bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stream microbial communities and ecosystem functioning show complex responses to multiple stressors in wastewater
Authors: Burdon Francis J. , Bai Yaohui , Reyes Marta , Tamminen Manu , Staudacher Philipp , Mangold Simon , Singer Heinz , Räsänen Katja , Joss Adriano , Tiegs Scott D. , Jokela Jukka , Eggen Rik I. L. , Stamm Christian
Published: September 2020

Multiple anthropogenic drivers are changing ecosystems globally, with a disproportionate and intensifying impact on freshwater habitats. A major impact of urbanization are inputs from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Initially designed to reduce eutrophication and improve water quality, WWTPs increasingly release a multitude of micropollutants (MPs; i.e., synthetic chemicals) and microbes (including antibiotic‐resistant bacteria) to receiving environments. This pollution may have pervasive impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Viewed through multiple lenses of macroecological and ecotoxicological theory, we combined field, flume, and laboratory experiments to determine the effects of wastewater (WW) on microbial communities and organic‐matter processing using a standardized decomposition assay. First, we conducted a mensurative experiment sampling 60 locations above and below WWTP discharges in 20 Swiss streams. Microbial respiration and decomposition rates were positively influenced by WW inputs via warming and nutrient enrichment, but with a notable exception: WW decreased the activation energy of decomposition, indicating a “slowing” of this fundamental ecosystem process in response to temperature. Second, next‐generation sequencing indicated that microbial community structure below WWTPs was altered, with significant compositional turnover, reduced richness, and evidence of negative MP influences. Third, a series of flume experiments confirmed that although diluted WW generally has positive influences on microbial‐mediated processes, the negative effects of MPs are “masked” by nutrient enrichment. Finally, transplant experiments suggested that WW‐borne microbes enhance decomposition rates. Taken together, our results affirm the multiple stressor paradigm by showing that different aspects of WW (warming, nutrients, microbes, and MPs) jointly influence ecosystem functioning in complex ways. Increased respiration rates below WWTPs potentially generate ecosystem “disservices” via greater carbon evasion from streams and rivers. However, toxic MP effects may fundamentally alter ecological scaling relationships, indicating the need for a rapprochement between ecotoxicological and macroecological perspectives.
Environmental and anthropogenic drivers of soil methane fluxes in forests: Global patterns and among‐biomes differences
Authors: Gatica Gabriel , Fernández María E. , Juliarena Maria P. , Gyenge Javier
Published: September 2020

Forest soils are the most important terrestrial sink of atmospheric methane (CH4). Climatic, soil and anthropogenic drivers affect CH4 fluxes, but it is poorly known the relative weight of each driver and whether all drivers have similar effects across forest biomes. We compiled a database of 478 in situ estimations of CH4 fluxes in forest soils from 191 peer‐reviewed studies. All forest biomes (boreal, temperate, tropical and subtropical) but savannahs act on average as CH4 sinks, which presented positive fluxes in 65% of the sites. Mixed effects models showed that combined climatic and edaphic variables had the best support, but anthropogenic factors did not have a significant effect on CH4 fluxes at global scale. This model explained only 19% of the variance in soil CH4 flux which decreased with declines in precipitation and increases in temperature, and with increases in soil organic carbon, bulk density and soil acidification. The effects of these drivers were inconsistent across biomes, increasing the model explanation of observed variance to 34% when the drivers have a different slope for each biome. Despite this limited explanatory value which could be related to the use of soil variables calculated at coarse scale (~1 km), our study shows that soil CH4 fluxes in forests are determined by different environmental variables in different biomes. The most sensitive system to all studied drivers were the temperate forests, while boreal forests were insensitive to climatic variables, but highly sensitive to edaphic factors. Subtropical forests and savannahs responded similarly to climatic variables, but differed in their response to soil factors. Our results suggest that the increase in temperature predicted in the framework of climate change would promote CH4 emission (or reduce CH4 sink) in subtropical and savannah forests, have no influence in boreal and temperate forests and promote uptake in tropical forests.
Predicting transformations during reactive flash sintering in CuO and Mn2O3
Authors: Murray Shannon E. , Lin Yu‐Ying , Sulekar Soumitra S. , Gebre Mebatsion S. , Perry Nicola H. , Shoemaker Daniel P.
Published: September 2020

Reactive flash sintering has been demonstrated as a method to rapidly densify and synthesize ceramic materials, but determining the extent of chemical reactions can be complex since the maximum temperature reached by the sample may be brief in time. The black body radiation (BBR) model has been shown to accurately predict the sample temperature during the steady state of flash (stage III). This work demonstrates situations where the BBR model alone does not accurately predict when a phase transformation will occur. We examine the model reactions of CuO reduction to Cu2O during stage II and Mn2O3 reduction to Mn3O4 in stage III. In CuO, highly resistive samples result in initially localized current flow, a stochastic process resulting in inhomogeneous heating and error in the BBR model during stage II. CuO reduction does not occur in constant heating rate experiments with 6.25 V/mm fields, even though the sample temperature momentarily exceeds the phase transformation temperature. Increased furnace heating to 950°C before application of a field is required to drive the transition. In Mn2O3, the calculated sample temperature of the gauge is less than the transformation temperature, but localized heating at the contact will exceed the transformation temperature, causing the transformation to propagate away from the electrode during stage III. This work demonstrates two forms of inhomogeneity (local, stochastic current flow, and local contact resistance) that result in a complex thermal profile of the sample. This profile should be interrogated to understand reaction kinetics, and can be beneficial when engineered.
Effectiveness of active video game usage on body composition, physical activity level and motor proficiency in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Lau Patrick Wing‐Chung , Wang Geng , Wang Jing‐Jing
Published: September 2020

