bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
blaOXA-48-like genome architecture among carbapenemase-producingEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniaein the Netherlands
Authors: Hendrickx Antoni P.A. , Landman Fabian , de Haan Angela , Borst Dyogo , Witteveen Sandra , van Santen-Verheuvel Marga , Schouls Leo M. ,   the Dutch CPE surveillance Study Group
Published: December 2020

Carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzymes belonging to the OXA-48-like group are encoded byblaOXA-48-like alleles and are abundant amongEnterobacteralesin the Netherlands. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the characteristics, gene content, and diversity of theblaOXA-48-like carrying plasmids and chromosomes ofEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniaecollected in the Dutch national surveillance from 2014-2019 in comparison with genome sequences retrieved from 29 countries. By combining short-read and long-read sequencing, 47 and 132 completeblaOXA-48-like plasmids were reconstructed forE. coliandK. pneumoniae, respectively. Distinct plasmid groups designated as pOXA-48, pOXA-181, and pOXA-232 were identified in the Netherlands and varied in size, % G+C, presence of antibiotic resistance genes, replicons and gene content. The pOXA-48 plasmids were variable, while pOXA-181 and pOXA-232 plasmids were conserved. A group of non-related pOXA-48 plasmids contained different resistance genes, non-IncL type replicons or carried no replicons.K. pneumoniaeisolates carryingblaOXA-48orblaOXA-232were mostly resistant, whileE. coli blaOXA-48,blaOXA-181and chromosomalblaOXA-48orblaOXA-244isolates were mostly sensitive for meropenem. Analysis of chromosomally localizedblaOXA-48-like alleles revealed that these were flanked by a direct repeat (DR) upstream of IS1R, which were found at multiple locations in the chromosome of distinct genetic backgrounds. In conclusion, the overallblaOXA-48-like plasmid population in the Netherlands is conserved and similar to that reported for other countries, although a highly diverseblaOXA-48-like plasmid subgroup was present. Chromosomally encodedblaOXA-48-like alleles are from distinct genetic backgrounds and occurs at variable positions containing the DR, thereby indicating multiple independent transpositions.

Importance

OXA-48-type of carbapenem hydrolyzing enzymes encoded byblaOXA-48-like genes from transmissible plasmids or chromosomes ofEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniaehave spread world-wide and are of concern. Dissecting theblaOXA-48-like genome architecture at the molecular level by combining short-read and long-read sequencing will lead to understanding trends in the plasmid reservoir ofE. coliandK. pneumoniaein the Netherlands and may enhance future international pathogen surveillance.
Portuguese Inguinal Hernia Cohort (PINE) study
Authors:   PT Surg – Portuguese Surgical Research Collaborative, Simões J , João AA , Azevedo JM , Peyroteo M , Cunha M , Vieira B , Gonçalves N , Costa J , Soares AS , Pimenta JS , Romano M , Cinza AM , Miguel I , Martins AR , Fialho G , Reia M , Borges FC , Monteiro CF , Soares AC , Sousa P , Frade S , Matos L , Carvas JM , Martins SF , Sousa X , Rodrigues C , Carvalho JR , Gil IC , Castro L , Rombo N , Quintela AC , Ribeiro HM , Parreira R , Santos P , Caires F , Torre A , Rodrigues SC , Guimarães AH , Carvalho MF , Pimentel MA , Santos DC , Ramos CF , Cunha C , Azevedo C.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Recent comprehensive guidelines have been published on the management of inguinal hernia. Contrary to other European countries, no Portuguese hernia registry exists. This represents an opportunity to assess outcomes of hernia surgery in the Portuguese population. The primary aim is to define the prevalence of chronic pain after elective inguinal hernia repair. The secondary aims are to identify risk factors for chronic pain after elective inguinal hernia repair, to characterise the management of elective inguinal hernia in public Portuguese hospitals.

Methods

Prospective national cohort study of patients submitted to elective inguinal hernia repair. The primary outcome is the prevalence of chronic postoperative inguinal pain, according to the EuraHS QoL questionnaire at 3 months postoperatively. The study will be delivered in all Portuguese regions through a collaborative research network. Four 2-week inclusion periods will be open for recruitment. A site-specific questionnaire will capture procedure volume and logistical facilities for hernia surgery.

Conclusion

This protocol describes the methodology of a prospective cohort study on the elective management of inguinal hernia. It discusses key challenges and describes how the results will impact future investigation. The study will be conducted across a nationwide collaborative research network, with prospective quality assurance and data validation strategies. It will provide the basis for a more accurate prediction of chronic postoperative inguinal pain and the research on adequate patient selection strategies for surgery and therapeutic strategies for postoperative pain.
Microparticle-based Biochemical Sensing Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Deep Learning
Authors: Shah Shreyas , Yu Chun-Nam , Zheng Mingde , Kim Heejong , Eggleston Michael S.
Published: December 2020

