bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphometric study of the vestibuloauditory organ of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis
Authors: Homma Takeshi , Sohel Md. Shahriar Hasan , Onouchi Sawa , Saito Shouichiro
Published: June 2022

Independent auditory end‐organs appear first in amphibians in vertebrate phylogeny. In amphibians, sound detection is carried out by the amphibian papilla, basilar papilla and macula saccule. Amphibians inhabit distinct habitats and exhibit specific behaviours and sound frequency responses, so the amphibian vestibuloauditory system is an excellent model for considering the relationships between behaviour and physiological/anatomical vestibuloauditory properties. The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, lives in shallow water throughout its life and is thought to use sound in a higher frequency range compared with terrestrial anurans. In this study, the size of each vestibuloauditory end‐organ and the distribution of ganglion cells in the vestibuloauditory ganglion were examined using haematoxylin and eosin staining and lectin histochemistry in Xenopus laevis. This study revealed that the size ratios among end‐organs in Xenopus are similar to those in terrestrial anurans. Large and small cells were observed in the ganglion, but their distribution patterns are different from those in general terrestrial anurans. Lycopersicon esculentum lectin stained a large number of ganglion cells. Lectin‐stained cells were found throughout the whole ganglion, but were especially abundant in the caudal part. These results suggested a unique distribution pattern of the vestibuloauditory ganglion cells in Xenopus.
Comparison study of morphology and vascular casts between plateau‐type Tibetan sheep and low‐altitude small‐tailed Han sheep testes
Authors: Liu Miaomiao , Yang Yanan , Li Mingna , Cai Yuan , Zhao Shengguo , Wang Xinrong
Published: June 2022

We compared the differences in testicular morphology and vascular anatomy between plateau‐type Tibetan sheep and low‐altitude Small‐tailed Han sheep to explore any adaptations of Tibetan sheep to high altitudes and hypoxia factors. Testicular artery architecture specimens of plateau‐type Tibetan sheep and lowland Small‐tailed Han sheep were used to compare the physical parameters of the testis, testicular artery architecture, arterial diameter, testicular leaflets and the characteristics of epididymal head arterioles. The results showed that the weight, major axis, minor axis, overall length, caput major axis and caput minor axis in Tibetan sheep were larger than those of Small‐tailed Han sheep; however, the caput major axis of epididymal head in Tibetan sheep was smaller than that of Small‐tailed Han sheep. Compared with Small‐tailed Han sheep, the testicular knot‐like arteries of Tibetan sheep had denser spiral distribution and more small arteries, and the diameters of centripetal arteries, knot‐like arteries, centrifugal arteries and epididymal microarterioles were also thicker. The ‘spindle’ indentation on the surface of the microarteriole of the head of the testicular leaflets and the epididymis in plateau Tibetan sheep was relatively shallow. The results showed that the physical testicular characteristics, testicular artery construction and arteriole surface structure of Tibetan sheep were adapted for the plateau environment.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration‐task load index: NASA‐TLX: evaluation of its use in surgery
Authors: Bell Stephen W. , Kong Joseph C. H. , Clark David A. , Carne Peter , Skinner Stewart , Pillinger Stephen , Burton Paul , Brown Wendy
Published: June 2022

Background

The technical difficulty an operation creates for a surgeon is difficult to measure. Current measures are poor surrogates. In both research and teaching settings it would be valuable to be able to accurately measure this degree of difficulty. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA TLX) is a multi‐dimensional scale designed to obtain workload estimates relating to a task. This study aimed to evaluate the NASA TLX as an objective measure of technical difficulty of an operation.

Methods

Seven surgeons performed 127 pre‐defined operations (minimally invasive right hemicolectomy & re‐do bariatric surgery) and recorded a NASA TLX score after each operation. These scores were compared to numerous clinical parameters and the score was correlated with the subjective measure of whether the surgeon categorized the operation as “easy”, “moderate” or “difficult”.

Results

The NASA TLX score was significantly correlated with operative duration, blood loss, previous abdominal surgery and the surgeons' assessment of difficulty. It did not correlate with intra‐operative or post‐operative complications, conversion to open surgery or length of stay.

Conclusions

The NASA TLX score provides a graded numerical score that that correlated significantly with the surgeon's assessment of the technical difficulty, and with operative duration, intra‐operative blood loss and previous abdominal surgery. This novel application of this tool could be employed in both research and teaching settings to score surgical difficulty and monitor a trainee's proficiency over time.
Evaluation of the association of anticholinergic burden and delirium in older hospitalised patients – A cohort study comparing 19 anticholinergic burden scales
Authors: Lisibach Angela , Gallucci Giulia , Benelli Valérie , Kälin Ramona , Schulthess Sven , Beeler Patrick E. , Csajka Chantal , Lutters Monika
Published: June 2022

Aims

A recent review identified 19 anticholinergic burden scales (ABSs) but no study has yet compared the impact of all 19 ABSs on delirium. We evaluated whether a high anticholinergic burden as classified by each ABS is associated with incident delirium.