Background

Interventions with active video games (AVGs) can promote physical activity (PA) and health and are compatible with a school setting. The needs of children with intellectual disability (ID) in this area have been neglected.

Methods

A two‐arm trial was conducted among 203 students with intellectual disability. The intervention group was prescribed a 12‐week intervention with AVG. The control group continued with usual PA.

Results

Children's BOT‐2 short‐form score increased in both the intervention and control groups. However, the AVG intervention had no statistically significant effect on children's body composition, PA and motor proficiency overall, or in analyses of subgroups based on age, body weight and comorbid autism.

Conclusion

Active video game intervention had no marked effect on body composition, PA and motor proficiency in children with intellectual disability. The reasons for the lack of effectivity of the intervention are discussed; these may provide better guidelines for future AVG intervention in children with intellectual disability.
Thiopurines and their optimization during infliximab induction and maintenance: A retrospective study in Crohn's disease
Authors: Luber Raphael P , Dawson Luke , Munari Stephanie , Kariyawasam Viraj C , Martin Catherine , Gibson Peter R , Sparrow Miles P , Ward Mark G
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

Combining therapy with a thiopurine is favored when commencing infliximab in Crohn's disease; however, the optimal 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (TGN) level and how long to continue thiopurines after induction are uncertain.

We aimed to compare outcomes after induction and during maintenance in combination therapy versus infliximab monotherapy in Crohn's and to examine whether TGN levels were associated with outcomes.

Methods

Crohn's patients induced with infliximab with or without concomitant thiopurines were retrospectively identified. Response to induction and clinical outcomes in subsequent 6‐month maintenance semesters were analyzed. A TGN level ≥235 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cells was considered therapeutic.

Results

In 89 patients, response to induction was higher in combination therapy than monotherapy (74 vs 47%, P = 0.04). This benefit was only seen in patients with a therapeutic TGN (odds ratio 3.72, confidence interval 1.07–13.0, P = 0.04). Combination therapy during induction yielded a three times longer time to subsequent need for treatment escalation or treatment failure compared with monotherapy (29 vs 9 months, P = 0.01), with both therapeutic and subtherapeutic TGNs independent predictors on multivariate analysis. Among 370 semesters, there was no difference in outcomes between combination therapy and monotherapy (P = 0.42), nor when combination semesters were stratified by therapeutic versus subtherapeutic TGN (P = 0.56). In semester 1 only, a significantly higher remission rate was observed with therapeutic compared with subtherapeutic TGN (76% vs 33%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Combination therapy dosed with an optimized thiopurine was superior to infliximab monotherapy for induction of response, durability of response, and clinical outcomes in the first 6 months following induction. Thereafter, combination therapy yielded no clinical advantage, supporting consideration of thiopurine withdrawal on a case‐by‐case basis.
Metabolic determinants of leukocyte pathogenicity in neurological diseases
Authors: Runtsch Marah C. , Ferrara Giovanni , Angiari Stefano
Published: September 2020

Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the recruitment of circulating blood‐borne innate and adaptive immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS). These leukocytes sustain the detrimental response in the CNS by releasing pro‐inflammatory mediators that induce activation of local glial cells, blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, and neural cell death. However, infiltrating peripheral immune cells could also dampen CNS inflammation and support tissue repair. Recent advances in the field of immunometabolism demonstrate the importance of metabolic reprogramming for the activation and functionality of such innate and adaptive immune cell populations. In particular, an increasing body of evidence suggests that the activity of metabolites and metabolic enzymes could influence the pathogenic potential of immune cells during neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of intracellular metabolic cues in regulating leukocyte‐mediated CNS damage in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke, highlighting the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting metabolic pathways for the treatment of neurological diseases.

image
Novel technique of non‐surgical rejuvenation of infraorbital dark circles
Authors: Shah‐Desai Sabrina , Joganathan Varajini
Published: September 2020

Background

Infraorbital dark circles are a common esthetic concern which can be challenging to treat given their multifactorial nature. Under‐eye dark circles are seen in all skin types, with a strong familial component in darker skin types. Other major contributing factors include soft tissue and bony changes, skin changes, lifestyle contributions, and allergies. Involutional periorbital volumetric changes cause volume loss in the tear trough, naso‐jugal and palpebro‐malar grove, skin and subcutaneous tissues with tethering of the eyelid skin to the tear trough ligament, giving a sunken and hollow appearance to the lower lid. Associated prolapse of the orbital fat and thin skin can worsen the appearance of a dark circle. Hyaluronic acid fillers placed in the pre‐periosteal plane in the tear trough, palpebro‐malar and naso‐jugal grooves, give good results in patients with thick eyelid skin and negligible fat prolapse. However, in patients with thin skin and moderate fat prolapse, authors have reported worsening outcomes with risk of Tyndall (blue‐gray discoloration) and contour irregularities from visible lumps.

