bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of functional properties of plasma treated kodo millet (open air multipin) using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network with genetic algorithm (ANN‐GA)
Authors: Jaddu Samuel , Abdullah S. , Dwivedi Madhuresh , Pradhan Rama Chandra
Published: November 2022

Functional properties of kodo millet flour were analyzed using multipin plasma system. The functional properties such as oil absorption capacity (OAC), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling capacity (SC), and solubility index (SI) were analyzed at 10–20 kV of output voltage and duration of 10–30 min for kodo millet flour. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network with genetic algorithm (ANN‐GA) were adopted for modeling and optimization. RSM optimized was found at 17.5 kV and 16 min and contrary, ANN‐GA optimal values were at 14.1 kV and 28 min. Optimized RSM values of OAC, WAC, SC, and SI were 1.39 g/g, 1.63 g/g, 3.91 g/g, and 0.08 g/g and optimized ANN‐GA values were 1.48 g/g, 1.65 g/g, 4.23 g/g, and 0.09 g/g, respectively. Different instrumental analysis was performed using X‐ray diffractometer, differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. ANN showed lesser values of statistical parameters with higher value of R2 compared to RSM. Therefore, ANN‐GA was treated as the best model for optimization and modeling of cold plasma treated kodo millet flour. Hence, the ANN‐GA optimized values of cold plasma treated flour could be utilized for practical applications in food processing industries.

Practical Applications

Plasma treated kodo millet flour with improved functionality makes the flour well suitable for various food applications due to increase in solubility, water absorption, and swelling ability. Increase in soluble solids can be helpful for better digestibility. This flour can be widely used for preparation of baked products, soups, and sausages and also will draws the attention of food processors in grain processing sector to enhance the properties, quality, and for developing new food products.
Cerebrospinal fluid and blood profiles of transfer RNA fragments show age, sex, and Parkinson's disease‐related changes
Authors: Paldor Iddo , Madrer Nimrod , Vaknine Treidel Shani , Shulman Dana , Greenberg David S. , Soreq Hermona
Published: November 2022

Transfer RNA fragments (tRFs) have recently been shown to be an important family of small regulatory RNAs with diverse functions. Recent reports have revealed modified tRF blood levels in a number of nervous system conditions including epilepsy, ischemic stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases, but little is known about tRF levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To address this issue, we studied age, sex, and Parkinson's disease (PD) effects on the distributions of tRFs in the CSF and blood data of healthy controls and PD patients from the NIH and the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) small RNA‐seq datasets. We discovered that long tRFs are expressed in higher levels in the CSF than in the blood. Furthermore, the CSF showed a pronounced age‐associated decline in the level of tRFs cleaved from the 3′‐end and anti‐codon loop of the parental tRNA (3’‐tRFs, i‐tRFs), and more pronounced profile differences than the blood profiles between the sexes. In comparison, we observed moderate age‐related elevation of blood 3’‐tRF levels. In addition, distinct sets of tRFs in the CSF and in the blood segregated PD patients from controls. Finally, we found enrichment of tRFs predicted to target cholinergic mRNAs (Cholino‐tRFs) among mitochondrial‐originated tRFs, raising the possibility that the neurodegeneration‐related mitochondrial impairment in PD patients may lead to deregulation of their cholinergic tone. Our findings demonstrate that the CSF and blood tRF profiles are distinct and that the CSF tRF profiles are modified in a sex‐, age‐, and disease‐related manner, suggesting that they reflect the inter‐individual cerebral differences and calling for incorporating this important subset of small RNA regulators into future studies.

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Agrarian change, populism, and a new farmers' movement in 21st century Pakistani Punjab
Authors: Aftab Muhammad Yahya , Ali Noaman G.
Published: November 2022

Activists and scholars have debated whether “agrarian populisms” premised on multiple classes and groups can pursue progressive objectives if exploiters and exploited are in the same movements. In Pakistan, the militant Pakistan Kissan Ittehad emerged in 2012 by uniting different classes of owner‐cultivators who are largely not in direct relations of exploitation with each other. We argue that the PKI nevertheless advances the interests of a “second tier” of rural capitalists, who exploit rural labourers, while underplaying the interests of owner‐peasant farmers. This divergence of interests has contributed to the fragmentation of PKI along class and political lines, including attempts by peasant farmers to independently organize around issues particular to them. We suggest that progressive agrarian populism must hinge on the interests of rural labourers and peasant farmers and that second‐tier capitalist farmers may be tactical allies as they oppose neoliberal globalization. However, rural labourers and peasants are ideologically and organizationally weak, and thus, the possibility of left‐wing agrarian populism requires much legwork.
A mixed methods study: The grief experience of registered nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Williams Loretta Alexia , Accardo Dwayne , Dolgoff Jennifer , Farrell Alise , McClinton Tracy , Murray Emma , Jacob Susan R.
Published: November 2022

Aim and Objective

The purpose of this study was to generate a conceptual definition and theory of grief for nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID‐19 pandemic using grounded theory methodology.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a negative impact on nurses working on the frontlines. The increasing flow of diagnosed COVID‐19 cases, diverse unknowns and demands in the treatment of patients with COVID‐19, and depression related to countless deaths can trigger grief experiences.

