bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementing Merino ewes with melatonin during the last half of pregnancy improves tolerance of prolonged parturition and survival of second-born twin lambs
Authors: Flinn Tom , McCarthy Niki L , Swinbourne Alyce M , Gatford Kathryn L , Weaver Alice C , McGrice Hayley A , Kelly Jennifer M , Walker Simon K , Kind Karen L , Kleemann David O , van Wettere William H E J
Published: November 2020

High preweaning mortality rates continue to limit sheep production globally, constituting a major economic and welfare concern. Greater losses in twin lambs (≥30%) compared with singletons (≥10%) are attributed primarily to lower birth weight and increased risk of intrapartum hypoxia, leading to impairment of thermoregulation, neuromotor activity, and maternal bonding behavior. Previous intensive studies demonstrated that supplementing pregnant ewes with melatonin reduced the adverse effects of fetal growth restriction and perinatal hypoxia on the neonatal brain via increased umbilical blood flow, placental efficiency, and antioxidant actions. The current study examined the effects of supplementing pregnant ewes with melatonin on lamb survival, birth weight, and behavior under intensive conditions. From gestational day (gD) 80 until parturition, pregnant singleton and twin-bearing ewes were supplemented with melatonin via a 2-mg capsule fed daily (Mel-FED, n = 61) or 18 mg subcutaneous implant (Regulin), with one implant administered at gD80 and another at gD125 (Mel-IMP, n = 60). Control ewes received no supplementation (CTL, n = 60). Ewes and lambs were monitored via video throughout parturition. Postpartum measures were taken from lambs at 4 and 24 h (live weight [LW], rectal temperature, serum immunoglobulin G, and latency to stand and suck after birth) and LW at 72 h, 7 d, marking (49.7 ± 0.2 d), and weaning (124.2 ± 0.8 d). Chi-square analysis was used to compare lamb survival between treatment groups. There were no treatment effects on singleton lamb survival. Melatonin supplementation tended to increase the proportion of twin lambs surviving from birth to weaning (Mel-FED = 85.5%; Mel-IMP = 85.9%; CTL = 72.9%; each P < 0.1). Survival of first-born twins did not differ between treatment (each ~90%, P = 0.745) but within second-born twins, survival of Mel-FED was greater than CTL (81.6 vs. 57.1%, P = 0.023), and Mel-IMP (78.1%) tended to be greater than CTL (P = 0.068). Similarly, in second-born twins exposed to prolonged parturition (≥ 90 min), survival of lambs from Mel-FED ewes was greater than CTL (86.7% vs. 42.9%, P = 0.032), while Mel-IMP was intermediate (66.7%). These data suggest that the neuroprotective actions of melatonin may improve twin lamb survival by increasing tolerance of prolonged parturition and provide a sound basis for continued testing in extensively managed sheep flocks.
Describing the growth and molt of modern domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) primary wing feathers
Authors: Leishman Emily M , van Staaveren Nienke , McIntyre Don R , Mohr Jeff , Wood Benjamin J , Baes Christine F , Harlander-Matauschek Alexandra
Published: November 2020

The use of feathers as noninvasive physiological measurements of biomarkers in poultry research is expanding. Feather molting patterns and growth rates, however, are not well described in domestic poultry. These parameters could influence the measurement of these biomarkers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the juvenile primary feather molting patterns and feather growth rates for domestic turkeys. The 10 primary wing feathers of 48 female turkeys were measured weekly from week 1 (0 d of age) to week 20. Feathers were manually measured, and the presence or absence of each primary feather was recorded weekly. Generalized linear mixed models were used to investigate if feather growth differed between the primary feathers. The molting of the juvenile primary feathers followed a typical descending pattern starting with P1 (5 wk of age), while P9 and P10 had not molted by the end of the study (20 wk of age). The average feather growth rate was 2.4 cm/wk, although there was a significant difference between the 10 primary feathers (P < 0.0001, 2.1 to 2.8 cm/wk). Over time, feather growth followed a pattern where the growth rate reaches a peak and then declines until the feather is molted. The results of this study provide a critical update of patterns of molting and feather growth in primary wing feathers of modern turkeys. This can have implications for the interpretation of physiological biomarkers, such as the longitudinal deposition of corticosterone, in the feathers of domestic turkeys.
Postmortem Vitreous Humor Analysis in Dogs, Cats and Horses
Authors: Stern Adam W , Muralidhar Manavi
Published: November 2020

Postmortem chemistry can be a useful ancillary technique that the forensic pathologist can use during a death investigation. In stark contrast, there is limited information available for use of postmortem vitreous humor analysis in animals. In order to use postmortem vitreous humor in veterinary forensic investigations, validation of a method to analyze vitreous humor is required. The goal of this study was to determine the precision, bias, TEobs and sigma (σ) of the Element DC chemistry analyzer; assess its precision using the vitreous humor collected postmortem from dogs, cats and horses and assess the stability of postmortem vitreous humor from all the three species. Analysis of quality control material (QCM) and pooled vitreous humor samples for the three species was used to test for sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), creatinine (Crea) and blood/vitreous urea nitrogen. Analysis of QCM showed that the Element DC was both precise and accurate. When analyzing the pooled vitreous humors, most within-run coefficients of variance (CVs) were found to be <5% and the between-run CVs for five out of six analytes were found to be <5% for dogs, cats and horses. In all the three species, the capped samples of vitreous humor were stable out of refrigeration for up to 5 h. The results of this study show that the Element DC can successfully be used to analyze the postmortem vitreous humor from dogs, cats and horses.
A light way for nuclear cell biologists
Authors: Forlani Giada , Di Ventura Barbara
Published: November 2020

