bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed support for an alignment between phenotypic plasticity and genetic differentiation in damselfly wing shape
Authors: Johansson Frank , Berger David , Outomuro David , Sniegula Szymon , Tunon Meagan , Watts Phillip C. , Rohner Patrick Thomas
Published: December 2022

The relationship between genetic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity can provide information on whether plasticity generally facilitates or hinders adaptation to environmental change. Here, we studied wing shape variation in a damselfly (Lestes sponsa) across a latitudinal gradient in Europe that differed in time constraints mediated by photoperiod and temperature. We reared damselflies from northern and southern populations in the laboratory using a reciprocal transplant experiment that simulated time‐constrained (i.e. northern) and unconstrained (southern) photoperiods and temperatures. After emergence, adult wing shape was analysed using geometric morphometrics. Wings from individuals in the northern and southern populations differed significantly in shape when animals were reared in their respective native environment. Comparing wing shape across environments, we found evidence for phenotypic plasticity in wing shape, and this response differed across populations (i.e. G × E interactions). This interaction was driven by a stronger plastic response by individuals from the northern population and differences in the direction of plastic wing shape changes among populations. The alignment between genetic and plastic responses depended on the specific combination of population and rearing environment. For example, there was an alignment between plasticity and genetic differentiation under time‐constrained, but not under non‐time‐constrained conditions for forewings. We thus find mixed support for the hypothesis that environmental plasticity and genetic population differentiation are aligned. Furthermore, although our laboratory treatments mimicked the natural climatic conditions at northern and southern latitudes, the effects of population differences on wing shape were two to four times stronger than plastic effects. We discuss our results in terms of time constraints and the possibility that natural and sexual selection is acting differently on fore‐ and hindwings.
Comparative genomics of Edwardsiella anguillarum and Edwardsiella piscicida isolated in Taiwan enables the identification of distinctive features and potential virulence factors using Oxford‐Nanopore MinION® sequencing
Authors: Byadgi Omkar Vijay , Rahmawaty Atiek , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu
Published: December 2022

Edwardsiella tarda (ET) and Edwardsiella anguillarum (EA) are the most harmful bacterial fish pathogens in Taiwan. However, there is confusion regarding the genotypic identification of E. tarda and E. piscicida (EP). Therefore, we used a novel Nanopore MinION MK1C platform to sequence and compare the complete genomes of E. piscicida and E. anguillarum. The number of coding genes, rRNA, and tRNA recorded for E. anguillarum and E. piscicida were 8322, 25, and 98, and 5458, 25, and 98, respectively. Ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (rMLST) for E. piscicida indicated 35 rps. The shared clusters between E. anguillarum and E. piscicida indicated several unique clusters for the individual genomes. The phylogenetic tree analysis for all complete genomes indicated that E. anguillarum and E. piscicida were placed into two species‐specific genotypes. Distribution of subsystems for annotated genomes found that genes related to virulence, defence, and disease for E. anguillarum were 103 and those for E. piscicida were 60 and pathogenic islands (PI) were 498 and 225, respectively. Vaccine candidates were identified in silico from the core genes using high antigenic, solubility, and secretion probabilities. Altogether, the genome data revealed distinctive features between E. anguillarum and E. piscicida, which suggest different pathogenicity and thus the need for separate preventive strategies.
Design and analysis of new solar‐powered sustainable dryers: Alfalfa crop
Authors: Koşan Meltem , Karaca Dolgun Gülşah , Aktekeli Burak , Sacilik Kamil , Aktaş Mustafa
Published: December 2022

Decreasing carbon emissions is possible with the usage of renewable energy sources. Therefore, the usage of renewable energy has increased in the last decade. Due to the fact that the drying process of agricultural products consumes a significant amount of energy, fossil fuel consumption can be reduced by using the solar dryer. In this study, two novel solar drying systems were designed and tested for alfalfa drying. Experiments were carried out in two different drying systems double‐pass solar air collector (DPSAC) and photovoltaic thermal solar air collector (PVT). In order to increase the heat transfer surface area, unlike the literature, a drying chamber consisting of two intertwined cylinders was designed and manufactured. The aims of this study are to bring the drying kinetics of alfalfa and the performance, energy, and exergy analysis of the designed system to the literature. The effective moisture diffusivity values were found to be in the range of 9.13 × 10−14 to 1.06 × 10−9 and the value for the highest drying rate was determined as 2.53 × 10−2gwater/gdrymatter.min. The highest thermal efficiency was obtained from DPSAC experiment as 73.7%, while the highest COP value was obtained from the PVT experiment as 12.5. The DPSAC dryer has shown the best performance in drying the alfalfa. The outcomes of the present study demonstrate that the use of DPSAC dryer is suitable when only heat energy is required for the drying system and the use of PVT when both heat and electrical energy are required. It is recommended that these systems can be used together in off‐grid agricultural areas.