Advancing continuous health monitoring beyond vital signs to biochemistry will revolutionize personalized medicine. Herein, we report a novel platform to achieve remote biochemical monitoring using microparticle-based biosensors and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Stimuli-responsive, polymeric microparticles were designed to serve as freely-dispersible biorecognition units, wherein binding with a target biochemical induces volumetric changes of the microparticle. Analytical approaches to detect these sub-micron changes in 3D using OCT were devised by modeling the microparticle as an optical cavity, enabling estimations far below the resolution of the OCT system. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the 3D spatiotemporal monitoring of glucose-responsive microparticles distributed throughout a tissue-mimic in response to dynamically-fluctuating levels of glucose. Deep learning was further implemented using 3D convolutional neural networks to automate the vast processing of the continuous stream of three-dimensional time series data, resulting in a robust end-to-end pipeline with immense potential for continuousin vivobiochemical monitoring.
The Ca2+-activated cation channel TRPM4 is a positive regulator of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Guo Yang , Yu Ze-Yan , Wu Jianxin , Gong Hutao , Kesteven Scott , Iismaa Siiri E. , Chan Andrea Y. , Holman Sara , Pinto Silvia , Pironet Andy , Cox Charles D. , Graham Robert M. , Vennekens Rudi , Feneley Michael P. , Martinac Boris
Published: December 2020

Pathological left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a consequence of pressure overload caused by systemic hypertension or aortic stenosis and is a strong predictor of cardiac failure and mortality. Understanding the molecular pathways in the development of pathological LVH may lead to more effective treatment. Here, we show that the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily melastatin 4 (TRPM4) ion channel is an important contributor to the mechanosensory transduction of pressure overload that induces LVH. In mice with pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for two weeks, cardiomyocyte TRPM4 expression was reduced, as compared to control mice. Cardiomyocyte-specific TRPM4 inactivation reduced by ~50% the degree of TAC-induced LVH, as compared with wild type (WT). In WT mice, TAC activated the CaMKIIδ-HDAC4-MEF2A but not the calcineurin-NFAT-GATA4 pathway. In TRPM4 knock-out mice, activation of the CaMKIIδ-HDAC4-MEF2A pathway by TAC was significantly reduced. However, consistent with a reduction in the known inhibitory effect of CaMKIIδ on calcineurin activity, reduction in the CaMKIIδ-HDAC4-MEF2A pathway was associated with partial activation of the calcineurin-NFAT-GATA4 pathway. These findings indicate that the TRPM4 channel and its cognate signalling pathway are potential novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of pathological pressure overload-induced LVH.

Significance statement

Pathological left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) occurs in response to pressure overload and remains the single most important clinical predictor of cardiac mortality. Preventing pressure overload LVH is a major goal of therapeutic intervention. Current treatments aim to remove the stimulus for LVH by lowering elevated blood pressure or replacing a stenotic aortic valve. However, neither of these interventions completely reverses adverse cardiac remodelling. Although numerous molecular signalling steps in the induction of LVH have been identified, the initial step by which mechanical stretch associated with cardiac pressure overload is converted into a chemical signal that initiates hypertrophic signalling, remains unresolved. Here, we demonstrate that the TRPM4 channel is a component of the mechanosensory transduction pathway that ultimately leads to LVH.
Analogous computations in working memory input, output and motor gating: Electrophysiological and computational modeling evidence
Authors: Rac-Lubashevsky Rachel , Frank Michael J.
Published: December 2020

Adaptive cognitive-control involves a hierarchical cortico-striatal gating system that supports selective updating, maintenance, and retrieval of useful cognitive and motor information. Here, we developed a task that independently manipulates selective gating operations into working-memory (input gating), from working-memory (output gating), and of responses (motor gating) and tested the neural dynamics and computational principles that support them. Increases in gating demands, captured by gate switches, were expressed by distinct EEG correlates at each gating level that evolved dynamically in partially overlapping time windows. Further, categorical representations of specific maintained items and of motor responses could be decoded from EEG when the corresponding gate was switching, thereby linking gating operations to prioritization. Finally, gate switching at all levels was related to increases in the motor decision threshold as quantified by the drift diffusion model. Together these results support the notion that cognitive gating operations scaffold on top of mechanisms involved in motor gating.

Author summary

How do humans decide which information is relevant to attend to in memory, which cognitive operation to take, and when? Flexibly updating, maintenance and retrieval of relevant information from working memory (WM) are thought to be managed by gating computations in the frontostriatal network, supporting higher order learning and cognitive flexibility. Using the reference-back-2 task, we tested the key properties of gating. Namely that they are selective (“content-addressable”) and that principles of cognitive “actions” (including input gating of WM, output gating from WM) are scaffold on top of the motor gating operations. Using trial-by-trial EEG indexing and quantitative computational modeling (the hierarchical drift-diffusion model) we showed that action selection at all three levels of gating have separable neural signatures but they operate partly in parallel, such that decisions about a response are processed to some degree even while the identity of the cognitive rule were uncertain. Furthermore, we showed analogous computations across levels of gating as selection of WM representation and of motor action lead to increase in the estimated decision threshold and to enhanced neural coding of the selected information thereby providing a novel link between WM gating and WM prioritization.
COVID-19 Network Model to Evaluate Vaccine Strategies towards Herd Immunity
Authors: Tetteh Josephine N. A. , Nguyen Van Kinh , Hernandez-Vargas Esteban A.
Published: December 2020