Design

A mixed methods approach, including the qualitative method of grounded theory and a quantitative 30‐question survey, was used in this study.

Methods

Eight focus group sessions were conducted with registered nurses working on the frontlines during the pandemic. Sessions were audio recorded and analysed using constant comparative data analysis. Following the interviews, a survey including demographics and self‐report inventories was completed by participants. The COREQ checklist was used to assess study quality.

Results

Major concepts that emerged include ‘facing a new reality’, ‘frustrations’, ‘stress’ and ‘coping’. Core concepts were combined into a conceptual definition of grief and a grounded theory of the experience of nurses working on the frontlines during the pandemic. Cross comparisons of qualitative and quantitative findings were made and compared with the literature.

Conclusions

This study provides a better understanding of the grief experience of nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is necessary to recognise professional grief and develop intervention strategies that lead to grief reconciliation.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Findings provide useful insights for healthcare administrators to provide support and develop interventions to reduce frustrations and stress of frontline registered nurses.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study design involved registered nurses participating in focus group sessions. Participants detailed their experience working on the frontlines of the COVID‐19 pandemic with patients, family and hospital administration.
Social welfare and the unrepresentative representative consumer
Authors: Jerison Michael
Published: November 2022

If, for all prices, income distribution is optimal for a planner with a social welfare function, then aggregate demand is the same as that of a single “representative consumer” whose preferences over aggregate consumption are the same as the planner's. This paper shows that the converse is false. Aggregate demand may be the demand function of a representative consumer although the income distribution is not optimal for any social welfare function. The representative consumer may be Pareto inconsistent, preferring situation A to B when all the actual consumers prefer B to A. We give conditions under which existence of a representative consumer implies that the income distribution satisfies first order conditions for optimality. Satisfying the first order optimality conditions for an additively separable social welfare function is essentially equivalent to aggregate demand for every pair of consumers having a symmetric Slutsky matrix.
Size, number and phospholipid composition of milk fat globules are affected by dietary conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Zhang Menglu , Fu Tong , Huang Qixue , Xing Zhiyang , Yang Jingna , Lu Wenyan , Hu Mingyue , Han Li Qiang , Loor Juan J. , Gao Teng Yun
Published: November 2022

Milk fat globules (MFGs) surround the triacylglycerol core that composes milk fat. The aim of this study is to induce milk fat depression via dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation to study MFG size parameters, number and glycerophospholipid composition. Eighteen Holstein dairy cows (136 ± 28 days in milk, 571 ± 37.9 kg body weight, 27.6 ± 2.1 kg milk/day) were selected and randomly assigned to a control or CLA group for a 14‐day period. Cows were fed a basal diet (control, n = 8) or the control plus 400 g/day CLA (C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11 38.1% and C18:2 trans‐10, cis‐12 36.8%) (n = 10) for 7 days after which the CLA group was switched to the basal diet for another 7 days along with the control group. Cow performance, milk composition, MFG size and numbers were measured daily. On the seventh day after the start of the experiment, milk samples were identified and the quantification of glycerophospholipid compounds, and RNA were isolated from milk fat samples for a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Compared with control, at Day 7 from the start of feeding, supplemental CLA did not affect milk production (28.09 vs. 28.50 kg/day), dry matter intake (14.9 vs. 15.4 kg/day), or milk protein (3.55/100 vs. 3.70 g/100 ml) and lactose contents (5.11/100 vs. 5.17 g/100 ml). However, although the specific surface area of MFG (2138 vs. 1815 m²/kg) was greater, CLA reduced milk fat content (1.95/100 vs 3.64 g/100 ml on Day 7) and particle size parameters of MFG. The number of MFG gradually decreased until Day 7 of feeding, and then increased by Day 14 (2.96 × 109 on Day 1, 1.63 × 109 on Day 7 and 2.28 × 109 on Day 14) in the CLA group. Compared with control, glycerophospholipid analysis revealed that concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (PC) (e.g., PC [16:0/18:1] 20322 vs. 29793 nmol/L), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) (e.g., LPE [18:1] 956 vs. 4610 nmol/L) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (e.g., PE [16:0/18:1] 7000 vs. 9769 nmol/L) in milk lipids decreased during CLA feeding. In contrast, concentrations of phosphatidylinositol (PI) (e.g., PI [18:0/18:1] 4052 vs. 1799 nmol/L) and phosphatidylserine (PS) (e.g., PS [18:1/18:2] 9500 vs. 6843 nmol/L) increased. The messenger RNA abundance of fatty acid synthase, diacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase 1, glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase 4 and phosphate cytidylyltransferase 1, choline, alpha (PCYT1A) were downregulated in the CLA group, confirming published data demonstrating a negative effect of CLA on lipogenesis in the mammary gland. Overall, these results provided evidence for the important role of lipogenic gene expression in the regulation of MFG size, number and glycerophospholipid composition.
The association between social jetlag and parameters of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bouman Emma J. , Beulens Joline W. J. , Groeneveld Lenka , de Kruijk Rozemarijn S. , Schoonmade Linda J. , Remmelzwaal Sharon , Elders Petra J. M. , Rutters Femke
Published: November 2022