Practical applications

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a type of forage crop, is a delicious, high‐energy, and protein food source for dairy cattle. By drying the alfalfa with high nutritional value in a quality method, several beneficial minerals and vitamins are preserved. The drying process is used since ancient times for the protection of the food material and for storage without degradation. Alfalfa is dried in two new solar‐powered sustainable dryers making an important contribution to reducing carbon emissions as well as providing cleaner and more reliable drying methods compared to the conventional solar drying method. This study presents an alternative for the drying process with high energy efficiency for food drying processes, according to the necessity of using both heat and electrical energy. In addition, sustainable solar dryers in this study can be used for drying agricultural products, textile, industry and dewatering municipal waste.
Are online reviews of assisted living communities associated with patient‐centered outcomes?
Authors: Mao Yunjiao , Li Yue , McGarry Brian , Wang Jinjiao , Temkin‐Greener Helena
Published: December 2022

Background

Existing literature on online reviews of healthcare providers generally portrays online reviews as a useful way to disseminate information on quality. However, it remains unknown whether online reviews for assisted living (AL) communities reflect AL care quality. This study examined the association between AL online review ratings and residents' home time, a patient‐centered outcome.

Methods

Medicare beneficiaries who entered AL communities in 2018 were identified. The main outcome is resident home time in the year following AL admission, calculated as the percentage of time spent at home (i.e., not in institutional care setting) per day being alive. Additional outcomes are the percentage of time spent in emergency room, inpatient hospital, nursing home, and inpatient hospice. AL online Google reviews for 2013–2017 were linked to 2018–2019 Medicare data. AL average rating score (ranging 1–5) and rating status (no‐rating, low‐rating, and high‐rating) were generated using Google reviews. Linear regression models and propensity score weighting were used to examine the association between online reviews and outcomes. The study sample included 59,831 residents in 12,143 ALs.

Results

Residents were predominately older (average 81.2 years), non‐Hispanic White (90.4%), and female (62.9%), with 17% being dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. From 2013 to 2017, ALs received an average rating of 4.1 on Google, with a standard deviation of 1.1. Each one‐unit increase in the AL's average online rating was associated with an increase in residents' risk‐adjusted home time by 0.33 percentage points (p < 0.001). Compared with residents in ALs without ratings, residents in high‐rated ALs (average rating ≥4.4) had a 0.64 pp (p < 0.001) increase in home time.

Conclusions

Higher online rating scores were positively associated with residents' home time, while the absence of ratings was associated with reduced home time. Our results suggest that online reviews may be a quality signal with respect to home time.
How Does Monetary Policy Affect Welfare? Some New Estimates Using Data on Life Evaluation and Emotional Well‐Being
Authors: EL‐JAHEL LINA , MACCULLOCH ROBERT , SHAFIEE HAMED
Published: December 2022

Models on the optimal design of monetary policy typically rely on a welfare loss function defined over unemployment and inflation. We estimate such a function using two different dimensions of well‐being. The first evaluates how close one is to “the best possible life” on a ladder scale. The second captures the emotional quality of everyday experiences. Our Gallup World Poll sample covers 1.5 million people in 141 nations from 2005 to 2019. Unemployment and inflation reduce well‐being across all measures. The ratio of the unemployment‐to‐inflation effect is 6.2 for the “Ladder‐of‐Life.” It is lower for positive day‐to‐day experiences and higher for negative ones.
Leptospirosis‐induced acute acquired inflammatory neuropathy
Authors: Xucla‐Ferrarons Tomas , Turon‐Sans Janina , Caballero‐Avila Marta , Cortes‐Vicente Elena , Rojas‐Garcia Ricard
Published: December 2022

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection that can present with neurological manifestations. Although uncommon, it may affect the peripheral nervous system in the form of polyradiculoneuropathy. We report the case of a 30‐year‐old male who developed flaccid tetraparesis and multiple cranial neuropathies on the fourteenth day of admission to the intensive care unit for fever and multi‐organ failure. We also review the existing literature about peripheral nerve damage in leptospirosis and present our hypothesis on the possible pathogenic mechanisms. Electrophysiological findings were consistent with acute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and extensive blood tests were positive for leptospiral IgM and IgG antibodies. Treatment with plasmapheresis was begun, followed by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and the patient improved slowly. Our work adds to the evidence of leptospirosis infection as a cause of acute demyelinating polyneuropathy. The possibility that leptospirosis‐polyradiculoneuropathy may be caused by an immune pathogenesis emphasizes the importance of identifying this entity because immunomodulatory therapy could play a vital role in the recovery process.
Reining in Reviewer Two: How to Uphold Epistemic Respect in Academia
Authors: Krlev Gorgi , Spicer André
Published: December 2022

Journals and scholarly communities seek to uphold standards of professional conduct. They regularly issue guideposts for how to do a good peer review, which highlight its tone should not be overly harsh. However, this guidance is frequently violated by a well‐known academic folk‐devil: ‘Reviewer Two’. A defining feature of reviewer two is that they do not show ‘epistemic respect’. A review shows epistemic respect by assessing arguments on the basis of their soundness, their logic, or their originality. A review violates epistemic respect when it assesses scholarly work on the basis of irrelevant information such as the epistemic origins of arguments, or the ranking of journals in which the arguments were published. We suggest that epistemic respect can be upheld by fundamentally changing established practices that scholars, editors, reviewers and journals take for granted. We show that upholding epistemic respect in academia is more than a question of tact. Stopping reviewer two‐like behaviour will promote innovative thought, accelerate the evolution of knowledge, and increase the diversity of knowing and learning.
Prevention strategies of the risk of violence and aggression towards nurses in renal units
Authors: de Barbieri Ilaria , Buja Alessandra , Noble Helen , Strini Veronica
Published: December 2022

Background

Nursing, between healthcare professions, is the most at risk of violence and aggression. Most healthcare organizations rely on training as the primary strategy for the prevention of violence. Very little is known about the key factors for prevention against nurses: staff education, training and risk assessment.