The nucleus is a very complex organelle present in eukaryotic cells. Having the crucial task to safeguard, organize and manage the genetic information, it must tightly control its molecular constituents, its shape and its internal architecture at any given time. Despite our vast knowledge of nuclear cell biology, much is yet to be unravelled. For instance, only recently we came to appreciate the existence of a dynamic nuclear cytoskeleton made of actin filaments that regulates processes such as gene expression, DNA repair and nuclear expansion. This suggests further exciting discoveries ahead of us. Modern cell biologists embrace a new methodology relying on precise perturbations of cellular processes that require a reversible, highly spatially confinable, rapid, inexpensive and tunEable external stimulus: light. In this review, we discuss how optogenetics, the state-of-the-art technology that uses genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins to steer biological processes, can be adopted to specifically investigate nuclear cell biology.
A Molecular Approach for Detecting Stage-Specific Predation onLygus hesperus(Hemiptera: Miridae)
Authors: Hagler James R , Casey Miles T , Hull Allya M , Machtley Scott A
Published: November 2020

A molecular gut analysis technique is described to identify predators of Lygus hesperus (Knight), a significant pest of many crops. The technique is unique because it can pinpoint which life stage of the pest was consumed. Sentinel egg masses designed to mimic the endophytic egg-laying behavior of L. hesperus were marked with rabbit serum, while third instar and adult L. hesperus were marked with chicken and rat sera, respectively. Then, the variously labeled L. hesperus life stages were introduced into field cages that enclosed the native arthropod population inhabiting an individual cotton plant. After a 6-h exposure period, the predator assemblage, including the introduced and native L. hesperus population, in each cage were counted and had their gut contents examined for the presence of the variously marked L. hesperus life stages by a suite of serum-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The whole-plant sampling scheme revealed that Geocoris punticpes (Say) and Geocoris pallens Stal (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) and members of the spider complex were the numerically dominant predator taxa in the cotton field. The gut content analyses also showed that these two taxa appeared to be the most prolific predators of the L. hesperus nymph stage. Other key findings include that Collops vittatus (Say) (Coleoptera: Melyridae) and Solenopsis xyloni McCook (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) appear to be adept at finding and feeding on the cryptic L. hesperus egg stage, and that L. hesperus, albeit at low frequencies, engaged in cannibalism. The methods described here could be adapted for studying life stage-specific feeding preferences for a wide variety of arthropod taxa.
Research Progress on Oviposition-Related Genes in Insects
Authors: Li Hai-Lin , Wang Xiao-Yun , Zheng Xia-Lin , Lu Wen
Published: November 2020

Oviposition-related genes have remained a consistent focus of insect molecular biology. Previous research has gradually clarified our mechanistic understanding of oviposition-related genes, including those related to oviposition-gland-related genes, oogenesis-related genes, oviposition-site-selection-related genes, and genes related to ovulation and hatching. Moreover, some of this research has revealed how the expression of single oviposition-related genes affects the expression of related genes, and more importantly, how individual node genes function to link the expression of upstream and downstream genes. However, the research to date is not sufficient to completely explain the overall interactions among the genes of the insect oviposition system. Through a literature review of a large number of studies, this review provides references for future research on oviposition-related genes in insects and the use of RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 technology to verify the functions of oviposition-related genes and to prevent and control harmful insects.
Responses of soil labile organic carbon and water-stable aggregates to reforestation in southern subtropical China
Authors: Chen Yuanqi , Zhang Yu , Yu Shiqin , Li Feng , Liu Suping , Zhou Lixia , Fu Shenglei
Published: November 2020

Aims

Reforestation can enhance soil carbon (C) stability and promote soil C accumulation. Experimental results are, however, highly variable, and the efficacy of reforestation in enhancing soil C stability is still in debate. Consequently, it remains unclear how the different soil C pools respond to reforestation in forest ecosystems.

Methods

The response of different soil C fractions to reforestation was examined in five subtropical forests, including the plantations of Eucalyptus urophylla (EU), Acacia crassicarpa (AC), Castanopsis hystrix (CH) and 10 species mixed (MX), and a naturally recovered shrubland (NS). Soil labile C fractions (readily oxidized organic C by KMnO4: ROC; dissolved organic C: DOC), distribution of aggregate-size classes and aggregate-associated C from different soil layers (0–10, 10–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm) were evaluated.

