bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mendelian randomization highlights the causal association of obesity with periodontal diseases
Authors: Dong Jingya , Gong Yixuan , Chu Tengda , Wu Lixia , Li Sisi , Deng Hui , Hu Rongdang , Wang Yi
Published: May 2022

Aim

The underlying mechanisms connecting obesity and periodontal diseases remain unclear. This study investigates the potential causal association of obesity with periodontal diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Materials and Methods

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of obesity traits including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and WC adjusted for BMI (WCadjBMI) from large‐scale genome‐wide association studies were screened for instrumental variables. The single trait periodontitis and the combined trait comprising periodontitis and loose teeth were adopted as surrogates for periodontal diseases. Inverse‐variance weighted (IVW), series of sensitivity analyses and multivariable MR were employed to determine the association of obesity with periodontal diseases.

Results

IVW results showed that per 1‐SD increment in BMI (odds ratio, OR = 1.115; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.064–1.169; p < .001) and WC (OR = 1.117; 95% CI = 1.052–1.185; p < .001), but not WCadjBMI, were significantly associated with an increased risk of periodontitis/loose teeth. Moreover, the MR estimates were consistent across other MR sensitivity analyses and multivariable MR. However, a causal association of obesity with the single trait periodontitis was not identified.

Conclusions

The presented evidence supports previous epidemiological findings by showing a potential causal association of genetic liability to obesity with periodontal diseases. The biological mechanisms underlying this association warrant further investigation.
Association of oral bacteria with oral hygiene habits and self‐reported gingival bleeding
Authors: Bertelsen Randi Jacobsen , Barrionuevo Antonio Manuel Perez , Shigdel Rajesh , Lie Stein Atle , Lin Huang , Real Francisco Gomez , Ringel‐Kulka Tamar , Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug , Svanes Cecilie
Published: May 2022

Aim

To describe associations of gingival bacterial composition and diversity with self‐reported gingival bleeding and oral hygiene habits in a Norwegian regional‐based population.

Materials and Methods

We examined the microbiome composition of the gingival fluid (16S amplicon sequencing) in 484 adult participants (47% females; median age 28 years) in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe, Spain and Australia (RHINESSA) study in Bergen, Norway. We explored bacterial diversity and abundance differences by the community periodontal index score, self‐reported frequency of gingival bleeding, and oral hygiene habits.

Results

Gingival bacterial diversity increased with increasing frequency of self‐reported gingival bleeding, with higher Shannon diversity index for “always” β = 0.51 and “often” β = 0.75 (p < .001) compared to “never” gingival bleeding. Frequent gingival bleeding was associated with higher abundance of several bacteria such as Porphyromonas endodontalis, Treponema denticola, and Fretibacterium spp., but lower abundance of bacteria within the gram‐positive phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash twice daily were associated with higher total abundance of bacteria in the Proteobacteria phylum but with lower bacterial diversity compared to those who never flossed or never used mouthwash.

Conclusions

A high frequency of self‐reported gingival bleeding was associated with higher bacterial diversity than found in participants reporting no gingival bleeding and with higher total abundance of known periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas spp., Treponema spp., and Bacteroides spp.
Psychological risk indicators for peri‐implantitis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Strooker Hans , de Waal Yvonne Catharina Maria , Bildt Miriam Margot
Published: May 2022

Aim

The aim of this analytical cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the association between peri‐implantitis and psychological distress, and potentially related/mediating factors such as general health, bruxism, and lifestyle factors.

Materials and Methods

Patients who received dental implants at a private practice in the Netherlands between January 2011 and January 2014 were recalled on a 5‐year clinical and radiographic follow‐up examination. Presence of peri‐implantitis was examined, and patients completed questionnaires measuring psychological distress (Symptom Checklist [SCL]‐90), bruxism, general health, and lifestyle factors. Associations between the self‐reported factors and peri‐implantitis were analysed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 230 patients (with 347 implants) were included in the analysis. Prevalence of (mild to severe) peri‐implantitis was 30% (69 patients). Variables that showed a significant univariable association with peri‐implantitis (p < .10) were the SCL‐90 subdomain depression, smoking, current medical treatment, and lung problems. In the multivariate regression analysis, depression was the only variable that was significantly associated with peri‐implantitis (p < .05).

Conclusions

The presence of depressive symptoms is a risk indicator for peri‐implantitis. Recognizing the potential negative impact of depressive symptoms may allow for better identification of high‐risk patients.
Ipriflavone suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in host response to biomaterials and promotes early bone healing
Authors: Chen Yun , Li Jia , Shi Jue , Ning Dandan , Feng Jianying , Lin Weiwei , He Fuming , Xie Zhijian
Published: May 2022

Aim

Emerging studies have shown that immune response to biomaterial implants plays a central role in bone healing. Ipriflavone is clinically used for osteoporosis. However, the mechanism of ipriflavone in immune response to implants in early stages of osseointegration remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of ipriflavone in early bone healing process and uncover the underlying mechanism.

Materials and Methods

We carried out histological examination as well as analysis of proinflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a tibial implantation mouse model with intra‐peritoneal injection of ipriflavone. In addition, we explored the mechanism of ipriflavone in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages.