Objectives

The aim is to verify if the number of observed episodes of violence and aggression in renal units are associated with structural and prevention managerial strategies.

Design

An observational, cross‐sectional study.

Participants

They were part of a convention sample of participants in the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association Conference of 2019, who understood the English Language and had a smartphone or tablet.

Measurements

The tool used was a questionnaire developed by Zampieron in 2010, with closed questions, focused on violence and aggression's prevention and management.

Conclusions

In conclusion our study found that organizational and managerial strategies to address violence and aggression are highly correlated with observed violence in unit. Nurses are encouraged to become proactive by participating in prevention committees and policies, attending prevention training offered by unit, and reporting all incidents including those witnessed.
City subcenter as a regional development policy: Impact on the property market
Authors: Li Ling , Xia Fangzhou
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study is to perform a locally specific investigation of a polycentric development policy through the lens of the property market. The capital city of China, Beijing, adopted a subcenter program for the purpose of developing a new economic growth pole in the suburbs through the redistribution of administrative and economic resources. Herein, we exploit spatial and temporal differencing in microproperty transaction data to address the issue of nonrandom selection of the site for developing the subcenter. The results show that in the first year after announcing the subcenter program, property prices in the subcenter rose by 10.5%, stabilizing at approximately 20% after 2 years of continuous increase. Moreover, property price growth decreases sharply with increased distance from the new administrative center in the subcenter, which will host tens of thousands of civil servants under the subcenter program. In response to the subcenter‐induced demand shock, locations with elastically supplied housing have experienced greater population growth and weaker appreciation in property prices. Although strict purchase restrictions have helped stabilize the subcenter's property market to some extent, the fever has spread to adjacent markets. The specific geography of property market dynamics provides an important channel to evaluate the impact of the subcenter program and offers insight regarding the development of tactics to optimize subcenter outcomes.
The use of pain scales in small animal veterinary practices in the USA
Authors: Costa R. S. , Hassur R. L. , Jones T. , Stein A.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Pain assessment in veterinary medicine is challenging. Uncertainty in the ability to recognise pain in animals contributes to suboptimal analgesia. Pain scales have been developed to aid in pain recognition. It is unknown if such scales are routinely utilised in veterinary practices.

Materials and Methods

A survey using RedCap software was emailed to veterinarians and veterinary technicians working in practices across the USA. This study aimed to investigate whether pain scoring was routinely performed and reasons to use or not use pain scales. One hundred and forty‐four participants were required to estimate prevalence (95% confidence level, 5% precision) with hypothesised prevalence of approximately 10%.

Results

One hundred and forty‐seven participants completed the survey. Seventy (47.6%) responded that pain scoring was performed in their practices, 24 (16.3%), reported “sometimes” and 53 (36.1%) reported pain scores were not performed. Reasons for not pain scoring included no training (51.9%) and busy caseload (48.1%). Disadvantages of pain scales were unreliability (16/82; 20%), duration required for completion (14/82; 17%) and vocalisation (14/82; 17%).

Clinical Significance

Almost 50% of the small animal practices surveyed reported the use of pain scales as part of their routine workflow. However, many practices still do not consistently utilise pain scales to assess pain in dogs and cats. Perceived unreliability and lack of compliance were reasons for this result. Improvement of training and proper pain scale introduction and implementation in small animal practices in the USA appears to be required.
Carboxyhemoglobin as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of hemolytic anemias in dogs
Authors: Nivy Ran , Sutton Gila , Bruchim Yaron
Published: December 2022

Background

Endogenous production of carbon monoxide during hemoglobin metabolism leads to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin concentration is abnormally high in humans with hemolytic anemia (HA).

Hypothesis

Measurement of carboxyhemoglobin concentration can discriminate HA from other forms of anemia.

Animals

Twenty‐seven dogs with HA (immune‐mediated HA, n = 22; microangiopathic HA, n = 5), 27 dogs with non‐HA (kidney disease, n = 14; immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia, [n = 6]; miscellaneous, n = 7) and 24 nonanemic control dogs.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Carboxyhemoglobin quantification, a CBC and biochemistry profile were performed upon admission, and survival to hospital discharge and at 30 days were the measured outcomes. Groups were compared by the Mann‐Whitney and Kruskal‐Wallis tests. Receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to examine the predictive utility of carboxyhemoglobin for the diagnosis of HA in anemic dogs.