Method

We performed a retrospective cohort study in a Swiss tertiary teaching hospital using data from 2015–2018. Included were patients aged ≥65, hospitalised ≥48 hours with no stay >24 hours in intensive care. Delirium was defined twofold: (i) ICD‐10 or CAM and (ii) ICD‐10 or CAM or DOSS. Patients' cumulative anticholinergic burden score, calculated within 24 hours after admission, was classified using a binary (<3: low, ≥3: high burden) and a categorical approach (0: no, 0.5–3: low, ≥3: high burden). Association was analysed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Over 25 000 patients (mean age 77.9 ± 7.6 years) were included. Of these, (i) 864 (3.3%) and (ii) 2770 (11.0%) developed delirium. Depending on the evaluated ABS, 4–63% of the patients were exposed to at least one anticholinergic drug. Out of 19 ABSs, (i) 14 and (ii) 16 showed a significant association with the outcomes. A patient with a high anticholinergic burden score had odds ratios (ORs) of 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.42) to 2.63 (95% CI: 2.28–3.03) for incident delirium compared to those with low or no burden.

Conclusion

A high anticholinergic burden within 24 hours after admission was significantly associated with incident delirium. Although prospective studies need to confirm these results, discontinuing or substituting drugs with a score of ≥3 at admission might be a targeted intervention to reduce incident delirium.
Persistence with urate‐lowering therapy in Australia: A longitudinal analysis of allopurinol prescriptions
Authors: Coleshill Matthew J. , Day Richard O. , Tam Karson , Kouhkamari Mahsa , Caillet Vincent , Aung Eindra , Kannangara Diluk R. W. , Cronin Peter , Rodgers Anthony , Stocker Sophie L.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men. Despite the availability of effective urate‐lowering therapies (ULT), the management of gout is suboptimal due to poor persistence with ULT. This study examined national prescribing patterns of ULT to determine persistence with allopurinol in Australia.

Methods

A 10% sample of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing claims database was used to identify individuals initiated on allopurinol between April 2014 and December 2019. The number of allopurinol scripts dispensed was used to estimate persistence with allopurinol. Persistence was defined as the number of months from initiation until discontinuation (last prescription with no further scripts acquired for a period thereafter). Kaplan‐Meier curves were used to examine persistence, while Cox regression analysis was used to examine the influence of gender, concomitant colchicine and age.

Results

The largest drop in persistence occurred immediately after initiation, with 34% of patients discontinuing allopurinol 300‐mg therapy in the first month. Median persistence with allopurinol 300 mg was 5 months (95% confidence interval 4.76‐5.24), with around 63% of individuals not persisting with this therapy for more than 12 months. Concomitant prescription of colchicine on the day of allopurinol initiation only occurred in 7% of allopurinol initiations. No increase in persistence was observed for those co‐prescribed colchicine.

Conclusion

Persistence with allopurinol was poor. More effective methods targeting prescribers, patients and systems are required to promote persistence with allopurinol. Improving persistence to allopurinol is an important public health goal given the proven potential of this medication to eliminate gout.
Ethical consumerism and wage levels: Evidence from an experimental market
Authors: Degli Antoni Giacomo , Faillo Marco
Published: June 2022

This paper contributes to the promotion of multidisciplinary research on ethical consumerism by providing experimental evidence on consumer's willingness to reward sellers by paying higher wages to their workers. We analyze repeated interactions occurring between workers, sellers, and consumers within the framework of an experimental market. By successfully performing a task, workers allow sellers to offer a good through a market. Sellers set the price of goods and decide the wages of workers. Consumers enter the market sequentially and decide whether to accept one of the offers or to leave the market. Our data show that, especially in the first periods of the experiment, some sellers opt to pay high wages to their workers. However, this behavior is not rewarded by consumers, whose purchasing choices are almost exclusively driven by self‐interest. In our interpretation, the connection between workers and sellers that connotes our experimental design, with workers who allow sellers to enter the market, may induce consumers to believe that eventual sacrifices for paying high wages to workers must be entirely on sellers. Our result suggests that the more salient is made the importance of some stakeholders in allowing the firm's activity, the fewer consumers' may be willing to sacrifice their monetary payoff to improve these stakeholders' condition.
Modeling minimum viable population size with multiple genetic problems of small populations
Authors: Nabutanyi Peter , Wittmann Meike J.
Published: June 2022

