bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquaporin 9 induction in human iPSC‐derived hepatocytes facilitates modeling of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency
Authors: Laemmle Alexander , Poms Martin , Hsu Bernadette , Borsuk Mariia , Rüfenacht Véronique , Robinson Joshua , Sadowski Martin C. , Nuoffer Jean‐Marc , Häberle Johannes , Willenbring Holger
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

Patient‐derived human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) differentiated into hepatocytes (hiPSC‐Heps) have facilitated the study of rare genetic liver diseases. Here, we aimed to establish an in vitro liver disease model of the urea cycle disorder ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) using patient‐derived hiPSC‐Heps.

Approach and Results

Before modeling OTCD, we addressed the question of why hiPSC‐Heps generally secrete less urea than adult primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Because hiPSC‐Heps are not completely differentiated and maintain some characteristics of fetal PHHs, we compared gene‐expression levels in human fetal and adult liver tissue to identify genes responsible for reduced urea secretion in hiPSC‐Heps. We found lack of aquaporin 9 (AQP9) expression in fetal liver tissue as well as in hiPSC‐Heps, and showed that forced expression of AQP9 in hiPSC‐Heps restores urea secretion and normalizes the response to ammonia challenge by increasing ureagenesis. Furthermore, we proved functional ureagenesis by challenging AQP9‐expressing hiPSC‐Heps with ammonium chloride labeled with the stable isotope [15N] (15NH4Cl) and by assessing enrichment of [15N]‐labeled urea. Finally, using hiPSC‐Heps derived from patients with OTCD, we generated a liver disease model that recapitulates the hepatic manifestation of the human disease. Restoring OTC expression—together with AQP9—was effective in fully correcting OTC activity and normalizing ureagenesis as assessed by 15NH4Cl stable‐isotope challenge.

Conclusion

Our results identify a critical role for AQP9 in functional urea metabolism and establish the feasibility of in vitro modeling of OTCD with hiPSC‐Heps. By facilitating studies of OTCD genotype/phenotype correlation and drug screens, our model has potential for improving the therapy of OTCD.
Projected private hospital expenditure in Ireland, 2018–2035: What role for demographics, cost, and Sláintecare?
Authors: Keegan Conor , Brick Aoife , Henry Edward , Bergin Adele
Published: November 2021

Despite private hospitals occupying an important role in the delivery of acute hospital care in Ireland, an understanding of future spending pressures on these services is limited. Particularly, a key dimension of Ireland's ambitious roadmap for healthcare reform (Sláintecare) seeks to remove private practice from public hospitals. However, to date, there has been no examination of how this reform could impact private hospital demand and expenditure, and ultimately, the capacity to treat public patients. Using previously unavailable administrative health insurer data and a healthcare macro‐simulation projection model, we project real (volume‐based) and nominal expenditure on private hospital services over the medium‐term (2018–2035). We develop a number of projection scenarios that vary assumptions in relation to population growth and ageing, healthy ageing, and the future cost of care delivery. Additionally, by developing profiles of private activity in public hospitals, we examine how the removal of private practice from public hospitals could impact on demand and expenditure in private hospitals over time. Findings from this analysis have implications for capital investment and workforce planning in private hospitals, and failure to meet future demand could have implications for access to care in public hospitals. Moreover, should private practice be ended in public hospitals, most complex private in‐patient and emergency care is likely to remain within the public hospitals with limited capacity benefits for the public system.
COVID‐19 and renin angiotensin aldosterone system: Pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Babajani Fatemeh , Kakavand Atefeh , Mohammadi Hossien , Sharifi Armin , Zakeri Saba , Asadi Soheila , Afshar Zeinab Mohseni , Rahimi Zohreh , Sayad Babak
Published: November 2021

Aims

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) binds to the ACE2 component of the renin‐angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and infects the human cells. The aims of the present review were to look at the role and alteration of the RAAS components in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, therapeutic approaches, and clinical trials in this field.

Methods

We surveyed the literature (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) till August 18, 2021, and 59 published papers regarding the components of the RAAS and their role and alterations in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection along with various COVID‐19 therapies based on the RASS components were included in the study.

Results

ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitors are agents that significantly enhance the ACE2 and Ang‐(1‐7) levels, which can be suggestive for their role as therapeutics against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Beta‐adrenergic blockers, which negatively regulate renin release from juxtaglomerular cells, and vitamin D, as a regulator of the RAAS and renin expression, are proposed therapeutics in the treatment of COVID‐19. Some antihyperglycemic agents could be potentially protective against COVID‐19‐induced lung injury. Also, the inhibition of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of the transcription pathway as a potential treatment for COVID‐19 has been suggested. Finally, resveratrol, an antioxidant that can suppress Ang II, has been suggested as an adjunct to other therapies.