Results

In vivo, ipriflavone ameliorated host inflammatory response related to NLRP3 inflammasome activation at implantation sites, characterized by reductions of inflammatory cell infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β levels. Ipriflavone treatment also showed beneficial effects on early osseointegration. Further investigations of the molecular mechanism showed that the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome acts upstream of NLRP3 oligomerization through abrogating the production of reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions

These results revealed an anti‐inflammatory role of ipriflavone in NLRP3 inflammasome activation through improving mitochondrial function. This study provides a new strategy for the development of immune‐regulated biomaterials and treatment options for NLRP3‐related diseases.
Activation and increased production of interleukin‐17 and tumour necrosis factor‐α of mucosal‐associated invariant T cells in patients with periodontitis
Authors: Kim Ok‐Su , Park Ki‐Jeong , Jin Hye‐Mi , Cho Young‐Nan , Kim Ye Seul , Kwon Seung‐Hee , Koh Jeong‐Tae , Ju Jae Kyun , Kee Seung‐Jung , Park Yong‐Wook
Published: May 2022

Aim

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are known to be resident in oral mucosal tissue, but their roles in periodontitis are unknown. This study aimed to examine the level and function of MAIT cells in periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods

Frequency, activation, and function of MAIT cells from 28 periodontitis patients and 28 healthy controls (HCs) were measured by flow cytometry.

Results

Circulating MAIT cells were numerically reduced in periodontitis patients. Moreover, they exhibited higher expression of CD69 and annexin V, together with more increased production of interleukin (IL)‐17 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, in periodontitis patients than in HCs. Interestingly, periodontitis patients had higher frequencies of MAIT cells in gingival tissue than in peripheral blood. In addition, circulating MAIT cells had elevated expression of tissue‐homing chemokine receptors such as CCR6 and CXCR6, and the corresponding chemokines (i.e., CCL20 and CXCL16) were more strongly expressed in inflamed gingiva than in healthy gingiva.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that circulating MAIT cells are numerically deficient with an activated profile toward the production of IL‐17 and TNF‐α in periodontitis patients. Furthermore, circulating MAIT cells have the potential to migrate to inflamed gingival tissues.
Association between bone turnover markers and periodontitis: A population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Reckelkamm Stefan Lars , Hannemann Anke , Kocher Thomas , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Ehmke Benjamin , Rauner Martina , Alayash Zoheir , Baumeister Sebastian‐Edgar , Nolde Michael , Holtfreter Birte
Published: May 2022

Aim

To examine the associations between bone turnover markers and periodontitis in two cross‐sectional population‐based studies.

Materials and Methods

We used data from two independent adult samples (N = 4993), collected within the Study of Health in Pomerania project, to analyse cross‐sectional associations of N‐procollagen type 1 amino‐terminal propeptide (P1NP), C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide, osteocalcin, bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), fibroblast growth factor 23, wingless‐type mouse mammary tumour virus integration site family member 5a (WNT5A), and sclerostin values with periodontitis. Confounder‐adjusted gamma and fractional response regression models were applied.

Results

Positive associations were found for P1NP with mean pocket probing depth (PPD; ; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.015), mean clinical attachment loss (mean CAL; ; 95% CI: 1.011–1.044), and proportion of sites with bleeding on probing (%BOP; ; 95% CI: 1.005–1.109). Similar associations were seen for BAP with %BOP (; 95% CI: 1.042–1.205), proportion of sites with PPD ≥4 mm (%PPD4) (; 95% CI: 1.005–1.161), and sclerostin with %BOP (; 95% CI: 1.005–1.704). WNT5A was inversely associated with mean PPD (; 95% CI: 0.920–0.993) and %PPD4 (; 95% CI: 0.642–0.982).

Conclusions

This study revealed scattered associations of P1NP, BAP, WNT5A, and sclerostin with periodontitis, but the results are contradictory in the overall context. Associations reported in previous studies could not be confirmed.
Carvone and citral, two promising compounds for controlling the honey bee ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor
Authors: Sabahi Qodratollah , Kelly Paul Gordon , Guzman‐Novoa Ernesto
Published: May 2022

Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) is an external parasitic mite that has compromised honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) health worldwide. Varroa mite resistance to commercial formulations of synthetic acaricides has led to an increasing need for new compounds to control mite infestations in honey bee colonies. Thus, essential oils and plant extracts have been used by organic producers concerned about the environment because they are low‐risk pesticides. This study tested the toxicity of four natural compounds: carvone, citral, cineole and limonene to mites and bees under laboratory conditions. Tau‐fluvalinate was used as positive control. Seven concentrations with logarithmic interval were used to test each compound. The safety margin of the compounds for the bees was calculated from selectivity ratios. Carvone was significantly more toxic to varroa mites (LC50 = 272.74 μg/ml) than the other three compounds but did not differ with tau‐fluvalinate (LC50 = 272.30 μg/ml). Citral was the second most toxic compound to mites (LC50 = 318.54 μg/ml), followed by cineole (LC50 = 3897.65 μg/ml) and limonene (LC50 = 3003.94 μg/ml). Citral and carvone showed low toxicity to worker bees at both 24 and 48 hpt. The LD50 values for citral, carvone and tau‐fluvalinate were 78,459, 106,620 and 143.02 μg/ml at 24 hpt, respectively, which were significantly different from each other. The relative selectivity ratios calculated for carvone, citral and tau‐fluvalinate were 390.9, 246.3 and 0.53, respectively. This study provides preliminary laboratory evidence for the effectiveness and safety of two plant compounds, carvone and citral, that could potentially be used for the control of V. destructor infestations in honey bee colonies.
Natural variation in the NAC transcription factor NONRIPENING contributes to melon fruit ripening
Authors: Wang Jinfang , Tian Shouwei , Yu Yongtao , Ren Yi , Guo Shaogui , Zhang Jie , Li Maoying , Zhang Haiying , Gong Guoyi , Wang Min , Xu Yong
Published: May 2022

