bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food and nutrient intakes from school canteens and markets nearby schools among students aged 14-18 in Jordan
Authors: Takruri Hamed , ALjaraedah Thanaa , Tayyem Reema
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to determine the food intake purchased from the canteens or markets nearby schools; to estimate the percent intakes of energy and nutrients from canteens and markets nearby the schools as a percent of total energy and nutrient intakes; and to evaluate the association between dietary intake of energy and nutrients eaten from school canteens and markets nearby the school and body weight status.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 398 students, aged 14–18 years, was recruited from schools in Amman/Jordan. Students’ body weights and heights were measured and socio-demographic data and three days food record were collected.

Findings

The intakes of boy students from school canteens were significantly higher than those of girls in carbohydrate (g) (125 ± 6 vs 106 ± 6; p = 0.015), energy from saturated fatty acid (Kcal) (97 ± 4 vs 84 ± 5; p = 0.006), sugar (g) (43 ± 3 vs 35 ± 2; p = 0.009) and fiber (g) (6 ± 0 vs 6 ± 0; p = 0.02). Regarding food groups consumed from markets nearby schools, there were significant differences between boys and girls intake (in which the higher intake was detected in girls as compared to boys) of sweets (g) (4 ± 1 vs 3 ± 2; p = 0.017), soft drinks (ml) (28 ± 5 vs 20 ± 5; p = 0.024) and milk (ml)/milk substitutes (g) (5 ± 2 vs 0 ± 0; p = 0.001). Sugar-sweetened beverages and crackers/snacks consumption was significantly higher in boys as compared to girls. There was a significant relationship between BMI and intakes of sugar, fat, vitamin E and calcium from school canteens.

Originality/value

The contribution of foods from canteens and markets nearby schools was high, with high content of fats, salt and sugar, implying that there is a vital need to establish a strategy and plan of action to fight malnutrition and reduce the intake of unhealthy foods in the school environment in Jordan.
Therapeutic community work with people who have sexually offended: responding to developments in research and practice
Authors: Shuker Richard , Jones Lawrence
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to review the clinical approach adopted in prison-based therapeutic communities (TCs) for working with residents who have committed sexual offences. It reviews recent research and practice developments and explores the implications for TCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a “think tank” review process which explores and reviews practice. This paper discusses the current approach adopted by TCs when working with those who have sexually offended and explores changes in clinical approach which could be considered in the light of current developments.

Findings

This paper explores the implications for TCs of the recent research and wider practice developments in interventions for those who have sexually offended.

Practical implications

This paper presents clinical options for working with those who deny their offence and undertaking victim empathy and offence disclosure work. It makes recommendations regarding staff training and support. It also discusses the strengths of the TC approach and how these can be built upon.

Social implications

This paper makes recommendations concerning how practice could be improved which promotes safety and public protection and enhances resident well-being.

Originality/value

There has been no recent review of TC clinical practice for working with those who have sexually offended.
We Should Focus on Food Consumption to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agriculture
Authors: Blandford David
Published: September 2021

Achieving the transition to a sustainable global food and agricultural system will require a shift in the pattern of production and consumption from commodities that generate substantial emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to those that generate fewer such emissions. It is challenging to internalise the social costs of emissions by focusing on production in agriculture primarily due to the difficulty of measuring emissions from individual farms. By using carbon taxes at the consumer level and non‐price inducements to change consumer preferences, such as carbon labelling, significant progress can be made in transforming the food and agricultural system to a low‐emissions system in rich and middle‐income countries. Potential regressive effects of higher food prices can be addressed through income transfers and targeted food assistance programmes. A consumption‐based approach reduces the likelihood of international trade conflicts, since imports and domestic production are treated equally. Measures can be taken to offset any incentive to shift from supplying domestic markets to exporting. To make the transition to a more climate‐friendly food and agricultural system, important supporting measures will also be needed to develop new technologies and practices to reduce emissions per unit of output and to induce beneficial changes in land use.
Infection and distribution of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in citrus plants and psyllid vectors at the cellular level
Authors: Chen Qian , Li Zhiqiang , Liu Shulin , Chi Yunhua , Jia Dongsheng , Wei Taiyun
Published: September 2021

