bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of the art: Lateral flow assays toward the point‐of‐care foodborne pathogenic bacteria detection in food samples
Authors: Sohrabi Hessamaddin , Majidi Mir Reza , Khaki Pegah , Jahanban‐Esfahlan Ali , de la Guardia Miguel , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad
Published: February 2022

Diverse chemicals and some physical phenomena recently introduced in nanotechnology have enabled scientists to develop useful devices in the field of food sciences. Concerning such developments, detecting foodborne pathogenic bacteria is now an important issue. These kinds of bacteria species have demonstrated severe health effects after consuming foods and high mortality related to acute cases. The most leading path of intoxication and infection has been through food matrices. Hence, quick recognition of foodborne bacteria agents at low concentrations has been required in current diagnostics. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are one of the urgent and prevalently applied quick recognition methods that have been settled for recognizing diverse types of analytes. Thus, the present review has stressed on latest developments in LFAs‐based platforms to detect various foodborne pathogenic bacteria such asSalmonella,Listeria,Escherichia coli,Brucella,Shigella,Staphylococcus aureus,Clostridium botulinum, andVibrio cholera. Proper prominence has been given on exactly how the labels, detection elements, or procedures have affected recent developments in the evaluation of diverse bacteria using LFAs. Additionally, the modifications in assays specificity and sensitivity consistent with applied food processing techniques have been discussed. Finally, a conclusion has been drawn for highlighting the main challenges confronted through this method and offered a view and insight of thoughts for its further development in the future.
Impact of vegetation and climate types on vertical stratification of wood‐boring longhorn and bark beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae and Scolytinae) along altitude gradients in Yunnan, Southwest China
Authors: Meng Ling‐Zeng , Wang Jian , Liu Yan‐Hong
Published: February 2022

1. Better understanding of wood‐boring beetle distribution patterns and underlying mechanisms is a central issue for forest protection and management. The primary aim of this study was to detect how these pest guilds are distributed in forests and optimize elimination and control strategies.

2. We placed flight intercept traps in the canopy and understory areas of three climatically different forest types across a large elevation gradient and focussed on two important wood‐boring beetles, longhorn and bark beetles, in Yunnan, Southwest China.

3. The results showed that species richness and abundance of two selected wood‐boring beetles between the canopy and understory areas had different patterns across the climatically different forest vegetation types. Bark and longhorn beetles tended to stay in understory and canopy areas, respectively, based on the recorded abundance data. However, richness data showed different responses to the climatically different forest types for both longhorn and bark beetles assemblages. Bark beetles species richness did not significantly differ between the canopy and understory areas across all three forest types in the present study. Longhorn beetles had significantly higher richness values in the canopy areas of tropical and subtropical forests but lower in temperate forest.

4. The community compositions of both the longhorn and bark beetles varied greatly among forest vegetation types but relatively little between the canopy and understory areas across the vegetation types. Thus, considering different heights and positions in different forests during trap deployment is necessary and needed to optimize wood‐boring pest control strategies when various forest types and pests are targeted.
Bidirectional association between alopecia areata and irritable bowel syndrome: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Dai Ying‐Xiu , Tai Ying‐Hsuan , Chang Yun‐Ting , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Chen Mu‐Hong
Published: February 2022

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two distinct diseases that share a similar pathophysiology; however, the relationship between these two diseases is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the bidirectional relationship between AA and IBS.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We included 5446 patients with AA and 21 784 matched controls to assess the risk of IBS, and 56 429 patients with IBS and 225 716 matched controls to assess the risk of AA. The Cox proportional‐hazards regression model was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR).

Results

After adjustment for potential confounders, patients with AA had an aHR of 5.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.97–6.82] for IBS in comparison with the controls. Furthermore, compared with the controls, IBS patients had an aHR of 5.38 (95% CI 3.95–7.34) for AA.

Conclusion

AA is bidirectionally associated with IBS. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the shared pathogenesis underlying these two diseases.
Is implantable cardioverter defibrillator surgery in patients with an implanted left ventricular assist device safe under uninterrupted oral anticoagulation?
Authors: Vondran Maximilian , von Aspern Konstantin , Garbade Jens , Lässing Johannes , Kiefer Philipp , Rastan Ardawan Julian , Borger Michael Andrew , Schroeter Thomas
Published: February 2022

Background

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) surgery in patients with implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) is associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications because of the need to ensure that these patients are adequately anticoagulated. Our study aimed to evaluate the safety of our new strategy of uninterrupted oral anticoagulation compared to heparin‐bridging during the surgical interval.

Methods

Between January 2009 and January 2020, 116 patients with LVAD underwent ICD surgery. Since January 2015, 60 patients were operated under continued sufficient oral anticoagulation with a vitamin k antagonist (VKA group). Fifty‐six patients underwent a heparin‐bridging regimen (heparin group). Demographics, perioperative data, complications, and mortality were analyzed.