The NAC transcription factor NONRIPENING (NOR) is a master regulator of climacteric fruit ripening. Melon (Cucumis melo L.) has climacteric and non‐climacteric fruit ripening varieties and is an ideal model to study fruit ripening. Two natural CmNAC‐NOR variants, the climacteric haplotype CmNAC‐NORS,N and the non‐climacteric haplotype CmNAC‐NORA,S, have effects on fruit ripening; however, their regulatory mechanisms have not been elucidated. Here, we report that a natural mutation in the transcriptional activation domain of CmNAC‐NORS,N contributes to climacteric melon fruit ripening. CmNAC‐NOR knockout in the climacteric‐type melon cultivar “BYJH” completely inhibited fruit ripening, while ripening was delayed by 5–8 d in heterozygous cmnac‐nor mutant fruits. CmNAC‐NOR directly activated carotenoid, ethylene, and abscisic acid biosynthetic genes to promote fruit coloration and ripening. Furthermore, CmNAC‐NOR mediated the transcription of the “CmNAC‐NOR‐CmNAC73‐CmCWINV2” module to enhance flesh sweetness. The transcriptional activation activity of the climacteric haplotype CmNAC‐NORS,N on these target genes was significantly higher than that of the non‐climacteric haplotype CmNAC‐NORA,S. Moreover, CmNAC‐NORS,N complementation fully rescued the non‐ripening phenotype of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cr‐nor mutant, while CmNAC‐NORA,S did not. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanism of climacteric and non‐climacteric fruit ripening in melon.
An exploration of nurses' knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding restraint use in elderly residential care facilities
Authors: Redmond Liam Gerard , Hyland Pauline K. , Orr Patricia Meredith , White Mark
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In Ireland, there is a regulatory focus on restraint minimisation in elderly residential care facilities. Consistent with this focus, this study aimed to explore and identify the relationship between nurses' knowledge levels, attitudes and intentions regarding physical restraint use in two large Irish elderly residential care facilities.

Design

A correlational and cross‐sectional survey design was used to collect data on variables including nurses' education levels, years of experience and intentions toward restraint utilization.

Methods

Data was obtained from a sample of 83 nurses in early 2020 via an anonymous, adapted survey measuring knowledge, attitude and intentions.

Results

Results showed high knowledge levels, negative attitudes toward restraint implementation, and moderate mean intention scores. A significant positive relationship existed between knowledge and attitudes, with both variables negatively predicting intentions regarding restraint. Education was significant in predicting knowledge and attitudes; however, years of experience reported no such findings.

Conclusion

Knowledge and attitudes negatively predict nurses' intentions toward restraint, with attitude being the stronger predictor of intentions. Falls risk caused the greatest variation in intention scores.

Clinical Relevance

This research offered a seminal study providing insight into the use of restraints in an Irish context with findings that are in line with international research. It highlights the importance of knowledge and attitudes along with education with understanding intentions to use restraints. Furthermore this research demonstrates a useful instrument in the assessment of nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and intentions in Irish elderly residential care facilities, which can possibly be used in other settings.
Anatomic update on the 3‐dimensionality of the subdermal septum and its relevance for the pathophysiology of cellulite
Authors: Cotofana Sebastian , Kaminer Michael S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cellulite is an aesthetic condition affecting the appearance of skin in specific body regions. When reviewing past literature, a 2‐D image of a subdermal septum was created most likely due to the applied cross‐sectional investigative methodology. Despite practitioners being aware of the 3‐D nature of the subdermal architecture, this is not reflected in the present scientific literature. The aim of this anatomic review is to summarize the past literature and to provide an update on the 3‐dimensionality of a subdermal septum with a specific focus on the pathophysiology of cellulite.

Materials and Methods

This review is based on the literature search performed in the PubMed database using the keywords: cellulite (n = 777), cellulite, AND pathophysiology (n = 53). The articles obtained were screened and those focusing on “cellulitis” or other non‐cellulite‐related topics were additionally excluded resulting in a total of n = 38 relevant articles which were evaluated for the purpose of this anatomic review.

Results

The skin is comprised of two fat layers (superficial and deep), separated by the superficial fascia. The dynamic 3‐D interplay between retinacula cutis, fascia, and fat, with anatomic differences between men and women, highlights a complex anatomic construct with direct implications for the formation and treatment of cellulite.