Huanglongbing (HLB) is currently considered the most destructive disease of citrus worldwide. In the major citrus‐growing areas in Asia and the US, the major causal agent of HLB is the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). CLas is vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, in a persistent propagative manner. CLas cannot be cultured in vitro because of its unclear growth factors, leading to uncertainty in the infection mechanism of CLas at the cellular level in citrus and in D. citri. To characterize the detailed infection of CLas in the host and vector, the incidence of HLB was first investigated in citrus‐growing fields in Fujian Province, China. It was found that the positive association of the level of CLas infection in the leaves correlated with the symptoms. Then antibodies against peptides of the outer membrane protein (OMP) of CLas were prepared and tested. The antibodies OMP‐225, OMP‐333 and OMP724 showed specificity to citrus plants in western blot analyses, whereas the antibodies OMP‐47 and OMP‐225 displayed specificity to the D. citri vector. The application of OMP‐225 in the immunofluorescence assay indicated that CLas was located in and distributed throughout the phloem sieve cells of the leaf midribs and axile placenta of the fruit. CLas also infected the epithelial cells and visceral muscles of the alimentary canal of D. citri. The application of OMP‐333 in immunoelectron microscopy indicated the round or oval CLas in the sieve cells of leaf midribs and axile placenta of fruit as well as in the epithelial cells and reticular tissue of D. citri alimentary canal. These results provide a reliable means for HLB detection, and enlighten a strategy via neutralizing OMP to control HLB. These findings also provide insight for the further investigation on CLas infection and pathogenesis, as well as CLas–vector interaction.
Increased network centrality of the anterior insula in early abstinence from alcohol
Authors: Bordier Cecile , Weil Georg , Bach Patrick , Scuppa Giulia , Nicolini Carlo , Forcellini Giulia , Pérez‐Ramirez Ursula , Moratal David , Canals Santiago , Hoffmann Sabine , Hermann Derik , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Kiefer Falk , Kirsch Peter , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Bifone Angelo
Published: September 2021

Abnormal resting‐state functional connectivity, as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has been reported in alcohol use disorders (AUD), but findings are so far inconsistent. Here, we exploited recent developments in graph‐theoretical analyses, enabling improved resolution and fine‐grained representation of brain networks, to investigate functional connectivity in 35 recently detoxified alcohol dependent patients versus 34 healthy controls. Specifically, we focused on the modular organization, that is, the presence of tightly connected substructures within a network, and on the identification of brain regions responsible for network integration using an unbiased approach based on a large‐scale network composed of more than 600 a priori defined nodes. We found significant reductions in global connectivity and region‐specific disruption in the network topology in patients compared with controls. Specifically, the basal brain and the insular–supramarginal cortices, which form tightly coupled modules in healthy subjects, were fragmented in patients. Further, patients showed a strong increase in the centrality of the anterior insula, which exhibited stronger connectivity to distal cortical regions and weaker connectivity to the posterior insula. Anterior insula centrality, a measure of the integrative role of a region, was significantly associated with increased risk of relapse. Exploratory analysis suggests partial recovery of modular structure and insular connectivity in patients after 2 weeks. These findings support the hypothesis that, at least during the early stages of abstinence, the anterior insula may drive exaggerated integration of interoceptive states in AUD patients with possible consequences for decision making and emotional states and that functional connectivity is dynamically changing during treatment.
Using citizen science to measure recolonisation of birds after the Australian 2019–2020 mega‐fires
Authors: Lee Joshua S. , Callaghan Corey T. , Cornwell William K.
Published: September 2021

Large and severe fires (‘mega‐fires’) are increasing in frequency across the globe, often pushing into ecosystems that have previously had very long fire return intervals. The 2019–2020 Australian bushfire season was one of the most catastrophic fire events on record. Almost 19 million hectares were burnt across the continent displacing and killing unprecedented numbers of native fauna, including bird species. Some bird species are known to thrive in post‐fire environments, while others may be absent for an extended period from the firegrounds until there is sufficient ecosystem recovery. To test for systematic patterns in species use of the post‐fire environment, we combined citizen science data from eBird with data on sedentism, body size, range size and the specialisation of diet and habitat. Using generalised additive models, we modelled the responses of 76 bird species to the 2019–2020 Australian mega‐fires. Twenty‐two species decreased in occurrence after the fire; 30 species increased; and no significant effect was found for the remaining 24 species. Furthermore, diet specialists, and birds with smaller body sizes and range sizes were less likely to be found in burnt areas after the fire event compared to before, a result which generates testable hypotheses for recovery from other mega‐fires across the globe. Being displaced from the firegrounds for an event of this geographic magnitude may have severe consequences for population dynamics and thus warrant considerable conservation attention in pre‐fire planning and in the post‐fire aftermath.
A novel method for office aspiration curettage in cases of retained products of conception: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pomeranz Meir , Goren Gepstein Nitzan , Ovadia Michal , Klein Zvi , Daykan Yair , Schonman Ron , Arbib Nissim
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Missed abortion can be treated with medication or aspiration curettage. A Karman aspiration cannula is another option. We evaluated its success in evacuating retained products of conception (RPOC) based on symptoms, endometrial thickness, endometrial irregularity, and blood flow seen on Doppler ultrasound (indicative of placenta).

Material and methods

This prospective, randomized, nonblinded trial was conducted in a university‐affiliated medical center. It included 40 women diagnosed with missed abortion and two failed courses of 600 µg buccal misoprostol, one  week apart, randomly assigned to treatment or controls. One week after the second misoprostol course, immediately after evaluating endometrial thickness, endometrial irregularity using Doppler ultrasound, and with blood flow indicative of RPOC, women in the aspiration group underwent endometrial suction with a Karman aspiration cannula. The 5–6 mm cannula attached to a 60 mL syringe was inserted into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. The contents were aspirated until the uterus was empty. Control group patients did not receive additional treatment. All were scheduled for ambulatory, operative hysteroscopy under anesthesia 1 month later (departmental protocol). On that day, all women with RPOC on Doppler ultrasound underwent hysteroscopy. Bleeding days, days with pain, pain according to visual analog scale, length of hospitalization, and infection rate were recorded. NIH clinical trial registration number NCT02917785.