An important goal for conservation is to define minimum viable population (MVP) sizes for long‐term persistence of a species. There is increasing evidence of the role of genetics in population extinction; thus, conservation practitioners are starting to consider the effects of deleterious mutations (DM), in particular the effects of inbreeding depression on fitness. We sought to develop methods to account for genetic problems other than inbreeding depression in MVP estimates, quantify the effect of the interaction of multiple genetic problems on MVP sizes, and find ways to reduce the arbitrariness of time and persistence probability thresholds in MVP analyses. To do so, we developed ecoevolutionary quantitative models to track population size and levels of genetic diversity. We assumed a biallelic multilocus genome with loci under single or multiple, interacting genetic forces. We included mutation–selection–drift balance (for loci with DM) and 3 forms of balancing selection for loci for which variation is lost through genetic drift. We defined MVP size as the lowest population size that avoids an ecoevolutionary extinction vortex. For populations affected by only balancing selection, MVP size decreased rapidly as mutation rates increased. For populations affected by mutation–selection–drift balance, the MVP size increased rapidly. In addition, MVP sizes increased rapidly as the number of loci increased under the same or different selection mechanisms until even arbitrarily large populations could not survive. In the case of fixed number of loci under selection, interaction of genetic problems did not always increase MVP sizes. To further enhance understanding about interaction of genetic problems, there is need for more empirical studies to reveal how different genetic processes interact in the genome.
The tick and I: Parasite‐host interactions between ticks and humans
Authors: Schön Michael P.
Published: June 2022

Ticks, particularly hard ticks (Ixodidae), which are among the most important vectors of dangerous infectious agents, feed on their hosts for extended periods of time. With this lifestyle, numerous adaptations have evolved in ticks and their hosts, the pharmacological importance of which is increasingly being recognized. Many bioactive substances in tick saliva are being considered as the basis of new drugs.

For example, components of tick cement can be developed into tissue adhesives or wound closures. Analgesic and antipruritic salivary components inhibit histamine or bradykinin, while other tick‐derived molecules bind opioid or cannabinoid receptors. Tick saliva inhibits the extrinsic, intrinsic, or common pathway of blood coagulation with implications for the treatment of thromboembolic diseases. It contains vasodilating substances and affects wound healing. The broad spectrum of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects of tick saliva, such as inhibition of chemokines or cellular immune responses, allows development of drugs against inflammation in autoimmune diseases and/or infections. Finally, modern vaccines against ticks can curb the spread of serious infections. The medical importance of the complex tick‐host interactions is increasingly being recognized and translated into first clinical applications. Using selected examples, an overview of the mutual adaptations of ticks and hosts is given here, focusing on their significance to medical advance.
Distribution of delta and mu opioid receptor mRNA in rodent dorsal root ganglia neurons
Authors: Quirion Béatrice , Beaulieu Claudie , Côté Laurie , Parent Jean‐Luc , Gendron Louis
Published: June 2022

Primary afferents are responsible for transmitting signals produced by noxious stimuli from the periphery to the spinal cord. Mu and delta opioid receptors (MOP and DOP) have analgesic properties and are highly expressed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. In humans, spinal DOP is almost exclusively located on central terminals of DRG neurons, whereas in rodents, it is expressed both on presynaptic terminals and spinal neurons. In this study, we aimed to assess the distribution of MOP and DOP in the DRGs of mice and rats. Using in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, we visualized MOP and DOP mRNA together with various neuronal markers. In rats and mice, we show that both receptors are expressed, albeit to different extents, in all types of neurons, namely, large and medium myelinated neurons (NF200‐positive), small nonpeptidergic (IB4‐ or P2X3R‐positive) and peptidergic C fibres (Tac1‐positive). Overall, DOP mRNA was found to be mainly expressed in large and medium myelinated neurons, whereas MOP mRNA was mainly found in C fibres. The distribution of MOP and DOP, however, slightly differs between rats and mice, with a higher proportion of small nonpeptidergic C fibres expressing DOP mRNA in mice than in rats. We further found that neither morphine nor inflammation affected the distribution of the receptor mRNA. Because of their location, our results confirm that MOP and DOP have the potential to alleviate similar types of pain and that this effect could slightly differ between species.
Mapping of European activities on the integration of sex and gender factors in neurology and neuroscience
Authors: Hentzen Nina B. , Ferretti Maria Teresa , Santuccione Chadha Antonella , Jaarsma Joke , De Visser Marianne , Moro Elena ,   the Gender and Diversity Task force of the EAN
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Neurological disorders pose a profound unmet medical need for which new solutions are urgently needed. The consideration of both biological (sex) and socio‐cultural (gender) differences between men and women is necessary to identify more efficacious, safer and tailored treatments. Approaches for putting sex and gender medicine into practice have gathered momentum across Europe, but it is currently unclear to what extent they have been implemented in the field of neurology and neuroscience.

Methods

We mapped current activities in research, funding and education aimed at integrating sex and gender consideration in neuroscience and neurology in Europe. We examined and analyzed data gathered from literature searches, policy documents and reports by the European Commission and national funding agencies, web‐based searches, Web of Science, and searches of project databases of funding agencies. An informative/non‐systematic search was performed for sections on policies and funding, education, and basic research, while a systematic literature and database review was conducted for quantitative analysis of research output and funded projects in terms of sex and gender analysis.

Results

Our mapping shows that there is a growing interest in and attention given to sex and gender considerations in neurological fields, both from funding agencies and researchers. However, most activities, especially for education, are limited to the individual motivation of researchers and are not organically built within curricula and strategic research priorities.