Conclusion

The 3‐dimensionality of a subdermal septum provides important clinical clues to understanding the underlying mechanisms and pathogenesis of cellulite. The 3‐D approach, in contrast to the past 2‐D models, presents a robust foundation for understanding and developing future cellulite therapeutic strategies.
Treatment of keratosis pilaris rubra with 577‐nm pro‐yellow laser
Authors: Temiz Selami Aykut , Ataseven Arzu , Dursun Recep
Published: May 2022

Objective

Keratosis pilaris rubra (KPR) is a rare group of idiopathic hereditary disorders of keratinization, and it is considered as variants of keratosis pilaris. It is characterized by a well‐defined erythema and small, keratotic follicular papules that are seen on the cheeks and preauricular area. Keratosis pilaris rubra is an aesthetically distressed situation, and especially vascular erythema is the most common complaint. In recent years, pro‐yellow (577 nm) laser, laser system with yellow light wavelength, has been used as an alternative for seeking more effective treatment especially in vascular lesions. However, in the literature, pro‐yellow laser therapy has never been used before in keratosis pilaris rubra. Therefore, we wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of the pro‐yellow laser in keratosis pilaris rubra patients.

Materials and Methods

In our study, four patients with keratosis pilaris rubra treated with pro‐yellow laser in our Cosmetology Unit between December 2017 and March 2019 were evaluated. The first session was started with 20 j/cm2 and the dose increased 2 j/cm2 at each session. The dose was increased up to 26 j/cm2, a total of four sessions (20–22–24–26 j/cm2) was applied in treatment. All the sessions were used in treatment scanner mode.

Results

Objectifying a clearance of erythema >75% was clinically evident in three patients, in the fourth patient, erythema regressed approximately 50%. There has been no recurrence of the lesions after a minimum three months follow‐up. There was no permanent side effect in any patient.

Conclusion

Pro‐yellow laser is a well option for the treatment of keratosis pilaris rubra, and we think that it could be a safety choice therapy. In addition, a well tolerance to treatment and a low incidence of serious side effects make it a very reliable therapy. Further clinical studies are needed to improve our findings.
Social learning and local consumption amenities: Evidence from Yelp*
Authors: Anenberg Elliot , Kuang Chun , Kung Edward
Published: May 2022

We estimate the effect of social learning through Yelp on average restaurant quality across different types of markets. We use a regression discontinuity design to show that restaurants are more likely to exit receiving low ratings on Yelp. The effects of ratings on exit are especially strong for restaurants in zipcodes with high Yelp usage (e.g. more urban neighborhoods with higher income and education). Simulations show that in the long‐run, the selective restaurant exit caused by Yelp increases average restaurant quality by 0.098 Yelp stars in the average zipcode, and by at least 0.238 stars in high usage markets.
Orthokeratinized odontogenic cysts: A clinicopathologic study of 159 cases and molecular evidence for the absence of PTCH1 mutations
Authors: Wang Yan‐Jin , Zhang Jian‐Yun , Dong Qing , Li Tie‐Jun
Published: May 2022

Background

Orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC), a newly designated entity of odontogenic cysts, is an intraosseous jaw cyst that is entirely or predominantly lined by orthokeratinized squamous epithelium. The aim of this study was to report a large series of OOC to substantiate its clinicopathologic profiles and to investigate PTCH1 mutations in OOCs.

Method

The clinicopathologic features of 167 OOCs from 159 patients were analyzed and the immunohistochemical expression of markers related to cell differentiation and proliferation was evaluated. Furthermore, PTCH1 mutations were analyzed in 14 fresh samples of OOC.

Results

OOCs occurred mostly in the third and fourth decades (60.4%) with a male predilection (66.7%). The lesions developed more often in the mandible than maxilla, primarily in the posterior mandible and ramus. Eight patients (5.0%) showed multiple locations of either bilateral posterior mandible (n = 6) or both the maxilla and mandible. Radiographically, the majority of OOCs (91.2%) showed a well‐demarcated, unilocular radiolucency with 14 multilocular cases (8.8%). A follow‐up of 131 patients (123 treated by enucleation with or without marsupialization and eight by peripheral ostectomy) revealed no recurrence during an average period of 4.56 years after surgery. Immunohistochemistry indicated lower proliferative activity and a varying epithelial differentiation pattern in OOC compared with odontogenic keratocysts (OKC). No PTCH1 mutation was detected, except for three known single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Conclusion

The clinicopathological and molecular differences between OOC and OKC justified their separation, and unlike OKCs, OOCs did not harbor PTCH1 mutations, suggesting different pathogenesis underlying these two jaw cysts.
Balancing ecosystem integrity and cultural values at sacred Lake Hora, Ethiopia: The need for conservation of wetland vegetation
Authors: Gebrehiwot Mesfin , Gebrekidan Berhanu , Asmare Melese , Kifle Demeke , Adane Metadel , Girma Haileyesus , Triest Ludwig , Stiers Iris
Published: May 2022