Results

In the study group, 90% did not need hysteroscopy, compared with 50% of controls (p = 0.014). No complications were noted. At all visits, we used Doppler ultrasound to exclude or confirm RPOC. Pathology revealed RPOC in all women who underwent aspiration. Average visual analog scale score for office aspiration (n = 20) was 4.9 ± 3.6. vs. 6.3 ± 3.4 for the first (p = 0.157) and 4.7 ± 3.3 for the second (p = 0.836) misoprostol treatment cycle. The treatment group experienced 6.1 days of bleeding and the control group experienced 1.4 days (p = .006).

Conclusions

Based on our criteria of diagnosing RPOC according to symptoms, endometrial thickness, endometrial irregularity, and blood flow indicative of placental tissue seen on Doppler ultrasound and histo‐pathological confirmation, aspiration using Karman cannula can be an effective therapeutic approach. It may be a safe alternative for women with RPOC after misoprostol failure.
Influence of strain and flock age on geometrical and mechanical attributes of eggs produced from Japanese quail birds
Authors: Fathi Moataz , Aloyaydi Bandar , Al‐Homidan Ibrahim , Abou‐Emera Osama
Published: September 2021

We investigated how the geometrical and mechanical properties of eggshell of Japanese quail are affected by strain and flock age. Two strains of quail (white and gray) were used in the current experiment. The results showed that there was no significant difference for all geometric measurements due to strain effect. Eggs produced from the older birds showed significantly higher (P < 0.01) values compared with younger age for all studied traits. Eggs produced from quails at 22 weeks had a significantly (P < 0.01) darker yolk color than that of the younger age. Superiority in shell thickness, shell weight, and breaking force was detected in eggs of gray quails compared with white quails. On the other hand, the eggs from white quails had significantly higher values for static stiffness and Young's modulus as compared with those of gray counterparts. A significant decrease (P < 0.01) was found for fracture toughness and Young's modulus in eggs of aged birds. A significant negative relationship was found between the breaking force and both static stiffness and Young's modulus. A significant positive relationship was observed between breaking force and both shell thickness and shell percentage. The phenotypic correlation between eggshell breaking force and toughness was relatively high.
Identifying adverse drug reactions from free‐text electronic hospital health record notes
Authors: Wasylewicz Arthur , van de Burgt Britt , Weterings Aniek , Jessurun Naomi , Korsten Erik , Egberts Toine , Bouwman Arthur , Kerskes Marieke , Grouls René , van der Linden Carolien
Published: September 2021

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are estimated to be the fifth cause of hospital death. Up to 50% are potentially preventable and a significant number are recurrent (reADRs). Clinical decision support systems have been used to prevent reADRs using structured reporting concerning the patient's ADR experience, which in current clinical practice is poorly performed. Identifying ADRs directly from free text in electronic health records (EHRs) could circumvent this.

Aim

To develop strategies to identify ADRs from free‐text notes in electronic hospital health records.

Methods

In stage I, the EHRs of 10 patients were reviewed to establish strategies for identifying ADRs. In stage II, complete EHR histories of 45 patients were reviewed for ADRs and compared to the strategies programmed into a rule‐based model. ADRs were classified using MedDRA and included in the study if the Naranjo causality score was ≥1. Seriousness was assessed using the European Medicine Agency's important medical event list.

Results

In stage I, two main search strategies were identified: keywords indicating an ADR and specific prepositions followed by medication names. In stage II, the EHRs contained a median of 7.4 (range 0.01‐18) years of medical history covering over 35 000 notes. A total of 318 unique ADRs were identified of which 63 were potentially serious and 179 (sensitivity 57%) were identified by the rule. The method falsely identified 377 ADRs (positive predictive value 32%). However, it also identified an additional eight ADRs.

Conclusion

Two key strategies were developed to identify ADRs from hospital EHRs using free‐text notes. The results appear promising and warrant further study.
Characterizing energy flow in kelp forest food webs: a geochemical review and call for additional research
Authors: Elliott Smith Emma A. , Fox Michael D.
Published: September 2021