Aims

To describe a novel technique to improve dark circles caused by a diffuse valley‐type pre‐septal tear trough deformity in patients with thin eyelid skin.

Methods

Retrospective case note review of 330 eyelids treated with microdroplet subdermal placement of filler in the preseptal tear trough area by a single surgeon.

Conclusion

This novel technique shows good esthetic outcomes in patients with dark circles, with good longevity and a low risk of complications.
Prospective Clinical Evaluation of Posterior Monolithic Zirconia Fixed Partial Dentures Using a Complete Digital Workflow: Two‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Pontevedra Paula , Lopez‐Suarez Carlos , Pelaez Jesus , Garcia‐Serdio Sara , Suarez Maria J
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical performance and survival rate of posterior monolithic zirconia fixed partial dentures over a 2‐year period.

Material and Methods

A total of 20 patients, requiring 20 posterior fixed partial dentures were included in the study. Tooth preparations were scanned, and restorations were milled and cemented with a resin cement. The restorations were assessed for the quality of the surface and the color, anatomical form and marginal integrity. Periodontal status was assessed by determining the plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, and margin index of the abutment teeth. Data were statistically analyzed using the Friedman and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests with the Bonferroni correction.

Results

The survival rate at 2 years was 100%, and no biological or technical complications were observed. All restorations were assessed as satisfactory. The results obtained for gingival index and plaque index were better at 2 years follow‐up, than at baseline. The margin index remained stable throughout the follow‐up period. No differences in periodontal parameters were observed between abutment and control teeth.

Conclusions

The high survival rate after 2 years suggest that monolithic zirconia may be an acceptable alternative to metal‐ceramic and veneered zirconia restorations in the posterior region. Additional long‐term, controlled studies are necessary to confirm the results.
Losartan and azelastine either alone or in combination as modulators for endothelial dysfunction and platelets activation in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats
Authors: Elseweidy Mohamed M , Elnagar Gehad M , M.Elsawy Marwa , Ali Abdelmoneim A , Zein Nabila
Published: September 2020

Aim

The present study aimed mainly to demonstrate the effect of the antihistamine azelastine (AZ) and Angiotensin receptor blocker ( ARB), represented by losartan (LOS) either alone or in combined form on certain metabolic aspects, endothelial dysfunction and platelets activation markers in diabetic hyperlipidemic rat model.

Methods

Rats were randomly classified to five groups: One group fed normal chow diet (NC). Four groups received alloxan and CCT-diet. One group received no treatment (DHC while the other three groups received AZ, LOS and their combination form, respectively for 8 weeks. Serum and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological evaluations.

Results

DHC rats demonstrated significant hyperglycaemia, dyslipidemia, disturbances in endothelial and platelet activation markers. AZ or LOS administration demonstrated hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects. VCAM-1 and sE-selectin (Endothelial function markers) along with CD63 (Platelet activation marker) showed significant decrease as compared to control group. AZ administration exerted little prominent effects than that of LOS, while their combination demonstrated remarkable changes compared to monotherapy. Histopathological findings were in agreement to certain extent with the biomarkers results.

Conclusions

Both drug categories may be expressed as suitable therapeutic tools for atherosclerotic complications either alone or along with other hypolipidemic drugs.
Anticoagulant drug utilization pattern and their cost analysis: a retrospective study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali Mohammad Daud , Ahmad Ayaz , Banu Nuzhat , Patel Munfis , Ghosn Sherihan Ahmad , Eltrafi Zainab
Published: September 2020

Objective

The study was aimed to evaluate the cost and drug utilization pattern of anticoagulant drugs in a clinical setting in Saudi Arabia.

Method

A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in a private hospital in Saudi Arabia. World Health Organization, defined daily dose, and American Society of Hematology methods were used to compute the daily price of each anticoagulant agent.

Key findings

Consumption of oral anticoagulants was very less as compared to the parenteral. Apixaban was the most prescribed oral drug, while enoxaparin sodium was the drug of choice among the parenteral. In oral anticoagulants, the unit-wise cost was found to be highest for Rivaroxaban (12.60 SR (3.36 USD) and less for Warfarin (0.82 SR (0.22 USD)). Heparin sodium cost (51.62 SR (13.76 USD) was found to be the most expensive parenteral agent while the least expensive was Phytomenadione (3.76 SR (1.00 USD)).