Although macrophytes represent important habitats for the plankton communities of shallow lakes and ponds, the role of littoral macrophyte patches in deep crater lakes is not well described. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of littoral macrophyte vegetation in structuring phytoplankton and zooplankton communities and, therefore, sustaining ecological integrity in a deep tropical crater lake (Hora Lake, Ethiopia). The lake has a surface area of 1.03 km2 and a mean depth of 16.5 m. The area surrounding the lake is a prime location for the celebration of the Oromo thanksgiving festival (Irreecha), which is inscribed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage, and also considered sacred by the Oromo people. Measurements of physical, chemical and biological parameters were conducted at fifteen sampling sites in both the littoral and central parts of the lake during the dry and wet seasons in 2017. A total of 28 phytoplankton and 19 zooplankton genera were identified. The phytoplankton and zooplankton communities were dominated by cyanobacteria and rotifers, respectively, at the open water sites. The wetland vegetation was found to be important in reducing potentially toxic and unsightly cyanobacteria. The submerged and emergent vegetation also served as refugia for zooplankton during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Crustaceans accounted for about 30–45% of the total zooplankton abundance within the vegetation fringes. Their abundance decreased to 5% in the non‐vegetated areas, wherein the community was dominated by rotifers. As the population around the lake, particularly during the festival, may damage the aquatic vegetation, their access to the shoreline should be regulated for conservation and sanitary reasons (e.g. to reduce cyanobacteria growths).
Effects of the neo‐X chromosome on genomic signatures of hybridization inRumex hastatulus
Authors: Beaudry Felix E. G. , Rifkin Joanna L. , Peake Amanda L. , Kim Deanna , Jarvis‐Cross Madeline , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Wright Stephen I.
Published: May 2022

Natural hybrid zones provide opportunities for studies of the evolution of reproductive isolation in wild populations. Although recent investigations have found that the formation of neo‐sex chromosomes is associated with reproductive isolation, the mechanisms remain unclear in most cases. Here, we assess the contemporary structure of gene flow in the contact zone between largely allopatric cytotypes of the dioecious plantRumex hastatulus,a species with evidence of sex chromosome turn‐over. Males to the west of the Mississippi river, USA, have an X and a single Y chromosome, whereas populations to the east of the river have undergone a chromosomal rearrangement giving rise to a larger X and two Y chromosomes. Using reduced‐representation sequencing, we provide evidence that hybrids form readily and survive multiple backcross generations in the field, demonstrating the potential for ongoing gene flow between the cytotypes. Cline analysis of each chromosome separately captured no signals of difference in cline shape between chromosomes. However, principal component regression revealed a significant increase in the contribution of individual SNPs to inter‐cytotype differentiation on the neo‐X chromosome, but no correlation with recombination rate. Cline analysis revealed that the only SNPs with significantly steeper clines than the genome average were located on the neo‐X. Our data are consistent with a role for neo‐sex chromosomes in reproductive isolation betweenR. hastatuluscytotypes. Our investigation highlights the importance of studying plant hybrid zones for understanding the evolution of sex chromosomes.
Is English the Culprit? Longitudinal Associations Between Students’ Value Beliefs in English, German, and French in Multilingual Switzerland
Authors: COSTACHE OANA , BECKER EVA S. , GOETZ THOMAS
Published: May 2022

Motivational interactions during multiple language learning have been largely neglected in language motivation research. To fill this gap, we investigate longitudinal relations between Swiss German students’ value beliefs in English, French, and German in upper secondary schools and whether there are differences in motivational development between multilingual and monolingual students. Multivariate latent growth modeling was used to analyze data from 850 students (Mage =  15.61 years, SD =  .62; 54% female) gathered yearly from Grades 9 to 11. Results suggest an interference between students’ value beliefs in English and the other 2 languages. Students who reported higher value beliefs in English in Grade 9 showed steeper decreases in their value beliefs for French and German from Grades 9 to 11. However, stronger increases in English value beliefs over time were associated with stronger increases in French and German value beliefs. Moreover, while multilingual students reported higher initial value beliefs in French and English, they also showed steeper decreases in French and English value beliefs over time compared to their monolingual peers. Findings are discussed in relation to their implications for teaching practice and future research directions.
Bio‐organic soil amendment promotes the suppression of Ralstonia solanacearum by inducing changes in the functionality and composition of rhizosphere bacterial communities
Authors: Deng Xuhui , Zhang Na , Li Yuchan , Zhu Chengzhi , Qu Baoyuan , Liu Hongjun , Li Rong , Bai Yang , Shen Qirong , Falcao Salles Joana
Published: May 2022

Stimulating the development of soil suppressiveness against certain pathogens represents a sustainable solution toward reducing pesticide use in agriculture. However, understanding the dynamics of suppressiveness and the mechanisms leading to pathogen control remain largely elusive.

Here, we investigated the mechanisms used by the rhizosphere microbiome induces bacterial wilt disease suppression in a long‐term field experiment where continuous application of bio‐organic fertilizers (BFs) triggered disease suppressiveness when compared to chemical fertilizer application. We further demonstrated in a glasshouse experiment that the suppressiveness of the rhizosphere bacterial communities was triggered mainly by changes in community composition rather than only by the abundance of the introduced biocontrol strain.