Kelp forests are highly productive coastal habitats that serve as biodiversity hotspots and provide valuable ecosystem services. Despite being one the largest marine biomes, kelp forests have been drastically understudied relative to other marine systems. Notably, while the role of kelp as habitat‐forming, or ‘foundation species', is well‐documented, a comprehensive understanding of kelp forest food web structure is lacking, particularly regarding the importance of kelp‐derived energy/nutrients to consumers. Here, we provide a biogeographic perspective on the energetic underpinning of kelp forests based on published literature. We targeted studies which used geochemical proxies – stable isotope analysis – to examine the transfer of carbon from kelp to local consumers. These studies (n = 94) were geographically skewed, with > 40% from Northern European Seas and Temperate Northeast Pacific. Quantitative estimates for the percentage of kelp energy (or kelp + macroalgae if sources were pooled) incorporated by local consumers came from 43 publications, which studied 141 species and 35 broader taxonomic groups. We examined these data for trends among functional groups and across upwelling regimes. No patterns are evident at present, perhaps due to the paucity or variability of available data. However, energetic subsides from kelps clearly support a wide range of diverse taxa around the globe. We also characterized biogeographic patterns in δ13C values of kelps and particulate organic matter (POM, a phytoplankton proxy), to evaluate potential limitations of stable isotope analysis in disentangling the relative contributions of pelagic versus benthic resources to coastal food webs. Globally, kelps and POM differed by > 4.5‰, but there was substantial variation among regions and kelp species. Accordingly, we discuss advances in stable isotope techniques which are facilitating more precise analysis of these complex energetic pathways. We end by proposing four main avenues of critical future research that will shed light on the resilience of these communities to global change.
Expert‐based assessment of rewilding indicates progress at site‐level, yet challenges for upscaling
Authors: Segar Josiane , Pereira Henrique M. , Filgueiras Raquel , Karamanlidis Alexandros A. , Saavedra Deli , Fernández Néstor
Published: September 2021

Rewilding is gaining importance across Europe, as agricultural abandonment trajectories provide opportunities for large‐scale ecosystem restoration. However, its effective implementation is hitherto limited, in part due to a lack of monitoring of rewilding interventions and their interactions. Here, we provide a first assessment of rewilding progress across seven European sites. Using an iterative and participatory Delphi technique to standardize and analyze expert‐based knowledge of these sites, we 1) map rewilding interventions onto the three central components of the rewilding framework (i.e. stochastic disturbances, trophic complexity and dispersal), 2) assess rewilding progress by quantifying 19 indicators spanning human forcing and ecological integrity and 3) compile key success and threat factors for rewilding progress. We find that the most common interventions were keystone species reintroductions, whereas the least common targeted stochastic disturbances. We find that rewilding scores have improved in five sites, but declined in two, partly due to competing socio‐economic trends. Major threats for rewilding progress are related to land‐use intensification policies and persecution of keystone species. Major determinants of rewilding success are its societal appeal and socio‐economic benefits to local people. We provide an assessment of rewilding that is crucial in improving its restoration outcomes and informed implementation at scale across Europe in this decade of ecosystem restoration.
Hope inLow‐IncomeFamilies—A Study of Family Hardiness in Singapore
Authors: Wen Daniel , Goh Esther C. L. , Hsu Chin‐ying
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate whether family hardiness mediates the relationship between economic hardship and hope of mothers and children from low‐income families.

Background

Economic hardship has been found to be associated with lower hope in adults. The ABC‐X model suggests that the resources available could be a mediator of this relationship. However, there is a lack of studies investigating family‐level hardiness as a potential mediator of this relationship in low‐income families.

Method

Mother–child dyads (N = 512) from low‐income families in Singapore were surveyed. Simple mediation was conducted to investigate family hardiness as a mediator between economic hardship and hope of mothers and children. Significant simple mediation results were followed up with parallel mediation, with family commitment, challenge, and control as mediators.

Results

Family challenge accounted for the mediation effect in mothers, whereas global family hardiness accounted for the mediation effect observed in children.

Conclusion

The inability of low‐income families to adapt and reorganize their family system in response to their economic situation could account for lowered hope in mothers. Children's hope is affected by economic hardship through global family hardiness, possibly due to undifferentiated perception of the construct.

Implications

Interventions that build up family hardiness are recommended to practitioners.
Synergism between fatigue and cyclic‐stress corrosion cracking: Electrochemically active surface area
Authors: Hall Meryl M.
Published: September 2021

After over 50 years of research on the topic, researchers continue to consider how time‐dependent environmental effects can be integrated with cycle‐dependent fatigue crack growth rate (CGR) models. Early corrosion‐fatigue (CF) model assumptions were that cycle‐dependent CF and time‐dependent stress corrosion cracking (SCC) contributions are separable, operate in parallel, are non‐interacting. However, research has shown that CF and SCC may interact synergistically to produce CGRs greater than that obtained by simple summation. Proposed here is that CF and SCC mechanisms may interact synergistically as each is dependent on the electrochemically active surface area (E‐ASA) at a crack tip. A phenomenological model is developed for the effects of crack tip strain rate, film‐rupture, and repassivation rates on E‐ASA. Analysis of hold‐time CGR data provides a method of separating cyclic‐ and static‐load hold‐time effects on E‐ASA. Five model parameters, each having physical interpretation, are found to have reasonable magnitudes.
Responsiveness to a game‐based intervention to enhance reading efficiency in first graders
Authors: van Uittert Anne , Verhoeven Ludo , Segers Eliane
Published: September 2021