This study aims to determine the association between social jetlag and parameters of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/Embase/Scopus until May 2022. Included studies described an association between social jetlag and parameters of the metabolic syndrome and/or T2D, were available full text and written in English or Dutch. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed on pre‐piloted forms independently by two reviewers. Results were meta‐analysed using random‐effects analysis. A total of 6,290 titles/abstracts were screened, 176 papers were read full‐text, 68 studies were included. Three studies were rated as low quality, 27 were moderate, and 38 were high quality. High quality studies showed that having social jetlag compared to no social jetlag was significantly associated with higher body mass index in 20 studies (0.49 kg/m2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21–0.77; I2 = 100%), higher waist circumference in seven studies (1.11 cm, 95% CI 0.42–1.80; I2 = 25%), higher systolic blood pressure in 10 studies (0.37 mmHg, 95% CI 0.00–0.74; I2 = 94%) and higher glycated haemoglobin in 12 studies (0.42%, 95% CI 0.12– 0.72; I2 = 100%). No statistically significant associations were found for obesity, abdominal obesity, high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein levels, cholesterol, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or T2D. Sensitivity analyses did not reduce heterogeneity. Despite substantial heterogeneity, social jetlag is associated with certain parameters of the metabolic syndrome and T2D, but not with prevalent metabolic syndrome or T2D. These findings should be interpreted with caution as the level of evidence is low and mostly based on cross‐sectional data. Longitudinal studies are needed to further assess the direction of causality.
Single‐dose pharmacokinetics of telmisartan oral solution and effect of feeding in dogs
Authors: Bechtel Allison G. , Reinhart Jennifer M. , Li Zhong
Published: November 2022

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that has great potential to improve the treatment of hypertension, proteinuria, and cardiovascular disease in dogs. A feline‐approved telmisartan oral solution (TOS) is available, but this formulation has not been evaluated in dogs. The aims of this study were to establish the pharmacokinetics of telmisartan administered as TOS and determine the effect of feeding on drug absorption in dogs. In a cross‐over design, seven healthy dogs received 1 mg/kg telmisartan orally as TOS with or without food and underwent serial measurement of plasma telmisartan concentrations over 24 h. Bioequivalence of TOS administered with vs. without food was assessed by the 90% confidence interval method for maximum concentration (Cmax), and the observed and extrapolated areas under the curve (AUC0–t and AUC0–∞). The mean ratios of these parameters were 0.97 (CI 0.74–1.27), 0.92 (0.81–1.03), and 0.90 (0.82–1.00), respectively. Feeding methods were not bioequivalent based on Cmax due to interindividual variation. These results suggest that TOS can be given to dogs with or without food but should be administered in the same way consistently. Additional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are warranted to confirm this recommendation and establish the therapeutic targets for telmisartan in dogs.
Unravelling the historical biogeography of the European rabbit subspecies in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Díaz‐Ruiz Francisco , Vaquerizas Patricia H. , Márquez Ana Luz , Delibes‐Mateos Miguel , Piorno Vicente , Castro Francisca , Ramírez Esther , Farfán Miguel Ángel , Olivero Jesús , Real Raimundo , Villafuerte Rafael
Published: November 2022

Understanding the biogeography of species in space and time is essential for the development of evidence‐based conservation and management plans. In this paper we propose a biogeographical spatial modelling approach based on the favourability function, and developed under a fuzzy logic framework, to unravel the historical biogeography of the two European wild rabbit subspecies, Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus (Oca) and Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus (Occ), in the Iberian Peninsula (IP).

We first reviewed published and unpublished information (PhD theses, scientific papers, technical reports, etc.) on the occurrence of each rabbit subspecies throughout the IP. We compiled data from 201 Iberian rabbit populations and from genetic information of 4348 rabbits that was used to identify subspecies. Only populations in which all rabbits surveyed belonged to one subspecies were considered in the modelling procedure.

We modelled rabbit subspecies' distribution separately for populations in which nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences were available. We employed a trend surface analysis developed by logistic regressions, which applied the favourability function and fuzzy logic operations.

Using our approach we indentify the expansion cores from which both rabbit subspecies would have expanded after isolation during the last glaciations. Furthermore, we reveal the possible existence of a competitive exclusion zone between both rabbit subspecies that may have prevented their further expansion. Finally, our study shows that the Oca subspecies is distributed in north‐western areas previously attributed to Occ.