Results

Bleeding complications attributable to the surgical intervention occurred more often (19.6% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.142) and at a higher rate of re‐exploratory surgery (14.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.088) in the heparin group without reaching statistical significance. Moreover, the heparin group patients' postoperative total length of stay was 10 days longer (17.8 ± 23.8 days vs. 8.3 ± 9.5 days, p = 0.007). There were no procedure‐related deaths, no thromboembolic events, and no LVAD‐related thrombosis.

Conclusion

Our strategy of uninterrupted oral anticoagulation is safe and results in a reduction by more than half the number of days in hospital without an increase in adverse events.
More than floods and droughts: Understanding emergent water risks in South African fruit production networks
Authors: Lanari Nora , Bek David
Published: February 2022

Water is indispensable to agricultural production and trade. Using a global production network (GPN) framework, this article explores the variegated ways water risks manifest in agricultural value chains. Moving beyond extreme events, such as floods and droughts, we explore how the emergence and convergence of political, economic and ecological perspectives during the past 25 years has led to more nuanced understandings of water risks. By doing so, we contribute to ongoing efforts to move the environmental dimension more centrally into GPN literature, emphasising how globalised production and trade enmesh with environmental governance regimes. Our argument draws on empirical evidence from the South African fruit industry, which illustrates how water risks have a physical, reputational and regulatory/political dimension. These water risks are actor and context specific, manifest relationally to each other, and largely originate beyond the individual farm gate. They are often underlying and ongoing rather than one‐off extreme events. These insights develop our understanding of how environmental risks are manifested and managed in GPNs.
Quantifying the economic impacts of COVID‐19 policy responses on Canada's provinces in (almost) real time
Authors: Cotton Christopher , Kashi Bahman , Lloyd‐Ellis Huw , Tremblay Frederic , Crowley Brett
Published: February 2022

We develop a methodology to track and quantify the economic impacts of lockdown and reopening policies by Canadian provinces in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, using data that is available with a relatively short time lag. To do so, we adapt, calibrate and implement a dynamic, seasonally adjusted, input–output model with supply constraints. Our framework allows us to quantify potential scenarios that allow for dynamic complementarities between industries, seasonal fluctuations and changes in demand composition. Taking account of the observed variation in reopening strategies across provinces, we estimate the costs of the policy response in terms of lost hours of employment and production. Among other results, we show how a more aggressive response, even though it imposes higher economic costs in the short run, can lead to lower economic costs in the long run if it means avoiding future waves of lockdowns.
Evaluating the evaluators: What have we learned from “neutral assessments” of the Canadian federal evaluation function?
Authors: Bourgeois Isabelle , Maltais Stéphanie
Published: February 2022

Most Canadian federal government departments and agencies are required to conduct a “neutral assessment” of their evaluation function every five years. Such assessments should focus on the capacity of the evaluation units to produce high‐quality evaluation reports which serve the needs of organizational decision‐makers. Our study sought to analyze neutral assessment reports produced over a ten‐year period. Overall, our review suggests that the neutral assessments consistently conform with central‐agency requirements as well as indicate evolving evaluation capacity and utilization. We provide recommendations for improving the function and its impact.
A practical approach to assessing existing evidence for specific conservation strategies
Authors: Salafsky Nick , Irvine Robyn , Boshoven Judy , Lucas Jaclyn , Prior Kent , Bisaillon Jean‐François , Graham Becky , Harper Paul , Laurin André Y. , Lavers Amanda , Neufeld Lalenia , Margoluis Richard
Published: February 2022

There is currently a great deal of work being undertaken to collect, analyze, and synthesize available evidence about the effectiveness of conservation strategies. But substantial challenges still remain in enabling practitioners to assess and apply this evidence to their conservation work in an efficient manner. To solve these challenges, there is growing recognition of the need to use situation assessments and theory of change pathways to detail a set of analytical questions and specific assumptions that can be assessed against the evidence base to “make the case” for a proposed strategy and to identify gaps in knowledge. In this study, we first provide updated definitions of some key terms. We then present and provide examples of an approach to enable practitioners to evaluate the evidence base for the critical assumptions that underlie their specific conservation strategies and to wisely use evidence coming from different knowledge systems. This practical approach, which was developed through a series of pilot tests with Parks Canada projects, involves four iterative steps: (1) identify critical questions and assumptions requiring evidence; (2) assemble and assess the specific and generic evidence for each assumption; (3) determine confidence in evidence and its implications; and (4) validate the assessment and iteratively adapt as needed. Ideally, this approach can be integrated into existing decision‐making frameworks and can also facilitate better cooperation between researchers who synthesize evidence and practitioners who use evidence to make conservation both more effective and efficient.
Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh versus MELD‐XI identify distinct high‐risk populations for heart transplantation following ventricular assist device placement
Authors: Leven Emily A. , Kurdi Ahmed T. , Govindarajulu Usha , Schiano Thomas , Pinney Sean , Crismale James F.
Published: February 2022