Conclusion

Regarding the suggested potential therapies for COVID‐19, there are many clinical trials whose results might change the treatment strategies of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. So, the results of well‐organized clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of the mentioned agents in the treatment of COVID‐19 will be useful in the management and therapy of the disease.
Retracted: Endometrial scratch injury in infertile women seeking conception through natural or intrauterine insemination cycles: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Maged Ahmed M. , Ogila Asmaa I. , Mohsen Reham A. , Mahmoud Safaa I. , Fouad Mona A. , El Komy Rasha O. , Lasheen Yossra , El‐Nassery Noura , Dahab Sherif , Hussein Eman A.
Published: November 2021

Maged, AM, Ogila, AI, Mohsen, RA, et al. Endometrial scratch injury in infertile women seeking conception through natural or intrauterine insemination cycles: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2021; 00: 1–20. doi:10.1002/ijgo.14030

The above article, published online on 17 November 2021 on Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal's Editor‐in‐Chief, Professor Michael Geary, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The journal was made aware of concerns regarding the considerable overlap with a previously published systematic review.[1] The authors responded to the concerns raised and it was found that some of the source clinical trial data could not have been accessed in this systematic review. As a result, the journal is issuing this retraction.

[1] Bui BN, Lensen SF, Gibreel A, Martins WP, Torrance H, Broekmans FJ. Endometrial injury for pregnancy following sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2022, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD011424. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011424.pub4.
Next generation quantum theory of atoms in molecules for the design of emitters exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence with laser irradiation
Authors: Li Zi , Yang Yong , Xu Tianlv , Früchtl Herbert , van Mourik Tanja , Paterson Martin J. , Shigeta Yasuteru , Kirk Steven R. , Jenkins Samantha
Published: November 2021

The effect of a static electric (E)‐field and an unchirped and chirped laser pulse field on the cycl[3.3.3]azine molecule was investigated using next‐generation quantum theory of atoms in molecules (NG‐QTAIM). Despite the magnitude of the E‐field of the laser pulses being an order of magnitude lower than for the static E‐field, the variation of the energy gap between the lowest lying singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) excited states was orders of magnitude greater for the laser pulse than for the static E‐field. Insights into the response of the electronic structure were captured by NG‐QTAIM, where differences in the inverted singlet‐triplet gap due to the laser pulses were significant larger compared to those induced by the static E‐field. The response of theS1andT1excited states, as determined by NG‐QTAIM, switched discontinuously between weak and strong chemical character for the static E‐field. In contrast, the response to the laser pulses, determined by NG‐QTAIM, is to induce a continuous range of chemical character, indicating the unique ability of the laser pulses to induce polarization effects in the form of “mixed” bond types. Our analysis demonstrates that NG‐QTAIM is a useful tool for understanding the response to laser irradiation of the lowest‐lying singletS1and tripletT1excited states of emitters exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence. The chirped laser pulse led to more frequent instances of the desired outcome of an inverted singlet‐triplet gap than the unchirped pulse, indicating its usefulness as a tool to design more efficient organic light‐emitting diode devices.
Development, validation, and clinical application of an FIA‐MS/MS method for the quantification of lysophosphatidylcholines in dried blood spots
Authors: Yue Xiaofei , Liu Wei , Liu Ying , Shen Min , Zhai Yanhong , Ma Zhijun , Cao Zheng
Published: November 2021

Background

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) plays pivotal roles in several physiological processes and their disturbances are closely associated with various disorders. In this study, we described the development and validation of a reliable and simple flow injection analysis–tandem mass spectrometry (FIA‐MS/MS)‐based method using dried blood spots (DBS) for quantification of four individual LPC (C20:0, C22:0, C24:0, and C26:0).

Methods

Lysophosphatidylcholines were extracted from 3.2 mm DBS with 85% methanol containing 60 ng/ml internal standard using a rapid (30 min) and simple procedure. The analytes and the internal standard were directly measured by triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reactions monitoring mode via positive electrospray ionization.

Results

Method validation results showed good linearity ranging from 50 to 2000 ng/ml for each LPC. Intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy were within the acceptable limits at four quality control levels. Recovery was from 70.5% to 107.0%, and all analytes in DBS were stable under assay conditions (24 h at room temperature and 72 h in autosampler). The validated method was successfully applied to assessment of C20:0‐C26:0LPCs in 1900 Chinese neonates. C26:0‐LPC levels in this study were consistent with previously published values.

Conclusion

We propose a simple FIA‐MS/MS method for analyzing C20:0‐C26:0LPCs in DBS, which can be used for first‐tier screening.
Mechanical properties and microstructural organization of common ulnar collateral ligament grafts: Palmaris longus and gracilis tendons
Authors: Solon Lorenzo F. , Castile Ryan M. , Smith Matthew V. , Lake Spencer P.
Published: November 2021