Conclusion

We recommend actions that might help increase the consideration of sex and gender specifically in the field of neuroscience and neurology.
Influence of different intraradicular chemical pretreatments on the bond strength of adhesive interface between dentine and fiber post cements: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Jurema Ana Luiza Barbosa , Correia Ayla Macyelle de Oliveira , Spinola Manuela da Silva , Bresciani Eduardo , Caneppele Taciana Marco Ferraz
Published: June 2022

Systematic review and network meta‐analyses were performed to answer the question: Do intraradicular chemical pretreatments affect the bond strength of the adhesive interface between dentine and fiber post cements? A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, and Cochrane Library in October 2018 (updated September 2021). In vitro studies that compared the bond strength assessed by push‐out tests following at least two dentine chemical treatments prior to fiber post cementation were included. Risk of bias was evaluated. A random‐effects Bayesian‐mixed treatment comparison model was used to compare push‐out bond strength of different chemical pretreatments. SUCRA (surface area under the cumulative ranking) analysis was performed to rank the pretreatments. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 61 studies remained. SUCRA analysis showed that the best bond strength values for self‐etch, etch‐and‐rinse, and self‐adhesive cements were ethyl acetate (SUCRA: 99.8%), low concentration NaOCl (SUCRA: 83.4%), and grape seed extract (SUCRA: 97.6%), respectively. According to the SUCRA rankings, ethanol was in a good position for all adhesive strategies (SUCRA: 78.6%). The use of chemical pretreatments in intraradicular dentine of endodontically treated teeth depends on the adhesive and cementation strategy. The pretreatment generally associated with the highest bond strength was ethanol.
Decadal‐scale phenology and seasonal climate drivers of migratory baleen whales in a rapidly warming marine ecosystem
Authors: Pendleton Daniel E. , Tingley Morgan W. , Ganley Laura C. , Friedland Kevin D. , Mayo Charles , Brown Moira W. , McKenna Brigid E. , Jordaan Adrian , Staudinger Michelle D.
Published: June 2022

Species' response to rapid climate change can be measured through shifts in timing of recurring biological events, known as phenology. The Gulf of Maine is one of the most rapidly warming regions of the ocean, and thus an ideal system to study phenological and biological responses to climate change. A better understanding of climate‐induced changes in phenology is needed to effectively and adaptively manage human‐wildlife conflicts. Using data from a 20+ year marine mammal observation program, we tested the hypothesis that the phenology of large whale habitat use in Cape Cod Bay has changed and is related to regional‐scale shifts in the thermal onset of spring. We used a multi‐season occupancy model to measure phenological shifts and evaluate trends in the date of peak habitat use for North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), and fin (Balaenoptera physalus) whales. The date of peak habitat use shifted by +18.1 days (0.90 days/year) for right whales and +19.1 days (0.96 days/year) for humpback whales. We then evaluated interannual variability in peak habitat use relative to thermal spring transition dates (STD), and hypothesized that right whales, as planktivorous specialist feeders, would exhibit a stronger response to thermal phenology than fin and humpback whales, which are more generalist piscivorous feeders. There was a significant negative effect of western region STD on right whale habitat use, and a significant positive effect of eastern region STD on fin whale habitat use indicating differential responses to spatial seasonal conditions. Protections for threatened and endangered whales have been designed to align with expected phenology of habitat use. Our results show that whales are becoming mismatched with static seasonal management measures through shifts in their timing of habitat use, and they suggest that effective management strategies may need to alter protections as species adapt to climate change.
India's democracy before the democratic discontent, 1940s–1970s
Authors: Shani Ornit
Published: June 2022

The last decade and a half saw what we can call a historical turn in the study of India's democracy. By drawing on some of these new works and on archival materials, this article offers a new way of thinking about the rooting and workings of democracy in India and its endurance. The article explores how India and Indians produced a concrete and convincing notion of a shared functioning purpose, a common good, for their deeply plural society, while allowing a meaningful space for the conflicts and inherent contradictions that underlay their democracy. I suggest that the persistence of these conflicts was important for the resilience of India's democracy. I examine three interrelated processes that with independence contributed to this outcome: the nature of the constitution and its making; the first election and the preparation for them between 1947 and 1952; and the articulation of the principle of state resource distribution and its development projects. The conclusion reflects on the significance of the historical turn to our understanding of post‐independence India.
Pre‐processed fruits as raw materials: part I – different forms, process conditions and applications
Authors: Bhatkar Nikita S. , Shirkole Shivanand S. , Brennan Charles , Thorat Bhaskar N.
Published: June 2022