Conclusion

Apixaban was the preferred oral anticoagulant among all the studied anticoagulants, although Warfarin is the cheapest. Therapeutic drug monitoring was recommended for Warfarin. The study highlights the importance of more studies to measure the advantages and disadvantages of all types of anticoagulants.
Cost-effectiveness of Interventional therapies for management of Treatment-resistant hypertension: systematic review of pharmacoeconomic studies
Authors: Mensa Sorato Mende , Davari Majid , Kebriaeezadeh Abbas , Naderi Nasim , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Shibru Tamiru , Nikfar Shekoufeh , Arero Amanuel Godana
Published: September 2020

Background

Treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure (>140/90 mm Hg) after treatment with the intensified dose of three standard antihypertensive drugs. Management of TRH involves addition of fourth line drugs on standard care or interventional therapies (Renal denervation, Baroreceptor activation, Central venous anastomosis). However, evidence concerning cost-effectiveness of interventional therapies is inconclusive. Objective: This systematic review was conducted to extract the level of evidence on cost-effectiveness of interventional therapies for TRH.

Method

We systematically searched articles written in English language since January 2000 to January 2020 from the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Ovid/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar and other relevant sources.

Key findings

Twelve pharmacoeconomic studies were included in this systematic review. Renal denervation (RDN) is the most commonly studied intervention therapy for treatment of TRH. Participants included in the study vary from age 18-99 years. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of RDN ranged from $1,709.84 per QALY gained in Netherlands to 66,380.3 per QALY gained in Australia. RDN was cost-effective in high-risk patients in UK, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, USA, Germany, Russia and Korea. The cost-effectiveness was influenced by the magnitude of effect of RDN on systolic blood pressure, the rate of RDN nonresponders, and the procedure costs of RDN and assumption of long-term time horizon. However, the ICER of RDN in Mexico was above MXN$ 139,000 GDP/capita of the country. The ICER of implantable carotid body stimulator was $64,400 per QALYs gained. The cost-effectiveness of baroreceptor activation didn’t improve with age.

Conclusion

Overall cost-effectiveness of interventional therapies for treatment of TRH was inconclusive based on the current available evidence. Therefore, strong clinical trials and pharmacoeconomic evaluations from different perspectives in various candidate populations are needed to generate adequate clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence for using interventional therapies in treatment of treatment resistant hypertension.
White dominance in nursing education: A target for anti‐racist efforts
Authors: Bell Blythe
Published: September 2020

Literature on racism, anti‐racism, whiteness, nursing education and nurse educators was reviewed and analysed for the development of race consciousness and application of anti‐racist pedagogy. The literature describes an oppressive educational climate for non‐white identifying people, a curriculum that does not attend to the social construction of difference, and a nursing culture that is not consciously situated in a broader sociopolitical context. A particular focus on studies of nurse educators demonstrates a stark need for personal and professional development towards effectively delivering anti‐racist pedagogy and a deconstruction of white normativity and dominance amongst white faculty. The protection and reproduction of white privilege is identified through the scholarship itself through a lack of racial analysis, an externalization of the root of oppression and non‐specific study measures and outcomes. The persistence and pervasiveness of white dominance in nursing and the lack of anti‐racist competence in white educators, particularly, merits a shift in anti‐racist efforts away from short‐term skill acquisition initiatives towards the deconstruction of socialized white supremacy and enactments of white privilege in nurse educators themselves.
Serum vitamin D levels in relation to abdominal obesity: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of epidemiologic studies
Authors: Hajhashemy Zahra , Shahdadian Farnaz , Ziaei Rahele , Saneei Parvane
Published: September 2020

Although several observational studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and risk of central obesity, the results were inconsistent. We performed a dose–response meta‐analysis on epidemiologic studies that evaluated the association of vitamin D status and abdominal obesity in adults. A systematic search was carried out of all published articles, up to May 2020, in five electronic databases, including MEDLINE (Pubmed), EMBASE, Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) (Web of science), Scopus and Google scholar. Forty‐one observational studies reported odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for abdominal obesity in relation to serum vitamin D levels in adults were included in the analysis. Using a random effects model, the overall effect size was calculated. Combining 44 effect sizes from 36 cross‐sectional studies with 257,699 participants revealed that the highest versus the lowest serum vitamin D level was significantly associated with a 23% decreased odds of abdominal obesity (OR: 0.77; 95% CI [0.71, 0.83]). This inverse association was significant in almost all subgroups based on different covariates. Dose–response analysis showed that each 25 nmol/L increase in serum vitamin D was related to 8% reduced risk of abdominal obesity (OR: 0.92; 95% CI [0.85, 0.99]). When we confined the analysis to 23 effect sizes from 17 studies with representative population (242,135 participants), the same results were obtained (OR: 0.79; 95% CI [0.71, 0.87]). Dose–response analysis indicated that each 25 nmol/L increase in blood vitamin D levels was linked to 10% decreased central adiposity risk in representative populations (OR: 0.90; 95% CI [0.82, 0.99]). This meta‐analysis of epidemiologic studies revealed that serum vitamin D level was inversely associated with risk of abdominal obesity in adults, in a dose–response manner. The same findings were obtained in representative populations. Further prospective studies are required to examine the causal association between serum vitamin D levels and abdominal obesity.
LncRNA JPX overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma drives malignancy via miR‐944/CDH2 axis
Authors: Yao Yuan , Chen Shaoshan , Lu Na , Yin Yue , Liu Zhiwen
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck cancer with high incidence. Numerous reports have elucidated that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as crucial regulatory factors in various diseases including cancer. Nonetheless, the role of lncRNA JPX in OSCC is still not elaborated.