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are becoming increasingly common. The palmaris longus (PL) and gracilis (GR) tendons are the most common grafts used in UCL reconstructions. While clinical studies have demonstrated relatively similar outcomes for either graft, there is little quantitative data describing these grafts from a material perspective, specifically the mechanical and microstructural properties of these tissues and how they respond under dynamic loading. The purpose of this descriptive laboratory study was to quantify and compare the mechanical and microstructural properties of PL and GR tendons. A total of 13 PL and 11 GR cadaveric human tendons were obtained. Each specimen was divided into three subregions and subjected to preconditioning, ramp‐and‐hold stress‐relaxation and ramp‐to‐failure testing. Mechanical parameters were computed for each sample, and a polarized light imaging technique was used to simultaneously evaluate dynamic microstructural properties during testing. The PL had larger toe‐ and linear‐region modulus values than the GR. Within the GR, the distal subregion had stronger collagen alignment than the proximal subregion at the zero, transition and linear portions of the stress‐strain curve. The PL and GR, have similar mechanical properties and similar microstructural alignment under load. The PL graft has similar properties throughout its length whereas the GR properties exhibited slight differences in strength of alignment along its length. The PL and GR exhibit larger moduli values and more strongly/uniformly aligned collagenous microstructure when qualitatively compared to data previously published on the native UCL.
Parenteral nutrition compatibility and stability: A comprehensive review
Authors: Boullata Joseph I. , Mirtallo Jay M. , Sacks Gordon S. , Salman Genene , Gura Kathleen , Canada Todd , Maguire Angela ,   the ASPEN Parenteral Nutrition Safety Committee
Published: November 2021

Several guidance documents support best practices across the stages of the parenteral nutrition (PN) use process to optimize patient safety. The critical step of PN order verification and review by the pharmacist requires a contextual assessment of the compatibility and stability implications of the ordered PN prescription. This article will provide working definitions, describe PN component characteristics, and present a wide‐ranging representation of compatibility and stability concerns that need to be considered prior to preparing a PN admixture. This paper has been approved by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Board of Directors.
Different typical dietary lipid consumption affects the bile acid metabolism and the gut microbiota structure: an animal trial using Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Ye Zhan , Xu Yong‐Jiang , Liu Yuanfa
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The palm oil (PO), leaf lard oil (LO), rapeseed oil (RO), sunflower oil (SO) and linseed oil (LN) are five of the most typical dietary lipids in most Asian countries. However, their influences on gut health, and the connections between the fatty acid composition, the gut microbiota, and the bile acid metabolism are not fully understood.

RESULTS

In the present study, results showed that compared with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)‐rich SO and LN, the saturated fatty acid (SFA)‐rich and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)‐rich PO, LO and RO were more likely to decrease the re‐absorption of bile acid in the colon, which was probably caused by their different role in modulating the gut microbiota structure. LO consumption significantly up‐regulated the Cyp27a1, FXR and TGR5 gene expression level (P < 0.05). The correlation results suggested that the C18:0 was significantly positive correlated with these three genes, indicating that intake of SFA‐rich dietary lipids, especially for the C18:0, could specifically increase the bile acid production by stimulating the bile acid alternative synthesis pathway. Although the bile acid receptor expression in the colon was increased, the re‐absorption of bile acid did not show a significant increase (P > 0.05) as compared with other dietary lipids. Moreover, the C18:2‐rich SO maintained the bile acid metabolic balance probably by decreasing the Romboutsia, while increasing the Bifidobacterium abundance in the colon.

CONCLUSIONS

The different dietary lipids showed different effects on the bile acid metabolism, which was probably connected with the alterations in the gut microbiota structure. The present study could provide basic understandings about the influences of the different dietary lipids consumption on gut homeostasis and bile acid metabolism. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multiscale Characterization of the Mechanical Properties of Fibrin and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Abrego Christian Jose Garcia , Dedroog Lens , Deschaume Olivier , Wellens Jolan , Vananroye Anja , Lettinga Minne Paul , Patterson Jennifer , Bartic Carmen
Published: November 2021

Shear rheology and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to characterize the stiffness of hydrogels in tissue engineering applications, with several studies reporting differences of several orders of magnitude in the elastic moduli determined by these two methods. This work compares the elastic properties of soft fibrin and polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels used for stem cell applications, determined by AFM indentation with different probe sizes (from nano‐ to micrometer) to shear rheometry data. For all hydrogels, AFM nanoscale probing consistently yields higher elastic modulus (E) values and variability than micrometer‐probe indentation, while the shear modulus (G) values determined are the lowest. Colloidal probe AFM results are closer to rheology data for the stiffest samples, where E/G ratios converge to the theoretical Trouton ratio of 3. The results suggest that high polymer concentration hydrogels are better described by the affine elastic network theory, whereas low polymer concentration hydrogels deviate significantly from the Trouton ratio. Thus, for soft hydrogels relevant for stem cell culture, the assumption E = 3G is often invalid and care should be taken when comparing data from studies where different characterization methods are used in order to discern the impact of material properties on cell behavior.
Manipulating Matrix Crystallization and Impact Toughness of Polylactide/Elastomer Blends via Tailoring Size and Packing Density of Stereocomplex Crystallites Formed at the Interface
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Luo Yuanlin , Bai Hongwei , Zhang Qin , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2021