In the present study, a 5‐week tablet‐based word reading efficiency game intervention (Reading Turbo) was integrated in a comprehensive phonics‐based reading curriculum. The aims of the study were to examine whether the game would advance children's word reading efficiency, and to determine the extent to which pre‐reading capacities and in‐game mechanisms could explain individual variation in responsiveness to the game. To do so, word reading efficiency scores of first graders in an intervention group (n = 132) and a control group that continued with the usual reading curriculum (n = 118) were compared prior to, directly after, and 2 months after the 5‐week intervention period. Individual variation in responsiveness was examined by relating reading precursors (i.e., phonological awareness, letter efficiency, rapid automatized naming (RAN), and verbal working memory) measured at the onset of the intervention, and in‐game accuracy and efficiency to word reading efficiency outcomes in untrained words. Results indicated that playing the word reading game significantly enhanced first graders' word reading efficiency directly after the intervention, but the effect was no longer significant 2 months after the intervention. With respect to individual variation in game responsiveness, it was found that phonological awareness, letter efficiency, and verbal working memory predicted responsiveness to the game via in‐game accuracy. In addition, phonological awareness and RAN predicted responsiveness to the game via in‐game efficiency, and letter efficiency and verbal working memory were directly related to responsiveness. The effectiveness of the word reading game thus differentiated between children with higher and lower pre‐reading capacities, and operated via in‐game child affordances.
The relationship between brain structure and general psychopathology in preadolescents
Authors: Mewton Louise , Lees Briana , Squeglia Lindsay M. , Forbes Miriam K. , Sunderland Matthew , Krueger Robert , Koch Forrest C. , Baillie Andrew , Slade Tim , Hoy Nicholas , Teesson Maree
Published: September 2021

Background

An emerging body of literature has indicated that broad, transdiagnostic dimensions of psychopathology are associated with alterations in brain structure across the life span. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between brain structure and broad dimensions of psychopathology in the critical preadolescent period when psychopathology is emerging.

Methods

This study included baseline data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study® (n = 11,875; age range = 9–10 years; male = 52.2%). General psychopathology, externalizing, internalizing, and thought disorder dimensions were based on a higher‐order model of psychopathology and estimated using Bayesian plausible values. Outcome variables included global and regional cortical volume, thickness, and surface area.

Results

Higher levels of psychopathology across all dimensions were associated with lower volume and surface area globally, as well as widespread and pervasive alterations across the majority of cortical and subcortical regions studied, after adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, parental education, income, and maternal psychopathology. The relationships between general psychopathology and brain structure were attenuated when adjusting for cognitive functioning. There were no statistically significant relationships between psychopathology and cortical thickness in this sample of preadolescents.

Conclusions

The current study identified lower cortical volume and surface area as transdiagnostic biomarkers for general psychopathology in preadolescence. Future research may focus on whether the widespread and pervasive relationships between general psychopathology and brain structure reflect cognitive dysfunction that is a feature across a range of mental illnesses.
The growing geriatric prison population: A dire public health consequence of mass incarceration
Authors: Williams Brie , DiTomas Michele , Pachynski Alison
Published: September 2021

See related article by Jeffrey Levine.
Arabidopsis cryptochrome 1 promotes stomatal development through repression of AGB1 inhibition of SPEECHLESS DNA‐binding activity
Authors: Cao Xiaoli , Xu Pengbo , Liu Yao , Yang Guangqiong , Liu Minqing , Chen Li , Cheng Yingyu , Xu Peng , Miao Langxi , Mao Zhilei , Wang Wenxiu , Kou Shuang , Guo Tongtong , Yang Hong‐Quan
Published: September 2021

Cryptochromes are blue light photoreceptors that mediate various light responses in plants and mammals. The heterotrimeric G‐protein is known to regulate various physiological processes in plants and mammals. In Arabidopsis, cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) and the G‐protein β subunit AGB1 act antagonistically to regulate stomatal development. The molecular mechanism by which CRY1 and AGB1 regulate this process remains unknown. Here, we show that Arabidopsis CRY1 acts partially through AGB1, and AGB1 acts through SPEECHLESS (SPCH), a master transcription factor that drives stomatal initiation and proliferation, to regulate stomatal development. We demonstrate that AGB1 physically interacts with SPCH to block the bHLH DNA‐binding domain of SPCH and inhibit its DNA‐binding activity. Moreover, we demonstrate that photoexcited CRY1 represses the interaction of AGB1 with SPCH to release AGB1 inhibition of SPCH DNA‐binding activity, leading to the expression of SPCH‐target genes promoting stomatal development. Taken together, our results suggest that the mechanism by which CRY1 promotes stomatal development involves positive regulation of the DNA‐binding activity of SPCH mediated by CRY1 inhibition of the AGB1‐SPCH interaction. We propose that the antagonistic regulation of SPCH DNA‐binding activity by CRY1 and AGB1 may allow plants to balance light and G‐protein signaling and optimize stomatal density and pattern.
Functional MRI findings in personality disorders: A review
Authors: Zarnowski Oskar , Ziton Shirley , Holmberg Rylan , Musto Sarafina , Riegle Sean , Van Antwerp Emily , Santos‐Nunez Gabriela
Published: September 2021