Results

Carboxyhemoglobin (median [interquartile range]) differed between dogs with HA (7.7% [2.5%]) and non‐HA (3.6% [1.05];P < .001) and dogs with HA and nonanemic dogs (3.5% [0.65%];P < .001). No difference was detected between nonHA and nonanemic dogs. The area under the ROC curve for carboxyhemoglobin as predictor of HA in anemic dogs was 0.997 (95% CI, 0.99‐1.00). Three optimal cut‐off points were identified, including 5.05%, 4.55% and 4.85%, with corresponding sensitivity/specificity of 92.6%/100%, 100%/92.6% and 96.3%/96.3%, respectively. Neither carboxyhemoglobin nor any of the CBC or chemistry analytes were associated with survival.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Carboxyhemoglobin proved an excellent predictor of HA in dogs and might constitute a useful, ancillary tool for diagnosing and monitoring hemolytic anemias.
The association between plasma choline, growth and neurodevelopment among Malawian children aged 6–15 months enroled in an egg intervention trial
Authors: Bragg Megan G. , Prado Elizabeth L. , Caswell Bess L. , Arnold Charles D. , George Matthews , Oakes Lisa M. , Beckner Aaron G. , DeBolt Michaela C. , Bennett Brian J. , Maleta Kenneth M. , Stewart Christine P.
Published: December 2022

Choline is an essential micronutrient that may influence growth and development; however, few studies have examined postnatal choline status and children's growth and development in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The aim of this observational analysis was to examine associations of plasma choline with growth and development among Malawian children aged 6–15 months enrolled in an egg intervention trial. Plasma choline and related metabolites (betaine, dimethylglycine and trimethylamine N‐oxide) were measured at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up, along with anthropometric (length, weight, head circumference) and developmental assessments (the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool [MDAT], the Infant Orienting with Attention task [IOWA], a visual paired comparison [VPC] task and an elicited imitation [EI] task). In cross‐sectional covariate‐adjusted models, each 1 SD higher plasma choline was associated with lower length‐for‐age z‐score (−0.09 SD [95% confidence interval, CI −0.17 to −0.01]), slower IOWA response time (8.84 ms [1.66–16.03]) and faster processing speed on the VPC task (−203.5 ms [−366.2 to −40.7]). In predictive models, baseline plasma choline was negatively associated with MDAT fine motor z‐score at 6‐month follow‐up (−0.13 SD [−0.22 to −0.04]). There were no other significant associations of plasma choline with child measures. Similarly, associations of choline metabolites with growth and development were null except higher trimethylamine N‐oxide was associated with slower information processing on the VPC task and higher memory scores on the EI task. In this cohort of children with low dietary choline intake, we conclude that there were no strong or consistent associations between plasma choline and growth and development.
Duplicate genes as sources for rapid adaptive evolution of sperm under environmental pollution in tree sparrow
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Zhang Yingmei , Yang Wenzhi , Shen Yue , Lin Zhaocun , Zhang Sheng , Song Gang
Published: December 2022

Environmental pollution can result in poor sperm quality either directly or indirectly in birds. However, adaptive and compensatory sperm morphology changes and motility improvements have rapidly evolved in tree sparrows (Passer montanus) inhabiting polluted areas over the past 65 years. To identify the genetic underpinnings of the rapidly evolving sperm phenotype, we carried out population genomics and transcriptomics on tree sparrow populations in the two differently polluted places. We identified a gene encoding the serine/threonine protein kinase PIM1, which may drive rapid phenotypic evolution of sperm. An unprecedented and remarkable expansion of the PIM gene family, caused by tandem and segmental duplication of PIM1, was subsequently observed in the tree sparrow genome. Most PIM1 duplicates showed a testis‐specific expression pattern, suggesting that their functions are related to male reproduction. Furthermore, the elevated expression level of PIM1 was consistent with our earlier findings of longer and faster swimming sperm in polluted sites, indicating an important role for duplicated PIM1 in facilitating the rapid evolution of sperm. Our results suggest that duplicated PIM1 provides sources of genetic variation that may enable the rapid evolution of sperm under environmental heavy metal pollution. The findings of this study indicated that duplicated genes can be targets of selection and predominant sources for rapid adaptation to environmental change and shed light on sperm evolution under pollution stress.
The for gene as one of the drivers of foraging variations in a parasitic wasp
Authors: Gallot Aurore , Desouhant Emmanuel , Lhuillier Vincent , Lepetit David , El Filali Adil , Mouton Laurence , Vieira‐Heddi Cristina , Amat Isabelle
Published: December 2022