Constructing stereocomplex (SC) crystallites at the interface of poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA)/elastomer blends represent a promising strategy to develop heat‐resistant and super‐tough PLLA materials because such SC crystallites can behave as not only nucleator to accelerate crystallization of PLLA matrix but also interfacial binder to strengthen interface. The properties of blends could be largely dominated by the SC interfacial layer, however, it is still unclear how the interfacial structure affects nucleating efficiency and interfacial strength. Herein, taking PLLA/poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate‐graft‐poly(D‐lactide)) (EMA‐g‐PDLA) blends as an example, EMA‐g‐PDLA bearing different chain lengths and grafting densities is prepared to tailor the size and packing density of interface‐localized SC crystallites. The results indicate that the interfacial structure and properties of the blends have been successfully manipulated. Compared with low‐graft‐density long PDLA chains, high‐graft‐density short ones can readily collaborate with PLLA chains to form numerous SC crystallites with smaller size and higher packing density at the interface and thus dramatically enhance the impact toughness and matrix crystallization rate. Moreover, the toughness is dominated by the content of SC crystallites, but the matrix crystallization is determined by their size and packing density. The work provides a new understanding of SC structure controlling the properties of PLLA/elastomer blends.
GPi‐DBS for KMT2B‐Associated Dystonia: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rajan Roopa , Garg Kanwaljeet , Saini Arti , Radhakrishnan Divya M. , Carecchio Miryam , BK Binukumar , Singh Manmohan , Srivastava Achal K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Early evidence suggests good response to pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) in DYT‐KMT2B.

Objectives

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess outcomes and identify predictors of good outcome following GPi‐DBS in DYT‐KMT2B.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane and MDS‐abstracts databases using the MeSH terms “KMT2B and DYT28”. We included studies that reported objective outcomes following GPi‐DBS in DYT‐KMT2B. The BFMDRS‐M (Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale‐ Movement) total scores pre‐ and post‐surgery were used to quantify outcomes. We calculated pooled effects using a random effects meta‐analysis and used meta‐regression to identify potential effect modifiers. Multiple linear regression using individual patient data was used to identify predictors of good outcome (>50% improvement from baseline on BFMDRS‐M).

Results

Initial searches screened 132 abstracts of which 34 full‐text articles were identified to be of potential interest. Ten studies reporting 42 individual patients, met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the final review. The mean age at onset was 6.4 ± 5.7 years and 40% were male. The median follow‐up was 12 months (range: 1–264 months). GPi‐DBS resulted in median BFMDRS‐M improvement of 42.7% (range: −103.5% to 95.9%) postoperatively. Pooled proportion of patients experiencing clinical improvement >50% on BFMDRS‐M was 41% (95% CI: 27%–57%). Male gender [β: 22.6, 95% CI: 8.0–37.3, P = 0.004), and higher pre‐operative BFMDRS‐M score [β: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.36–0.87, P < 0.001) were independently associated with better outcome.

Conclusion

KMT2B‐associated dystonia responds effectively to pallidal stimulation. The outcome is better in males and those with more severe dystonia at baseline.
Cysteine Exerts an Essential Role in Maintaining Intestinal Integrity and Function Independent of Glutathione
Authors: Jiao Ning , Wang Lu , Wang Yubo , Xu Doudou , Zhang Xin , Yin Jingdong
Published: November 2021

Scope

Enteral feeding is a primary source of cysteine for intestinal mucosa given negligible transsulfuration activity in enterocytes and furthermore very few cysteine uptake from arterial blood. This study aims to explore the role of cysteine in maintaining intestinal integrity and function.

Methods and Results

The intestinal porcine enterocytes (IPEC‐J2) are cultured in a cysteine‐deprived medium with or without glutathione supplementation upon the inhibitions of glutathione synthesis or degradation. As a result, cysteine deprivation impairs mitochondrial function, suppresses mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and activates general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) signaling, and might lead to resultant ferroptosis. Glutathione supplementation can restore the impairment through degrading into cysteine, while glutathione synthesis inhibition does not disturb the role of cysteine in keeping the intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, piglets are fed with cysteine‐deficient, ‐adequate, and ‐surplus diet for 28 days as a porcine model. In this study, it is evidenced that intestinal integrity and individual growth benefit from adequate dietary cysteine.

Conclusion

Adequate dietary cysteine supply is essential for intestinal mucosal integrity, epithelial cell turnover, and amino acid sensing as well as optimal individual growth. Cysteine exerts its role independent of glutathione and glutathione restores the impairment of cysteine‐deprivation on intestinal mucosal through degrading into cysteine.
Use of infusion ports in patients with sickle cell disease: Indications and complications
Authors: Ilonze Chibuzo , Anderson Michael , Stubblefield Alex , Journeycake Janna , Sinha Arpan A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Peripheral venous access in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) can become difficult over time due to frequent access and scarring. Infusion ports provide reliable central venous access. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and infections are complications associated with SCD and infusion ports.