Personality disorders (PDs) have a prevalence of approximately 10% in the United States, translating to over 30 million people affected in just one country. The true prevalence of these disorders may be even higher, as the paucity of objective diagnostic criteria could be leading to underdiagnosis. Because little is known about the underlying neuropathologies of these disorders, patients are diagnosed using subjective criteria and treated nonspecifically. To better understand the neural aberrancies responsible for these patients’ symptoms, a review of functional MRI literature was performed. The findings reveal that each PD is characterized by a unique set of activation changes corresponding to individual structures or specific neural networks. While unique patterns of neural activity are distinguishable within each PD, aberrations of the limbic/paralimbic structures and default mode network are noted across several of them. In addition to identifying valuable activation patterns, this review reveals a void in research pertaining to paranoid, schizoid, histrionic, narcissistic, and dependent PDs. By delineating patterns in PD neuropathology, we can more effectively direct future research efforts toward enhancing objective diagnostic techniques and developing targeted treatment modalities. Furthermore, understanding why patients are manifesting certain symptoms can advance clinical awareness and improve patient outcomes.
Farnesoid X receptor agonist for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: A safety study
Authors: Erken Robin , Andre Patrice , Roy Elise , Kootstra Neeltje , Barzic Noelie , Girma Hugo , Laveille Christian , Radreau‐Pierini Pauline , Darteil Raphael , Vonderscher Jacky , Scalfaro Pietro , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Flisiak Robert , Reesink Henk
Published: September 2021

The nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates bile acid homeostasis and is a drug target for metabolic liver diseases. FXR also plays an important role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA transcription. In vitro and in mice, FXR agonist treatment leads to inhibition of viral replication and a decline in viral proteins, pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) and HBV DNA levels. We aimed to translate this to a clinical use by primarily evaluating the safety and secondary the anti‐viral effect of Vonafexor, a FXR agonist, in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. In total, 73 CHB patients were enrolled in a two‐part Phase Ib double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Patients were randomized to receive oral Vonafexor (100, 200 and 400 mg once daily, or 200 mg twice daily), placebo, or entecavir (Part A, n = 48) or to receive Vonafexor (300 mg once daily or 150 mg twice daily), or placebo, combined with pegylated‐interferon‐α2a (Part B, n = 25) for 29 days. Patients were followed up for 35 days. Enrolled CHB patients were mostly HBeAg‐negative. Vonafexor was overall well tolerated and safe. The most frequent adverse events were moderate gastrointestinal events. Pruritus was more frequent with twice‐daily compared with once‐daily regimens (56%–67% vs. 16%, respectively, p < 0.05). Vonafexor monotherapy of 400 mg once daily decreased HBsAg concentrations (–0.1 log10 IU/mL, p < 0.05), and Vonafexor/pegylated‐IFN‐α2a combination therapy decreased HBcrAg and pgRNA. In conclusion, Vonafexor was safe with a decline in HBV markers observed in CHB patients suggesting a potential anti‐viral effect the therapeutic potential of which has to be evaluated in larger trials.
Knowledge, perception and expectation of management of hepatitis B infection among pregnant hepatitis B carriers in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Ka Wang , Seto Mimi Tin Yan , Tsui Pey Man , So Po Lam , Wong Daniel , Kong Choi Wah , Wang Weilan , Ng Ernest Hung Yu
Published: September 2021

Lack of awareness regarding the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the interventions available during pregnancy among the pregnant carriers may influence their willingness and adherence to the management. This study assessed the knowledge, perception and expectation of HBV infection among pregnant HBV carriers in Hong Kong. A prospective multicentre cross‐sectional questionnaire study was carried out between August 2019 and April 2021. The general knowledge on HBV, perception and expectation, and interventions to reduce vertical transmission were questioned. Obtaining ≥70% correct answers was defined as having sufficient knowledge. 422 (82.7%) were known carriers. Only 18.4% of women had sufficient overall knowledge. The correct answer rates and percentage of sufficient knowledge were statistically lower for HBV knowledge specific to pregnancy compared with general knowledge (42.5% vs. 58.5%, p < 0.001; 8.8% vs. 30.2%, p < 0.001 respectively). Multiple logistic regression showed higher education and receiving HBV medical care within a year prior to pregnancy were associated with sufficient overall (OR 3.46; 95% CI 2.05–5.83 and OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.62–4.7, p < 0.001), and general knowledge (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.81–4.51 and OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.33–3.44, p < 0.05). 298 (58.4%), 357 (70.0%) and 150 (29.4%) women believed they should receive care by obstetrician, hepatologist or general practitioner respectively. 46.9% did not want to initiate antiviral treatment due to the cost, perceived teratogenicity and maternal side effects. The knowledge of HBV among pregnant carriers in Hong Kong was poor despite the majority of them being aware of their carrier status prior to the pregnancy.
Effect of nutrition counselling with a digital job aid on child dietary diversity: Analysis of secondary outcomes from a cluster randomised controlled trial in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Billah Sk Masum , Ferdous Tarana E. , Kelly Patrick , Raynes‐Greenow Camille , Siddique Abu Bakkar , Choudhury Nuzhat , Ahmed Tahmeed , Gillespie Stuart , Hoddinott John , Menon Purnima , Dibley Michael John , Arifeen Shams El
Published: September 2021

