bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extensive transcriptomic profiling of pupal diapause in a butterfly reveals a dynamic phenotype
Authors: Pruisscher Peter , Lehmann Philipp , Nylin Sören , Gotthard Karl , Wheat Christopher W.
Published: December 2021

Diapause is a common adaptation for overwintering in insects that is characterized by arrested development and increased tolerance to stress and cold. While the expression of specific candidate genes during diapause have been investigated, there is no general understanding of the dynamics of the transcriptional landscape as a whole during the extended diapause phenotype. Such a detailed temporal insight is important as diapause is a vital aspect of life cycle timing. Here, we performed a time‐course experiment using RNA‐Seq on the head and abdomen in the butterfly Pieris napi. In both body parts, comparing diapausing and nondiapausing siblings, differentially expressed genes are detected from the first day of pupal development and onwards, varying dramatically across these formative stages. During diapause there are strong gene expression dynamics present, revealing a preprogrammed transcriptional landscape that is active during the winter. Different biological processes appear to be active in the two body parts. Finally, adults emerging from either the direct or diapause pathways do not show large transcriptomic differences, suggesting the adult phenotype is strongly canalized.
Stable inversion clines in a grasshopper species group despite complex geographical history
Authors: Guzmán Noelia V. , Kemppainen Petri , Monti Daniela , Castillo Elio R. D. , Rodriguero Marcela S. , Sánchez‐Restrepo Andrés F. , Cigliano Maria Marta , Confalonieri Viviana A.
Published: December 2021

Chromosomal inversions are known to play roles in adaptation and differentiation in many species. They involve clusters of correlated genes (i.e., loci in linkage disequilibrium, LD) possibly associated with environmental variables. The grasshopper “species complex”Trimerotropis pallidipenniscomprises several genetic lineages distributed from North to South America in arid and semi‐arid high‐altitude environments. The southernmost lineage,Trimerotropissp., segregates for four to seven putative inversions that display clinal variation, possibly through adaptation to temperate environments. We analysed chromosomal, mitochondrial and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism data in 19 Trimerotropissp. populations mainly distributed along two altitudinal gradients (MS and Ju). Populations across Argentina comprise two main chromosomally and genetically differentiated lineages: one distributed across the southernmost border of the “Andes Centrales,” adding evidence for a differentiation hotspot in this area; and the other widely distributed in Argentina. Within the latter, network analytical approaches to LD found three clusters of correlated loci (LD‐clusters), with inversion karyotypes explaining >79% of the genetic variation. Outlier loci associated with environmental variables mapped to two of these LD‐clusters. Furthermore, despite the complex geographical history indicated by population genetic analyses, the clines in inversion karyotypes have remained stable for more than 20 generations, implicating their role in adaptation and differentiation within this lineage. We hypothesize that these clines could be the consequence of a coupling between extrinsic postzygotic barriers and spatially varying selection along environmental gradients resulting in a hybrid zone. These results provide a framework for future investigations about candidate genes implicated in rapid adaptation to new environments.
Environmentally associated chromosomal structural variation influences fine‐scale population structure of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Watson K. Beth , Lehnert Sarah J. , Bentzen Paul , Kess Tony , Einfeldt Antony , Duffy Steven , Perriman Ben , Lien Sigbjørn , Kent Matthew , Bradbury Ian R.
Published: December 2021

Chromosomal rearrangements (e.g., inversions, fusions, and translocations) have long been associated with environmental variation in wild populations. New genomic tools provide the opportunity to examine the role of these structural variants in shaping adaptive differences within and among wild populations of non‐model organisms. In Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), variations in chromosomal rearrangements exist across the species natural range, yet the role and importance of these structural variants in maintaining adaptive differences among wild populations remains poorly understood. We genotyped Atlantic Salmon (n = 1429) from 26 populations within a highly genetically structured region of southern Newfoundland, Canada with a 220K SNP array. Multivariate analysis, across two independent years, consistently identified variation in a structural variant (translocation between chromosomes Ssa01 and Ssa23), previously associated with evidence of trans‐Atlantic secondary contact, as the dominant factor influencing population structure in the region. Redundancy analysis suggested that variation in the Ssa01/Ssa23 chromosomal translocation is strongly correlated with temperature. Our analyses suggest environmentally mediated selection acting on standing genetic variation in genomic architecture introduced through secondary contact may underpin fine‐scale local adaptation in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, Canada, a large and deep embayment, highlighting the importance of chromosomal structural variation as a driver of contemporary adaptive divergence.
“I might not fit that doctor image”: Ideal worker norms and women medical students
Authors: Blalock A. Emiko , Smith Margaret Chandler , Patterson B. R. , Greenberg Amy , Smith Brandon R. G. , Choi Christine
Published: December 2021