Methods

We performed a 17.5‐year single‐institution retrospective chart review (January 2000 to July 2018) with literature review regarding use of infusion ports in patients with SCD.

Results

We identified 32 patients with infusion ports placed for a total of 63 devices (48 for chronic transfusion [CT] and 15 for poor venous access [PVA], not on CT) for a total of 99,272 catheter days. The mean age at first insertion was 8 years (range 1–20 years). Complications included malfunction, infection, thrombosis, difficult access, and pain over infusion port site. The rate of infection was 0.2 per 1000 catheter days. Thrombosis was identified in three devices (5%) in three patients (9%), with a rate of 0.03 per 1000 catheter days. There was no difference in complications by site in either the left or right subclavian vein (p = 1). The rate of premature removal was 0.36 per 1000 catheter days, which was higher among patients with infusion ports solely for PVA (0.87 per 1000 catheter days) compared with those placed for CT (0.29 per 1000 catheter days).

Conclusion

Infusion ports in patients with SCD was associated with low rates of thrombosis, infection, and malfunction, and may be considered as an alternative to frequent intravenous access, especially in patients requiring CT.
Telehealth treatment for nonspecific low back pain: A review of the current state in mobile health
Authors: Tabacof Laura , Baker Turner S. , Durbin John R. , Desai Vimi , Zeng Qi , Sahasrabudhe Abhishek , Herrera Joseph E. , Putrino David
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is an idiopathic musculoskeletal condition that affects four of five individuals in their lifetime and is the leading cause of job‐related disability in the United States. The interest in interactive and dynamic telehealth treatments for LBP continues to grow, and it is important for the medical community to remain up‐to‐date on the state of the science.

Literature survey

Relevant studies published from March 2016 until March 2021 were identified through a systematic search of EMBASE, MedLine, and Web of Science. The search strategy combined the concepts of back pain, telehealth, and mobile applications.

Methodology

Titles and abstracts were screened to select full‐text randomized controlled trials or protocols, and methodological quality and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. Data were synthesized narratively.

Synthesis

We included seven concluded randomized‐controlled trials and two study protocols reporting mobile health (mHealth) solutions for LBP. Six of the seven concluded trials found a significant improvement in self‐reported numerical pain rating scale compared to the control group. A single trial compared a mHealth solution to physical therapy, with the majority of studies comparing interventions to “usual care.” Substantial heterogeneity in reporting of sample characteristics was found, indicating a lack of standardization through the field.

Conclusions

mHealth solutions may positively impact people with LBP. Larger trials should be encouraged and the field should coalesce around a set of baseline variables for collection and reporting. Because many interventions involve patient engagement, future trials should aim to further quantify adherence levels and begin to define telehealth “doses” associated with better outcomes.
Fall armyworm in Botswana: impacts, farmer management practices and implications for sustainable pest management
Authors: Makale Fernadis , Mugambi Idah , Kansiime Monica K , Yuka Irie , Abang Mathew , Lechina Bonolo S , Rampeba Mosimanegape , Rwomushana Ivan
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Since first reported in Botswana, fall armyworm (FAW) continues to be a threat to crop production. This study aimed to estimate impacts of FAW on yield and farmers' livelihoods in Botswana, and to obtain data that could be extrapolated to national level. Further, farmer knowledge of the pest, management practices and pesticide use for FAW management were assessed.

RESULTS

In fact, 76% of the 220 respondents had seen FAW in their farms in the 2018/2019 cropping season, affecting almost the entire and about half of cultivated area for maize and sorghum, respectively. Thus, 51% of the respondents implemented FAW control measures, with chemical pesticides (27%) being the most common management against FAW. Only 33% of respondents in 2018/2019 were food self‐sufficient, as opposed to 80% in an ordinary year, with farmers who reported not to have been affected by FAW more likely to be insufficient with food (88%) compared to 60% of the farmers who reported FAW attack. Drought was ranked the major stress experienced by the famers (35%), and also showed significant yield reducing effects on maize yield with pest and diseases reported second most important. Pesticides (20%) and training on pest management (18%) were the top ranked needs by farmers interviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the impact and threat of FAW to crop production in Botswana. Chemicals remain the go‐to control option by a majority of the farmers. Other low‐risk technologies exist and are proposed for adoption in the management of FAW. Of note is the acknowledgement that a single control strategy will not be effective against FAW and as such integrated pest management (IPM) on an area‐wide scale is needed to achieve best results. Mass awareness, training and demonstration will be required to achieve this.
Effects of background food on alternative grain uptake and zinc phosphide efficacy in wild house mice
Authors: Henry Steve , Brown Peter R , Van de Weyer Nikki , Robinson Freya , Hinds Lyn A
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

House mice (Mus musculus) cause significant, ongoing losses to grain crops in Australia, particularly during mouse plagues. Zinc phosphide (ZnP) coated grain is used for control, but with variable success. In a laboratory setting, we tested if mice would (i) switch from consumption of one grain type to another when presented with an alternative and (ii) consume ZnP‐treated grains when presented as a choice with a different grain.