With more than 60 million confirmed cases and more than 1.5 million deaths, SARS-CoV-2 has paralyzed our societies, leading to self isolation and quarantine for several months. A COVID-19 vaccine remains a critical element in the eventual solution to this public health crisis. Two vaccines are ready to be mass produced and eventually supplied to the population. Here, we develop an epidemiological network model able to represent COVID-19 pandemic dynamics of different countries such as in Italy. Stochastic computational simulations identify the necessary number of vaccines and vaccine efficacy thresholds capable of preventing an epidemic whilst adhering to lockdown guidelines. Assuming a vaccine efficacy of 100% in a mass vaccination program, at least 60% of a given population should be vaccinated to obtain herd immunity. Otherwise, new waves of COVID-19 would be reported. However, reaching 60% of the population will be an unprecedented mass immunisation campaign that will take several months and millions of dollars. If the vaccine efficacy reports lower levels of efficacy in practice, then the coverage of vaccination would be needed to be even higher. Simulations suggest that the “Ring of Vaccination” strategy, vaccinating susceptible contact and contact of contacts, would be a more tractable vaccine strategy to prevent the new waves of COVID-19 meanwhile a high percent of the population is vaccinated.
Dynamic methylome modification is associated with mutational signatures in aging and the etiology of disease
Authors: Kumar Gayatri , Krishnasamy Kashyap , Pasha Naseer , Nagarajan Naveenkumar , Mam Bhavika , Kishinani Mahima , Vohra Vedanth , Jain Renuka , Patell Villoo Morawala
Published: December 2020

Reversible epigenetic changes within the loci of genes that regulate critical cell processes have recently emerged as important biomarkers of disease pathology. It is then natural to consider the consequences for population health risk of such epigenetic changes during the aging process. Specifically, the interplay between dynamic methylation changes that accompany aging and mutations that accrue in an individual’s genome over time need further investigation. The current study investigated the role of dynamic methylation acting together with gene variants in an individual over time to gain insight into the evolving epigenome–genome interplay that affects biochemical pathways controlling physiological processes during aging.

We completed a whole-genome methylation and variant analysis in a non-smoking Zoroastrian-Parsi individual, collecting two samples, 12 years apart (at 53 and 65 years respectively) (ZPMetG-Hv2a-1A (old, t0), ZPMetG-Hv2a-1B (recent, t0+12)) and analysing them using a GridION Nanopore sequencer at 13X genome coverage overall. We further identified the single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels in known CpG islands by employing the Genome Analysis Tool Kit (GATK) and MuTect2 variant-caller pipeline with the GRCh37 (patch 13) human genome as reference.

We found 5258 disease-relevant genes that had been differentially methylated in this individual over 12 years. Employing the GATK pipeline, we found 24,948 genes, corresponding to 4,58,148 variants, specific to ZPMetG-Hv2a-1B, indicating the presence of variants that had accrued over time. A fraction of the gene variants (242/24948) occurred within the CpG regions that were differentially methylated, with 67/247 exactly coincident with a CpG site. Our analysis yielded a critical cluster of 10 genes that were each significantly methylated and had variants at the CpG site or the ±4 bp CpG region window. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment network analysis as well as Reactome and STRING analysis of gene-specific variants indicated an impact on biological processes regulating the immune system, disease networks implicated in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and transcriptional control of processes regulating cellular senescence and longevity. Additional analysis of mutational signatures indicated a majority of C>T transitions followed by T>C transitions in the more recent sample, ZPMetG-Hv2a-1B.

Our current study provides additional insight into the aging methylome over time and the interplay between different methylation and gene variants in the etiology of disease.
Wnt3 expression as a readout of tissue stretching duringHydraregeneration
Authors: Ferenc Jaroslav , Papasaikas Panagiotis , Ferralli Jacqueline , Nakamura Yukio , Smallwood Sebastien , Tsiairis Charisios D.
Published: December 2020

Mechanical forces shape cell fate decisions during development and regeneration in many systems. Epithelial lumen volume changes, for example, generate mechanical forces that can be perceived by the surrounding tissue and integrated into cell fate decisions. Similar behavior occurs in regenerating Hydra tissue spheroids, where periodic osmotically driven inflation and deflation cycles generate mechanical stimuli in the form of tissue stretching. Using this model, we investigate how such mechanical input guides the de novo formation of differentiated body parts. We show that the expression of the organizer-defining factor Wnt3 functions as a quantitative readout of cellular stretching and, when supplied externally, enables successful regeneration without mechanical stimulation. This finding represents a previously undescribed cellular mechanism for converting mechanical stimuli to a biochemical signaling readout and guiding cell fate transitions. It also elucidates the role of mechanical oscillations in Hydra regeneration, which long remained unclear. The presence the Wnt/mechanics interplay in Hydra and its relatives underscores the ancient evolutionary history of this crosstalk, possibly extending back to the first metazoans. Since Wnt signaling crosstalks with cellular mechanics in various developmental and disease contexts, it can also represent a conserved feature of this signaling pathway.
Prolonged survival and response to tepotinib in a non-small-cell lung cancer patient with brain metastases harboring MET exon 14 mutation: a research report
Authors: Roth Katherine G. , Mambetsariev Isa , Salgia Ravi
Published: December 2020