Adequate dietary diversity among infants is often suboptimal in developing countries. We assessed the impact of nutrition counselling using a digital job aid on dietary diversity of children aged 6–23 months using data from a cluster randomised controlled trial in Bangladesh. The trial had five arms, each with 25 clusters. The four intervention arms provided counselling using a digital job aid and different prenatal and post‐natal combinations of lipid‐based supplements and the comparison arm with usual practice. We enrolled 1500 pregnant women and followed them until the children reached their second birthday. We developed a tablet‐based system for intervention delivery, data collection and project supervision. We combined the four intervention arms (n = 855), in which community health workers (CHWs) provided age‐appropriate complementary feeding counselling, to compare against the comparison arm (n = 403). We calculated the outcome indicators from the children's 24‐h dietary recalls. Overall, the intervention increased the mean dietary diversity score by 0.09 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2–0.16) and odds of minimum dietary diversity by 18% (95% CI: 0.99–1.40). However, there was a significant interaction on the effect of the intervention on dietary diversity by age. The mean dietary diversity score was 0.24 (95% CI: 0.11–0.37) higher in the intervention than in the comparison arm at 9 months and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.01–27) at 12 months of age. The intervention effect was non‐significant at an older age. Overall, consumption of flesh food was 1.32 times higher in the intervention arm (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11–1.57) in 6–23 months of age. The intervention significantly improved child dietary diversity score in households with mild and moderate food insecurity by 0.27 (95% CI: 0.06–0.49) and 0.16 (0.05–27), respectively, but not with food‐secure and severely food‐insecure households. Although the study did not evaluate the impact of digital job aid alone, the findings indicate the utility of nutrition counselling by CHWs using a digital job aid to improve child feeding practices in broader programmes.
boere into Boere (farmers into Boers): The so‐called great trek and the rise of Boer nationalism
Authors: Kriel Mariana
Published: September 2021

This paper challenges the claim, as articulated by Norman Ehterington, that the so‐called Great Trek was not “an act of national self‐assertion by Boers in rebellion against British rule” (2001:258). Whilst affirming the scholarly consensus that the Trek was not an expression of Afrikaner nationalism, I argue that it marked the rise of Boer nationalism, which entailed the transformation of white Dutch‐speaking farmers on the eastern border of the British‐ruled Cape Colony into ethnic Boers. The latter identity began to crystallise when the former was mobilised politically by a boer/Boer elite who anticipated their loss of power as colonial authorities introduced inconvenient policy changes and “alien” ideologies. Since the mid‐1830s, as I demonstrate, an ethnic consciousness started to develop among the leaders of the frontier farmers along with the idea‐the nationalist idea‐of a trek to self‐governance. If not as nationalism, I ask, how is one to interpret this cause for self‐governance, driven as many similar causes have been by both material and ideational forces? And how is one to interpret the trekkers' preoccupation with democratic state formation (however compromised it was by racism) while on trek and their eventual creation of the Republic of Natalia?
Christian nationalism, perceived anti‐Christian discrimination, and prioritising “religious freedom” in the 2020 presidential election
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , Schnabel Landon , Grubbs Joshua B.
Published: September 2021

For decades now and particularly during the 2020 presidential campaign, American conservatives have stressed the need to protect “religious freedom.” Building on research documenting a connection between Trump‐support, a desire to privilege conservative Christianity, and perceptions that conservative Christianity is persecuted due to its anti‐LGT (lesbian, gay, or transgender) views, we theorise such factors were the ideological driving force behind prioritising “religious freedom” in the 2020 presidential election. Drawing on national survey data from just after the November election, we find Christian nationalism and perceptions of anti‐Christian discrimination are strong predictors that (1) Americans feel “religious freedom” was an important factor influencing their vote and (2) that they ranked it the single greatest factor influencing their vote. In contrast, the perception that LGT persons are not discriminated against also predicts viewing religious freedom as important, as does a perception of anti‐Semitism, but never perceptions of anti‐atheist or anti‐Muslim discrimination. Findings suggest conservative Christian supremacism, fear of (Judeo‐)Christian persecution and belief that LGT persons are privileged are ideological antecedents of votes for “religious freedom.”
On the taxonomic identity and nomenclature ofCyperus megapotamicus(Cyperaceae)
Authors: de Moraes Pedro L. R. , Sennikov Alexander N.
Published: September 2021

Cyperus megapotamicus(A. Spreng.) Kunth is a nomenclatural synonym ofRhynchospora megapotamica(A. Spreng.) H. Pfeiff. but was originally misapplied to a species ofCyperus. Contrary to the rules, both species names are in current use in different genera. We here clarify the perpetuated taxonomic and nomenclatural confusion regarding the identity ofC. megapotamicussensu Kunth and related names and conclude thatCyperus jaeggiiBoeckeler is the correct name to be adopted. We provide an amended circumscription of this species, withCyperus mauryiKuntze andPycreus nematodesSchrad. ex C. B. Clarke as its newly proposed heterotypic synonyms. Additionally, lectotypes are designated for the namesScirpus megapotamicusA. Spreng.,Rhynchospora maculataMaury,Rhynchospora luzuliformisvar.elongataKuntze,Rhynchospora luzuliformisvar.subcapitataKuntze,Cyperus jaeggii,Cyperus mauryiandPycreus nematodes.
Typifications in Spigelia (Loganiaceae) from Central and South America
Authors: Macedo Arthur , Buril Maria Teresa
Published: September 2021