Background

Patients with end‐stage heart failure frequently have significant congestive hepatopathy requiring hepatology assessment prior to heart transplantation listing. An elevated Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score with modification to exclude INR (MELD‐XI) has been associated with increased mortality following heart transplantation (HT). This study's primary aim was to examine whether Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) classification is associated with post‐transplant mortality in patients bridged to transplant with left ventricular assist devices.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 134 patients from our center. Age, CTP class, and MELD‐XI at HT were included in the multivariate model for the primary outcome, which demonstrated a significant association between 1‐year mortality and CTP class (CTP‐A HR: .08, CI .01–.46, P < .01; CTP‐B HR: .25, CI .05–1.2, P = .08; reference group CTP‐C), and MELD‐XI (HR: 1.15; CI: 1.03–1.28; P = .01), but no significant difference for age (HR: .97; CI: .93–1.01; P = .15). Only 13/33 patients with CTP improvement after assist device also had improvement in MELD‐XI.

Conclusions

Patients with relatively low MELD‐XI scores with discordantly high CTP classification may be a distinct subset for whom MELD‐XI underestimates the risk of mortality after heart transplantation compared to CTP.
Cytomorphology of an uncommon cutaneous tumour
Authors: Panigrahi Chinmayee , Adhya Amit Kumar
Published: February 2022

The article describes the cytomorphology of an uncommon skin adnexal tumour. Correlation of the features with histopathological features is provided and the differential diagnoses are discussed.
Hormone therapy and disease activity in Danish women with multiple sclerosis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kopp Tine Iskov , Lidegaard Øjvind , Magyari Melinda
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose

Sex differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence and disease course are thought to be driven by hormones. Exogenous exposure to estrogens may affect MS disease course. Thus, our aim was to investigate the association between hormone therapy (HT) and disease activity and disability accrual among women with MS.

Methods

A register‐based cohort study was conducted with prospectively enrolled cases from the Danish MS registry. Information on hormone exposure was retrieved from the National Prescription Registry. Outcomes were relapse rate, relapse rate ratio, recurrent relapses, 6‐month confirmed and sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) milestones 4 and 6, and recurrent EDSS worsening.

Results

In all, 3325 women were eligible for analyses, of whom 333 (10%) were ever on HT at some time during follow‐up. We found no association between HT and disability accrual, although a trend for increasing risk with increasing length of use was seen. The risk of reaching 6‐month confirmed and sustained EDSS 4 among users was 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.3–1.2) after <1 year of use and 1.4 (95% CI = 0.9–2.2) after >5 years of HT compared to never use. The risk of recurrent relapse was increased by 20% (95% CI = 1.0–1.4) among current users of HT compared to nonusers. However, the risk of recurrent relapses was driven by the first calendar period (1996–2005) before the introduction of high‐efficacy disease‐modifying therapy.

Conclusions

Our findings from this nationwide MS population suggest that HT does not affect disability accrual in women with MS, especially if used for <5 years.
The Guard's Dilemma: Social Roles and Therapeutic Experience for Inpatient‐Guards in Tijuana's Community‐Based Addiction Treatment
Authors: Kozelka Ellen E.
Published: February 2022

Over the past 30 years, Tijuana has witnessed a proliferation of non‐biomedical, community‐based drug treatment centers. Research on this industry focuses primarily on documenting their spread and describing institutional practices, particularly human rights abuses. However, ethnography attuned to inpatient perspectives shows academic responses (op‐eds, articles, policy briefs, etc.) that generalize compulsory, community‐based addiction treatment as completely unproductive often obscure inpatients’ complicated experiences. I examine daily life and social roles in one all‐female 12 Step center along Mexico's northern border to explore the claim by center administrators that inpatients benefit therapeutically from acting simultaneously as guards (inpatient‐guards). This ethnography of practice complicates academic discussions of compulsory addiction treatment by examining the labor the inpatient‐guards provide and the meanings they ascribe to it, revealing the complexity of therapeutic experience and a path for global mental health to better understand community care.
Psychoactive substance use among students: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Perino Justine , Tournier Marie , Mathieu Clément , Letinier Louis , Peyré Alexandre , Perret Garance , Pereira Edwige , Fourrier‐Réglat Annie , Pollet Clothilde , Fatseas Mélina , Tzourio Christophe , Daveluy Amélie
Published: February 2022