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed the standard of care in lung cancer. A number of TKIs have been discovered that specifically target oncogenes, including MET receptor tyrosine kinase. Second-generation MET TKIs are showing improved efficacy over first-generation TKIs. Herein, we report a case of a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma harboring a MET exon 14 splice site mutation who has had prolonged disease control by a second-generation MET-TKI tepotinib. A 66-yr-old man was diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. He was started on carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab, but had severe toxicity. He was switched to pembrolizumab as his tumor was PD-L1 70%, and molecular testing was not yet performed because of insufficient tissue. A bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound was performed and a MET exon 14 splice site mutation was detected by next-generation sequencing. Upon progression, he was then enrolled in a clinical trial of tepotinib and continues with stable disease for more than 45 cycles and 31 mo. The MET receptor tyrosine kinase and the ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) have been implicated as oncogenes and drivers of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Newer MET TKIs including capmatinib and tepotinib more recently showed not only improved localized control and response, but early data suggests intracranial activity as compared to first-generation MET TKIs, both in the front-line and the refractory setting. This is a case report demonstrating an effective duration of response in a patient with widely metastatic lung adenocarcinoma harboring a MET exon 14 mutation.
Can Lean eliminate waste in urban logistics? A field study
Authors: Escuder Matias , Tanco Martin , Muñoz-Villamizar Andres , Santos Javier
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Urban logistics presents a series of challenges, as the interests of the different stakeholders are not always aligned. The aim of this research is to explore the potential of applying Lean principles to reduce waste in urban logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

As a structure for “going to gemba,” the authors implemented the shadowing technique to better understand the perspective of companies distributing products in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay. Then, meetings were conducted to validate the observations by the people shadowed.

Findings

The results show that most of shipper's time is dedicated to waiting (59%), which is followed by driving (22%), and only a small section of time was dedicated to unloading and verification activities (19%). Although collaborative solutions are needed along with the different stakeholders, this research highlights how deploying Lean thinking can improve significantly urban logistics achieving up to 25% improvement in the number of stores served per shift.

Practical implications

From an academic point of view, this study emphasizes the importance of continue applying and evaluating the Lean practices into transportation contexts. From a company's perspective, the authors have presented a list of propositions that can be implemented for carriers in order to reduce waste and/or improve the efficiency of the urban transportation process.

Originality/value

Based on the literature review carried out, the subject study of Lean and its application to urban logistics remains mostly unexplored in the scientific literature.
Cooking technology and female labor market outcomes in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Uchenna Efobi , Oluwabunmi Adejumo O.
Published: December 2020

The majority of households in the sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) region cook with solid fuel and other polluting fuels like kerosene, and women in this region spend more than 4 hr of their productive time in cooking activities with such energy sources. Such time input in cooking has a high cost on the labor market outcome of women. This study examines the long‐term relationship between cooking technology usage and women's labor market outcomes in 45 SSA countries for the period 2000–2017. The results show that cooking technology usage improves the female labor force participation rate, and reduces the labor force participation gap and female unemployment rate. This finding is consistent even when subjected to a battery of robustness checks. The study also finds some heterogeneous effects in the relationship by the economic structure of the sampled countries.
Continuous‐flow LVAD exchange to a different pump model: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the outcomes
Authors: Austin Melissa A. , Maynes Elizabeth J. , Gadda Marc N. , O'Malley Thomas J. , Morris Rohinton J. , Shah Mahek K. , Pirlamarla Preethi R. , Alvarez Rene J. , Entwistle John W. , Massey Howard Todd , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang
Published: December 2020

Despite improved outcomes of modern continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs), device exchange is still needed for various indications. While the majority of CF‐LVADs are exchanged to the same model, exchange to a different pump model is occasionally warranted. In this meta‐analysis, we sought to consolidate the existing evidence to better elucidate the indications and outcomes in these cases. A comprehensive systematic search of adult patient cohorts who underwent CF‐LVAD exchange to a different CF‐LVAD model was performed. Study‐level data from 10 studies comprising 98 patients were extracted and pooled for analysis. Mean patient age was 58 (95% CI: 48‐65) and 81% were male. Indication for initial CF‐LVAD was ischemic cardiomyopathy in 45% (34‐57). Initial device was HeartMate II LVAD (HMII) in 93 (94.9%) and HeartWare HVAD (HW) in 5 (5.1%) patients. After mean CF‐LVAD support time of 18.8 (15.2‐22.4) months, exchange indications included thrombosis in 71% (43‐89), infection in 21% (8‐47) and device malfunction in 12% (7‐21). HMII to HW exchange occurred in 53 (54.1%) patients, HMII to HeartMate III (HM3) in 32 (32.7%), and HM II to either HW or HM3 in 13 (13.2%) patients. Postoperatively, right ventricular assist device was required in 16% (8‐32). Overall, 20% (8‐40) of patients experienced a stroke, while HW patients had a significantly higher stroke incidence than HM3 patients (HW: 21% (8‐47) vs. HM3: 5% (1‐24), P < .01). Overall 30‐day mortality was 10% (6‐17), while HW had a significantly worse 30‐day mortality than HM3 (HW: 13% (7‐24) vs. HM3: 5% (1‐24), P = .03). Following device exchange from a different CF‐LVAD model, HM3 is associated with lower stroke and higher survival when compared to HW.
Presynaptic release‐regulating NMDA receptors in isolated nerve terminals: A narrative review
Authors: Pittaluga Anna
Published: December 2020