Despite the increasing numbers of women students in medical schools, focused attention on their perceptions about medical school and the medical profession remain underexamined. These perceptions are important to understand, particularly since women students are likely burdened with a host of gender norms related to work, family, and their future roles as physicians. Early experiences in medical school offer important insights into the larger student experience and are tied to academic outcomes and feelings of belonging. To examine early experiences of women medical students, this qualitative study used sensemaking theory to describe the current context and “story” of ideal worker norms. Critical qualitative interviews of 38 women students were performed during their first 2 months of medical school and explored both how the students perceived and experienced ideal worker norms, and how they made sense of the “story” of ideal worker norms. The participants described ways they encountered gendering and ideal worker norms through displays of nurturing behaviour, expectations to balance a future family, and whether they looked or acted the part of a doctor. This article highlights the challenges women medical students are already aware they will face, the opportunities they look forward to, and the strengths they anticipate leaning on to navigate their profession. Results from this study have implications for women medical students' learning experiences and transitions into medical school and for faculty, staff, and scholars concerned with challenging gendering norms that shape medical education.
Manganese transport by Streptococcus sanguinis in acidic conditions and its impact on growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Puccio Tanya , An Seon‐Sook , Schultz Alexander C. , Lizarraga Claudia A. , Bryant Ashley S. , Culp David J. , Burne Robert A. , Kitten Todd
Published: December 2021

Streptococcus sanguinis is an oral commensal and an etiological agent of infective endocarditis. Previous studies have identified the SsaACB manganese transporter as essential for endocarditis virulence; however, the significance of SsaACB in the oral environment has never been examined. Here we report that a ΔssaACB deletion mutant of strain SK36 exhibits reduced growth and manganese uptake under acidic conditions. Further studies revealed that these deficits resulted from the decreased activity of TmpA, shown in the accompanying paper to function as a ZIP‐family manganese transporter. Transcriptomic analysis of fermentor‐grown cultures of SK36 WT and ΔssaACB strains identified pH‐dependent changes related to carbon catabolite repression in both strains, though their magnitude was generally greater in the mutant. In strain VMC66, which possesses a MntH transporter, loss of SsaACB did not significantly alter growth or cellular manganese levels under the same conditions. Interestingly, there were only modest differences between SK36 and its ΔssaACB mutant in competition with Streptococcus mutans in vitro and in a murine oral colonization model. Our results suggest that the heterogeneity of the oral environment may provide a rationale for the variety of manganese transporters found in S. sanguinis.
Protein phosphatase SppA regulates apical growth and dephosphorylates cell polarity determinant DivIVA in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Passot Fanny M. , Cantlay Stuart , Flärdh Klas
Published: December 2021

Members of the Actinobacteria, including mycobacteria and streptomycetes, exhibit a distinctive mode of polar growth, with cell wall synthesis occurring in zones at cell poles and directed by the essential cell polarity determinant DivIVA. Streptomyces coelicolor modulates polar growth via the Ser/Thr protein kinase AfsK, which phosphorylates DivIVA. Here, we show that the phosphoprotein phosphatase SppA has strong effects on polar growth and cell shape and that it reverses the AfsK‐mediated phosphorylation of DivIVA. SppA affects hyphal branching and the rate of tip extension. The sppA mutant hyphae also exhibit a high frequency of spontaneous growth arrests, indicating problems with maintenance of tip extension. The phenotypic effects are partially suppressed in an afsK sppA double mutant, indicating that AfsK and SppA to some extent share target proteins. Strains with a nonphosphorylatable mutant DivIVA confirm that the effect of afsK on hyphal branching during normal growth is mediated by DivIVA phosphorylation. However, the phenotypic effects of sppA deletion are independent of DivIVA phosphorylation and must be mediated via other substrates. This study adds a PPP‐family protein phosphatase to the proteins involved in the control of polar growth and cell shape determination in S. coelicolor.
A cross‐scale approach to unravel the molecular basis of plant phenology in temperate and tropical climates
Authors: Satake Akiko , Nagahama Ai , Sasaki Eriko
Published: December 2021

Plants have evolved to time their leafing, flowering and fruiting in appropriate seasons for growth, reproduction and resting. As a consequence of their adaptation to geographically different environments, there is a rich diversity in plant phenology from temperate and tropical climates. Recent progress in genetic and molecular studies will provide numerous opportunities to study the genetic basis of phenological traits and the history of adaptation of phenological traits to seasonal and aseasonal environments. Integrating molecular data with long‐term phenology and climate data into predictive models will be a powerful tool to forecast future phenological changes in the face of global environmental change. Here, we review the cross‐scale approach from genes to plant communities from three aspects: the latitudinal gradient of plant phenology at the community level, the environmental and genetic factors underlying the diversity of plant phenology, and an integrated approach to forecast future plant phenology based on genetically informed knowledge. Synthesizing the latest knowledge about plant phenology from molecular, ecological and mathematical perspectives will help us understand how natural selection can lead to the further evolution of the gene regulatory mechanisms in phenological traits in future forest ecosystems.
FLA11 and FLA12 glycoproteins fine‐tune stem secondary wall properties in response to mechanical stresses
Authors: Ma Yingxuan , MacMillan Colleen P. , de Vries Lisanne , Mansfield Shawn D. , Hao Pengfei , Ratcliffe Julian , Bacic Antony , Johnson Kim L.
Published: December 2021