Little is known about psychoactive substance use in students, apart from tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis. This study investigated the prevalence of substance use and overlap between various psychoactive substances in students. This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 10 066 students included in the i‐Share cohort between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. The baseline questionnaire was the key source of information. Psychoactive substances of interest (PSI) were cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, nitrous oxide, poppers, and MDMA. Their patterns of use were categorized as lifetime, past year, and current use. The use of other psychoactive substances including alcohol and tobacco was described in PSI users and non‐users. Most participants were female (75%), and their average age was 21 years. Lifetime use of at least one PSI was reported by 65.5% of participants. Cannabis was the most frequently used substance both over lifetime (57% of students) and past year (35%), followed by poppers and nitrous oxide (28% and 26% of students over lifetime, respectively). Among polydrug users (n = 1242), 65% used only nitrous oxide and poppers, showing a strong link between these two substances. Regular alcohol use, binge drinking, and current tobacco use were higher in PSI users than in non‐users. Substance use was higher than previously found in both French and European studies in young people. Nitrous oxide use was particularly high. Regular alcohol use, binge drinking, and tobacco use could be used as markers to identify students at risk of PSI use to be targeted by prevention programs.
Exploring How FCS Educators Teach Interior Design in Idaho, Utah, and Washington
Authors: Pulay Alana , Tibbitts Susie
Published: February 2022

University students learn about interior design through secondary Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) classes; however, it is unknown what interior design content is taught given the flexibility in FCS curriculum. An online survey was administered to FCS educators in Idaho, Utah, and Washington to uncover if and what interior design content is taught. The study revealed that residential interior design and historical content is taught, educators took one interior design course, and educators would utilize interior design resources if available. Including interior design content in FCS courses can broaden students’ understanding of how interior design impacts occupants and clarifies misconceptions about the profession.
Plant diversity has stronger linkage with soil fungal diversity than with bacterial diversity across grasslands of northern China
Authors: Wang Congwen , Ma Linna , Zuo Xiaoan , Ye Xuehua , Wang Renzhong , Huang Zhenying , Liu Guofang , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: February 2022

Aim

The interactions between plants and soil microbes play crucial roles in modulating the function and stability of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the relationships between plant and soil microbial diversity for different taxa have remained been elusive.

Location

Northern China.

Major taxa

Plant and soil microbes of grassland ecosystems.

Time period

2018 and 2019.

Methods

We conducted a transect survey across grasslands to measure plant diversity, plant traits, and soil microbial diversity. High throughput sequencing was used to assess soil microbial diversity for bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions on an Illumina MiSeq. The random forest algorithm was used to determine the important spatial and environmental variables in predicting plant and microbial diversity, and structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct and indirect effects of climatic and edaphic variables on plant and microbial diversity.

Results

Plant diversity was positively correlated with the diversity of soil fungi, particularly for predicted arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and saprotrophic fungi, and they were positively related to soil nutrients and texture. However, the correlation between plant and bacterial diversity varied by phyla and functional guilds, resulting in decoupling between plant and soil bacterial diversity. Community weighted mean leaf C:N ratio indirectly decreased soil fungal diversity through a negative relationship with soil total nitrogen. Soil bacterial and fungal diversity increased with increasing functional richness of specific leaf area and stem density, respectively.

Main conclusions

These findings have contributed to unravelling the direct and indirect linkages between plant and soil fungal diversity, highlighting particularly strong linkages between plant diversity and predicted AMF and saprotrophic fungi diversity. However, we failed to detect an overall linkage between plant and soil bacterial diversity. Still, our findings suggest that integrating soil fungi into the framework of plant diversity conservation is conducive to biodiversity restoration in degraded grassland ecosystems.
Effects of precipitation changes on the stoichiometry and photosynthetic characteristics of Stipa bungeana Trin. at different growth stages in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Luo Xu , Wang Yutao , Zhang Yi , Zhang Juan , Ma Hongbin , Li Jianping
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the response of the stoichiometric and photosynthetic characteristics of a dominant plant species in a typical grassland to changes in precipitation. Rain shelter technology was used to simulate 50%, 100%, and 150% of natural rainfall. The photosynthetic rate (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and ecological stoichiometry of the rhizosphere soil and Stipa bungeana at different growth stages were measured in May, July), and September, 2019 after 2 years of rainfall control. The results showed that the aboveground carbon (C) content of plants grown under 150% precipitation was significantly higher than that of plants grown under 100% precipitation in September. The aboveground nitrogen (N) content of plants under 50% precipitation was significantly higher than the plants grown under 100% precipitation. Under all different precipitation treatments, the aboveground C:N ratio was the lowest (16.4–19.6) in May. The range of average aboveground C: phosphorous (P) ratio was 373.7–617.8, and the N:P ratio in the descending order was July > May > September. The 50% precipitation treatment promoted the highest accumulation of underground C at all the growth stages. The productivity of the grassland under the 100% and 150% precipitation treatments was limited by the rhizosphere soil N and P. The underground C, P, C:P, and aboveground C:N ratios were sensitive indicators. Aboveground and underground N:P ratio showed the strongest significant correlation (P < 0.001), and the correlation between underground stoichiometry and rhizosphere soil P (P < 0.001) was stronger than that with rhizosphere soil N (P < 0.05). The correlation between Ci and stoichiometry was opposite in direction to the correlation between Pn, Tr, Gs, and stoichiometry. The research results will provide a scientific reference for understanding of the material cycle and judgment of vegetation nutrient limitations in the Loess Plateau.
Epidermal barrier function in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected South African infants compared with uninfected
Authors: Naidoo Navlin , Mosam Anisa , Stamatas Georgios , Dlova Ncoza C.
Published: February 2022