The existence of presynaptic, release‐regulating NMDA receptors in the CNS has been long matter of discussion. Most of the reviews dedicated to support this conclusion have preferentially focussed on the results from electrophysiological studies, paying little or no attention to the data obtained with purified synaptosomes, even though this experimental approach has been recognized as providing reliable information concerning the presence and the role of presynaptic release‐regulating receptors in the CNS. To fill the gap, this review is dedicated to summarising the results from studies with synaptosomes published during the last 40 years, which support the existence of auto and hetero NMDA receptors controlling the release of transmitters such as glutamate, GABA, dopamine, noradrenaline, 5‐HT, acetylcholine and peptides, in the CNS of mammals. The review also deals with the results from immunochemical studies in isolated nerve endings that confirm the functional observations.
Deciphering the role of epigenetic modifications in fatty liver disease: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Asllanaj Eralda , Amiri Masoud , Portilla‐Fernandez Eliana , Bramer Wichor M. , Nano Jana , Voortman Trudy , Pan Qiuwei , Ghanbari Mohsen
Published: December 2020

Background

Fatty liver disease (FLD), primarily nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common liver disorder that affects a quarter of the global population. NAFLD is a spectrum of disease ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which is associated with increased risk of developing liver cancer. Given that the pathogenic mechanisms of fatty liver remain largely elusive, it is important to further investigate potential underlying mechanisms including epigenetic modifications. Here, we performed a systematic review of human epigenetic studies on FLD presence.

Methods

Five bibliographic databases were screened until 28 August 2020. We included cross‐sectional, case‐control and cohort studies in humans that examined the association of epigenetic modifications including global, candidate or epigenome‐wide methylation of DNA, noncoding RNAs and histone modifications with FLD.

Results

In total 36 articles, based on 33 unique studies, consisting of 12 112 participants met the inclusion criteria. Among these, two recent epigenome‐wide association studies conducted among large population‐based cohorts have reported the association between cg06690548 (SLC7A11) and FLD. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated the association between microRNAs (miRNAs) and FLD, in which miR‐122, miR‐34a and miR‐192 were recognized as the most relevant miRNAs as biomarkers for FLD. We did not find any studies examining histone modifications in relation to FLD.

Conclusions

Cumulative evidence suggests a link between epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation and miRNAs, and FLD. Further efforts should investigate the molecular pathways by which these epigenetic markers may regulate FLD and also the potential role of histone modifications in FLD.
Regiominutus ventralis gen. et sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) infesting Aglaia elaeagnoides (Meliaceae) on the Andaman archipelago, India
Authors: Dubey Anil Kumar
Published: December 2020

Puparia and third instar of a new diminutive whitefly, Regiominutus ventralis gen. et sp. nov. found infesting underside leaves of Aglaia elaeagnoides (A. Juss) (Meliaceae) on the Andaman Islands, India, are diagnosed, described and discussed. Regiominutus gen. nov. differs from allied genera, Aleuroclava Singh, Aericerus Dubey, Aleuroparvus Dubey, Aleuropleurocelus Drews and Sampson and Tetralicia Harrison in having a submarginal ventral groove, from the former two in having a deflexed submargin and smaller ventral surface and from the latter two in having a caudal furrow. Affinities and differences of the new genus shared with related genera are discussed. Puparium characters observed in slide mounts versus scanning electron microscope (SEM) images are presented. Line drawings, habitus images and SEM, microphotographs of the type specimens are given for the new taxa. This is the first whitefly species to be recorded from this host plant.
Climate‐driven carry‐over effects negatively influence population growth rate in a food‐caching boreal passerine
Authors: Sutton Alex O. , Strickland Dan , Freeman Nikole E. , Norris D. Ryan
Published: December 2020