Secondary cell walls (SCWs) in stem xylem vessel and fibre cells enable plants to withstand the enormous compressive forces associated with upright growth. It remains unclear if xylem vessel and fibre cells can directly sense mechanical stimuli and modify their SCW during development.

We provide evidence that Arabidopsis SCW‐specific Fasciclin‐Like Arabinogalactan‐proteins 11 (FLA11) and 12 (FLA12) are possible cell surface sensors regulating SCW development in response to mechanical stimuli. Plants overexpressing FLA11 (OE‐FLA11) showed earlier SCW development compared to the wild‐type (WT) and altered SCW properties that phenocopy WT plants under compression stress. By contrast, OE‐FLA12 stems showed higher cellulose content compared to WT plants, similar to plants experiencing tensile stress.

fla11, OE‐FLA11, fla12, and OE‐FLA12 plants showed altered SCW responses to mechanical stress compared to the WT. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA‐seq analysis revealed the up‐regulation of genes and pathways involved in stress responses and SCW synthesis and regulation. Analysis of OE‐FLA11 nst1 nst3 plants suggests that FLA11 regulation of SCWs is reliant on classical transcriptional networks.

Our data support the involvement of FLA11 and FLA12 in SCW sensing complexes to fine‐tune both the initiation of SCW development and the balance of lignin and cellulose synthesis/deposition in SCWs during development and in response to mechanical stimuli.
The miR156b‐GmSPL9d module modulates nodulation by targeting multiple core nodulation genes in soybean
Authors: Yun Jinxia , Sun Zhengxi , Jiang Qiong , Wang Youning , Wang Can , Luo Yuanqing , Zhang Fengrong , Li Xia
Published: December 2021

Symbiotic nodulation is initiated in the roots of legumes in response to low nitrogen and rhizobial signal molecules and is dynamically regulated by a complex regulatory network that coordinates rhizobial infection and nodule organogenesis.

It has been shown that the miR156‐SPL module mediates nodulation in legumes; however, conclusive evidence of how this module exerts its function during nodulation remains elusive.

Here, we report that the miR156b‐GmSPL9d module regulates symbiotic nodulation by targeting multiple key regulatory genes in the nodulation signalling pathway of soybean. miR156 family members are differentially expressed during nodulation, and miR156b negatively regulates nodulation by mainly targeting soybean SQUAMOSA promoter‐binding protein‐like 9d (GmSPL9d), a positive regulator of soybean nodulation. GmSPL9d directly binds to the miR172c promoter and activates its expression, suggesting a conserved role of GmSPL9d. Furthermore, GmSPL9d was coexpressed with the soybean nodulation marker genes nodule inception a (GmNINa) and GmENOD40‐1 during nodule formation and development. Intriguingly, GmSPL9d can bind to the promoters of GmNINa and GmENOD40‐1 and regulate their expression.

Our data demonstrate that the miR156b‐GmSPL9d module acts as an upstream master regulator of soybean nodulation, which coordinates multiple marker genes involved in soybean nodulation.
A 3D mirroring and colormap asymmetry study of Class II subdivision patients
Authors: Apostolopoulos Konstantinos , Palomo Juan Martin , Rizzante Fabio Antonio Piola , Pugliese Fernando
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion present skeletal and dental asymmetries. The purpose of this study is to assess those asymmetries by 3D mirroring and colormap quantification.

Methods

This study analyzed 50 initial CBCTs divided into two groups: Class I (control group) and Class II subdivision (study group) malocclusion patients. CBCTs were oriented and full skull was segmented generating a 3D model. The right side of the 3D models was mirrored, using a midsagittal plane as reference, resulting in a perfectly symmetric skull based on two right sides. Original and mirrored models were superimposed on the unchanged right half, and differences were quantified using a colormap. Eight regions of interest were assessed: gonion, mandibular front, maxillary front, zygomatic process, maxillary and mandibular canine and molar areas.

Results

Statistically significant differences using the Mann‐Whitney test were found in six of the eight evaluated areas when comparing the control to the study group. The maxillary skeletal areas did not show any difference between the groups.