Foraging behaviours encompass strategies to locate resources and to exploit them. In many taxa, these behaviours are driven by a major gene called for, but the mechanisms of gene regulation vary between species. In the parasitoid wasp Venturia canescens, sexual and asexual populations coexist in sympatry but differ in life‐history traits, physiology and behaviours, which could impact their foraging strategies. Here, we explored the molecular bases underpinning divergence in behaviours by testing two mutually nonexclusive hypotheses: first, the divergence in the for gene correlates with differences in foraging strategies, and second, the latter rely on a divergence in whole‐genome expression. Using comparative genomics, we showed that the for gene was conserved across insects considering both sequence and gene model complexity. Polymorphism analysis did not support the occurrence of two allelic variants diverging across the two populations, yet the asexual population exhibited less polymorphism than the sexual population. Sexual and asexual transcriptomes split sharply, with 10.9% differentially expressed genes, but these were not enriched in behaviour‐related genes. We showed that the for gene was more highly expressed in asexual female heads than in sexual heads and that those differences correlate with divergence in foraging behaviours in our experiment given that asexuals explored the environment more and exploited more host patches. Overall, these results suggested that fine tuning of for gene expression between populations may have led to distinct foraging behaviours. We hypothesized that reproductive polymorphism and coexistence in sympatry of sexual and asexual populations specialized to different ecological niches via divergent optima on phenotypic traits could imply adaptation through different expression patterns of the for gene and at many other loci throughout the genome.
Plasma membrane‐associated calcium signaling modulates cadmium transport
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Wang Zhangqing , Liu Yisong , Zhang Tianqi , Liu Jiaming , You Zhang , Huang Panpan , Zhang Zhenqian , Wang Cun
Published: December 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy element for plant growth and development, and plants have evolved many strategies to cope with Cd stress. However, the mechanisms how plants sense Cd stress and regulate the function of transporters remain very rudimentary.

Here, we found that Cd stress induces obvious Ca2+ signals in Arabidopsis roots. Furthermore, we identified the calcium‐dependent protein kinases CPK21 and CPK23 that interacted with the Cd transporter NRAMP6 through a variety of protein interaction techniques.

Then, we confirmed that the cpk21 23 double mutants significantly enhanced the sensitive phenotype of cpk23 single mutant under Cd stress, while the overexpression and continuous activation of CPK21 and CPK23 enhanced plants tolerance to Cd stress. Multiple biochemical and physiological analyses in yeast and plants demonstrated that CPK21/23 phosphorylate NRAMP6 primarily at Ser489 and Thr505 to inhibit the Cd transport activity of NRAMP6, thereby improving the Cd tolerance of plants.

Taken together, we found a plasma membrane‐associated calcium signaling that modulates Cd tolerance. These results provide new insights into the molecular breeding of crop tolerance to Cd stress.
Dental arch changes comparison between Expander with Differential Opening, Hyrax‐type and Haas‐type expanders: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Bistaffa Alisson Gabriel Idelfonso , Belomo‐Yamaguchi Luciana , de Castro Ferreira Conti Ana Claudia , Oltramari Paula Vanessa Pedron , de Almeida Marcio Rodrigues , de Almeida‐Pedrin Renata Rodrigues , Fernandes Thais Maria Freire
Published: December 2022

Objective

Compare changes in arch form after RME achieved by Expander with Differential Opening (EDO), Hyrax‐type and Haas‐type expanders.

Materials and Methods

Dental models were obtained from 61 patients aged 7‐11 years before expansion (T1) and 6 months after the active phase when the appliances were removed (T2). The groups were formed according to the expander used: EDO (n = 18, mean age: 9.46 ± 0.82 years), Hyrax‐type (n = 22, mean age: 9.62 ± 1.57 years) and Haas‐type (n = 21, mean age: 9.29 ± 1.05 years). The expander`s activation protocol consisted of 7 mm, except for EDO`s anterior screw, which was 9 mm. The measurements of upper and lower intercanine distance, inter‐first permanent molar, arch perimeter and length, maxillary canine and first‐permanent molar inclination, and palatal depth were performed using the OrthoAnalyzer 3D software. Intergroup comparisons of T1 and between changes (T2‐T1) were performed using ANOVA followed by Tukey.

Results

In the upper intercanine distance EDO provided a greater increase than Haas‐type. In the distance between upper fist permanent molars EDO showed higher values than Haas‐type and Hyrax‐type. In the lower intercanine distance and maxillary arch length, Haas‐type promoted higher increase than EDO.

Conclusions

The EDO promoted greater transverse changes in anterior region than Haas‐type and greater transverse changes in posterior region of the maxilla than both conventional expanders. The appliance used for RME influences dental arch changes after treatment; therefore, it is recommended to individualize the choice of expander depending on the clinical necessity of each case.
A replication of “the effects of making public service employees aware of their prosocial and societal impact”
Authors: Hansen Paw
Published: December 2022

Recent studies show that simple recall tasks can make public employees more aware of the positive impact they have on others and society. This in turn increases their motivation. However, studies often draw on paid survey respondents, such as respondents recruited via Amazon MTurk, resulting in an unfortunate mismatch between test sample and target population. Addressing the need to test recall tasks among real‐world public servants, we conducted a wide replication (n = 412) of a recent study by Vogel and Willems. Our findings suggest that the effect sizes of recall tasks are likely relatively smaller when deployed “in the wild.” Based on our findings, we propose three themes for a future research agenda and point practitioners to areas of attention when implementing recall tasks in real‐world settings.
VaxForce: Mobilizing interprofessional licensees and students for community COVID‐19 vaccination events
Authors: Chan Garrett K. , Metzger Owen N. , Sablik Melissa , Goldberg Emily M.
Published: December 2022