Understanding how events throughout the annual cycle are linked is important for predicting variation in individual fitness, but whether and how carry‐over effects scale up to influence population dynamics is poorly understood. Using 38 years of demographic data from Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, and a full annual cycle integrated population model, we examined the influence of environmental conditions and density on the population growth rate of Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis), a resident boreal passerine that relies on perishable cached food for over‐winter survival and late‐winter breeding. Our results demonstrate that fall environmental variables, most notably the number of freeze–thaw events, carried over to influence late‐winter fecundity, which, in turn, was the main vital rate driving population growth. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that warmer and more variable fall conditions accelerate the degradation of perishable stored food that is relied upon for successful reproduction. Future warming during the fall and winter may compromise the viability of cached food that requires consistent subzero temperatures for effective preservation, potentially exacerbating climate‐driven carry‐over effects that impact long‐term population dynamics.
Implementation Science Meets Software Development to Create eHealth Components for an Integrated Care Model for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Facilitated by eHealth: The SMILe Study as an Example
Authors: Leppla Lynn , Hobelsberger Sandra , Rockstein Dennis , Werlitz Viktor , Pschenitza Stefan , Heidegger Phillip , De Geest Sabina , Valenta Sabine , Teynor Alexandra ,   the SMILe study team
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To describe a process of creating eHealth components for an integrated care model using an agile software development approach, user‐centered design and, via the Behavior Change Wheel, behavior theory‐guided content development. Following the principles of implementation science and using the SMILe project (integrated care model for allogeneic stem cell transplantation facilitated by eHealth) as an example, this study demonstrates how to narrow the research‐to‐practice gap often encountered in eHealth projects.

Methods

We followed a four‐step process: (a) formation of an interdisciplinary team; (b) a contextual analysis to drive the development process via behavioral theory; (c) transfer of content to software following agile software development principles; and (d) frequent stakeholder and end user involvement following user‐centered design principles.

Findings

Our newly developed comprehensive development approach allowed us to create a running eHealth component and embed it in an integrated care model. An interdisciplinary team’s collaboration at specified interaction points supported clear, timely communication and interactions between the specialists. Because behavioral theory drove the content development process, we formulated user stories to define the software features, which were prioritized and iteratively developed using agile software development principles. A prototype intervention module has now been developed and received high ratings on the System Usability Scale after two rounds of usability testing.

Conclusions

Following an agile software development process, structured collaboration between nursing scientists and software specialists allowed our interdisciplinary team to develop meaningful, theory‐based eHealth components adapted to context‐specific needs.

Clinical Relevance

The creation of high‐quality, accurately fitting eHealth components specifically to be embedded in integrated care models should increase the chances of uptake, adoption, and sustainable implementation in clinical practice.
Nurses as agents of disruption: Operationalizing a framework to redress inequities in healthcare access among Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Horrill Tara C. , Martin Donna E. , Lavoie Josée G. , Schultz Annette S. H.
Published: December 2020

Health equity is a global concern. Although health equity extends far beyond the equitable distribution of healthcare, equitable access to healthcare is essential to the achievement of health equity. In Canada, Indigenous Peoples experience inequities in health and healthcare access. Cultural safety and trauma‐ and violence‐informed care have been proposed as models of care to improve healthcare access, yet practitioners lack guidance on how to implement these models. In this paper, we build upon an existing framework of equity‐oriented care for primary healthcare settings by proposing strategies to guide nurses in operationalizing cultural safety and trauma‐ and violence‐informed care into nursing practice at the individual level. This component is one strategy to redress inequitable access to care among Indigenous Peoples in Canada. We conceptualize barriers to accessing healthcare as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural. We then define three domains for nursing action: practicing reflexivity, prioritizing relationships, and considering the context. We have applied this expanded framework within the context of Indigenous Peoples in Canada as a way of illustrating specific concepts and focusing our argument; however, this framework is relevant to other groups experiencing marginalizing conditions and inequitable access to healthcare, and thus is applicable to many areas of nursing practice.
Genetic effects of allergen‐specific IgE levels on exhaled nitric oxide in schoolchildren with asthma: The STOPPA twin study
Authors: Hedman Anna M. , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Örtqvist Anne K. , van Hage Marianne , Almqvist Catarina , Nordlund Björn
Published: December 2020

Background

Exhaled nitric oxide and blood eosinophils are clinical asthma T‐helper type 2 markers in use. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is often involved in the inflammation associated with atopic asthma. The effect of both blood eosinophils and allergen‐specific IgE on exhaled nitric oxide levels is not completely understood. Twin‐design studies can improve understanding of the underlying contribution of genetically and/or environmentally driven inflammation markers in asthma. Our aim was to disentangle the covariance between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide into genetic and environmental contributions that can account for inflammation markers in a paediatric population.

Methods

This population‐based, cross‐sectional twin study enrolled 612 monozygotic (MZ) and same‐sex dizygotic (DZ) schoolchildren. Multivariate structural equation modelling was utilized to separate the covariance between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide into genetic and/or environmental effects, taking allergen‐specific IgE level and blood eosinophil count into account while controlling for confounding factors.