Conclusions

Patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion show true skeletal and dental asymmetries when comparing right and left sides. The maxilla showed no significant skeletal asymmetry, but the maxillary teeth were positioned more mesially on the Class II side. The maxillary canine on the Class II side was also more bucally positioned. The mandible showed significant asymmetries with both skeletal and dental areas in the Class II side more distally and bucally positioned.
Molar tooth shortening induces learning and memory impairment in Wistar rat
Authors: Ebrahimpour Shiva , Esmaeili Abolghasem , Esmaeili Ali , Sattari Kimiya , Forouzandeh Hafshejani Kimiya
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between different patterns of molar crown loss and the association between symmetrical and asymmetrical shortening molar teeth with memory impairment.

Materials and methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 10) including control, SLM (shortened left molar), SRM (shortened right molar), and SBM (shortened bilateral molar) groups. Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance test (PAT) were performed to assess spatial and fear memory, respectively. Besides, histological assessment of hippocampus and gingival tissues was done.

Results

In the MWM test, SBM and SLM groups had higher escape latency over training trials and spent less time in the target quadrant in the probe trial (p < 0.01). In the PAT, step‐through latency was significantly reduced in three groups, and time spent in the dark compartment increased in SBM (p < 0.01) and SLM (p < 0.05) groups. In addition, each teeth shortening group indicated a reduction in density (p < 0.01) and thickness layer (p < 0.05) of pyramidal cells. Gingival was normal after shortening of the molar crown.

Conclusions

Different patterns of molar teeth shortening induced learning and memory impairment; however, symmetrical molar teeth shortening has more effects on memory impairment.
Fsr quorum sensing system modulates the temporal development of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm matrix
Authors: Ali Islam A. A. , Lévesque Celine M. , Neelakantan Prasanna
Published: December 2021

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell‐to‐cell communication process that regulates major pathogenic attributes in bacteria including biofilm formation, secretion of virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance. The two‐component Fsr–QS system of the nosocomial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis controls the production of extracellular gelatinase that contributes to biofilm development by enhancing the release of nucleic acids into the biofilm matrix. However, the contribution of this system to the deposition of other biofilm matrix components such as polysaccharides and proteins remains unknown. Using wild type and mutant strains, we discovered that biofilm formation was attenuated by inactivation of the Fsr system or its downstream gelatinase production. Inactivation of the Fsr system caused a modest, yet significant reduction in biofilm metabolic activity without affecting cell counts. Inactivation of the QS‐signal sensor FsrC and response regulator FsrA resulted in decreased extracellular polysaccharides and proteins in biofilms in a temporal manner. Irrespective of biofilm age, eDNA levels were reduced in the gelatinase mutant strain. Our results collectively suggest that the Fsr system contributes to the temporal deposition of polysaccharides and proteins into the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) of E. faecalis biofilm, without affecting bacterial viability. This understanding of the role of the Fsr–QS system in biofilm development may reveal a novel target to develop effective antibiofilm agents to tackle E. faecalis‐mediated infections such as in dental root canals, heart valves, and surgical sites.
Technical notes on prism‐dioptre and Prentice's rule
Authors: Faria‐e‐Sousa Sidney J
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To show an alternative interpretation for prism‐dioptre and access Prentice's rule accuracy.

Methods

Algebraic calculation.

Results

The prism‐dioptre can be expressed as a percentage of the distance between the prism and the plane of prismatic dislocation. Prentice's rule is an imprecise mathematical expression prone to expressive errors.

Conclusions

The prism‐dioptre seems to be more informative when interpreted as a percentage. Prentice's rule is more effective as a pedagogical approach for introducing the concept of spherical lenses' prismatic image dislocation rather than a method for calculating its actual value.
Binocular visual function and fixational control in patients with macular disease: A review
Authors: Sverdlichenko Irina , Mandelcorn Mark S , Issashar Leibovitzh Galia , Mandelcorn Efrem D , Markowitz Samuel N , Tarita‐Nistor Luminita
Published: December 2021

For normally sighted observers, the centre of the macula—the fovea—provides the sharpest vision and serves as the reference point for the oculomotor system. Typically, healthy observers have precise oculomotor control and binocular visual performance that is superior to monocular performance. These functions are disturbed in patients with macular disease who lose foveal vision. An adaptation to central vision loss is the development of a preferred retinal locus (PRL) in the functional eccentric retina, which is determined with a fixation task during monocular viewing. Macular disease often affects the two eyes unequally, but its impact on binocular function and fixational control is poorly understood. Given that patients’ natural viewing condition is binocular, the aim of this article was to review current research on binocular visual function and fixational oculomotor control in macular disease. Our findings reveal that there is no overall binocular gain across a range of visual functions, although clear evidence exists for subgroups of patients who exhibit binocular summation or binocular inhibition, depending on the clinical characteristics of their two eyes. The monocular PRL of the better eye has different characteristics from that of the worse eye, but during binocular viewing the PRL of the better eye drives fixational control and may serve as the new reference position for the oculomotor system. We conclude that evaluating binocular function in patients with macular disease reveals important clinical aspects that otherwise cannot be determined solely from examining monocular functions, and can lead to better disease management and interventions.
Proprioceptive and Clinical Outcomes after Remnant Preserved Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Assessment with Minimal Confounding Factors
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Li Chunbao , Ma Ning , Qi Wei , Gao Feng , Hu Bo , Zhang Baiqing , Li Zhongli , Liu Yujie , Wei Min
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the proprioceptive and clinical function of the knee joint after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with various amounts of remnant preserved with as few confounding factors as possible.