This assessment of the actual and historical distribution of each rabbit subspecies may allow more specific conservation interventions, as the two subspecies are not just genetically distinct but also ecologically and behaviourally different. Our methodological approach could be useful in unravelling the historical biogeography of other lesser‐known species.
Disk transport rates from Ti isotopic signatures of refractory inclusions
Authors: Render Jan , Bryson James F. J. , Ebert Samuel , Brennecka Gregory A.
Published: November 2022

The early solar system was a dynamic period during which the formation of early solids set into motion the process of planet building. Although both astrophysical observations and theoretical modeling demonstrate the presence of widespread transport of material, we lack concrete quantitative constraints on timings, distances, and mechanisms thereof. To trace these transport processes, one needs objects of known early formation times and these objects would need to be distributed throughout parent bodies with known accretion times and distances. Generally, these criteria are met by “regular” (i.e., non–fractionated and unidentified nuclear and excluding hibonite‐rich) Ca‐Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) as these objects formed very early and close to the young Sun and contain distinctive nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies that permit provenance tracing. However, nucleosynthetic isotopic signatures of such refractory inclusions have so far primarily been analyzed in chondritic meteorites that formed within ~4 AU from the Sun. Here, we investigate Ti isotopic signatures of four refractory inclusions from the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite WIS 91600 that was previously suggested to have formed beyond ~10 AU from the Sun. We show that these inclusions exhibit correlated excesses in 50Ti and 46Ti and lack large Ti isotopic anomalies that would otherwise be indicative of more enigmatic refractory materials with unknown formation ages. Instead, these isotope systematics suggest the inclusions to be genetically related to regular CAIs commonly found in other chondrites that have a broadly known formation region and age. Collectively, this implies that a common population of CAIs was distributed over the inner ~10 AU within ~3.5 Myr, yielding an average (minimum) speed for the transport of millimeter‐scale material in the early solar system of ~1 cm s−1.
Dysregulation of miR‐543 in Parkinson's disease: Impact on the neuroprotective gene SIRT1
Authors: Scheper Mirte , Iyer Anand , Anink Jasper J. , Mesarosova Lucia , Mills James D. , Aronica Eleonora
Published: November 2022

Aims

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and age‐dependent neurodegenerative disease characterised clinically by a variety of motor symptoms and cognitive impairment. PD was initially considered to be a grey matter disease; however, recently, evidence has emerged that white matter changes in PD precede the neuronal loss seen in the grey matter. The cause of these initial white matter changes is yet to be elucidated. Here, we explored whether dysregulated miRNAs and their target mRNA could provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of early white matter changes in PD.

Methods

We analysed the expression of miRNAs in three different stages of PD through RNA‐sequencing and validated the differential expression of miRNAs through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. With bioinformatic analyses, we predicted target genes of dysregulated miRNAs and investigated their biomarker potential. Finally, in vitro, we confirmed the targetting of the gene SIRT1 by miR‐543.

Results

We identified 12 dysregulated miRNAs in PD and found that miR‐543 holds potential as a biomarker for late‐stage PD with dementia. We report upregulation of miR‐543 in early PD white matter tissue and downregulation of SIRT1. In vitro experiments showed that the upregulation of miR‐543 results in the downregulation of SIRT1 in the white matter, but not in the grey matter.

Conclusions

We validated SIRT1 as a target of miR‐543 in the brain and showed its function as a potential biomarker. Our results highlight the idea that dysregulation of miR‐543 in early PD white matter, resulting in the dysregulation of SIRT1, potentially influencing the early white matter changes observed in PD.
Examining dietary behaviours, diet quality, motives and supplementation use in physically active individuals following vegetarian‐based eating patterns
Authors: Craddock Joel C. , Neale Elizabeth P. , Peoples Gregory E. , Probst Yasmine C.
Published: November 2022

The adoption of vegetarian‐based dietary patterns among athletes has been gaining popularity. However, limited research examines the dietary behaviours within this group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine self‐reported dietary behaviours in a cohort of physically active individuals following vegetarian‐based dietary patterns, recruited via social media. A 52‐item online survey was created with questions related to demographics, physical activity, eating patterns and supplementation use. An external link to the Australian Automated Self‐Administered 24‐h (ASA24‐AU) recall was included to examine nutrient intakes. Dietary quality was assessed using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (AHEI‐2010) and the Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) tools. A total of 781 (84.8%) respondents completed the survey in 2018. Principal motives for adhering to a vegetarian‐based dietary pattern included animal rights (86.5%), environmental concerns (75.4%), health reasons (69.6%) and improving physical performance (24.1%). Vitamin B12 was the most commonly reported supplement (58.1%) followed by protein powder (36.3%) and vitamin D (35.9%). A total of 133 respondents completed the ASA24‐AU dietary recall with generally adequate nutrient intakes and a high‐quality diet as assessed by the AHEI‐2010 and DPI. A significant minority of physically active individuals following vegetarian‐based diets do so with the aspiration of improving their exercise performance. Dietary quality was considered high in this group for recreational physical activity, although intakes of vitamin B12 and LC n‐3 PUFA were low.
Dual‐function C2H2‐type zinc‐finger transcription factor GmZFP7 contributes to isoflavone accumulation in soybean
Authors: Feng Yue , Zhang Shengrui , Li Jing , Pei Ruili , Tian Ling , Qi Jie , Azam Muhammad , Agyenim‐Boateng Kwadwo Gyapong , Shaibu Abdulwahab S. , Liu Yitian , Zhu Zuofeng , Li Bin , Sun Junming
Published: November 2022

Isoflavones are a class of secondary metabolites produced by legumes and play important roles in human health and plant stress tolerance. The C2H2 zinc‐finger transcription factor (TF) functions in plant stress tolerance, but little is known about its function in isoflavone regulation in soybean (Glycine max).