Background and objective

Infant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a problem in different parts of the world. Early signs of disease manifestation often involve infant skin. This study compared the skin barrier properties of HIV infected with uninfected infants.

Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive study was undertaken with HIV positive and HIV negative unexposed African infants (6 weeks–12 months). Both had normal birth weight for age, no pre‐existing dermatoses or co‐infections, and received all their vaccinations timeously. The HIV positive infants were on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. The skin barrier quality was assessed by measuring the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface hydration (SSH) on the dorsal arm (1) and the inner forearm (2).

Results

Eighty‐six HIV negative and 43 HIV positive African children were recruited. There were significant differences between the two groups based on the presence of HIV infection. In both sites, measured TEWL rates were significantly higher for the HIV positive children. There was a nonsignificant difference between the SSH values for site 1 and a marginally significant difference for site 2, with the average values higher in the HIV positive group. In both groups, TEWL rates and SSH values were significantly lower on site 1 compared to site 2.

Conclusion

Differences in skin barrier properties of HIV infected and uninfected children may exist. The altered skin barrier in infected children may be one of the factors that predisposes them to various inflammatory and infectious dermatoses. Improving the skin barrier may assist in preventing these conditions.
Fermentation optimization and amylase activity of endophytic Bacillus velezensis D1 isolated from corn seeds
Authors: Hu Qian , Wu Qi , Dai Binghong , Cui Jingwei , Khalid Anam , Li Yang , Wang Zaigui
Published: February 2022

Aims

To acquire quality amylase adopted in practical applications, endophytic bacteria were identified as Bacillus velezensis strain D1 which was isolated from corn seeds. The fermentation conditions and amylase properties of the strain were investigated.

Methods and Results

The strain D1 was identified via morphological, physiological and 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis. The fermentation conditions of secreting amylase were optimized by single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The α-amylase gene was expressed in E. coli and purified by means of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC), upon which the enzyme activity of purified recombinant α-amylase was determined. The results outlined that (1) The strain D1 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. (2) The optimized fermentation conditions for maximum amylase yields included 44°C for 48 h at pH 7.5. (3) The enzyme had an optimal reaction temperature of 60°C with the highest activity at 50°C and tolerance to 4-h incubation at 70°C. (4) The enzyme was strong acid resistant and tolerated at pH 5.0–6.0 while the optimal pH was 8.0. (5) Besides, the amylase activity was elevated by the presence of Ca2+ and Cu2+. (6) The activity of purified recombinant amylase was 20.59 U/ml under optimal conditions, nearly seven times that of crude amylase preparations.

Conclusions

The amylase produced by Bacillus velezensis D1 is strongly tolerant towards acid and high temperatures.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Amylases with thermophilic and acid-resistant characteristics are useful for a wide range of applications in food, brewing, textile, starch, paper and deterrent industries. The enzyme from Bacillus velezensis D1 can be effectively used in different areas of industries.
Genetic analysis of sexual dimorphism in growth of Jamunapari goats of India
Authors: Mandal Ajoy , Baneh Hasan , Rout Pramod K. , Notter David R.
Published: February 2022

A genetic study of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in Jamunapari goats was carried out to identify differences between sexes in genetic control of body weight at birth and at 3 (weaning), 6, 9 and 12 months of age. A total of 6,687 kids out of 264 sires and 1,704 dams were used in the study. Estimates of SSD were derived from male:female body weight ratios. Males were 9.9, 6.8, 9.3, 13.7 and 16.8% heavier than females at birth and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age, respectively, demonstrating modest SSD. Phenotypic standard deviations were larger for male kids and tended to be proportional to body weight means. However, males also had somewhat greater phenotypic coefficients of variation and total resemblance among relatives. Additive direct genetic correlations between body weights of males and females exceeded 0.96 at birth and weaning. Corresponding additive maternal correlations exceeded 0.99. Additive direct correlations between sexes were somewhat less than unity for postweaning weights but exceeded 0.80 in multi‐trait models. Our results indicated that body weights could be treated as the same trait in males and females, but the use of different phenotypic variances for the two sexes would improve accuracies of breeding value predictions. High genetic correlations between body weights in males and females suggest limited opportunity to use sex‐specific selection to create or modify SSD or create divergent body weight phenotypes between sexes.
β‐Cell function and body mass index are predictors of exercise response in elderly patients with prediabetes
Authors: He Yali , Feng Yanhong , Shi Junli , Tang Hong , Chen Linhui , Lou Qingqing
Published: February 2022