RESULTS

Mice readily switched from their background grain to an alternative grain, preferring cereals (wheat or barley) over lentils. Mice readily consumed ZnP‐coated barley grains. Their mortality rate was significantly higher (86%, n = 30) in the presence of a less‐favoured grain (lentils) compared to their mortality rate (47%, n = 29; 53%, n = 30) in the presence of a more‐favoured grain (wheat and barley, respectively). Mice died between 4 and 112 h (median = 18 h) after consuming one or more toxic grains. Independent analysis of ZnP‐coated grains showed variable toxin loading indicating that consumption of a single grain would not guarantee intake of a lethal dose. There was also a strong and rapid behavioural aversion if mice did not consume a lethal dose on the first night.

CONCLUSIONS

The registered dose rate of 25 g of ZnP/kg wheat (~1 mg of ZnP/grain) in Australia needs to be re‐evaluated to determine what factors may be contributing to variation in efficacy. Further field research is also required to understand the complex association between ZnP dose, and quantity and quality of background food on efficacy of ZnP baits.
COVID‐19 pandemic‐related stressors and posttraumatic stress: The main, moderating, indirect, and mediating effects of social support
Authors: Zaken Mali D. , Boyraz Güler , Dickerson Sally S.
Published: November 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has created a variety of stressors, some of which have been linked to intense stress reactions, such as posttraumatic stress (PTS)‐like symptoms. However, we have limited knowledge on cumulative effects of pandemic‐related stressors on PTS or on variables that may mitigate the effects of these stressors. We aimed to address some of these knowledge gaps by testing three models to examine the interrelationships among pandemic‐related stressors, perceived social support, coping flexibility, and pandemic‐related PTS. The sample of this cross‐sectional correlational study is comprised of 2291 adults from the United States who completed an online survey between 22 May 2020 and 15 July 2020. Results indicated that greater exposure to secondary stressors, but not COVID‐19‐related stressors, was associated with increased PTS. After controlling for COVID‐19‐related and secondary stressors, social support had negative direct and indirect (via coping flexibility) effects on PTS. In addition, social support mediated the effects of COVID‐19‐related and secondary stressors on PTS. Our findings highlight the complexity of the role of social support in relation to pandemic‐related stressors and PTS, and suggest that early interventions that target social support and coping flexibility may help reduce pandemic‐related PTS.
Unveiling the Role and Mechanism of Nb Doping and In Situ Carbon Coating on Improving Lithium‐Ion Storage Characteristics of Rod‐Like Morphology FeF3·0.33H2O
Authors: Liu Min , Liu Junchang , Chen Biaobing , Wu Tianjing , Wang Gang , Chen Manfang , Yang Zhenhua , Bai Yansong , Wang Xianyou
Published: November 2021

Given the inherent characteristics of transition metal fluorides and open tunnel‐type frameworks, intercalation‐conversion‐type FeF3·0.33H2O has attracted widespread attention as a promising lithium‐ion battery cathode material with high operating voltage and high energy density. However, its low electronic conductivity and poor structural stability impede its practical application in high‐rate capacity and long‐lifetime batteries. Herein, rod‐like Nb‐substituted FeF3·0.33H2O (Nb‐FeF3·0.33H2O@C) nanocrystals with a carbon coating derived from in situ carbonization in an ionic liquid are deliberately designed and prepared. Based on first‐principles calculations and electrochemical analysis, it is shown that substitution of Nb into a proportion of Fe sites can dramatically reduce the total energy of the system and the bandgap, thus boosting the structural stability and electronic conductivity of FeF3·0.33H2O. Simultaneously, the combination of a surface conductive carbon coating and assembly of the nanoparticles into a rod‐like mesoporous architecture can produce an omni‐directional ion/electron transmission network and a robust 3D composite structure. The Nb‐FeF3·0.33H2O@C composite with 3% Nb‐doping displays high capacity (583.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C), good rate capacity (187.8 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 5.0 C), and excellent long‐term cycle stability (160.4 mAh g−1 after 300 long cycles).
Blockchain networks: Data structures of Bitcoin, Monero, Zcash, Ethereum, Ripple, and Iota
Authors: Akcora Cuneyt Gurcan , Gel Yulia R. , Kantarcioglu Murat
Published: November 2021

Blockchain is an emerging technology that has enabled many applications, from cryptocurrencies to digital asset management and supply chains. Due to this surge of popularity, analyzing the data stored on blockchains poses a new critical challenge in data science. To assist data scientists in various analytic tasks for a blockchain, in this tutorial, we provide a systematic and comprehensive overview of the fundamental elements of blockchain network models. We discuss how we can abstract blockchain data as various types of networks and further use such associated network abstractions to reap important insights on blockchains' structure, organization, and functionality.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Data Preprocessing

Application Areas > Business and Industry

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Data Concepts

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation
Lines of Action for Sexting Prevention and Intervention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ojeda Mónica , Del Rey Rosario
Published: November 2021