Important Findings

We found that reforestation and forest type did not affect ROC concentration, yet the highest DOC concentration was detected in NS at four soil layers. Aggregate C concentration was the highest in all aggregate-size classes of CH at 0–10 cm depth. In addition, forest type did not alter the proportion of soil water-stable aggregates at four soil layers. However, soil depths significantly affected the distribution of soil aggregates with >0.25 mm aggregates dominating in the topsoils (0–20 cm), but 0.053–2 mm aggregates being dominant in the deep soils (20–60 cm). These results indicate that reforestation and forest type affected soil DOC (0–60 cm) and aggregate C (0–10 cm). Furthermore, soil DOC and aggregate C were more susceptive to reforestation than ROC. The findings suggest that plantations reduce soil DOC concentration, highlighting that C leaching loss may decrease compared with natural recovery. Moreover, C. hystrix plantation may enhance soil C stability by physical protection in topsoil. This study provides valuable information on tree species selection for reforestation concerning soil C sequestration in southern subtropical China.
Mammalian herbivory in post-fire chaparral impacts herbaceous composition but not N and C cycling
Authors: Hendricks-Franco Lindsey , Stephens Scott L , Sousa Wayne P
Published: November 2020

Aims

Classical theory predicts that herbivores impact herb assemblages and soil nitrogen (N) cycling through selective plant consumption and the deposition of N-rich waste, with effects dependent upon ecosystem N availability. Herbivores are predicted to accelerate N cycling when N availability is high and decelerate cycling when availability is low. However, experimental tests of these theories in natural systems are limited and have yielded contradictory results. California’s widespread chaparral shrublands provide a tractable system in which to test these theories. They are prone to periodic crown fire, which temporarily removes living shrub cover, deposits mineral N on soils and allows diverse herbaceous assemblages to dominate the landscape for 3–5 years. Chaparral is also increasingly vulnerable to herbaceous invasion; mammalian herbivory may limit the establishment of non-native herbs in the shrub understory.

Methods

We implemented a 2-year herbivore-exclosure experiment (Hopland, CA) to assess the impact of mammalian herbivory during early post-fire chaparral succession, both on herbaceous plant assemblages and soil N and C cycling. We predicted that, in high-N post-fire conditions, mammalian herbivory would not demonstrate a strong preference for N-fixing herbs, would accelerate N cycling and would reduce the abundance of non-native herbs.

Important Findings

Excluding mammalian herbivores increased herb standing biomass by 54%, but changed neither the relative abundance of N-fixing vs. non-N-fixing herbs nor any measure of N or C cycling. Herbivore impacts on nutrient cycling may not be significant over the 2-year time scale of the experiment and physical effects of herbivore activity could have counteracted the influence of plant litter and animal dung/urine inputs. Mammalian herbivores concentrated their feeding on typical non-native herbs, slightly decreasing their relative abundance; however, mammalian herbivory was not sufficient to stem the invasion of chaparral by invasive herbs or alter C and N cycling over the first 2 years after fire.
Baloxavir Treatment in Adolescents With Acute Influenza: Subgroup Analysis From the CAPSTONE-1 Trial
Authors: Portsmouth Simon , Hayden Frederick G , Kawaguchi Keiko , Ishibashi Toru , Kinoshita Masahiro , Shishido Takao , Tsuchiya Kenji , Uehara Takeki
Published: November 2020

Background

Baloxavir marboxil has demonstrated safety and efficacy in treating adult and adolescent outpatients with acute influenza (CAPSTONE-1 trial). Here, we report a subgroup analysis of outcomes in adolescents from the trial.

Methods

CAPSTONE-1 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eligible adolescent outpatients (aged 12-17 years of age) were randomized in a ratio of 2:1 to a single dose of baloxavir 40/80 mg if less than/greater than or equal to 80 kg or placebo. The main outcomes were the time to alleviation of symptoms (TTAS), duration of infectious virus detection, and incidence of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Among 117 adolescent patients, 90 (77%) comprised the intent-to-treat infected population (63 baloxavir and 27 placebo; 88.9% A(H3N2)). The median TTAS was 38.6 hours shorter (95% confidence interval: −2.6, 68.4) in the baloxavir group compared with placebo (median TTAS, 54.1 hours vs 92.7 hours, P = .0055). The median time to sustained cessation of infectious virus detection was 72.0 hours for baloxavir compared with 120.0 hours for placebo recipients (P < .0001). Treatment-emergent PA/I38X-substituted viruses were detected in 5 of the 51 (9.8%) baloxavir recipients. In the safety population (76 baloxavir and 41 placebo), AEs were less common in baloxavir than placebo recipients (17.1% vs 34.1%; P = .0421). In the baloxavir group, no AEs except for diarrhea were reported in 2 or more patients.

Conclusions

Baloxavir demonstrated clinical and virologic efficacy in the otherwise healthy adolescents with acute influenza compared with placebo. There were no safety concerns identified. These results were similar to the adult population in CAPSTONE-1 and support baloxavir as a treatment option in adolescents.
Pre-Coronavirus Disease 2019 Telehealth Practices Among Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialists in the United States
Authors: Hakim Amin , Gaviria-Agudelo Claudia , Edwards Kathryn , Olson Daniel ,   PIDS Telehealth Working Group, Adler-Shohet Felice C , Arun Aparna , Bryant Kristina K , Edwards Kathryn , Fanella Sergio , Gaviria-Agudelo Claudia , Hakim Amin , Holzmann-Pazgal Galit , Kronman Matthew P , Olson Daniel , Russo Michael E , Sabella Camille , Sanderson Susan K , Seed Patrick C , Shehab Kareem , Siddiqui Javeed
Published: November 2020

Background

Telehealth (TH) practices among pediatric infectious disease (PID) specialists prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are largely unknown.