Aims/Introduction

To explore the predicting factors of exercise response (whether the participants converted to diabetes) in elderly patients with prediabetes.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective subgroup analysis of the registered clinical trial with previous publication of the same cohort. A total of 248 participants with prediabetes were randomized to the aerobic training (n = 83) group, resistance training (n = 82) group and control group (n = 83). The patients who finished the 2‐year exercise intervention were included in this analysis to explore the factors impacting exercise response.

Results

A total of 113 patients with prediabetes completed 2 years of exercise, with 56 participants in the aerobic exercise group and 57 in the resistance exercise group. Patients who reversed to normal glucose tolerance, remained in prediabetes and developed diabetes were 18 (15.90%), 70 (62.00%) and 25 (22.10%), respectively. Logistic regression showed that baseline, homeostatic model 2 assessment of β‐cell function (β = −0.143, P = 0.039), hemoglobin A1c (β = 3.301, P = 0.007) and body mass index (β = 0.402, P = 0.012) were related to exercise response, whereas the waist‐to‐hip ratio (β = −3.277, P = 0.693) and types of exercise (β = 1.192, P = 0.093) were not significantly related to exercise response.

Conclusions

Baseline homeostatic model 2 assessment of β‐cell function, hemoglobin A1c and body mass index were the predictors for the response to exercise in elderly patients with prediabetes.
Clinical evaluation of autologous platelet rich plasma injection in postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy: A pilot study
Authors: Saleh Doaa M. , Abdelghani Rania
Published: February 2022

Background

There is a lack of published data investigating injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (A‐PRP) alone in the treatment of postmenopausal VVA.

Objectives

In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of injection of A‐PRP alone in postmenopausal VVA in women without the history of cancer breast to explore its utility as a hormone free therapy for postmenopausal VVA and for vulvovaginal rejuvenation.

Methods

In this pilot study, 47 women with postmenopausal VVA were included. Vulvovaginal condition was evaluated at the baseline by vaginal health index (VHI). Impact of VVA on quality of life and sexual life was evaluated at the baseline by vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire (VSQ). Treatment protocol was 2 sessions of A‐PRP injection with 1 month interval. Response was evaluated 1 month after the last session by VHI and VSQ. Side effects were also evaluated.

Results

Postmenopausal VVA was significantly improved by A‐PRP injection as indicated by significant improvement of total VHI score and its items at 1 month post‐treatment (p value <0.001). Moreover, there was significant improvement of burning, hurting, being irritated, being dry, discharge, desire to be intimate, sexual relationships, pain during sexual activity, and dryness during sexual activity at 1 month post‐treatment as indicated by VSQ (p value =0.045 for being dry and <0.001 for other items).

Conclusions

Autologous platelet rich plasma injection is safe and effective as minimally invasive monotherapy for postmenopausal VVA without history of cancer breast and hence for vulvovaginal rejuvenation.
IL‐34 was high in serum of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and may function as potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target
Authors: Cai Huaping , Jin Shuman , Lin Jinfang , Yu Liying , Xu Jinwei , Qian Panlian , Chen Weimin
Published: February 2022

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in females of reproductive age, with a prevalence of 20%–33% in the general population. Interleukin (IL)‐34 is a recently explored proinflammatory cytokine and is an important modulator in different disease types. However, the function of IL‐34 in PCOS has yet to be investigated.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the IL‐34 serum level in women with PCOS and to compare it to that of a relatively healthy control group. Focusing on its relationship with IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C).

Materials and Methods

In this study, blood samples were obtained from 100 women with PCOS and 100 healthy control women for the purpose of estimating their serum levels of IL‐34, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results

Serum levels of IL‐34, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β were all higher in PCOS women than in healthy controls, and the difference was highly statistically significant. Serum IL‐34 concentration was positively correlated with IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β concentration. Additionally, serum concentrations of IL‐34 were positively correlated with HOMA‐IR, triglyceride, and LDL‐C.