Subjects and Methods

In our research, we detected the expression of lncRNA JPX through qRT‐PCR. Colony formation, EdU staining, Transwell, TUNEL, and caspase‐3 activity assays were applied for estimating the function of lncRNA JPX in OSCC. RIP, pull‐down, and luciferase reporter experiments were adopted to examine the interrelations between lncRNA JPX, miR‐944, and CDH2.

Results

LncRNA JPX was discovered as highly expressed in OSCC cells. Silencing lncRNA JPX restrained OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Interestingly, lncRNA JPX bound with miR‐944 and then augmented CDH2 via a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism. Importantly, overexpressed CDH2 recovered the suppression of silenced lncRNA JPX on the oncogenic behaviors of OSCC cells.

Conclusions

In short, lncRNA JPX contributes to OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via miR‐944/CDH2 axis, which offers a new direction for potential targeted treatment of OSCC.
Tooth transplantation with a β‐tricalcium phosphate scaffold accelerates bone formation and periodontal tissue regeneration
Authors: Uchikawa Eri , Yoshizawa Michiko , Li Xianqi , Matsumura Nahomi , Li Ni , Chen Kai , Kagami Hideaki
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Although tooth transplantation is a useful treatment option as a substitute for a missing tooth, transplantation to a narrow alveolar ridge is not feasible. In this study, we tested a tissue engineering approach simultaneously with tooth transplantation using a scaffold or a combination with cells to accelerate bone formation and periodontal tissue regeneration.

Materials and Methods

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM‐MNCs) were harvested from C57BL/6J mice. The upper first or the second molar of 3‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice and a β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) scaffold were transplanted with BM‐MNCs (MNC group) or without BM‐MNCs (β‐TCP group) into the thigh muscle of syngeneic mice. The tooth alone was also transplanted (control group). After 4 weeks, the transplants were harvested and analyzed.

Results

Bone volume was significantly larger in the MNC and the β‐TCP groups than that in the control group, and the newly formed bone was observed on the lateral wall of the root. Compared with the control group, the MNC group showed a larger trabecular thickness and fractal dimension.

Conclusion

This study showed accelerated bone formation and periodontal tissue regeneration when tooth transplantation was performed with a β‐TCP scaffold. BM‐MNCs may accelerate bone maturation, while the effect on bone formation was limited.
Meta‐analysis of drought and heat stress combination impact on crop yield and yield components
Authors: Cohen Itay , Zandalinas Sara I. , Huck Clayton , Fritschi Felix B. , Mittler Ron
Published: September 2020

Episodes of prolonged drought coupled with heat waves (i.e. drought and heat combination) can have a devastating impact on agricultural production and crop yield. It is therefore not surprising that improving tolerance to drought and heat combination has been a major goal for breeders and biotech companies. Although much is known about the physiological and molecular responses of vegetative tissues to a combination of drought and heat stress, less is known about the impact of this stress combination on yield and different yield components. Here, we used a meta‐analysis approach to synthesize results from over 120 published case studies of crop responses to combined drought and heat stress. Our findings reveal that drought and heat stress combination significantly impacts yield by decreasing harvest index, shortening the life cycle of crops, and altering seed number, size and composition. Furthermore, these impacts are more severe when the stress combination is applied during the reproductive stage of plants. We further identify differences in how legumes and cereals respond to the stress combination and reveal that utilizing C3 or C4 metabolism may not provide an advantage to plants during stress combinations. Taken together our study highlights a need to focus future studies, as well as breeding efforts, on crop responses to drought and heat combination at the reproductive stage of different crop species.
Palliative dental care: Ignored dimension of dentistry amidst COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yadav Vijay , Kumar Vijay , Sharma Sidhartha , Chawla Amrita , Logani Ajay
Published: September 2020

Palliative care (PC) represents an approach that encompasses the procedures to relieve pain and distressing symptoms and maintain function as much as possible in the terminally ill patient until death. PC dentistry (PCD) is an approach for providing supportive and palliative dental care in patients with serious life‐threatening illness (cancer, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cognitive impairment). The care is provided at different time points of diseases (i.e., from in‐therapy care to survivorship care to end‐of‐life care). Dentists have a significant role to play in the multidisciplinary team of PC. Oral health problems (ulcers, mucositis, pulpitis and abscess) have a negative impact on general health and quality of life and can be acutely debilitating in these patients. These patients with existing comorbidities are at increased risk of developing oral complications. Furthermore, social isolation can cause an increase in anxiety, hopelessness, psychosocial and existential suffering amongst these patients. It is essential to incorporate PCD in the guidelines of critical dental care during the COVID‐19 pandemic to decrease the suffering of these patients by symptom management. Teledentistry can be used with caution to provide at‐home care to such patients during the pandemic.
Burden of schistosomiasis‐related mortality in Brazil: epidemiological patterns and spatial–temporal distribution, 2003–2018
Authors: Pinheiro Marta Cristhiany Cunha , Ferreira Anderson Fuentes , Silva Filho José Damiao da , Lima Mauricélia da Silveira , Martins‐Melo Francisco Rogerlandio , Bezerra Fernando Schmelzer Moraes , Sousa Mariana Silva , Ramos Alberto Novaes
Published: September 2020

abstarct

Objective

To characterise the epidemiological patterns and the spatial–temporal distribution of schistosomiasis‐related mortality in Brazil from 2003 to 2018.