During the early phases of the COVID‐19 vaccine efforts, there was limited supply of the vaccine available to administer. However, as the vaccine supply improved, there was a lack of qualified personnel to administer the vaccine. VaxForce, a volunteer workforce management system to vet healthcare professionals and students and match them with existing vaccination events, was created. VaxForce activities were mainly focused on under‐resourced communities. From March 2021 through July 2022, VaxForce mobilized 316 health professional volunteers in 72 vaccination events administering over 8451 vaccines in 7 counties in California. The racial and ethnic profile of vaccine recipients in VaxForce events were reported to be 49% Latinx, 26% Black, 4% Asian/Pacific Islander, 18% White, 3% Mixed Race.
Organ‐specific immune profiling of Leishmania donovani‐infected hamsters
Authors: Saini Sheetal , Singh Bharat , Dube Anuradha , Sahasrabuddhe Amogh Anant , Rai Ambak Kumar
Published: December 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and involvement of visceral organs. Organ‐specific immune response against the Leishmania donovani (Ld) complex is not yet understood due to the unavailability of an appropriate experimental model. In reference to our recent work on comparing the hamster model with VL patients, it is now possible to understand immune profiling in different visceral organs. This may offer an answer to varying parasite loads in different visceral organs in the same host. Herein, we analysed a panel of immune markers (Th‐2/Th‐1) in visceral organs of Ld‐infected hamsters and quantified parasitic load in the same tissues using qPCR assay. In spleen, liver, bone marrow and lymph node (mesenteric) from Ld‐infected hamsters, the parasite burden was quantified along with mRNA expression of a panel of Th‐2 and Th‐1 type immune markers, namely IL‐10, IL‐4, Arginase‐I, GATA‐3, SOCS‐3, IL‐12, IFN‐γ, iNOS, T‐bet and SOCS‐5. A clear dichotomy was absent between Th‐2 and Th‐1 type immune markers and the major players of this immune response were IFN‐γ, IL‐10, T‐bet, GATA‐3, SOCS‐5 and SOCS‐3.
When and why will creative discovery succeed or fail? The role of reactive control in resolving conflicts
Authors: Jia Lujia , Song Yan , Ren Jingyuan , Li Fuhong , Huang Furong
Published: December 2022

The process of creative discovery refers to discovering additional values of existing objects by identifying novel associations between seemingly unrelated things; however, this process is not always successful. To reveal the dynamic process of creative discovery, particularly when and why people made right or wrong judgments, the daily life scenario was described, and a possible tool was presented for judging whether it is usable to solve problems. Electrophysiological activity was recorded when people identified novel tools and then retrospectively analyzed the differences among three responses: correctly identified novel and usable (C‐NU) options, falsely identified novel and usable (F‐NU) options, and correctly identified novel but unusable (C‐NUU) options. The results showed that, compared with ordinary tools, novel tools evoked greater N2, N400 and LSP amplitudes; the differences in these components were likely associated with the monitoring and resolution of cognitive conflicts in the process of discovering novel associations. Regarding novel tools, smaller N400 and greater LSP amplitudes were evoked by the C‐NU option than by the F‐NU option, and no differences in these components were found between the F‐NU and C‐NUU options. The findings revealed that the success or failure of discovering novel associations depended on reactive control in resolving conflicts. Only when sufficient cognitive effort is used to resolve a conflict to a great degree can the appropriately novel association be successfully discovered; otherwise, the novel and appropriate association is lost.
Restoration research actions to address rapid change in drylands: insights from the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Young Kristina E. , Osborne Brooke B. , Phillips Michala , Winkler Daniel E.
Published: December 2022

The rapid intensification of ecological extremes in response to climate change and human land use is perhaps nowhere more apparent than in drylands, including the semiarid region of the Colorado Plateau in the southwestern United States. Here, we describe research directions to aid in the restoration of Colorado Plateau ecosystems during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) that 1) address high levels of heterogeneity 2) explore simultaneous global change drivers 3) are co‐produced with a broad range of partners and 4) center Indigenous ways of knowing. We highlight restoration research efforts led by early career scientists grappling with informing management actions in a region where a rapidly changing climate intersects with historic grazing and continued land use pressures to create novel ecological extremes. We highlight restoration research efforts led by early career researchers grappling with informing management actions in a region where novel ecological extremes are the result of historic grazing, continued land‐use pressures, and a rapidly changing climate.
Variability of fractional exhaled nitric oxide is associated with the risk and aetiology of COPD exacerbations
Authors: Schumann Desiree M. , Papakonstantinou Eleni , Kostikas Konstantinos , Grize Leticia , Tamm Michael , Stolz Daiana
Published: December 2022

Background and Objective

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are heterogeneous in aetiology and accelerate disease progression. Here, we aimed to investigate the association of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and its variability with AECOPD of different aetiology.

Methods

FeNO was determined in 2157 visits (1697 stable, 133 AECOPD and 327 follow‐up) of 421 COPD patients from the PREVENT study, an investigator‐initiated, longitudinal and interventional study, who were on daily treatment with inhaled corticosteroids/long‐acting β2‐agonists.