Conclusion

When compared to normal women, IL‐34, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β levels were highly statistically significant in PCOS, and these high levels were associated with other cytokines (IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β), HOMA‐IR, triglyceride, and LDL‐C.
Negative Mood Regulation Expectancies Moderate the Effects of Acculturative Stress on Affective Symptoms Among Chinese International Students in Japan
Authors: An Tingting , Hamamura Toshitaka , Kishimoto Tomoko , Mearns Jack
Published: February 2022

This study investigated interrelationships of negative mood regulation expectancies (NMREs), stressors, and affective symptoms among Chinese international students in Japan. NMREs represent one's confidence that one can reduce the intensity of the unpleasant moods one experiences. Data were collected from 527 participants using self‐report measures of NMREs, university stress, acculturative stress, depression, and anxiety. Results showed that NMREs buffered the effects on distress of acculturative stress but not of university stress: stronger NMREs protected international students from the negative consequences of acculturative stress. This suggests that being more confident in their emotion regulation made Chinese international students less vulnerable to the negative affective consequences of acculturative stress but not university stress. This difference may be because, for international students, acculturative stress is less personally controllable than university stress. Consequently, when active coping attempts fail to ameliorate one's stress, simply believing that one can make oneself feel better—stronger NMREs—may mitigate the effects of an uncontrollable stressor on one's well‐being. One implication of this research is that raising the NMREs of international students may reduce their risk of distress.
Association of gastric lymphofollicular hyperplasia with Helicobacter‐like organisms in dogs
Authors: Biénès Tom , Leal Rodolfo Oliveira , Domínguez‐Ruiz Marina , De Carvalho Rodolfo Elvas , Rodrigues Nina Fernandes , Dally Claire , Husson Jean‐Charles , Le Boedec Kevin , Hernandez Juan
Published: February 2022

Background

The relationships among gastric lymphoid follicular hyperplasia (GLFH), Helicobacter‐like organisms (HLOs), and clinical signs have not been established in dogs.

Objectives

To evaluate the epidemiologic, clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings associated with GLFH in dogs, and determine the association of GLFH with HLOs and the French Bulldog (FB) breed.

Animals

Two hundred eighty‐eight dogs that underwent gastroscopy between 2013 and 2016.

Methods

Retrospective, cross‐sectional study. Gastric biopsy samples were reviewed and scored for inflammation and HLOs. Dogs were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (63 FBs), group 2 (45 non‐FB brachycephalic dogs), and group 3 (180 nonbrachycephalic dogs). Variables were evaluated for their association with GLFH.

Results

Univariate analysis determined that intact males, young age, vomiting, gastroscopic findings (discoloration, hemorrhage, and ulcers), and histopathologic findings (gastric lamina propria lymphocytic infiltration and HLO score) were associated with GLFH (P ≤ .03). In the multivariate analysis, GLFH was associated with the HLO score (odds ratio [OR] > 5 for HLO scores 1‐2 and >15 for HLO score of 3; P < .001), with vomiting (OR > 4; P = .01) but not with FB breed (P = .76) and age (P = .1). The HLO score was associated with younger age (P < .001).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The HLO score was associated with a high GLFH score. Vomiting was associated with GLFH. Helicobacter‐like organisms are highly prevalent in young dogs and GLFH is indirectly associated with this factor. Clinical relevance of the identification of GLFH and HLO remains to be determined.
The influence of contrasting fire management practice on bush encroachment: Lessons from Bwabwata National Park, Namibia
Authors: Eastment Conor , Humphrey Glynis , Hoffman Michael Timm , Gillson Lindsey
Published: February 2022

Questions

Bush encroachment, (i.e. disproportionate woody vegetation increase at the cost of grassland) has negative impacts for biodiversity conservation and tourism by homogenising habitat structure and decreasing grazing and game‐viewing. While herbivory, rainfall, and CO2 all influence changes in woody vegetation cover, fire has the best potential for vegetation management. Changes in fire management can either encourage or suppress bush encroachment and a better understanding of how changes in fire regime affect vegetation structure is needed. Therefore, this study addressed three questions: (a) how has woody cover changed over two decades (1999–2019); (b) what is the role of land use, rainfall, and fire in influencing woody cover change; and (c) what are the management implications?

Location

Bwabwata National Park (BNP), Namibia.

Methods

The study used a novel combination of repeat ground photography and satellite‐based remote‐sensing products to explore the change in woody vegetation in relation to rainfall, land use, and fire seasonality.

Results

Woody vegetation has increased by 13% since 1999 in BNP. Change in vegetation structure differed in the east and west of the park. Early‐season burns in the east of the park were associated with an increase in trees over 3 m tall consisting primarily of Dialium englerianum, Terminalia sericea and Burkea africana. Repetitive late dry‐season fires in the west of the park were associated with an increase in shrubs under 3 m dominated by Baphia massaiensis and Terminalia sericea.