Methods

In 2019, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) Telehealth Working Group surveyed PIDS members to collect data on the use of TH modalities, adoption barriers, interest, extent of curbside consultations (CCs), and reimbursement.

Results

Of 1213 PIDS members, 161 (13.3%) completed the survey, and the responses of 154 (12.7%) from the United States were included in our report. Medical school (63.6%) and hospital (44.8%) were the commonest work settings with 16.9% practicing in both of them. The most common TH modalities used were synchronous provider-patient virtual visits (20.8%) and synchronous provider-provider consultations (13.6%). TH services included outpatient consultations (48.1%), vaccine recommendations (43.5%), inpatient consultations (39.6%), and travel advice (39.6%). Barriers perceived by respondents included reimbursement (55.8%), lack of experience with TH (55.2%), lack of institutional support (52.6%), lack of administrative support (50%), and cost of implementation (48.7%). Most of the respondents (144, 93.5%) were interested in implementing a wide range of TH modalities. CCs accounted for 1–20 hours/week among 148 respondents.

Conclusions

Most of the PIDS survey respondents reported low utilization of TH and several perceived barriers to TH adoption before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, they expressed a strong interest in adopting different TH modalities. They also reported spending considerable time on non-reimbursed CCs from within and outside their institutions. The results of this survey provide baseline information that will allow comparisons with post-COVID-19 changes in the adoption of TH in PID.
The Politics of Return: Understanding Trajectories of Displacement and the Complex Dynamics of ‘Return’ in Central and East Africa
Authors: Macdonald Anna , Porter Holly
Published: November 2020

By 2019, a record high of 79.5 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations (UNHCR 2020a: 2). In the decade leading up to this only a fraction of this number were able to ‘return’ or find a ‘durable solution’. Multiple waves of displacement are common, and ‘return’ often involves far more complicated arrangements than the term suggests. Yet if ‘return’, as a one-directional durable solution is increasingly rare, the need to understand it in difficult and dynamic contexts of precarity and multi-directional mobility, is all the more urgent. This introductory essay reflects on what studies of return can tell us about the ‘life cycle’ of conflict and displacement dynamics in war-affected Central and East Africa, with particular focus on Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. ‘Return’ and the ‘returnee’ category is broad and includes former combatants, especially those involved in non-state armed groups. We survey the historical and conceptual background of ‘return’ and its growing prominence in international policy before introducing four areas in which the articles in this special issue contribute to our understanding of internally displaced person, refugee and combatant return dynamics: conceptualizations of home and mobilities; everyday negotiation of belonging; the relationship between return and ‘cycles of violence’; and finally, the ways in which return shapes and re-shapes governance and public authority across settings.
International Norms of Asylum and Burden-Sharing: A Case Study of Bangladesh and the Rohingya Refugee Population
Authors: Bhattacharya Srobana , Biswas Bidisha
Published: November 2020

Seven decades after the adoption of the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, how strong are the norms that the Convention was expected to institutionalize? We answer this question through the prism of the Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh. Using field research data and news analysis, we find that both the state of Bangladesh and the Rohingya refugees are caught up in a challenging situation. Even though Bangladesh has largely cooperated with the UN, upheld the principle of non-refoulement, and provided services to the refugees, the Rohingya continue to live displaced lives. Our article illuminates both the successes and the ongoing challenges that the global refugee regime faces. The Bangladesh-Rohingya case shows us that refugee norms have been widely accepted, but unevenly applied. Collective responsibility-sharing, which is a necessary pillar of an effective global refugee regime, is lacking. We conclude that international refugee regime is marked by responsibility-shifting, rather than responsibility-sharing.
Sampling on the Dependent Variable: An Achille's Heel of Research on Displacement?
Authors: Cole Georgia
Published: November 2020

Using Portes’ critique of research that ‘samples on the dependent variable’, this article identifies three particularly widespread and inter-related examples of this tendency within research on displacement, and particularly within the growing field of literature on refugee self-reliance. The first concerns the tendency to sample those in possession of particular labels; the second to sample those who inhabit specific spaces; and the third to sample those who exhibit certain forms of vulnerability. The article introduces the stories of displaced Eritreans in the Gulf States to show how these tendencies have resulted in particular sites and experiences of self-reliance being difficult to analyse, and thus systematically overlooked, within refugee studies. It concludes by arguing that categorical, spatial, and vulnerability biases within research on forced migrants can lead to a general confirmation bias that ends up inadvertently narrowing the meaning of key concepts and processes, and obscuring similar actions, including those with more positive outcomes, that may be occurring outside of established ‘host countries’ and under alternative labels.
‘Feeling at Home Away from Home?’ Social Participation of Refugee Students in Cyprus: A Mixed Methods Case Study Design
Authors: Trisokka Lambri , Gautsch Leslie , Mamas Christoforos
Published: November 2020