Methods

A national population‐based ecological study that used official data from the Mortality Information System. The data included all deaths recorded in Brazil from 2003 to 2018 in which schistosomiasis was mentioned in the death certificate as an underlying or associated cause of death (multiple causes). The municipalities of residence were used as units of geographic analysis, and standardised and smoothed mortality rates (per 100 000 inhabitants) were calculated using the local empirical Bayes method. Spatial autocorrelation was evaluated using global and local Moran indexes. To analyse the spatial dependence, the Getis‐Ord G and Gi* statistics were used.

Results

During the study period, 18 421 113 deaths were recorded in Brazil. Schistosomiasis was mentioned in 11 487 deaths (proportional mortality: 0.06%); for 8141 deaths (70.87%), it was listed as the underlying cause, and for 3346 deaths (29.13%), it was listed as an associated cause. The mean mortality rate was 0.38 deaths/100 000 inhabitants. Individuals ≥ 70 years of age (RR: 115.34, 95% CI: 68.56–194.03) and residents in the Northeast region (RR: 10.81, 95% CI: 5.95–19.66) presented higher risks related to schistosomiasis. Municipalities with high mortality rates were identified in all regions, and high‐risk clusters were found in municipalities located in the Northeast and Southeast regions of the country.

Conclusions

Schistosomiasis remains an important cause of death in persistently endemic areas in Brazil, particularly in those with a high prevalence of the disease and a marked parasite load.
A bacterial F‐box effector suppresses SAR immunity through mediating the proteasomal degradation of OsTrxh2 in rice
Authors: Ji Hongtao , Liu Delong , Zhang Zhaoxin , Sun Jiawen , Han Bing , Li Zongyun
Published: September 2020

Plant bacterial pathogens usually cause diseases by secreting and translocating numerous virulence effectors into host cells and suppressing various host immunity pathways. It has been demonstrated that the extensive ubiquitin systems of host cells are frequently interfered with or hijacked by numerous pathogenic bacteria, through various strategies. Some type‐III secretion system (T3SS) effectors of plant pathogens have been demonstrated to impersonate the F‐box protein (FBP) component of the SKP1/CUL1/F‐box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin system for their own benefit. Although numerous putative eukaryotic‐like F‐box effectors have been screened for different bacterial pathogens by bioinformatics analyses, the targets of most F‐box effectors in host immune systems remain unknown. Here, we show that XopI, a putative F‐box effector of African Xoo (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) strain BAI3, strongly inhibits the host’s OsNPR1‐dependent resistance to Xoo. The xopI knockout mutant displays lower virulence in Oryza sativa (rice) than BAI3. Mechanistically, we identify a thioredoxin protein, OsTrxh2, as an XopI‐interacting protein in rice. Although OsTrxh2 positively regulates rice immunity by catalyzing the dissociation of OsNPR1 into monomers in rice, the XopI effector serves as an F‐box adapter to form an OSK1–XopI–OsTrxh2 interaction complex, and further disrupts OsNPR1‐mediated resistance through proteasomal degradation of OsTrxh2. Our results indicate that XopI targets OsTrxh2 and further represses OsNPR1‐dependent signaling, thereby subverting systemic acquired resistance (SAR) immunity in rice.
Field-Testing of Biodiesel (B100) and Diesel-Fueled Vehicles: Part 2—Lubricating Oil Condition Monitoring
Authors: Agarwal Avinash Kumar , Agarwal Deepak
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the use of biodiesel (B100) and baseline diesel in two identical unmodified vehicles to realistically assess different aspects of biodiesel’s compatibility with modern common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engines and its effects on lubricating oil degradation and wear. Two identical vehicles were operated for 30,000 km each under identical operating conditions on highway during a field-trial while using biodiesel (B100) and baseline mineral diesel. Exhaustive experimental results from this series of tests were divided into four segments, and this paper covers the second segment showing the effect of long-term usage of biodiesel on the lubricating oil properties and traces of wear metal addition compared to baseline mineral diesel. Lubricating oil samples were drawn periodically from these vehicles for condition monitoring such as lubricating oil viscosity, density, soot content, total base number (TBN), ash content, trace metal concentrations, and thermal stability. The viscosity of lubricating oil samples drawn from biodiesel fueled vehicles were found to be ∼10–15% lower compared to that from diesel-fueled vehicles, whereas density and ash content were relatively lower by ∼5–10%. Carbon residues of lubricating oil samples drawn from B100 fueled vehicles were lower by ∼15–20% compared to that of diesel-fueled vehicles. There was a very strong reduction (∼70%) in the soot content of lubricating oil from biodiesel fueled vehicles. Trace metal analysis to compare wear debris addition was also done for all lubricating oil samples. Thermo-gravimetric analyses of lubricating oil samples from biodiesel fueled vehicles showed lower mass loss with increasing temperature hence relatively higher thermal stability and lower deterioration. Results also suggested that operational and durability issues associated with vegetable oils as alternate fuel were completely eliminated by using them after converting them into biodiesel meeting prevailing biodiesel specifications.
Effect of Topological Defects on the Elasticity of Near-Ideal Polymer Networks
Authors: Alamé Ghadeer , Brassart Laurence
Published: September 2020