Fruit crops are valuable commodities considering both processed as well as pre‐processed products. Current consumer trends have created a huge demand for fruit‐based products to improve nutritional wellbeing. In order that the processing industry may deliver the products with their full potential, it is necessary to have an uninterrupted supply of raw materials to eliminate the bottlenecks. Most fruits are perishable and available seasonally so it is difficult to have a continuous supply of the fruits. Hence, to overcome the issues associated with seasonal availability an alternate practice for the processing of fruits up to an intermediate level can be adapted to give a continuous supply of pre‐processed fruit products. This review article discusses the processing conditions for different fruits, the commonly associated problems with the processing and their applications.
Orange peel fermentation using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: microbiological analysis and physico‐chemical characterisation
Authors: Deba‐Rementeria Shuyana , Estrada Olaia , Issa‐Issa Hanán , Vázquez‐Araújo Laura
Published: June 2022

To find an innovative use for orange peels discarded in the orange juice‐making process, a fermentative process was assessed using a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain. Blanched or rinsed peels were submerged in a 5% NaCl–3% inoculated sucrose brine for 10 days. Total soluble solids, pH, sugars and total aerobic and anaerobic counts were determined in the brines to characterise the process. The final products were characterised by instrumental texture, colour and volatile composition. The blanching pretreatment had a significant effect on the whole process and the final product characteristics. Anaerobic bacteria total counts were significantly higher in the blanched samples during the whole fermentation, and pH decreased significantly slower in these samples than in the rinsed ones. Rinsed samples were characterised by higher aerobic total counts, higher sucrose consumption and higher glucose, fructose and polyalcohols production. The texture was softer in the pretreated samples, probably due to the blanching process rather than the fermentation. The volatile composition was quite similar between samples, although it was different from one of the raw orange peels due to a significant decrease in various volatile compounds.
Soluble Asian sea bass bone bio‐calcium: characteristics, bioavailability across Caco‐2 cells and fortification into apple juice
Authors: Wijayanti Ima , Benjakul Soottawat , Saetang Jirakrit , Prodpran Thummanoon , Sookchoo Pornsatit
Published: June 2022

Soluble Asian sea bass bone bio‐calcium (SBC) prepared using citric acid was characterised and examined for bioavailability. SBC showed lower calcium content (9.12%) but higher solubility (74.56%) in in vitro gastrointestinal tract system, compared to bio‐calcium. Calcium bioavailability of bio‐calcium across Caco‐2 cells was higher than that of SBC. SBC showed slightly lower L*, b* and ΔE*‐values with higher a*‐values than that of bio‐calcium. Fortification of SBC at various levels (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%, w/v) into apple juice was also carried out. Apple juice fortified with SBC at various levels showed differences in pH, turbidity, brown colour and calcium content. The increased SBC levels resulted in lower pH, but higher turbidity, brown colour and calcium content. SBC fortification had no effect on likeness score for appearance, colour, odour and sandy mouthfeel. Nevertheless, flavour, taste and overall likeness of apple juice decreased when SBC added was increased. Calcium content of apple juice fortified with SBC up to 1% was increased by 6.13‐fold with no sensory effects.
Energy storage performance of BiFeO3–SrTiO3–BaTiO3 relaxor ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Cui Tao , Yu Annan , Zhang Yangyu , Guo Jian , Li Xiongjie , Guo Shun , Zhang Ji , Wang Jing , Zhang Shan‐Tao
Published: June 2022

Dielectric capacitors reveal great potential in the application of high power and/or pulsed power electronic devices owing to their ultrafast charge–discharge rate and ultrahigh power density. Among various dielectric capacitors, the environment‐friendly lead‐free dielectric ceramics have drawn extensive investigations in recent years. Nevertheless, the relatively small recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) is still an obstacle for their application. Herein, the (0.55−x)BiFeO3–0.45SrTiO3–xBaTiO3 ternary ceramics with 0.1 wt% MnO2 were prepared by the solid‐state reaction, and achieved enhanced relaxor behavior as well as breakdown strength Eb. As a result, the x = 0.12 ceramic exhibited superior comprehensive energy storage performance of large Eb (50.4 kV/mm), ultrahigh Wrec (7.3 J/cm3), high efficiency η (86.3%), relatively fast charge–discharge speed (t0.9 = 6.1 μs) and outstanding reliability under different frequency, fatigue, and temperature, indicating that the BiFeO3‐based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics are prospective alternatives for electrostatic energy storage.
The role of inter‐individual intolerance in group cohesion and the transition to sociality in spiders
Authors: Rose Clémence , Kyneb Sarah , Schou Mads Fristrup , Bechsgaard Jesper , Bilde Trine
Published: June 2022