In the context of increasing numbers of refugee students being integrated into the national school system of host countries globally, the necessity of inclusive school environments for these students is growing. Yet schools may not be well prepared and supported to meet the unique needs of refugee students, who may struggle to adjust to their new reality. In this paper, we present the results of a mixed methods case study that explored aspects of the social participation experiences of three Syrian refugee siblings in a public elementary school in Cyprus, as a telling case for the struggles of refugee children to socially participate with their peers in asylum-country public schools. Social network and interview data were collected to examine how effectively the three refugee siblings participate in school life and the factors that may hinder their social participation. The findings are fairly worrisome, as the three refugee siblings were found to maintain a lower social participation status than their non-refugee peers.
Clustering dark energy imprints on cosmological observables of the gravitational field
Authors: Hassani Farbod , Adamek Julian , Kunz Martin
Published: November 2020

We study cosmological observables on the past light-cone of a fixed observer in the context of clustering dark energy. We focus on observables that probe the gravitational field directly, namely the integrated Sachs–Wolfe and non-linear Rees–Sciama effect (ISW-RS), weak gravitational lensing, gravitational redshift, and Shapiro time delay. With our purpose-built N-body code ‘k-evolution’ that tracks the coupled evolution of dark matter particles and the dark energy field, we are able to study the regime of low speed of sound cs where dark energy perturbations can become quite large. Using ray tracing, we produce two-dimensional sky maps for each effect and we compute their angular power spectra. It turns out that the ISW-RS signal is the most promising probe to constrain clustering dark energy properties coded in $w-c_\mathrm{ s}^2$, as the linear clustering of dark energy would change the angular power spectrum by ${\sim}30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at low ℓ when comparing two different speeds of sound for dark energy. Weak gravitational lensing, Shapiro time delay, and gravitational redshift are less sensitive probes of clustering dark energy, showing variations of only a few per cent. The effect of dark energy non-linearities in all the power spectra is negligible at low ℓ, but reaches about $2{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and $3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, respectively, in the convergence and ISW-RS angular power spectra at multipoles of a few hundred when observed at redshift ∼0.85. Future cosmological surveys achieving per cent precision measurements will allow us to probe the clustering of dark energy to a high degree of confidence.
Diffusive acceleration in relativistic shocks: particle feedback
Authors: Nagar Yotam , Keshet Uri
Published: November 2020

The spectral index s of high-energy particles diffusively accelerated in a non-magnetized relativistic shock, such as in a γ-ray burst afterglow, depends on the unknown angular diffusion function $\mathcal {D}$, which itself depends on the particle distribution function f if acceleration is efficient. We develop a relaxation code to compute s and f for an arbitrary functional $\mathcal {D}$ that depends on f. A local $\mathcal {D}(f)$ dependence is motivated and shown, when rising (falling) upstream, to soften (harden) s with respect to the isotropic case, shift the angular distribution towards upstream (downstream) directions, and strengthen (weaken) the particle confinement to the shock; an opposite effect on s is found downstream. However, variations in s remain modest even when $\mathcal {D}$ is a strong function of f, so the standard, isotropic-diffusion results remain approximately applicable unless $\mathcal {D}$ is both highly anisotropic and not a local function of f. A mild, ∼0.1 softening of s, in both 2D and 3D, when $\mathcal {D}(f)$ rises sufficiently fast, may be realized in ab initio simulations.
The rotation rate of solar active and ephemeral regions – I. Dependence on morphology and peak magnetic flux
Authors: Kutsenko Alexander S
Published: November 2020

Using magnetic field maps acquired by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory, we measured rotation rates of 864 active and 322 ephemeral regions observed between 2010 and 2016. We found smaller magnetic tracers to show a tendency to rotate faster as compared to larger ones. Thus, ephemeral regions exhibit on average the fastest rotation rate. We further divided active regions into three classes. Class A comprised magnetic bipoles obeying Hale’s polarity law, Joy’s law, and exhibiting more coherent leading polarity in comparison with the following one. The second class B included active regions violating at least one of the aforementioned empirical laws. The third class U comprised unipolar active regions. We found no significant difference between the rotation rates of active regions of classes A and B. In contrast, unipolar active regions exhibited on average lower rotation rate and narrower distribution of the rotation rate differences. Assuming the rotation rate to indicate the anchoring depth of the magnetic structure within the convection zone, we supposed that active regions of classes A and B might be anchored throughout the entire convective envelope while unipolar active regions a rooted within a thin layer located either near the base of the convection zone or at a shallow near-surface depth.
Type Ia supernovae from wide white dwarfs triples
Authors: Michaely Erez
Published: November 2020