Metagenomics approaches revealed that members of the families Sphingomonadaceae and Xanthomonadaceae with the ability to produce secondary metabolites were enriched in the BF plant rhizosphere but only upon pathogen invasion. We experimentally validated this observation by inoculating bacterial isolates belonging to the families Sphingomonadaceae and Xanthomonadaceae into conducive soil, which led to a significant reduction in pathogen abundance and increase in nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene abundance.

We conclude that priming of the soil microbiome with BF amendment fostered reactive bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of tomato plants in response to biotic disturbance.
Using landscape genomics to delineate seed and breeding zones for lodgepole pine
Authors: Yu Yue , Aitken Sally N. , Rieseberg Loren H. , Wang Tongli
Published: May 2022

Seed and breeding zones traditionally are delineated based on local adaptation of phenotypic traits associated with climate variables, an approach requiring long‐term field experiments. In this study, we applied a landscape genomics approach to delineate seed and breeding zones for lodgepole pine.

We used a gradient forest (GF) model to select environment‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using three SNP datasets (full, neutral and candidate) and 20 climate variables for 1906 lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) individuals in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. The two GF models built with the full (28 954) and candidate (982) SNPs were compared.

The GF models identified winter‐related climate as major climatic factors driving genomic patterns of lodgepole pine’s local adaptation. Based on the genomic gradients predicted by the full and candidate GF models, lodgepole pine distribution range in British Columbia and Alberta was delineated into six seed and breeding zones.

Our approach is a novel and effective alternative to traditional common garden approaches for delineating seed and breeding zone, and could be applied to tree species lacking data from provenance trials or common garden experiments.
Remote after‐care using smartphones: A feasibility study of monitoring children’s pain with automated SMS messaging
Authors: Drake‐Brockman Thomas F. E. , Smallbone Harry E. , Sommerfield David , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Monitoring children's recovery postoperatively is important for routine care, research, and quality improvement. Although telephone follow‐up is common, it is also time‐consuming and intrusive for families. Using SMS messaging to communicate with families regarding their child's recovery has the potential to address these concerns. While a previous survey at our institution indicated that parents were willing to communicate with the hospital by SMS, data on response rates for SMS‐based postoperative data collection is limited, particularly in pediatric populations.

Aims

We conducted a feasibility study with 50 completed pain profiles obtained from patients at Perth Children's Hospital to examine response rates.

Methods

We collected and classified daily average pain (0–10 parent proxy score) on each day after tonsillectomy until pain‐free for two consecutive days.

Results

We enrolled 62 participants and recorded 50 (81%) completed pain profiles, with 711 (97.9%) of 726 requests for a pain score receiving a response. Two families (3%) opted out of the trial, and 10 (16%) were lost to follow‐up. Responses received were classified automatically in 92% of cases. No negative feedback was received, with a median (range) satisfaction score of 5 on a 5‐point Likert scale (1 = very unhappy, 5 = very happy).

Conclusions

This methodology is likely to generalize well to other simple clinical questions and produce good response rates in further similar studies. We expect SMS messaging to permit expanded longitudinal data collection and broader investigation into patient recovery than previously feasible using telephone follow‐up at our institution.
Higher heart rate variability predicts better affective interaction quality in non‐intimate social interactions
Authors: Mauersberger Heidi , Tune Jennifer L. , Kastendieck Till , Czarna Anna Z. , Hess Ursula
Published: May 2022

Adaptive emotional responding is crucial for psychological well‐being and the quality of social interactions. Resting heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic nervous system activity, has been suggested to index individual differences in emotion regulation (ER). As non‐intimate social interactions require more regulatory efforts than intimate social interactions, we predicted that the association between HRV and affective interaction quality is moderated by the perceived intimacy of the exchange. Thus, we expected higher HRV to be particularly beneficial for affective interaction quality in non‐intimate social interactions. Resting HRV was measured in the laboratory (N = 144). Subsequently, participants reported their affective interaction quality—as indicated by more positive and fewer negative emotions perceived in the self and the other—during an experience‐sampling social interaction diary task. As predicted, in non‐intimate interactions, individuals with higher HRV reported more positive and fewer negative emotions and perceived fewer negative emotions in their interaction partners. The results provide further insights into the relationship between HRV and emotional experiences during social interactions.
Electrophysiological correlates of proportion congruency manipulation in a temporal flanker task
Authors: Jost Kerstin , Wendt Mike , Luna‐Rodriguez Aquiles , Jacobsen Thomas
Published: May 2022