Here, we report a C2H2 zinc‐finger TF gene, GmZFP7, which regulates isoflavone accumulation in soybean. Overexpressing GmZFP7 increased the isoflavone concentration in both transgenic hairy roots and plants. By contrast, silencing GmZFP7 expression significantly reduced isoflavone levels. Metabolomic and qRT‐PCR analysis revealed that GmZFP7 can increase the flux of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Furthermore, dual‐luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that GmZFP7 regulates isoflavone accumulation by influencing the expression of Isoflavone synthase 2 (GmIFS2) and Flavanone 3 β‐hydroxylase 1 (GmF3H1).

In this study, we demonstrate that GmZFP7 contributes to isoflavone accumulation by regulating the expression of the gateway enzymes (GmIFS2 and GmF3H1) of competing phenylpropanoid pathway branches to direct the metabolic flux into isoflavone. A haplotype analysis indicated that important natural variations were present in GmZFP7 promoters, with P‐Hap1 and P‐Hap3 being the elite haplotypes.

Our findings provide insight into how GmZFP7 regulates the phenylpropanoid pathway and enhances soybean isoflavone content.
Reverse structural left atrial remodeling and atrial tachycardia in patients with repeat ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hashiguchi Naotaka , Chiang Cheng‐Hung , Rottner Laura , Reißmann Bruno , Rillig Andreas , Maurer Tilman , Lemes Christine , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Ouyang Feifan , Mathew Shibu
Published: November 2022

Background

Catheter ablation has been evolved to a cornerstone in the therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF); however, atrial tachycardias (AT) after AF ablation are still an important issue. Besides the electrical recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after ablation, left atrial (LA) remodeling has received attention as a consequence of AF.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate predictors for AT recurrence and LA remodeling in patients with repeat AF ablation procedures.

Methods and Results

One hundred thirteen patients who underwent repeat AF ablation with 3D electro‐anatomical mapping system were evaluated. Mean age was 63.1 ± 9.3 years, and 2.3 ± 0.5 ablation procedures were performed during a time period of 22 [IQR 7;48] months. Reverse structural LA remodeling (LA volume decreased more than 15%) was observed in 25 (22.1%) patients. LA volume index (LAVI) during first procedure was the only predictor for positive reverse structural LA remodeling (hazard ratio (HR): 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.07, p = .036) in multivariate analysis. Fifty‐nine (52.2%) patients experienced only AF and 54 (47.8%) patients AT after first procedure. Female gender (HR: 5.21, 95% CI: 1.66–18.08, p = .006), LAVI (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.11, p = .008) and LA scar percentage (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17, p = .019) were independent significant predictors for AT recurrence in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Reverse structural LA remodeling occurred in a quarter of patients with repeat ablation procedures for AF. Only larger LAVI during first procedure predicted reverse structural LA remodeling. Half of the patients experienced AT between first and last ablation procedure. Female gender, larger LAVI and larger scar area were significant predictors for AT after catheter ablation for AF.
Obsessional intrusive thoughts in children: An interview based study
Authors: García‐Soriano Gemma , Carrasco Ángel , Emerson Lisa Marie
Published: November 2022

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the experience of obsessional intrusive thoughts (OITs) in a sample of children aged 8 to 10 years old and to test the main tenets of the cognitive model of OCD. Specifically, we assessed: (1) the prevalence of OITs experienced by young children; (2) their frequency and content; (3) the emotions they evoke; (4) the reasons why they are upsetting; (5) how they are appraised (6) and what control strategies they use.

Methods

Forty‐nine children (28 girls, 21 boys; mean age 9.1 years) from the community completed two self‐report questionnaires assessing anxiety and obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Children were interviewed using the Children's Anxious Thoughts Interview, which assessed their experiences of OITs.

Results

From the 49 participants, 71.43% reported having experienced at least one OIT. The most frequent contents related to harm and doubt. Of the total sample, 28.6% reported having experienced one OIT recently with at least moderate frequency; these participants reported higher anxiety and obsessive–compulsive interference, described feeling nervous and anxious when experiencing their OIT, and rated their OIT as highly important and distracting. The most frequently reported control strategies were cognitive – suppression, distraction and thought replacement.

Conclusions

Almost two thirds of community children reported experiencing OITs. The findings from this study provide preliminary support for the application of the cognitive model of OCD in children. Subtle differences from previous research with adults are discussed.
Hepatitis B immunity among undergraduate nursing students: A brief report
Authors: Dawson Robin M. , Catledge Courtney , Scott Ann , Pate Leigh Blackmon , Vereen Gail
Published: November 2022

Background

Health sciences students who report low/equivocal hepatitis B titers may be required to repeat the immunization series, even though the result may not indicate non‐immunity.