For ultra-wide systems (with outer orbit >103  au) the galactic field is collisional. Hence, ultra-wide triple white dwarfs (TWDs) can be perturbed, by flyby stars, to sufficiently high outer eccentricity such that the triple becomes dynamically unstable. An unstable triple undergoes multiple binary–single resonant encounters between all three WDs. These encounters might result in a direct collision between any random two WDs and lead to a Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) event. In case where the multiple resonant encounters did not produce a collision a compact binary is formed (while the third WD is ejected), this binary either collides or merges via gravitational wave emission, similar to the classic double-degenerate (DD) channel. In this research study we estimate the galactic rates of SN Ia from the direct collision channel is to be $0.11\!-\!3.76{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and primarily $1\!-\!36{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ from the DD scenario. The spread in the range is due to uncertainty in the underlying population and two types of galaxies, where elliptical galaxies host higher fraction. and primarily $2\!-\!36{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ from the DD scenario.
Screening of Fabry disease in patients with chronic kidney disease in Japan
Authors: Nagata Akiko , Nasu Makoto , Kaida Yusuke , Nakayama Yosuke , Kurokawa Yuka , Nakamura Nao , Shibata Ryo , Hazama Takuma , Tsukimura Takahiro , Togawa Tadayasu , Saito Seiji , Sakuraba Hitoshi , Fukami Kei
Published: November 2020

Background

Fabry disease (FD), an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in alfa-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) activity due to mutations in the GLA gene, has a prevalence of 0–1.69% in patients undergoing haemodialysis; however, its prevalence in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stages 1–5 is unknown.

Methods

Serum α-Gal A activity analysis and direct sequencing of GLA were used to screen for FD in 2122 male patients with CKD, including 1703 patients with CKD Stage 5D and 419 with CKD Stages 1–5. The correlation between serum α-Gal A activity and confounding factors in patients with CKD Stages 1–5 was evaluated.

Results

FD prevalence rates in patients with CKD Stage 5D and CKD Stages 1–5 were 0.06% (1/1703) and 0.48% (2/419), respectively. A patient with CKD Stage 5D exhibited a novel GLA mutation, p.Met208Arg, whereas two patients with CKD Stages 1–5 had c.370delG and p.Met296Ile. p. Met208Arg caused moderate structural changes in the molecular surface region near the substituted amino acid residue but did not affect the catalytic residues Asp170 and Asp231 in α-Gal A. Serum α-Gal A activity in patients with CKD Stages 1–5 was inversely correlated with age (P < 0.0001) but directly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

FD prevalence was much higher in male patients with CKD Stages 1–5 than in those with CKD Stage 5D. FD screening in patients with CKD Stages 1–5 may improve patient survival, decreasing the number of patients with CKD Stage 5D.
The changing nature of regional policy in Europe
Authors: Vanthillo Ties , Beckers Joris , Verhetsel Ann
Published: November 2020

This article charts the changing context of regional economic development and the advancement of both policy thinking and analysis on this issue. The shift away from ‘traditional’ regional policies, designed to bring about regional convergence, towards new approaches, designed to exploit the economic development potential of regions, is the focus of the article. Specific attention is paid to the emergence of regional development strategies in the process, where ‘regions’ may be defined functionally rather than administratively. We outline the elements of such strategies—including redefining objectives, new types of interventions, involvement of new actors, and the broadening and integration of regional interventions—which distinguish them from traditional policy and which will determine the degree of success achieved. In conclusion, the paper raises two points of interest, namely the need for more inclusive regional development processes and better implementation of these demanding strategies.
Whole Health Options and Pain Education (wHOPE): A Pragmatic Trial Comparing Whole Health Team vs Primary Care Group Education to Promote Nonpharmacological Strategies to Improve Pain, Functioning, and Quality of Life in Veterans—Rationale, Methods, and Implementation
Authors: Seal Karen H , Becker William C , Murphy Jennifer L , Purcell Natalie , Denneson Lauren M , Morasco Benjamin J , Martin Aaron M , Reddy Kavitha , Iseghem Theresa Van , Krebs Erin E , Painter Jacob M , Hagedorn Hildi , Pyne Jeffrey M , Hixon John , Maguen Shira , Neylan Thomas C , Borsari Brian , DeRonne Beth , Gibson Carolyn , Matthias Marianne S , Frank Joseph W , Krishnaswamy Akshaya , Li Yongmei , Bertenthal Daniel , Chan Allan , Nunez Alejandro , McCamish Nicole
Published: November 2020

Background

The Whole Health model of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) emphasizes holistic self-care and multimodal approaches to improve pain, functioning, and quality of life. wHOPE (Whole Health Options and Pain Education) seeks to be the first multisite pragmatic trial to establish evidence for the VA Whole Health model for chronic pain care.

Design

wHOPE is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial comparing a Whole Health Team (WHT) approach to Primary Care Group Education (PC-GE); both will be compared to Usual VA Primary Care (UPC). The WHT consists of a medical provider, a complementary and integrative health (CIH) provider, and a Whole Health coach, who collaborate with VA patients to create a Personalized Health Plan emphasizing CIH approaches to chronic pain management. The active comparator, PC-GE, is adapted group cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain. The first aim is to test whether the WHT approach is superior to PC-GE and whether both are superior to UPC in decreasing pain interference in functioning in 750 veterans with moderate to severe chronic pain (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes include changes in pain severity, quality of life, mental health symptoms, and use of nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies for pain. Outcomes will be collected from the VA electronic health record and patient-reported data over 12 months of follow-up. Aim 2 consists of an implementation-focused process evaluation and budget impact analysis.