Methods

This retrospective study included 46 patients who underwent ACLR with remnant preservation between March 2013 and February 2019. These patients had less than 6 months injury‐to‐surgery interval and no concomitant injuries. The researchers divided these subjects into two groups based on the length of the remnant preserved after ACLR, with group A defined as having more than 1/3 of the original length preserved and group B defined as less than 1/3 of the original length preserved. Clinical scores were obtained using the Lysholm knee scoring scale and the Tegner activity scale. The Lysholm score was calculated preoperatively, at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and at the last follow up. The Tegner score was calculated preoperatively, at 12 months postoperatively and at the last follow up. Anterior laxity was measured using the KT2000 arthrometer preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. Proprioceptive function was evaluated through reproduction of passive positioning (RPP) and threshold to detection of passive motion (TDPM). Both RPP and TDPM were measured at the angle of 15° at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Unpaired t‐tests were performed to investigate the difference in each parameters between the two groups.

Results

In the present study, 20 patients were classified into group A and 26 into group B. All patients were followed up for an average of 34.70 ± 12.79 months. All 46 patients were satisfied with the outcome of the surgery and no complications were reported at the end of the study. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of the Lysholm score and anterior laxity by KT2000 at all time points. The Tegner score was significantly higher in group A at 12 months postoperatively and at the final follow‐up. In addition, group A's RPP was significantly better than that of group B's when tested at the angles of 15° and 30° at 3 months postoperatively, and at the angle of 15° at 6 months postoperatively. Group A's TDPM was also significantly better than that of group B's at all three tested angles at 3 months postoperatively, and at the angle of 15° at 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Patients with ACLR with more than 1/3 of the original length preserved demonstrated a higher activity level 12 months postoperatively and better proprioceptive function at 15° of extension at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.
Electrocardiographic predictors of atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke
Authors: de Leon Ana , Neira Victor , Alhammad Nasser , Hopman Wilma , Hansom Simon , Chacko Sanoj , Simpson Chris , Redfearn Damian , Abdollah Hoshiar , Arauz Antonio , Baranchuk Adrian , Enriquez Andres
Published: December 2021

Background

Empiric anticoagulation is not routinely indicated in patients with cryptogenic stroke without documentation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, identification of patients at increased risk of AF from this vulnerable group is vital.

Objectives

To identify electrocardiographic (ECG) predictors of AF in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) undergoing insertion of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM).

Methods

In this single‐center study, 48 patients with cryptogenic stroke or TIA had an ICM implanted for detection of AF between January 2013 and September 2019. Patients with and without AF were compared in terms of p‐wave duration and a novel index (MVP score).

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 16 ± 14 months, AF was detected in seven patients (15%). Diagnosis of AF was made after a mean of 10 ± 14 months, with time to first AF detection ranging between 1 and 40 months. Patients with AF had a longer p‐wave duration (136 ± 9 ms vs. 116 ± 10 ms; p = .0001) and a higher MVP score (4.5 ± 1.2 vs. 2.0 ± 0.9, p = .0001) than those without AF. Advanced interatrial block (IAB) was observed in 43% of patients with ICM evidence of AF and 0% of those without AF (p = .002). Age, LA size or LVEF were not predictors of AF.

Conclusion

An increased p‐wave duration, advanced IAB and high MVP score are associated with AF occurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Identifying patients with these markers may be helpful as they may benefit from more exhaustive and prolonged monitoring.
An exploration of citizens' professionalism in coproducing social care services
Authors: Jaspers Sylke , Tuurnas Sanna
Published: December 2021

Citizens' involvement in public service delivery challenges the principles of professionalism as such citizens are amateurs. However, there is little evidence of the (non)integration of these principles by citizen coproducers and how this affects professionalism in public service delivery. This article focuses on two principles of professionalism: expertise and accountability. The theoretical framework further reviews the coproduction literature on what can be expected of citizens with regard to these principles and elaborates on the concept of amateurism. The concepts of professionalism and amateurism form the framework for the analysis of citizen coproducers' identity. Empirically, this paper presents two case studies of social services in the European context. The results show that these citizen coproducers to a certain extent create a professional identity, tend to stay away from integrating accountability, and introduce elements of amateurism. The presence and guidance of public servants in coproduction can ensure accountability and streamline amateurism.
Aerosolized drug delivery in awake and anesthetized children to treat bronchospasm
Authors: Anderson Natalie , Clarke Sarah , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: December 2021