Method

To describe hepatitis B immunity patterns, this retrospective, descriptive study utilized de‐identified vaccination records and anti‐HBs titers of three cohorts of sophomore nursing students entering clinical rotations in 2018–2019.

Results

Only 33% of students had initial anti‐HBs quantitative serum titer ≥10 mIU/ml, demonstrating immunity. After students with low/equivocal titers (n = 191, 64%) were re‐immunized per institution protocol, only 2% (n = 7) were identified as non‐responders. Cumulative costs incurred by students for revaccination and repeat titer exceeded $20,000, with a process time of up to 8 months.

Conclusion

While rates of exposure to hepatitis B in acute care settings have steadily declined in the United States, students who go on to practice in community and public health settings have increased risk of exposure. Following best practices in demonstrating hepatitis B immunity, which include a single challenge dose followed by titer 4 weeks later, would decrease per student costs, wait time, and administrative burden associated with documentation and student counseling.
Beyond the passive–active dichotomy: aligning research with the intervention continuum framework of ecological restoration
Authors: Krishnan Aparna , Osuri Anand M.
Published: November 2022

Experts recommend moving beyond the passive‐versus‐active dichotomy toward an intervention continuum framework of ecological restoration. Restoration science should guide this transition by elucidating the performance of restoration strategies and underlying mechanisms along gradients of intervention intensity, but is constrained by a paucity of relevant comparisons, conflation of restoration goals, and incomplete documentation of interventions in the present literature. Moving beyond the passive–active dichotomy in restoration science requires emphasis on (1) designing studies that compare multiple restoration treatments to identify whether and how benefits accrue with increasing intervention intensity; (2) distinguishing ecological from other ecosystem restoration goals, as goals could modify outcomes at any given intervention intensity level; and (3) documenting restoration goals, methods, and costs consistently and in sufficient detail in publications, for reproducibility in science and practice, and relevance to comparative and synthetic research, in restoration frameworks based on the intervention continuum.
Virtual bronchoscopic navigation and endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath without fluoroscopy for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions with a bronchus leading to or adjacent to the lesion: A randomized non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxuan , Zhong Changhao , Xie Fangfang , Li Shiyue , Wang Guiqi , Zhang Lei , Sun Jiayuan
Published: November 2022

Background and Objective

Transbronchial sampling of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) is routinely performed under fluoroscopy. However, advanced ancillary techniques have become available, such as virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) and radial endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath (rEBUS‐GS). This study was performed to determine whether the diagnostic utility of VBN and rEBUS with a GS is similar with or without fluoroscopy.

Methods

This multicenter non‐inferiority trial randomized patients to a VBN‐rEBUS‐GS with or without fluoroscopy group at three centres. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic yield. The secondary endpoints were the time for rEBUS, GS, and the total operation. Complications were also recorded.

Results

Four hundred and ninety‐six subjects were assessed and 426 subjects were included in the analysis (212 in non‐fluoroscopy‐guided‐group and 214 in fluoroscopy‐guided‐group). The diagnostic yield in the non‐fluoroscopy‐guided‐group (84.0%) was not inferior to that in the fluoroscopy‐guided‐group (84.6%), with a diagnostic difference of −0.6% (95% CI: −6.4%, 5.2%). Multivariable analysis confirmed that bronchus sign and lesion nature were valuable diagnostic predictors in non‐fluoroscopy‐guided‐group. The non‐fluoroscopy‐guided‐group had shorter rEBUS, GS, and total operation time. No severe complications occurred in either group.

Conclusion

Transbronchial diagnosis of PPLs suspicious of malignancy and presence of a bronchus leading to or adjacent to lesions using VBN‐rEBUS‐GS without fluoroscopy is a safe and effective method that is non‐inferior to VBN‐rEBUS‐GS with fluoroscopy. Bronchus leading to lesions and malignant nature are associated with high diagnostic yield in VBN‐rEBUS‐GS without fluoroscopy for the diagnosis of PPLs.
Financial globalization and monetary transmission
Authors: Auer Simone
Published: November 2022

This article studies the way in which international financial integration affects the domestic transmission of monetary policy in a standard New Keynesian open economy model. It extends Woodford's (2010) model to a framework, in which not only a global integration of goods and factor markets, but also financial markets might matter for the monetary transmission mechanism. The article considers two broad types of experiments meant to capture financial integration, a decrease in the costs of international asset trading and an increase in the level of gross foreign asset holdings. The main finding is that none of the analyzed forms of financial integration undermine the effectiveness of monetary policy in influencing domestic output and inflation. On the contrary, under a wide array of parameterizations, and even in an environment where the exchange rate pass‐through elasticity is very low and the Home country's traded goods sector is very small compared to world markets, monetary policy is more, rather than less, effective as the positive impact of strengthened exchange rate and wealth channels more than offsets the negative impact of weakened interest rate channels. Monetary policy is most effective in simulations interacting the highest degrees of the two forms of financial integration.
Characteristics of suicide decedents with no federally funded mental health service contact in the 12 months before death in a population‐based sample of Australians 45 years of age and over
Authors: Carter Gregory , Sperandei Sandro , Spittal Matthew J. , Chitty Kate , Clapperton Angela , Page Andrew
Published: November 2022

Introduction

More than half of suicide decedents have no contact with mental health services 12 months before death. It is uncertain if they have different characteristics than decedents who use mental health services.