This trial is part of the Pain Management Collaboratory, which seeks to create national-level infrastructure to support evidence-based nonpharmacological pain management approaches for veterans and military service personnel.
AN INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY INVESTIGATION: PATIENT EXPOSURE TO RADIATION AND INTER-OPERATOR VARIABILITY IN AN IRISH SETTING
Authors: Anderson Joseph , Zanardo Moreno , Smyth Brian , Fox Lis , Anderson Ashna , Maher Marion , Louise Rainford L
Published: November 2020

Aim: To evaluate patient radiation exposure for Diagnostic Coronary Angiography (DCA) and Percutaneous Cardiac Intervention (PCI) performed by different operators. Methods and Results: Retrospective (n = 160) and prospective (n = 62) data for DCA (n = 179) and PCI (n = 43) examinations performed by interventional cardiologists (n = 3) using the same imaging equipment were reviewed. The operator with consistently low diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) was interviewed for their personal perceptions upon operator training. Retrospective Median [IQR] DAP was 18.8 [11.8–31.6] and 50.7 [35.3–85.6] Gy.cm2 for DCA and PCI, respectively. Prospective Median [IQR] DAP for DCA and PCI was 7.9 [5.2–10.6] and 15.9 [10.0–17.7] Gy.cm2, respectively. DRLs were within Irish and European DRLs; however, significant inter-operator variability (p < .001) was identified. Conclusion: Radiation exposure in Interventional cardiology is highly operator dependent; further research is warranted in standardization of operator training with evolving technologies.
Self-stigma in Serious Mental Illness: A Systematic Review of Frequency, Correlates, and Consequences
Authors: Dubreucq Julien , Plasse Julien , Franck Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Self-stigma is associated with poor clinical and functional outcomes in Serious Mental Illness (SMI). There has been no review of self-stigma frequency and correlates in different cultural and geographic areas and SMI. The objectives of the present study were: (1) to review the frequency, correlates, and consequences of self-stigma in individuals with SMI; (2) to compare self-stigma in different geographical areas and to review its potential association with cultural factors; (3) to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the current body of evidence to guide future research. A systematic electronic database search (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Ovid SP Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL]) following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted on the frequency, correlates, and consequences of self-stigma in SMI. Out of 272 articles, 80 (29.4%) reported on the frequency of self-stigma (n = 25 458), 241 (88.6%) on cross-sectional correlates of self-stigma and 41 (15.0%) on the longitudinal correlates and consequences of self-stigma. On average, 31.3% of SMI patients reported high self-stigma. The highest frequency was in South-East Asia (39.7%) and the Middle East (39%). Sociodemographic and illness-related predictors yielded mixed results. Perceived and experienced stigma—including from mental health providers—predicted self-stigma, which supports the need to develop anti-stigma campaigns and recovery-oriented practices. Increased transition to psychosis and poor clinical and functional outcomes are both associated with self-stigma. Psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery-oriented early interventions could reduce self-stigma and should be better integrated into public policy.
Phenotypic factors associated with lamb live weight and carcass composition measurements in an Irish multi-breed sheep population1
Authors: McGovern Fiona Mary , McHugh Noirin , Fitzmaurice Shauna , Pabiou Thierry , McDermott Kevin , Wall Eamon , Fetherstone Nicola
Published: November 2020

Understanding the phenotypic factors that affect lamb live weight and carcass composition is imperative to generating accurate genetic evaluations and further enables implementation of functional management strategies. This study investigated phenotypic factors affecting live weight across the growing season and traits associated with carcass composition in lambs from a multibreed sheep population. Four live weight traits and two carcass composition traits were considered for analysis namely; birth, preweaning, weaning, and postweaning weight, and ultrasound muscle depth and fat depth. A total of 427,927 records from 159,492 lambs collected from 775 flocks between the years 2016 and 2019, inclusive were available from the Irish national sheep database. Factors associated with live weight and carcass composition were determined using linear mixed models. The heaviest birth, preweaning, and weaning weights were associated with single born lambs (P < 0.001), however by postweaning, there was no difference observed in the weights of single and twin born lambs (P > 0.01). Breed class affected lamb live weight and carcass composition with terminal lambs weighing heaviest and having greater muscle depth than all other breed classes investigated (P < 0.001). Lambs born to first parity dams were consistently lighter, regardless of time of weighing (P < 0.001), while dams lambing for the first time as ewe lambs produced lighter lambs than those lambing for the first time as hoggets (P < 0.001). Greater heterosis coefficients (i.e., >90% and ≤100%) resulted in heavier lambs at weaning compared with lambs with lower levels of heterosis coefficients (P < 0.001). A heterosis coefficient class <10% resulted in lambs with greater muscle depth while recombination loss of <10% increased ultrasound fat depth (P < 0.001). Results from this study highlight the impact of multiple animal level factors on lamb live weight and carcass composition which will enable more accurate bio-economic models and genetic evaluations going forward.
Intrinsic non-stomatal resilience to drought of the photosynthetic apparatus in Coffea spp. is strengthened by elevated air [CO2]
Authors: Semedo José N , Rodrigues Ana P , Lidon Fernando C , Pais Isabel P , Marques Isabel , Gouveia Duarte , Armengaud Jean , Silva Maria J , Martins Sónia , Semedo Magda C , Dubberstein Danielly , Partelli Fábio L , Reboredo Fernando H , Scotti-Campos Paula , Ribeiro-Barros Ana I , DaMatta Fábio M , Ramalho José C
Published: November 2020