Results

The cross‐twin/cross‐trait correlations had a higher magnitude in the MZ twins than in the DZ twins, indicating that genes affect the association. The likelihood ratio test for model fitting resulted in the AE model (ie additive genetic effects, A, and non‐shared environmental effects, E) as the most parsimonious. A majority, 73%, of the phenotypic correlation between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide, r = .19 (0.05‐0.33), was attributable to genetic effects which mainly was due to the allergen‐specific IgE level.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the association between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide in children is to a large extent explained by genetics via allergen‐specific IgE level and not blood eosinophils. This might partly explain the clinical heterogeneity in this group. A next step could be to include allergen‐specific IgE level in multivariate omic studies.
Idioblasts and peltate hairs as distribution networks for water absorbed by xerophilous leaves
Authors: Losada Juan M. , Díaz Miriam , Holbrook N. Michele
Published: December 2020

Capparis odoratissima is a tree species native to semi‐arid environments of South America where low soil water availability coexists with frequent night‐time fog. A previous study showed that water applied to leaf surfaces enhanced leaf hydration, photosynthesis and growth, but the mechanisms of foliar water uptake are unknown. Here, we combine detailed anatomical evaluations with water and dye uptake experiments in the laboratory, and use immunolocalization of pectin and arabinogalactan protein epitopes to characterize water uptake pathways in leaves. Abaxially, the leaves of C. odoratissima are covered with peltate hairs, while the adaxial surfaces are glabrous. Both surfaces are able to absorb condensed water, but the abaxial surface has higher rates of water uptake. Thousands of idioblasts per cm2, a higher density than stomata, connect the adaxial leaf surface and the abaxial peltate hairs, both of which contain hygroscopic substances such as arabinogalactan proteins and pectins. The highly specialized anatomy of the leaves of C odoratissima fulfils the dual function of minimizing water loss when stomata are closed, while maintaining the ability to absorb liquid water. Cell‐wall related hygroscopic compounds in the peltate hairs and idioblasts create a network of microchannels that maintain leaf hydration and promote water uptake.
Effect of preconditioning exercise on biceps brachii myotendinous junction displacement during elbow flexor eccentric exercise
Authors: Ho Chih‐Chiao , Nosaka Kazunori , Tseng Kou‐Wei , Tseng Wei‐Chin , Lau Wing‐Yin , Bogdanis Gregory C. , Chen Trevor C.
Published: December 2020

The present study tested the hypothesis that 30 low‐intensity (10%) eccentric contractions (10%EC) or two maximal voluntary isometric contractions at a long muscle length (2MVIC) that were performed at two days before maximal eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors consisting of five sets of six maximal eccentric contractions (MaxEC) would reduce increases in biceps brachii distal myotendinous junction displacement (MTJd) over the eccentric contractions during MaxEC. Sedentary young men were randomly placed (n = 12/group) to a control group that performed two bouts of MaxEC (CONT‐1st, CONT‐2nd) separated by two weeks, or one of two preconditioning groups that performed 10%EC or 2MVIC at 20° elbow flexion at two days prior to MaxEC. All exercises were performed by the non‐dominant arm. MTJd of each contraction was assessed by B‐mode ultrasound, and its changes over sets were compared among the groups. The average MTJd from the start to the end of six eccentric contractions in the first set was similar among the groups (6.4 ± 0.7 mm). The MTJd increased from the first to fifth set, but the increase was smaller (P < .05) for the 10%EC (13 ± 6%) and 2MVIC (16 ± 9%) groups, and CONT‐2nd (3 ± 6%) when compared with CONT‐1st (60 ± 12%). Both 10%EC and 2MVIC groups showed smaller (P < .05) changes in all muscle damage markers after MaxEC similarly when compared with CONT‐1st, but the changes were greater than those after CONT‐2nd. These results supported the hypothesis that protective effect was associated with less MTJd changes, suggesting that this is associated with the mechanisms underpinning the preconditioning effect on muscle damage.
Some characteristics of crossing over in induced recombination between chromosomes of wheat and rye
Authors: Fan Chaolan , Hao Ming , Jia Zhenyu , Neri Christian , Chen Xue , Chen Wenshuai , Liu Dengcai , Lukaszewski Adam J.
Published: December 2020

Allopolyploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) carries three pairs of homoeologous genomes but its meiotic pairing is diploid‐like. This is the effect of the Ph (pairing homoeologous) system which restricts chromosome pairing to strictly homologous. Ph1 is the locus with the strongest effect. Disabling Ph1 permits pairing between homoeologues and is routinely used in chromosome engineering to introgress alien variation into breeding stocks. Whereas the efficiency of Ph1 and the general pattern of homoeologous crossovers in its absence are quite well known from numerous studies, other characteristics of such crossovers remain unknown. This study analyzed the crossover points in four sets of the ph1b‐induced recombinants between wheat homologues as well as between three wheat and rye (Secale cereale) homoeologous chromosome arms, and compared them to crossovers between homologues in a reference wheat population. The results show the Ph1 locus also controls crossing over of homologues, and the general patterns of homologous (with Ph1) and homoeologous (with ph1b) crossing over are the same. In all intervals analyzed, homoeologous crossovers fell within the range of frequency distribution of homologous crossovers among individual families of the reference population. No specific DNA sequence characteristics were identified that could be recognized by the Ph1 locus; the only difference between homologous and homoeologous crossing over appears to be in frequency. It is concluded that the Ph1 locus likely recognizes DNA sequence similarity; crossing over is permitted between very similar sequences. In the absence of Ph1 dissimilarities are ignored, in proportion to the level of the sequence divergence.
Light sensitivity changes during dormancy induction in Polygonum aviculare L. seeds: development of a predictive model of annual changes in seed‐bank light sensitivity in relation to soil temperature
Authors: Malavert Cristian , Batlla Diego , Benech‐Arnold Roberto L.
Published: December 2020