Bronchospasm is a common respiratory adverse event in pediatric anesthesia. First‐line treatment commonly includes inhaled salbutamol. This review focuses on the current best practice to deliver aerosolized medications to awake as well as anesthetized pediatric patients and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various administration techniques. Additionally, we detail the differences between various airway devices used in anesthesia. We highlight the unmet need for innovation of orally inhaled drug products to deliver aerosolized medications during pediatric respiratory critical events such as bronchospasm. It is therefore important that clinicians remain up to date with the best clinical practice for aerosolized drug delivery in order to prevent and efficiently treat pediatric patients experiencing life‐threatening respiratory emergencies.
Incidence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and the comorbidity scores in pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 cases
Authors: Ergenc Zeynep , Kepenekli Eda , Çetin Ece , Ersoy Ayşenur , Korkmaz Billur , Selçik Raziye , Sarınoğlu Rabia Can , Karahasan Ayşegül
Published: December 2021

Background

We aimed to determine the incidence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) in pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) cases and to define the relationships between the need for hospitalization, the development of MIS‐C, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Pediatric Comorbidity Index (PCI) scores.

Methods

All pediatric COVID‐19 cases between March 25, 2020, and December 28, 2020, in the Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital were enrolled. Patients who needed hospitalization were determined. Hospital records were re‐examined to identify those diagnosed as having MIS‐C. The CCI and PCI were used to validate the comorbidity status.

Results

Among 2,055 pediatric COVID‐19 cases, 1,340 were included in the study, and 213 patients (15.9%) had at least one comorbidity. All the patients or their parents were interviewed about the need for hospitalization, except for the acute period. Six patients had MIS‐C, which corresponds to a MIS‐C incidence of 0.4%. The need for hospitalization increased in the patients with comorbidities (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between the comorbidity scores and the development of MIS‐C. The need for hospitalization increased in the patients with CCI scores of ≥2 and PCI scores of ≥4 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study is the first to examine the incidence of MIS‐C, which was 0.4%, by long‐term follow up of pediatric COVID‐19 cases and to demonstrate that the CCI and PCI can be used to predict the need for hospitalization and prognosis of pediatric patients with COVID‐19.
Variations in sustained home visiting care for mothers and children experiencing adversity
Authors: Kanda Kie , Blythe Stacy , Grace Rebekah , Elcombe Emma , Kemp Lynn
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aimed to examine the variations in care received by mothers and families within a sustained home visiting program. We sought to identify the extent to which there were variations in home visiting care in response to the program schedule and families’ risk factors.

Design and sample

Data collected within the right@home program, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for a sustained nurse home visiting intervention in Australia, were analyzed. A total of 352 women comprised the intervention arm of the trial.

Measurements

Visit content in the home visiting program, sociodemographic data, and families’ risk factors were used for analysis.

Results

Our results confirmed that the majority of women received scheduled content on time or within an acceptable timeframe, except for the sleeping program. Women with identified risks were significantly more likely to receive content related to those risks than women without those risks (smoking: Odds Ratio [OR] = 15.39 [95%CI 3.7–64.7], mental health: OR = 15.04 [1.8–124.0], domestic violence: OR = 4.07 [2.0–8.3], and drugs and alcohol: OR = 1.81 [1.1–3.0]).

Conclusions

The right@home program had high compliance with the scheduled content. Capacity development in responding to mothers with the risk of domestic violence and drugs and alcohol is recommended. Further research is required to explore the relationship between variations in care and critical outcomes.
Chinese infection‐control strategies for COVID‐19 prevention: A qualitative study with confirmed cases
Authors: Huang Feifei , Chen Wei‐Ti , Sun Wenxiu , Zhang Lin , Lu Hongzhou
Published: December 2021

Objective

We aimed to describe how the prevention and controlling strategies have been experienced by COVID‐19 patients in China, especially those who had passed through the suspected, diagnosed, hospitalized, and recovery stages of the disease.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.

Samples

COVID‐19 patients were recruited from a COVID‐19‐designated facility in Shanghai, China, from April to June 2020, by the purposive sampling method.

Methods

Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews by cell phone were used and transcriptions were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis method.

Results

We recruited 26 COVID‐19 patients. Three theme categories emerged from the data analysis. The first was “Consciously adhere to COVID‐19‐related controlling strategies.” The second category was “Positive experiences of the COVID‐19‐related controlling strategies.” These patients experienced a quick and adequate medical response, confident in the medical system, or received help from community workers. The third category was “Negative experiences of the COVID‐19‐related controlling strategies.” These patients experienced psychological distress, stigma, privacy exposures, and inconveniences from the controlling strategies.