Growing water restrictions associated with climate changes constitute daunting challenges to crop performance. This study unveils the impacts of moderate (MWD) or severe (SWD) water deficit, and their interaction with air [CO2], on the photosynthetic apparatus of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner cv. Conilon Clone 153 (CL153) and Coffea arabica L. cv. Icatu. Seven year-old potted plants grown under 380 (aCO2) or 700 μl l −1 (eCO2) [CO2] gradually reached predawn water potentials between −1.6 and −2.1 MPa (MWD), and below −3.5 MPa (SWD). Under drought, stomata closure was chiefly related to abscisic acid (ABA) rise. Increasing drought severity progressively affected gas exchange and fluorescence parameters in both genotypes, with non-stomatal limitations becoming gradually dominating, especially regarding the photochemical and biochemical components of CL153 SWD plants. In contrast, Icatu plants were highly tolerant to SWD, with minor, if any, negative impacts on the potential photosynthetic functioning and components (e.g., Amax, Fv/Fm, electron carriers, photosystems (PSs) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RuBisCO) activities). Besides, drought-stressed Icatu plants displayed increased abundance of a large set of proteins associated with the photosynthetic apparatus (PSs, light-harvesting complexes, cyclic electron flow, RuBisCO activase) regardless of [CO2]. Single eCO2 did not promote stomatal and photosynthetic down-regulation in both genotypes. Instead, eCO2 increased photosynthetic performance, moderately reinforced photochemical (PSs activity, electron carriers) and biochemical (RuBisCO, ribulose-5-phosphate kinase) components, whereas photoprotective mechanisms and protein abundance remained mostly unaffected. In both genotypes, under MWD, eCO2 superimposition delayed stress severity and promoted photosynthetic functioning with lower energy dissipation and PSII impacts, whereas stomatal closure was decoupled from increases in ABA. In SWD plants, most impacts on the photosynthetic performance were reduced by eCO2, especially in the moderately drought affected CL153 genotype, although maintaining RuBisCO as the most sensitive component, deserving special breeder’s attention to improve coffee sustainability under future climate scenarios.
Fungicide Management of Pasmo Disease of Flax and Sensitivity of Septoria linicola to Pyraclostrobin and Fluxapyroxad
Authors: Islam Tonima , Vera Cecil , Slaski Jan , Mohr Ramona , Rashid Khalid Y. , Booker Helen , Kutcher Hadley R.
Published: November 2020

Among the diseases that have the potential to cause damage to flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) every year, the fungal disease pasmo, caused by Septoria linicola, is the most important. Fungicide application and a diverse crop rotation are the most important strategies to control this disease because there is little variation in resistance among flax cultivars. However, few fungicide products are available to flax growers. Field studies were conducted at four locations in Western Canada in 2014, 2015, and 2016 to determine the effect of two fungicide active ingredients applied singly and in combination: pyraclostrobin, fluxapyroxad, and fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin; and two application timings (early-flower, mid-flower, and at both stages) on pasmo disease severity, seed yield, and quality of flaxseed. The results indicated that among the three fungicide treatments, both pyraclostrobin and fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin controlled pasmo effectively; however, fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin was the most beneficial to improve the quality and quantity of the seed for most of the site-years. Disease severity in the fungicide-free control was 70%, and application of fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin decreased disease severity to 18%, followed by pyraclostrobin (23%) and fluxapyroxad (48%). Application of fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin also improved seed yield to 2,562 kg ha−1 compared with 1,874 kg ha−1 for the fungicide-free control, followed by pyraclostrobin (2,391 kg ha−1) and fluxapyroxad (2,340 kg ha−1). Fungicide application at early and mid-flowering stage had the same effects on disease severity and seed yield; however, seed quality was improved more when fungicide was applied at mid-flowering stage. Continuous use of the same fungicide may result in the development of fungicide insensitivity in the pathogen population. Thus, sensitivity of S. linicola isolates to pyraclostrobin and fluxapyroxad fungicides was determined by the spore germination and microtiter assay methods. Fungicide insensitivity was not detected among the 73 isolates of S. linicola tested against either of these fungicides.
Amniotic Fluid Embolism: Principles of Early Clinical Management
Authors: Pacheco L.D. , Clark S.L. , Klassen M. , Hankins G.D.V.
Published: November 2020

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;222:48–52)

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) affects up to 6.1 per 100,000 births and has a mortality rate of up to 60%. Developing interventions and protocols for this rare condition is difficult because of its unpredictable nature. In this Clinical Opinion, the authors provide recommendations for the management of AFE in pregnant women.
Obstetric Anesthesia During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Bauer M.E. , Bernstein K. , Dinges E. , Delgado C. , El-Sharawi N. , Sultan P. , Mhyre J.M. , Landau R.
Published: November 2020

(Anesth Analg. 2020;131:7–15)

When caring for obstetric patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there are a number of factors to consider to safeguard the pregnant or postpartum woman and health care workers. The goal of this review was to provide recommendations based on evidence or expert opinion for anesthesiologists caring for pregnant women in the age of COVID-19.