Seeds of weed species require light to terminate dormancy and give way to germination. It is documented that sensitivity to light in Polygonum aviculare seeds increases during dormancy release. However, it is not known whether this sensitivity is lost during dormancy induction. The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify the changes in dormancy level of P. aviculare seeds during secondary dormancy induction as measured by changes in sensitivity to light in relation to soil temperature. Polygonum aviculare seeds were stratified at 5ºC until obtaining a minimum dormancy level. The seeds were then induced into secondary dormancy by burying them in pots containing soil which were stored at 10, 15, 20 and 25ºC for different time‐periods. Polygonum aviculare seeds were exhumed periodically, exposed to different light treatments (Pfr/Ptotal‐pythochrome = 0.76, 0.03 and 7.6 × 10−4) or darkness, and incubated at 15ºC to test germination. Our results showed that the high sensitivity to light acquired during dormancy release and decreased during dormancy induction at a rate that was temperature‐dependent. These changes in sensitivity to light were quantified as a function of the accumulation of thermal‐time over a base‐temperature of 7.9ºC during dormancy induction and were coupled with previous thermal‐time index established for the dormancy release process. Both thermal‐time indices allowed us to develop a model for the prediction of cyclic changes in sensitivity to light in relation to the thermal environment experienced by the seeds during burial. This model constitutes a valuable tool for predicting weed emergence in the field and to design management practices accordingly.
Physiological roles of heteromerization: focus on the two‐pore domain potassium channels
Authors: Khoubza Lamyaa , Chatelain Franck C. , Feliciangeli Sylvain , Lesage Florian , Bichet Delphine
Published: December 2020

Potassium channels form the largest family of ion channels with more than 80 members involved in cell excitability and signalling. Most of them exist as homomeric channels, whereas specific conditions are required to obtain heteromeric channels. It is well established that heteromerization of voltage‐gated and inward rectifier potassium channels affects their function, increasing the diversity of the native potassium currents. For potassium channels with two pore domains (K2P), homomerization has long been considered the rule, their polymodal regulation by a wide diversity of physical and chemical stimuli being responsible for the adaptation of the leak potassium currents to cellular needs. This view has recently evolved with the accumulation of evidence of heteromerization between different K2P subunits. Several functional intragroup and intergroup heteromers have recently been identified, which contribute to the functional heterogeneity of this family. K2P heteromerization is involved in the modulation of channel expression and trafficking, promoting functional and signalling diversity. As illustrated in the Abstract Figure, heteromerization of TREK1 and TRAAK provides the cell with more possibilities of regulation. It is becoming increasingly evident that K2P heteromers contribute to important physiological functions including neuronal and cardiac excitability. Since heteromerization also affects the pharmacology of K2P channels, this understanding helps to establish K2P heteromers as new therapeutic targets for physiopathological conditions.

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Techno-Economic Assessment of Enamel Heat Pipe Exchanger in a Combined Heat and Power Plant With Back Pressure Turbine
Authors: Zhang Siwen , Song Guohui , Xue Zhihui
Published: December 2020

The enamel heat pipe exchanger (EHPE) is a promising technology for waste heat recovery of coal-fired flue gas due to its abilities to resist acid corrosion, erosive wear, and ash deposit. This article presents a techno-economic assessment of EHPE based on an existing 135 t/h combined heat and power plant (CHP). The results indicated that over the 50–70 °C exhaust temperature range of flue gas, the application of EHPE could obviously improve the energy efficiency and slightly promote the exergy efficiency. The energy and exergy efficiencies gradually increase with the decrease in the exhaust temperature. However, the increased revenue by fuel saving could be totally offset by the decreased revenue in electricity selling. The net annual revenue would probably turn to be negative when coal price is low and electricity price is relatively high. One should pay more attention to the economic aspects for the application of EHPE.
Enhancing Payload Capacity With Dual-Arm Manipulation and Adaptable Mechanical Intelligence
Authors: Kim Raymond , Balakirsky Stephen , Ahlin Konrad , Marcum Matthew , Mazumdar Anirban
Published: December 2020

Individual manipulators are limited by their vertical total load capacity. This places a fundamental limit on the weight of loads that a single manipulator can move. Cooperative manipulation with two arms has the potential to increase the net weight capacity of the overall system. However, it is critical that proper load sharing takes place between the two arms. In this work, we outline a method that utilizes mechanical intelligence in the form of a whiffletree. This system enables load sharing that is robust to position deviations between the two arms. The whiffletree utilizes pneumatic tool changers which enable autonomous attachment/detachment. We outline the overall design of a whiffletree for dual-arm manipulation. We also illustrate how this type of mechanical intelligence can greatly simplify cooperative control. Lastly, we use physical experiments to illustrate enhanced load capacity. Specifically, we show how two UR5 manipulators can re-position a 7 kg load. This load would exceed the weight capacity of a single arm, and we show that the average forces on each arm remain below this level and are relatively evenly distributed.