Conclusions

Both early‐ and late‐season fires are of value in management of bush encroachment. Early dry‐season fires appear to reduce the rate of bush encroachment and contribute to maintaining a heterogeneous vegetation structure. This fire management strategy reduces wildfire risk, conserves biodiversity, and promotes tourism and is, therefore, recommended for the park.
“I Look Mexican, So They Assume I Speak Spanish”: Latinx Teacher Candidates’ Experiences With Raciolinguistic Policing
Authors: FALLAS–ESCOBAR CHRISTIAN , HENDERSON KATHRYN , LINDAHL KRISTEN
Published: February 2022

This critical discourse analysis study examines Latinx primary and secondary school teacher candidates’ (TCs) struggles with raciolinguistic ideologies that connect speaking Spanish to being authentically Latinx. Data came from a larger qualitative project, in which these TCs engaged in reflexive language ideology and awareness tasks, as part of an English‐as‐a‐second‐language methods class at a large Hispanic‐serving university in Texas. In this study, we center Latinx TCs’ experiences with and responses to raciolinguistic ideologies framing them as linguistically lacking and/or ethnically inauthentic. Our findings have implications for the ways teacher educators engage Latinx TCs in the interrogation of language ideologies during teacher preparation. We conclude this article by offering pathways for educators to engage Latinx TCs in challenging the practice of marginalizing Latinx individuals via their language practices.
Impact of global value chains on total factor productivity: The case of Indian manufacturing
Authors: Banga Karishma
Published: February 2022

With production increasingly fragmented across borders, global value chains (GVCs) form a key feature of the world economy. A rising body of literature has documented productivity gains from linking into GVCs for developed‐country firms, but studies on the same for developing countries are scant. In this paper, we empirically examine whether GVCs can increase total factor productivity (TFP) in developing countries, using an unbalanced panel of Indian manufacturing firms in the period 2000/2001–2014/2015 from the Prowess data set. To address econometric issues of self‐selection and endogeneity, we use a two‐stage empirical strategy of propensity score matching and system generalized method of moments. The results indicate that linking into GVCs has a positive and significant impact on firm TFP, even after accounting for self‐selection of more productive firms into GVCs. Once linked, increasing GVC embeddedness, captured through firm‐level vertical specialization, also has a positive and significant impact on firm productivity. But productivity gains are not homogenous; GVC firms that link into relational governance chains, captured through the share of skilled workers and infrastructure and communication index relative to industry, have 20% higher productivity growth than firms in other chains. Older and more liquid GVC firms are also more productive. Designing policies to facilitate GVC linkages and firm technological capabilities can thus foster productivity gains in developing countries.
Exploring the construction and application of spatial scene knowledge graphs considering topological relations
Authors: Shen Jingwei , Shi Kaifang , Ma Mingguo
Published: February 2022

A spatial scene consists of a large number of geographic objects and their spatial relations and attributes. It is important to explore an effective method to organize spatial scenes so that they are more readable by humans and machines. The construction of a spatial scene knowledge graph considering topological relations, which can play important roles in spatial query, spatial analysis, and spatial data modeling, is explored in this article. To construct the spatial scene knowledge graph considering topological relations, the definitions of the spatial scene knowledge graph schema, topological relation knowledge acquisition and storage, and spatial scene knowledge graph visualization are explored. Two typical applications, including knowledge reasoning and spatial neighbor analysis based on spatial scene knowledge graphs, are presented. A case study is designed, and the construction and application of a spatial scene knowledge graph of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region is shown. Nine contains relations, 18 crosses relations, and 47 touches relations are marked; and topological relation reasoning and spatial neighbor relation analysis based on a successfully constructed knowledge graph are performed. The results show the following: (1) the spatial scene knowledge graph considering topological relations is an effective and intuitive way to express the topological relations between geographic objects; and (2) the spatial scene knowledge graph may play important roles in graph‐based application areas, such as topological relation reasoning and spatial neighbor analysis.
Semicompatibilism Imperiled
Authors: Haji Ishtiyaque
Published: February 2022

Blameworthiness semicompatibilism is the thesis that determinism is compatible with moral blameworthiness even if incompatible with freedom to do otherwise. Two concerns with this thesis are raised. First, I show why Frankfurt examples, which play a key role in underwriting blameworthiness semicompatibilism, are not as secure as many believe because of conceptual ties between blameworthiness and impermissibility. Second, I argue that if blameworthiness is conceptually associated, even if in a roundabout way with impermissibility, and one cannot do wrong unless one could have done otherwise, blameworthiness semicompatibilism is imperiled. With suitable amendments, parallel problems plague praiseworthiness semicompatibilism, the thesis that determinism is compatible with moral praiseworthiness even if incompatible with freedom to do otherwise.