Results

Longitudinal measurements of FeNO revealed an intra‐subject variability of FeNO that was significantly higher in exacerbators compared to non‐exacerbators (p < 0.001) and positively associated with the number of AECOPD. As FeNO variability increased, the probability of patients to remain AECOPD‐free decreased. In patients included in the highest FeNO variability quartile (≥15.0 ppb) the probability to remain free of AECOPD was only 35% as compared to 80% for patients included in the lowest FeNO variability quartile (0.50–4.39 ppb). The change of FeNO from the last stable visit to AECOPD was positively associated with the probability of viral infections and this association was stronger in current smokers than ex‐smokers. In contrast, the change in FeNO from the last stable visit to an AECOPD visit was inversely associated with the probability of bacterial infections in ex‐smokers but not in current smokers.

Conclusion

FeNO variability was associated with the risk and aetiology of AECOPD differentially in current and ex‐smokers.
Dental management of a 4‐year‐old child with congenital afibrinogenemia—A rare case report
Authors: Khodke Shreya , Varkey Indu Miriam , Ghule Kiran Dattatray , Naik Shilpa , Dsouza Althea , Thakur Kajol , Mehta Shivani , Valke Parnaja
Published: December 2022

Congenital afibrinogenemia is a rare hematologic disorder with an estimated incidence of 1–2 per million people worldwide. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is characterized by the inability to synthesize fibrinogen. Clinical features range from minimal bleeding to catastrophic hemorrhage. Because of its rarity, there are not enough clinical guidelines in the management of oral manifestations of patients with this disorder. The following case report presents the dental management of a 4‐year‐old child with congenital afibrinogenemia under general anesthesia. A multidisciplinary team approach was followed to achieve full mouth rehabilitation, thus improving the overall quality of life of the patient.
Should adding pain, oxygen saturation and physical assessment to vital signs become the new standard of care for detecting blood transfusion reactions?
Authors: Roney Jamie Kay , Whitley Barbara Erin , Johnston Lauren , Deleon Michella , Robnett Judith Christine
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Clinicians sought to ascertain what frequency of vital signs best detects blood transfusion reactions. This review discusses early and delayed blood product transfusion reaction detection through the lens of scientific literature.

Methods

A comprehensive appraisal of published literature was conducted using Integrative Research Review methodology through June 2022 not limited to English or research in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Medline and PubMed.

Results

Full‐text articles in the final sample included four articles discussing vital signs detecting blood transfusion reactions and four articles reporting the importance of adding physical assessments for early reaction detection. None of the studies provided evidence regarding how often vital signs should be monitored to detect transfusion reactions. No studies included identical screening components for detecting blood product transfusion reactions. Main themes emerged including variations in what was included in vital signs, importance of respiratory assessment, inclusion of physical assessment, nurse documentation and reporting compliance, and patient and family inclusion in transfusion reaction recognition.

Conclusion

Vital sign components varied across reviewed studies. Respiratory rate and pain were not always included in ‘vital signs’ to identify transfusion reactions. Only low‐level data and no clinical trials loosely informing frequency of vital sign monitoring to transfusion reaction detection were found. Respiratory (to include oxygen saturation, lung sounds and respiratory rate) and pain assessment emerged as crucial to acute and delayed transfusion reaction recognition. The disconnect between ‘vital signs’ and the varied vital sign components reported to detect transfusion reactions in scientific literature requires further exploration.
Contrast‐enhanced CT features of pyloric lesions in 17 dogs: Case series
Authors: Tanaka Toshiyuki , Wada Yusuke , Noguchi Shunsuke , Nishida Hidetaka , Akiyoshi Hideo
Published: December 2022

Pyloric outflow obstructions can be caused by several types of lesions. When a thickened gastric wall and pyloric mass are detected, malignant neoplasia must be differentiated from chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy. CT can characterize gastric tumors. However, based on the authors’ review of the literature, there is limited information about the CT findings of pyloric lesions. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to assess the CT findings of canine pyloric lesions. The following CT parameters were recorded: anatomical area, involved area, lesion shape, growth patterns of wall thickening lesions, enhancement pattern of the lesion in the early and delayed phases, lymphomegaly, and pulmonary metastasis. Seventeen dogs were included in this study and had the following final diagnoses: hyperplasia (five dogs), adenoma (five dogs), adenocarcinoma (three dogs), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST; two dogs), polyposis (one dog), and pyogenic granuloma (one dog). Hyperplasia, adenoma, and polyposis formed mass lesions that involved the mucosal layer. Lymphomegaly was detected in two Jack Russell terriers with hyperplasia; however, the causes were unknown because we did not perform biopsies. All adenocarcinomas formed wall‐thickened lesion that involved the outer layer, with lymphomegaly. All GISTs formed mass lesion that involved the outer layer. The pyogenic granulomas formed symmetric wall‐thickened lesion that involved the mucosal and outer layers. CT facilitated the characterization of canine pyloric lesions using contrast enhancement, based on the involved area and lesion shape. However, polyposis may require caution in diagnosis based on CT findings alone.
CT diagnosis of pituitary abscess, suppurative meningitis, and atlanto‐occipital septic arthritis in a pony
Authors: Vandersmissen Maxime , Wimmer‐Scherr Christina M. , Lecoq Laureline , Busoni Valeria , Evrard Laurence
Published: December 2022