Conspecific tolerance is key for maintaining group cohesion in animals. Understanding shifts from conspecific tolerance to intolerance is therefore important for understanding transitions to sociality. Subsocial species disperse to a solitary lifestyle after a gregarious juvenile phase and display conspecific intolerance as adults as a mechanism to maintain a solitary living. The development of intolerance towards group members is hypothesized to play a role in dispersal decisions in subsocial species. One hypothesis posits that dispersal is triggered by factors such as food competition with the subsequent development of conspecific intolerance, rather than conspecific intolerance developing prior to and potentially driving dispersal. Consistent with this hypothesis, we show that intolerance (inferred by inter‐individual distance) developed post‐dispersal in the subsocial spider Stegodyphus lineatus. The development of conspecific intolerance was delayed when maintaining spiders in groups showing plasticity in this trait, which is advantageous when trade‐offs are not fixed over time. However, major evolutionary transitions, such as the transition to sociality, can permanently modify trade‐offs and cause derived adaptations by the evolution of new or modified traits or evolutionary loss of traits that become redundant. Sociality in spiders has evolved repeatedly from subsocial ancestors, and social life in family groups combined with a lack of interaction with competing groups suggests relaxed selection for the development of conspecific intolerance. In the social Stegodyphus sarasinorum we found no evidence for the development of conspecific intolerance, consistent with the loss of this trait. Instead, we found evidence for conspecific attraction, which is likely to govern group cohesion.
Dietary supplementation with Pediococcus pentosaceus enhances the innate immune response in and promotes growth of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp
Authors: Le Bao , Kim Dong‐Geun , Phuoc Nguyen Ngoc , Linh Nguyen Thi Hue , Yang Seung‐Hwan
Published: June 2022

To reach the sustainable development goals on health management in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp culture, Pediococcus pentosaceus AB01 was supplemented in shrimp diet. In this study, the control diet and three experimental diets containing P. pentosaceus AB01 (108, 109, 1010 CFU/g) were separately introduced to L. vannamei for a 28 days feeding trial. After the feeding trial, percent weight gain, feeding efficiency, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly elevated in L. vannamei administered with P. pentosaceus AB01 at 109 and 1010 colony‐forming unit (CFU)/g. Protease, amylase, and trypsin were found at higher levels in the probiotic‐supplied groups. The feeding of shrimps with P. pentosaceus AB01 significantly increased innate immune response and levels of related biochemical parameters in the haemolymph. After the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge, supplementation of P. pentosaceus AB01 had significant positive effects (p < .05) on survival rate, compared to that of the control diet. The higher resistance of L. vannamei to WSSV might have been due to alterations in the gut microbiome composition and upregulation of the Toll‐Like Receptor (TLR) signalling pathway. Hence, P. pentosaceus AB01 may be a promising alternative feed to promote growth rate, modulate microbiota composition, and enhance immunity in L. vannamei shrimp.
Distribution of Vibrionaceae in farmed Asian sea bass, Lates calcarifer in Thailand and their high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Raharjo Hartanto Mulyo , Budiyansah Hendri , Mursalim Muhammad Fadhlullah , Chokmangmeepisarn Putita , Sakulworakan Rungnapa , Madyod Sulaiman , Sewaka Mariya , Sonthi Molruedee , Debnath Partho Pratim , Elayaraja Sivaramasamy , Rung‐ruangkijkrai Tilladit , Dong Ha Thanh , Rodkhum Channarong
Published: June 2022

This study describes the etiological agent of Vibriosis along with its distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles among farmed Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) in Thailand. The study isolated 283 Vibrionaceae from 15 Asian sea bass farms located around the provinces of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand coasts to uncover the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles. Bacterial identification based on a combination of the biochemical characteristics, Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, and the species‐specific PCR demonstrated the predominant Vibrionaceae were Vibrio harveyi (n = 56), Photobacterium damselae (n = 35), and V. vulnificus (n = 31), respectively. According to a laboratory challenge experiment, among the six isolates, only V. harveyi was found to cause clinical signs of muscle necrosis and scale loss in Asian sea bass. Antibiotics resistance test results exhibited high resistance to antibiotics such as metronidazole (100%), streptomycin (97%), clindamycin (96%), colistin sulphate (70%) and amoxicillin (59%). Remarkably, 100% of Vibrionaceae isolates are susceptible to florfenicol. The 28 of 29 resistance profiles were multidrug resistances (MDR), with V. vulnificus having the highest MAR value (0.66). The findings of this study advise that a surveillance program, as well as preventive and control measures, be developed for Vibrionaceae to reduce production loss, pathogen proliferation, and antibiotic abuse, whereas AMR data indicate substantial health problems for aquatic animals and humans.
Combination of LF‐NMR and BP‐ANN to monitor the moisture content of rice during hot‐air drying
Authors: Wang Hongchao , Che Gang , Wan Lin , Wang Xin , Tang Hao
Published: June 2022

In this study, a rapid real‐time nondestructive method for detecting the moisture content of rice during hot‐air drying was investigated. Intelligent techniques of low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and back propagation artificial neural network (BP‐ANN) were applied to monitor the moisture content of rice. The effect of different hot‐air temperatures (35, 45, 55, and 65°C) on the moisture content and water migration within rice was studied. The results showed that the drying temperature promoted the diffusion and transfer of water within the rice, and was positively proportional to the drying rate. The binding energy of the different states of water within rice increased with the drying process, and the variation in relaxation time and peak area was consistent for each stage at different temperatures. In addition, the amount of LF‐NMR signals was used as an indicator to build a predictive model for the moisture content of rice during hot‐air drying. A BP‐ANN prediction model optimized by transfer function, training function and number of neurons was used to monitor the moisture content of rice using the amount of LF‐NMR signals of different states of water as input variables. The optimized neural network model had the excellent predictive ability with an MSE of 6.02 × 10−6 and R2 of 0.996. These results provide a reference for combining LF‐NMR and BP‐ANN in the application of intelligent online monitoring of hot‐air drying of rice.