Sexting has become a new form of intimate interaction in line with contemporary communication methods. This phenomenon often leads to positive outcomes, but it can also have negative repercussions depending on the situation, such as the context of the relationship, and whether it is consensual or coercive. Despite this, the main types of sexting behaviors (sending, receiving, and third-party forwarding) must be addressed in order to promote safe and healthy practices. However, the approach to tackling this phenomenon remains unclear. This systematic review sought to summarize the lines of action proposed or conducted in the scientific literature to address sexting, to help researchers and educators create and evaluate effective programs. A systematic search of 21 databases was conducted; only articles relating to sexting education, prevention, and intervention among child and adolescent populations were considered. In total, 456 articles were identified, 91 of which were included for the purposes of this research. The results highlighted a need to respond to the aforementioned sexting behaviors and to tackle the resulting conflict situations. Although interventions across different areas are recommended (e.g., health, family, policies, legal advice, law enforcement, technology experts, and even society as a whole), most studies agree that school is the most practical setting for intervention. Thus, the 15 lines of action identified in this systematic review must all be considered to effectively address sexting in childhood and adolescence.
“Complete Labelling” and Domestic Prosecutions for Crimes Against Humanity
Authors: Eskauriatza Javier S.
Published: November 2021

Fair labelling is an established principle of criminal justice that scrutinises the way that States use language in labelling criminal defendants and their conduct. I argue that “complete labelling” is a related but separate principle which has not received any explicit attention from commentators. Whereas fair labelling focuses, usually, on the protection of defendant’s rights, the principle of complete labelling explains and justifies whether the labels attached appropriately represent the nature and scale of the wrong done to the community. As a case study, I apply this lens in the context of regional (U.S./Mexican) criminal justice responses to crimes against humanity perpetrated by “drug-cartels” in the context of the Mexican Drug War. Successive administrations in Mexico and the U.S. have tended to charge cartel leaders (and/or their political supporters) with so-called “transnational crimes” (for example, drug-trafficking, money-laundering, bribery/corruption). This is despite the fact that many of the most powerful cartels have controlled territory, attacked entire towns, carried out acts of terror, and disappeared thousands of people. The principle of complete labelling is useful in normative terms because it helps in the critical examination of a State’s prosecutorial practices, exposing problems that might otherwise be missed. In relation to the case study discussed, for example, a focus on complete labelling helps to expose the regional prosecutorial policy as either an unjustified exercise in selectivity or, at worst, an expression of collective denial. After considering certain counteracting reflexions which speak to some of the foundational anxieties of international criminal justice, the article concludes that domestic prosecutions for crimes against humanity in the context of drug-cartels may, sometimes, be justified.
Electroretinogram responses in myopia: a review
Authors: Gupta Satish Kumar , Chakraborty Ranjay , Verkicharla Pavan Kumar
Published: November 2021

The stretching of a myopic eye is associated with several structural and functional changes in the retina and posterior segment of the eye. Recent research highlights the role of retinal signaling in ocular growth. Evidence from studies conducted on animal models and humans suggests that visual mechanisms regulating refractive development are primarily localized at the retina and that the visual signals from the retinal periphery are also critical for visually guided eye growth. Therefore, it is important to study the structural and functional changes in the retina in relation to refractive errors. This review will specifically focus on electroretinogram (ERG) changes in myopia and their implications in understanding the nature of retinal functioning in myopic eyes. Based on the available literature, we will discuss the fundamentals of retinal neurophysiology in the regulation of vision-dependent ocular growth, findings from various studies that investigated global and localized retinal functions in myopia using various types of ERGs.
What if I was harmful? Reflecting on the ethical tensions associated with teaching the dominant mathematics
Authors: Abtahi Yasmine
Published: November 2021

What are the effects of teaching the dominant mathematics on the wholeness and integrity of the cultural, social and linguistic resources of diverse communities? In this text, I seek to capture the risks associated with utilising non-Western resources in the teaching of the dominant mathematics in order to elucidate possible types of harms that conventional mathematics education could cause to various non-Western communities. In particular, I challenge various dominant theoretical views that endorse the employment of the social, cultural and linguistic (re)sources of others to teach and learn mathematics, without paying similar or even deeper ethical attention to the mutual and reciprocal effects of the taught and learnt mathematics. I propose an epistemology of interrelationships; I call attention to possible harms caused by utilising the social, cultural and linguistic (re)sources of some non-Western communities as part of the teaching and learning of dominant school mathematics on the same (re)sources of those communities.
The Processing of Negation and Polarity: An Overview
Authors: Dudschig Carolin , Kaup Barbara , Liu Mingya , Schwab Juliane
Published: November 2021