In recent years, new types of polymer gels have emerged, which have a well-controlled network structure and few topological defects. These so-called near-ideal polymer networks constitute a good model system to revisit the long-standing problem of structure–property relationships in polymer networks, as well as a promising platform for the development of polymer gels with outstanding mechanical properties. In this study, we investigate the relative contributions of network defects (dangling chains and second-order loops) on the stress–stretch response of near-ideal polymer networks using a computational discrete network model. We identify the average chain prestretch as a key parameter to capture the effect of network topology on the elastic modulus and maximum extensibility. Proper account of the chain prestretch further leads to scaling relations for the elastic properties in terms of topology parameters that differ from classical estimates of rubber elasticity theory. Stress–stretch curves calculated using the discrete network model are also compared to semi-analytical estimates.
Superior Dynamic Penetration Resistance of Nanoscale Multilayer Polymer/Metal Films
Authors: Dewapriya M. A. N. , Miller R. E.
Published: September 2020

Recent advances in experimental techniques have enabled impact tests of ultrathin films. For example, microprojectile impact tests of ultrathin polymer films have revealed that their specific penetration energy is about ten times more than that of the conventional armor materials. On the other hand, metallic nanostructures have demonstrated extraordinary mechanical properties. These observations suggest that multilayer arrangements of nanoscale polymer and metal films could possess superior ballistic impact resistance. In order to test this hypothesis, we simulated the impact tests of multilayer aluminum-polyurea nanostructures using molecular dynamics (MD). Our simulations demonstrate that the ballistic limit velocity (V50) and the specific penetration energy of the multilayers and aluminum nanofilms are significantly higher than the experimentally measured values for any material. In order to further investigate the mechanisms associated with the observed superior ballistic performance of multilayers, we computed their V50 using an existing membrane model and another analytical model reflecting a two-stage penetration process. Our results demonstrate a potential bottom-up design pathway for developing flexible barrier materials with superior dynamic penetration resistance.
Solutions for Downslope Pipeline Walking on a Seabed With a Peaky Trilinear Soil Resistance Model
Authors: Castelo Adriano , White David , Tian Yinghui
Published: September 2020

Offshore pipelines used for transporting hydrocarbons are cyclically loaded by great variations of pressure and temperature. These variations can induce axial instability in such pipelines. This instability may cause the pipelines to migrate globally along their length; an effect known as pipeline walking. Traditional models of pipeline walking have considered the axial soil response as rigid-plastic (RP); however, such behavior does not match observations from physical soil tests. It leads to inaccurate estimates of walking rate (WR) per cycle and over design. In this paper, a trilinear (3L) soil resistance model is used to represent seabed resistance to investigate the behavior of pipeline walking. Different parameters, i.e., shapes and properties of trilinearity (within the peaky soil model type), have been considered leading to a closed-form solution. This solution improves the understanding of the main properties involved in the peaky trilinear soil behavior by providing a set of analytical expressions for pipe walking, which were benchmarked and validated against a set of finite element analyses.
Loss Mechanism of Low-Pressure Turbine Secondary Flows Due to Different Incoming Boundary Layers
Authors: Hou Jiangdong , Zhou Chao
Published: September 2020

In high bypass ratio engines, the flow exits the interturbine duct (ITD) and enters the low-pressure (LP) turbine. This paper aims to understand the effects of the boundary layer at the exit of ITD on the endwall secondary flows and loss of the first blade row in a low-pressure turbine. From the Navier–Stokes equations, the loss is decomposed into the parts generated by the mean vortex as well as turbulence theoretically. The result of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) shows that the incoming boundary layer from the ITD increases the total pressure loss coefficient by 14% compared to the case with uniform inlet condition. Although the distribution of the secondary vortices is strongly affected by the inlet boundary layer, the loss generated by the mean vortex within the blade passage is hardly affected. The analysis based on the turbulent dissipation shows that the dominant factor leading to the loss increase is the turbulent dissipation downstream of the blade trailing edge (TE) near the hub. The mixing process of the wake and the strong counter-rotating vortex pair (CVP) increases the turbulent dissipation significantly. It is also found that a simplified incoming boundary layer defined by the Prandtl's one-seventh power law can not reproduce the complex effects of the incoming boundary layer from the ITD.
Identification of key discriminating variables between spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) whistle types
Authors: Simpson Samanunu D. , Miller Cara E.
Published: September 2020