Practical Applications

The monitoring of moisture content during hot‐air drying of rice is an essential parameter for optimizing the drying process. The combined approach of LF‐NMR and BP‐ANN for rapid real‐time nondestructive monitoring is well suited to hot‐air drying of rice, allowing for improved product quality and operational processes. In addition, the model developed in this study has the good predictive performance to meet the current industry and production needs, providing new research ideas and technical references for the optimization of the drying process of rice.
Optimism, lifestyle, and longevity in a racially diverse cohort of women
Authors: Koga Hayami K. , Trudel‐Fitzgerald Claudia , Lee Lewina O. , James Peter , Kroenke Candyce , Garcia Lorena , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Salmoirago‐Blotcher Elena , Manson JoAnn E. , Grodstein Francine , Kubzansky Laura D.
Published: June 2022

Background

Research has suggested optimism is associated with healthy aging and exceptional longevity, but most studies were conducted among non‐Hispanic White populations. We examined associations of optimism to longevity across racial and ethnic groups and assessed healthy lifestyle as a possible mediating pathway.

Methods

Participants from the Women's Health Initiative (N = 159,255) completed a validated measure of optimism and provided other demographic and health data at baseline. We evaluated associations of optimism with increments in lifespan using accelerated failure time models, and with likelihood of exceptional longevity (survival to age ≥90) using Poisson regression models. Causal mediation analysis explored whether lifestyle‐related factors mediated optimism‐lifespan associations.

Results

After covariate adjustment, the highest versus lowest optimism quartile was associated with 5.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.5, 6.4%) longer lifespan. Within racial and ethnic subgroups, these estimates were 5.1% (95%CI = 4.0, 6.1%) in non‐Hispanic White, 7.6% (95%CI = 3.6, 11.7%) in Black, 5.4% (95%CI = −0.1, 11.2%) in Hispanic/Latina, and 1.5% (95% CI = −5.0, 8.5) in Asian women. A high proportion (53%) of the women achieved exceptional longevity. Participants in the highest versus lowest optimism quartile had greater likelihood of achieving exceptional longevity (e.g., full sample risk ratio = 1.1, 95%CI = 1.1, 1.1). Lifestyle mediated 24% of the optimism‐lifespan association in the full sample, 25% in non‐Hispanic White, 10% in Black, 24% in Hispanic/Latina, and 43% in Asian women.

Conclusions

Higher optimism was associated with longer lifespan and a greater likelihood of achieving exceptional longevity overall and across racial and ethnic groups. The contribution of lifestyle to these associations was modest. Optimism may promote health and longevity in diverse racial and ethnic groups. Future research should investigate these associations in less long‐lived populations.
Effects of some medicinal plant extracts on dermal papilla cells
Authors: Wisuitiprot Vanuchawan , Ingkaninan Kornkanok , Wisuitiprot Wudtichai , Srivilai Jukkarin , Chakkavittumrong Panlop , Waranuch Neti
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Miniaturization of the hair follicles is evident on the balding scalp. Approved medications, topical minoxidil, and oral finasteride for the treatment of alopecia sometimes come with undesirable adverse effects. The study was to examine the bioactivity of medicinal plants for finding the promising source of anti‐hair loss application.

Methods

Ten ethanolic extracts were prepared from Acacia concina (Willd.) DC., Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl, Bridelia ovata Decne, Cleome viscosa L., Cocos nucifera L., Hibiscus subdariffla L., Oryza sativa L., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson and cytotoxic tested on dermal papilla cells using MTT assay. The effect of the extracts on cell cycle was also determined using flow cytometry technique. Anti‐inflammatory activity was examined by determining IL‐1β inhibition in RAW 257.4 cells. In vitro study of androgenic and 5α‐reductase inhibitory activities were also determined using MTT assay and enzymatic reaction couple with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), respectively.

Results

Our results revealed that only A. ebracteatus promoted dermal papilla cell proliferation and the S and G2/M phases in cell cycle. A. ebracteatus also showed inhibitory activity against 5α‐reductase and testosterone in reducing cell viability of the dermal papilla. Moreover, A. ebracteatus extract strongly inhibited LPS‐stimulating IL‐1β production in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

Our finding indicated that the ethanolic extract of A. ebracteatus is a promising candidate for anti‐hair loss treatment.
The rising midlife first marriage rate in the U.S.
Authors: Brown Susan L. , Lin I‐Fen , Mellencamp Kagan A.
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study documented change in the midlife first marriage rate for U.S. adults aged 40–59 between 1990 and 2019 and assessed the sociodemographic correlates of midlife first marriage formation for today's women and men.