Negation is a universal component of human language; polarity sensitivity (i.e., lexical distributional constraints in relation to negation) is arguably so while being pervasive across languages. Negation has long been a field of inquiry in psychological theories and experiments of reasoning, which inspired many follow-up studies of negation and negation-related phenomena in psycholinguistics. In generative theoretical linguistics, negation and polarity sensitivity have been extensively studied, as the related phenomena are situated at the interfaces of syntax, semantics and pragmatics, and are thus extremely revealing about the architecture of grammar. With the now long tradition of research on negation and polarity in psychology and psycholinguistics, and the emerging field of experimental semantics and pragmatics, a multitude of interests and experimental paradigms have emerged which call for re-evaluations and further development and integration. This special issue contains a collection of 16 research articles on the processing of negation and negation-related phenomena including polarity items, questions, conditionals, and irony, using a combination of behavioral (e.g., rating, reading, eye-tracking and sentence completion) and neuroimaging techniques (e.g., EEG). They showcase the processing of negation and polarity with or without context, in various languages and across different populations (adults, typically developing and ADHD children). The integration of multiple theoretical and empirical perspectives in this collection provides new insights, methodological advances and directions for future research.
Managing pandemics as super wicked problems: lessons from, and for, COVID-19 and the climate crisis
Authors: Auld Graeme , Bernstein Steven , Cashore Benjamin , Levin Kelly
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 has caused 100s of millions of infections and millions of deaths worldwide, overwhelming health and economic capacities in many countries and at multiple scales. The immediacy and magnitude of this crisis has resulted in government officials, practitioners and applied scholars turning to reflexive learning exercises to generate insights for managing the reverberating effects of this disease as well as the next inevitable pandemic. We contribute to both tasks by assessing COVID-19 as a “super wicked” problem denoted by four features we originally formulated to describe the climate crisis: time is running out, no central authority, those causing the problem also want to solve it, and policies irrationally discount the future (Levin et al. in Playing it forward: path dependency, progressive incrementalism, and the “super wicked” problem of global climate change, 2007; Levin et al. in Playing it forward: Path dependency, progressive incrementalism, and the "super wicked" problem of global climate change, 2009; Levin et al. in Policy Sci 45(2):123–152, 2012). Doing so leads us to identify three overarching imperatives critical for pandemic management. First, similar to requirements to address the climate crisis, policy makers must establish and maintaindurablepolicy objectives. Second, in contrast to climate, management responses must always allow for swiftchangesin policy settings and calibrations given rapid and evolving knowledge about a particular disease’s epidemiology. Third, analogous to, but with swifter effects than climate, wide-ranging global efforts, if well designed, will dramatically reduce domestic costs and resource requirements by curbing the spread of the disease and/or fostering relevant knowledge for managing containment and eradication. Accomplishing these tasks requires building the analytic capacity for engaging in reflexive anticipatory policy design exercises aimed at maintaining, or building, life-saving thermostatic institutions at the global and domestic levels.
Bluetooth 5 performance analysis for inter-vehicular communications
Authors: Aza Andrea , Melendi David , García Roberto , Pañeda Xabiel G. , Pozueco Laura , Corcoba Víctor
Published: November 2021

Previous work has demonstrated the feasibility of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as an alternative technology for data transfers in inter-vehicular communication (IVC) scenarios. Bluetooth 5.x core specifications enhance the trade-off between energy requirements, communication range and flexibility. In this paper, we aim to analyse the potential of Bluetooth 5 features for VANET applications, proposing a connectionless communication system. By means of field experiments, we evaluate long range and 2 × speed features, defining a set of communication scenarios. This allows us to test both Bluetooth 5.x range and application throughput. The evaluation includes experiments of V2I communications carried out under real highway traffic conditions. The experiments conducted demonstrate that communication ranges up to 300 m may be achieved depending on the communications scenario. The results also show how throughput degrades as the distance between devices increases. The results obtained are used to discuss future work, aimed at deeper analysing Bluetooth 5 features for VANET applications, completing the development of our prototype and evaluating VANET connectionless communications with the features included in the latest Bluetooth 5.2 specification.
Markets, infrastructures and infrastructuring markets
Authors: Araujo Luis , Mason Katy
Published: November 2021

Despite a growing understanding of market infrastructures—the rules and socio-material arrangements that enable agreements on the properties of goods, and the calculation of value, equivalence and exchange—we know little of what lies beneath the arrangements that underpin and are implicated in exchange. The socio-material lens has done much to explain how specific assemblages circulate information and goods, but has done little to explain how different infrastructures configure relations between dispersed market practices. Using the history of the development of the market for market research we show how knowledge-based infrastructures constitute markets as knowledge objects: new expertise emerged through alliances between academia, government, and private actors form a new occupation embodied in specialist agencies that set themselves up in an infrastructural relation to marketing practices. Our conceptualization of markets as knowledge objects extends extant understandings of markets by showing how: (1) extant knowledge-based infrastructures are drawn on to construct new markets; (2) infrastructural relations emerge between different markets to constitute multiple systems of provision and demand, leading to an increasingly valuable knowledge infrastructure; and (3) organized practices in one market are often heavily reliant on connections to other markets, including knowledge-based infrastructures such as market research services.