Descriptions of the six different spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) whistle types were developed from a random sample of 600 whistles collected across a 2-yr period from a Fijian spinner dolphin population. An exploratory multivariate visualization suggested an inverse relationship between delta and minimum frequency (58.6%) as well as whistle duration (18.1%) as the most discriminating variables in this dataset. All three of these variables were deemed to be significant when considered jointly in a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA): delta frequency (F5594 = 27.167, p < 0.0001), minimum frequency (F5594 = 14.889, p < 0.0001), and duration (F5594 = 24.303, p < 0.0001). Significant differences between at least two of the whistle types were found for all five acoustic parameters in univariate analysis of variation (ANOVA) tests. Constant and sine whistles were found to be the most distinctive whistles, whereas upsweep and downsweep whistles were the most similar. The identification of which parameters differ most markedly between whistle types and the relatively high explanatory power of this study's results provide a logical starting point for objective classification of spinner dolphin whistle types using machine learning techniques.
The slumping of a cohesive granular column: Continuum and discrete modeling
Authors: Abramian Anaïs , Staron Lydie , Lagrée Pierre-Yves
Published: September 2020

Cohesion forces strongly alter the flow properties of a granular material. To investigate this influence, we focus on a simple configuration: the collapse of a cohesive granular column. To do so, we adopt a numerical approach and implement a peculiar rheology in a Navier–Stokes solver (Basilisk): the so-called μ(I)-rheology, usually used for dry granular materials, supplemented by a yield stress for cohesion. With this approach, we recover the stability of the column, assuming the classical Mohr–Coulomb criterion for failure. We then compare this approach with a code based on contact dynamics, which implies forces at the grain scale: we recover the stability of the column as well. Furthermore, this comparison enables us to estimate the macroscopic yield stress based on the cohesive contacts between grains, which bridges the gap between continuous and discrete approaches of cohesive granular matter.
Democracy’s backsliding in the international environment
Authors: Hyde Susan D.
Published: September 2020

If the end of the 20th century was defined by the relatively widespread acceptance of democracy, the second decade of the 21st century is marked by concerns about backsliding in new and established democracies alike and by a notable decline in foreign support for democracy around the world. As democracy’s global tailwinds shift to headwinds, scholars have an opportunity to better understand how experience with even superficial forms of democratic institutions across a diverse set of contexts influences citizen behavior when formal democratic institutions erode or disappear. This shift also provides the opportunity to examine whether citizen movements alone—absent external support—are sufficient to check newly emboldened autocrats.
Racial authoritarianism in U.S. democracy
Authors: Weaver Vesla M. , Prowse Gwen
Published: September 2020

One segment of the population experiences different rules and differential citizenship.
Supplemental Material: Heterogeneous mantle-derived helium isotopes in the Canary Islands and other ocean islands
Authors: Day James , Hilton David
Published: September 2020

Detailed methods and supplemental figures.
Supplemental Material: Time scales of syneruptive volatile loss in silicic magmas quantified by Li isotopes
Authors: Neukampf Julia , al. et
Published: September 2020

Supplemental material and analytical data.
Supplemental Material: High transient stress in the lower crust: Evidence from dry pseudotachylytes in granulites, Lofoten Archipelago, northern Norway
Authors: Dunkel Kristina , al. et
Published: September 2020

List of the localities, description of the methods, supplemental figures detailing the composition of the host rocks (Fig. S1), the distribution and orientation of pseudotachylytes (Fig. S2), the relationship between amphibole and pseudotachylytes (Fig. S3) and the residual pressures of quartz inclusions in garnet (Fig. S4), and supplemental tables on host rock geochemistry (Table S1) and Raman data (Table S2).
Supplemental Material: Raising the Resurrection plate from an unfolded-slab plate tectonic reconstruction of the northwestern North America since early Cenozoic time
Authors: Fuston Spencer , Wu Jonny
Published: September 2020

Two fully kinematic plate reconstruction files with associated videos, two data tables, and six supporting figures.
Supplemental Material: Detrital zircon provenance of the Indus Group, Ladakh, NW India: Implications for the timing of the India-Asia collision and other syn-orogenic processes
Authors: Bhattacharya Gourab , al. et
Published: September 2020

Table S1 and references for data in Figures 1 and 3.
Human herpes virus 8-positive germinotropic lymphoproliferative disorder: first case diagnosed in the UK, literature review and discussion of treatment options
Authors: Ghoneima Ahmed , Cooke Joanna , Shaw Emily , Agrawal Avi
Published: September 2020

We present this case of human herpes virus 8-positive germinotropic lymphoproliferative disorder in a 20-year-old woman seen in the surgical oncology clinic for localised lymphadenopathy. This is the first case to be reported in the UK, and we discuss it along with a literature review including investigations and treatment options. This will demonstrate the importance of preoperative workup and multidisciplinary teamwork in deciding management plans and serve as a guide for future encounters of this rare condition in clinical practice.