Nomenclatural issues are still present in the American genus Spigelia due to the absence of recent taxonomic revisions. In this study, we propose eight lectotypes and one neotype for Central and South American species. The protologues of Spigelia ambigua, S. asperifolia, S. brachystachya, S. cascatensis and S. riedeliana have no indication of the holotype herbarium, thus requiring lectotypifications. Spigelia beyrichiana var. breviflora and S. herzogiana were based on syntype gatherings and also require lectotypification. Spigelia stenocardia had its holotype destroyed in Berlin in 1943 and a lectotype is indicated here. The location of the type collection of S. beyrichiana is still unknown, therefore a neotype is hereby indicated.
Passiflora bacabensis (Passifloraceae sensu stricto), a new species from Mato Grosso, central‐west region of Brazil
Authors: Mezzonato‐Pires Ana Carolina , Silva Eduardo Oliveira , de Oliveira Edmar Almeida
Published: September 2021

A new species of Passiflora subgen. Astrophea sect. Capreolata, Passiflora bacabensis, has been collected in a typical cerrado environment (savanna) in the Parque Municipal do Bacaba (Bacaba Municipal Park), Mato Grosso state, Brazil. This species show similarities to P. cerradensis, especially when dried in the herbarium. Here, we present a description, illustrations, a distribution map, an identification key the Brazilian species of P. sect. Capreolata and the conservation status of Passiflora bacabensis.
Incidence of retinopathy of prematurity treatment in extremely preterm infants in China
Authors: Dai Yi , Zhu Li , Zhou Yequn , Wu Yanqiu , Chen Dongmei , Wang Ruiquan , Wu Linlin , Guo Shaoqing , Gao Lingling , Xu Ping , Wang Yang , Dong Shanshan , Liu Ning , Wu Yan , Chen Haoming , Sun Yumei , Chen Chao , Zhang Shulian
Published: September 2021

Background

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) continues to be a major cause of visual impairment and blindness in premature infants and children.

Objectives

To investigate the incidence of severe ROP receiving treatment in extremely preterm (EP) infants in China over time. The risk factors for ROP treatment were also assessed.

Methods

This was a multicentre retrospective study and a subanalysis of baseline data from the “Outcomes of EP infants in China 2010–2019” study. This study was conducted in 68 tertiary neonatal care centres from 31 provinces of China. Infants with a gestational age of 230–276 weeks and admitted to a neonatal unit within the first 72 h of life between 2010 and 2019 were enrolled. Incidence of ROP was analysed in infants who survived to 32 weeks postmenstrual age and screened for ROP. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models were used to identify risk factors for ROP treatment.

Results

Among 7295 eligible infants, 4701 (64.5%) survived to 32 weeks postmenstrual age and met ROP screening criteria. Of the 3756 infants who screened and with ROP data, 2320 (61.8%) developed ROP of any stage. The overall incidence of ROP treatment was 12.6%, decreasing from 45.5% at 23 weeks to 8.3% at 27 weeks. During the 10‐year period, the incidence of ROP treatment did not change, although the incidence of any ROP increased over time. Independent risk factors associated with ROP treatment included lower gestational age, small for gestational age, multiple birth, severe intraventricular haemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus and supplemental oxygen duration.

Conclusions

The incidence of EP infants receiving ROP treatment showed no change during this 10‐year period in China. Prevention of prematurity and foetal growth restriction, judicious use of oxygen and reducing comorbidities are promising factors that may reduce the incidence of ROP needing treatment in these high‐risk infants.
Spatiotemporal patterns in a diffusive predator–prey system with nonlocal intraspecific prey competition
Authors: Geng Dongxu , Jiang Weihua , Lou Yuan , Wang Hongbin
Published: September 2021

We investigate the effect of nonlocal intraspecific prey competition on the spatiotemporal dynamics of a Holling–Tanner predator–prey model with diffusion. We first establish the criteria for Hopf, Turing, double‐Hopf, and Turing–Hopf bifurcations, and determine the stable and unstable regions of the positive equilibrium. For Turing–Hopf bifurcation, by analyzing the normal form truncated to the third order, we derive that, with strong nonlocal interaction, the system exhibits the tristable phenomena, that is, the coexistence of a stable spatially nonhomogeneous periodic orbit and two nonconstant stable steady states, as well as the existence of periodic orbits with two spatial wave frequencies induced by the nonlocal interaction. The main analytical difficulty arises from the nonlocal interaction that prevents the direct application of formulas for the coefficients of the normal form. Biologically, the emerging spatiotemporal patterns suggest that the global intraspecific competition can promote the coexistence of the prey and predator by allowing the prey maintain a critical total population size, which may provide an alternative approach in explaining the group formation of some prey species under the risk of predation. Some coexistence patterns are destabilized by introducing another prey species with local intraspecific competition, leading to the coexistence of two preys and one predator, namely, the prey with nonlocal interaction is concentrated at a single spatial location, and the other prey is distributed uniformly in the rest of the habitat. Accordingly, the predator is forced to change its behavior as well.