Background

Median ages at first marriage are at record highs for women and men, signaling that marriage may be increasingly occurring at older ages. However, first marriage formation among midlife adults remains largely overlooked.

Method

Data from the 1990 U.S. Vital Statistics and the 2010 and 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) were used to estimate the change in women's and men's first marriage rates across age groups, with a focus on how the rate has changed for midlife adults. Average marginal effects (AMEs) were derived from logistic regression analyses that drew on the 2019 ACS to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and midlife first marriage formation for women and men.

Results

Since 1990, the midlife first marriage rate has increased by 75% for women and 45% for men. The shares of women and men entering a first marriage who were aged 40–59 quadrupled between 1990 and 2019 (rising from 2% to 9% among women and from 3% to 12% among men). Some of the well‐established predictors of first marriage in young adulthood operated uniquely for first marriage formation in midlife.

Conclusion

Future research on first marriage formation should incorporate midlife adults.
Innovation's domain: The need for a sharper yet broader focus
Authors: Raj S. P. , Athaide Gerard A.
Published: June 2022

Kahn's (2022) essay notes the growth in centers for innovation and entrepreneurship on college campuses and prompted his call for a clearer understanding and appreciation of the roles of the two phenomena. Kahn argues that while entrepreneurship focuses on new “venture” creation, innovation focuses on “offering” creation, i.e., creating new products, services, marketing methods, etc. His essay stimulated us to reflect on how the study and practice of innovation management have evolved and developed, especially in the marketing discipline. In large part, recent interest in entrepreneurship and innovation has been fueled by digital technologies (DT). These technologies have enabled entrepreneurial start‐ups as well as elevated the prominence of innovative marketing practices as a source of competitive advantage. Despite their relevance for innovations in marketing strategy formulation and execution, research on DT‐enabled marketing innovation is limited and fragmented. Against this background, this article describes the Snyder Innovation Management Center at Syracuse University's emphasis on the academic study of innovation management in a marketing context. The Center's areas of focus offer a useful starting point for a sharpened yet broader focus concerning to the study of innovation.
Effects of vegan diets on cardiometabolic health: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Termannsen Anne‐Ditte , Clemmensen Kim Katrine Bjerring , Thomsen Jonas Mark , Nørgaard Ole , Díaz Lars Jorge , Torekov Signe Sørensen , Quist Jonas Salling , Færch Kristine
Published: June 2022

In parallel with an increased focus on climate changes and carbon footprint, the interest in plant‐based diets and its potential health effects have increased over the past decade. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine the effect of vegan diets (≥12 weeks) on cardiometabolic risk factors in people with overweight or type 2 diabetes. We identified 11 trials (796 participants). In comparison with control diets, vegan diets reduced body weight (−4.1 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI) −5.9 to −2.4, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (−1.38 kg/m2, 95% CI −1.96 to −0.80, p < 0.001), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (−0.18% points, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.07, p = 0.002), total cholesterol (−0.30 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.08, p = 0.007), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.24 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.40 to −0.07, p = 0.005). We identified no effect on blood pressure, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. We found that adhering to vegan diets for at least 12 weeks may be effective in individuals with overweight or type 2 diabetes to induce a meaningful decrease in body weight and improve glycemia. Some of this effect may be contributed to differences in the macronutrient composition and energy intake in the vegan versus control diets. Therefore, more research is needed regarding vegan diets and cardiometabolic health.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Oxidative Stress‐Mediated Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Wang Dian‐Kai , Zheng Huo‐Liang , Zhou Wen‐Sheng , Duan Zheng‐Wei , Jiang Sheng‐Dan , Li Bo , Zheng Xin‐Feng , Jiang Lei‐Sheng
Published: June 2022

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the most common contributor to low back pain (LBP). Recent studies have found that oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in IVDD. As a by‐product of aerobic respiration, ROS is mainly produced in the mitochondria by the electron transport chain and other mitochondrial located proteins. With the excessive accumulation of ROS, mitochondria are also the primary target of ROS attack in disc cells. A disrupted balance between intracellular ROS production and antioxidant capacity will lead to oxidative stress, which is the key contributor to cell apoptosis, cell senescence, excessive autophagy, and mitochondrial dysfunction. As the pivotal ingredient of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction manifests as imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics and dysregulated mitophagy. Mitochondria can alter their own dynamics through the process of fusion and fission, so that disabled mitochondria can be separated from the mitochondrial pool. Moreover, mitophagy participates by clearing these dysfunctional mitochondria. Abnormality in any of these processes either increases the production or decreases the clearance of ROS, leading to a vicious cycle that results in the death of intervertebral disc cells in large quantities, combined with degradation of the extracellular matrix and overproduction of matrix metalloproteinase. In this review, we explain the changes in mitochondrial morphology and function during oxidative stress‐mediated IVDD and highlight the important role of mitochondria in this process. Eventually, we summarize the IVDD therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction based on current understanding of the role of oxidative stress in IVDD.