Conclusions

It is urgent to develop a culturally sensitive intervention to eliminate the psychological distress and stigma of patients with COVID‐19 and to protect their privacy during and after the pandemic.
Psychometric validation of the children's environmental health questionnaires in community nurses
Authors: Miao Kangkang , Chen Qin , Fang Huili , Liu Siyu
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To translate, cross‐cultural adapt and psychometrically validate the Children's Environmental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (ChEHK‐Q) and the Children's Environmental Health Skills Questionnaire (ChEHS‐Q) for community nurses in China.

Design

This was an observational, cross‐sectional study undertaken in two phases: (1) translation and cultural adaptation process; (2) psychometric evaluation.

Sample

A total of 294 nurses from 23 community health service centers in cities of Henan province participated in the study.

Methods

These two questionnaires were analysed psychometrically based on IRT. ChEHK‐Q was analyzed based on basic Rasch Model, and ChEHS‐Q based on Rating Scale Model (RSM). EFA, expert validity, threshold analysis, retest reliability, item and individual reliability were used to evaluate the psychometric attributes of these two questionnaires.

Results

The Infit and Outfit values for most items are within reasonable limits. The person reliability of ChEHK‐Q was 0.85 and the item reliability was 0.97. The person reliability of ChEHS‐Q was 0.94 and the item reliability was 0.93. The test‐retest reliability of the ChEHK‐Q was 0.85 and the ChEHS‐Q was 0.87.

Conclusions

ChEHK‐Q and ChEHS‐Q are reliable and valid instruments with satisfactory psychometric properties for nurses in China. Future studies should recruit a more representative sample to verify the applicability of these two questionnaires.
Effects of individual or in‐combination antioxidant supplementation during in vitro maturation culture on the developmental competence and quality of porcine embryos
Authors: Thongkittidilok Chommanart , Le Quynh Anh , Lin Qingyi , Takebayashi Koki , Do Thi Kim Lanh , Namula Zhao , Hirata Maki , Tanihara Fuminori , Otoi Takeshige
Published: December 2021

The oocyte maturation process requires a high supply of energy, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), adversely affecting oocyte and embryo development. Balancing ROS by antioxidant supplementation is essential for maintaining oocyte maturation and embryonic quality in vitro. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of four antioxidants: β‐mercaptoethanol (β‐ME), chlorogenic acid (CGA), curcumin and sericin, when applied individually or in combinations, during oocyte maturation on development of porcine oocytes. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were collected, cultured in maturation medium supplemented with antioxidants for 44 hr and subsequently subjected to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and culture for 7 days. Combining all four (β‐ME + CGA + curcumin + sericin) or three (β‐ME + CGA + curcumin) antioxidants increased blastocyst formation rates. However, sericin supplementation alone, or in combination with β‐ME or CGA, failed to improve blastocyst formation rates. The total cell numbers of blastocysts from the group supplemented with three antioxidants (β‐ME + CGA + curcumin) were significantly higher than those from the other groups, except for the curcumin‐supplement group. There were no differences in the maturation rates and proportions of oocytes with fragmented DNA between the antioxidant‐supplemented and the non‐supplemented control groups. In conclusion, supplementation with three antioxidants (β‐ME + CGA + curcumin) during the maturation culture enhanced blastocyst formation and improved blastocyst quality.
Macrozoobenthic community assemblage as key indicator for mangrove restoration success in North Sumatra and Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Basyuni Mohammad , Bimantara Yuntha , Cuc Nguyen T. K. , Balke Thorsten , Vovides Alejandra G.
Published: December 2021

The recognition of the high value of mangrove forests and the wide array of ecosystem services they provide has motivated investment in worldwide restoration efforts. However, current metrics of functional restoration (other than seedling survival rates and plant community composition) are often not readily available for local community managers, highlighting an urgency to identify easy‐to‐measure indicators to assess the functionality of restored mangroves. The macrozoobenthic community could be such practical indicator, as macrozoobenthic communities are sensitive to changes in their environment, and can be easily surveyed within local managing programs. Focusing on three main mangrove management conditions (natural, planted, and naturally regenerated) in North Sumatra and the province of Aceh, Indonesia, we compared vegetation and macrozoobenthic community diversity indices and identified environmental variables that best describe the forest management conditions and their associated macrozoobenthic community assemblage. Results showed that community assemblage, rather than macrozoobenthic diversity index, was associated with management conditions. The highest dissimilarity in macrozoobenthic community assemblages occurred between planted versus natural mangroves, with nonsignificant dissimilarity between natural and naturally regenerated mangroves. The Lined Nerite gastropod (Nerita balteata) was identified as an indicator of natural mangroves, and the invasive Giant African snail (Achatina fulica) was abundant in mangrove plantations, but also in natural mangroves bordering harbors, oil palm plantations, and aquaculture ponds, suggesting associated anthropogenic pressures. This study showed that the macrozoobenthic community can be used as restoration indicator and could serve as a baseline to empower monitoring activities and community‐based adaptive management practices to improve the outcomes of restoration efforts.
Profiles of psychosocial factors: Can they be used to predict injury risk?
Authors: Clement Damien , Tranaeus Ulrika , Johnson Urban , Stenling Andreas , Ivarsson Andreas
Published: December 2021