A 15‐year‐old pony was presented for acute neurological signs. Neurological examination suggested a brainstem lesion, blood laboratory tests detected an active inflammatory process, and upper respiratory endoscopy identified a suppurative lesion at the dorsal aspect of the right guttural pouch. Computed tomography was performed and findings were consistent with pituitary abscess, meningitis, and atlanto‐occipital joint septic arthritis. Imaging findings were confirmed based on cerebrospinal and synovial fluid cultures and necropsy. Computed tomography provided important information for identifying the cause of the patient's neurological signs and helped the owner make a final decision for euthanasia.
Concurrent versus delayed exposure to corticosteroids in equine articular tissues cultured with local anesthetic
Authors: Boorman Sophie , Hanson R. Reid , Velloso Alvarez Ana , Zhong Kevin , Hofmeister Erik , Boone Lindsey H.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine the effect of concurrent versus delayed treatment with corticosteroid on equine articular tissues also treated with local anesthetic in vitro in the presence of inflammatory mediators.

Study design

Controlled laboratory study.

Animals

Five geldings, one mare (aged 3–18 years).

Methods

From each horse, 24 synovial and 12 osteochondral explants were cultured in a 12‐well plate (2 wells/group, 2 synovial and 1 osteochondral explant/well, total 216 explants in the study). Explants were stimulated in culture medium with 10 μg/ml recombinant equine interleukin‐1β and 10 μg/ml tumor necrosis factor‐α for 48 hours, then randomly assigned to six treatments: unstimulated control, stimulated control, triamcinolone acetonide (TA, 10−6 M), mepivacaine hydrochloride (MH, 4.4 mg/ml), MH + TA (concurrent) and MH + TA (delayed). The delayed group was treated with MH and, 6 days later, treated with TA. Every 3 days for 9 days total, medium levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were quantified via ELISA. Data were analyzed with mixed‐effects models with Tukey's multiple comparisons.

Results

Stimulation increased medium PGE2 and MMP‐13 and had no effect on LDH or GAG. Treatment with MH increased LDH and decreased PGE2 and MMP‐13. Treatment with TA decreased PGE2 and MMP‐13.

Conclusion

There were no differences in cytotoxicity, inflammation or matrix degradation for delayed or concurrent MH and TA treatment groups up to 9 days in culture.

Clinical significance

The lack of an effect of concurrent versus delayed treatment might indicate that concurrent therapy is acceptable.
PI3K/AKT pathway promotes keloid fibroblasts proliferation by enhancing glycolysis under hypoxia
Authors: Wang Qifei , Yang Xin , Ma Jianxun , Xie Xiang , Sun Yimou , Chang Xu , Bi Hongsen , Xue Hongyu , Qin Zelian
Published: December 2022

Our previous study demonstrated altered glucose metabolism and enhanced phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in keloid fibroblasts (KFb) under hypoxic conditions. However, whether the PI3K/AKT pathway influences KFb cell function by regulating glucose metabolism under hypoxic conditions remains unclear. Here, we show that when PI3K/AKT pathway was inactivated with LY294002, the protein expression of glycolytic enzymes decreased, while the amount of mitochondria and mitochondrial membrane potential increased. The key parameters of extracellular acidification rate markedly diminished, and those of oxygen consumption rate significantly increased after inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. When the PI3K/AKT pathway was suppressed, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS (mitoROS) were significantly increased. Meanwhile, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were inhibited, and apoptosis was increased when the PI3K/AKT pathway was blocked. Additionally, cell proliferation was compromised when KFb were treated with both SC79 (an activator of the PI3K/AKT pathway) and 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (an inhibitor of glycolysis), compared with the SC79 group. Moreover, a positive feedback mechanism was demonstrated between the PI3K/AKT pathway and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). Our data collectively demonstrated that the PI3K/AKT pathway promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in KFb under hypoxia by regulating glycolysis, indicating that the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway could be a therapeutic target for keloids.
GPS CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING REFERENCE STATION (CORS) SELECTION TOWARDS REGIONAL GPS ORBIT DETERMINATION: A SIMULATED STUDY USING TRILATERATION TECHNIQUE
Authors: Lee Hong Sheng , Wan Aris Wan Anom , Musa Tajul Ariffin , Sha'ameri Ahmad Zuri , Ooi Wei Han , Ahmad Anuar , Mustafar Mohammad Asrul
Published: December 2022

Global Positioning System (GPS) orbital error can be minimized using precise satellite orbit. These precise satellite orbits are calculated using GPS measurements from ground CORS. The distribution of the CORS involved in GPS satellite orbit determination is important, especially in the case of regional GPS orbit determination. A regional GPS orbit is an orbital product generated using locally distributed CORS network and is expected to improve the GPS measurement in the region. Satellite Position Dilution of Precision (SPDOP) is proposed as an indicator to measure the geometry of the CORS with respect to the GPS satellite. GPS measurements are simulated by calculating the range from GPS satellites to the CORS. The simulated measurement is then used to calculate the position of GPS satellite using trilateration algorithm. Results shows the SPDOP has a linear relationship with orbit determination accuracy. This study shows that SPDOP can be used as an indicator for a better CORS selection in GPS orbit determination.