Methods

A case‐series design. Participants 45 years and older, who died by suicide (2006–2018). Comparisons were made between those who did and did not have contact with mental health services, using individually linked data from federal services in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Results

Of 186 cases, 71% had no contact with mental health services. Physical health services were used equally by 75%. Psychiatric medication use was uncommon, except for antidepressants, 50% with mental health service contact and 20% with no contact. Older age, lower income, involuntarily unemployed, firearms as suicide method, greater physical disability, less functional impairment due to emotional problems and lesser proportions with mental illness, were associated with no contact with mental health services.

Conclusions

For suicide prevention, middle‐older aged adults may have less requirement for mental health intervention, and greater requirement for the development of complementary interventions focused on physical health and social issues, which are not necessarily best delivered by clinical mental health services.
Theory of mind, gender, gains in friendships versus peer acceptance and anxious solitude from middle childhood through early adolescence
Authors: Gazelle Heidi , Lundin Jessie K. Shafer , Bosacki Sandra L.
Published: November 2022

This investigation proposes that theory of mind (ToM) may be related more strongly to change in friendships than peer acceptance in late middle childhood through early adolescence, and examines the relation between ToM and anxious solitude. Fourth grade ToM was tested as a predictor of change in reciprocated friendships, peer acceptance, and anxious solitude from 4th to 7th grade, and, conversely, reciprocated friendships, peer acceptance, and anxious solitude in 3rd grade were tested as predictors of 4th grade ToM. Gender moderation of these relations was evaluated. Participants were 688 American public‐school children (51.5% girls), 193 of whom completed a ToM questionnaire in 4th grade. In 3rd–7th grade children and their peers reported reciprocated friendship, and peers reported peer acceptance and anxious solitude annually. A multi‐group (gender split) autoregressive cross‐lagged panel analysis modeled relations between ToM and reciprocated friendship, peer acceptance, and anxious solitude over time. Consistent with hypotheses, girls’ more advanced 4th grade ToM predicted incremental gains in their number of friendships two years later, but not their peer acceptance. In contrast, boys’ more advanced 4th grade ToM did not predict change in their number of friendships or peer acceptance over time. Gender differences in the relation between ToM and friendship are discussed in the context of gender‐specific peer relations patterns in late middle childhood and early adolescence. Additionally, more advanced 4th grade ToM predicted gains in anxious solitude in middle school for both genders. This somewhat surprising result is discussed in relation to ToM assessment and peer relations in anxious solitary children.
Pan‐genome and multi‐parental framework for high‐resolution trait dissection in melon (Cucumis melo)
Authors: Oren Elad , Dafna Asaf , Tzuri Galil , Halperin Ilan , Isaacson Tal , Elkabetz Meital , Meir Ayala , Saar Uzi , Ohali Shachar , La Thuy , Romay Cinta , Tadmor Yaakov , Schaffer Arthur A. , Buckler Edward S. , Cohen Roni , Burger Joseph , Gur Amit
Published: November 2022

Linking genotype with phenotype is a fundamental goal in biology and requires robust data for both. Recent advances in plant‐genome sequencing have expedited comparisons among multiple‐related individuals. The abundance of structural genomic within‐species variation that has been discovered indicates that a single reference genome cannot represent the complete sequence diversity of a species, leading to the expansion of the pan‐genome concept. For high‐resolution forward genetics, this unprecedented access to genomic variation should be paralleled and integrated with phenotypic characterization of genetic diversity. We developed a multi‐parental framework for trait dissection in melon (Cucumis melo), leveraging a novel pan‐genome constructed for this highly variable cucurbit crop. A core subset of 25 diverse founders (MelonCore25), consisting of 24 accessions from the two widely cultivated subspecies of C. melo, encompassing 12 horticultural groups, and 1 feral accession was sequenced using a combination of short‐ and long‐read technologies, and their genomes were assembled de novo. The construction of this melon pan‐genome exposed substantial variation in genome size and structure, including detection of ~300 000 structural variants and ~9 million SNPs. A half‐diallel derived set of 300 F2 populations, representing all possible MelonCore25 parental combinations, was constructed as a framework for trait dissection through integration with the pan‐genome. We demonstrate the potential of this unified framework for genetic analysis of various melon traits, including rind color intensity and pattern, fruit sugar content, and resistance to fungal diseases. We anticipate that utilization of this integrated resource will enhance genetic dissection of important traits and accelerate melon breeding.
Multiplexed cellular profiling identifies an organoselenium compound as an inhibitor of CRM1‐mediated nuclear export
Authors: Jimenez Lucia , Mayoral‐Varo Victor , Amenábar Carlos , Ortega Judit , Sequeira João G. N. , Machuqueiro Miguel , Mourato Cristiana , Silvestri Romano , Angeli Andrea , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T. , Megías Diego , Ferreira Bibiana I. , Link Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