Response conflict evoked by a distractor stimulus object in interference tasks is associated with longer reaction times and a pronounced ERP component referred to as the fronto‐central N2. Increasing the proportion congruency (PC, i.e., the proportion of trials in which target and distractor are associated with the same response) is assumed to enhance distractor‐evoked conflict via defocusing of attention. Findings concerning the effect of the PC on the N2 in Eriksen flanker task experiments have been inconsistent, however, lending little support to the notion that the N2 reflects a conflict monitoring process. Here, we analyze the N2 in a temporal flanker task, in which the distractor stimuli, presented in advance of the target, elicit pronounced activation of the associated responses (as inferred from the lateralized readiness potential) when the PC is high. Consistent with result pattern obtained in other tasks involving successive presentation of the distractor and the target, conflict trials in a high‐PC condition evoked a particularly large N2. These findings accord with the assumption that the N2 reflects either conflict monitoring or conflict‐induced regulatory measures (i.e., reactive control). In light of the discrepancy of results obtained under conditions of simultaneous and successive distractor–target presentation, we speculate that the N2 is pronounced in situations that offer strong hints for classifying dominating response activation as incorrect, possibly reflecting particular control to counter this activation. Additional properties of the temporal flanker task, related to ERP investigations, are discussed.
Localization and in silico‐based functional analysis of miR‐202 in bull testis
Authors: Mohammed Bushra T. , Donadeu F. Xavier
Published: May 2022

Bull fertility is pivotal to the prosperity of the cattle industry worldwide. miR‐202 has been shown to be gonad specific and to have key roles in gonad function in different species. To further understand the involvement of miR‐202 in bull reproduction, this study aimed to establish its localization in bovine testicular tissue and to identify putative biological functions using bioinformatics approaches. We assessed the miR‐202 expression in paraffin‐embedded tissue samples collected form an abattoir using in situ hybridization. miR‐202 was present in Sertoli cells and in germ cells at different stages of development. Using available databases, a total of 466 predicted gene targets of miR‐202 were identified. Functional annotation revealed that miR‐202 target genes were mainly associated with protein modification and phosphorylation processes as well as longevity regulating pathway. Moreover, genes in the longevity regulating pathway mapped to PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway which is involved in promoting proliferation of testicular cells and spermatogenesis. These findings suggest that miR‐202 plays important roles in regulating proliferation and viability of testicular cells including somatic and germ cells.
A novel textual track‐data‐based approach for estimating individual infection risk of COVID‐19
Authors: Wei Lu , Li Xiaojing , Jing Zhongbo , Liu Zhidong
Published: May 2022

With the recurrence of infectious diseases caused by coronaviruses, which pose a significant threat to human health, there is an unprecedented urgency to devise an effective method to identify and assess who is most at risk of contracting these diseases. China has successfully controlled the spread of COVID‐19 through the disclosure of track data belonging to diagnosed patients. This paper proposes a novel textual track‐data‐based approach for individual infection risk measurement. The proposed approach is divided into three steps. First, track features are extracted from track data to build a general portrait of COVID‐19 patients. Then, based on the extracted track features, we construct an infection risk indicator system to calculate the infection risk index (IRI). Finally, individuals are divided into different infection risk categories based on the IRI values. By doing so, the proposed approach can determine the risk of an individual contracting COVID‐19, which facilitates the identification of high‐risk populations. Thus, the proposed approach can be used for risk prevention and control of COVID‐19. In the empirical analysis, we comprehensively collected 9455 pieces of track data from 20 January 2020 to 30 July 2020, covering 32 provinces/provincial municipalities in China. The empirical results show that the Chinese COVID‐19 patients have six key features that indicate infection risk: place, region, close‐contact person, contact manner, travel mode, and symptom. The IRI values for all 9455 patients vary from 0 to 43.19. Individuals are classified into the following five infection risk categories: low, moderate‐low, moderate, moderate‐high, and high risk.
Many phish in the C$\mathcal{C}$: A coexisting‐choice‐criteria model of security behavior
Authors: Embrey Iain , Kaivanto Kim
Published: May 2022

Normative decision theory proves inadequate for modeling human responses to the social‐engineering campaigns of advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks. Behavioral decision theory fares better, but still falls short of capturing social‐engineering attack vectors which operate through emotions and peripheral‐route persuasion. We introduce a generalized decision theory, under which any decision will be made according to one of multiple coexisting choice criteria. We denote the set of possible choice criteria by . Thus, the proposed model reduces to conventional Expected Utility theory when , while Dual‐Process (thinking fast vs. thinking slow) decision making corresponds to a model with . We consider a more general case with , which necessitates careful consideration of how, for a particular choice‐task instance, one criterion comes to prevail over others. We operationalize this with a probability distribution that is conditional upon traits of the decisionmaker as well as upon the context and the framing of choice options. Whereas existing signal detection theory (SDT) models of phishing detection commingle the different peripheral‐route persuasion pathways, in the present descriptive generalization the different pathways are explicitly identified and represented. A number of implications follow immediately from this formulation, ranging from the conditional nature of security‐breach risk to delineation of the prerequisites for valid tests of security training. Moreover, the model explains the “stepping‐stone” penetration pattern of APT attacks, which has confounded modeling approaches based on normative rationality.
Bayesian network‐based risk assessment of synthetic biology: Simulating CRISPR‐Cas9 gene drive dynamics in invasive rodent management
Authors: Brown Ethan A. , Eikenbary Steven R. , Landis Wayne G.
Published: May 2022