The creation of risk profiles using the model of stress and athletic injury (J Appl Sport Psychol. 1998;10(1):5) represents a proposed shift from the reductionism paradigm to the complex sport approach in an attempt to formulate prevention strategies to combat the increasing number of injuries being reported in sporting populations. As a result, the primary purpose of this study was to: (a) identify different risk profiles based on psychosocial factors associated with the Williams and Andersen's model of stress and athletic injury model; and (b) examine potential differences in the frequency of injuries across these risk profiles. A prospective research design was utilized with a sample of 117 competitive soccer players (81 males and 36 females) from Sweden and the United States of America. Data was collected at two time points over the course of three months. At time 1 (beginning of the season) ‐ a demographic information sheet, the Life Event Survey for Collegiate Athletes (LESCA), Sport Competitive Anxiety Test (SCAT), and Brief Cope were administered. At time two (T2), three months after the initial data collection, participants’ traumatic injuries were recorded. Latent profile analysis (LPA) showed that 3 profiles solution showed best fit to data. Players in profile 1 and 2 reported fewer injuries compared to players in profile 3. However, whereas individuals in profile 1 had a lower predictive risk of sustaining an injury when compared to those in profile 3, both profiles had similar anxiety levels and use of coping strategies with differing stress levels. These findings suggest that the interaction between different proposed risk factors might influence injury risk.
The changing tides of attractive alternatives in romantic relationships: Recent societal changes compel new directions for future research
Authors: Brady Ashlyn , Baker Levi R.
Published: December 2021

Societal changes over recent decades have drastically transformed the frequency and manner in which people are exposed to attractive alternative relationship partners, arguably resulting in such alternatives posing a greater threat to committed relationships now than ever before. Yet despite a growing need for novel research on attractive alternatives, research on this topic has failed to account for such changes and thus is growing stagnant. Specifically, although interdependence perspectives and supporting research have consistently and robustly demonstrated that (a) attractive alternatives threaten committed relationships and (b) committed partners protect their relationships by devaluing such alternatives, research has yet to examine how the changing nature of attractive alternatives might affect these processes. To this end, the present article first reviews foundational theory and research that guided the study of attractive alternatives and then highlights how recent societal changes (e.g., technology that increases access to attractive alternatives, increasingly diverse relationship types, the emerging desire to remain single) diverge from this research and thus warrant new directions. We encourage researchers to expand how they study attractive alternatives and to ultimately reignite research on this increasingly important topic.
Jujube metabolome selection determined the edible properties acquired during domestication
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Shi Qianqian , Wang Bin , Ma Aimin , Wang Yongkang , Xue Qingtun , Shen Bingqi , Hamaila Halina , Tang Tang , Qi Xiaoquan , Fernie Alisdair R. , Luo Jie , Li Xingang
Published: December 2021

Plants supply both food and medicinal compounds, which are ascribed to diverse metabolites produced by plants. However, studies on domestication‐driven changes in the metabolome and genetic basis of bioactive molecules in perennial fruit trees are generally lacking. Here, we conducted multidimensional analyses revealing a singular domestication event involving the genomic and metabolomic selection of jujube trees (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.). The genomic selection for domesticated genes was highly enriched in metabolic pathways, including carbohydrates and specialized metabolism. Domesticated metabolome profiling indicated that 187 metabolites exhibited significant divergence as a result of directional selection. Malic acid was directly selected during domestication, and the simultaneous selection of specialized metabolites, including triterpenes, consequently lead to edible properties. Cyclopeptide alkaloids (CPAs) were specifically targeted for the divergence between dry and fresh cultivars. We identified 1080 significantly associated loci for 986 metabolites. Among them, 15 triterpenes were directly selected at six major loci, allowing the identification of a homologous cluster containing seven 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs). An OSC gene was found to contribute to the reduction in the content of triterpenes during domestication. The complete pathway for synthesizing ursolic acid was dissected by integration of the metabolome and transcriptome. Additionally, an N‐methyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of CPA and responsible for inter‐cultivar content variation was identified. The present study promotes our understanding of the selection process of the global metabolome subsequent to fruit tree domestication and facilitates the genetic manipulation of specialized metabolites to enhance their edible traits.