Chromosomal region maintenance 1 (CRM1 also known as Xpo1 and exportin‐1) is the receptor for the nuclear export controlling the intracellular localization and function of many cellular and viral proteins that play a crucial role in viral infections and cancer. The inhibition of CRM1 has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to interfere with the lifecycle of many viruses, for the treatment of cancer, and to overcome therapy resistance. Recently, selinexor has been approved as the first CRM1 inhibitor for the treatment of multiple myeloma, providing proof of concept for this therapeutic option with a new mode of action. However, selinexor is associated with dose‐limiting toxicity and hence, the discovery of alternative small molecule leads that could be developed as less toxic anticancer and antiviral therapeutics will have a significant impact in the clinic. Here, we report a CRM1 inhibitor discovery platform. The development of this platform includes reporter cell lines that monitor CRM1 activity by using red fluorescent protein or green fluorescent protein‐labeled HIV‐1 Rev protein with a strong heterologous nuclear export signal. Simultaneously, the intracellular localization of other proteins, to be interrogated for their capacity to undergo CRM1‐mediated export, can be followed by co‐culturing stable cell lines expressing fluorescent fusion proteins. We used this platform to interrogate the mode of nuclear export of several proteins, including PDK1, p110α, STAT5A, FOXO1, 3, 4 and TRIB2, and to screen a compound collection. We show that while p110α partially relies on CRM1‐dependent nuclear export, TRIB2 is exported from the nucleus in a CRM1‐independent manner. Compound screening revealed the striking activity of an organoselenium compound on the CRM1 nuclear export receptor.
Modeling Fluid Inertia Effects in External Gear Machines Through Lumped Parameter Approach
Authors: Mistry Zubin , Vacca Andrea , Dhar Sujan , Rigosi Manuel
Published: November 2022

Lumped parameter modeling is a consolidated technique for analyzing the fluid dynamic behavior of positive displacement machines, owing to their computational swiftness and the ease to integrate other physical domains affecting the operation of the machine. With some very limited exceptions, this modeling technique typically neglects fluid inertia and momentum effects. This paper proposes an approach to study the effects of fluid inertia affecting the pressurization and depressurization of the tooth space volumes of an external gear pump. The approach is based on considering the fluid inertia in the pressurization grooves and, inside the control volumes with a peculiar sub-division. Further, frequency dependent friction is also modeled to provide realistic damping of the fluid inside these channels. Validation of the model has been performed by comparing the lumped parameter model with a full three-dimensional Navier Stokes solver. The quantities compared such as tooth space volume pressures and outlet volumetric flowrate show a good match between the two approaches for varying operating speeds. The paper lastly, also discusses what operating conditions and geometries play a significant role that governs the necessity to model such fluid inertia effects in the first place.
A Cylinder Enabling Algorithm for Reduction in Low Frequency Pulsation From Digital Displacement Pumps
Authors: Dumnov Daniil , Caldwell Niall
Published: November 2022

Digital Displacement® hydraulic pumps are a type of radial-piston machine with solenoid operated on/off valves used to individually control the pressurization of each cylinder on a stroke-by-stroke basis, thus adjusting the pump’s overall displacement. Previously developed cylinder enabling strategies based on using full strokes can lead to low frequency vibration, whereas partial stroke strategies pose challenges in audible noise and component lifetime. A new enabling algorithm is proposed, Quantized Part Stroke (QPS), which seeks to minimize the low frequency content in the pump output, as well as limiting noise due to actuating the valve near mid-stroke. The operating displacement fraction is quantized such that only integer fractions of displacement are permitted, the fraction’s denominator relating directly to a minimum allowable frequency in the pump output. This quantization is applied such that the chosen displacement fraction is higher than the demand and then part strokes are used to exactly achieve the desired flow. Simulation results are presented comparing this algorithm with well-known alternatives, as well as test data from a 12-cylinder pump showing a clear decrease in low frequency pulsation in the hydraulic system pressure, without a significant change in audible noise from the pump.
Practical Evaluation of a Control Concept for a Remote Controlled 1.8T Excavator Using a 3D Input Device
Authors: Haas Christian , Schneider Arne , Opgenoorth Andreas , Schmitz Katharina
Published: November 2022

Tele-remote control of excavators poses challenges for operators. While conventional operation already requires complex motor skills and thus extensive training, both the feeling for the machine and the 3D view are missing in a tele-remote scenario. This can result in operators being unable to estimate distances and performing movements more slowly and less accurately. Possible solutions to facilitate the operation of remote-controlled construction machinery are to improve visibility conditions through more sophisticated camera systems, or to provide motion feedback to the operator station. However, these solutions may be limited, for example, by higher demands on data transmission. Another solution could be to adapt the control of the machine. Therefore, this paper presents a control concept for a tele-remote operated excavator using a 3D-input device. First the test machine and the general structure of the control concept are introduced. For controlling the tool-position, an approach with direct position control and one with secondary velocity control are presented. For evaluation, both approaches are tested and compared. Finally, operator trials are presented and the usability of the concept is evaluated.