Gene drive technology has been proposed to control invasive rodent populations as an alternative to rodenticides. However, this approach has not undergone risk assessment that meets criteria established by Gene Drives on the Horizon, a 2016 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. To conduct a risk assessment of gene drives, we employed the Bayesian network–relative risk model to calculate the risk of mouse eradication on Southeast Farallon Island using a CRISPR‐Cas9 homing gene drive construct. We modified and implemented the R‐based model “MGDrivE” to simulate and compare 60 management strategies for gene drive rodent management. These scenarios spanned four gene drive mouse release schemes, three gene drive homing rates, three levels of supplemental rodenticide dose, and two timings of rodenticide application relative to gene drive release. Simulation results showed that applying a supplemental rodenticide simultaneously with gene drive mouse deployment resulted in faster eradication of the island mouse population. Gene drive homing rate had the highest influence on the overall probability of successful eradication, as increased gene drive accuracy reduces the likelihood of mice developing resistance to the CRISPR‐Cas9 homing mechanism.
Variability in fluvially‐dominated, fine‐grained, shallow‐water deltas
Authors: Reynolds Antony David
Published: May 2022

Fluvially‐dominated, fine‐grained, shallow‐water deltas are more variable than is generally recognized. Studies of the Mississippi River imply rather persistent river‐mouth jet dynamics, resulting in either progressive channel bifurcation around middle‐ground mouth bars on lobate deltas, or steady channel progradation to form elongate deltas akin to the modern Mississippi Delta. By contrast, satellite imagery and historical maps of less well‐known fluvially‐dominated deltas show diverse river‐mouth deposits, with plan‐form shapes ranging from river‐mouth fans, through splay, triangular, frond and tongue‐shaped mouth bars, to elongate channels with prominent subaqueous levées. Critically, such deposits may vary along individual channels and across or between individual lobes suggesting that jet variability can be normal, and that a spectrum of jets forms a suite of stable river‐mouth deposits. Channel elongation can also be common. In addition to high‐inertia jets and delta‐head or backwater‐mediated avulsion, two further mechanisms are recognized to form elongate channels. Following channel splitting, dominant splits can shoulder aside mouth bars, so that subordinate splits wither and dominant splits extend the parent channel. Alternatively, river‐mouth fans, subordinate distributary networks and lobes may be abandoned, so that a dominant parent distributary is rejuvenated by receiving an increase in discharge, allowing progradation to continue. Individual real‐world deltas are expected to be characterized by a range of river‐mouth deposits, both laterally and over time. However, such variable river‐mouth deposits, and different modes of channel elongation, are not generally considered in models of fluvially‐dominated deltas – omissions that may have significant impact for land remediation projects on modern deltas, and descriptions of the subsurface constructed to aid resource extraction.
The miR164a‐NAM3 module confers cold tolerance by inducing ethylene production in tomato
Authors: Dong Yufei , Tang Mingjia , Huang Zelan , Song Jianing , Xu Jin , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Yu Jingquan , Zhou Yanhong
Published: May 2022

Because of a high sensitivity to cold, both the yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are severely restricted by cold stress. The NAC transcription factor (TF) family has been characterized as an important player in plant growth, development, and the stress response, but the role of NAC TFs in cold stress and their interaction with other post‐transcriptional regulators such as microRNAs in cold tolerance remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that SlNAM3, the predicted target of Sl‐miR164a/b‐5p, improved cold tolerance as indicated by a higher maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), lower relative electrolyte leakage, and less wilting in SlNAM3‐overexpression plants compared to wild‐type. Further genetic and molecular confirmation revealed that Sl‐miR164a/b‐5p functioned upstream of SlNAM3 by inhibiting the expression of the latter, thus playing a negative role in cold tolerance. Interestingly, this role is partially mediated by an ethylene‐dependent pathway because either Sl‐miR164a/b‐5p silencing or SlNAM3 overexpression improved cold tolerance in the transgenic lines by promoting ethylene production. Moreover, silencing of the ethylene synthesis genes, SlACS1A, SlACS1B, SlACO1, and SlACO4, resulted in a significant decrease in cold tolerance. Further experiments demonstrated that NAM3 activates SlACS1A, SlACS1B, SlACO1, and SlACO4 transcription by directly binding to their promoters. Taken together, the present study identified the miR164a‐NAM3 module conferring cold tolerance in tomato plants via the direct regulation of SlACS1A, SlACS1B, SlACO1, and SlACO4 expression to induce ethylene synthesis.
The nexus between natural disasters, supply chains and trade—Revisiting the role of preferential trade agreements in disaster risk reduction
Authors: Permani Risti , Xu Xing
Published: May 2022

Using data from 42 countries from the years 2000–2014, this study presents a gravity model to understand the impacts of natural disasters on global value chain (GVC) participation and to assess whether a country's preferential trade agreement (PTA) with its trading partners and the ‘depth’ of those agreements could cushion or would instead magnify the GVC effects of natural disasters. Despite strong evidence of the positive association between participation and the depth of PTA on GVC participation, the analysis finds that the impacts of disasters and the significance of their interactions with PTA participation are highly sensitive to the choice of disaster variables and econometric specifications. However, there is emerging evidence suggesting that PTA participation increases a country's vulnerability to disaster effects. This study highlights the need for current and future PTAs to better address disaster risk reduction as part of the future review and negotiations process, respectively.