMFinder can be accessed at https://github.com/SchornacklabSLCU/amfinder.
Carbon–nitrogen relations of ectomycorrhizal mycelium across a natural nitrogen supply gradient in boreal forest
Authors: Högberg Mona N. , Högberg Peter , Wallander Håkan , Nilsson Lars‐Ola
Published: August 2021

The supply of carbon (C) from tree photosynthesis to ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi is known to decrease with increasing plant nitrogen (N) supply, but how this affects fungal nutrition and growth remains to be clarified.

We placed mesh‐bags with quartz sand, with or without an organic N (15N‐, 13C‐labeled) source, in the soil along a natural N supply gradient in boreal forest, to measure growth and use of N and C by ECM extramatrical mycelia.

Mycelial C : N declined with increasing N supply. Addition of N increased mycelial growth at the low‐N end of the gradient. We found an inverse relationship between uptake of added N and C; the use of added N was high when ambient N was low, whereas use of added C was high when C from photosynthesis was low.

We propose that growth of ECM fungi is N‐limited when soil N is scarce and tree belowground C allocation to ECM fungi is high, but is C‐limited when N supply is high and tree belowground C allocation is low. This suggests that ECM fungi have a major role in soil N retention in nutrient‐poor, but less so in nutrient‐rich boreal forests.
Digital surveillance: The interests in toothache‐related information after the outbreak of COVID‐19
Authors: Rizzato Veridiana Lopes , Lotto Matheus , Lourenço Neto Natalino , Oliveira Thais Marchini , Cruvinel Thiago
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The aim of this ecological study was to analyze the relationship of social restriction measures and people's interest in searching toothache‐related information on the Internet.

Materials and Methods

The following indicators Stringency Index (SI), Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) for untreated caries in permanent teeth, Google market share, Internet penetration, and relative search volume (RSV) for the Topic "Toothache" in Google Trends were determined for 21 countries with available data, from April 2018 to May 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U test, t‐Student test, Pearson's Chi‐square test, and Spearman and Pearson's cross‐correlation tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Relative search volume values increased significantly after restriction measures in all countries, except for Japan. Higher RSV values were found among 11 countries that presented a cross‐correlation between RSV and SI with r≥│0.6│. The most common queries were linked to the treatment and self‐resolution of toothache, with a sudden increase of searches that combined the symptom with COVID‐19.

Conclusions

The interests in toothache‐related digital information were associated with social restriction measures. These results allow the identification of dental demands of distinct populations, contributing to the planning of specific public health policies during and after the pandemic period.
Water the odds? Spring rainfall and emergence‐related seed traits drive plant recruitment
Authors: Larson Julie E. , Ebinger Kathleen R. , Suding Katharine N.
Published: August 2021

Recruitment of new individuals from seed is a critical component of plant community assembly and reassembly, especially in the context of ecosystem disturbance and recovery. While frameworks typically aim to predict how communities will be filtered on the basis of traits influencing established plant responses to the environment, assembly from seed is more complex: the responses of seeds (affected by dormancy and germination function) and establishing plants (affected by root and leaf function) can both influence outcomes within a single growing season. This creates a potential role for a more diverse set seed and seedling traits, and for environmental variability on shorter timescales (e.g. seasonal versus annual dynamics), than are typically considered. We followed thousands of individual seeds comprising eleven herbaceous grassland species through the first growing season, seeking to uncover critical environmental (precipitation amount and timing) and trait‐based filters on seedling emergence and survival in assembling communities. We saw the biggest recruitment limitation when seeds failed to emerge, driven independently by a dry spring and interspecific variation in seed mass (positive effect) and seed dormancy (negative effect). Seedling survival rates were higher than emergence, with weaker predictive roles for traits like seedling root mass allocation (positive effect) and seed mass (positive under spring drought), and lesser impacts of summer rainfall on soil moisture and survival. Interestingly, most trait relationships were not conditional on rainfall, suggesting water‐independent mechanisms of their respective advantages. Although recruitment is a complex process, our findings suggest that trait‐based assembly frameworks can be a useful way to anticipate outcomes, particularly if dynamic early‐stage conditions (e.g. spring rainfall) and attributes (e.g. seed dormancy) receive greater attention. Given the importance of recruitment for community turnover in the context of global change and land management efforts, this is an area ripe for continued expansion in trait‐based and applied ecology.